Connect with us

Published

on

2024 is The Golden Era For Europe’s Renewable Energy Here's Why

In 2024, Europe’s market for renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs) is poised for substantial growth. Moreover, major mergers and acquisitions (M&A) also happened in the region, targeting energy companies. These key developments indicate renewed investor interest in renewable energy after a slow first quarter. 

The Surge of High-Value European Green Energy Deals 

The year 2023 was the busiest and most dynamic period in Europe’s renewable energy power purchase agreement history. Yet, the market is now entering what experts dubbed its ‘Golden Era’.

Corporate buyers secured 21 TWh/year of green electricity from 10 GW of new projects in the first five months of 2024, maintaining a pace similar to 2023, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights. 

The number of deals increased to 145, compared to 94 in the same period of 2023, indicating more players entering the market. The growth was primarily driven by 10.2 TWh/year of wind PPAs in northern Europe and 7.5 TWh/year of solar PPAs, mainly in Spain.

For the same period, there were three major European M&As targeting energy companies. The largest deal involved US-based Energy Capital Partners acquiring British renewable energy firm Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure, with a transaction value of €7.25 billion.

Energy Capital will purchase all Atlantica shares with Atlantica’s largest shareholder, Algonquin Power & Utilities, supporting the deal. The transaction is expected to close by early 2025, after which Atlantica will become privately held, delisting from public markets. 

The second-largest deal saw Canadian investor Brookfield Asset Management and co-investor Temasek proposing to acquire a majority stake in Neoen SA, an independent renewable energy producer. Neoen has about 8 GW in operation and under construction, plus 20 GW in development. 

M&A activity in Europe renewable electricity industry

After Brookfield’s Neoen bid announcement, JP Morgan analysts noted that investors appeared to be willing again to invest their money in green energy development pipelines. 

These high-value deals highlight a robust interest in renewable energy, underscoring the sector’s importance not just in Europe but in global energy strategies and investor portfolios.

Market Dynamics, Price Trends, and Regional Challenges

However, deal prices have declined due to lower electricity spot and forward prices, as S&P Global reported. 

Iberian capture prices reached record lows this spring, influenced by bearish fundamentals and increasing solar capacity. In Germany, May’s solar capture price dropped to its lowest since summer 2020, although forward contracts recovered, with the benchmark German year-ahead power contract rising almost 50% from its February lows.

Europe power prices

Spain and Italy face unique challenges. In Spain, despite strong corporate interest, volatile market conditions and high interest rates hindered PPA contracting. 

Insufficient grid capacity also posed challenges, a problem shared with Italy and Germany. In Italy, central permitting delays have slowed down project authorization, and restrictive auction systems further complicate the market.

Germany is expected to compete closely with Spain for PPA leadership in Europe. In the first five months of 2024, Germany signed 21 deals for 2 GW of capacity, focusing on utility-scale solar and offshore wind projects. 

Despite regulatory uncertainties, Germany’s large industrial base and tech sector drive PPA demand. New corporate sustainable reporting rules and mandatory datacenter requirements are additional demand drivers.

In the UK, the government-run contract for difference (CFD) auctions are highly attractive, potentially crowding out private sector deals. However, the ongoing Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) adds uncertainty, causing some market participants to pause activities.

Sectoral Shifts and New Opportunities

While Brookfield has the financial capacity for large-scale deals, few investors can match such substantial investments. Initially, oil majors were expected to be significant players in the renewable energy sector. 

However, the focus on energy security since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shifted their priorities. Recently, Norwegian state-owned power producer Statkraft AS completed a €1.8 billion acquisition of Spanish group Enerfín SA.

Additionally, several privately owned developers are anticipated to enter the market this year.

Market analysts project that this trend will continue as the cost for deploying renewables are falling significantly. As seen below, RMI data shows that costs drop by around 20% for every doubling of deployment.

renewable technology costs

Though tech companies remain the leading buyers of PPAs, but the consumer goods, industrial, chemicals, and utility sectors are also emerging as significant offtakers. The rise of artificial intelligence computing power creates new opportunities, with countries like the Nordics and Iberia seeing increased activity. 

Spain, in particular, is becoming a key hub for data centers due to favorable conditions like low prices, low taxes, and renewables access.

The reform of the EU’s electricity market aims to broaden access to PPAs, with government support crucial to make these PPAs financeable.

Overall, 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Europe’s green power deals, driven by increased corporate commitment to renewable energy, the same trend happening in the U.S., despite facing significant regional and market-specific challenges. 

The post 2024 is The Golden Era For Europe’s Renewable Energy: Here’s Why appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Continue Reading

Carbon Footprint

Reliance and Samsung C&T $3B Green Ammonia Deal Powers India’s Hydrogen Exports

Published

on

India’s clean energy transition is entering a new phase. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has signed a long-term green ammonia supply agreement with Samsung C&T Corporation. The deal, worth over $3 billion, will run for 15 years starting in the second half of FY2029.

This agreement reflects a structural shift in global energy markets. India is positioning itself not just as a clean energy producer, but as a future exporter of green fuels.

At the same time, the deal highlights a growing global race to secure long-term supplies of low-carbon energy. As industries look to decarbonize, green hydrogen and ammonia are becoming critical building blocks of the future energy system.

India’s Hydrogen Vision Meets Global Demand Reality

The agreement aligns with India’s broader policy push. Led by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to turn the country into a global hub for hydrogen production and exports.

The government has proposed around $2.2 billion in funding through 2030. Its targets are ambitious. India plans to build at least 5 million metric tonnes of annual green hydrogen capacity, supported by 125 GW of new renewable energy.

The economic and environmental impact could be substantial. Investments may exceed ₹8 lakh crore. The mission could create over 600,000 jobs while cutting fossil fuel imports by ₹1 lakh crore. In addition, it aims to reduce around 50 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

INDIA GREEN HYDROGEN

However, market realities remain complex. As of August 2025, about 158 hydrogen projects were under development. While announced capacity is already more than double the government’s target, only a small fraction is under construction or operational. This gap highlights execution risks.

Reliance Builds a Fully Integrated Green Energy Platform

To capture this opportunity, Reliance is building a deeply integrated clean energy ecosystem. The company is not only producing green hydrogen but also controlling the entire value chain.

This includes renewable power generation, energy storage, hydrogen production, and downstream products like green ammonia. A key focus is domestic manufacturing of critical technologies such as solar modules, battery systems, and electrolysers.

This strategy serves two purposes:

  • First, it reduces costs by localizing supply chains.
  • Second, it strengthens India’s position as a manufacturing hub for clean energy technologies.

At the center of this ecosystem is the Dhirubhai Ambani Green Energy Giga Complex in Jamnagar. Spread across 5,000 acres, it will house multiple gigafactories producing solar panels, batteries, electrolysers, fuel cells, and power electronics.

reliance green hydrogen
Source: Reliance

In parallel, Reliance is developing a large renewable energy project in Kutch. By combining solar, wind, and storage, the project will provide round-the-clock clean electricity. This power will feed into hydrogen and ammonia production facilities in Jamnagar.

The company has also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2035, placing it among the more aggressive corporate climate targets globally.

Samsung’s Offtake Deal Brings Stability to the Green Hydrogen Market

The partnership with Samsung C&T plays a crucial role in addressing one of the hydrogen sector’s biggest challenges—demand uncertainty.

By securing a 15-year offtake agreement, Reliance gains revenue visibility. This makes it easier to finance large-scale projects. At the same time, Samsung C&T Corporation benefits from a stable and cost-competitive supply of green ammonia.

The company operates across more than 40 countries and is active in trading industrial materials and developing renewable energy projects. Access to green ammonia strengthens its ability to decarbonize operations and expand its clean energy portfolio.

This is particularly important as global companies face rising pressure to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets. Green ammonia can be used in fertilizers, as a hydrogen carrier, and even as a shipping fuel. Therefore, securing supply early provides a strategic advantage.

From Slow Start to Rapid Scale: McKinsey and PwC Map Hydrogen Growth

Global demand trends add another layer to the story. According to McKinsey & Company, clean hydrogen demand could reach between 125 and 585 million tonnes per year by 2050. This is a sharp increase from today’s levels, where nearly 90 million tonnes of hydrogen are still produced using fossil fuels.

In the near term, demand growth is expected to remain gradual. McKinsey notes that traditional sectors like fertilizers and refining will drive early adoption as they switch from grey to cleaner hydrogen. However, newer applications—such as steelmaking, synthetic fuels, and heavy transport—will likely scale up after 2030, accelerating overall demand.

green hydrogen
Source: McKinsey

While long-term demand looks strong, short-term growth is expected to be gradual. Insights from PwC suggest that hydrogen demand will remain limited until 2030.

There are several reasons for this. First, most current projects are still in early stages and operate at relatively small scales. Many electrolyser facilities today have capacities below 50 MW. Even planned projects, which may exceed 100 MW, are still small compared to existing fossil-based hydrogen plants.

Second, infrastructure development takes time. Building pipelines, storage systems, and export terminals can take seven to twelve years. Without this infrastructure, large-scale hydrogen trade cannot take off.

As a result, PwC expects stronger demand growth after 2030, with a more rapid acceleration after 2035. This timeline aligns with broader climate goals and the need to scale clean energy systems globally.

green hydrogen demand
Source: PwC

Challenges Still Loom Over the Sector

Despite growing momentum, the green hydrogen sector faces several hurdles. High production costs remain a major barrier. In many regions, green hydrogen is still more expensive than fossil-based alternatives.

In addition, global standards are still evolving. Different countries use different definitions for “green” or “low-emission” hydrogen. This creates uncertainty and complicates international trade. Demand visibility is another concern. Although many projects have been announced, actual uptake depends on policy support, pricing mechanisms, and technological progress.

These challenges explain why only a small portion of announced capacity has moved into construction or operation so far.

In conclusion, the Reliance-Samsung deal highlights a key turning point. It shows how large-scale, long-term agreements can unlock investments and accelerate project development.

At the same time, it signals India’s growing role in the global hydrogen economy. With strong policy backing, rising investor interest, and integrated industrial strategies, the country is building a foundation for large-scale exports of green fuels.

The post Reliance and Samsung C&T $3B Green Ammonia Deal Powers India’s Hydrogen Exports appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Continue Reading

Carbon Footprint

Who Will Drive the Next Wave of Carbon Credit Demand? Insights from AlliedOffsets

Published

on

Who Will Drive the Next Wave of Carbon Credit Demand? Insights from AlliedOffsets

The voluntary carbon market (VCM) lets companies buy carbon credits to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. AlliedOffsets, a data and technology firm for carbon offsetting, tracks this market closely. Their database covers more than 36,000 projects, over 28,000 buyers, and billions of tons of carbon that have been issued or retired. 

The VCM is growing fast. Over the last five years, most buyers have come from technology, telecommunications, and energy. Other sectors, like industrials, manufacturing, financial services, and aviation, also participate, though in smaller amounts.

The United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan have the most buyers, showing that developed countries lead the market.

As the market grows, new companies and sectors are expected to join. AlliedOffsets studied over 130,000 companies to predict who will likely buy carbon credits next. This helps sellers, project developers, and policymakers focus their efforts where demand is likely.

LtB Model: Predicting the Next Wave of Credit Buyers

AlliedOffsets uses a model called Likelihood to Buy (LtB). It looks at companies active before and since 2024, and even those that have never bought credits publicly. The company stated:

“Ranking specific companies’ likelihoods and identifying patterns in their unifying traits informs market suppliers and intermediaries about who to pivot engagement towards. Understanding the features that play the greatest roles in determining companies’ likelihoods, meanwhile, is vital for highlighting wider drivers for the growth of the market, which serve as levers for policymakers and signals for companies themselves.”

The model includes data from 36 global registries, covering both non-anonymous purchases and retirements. It looks at several key factors that affect a company’s likelihood to buy, including:

  • Abatement potential – how easy it is for the company to reduce emissions.
  • Data center usage – companies with large data centers use more energy and may buy more credits.
  • Headquarters country – companies in the US, UK, and China lead predicted purchases.
  • Internal carbon pricing – companies with higher carbon costs buy more credits.
  • Net-zero targets – companies with short-term or long-term climate goals are more likely to buy.
  • Sector – aviation, energy, and tech tend to buy more due to rules and public pressure.
  • Annual profit or loss – profitable firms are more able to purchase carbon credits.
factors for Likelihood to Buy VCM
Source: AlliedOffsets

The model also uses SHAP analysis to show which factors influence predicted buying the most. Companies that recently bought credits are weighted higher. Some sectors, like aviation, are manually marked as high-likelihood because of rules like CORSIA, which requires airlines to offset emissions.

AlliedOffsets also separates companies into new entrants and returning buyers, helping track demand trends.

Forecasted Carbon Credit Demand

AlliedOffsets predicts that new and returning buyers will need about 281 million credits per year. This comes from over 11,500 companies with characteristics similar to current buyers.

The demand by project type is expected to have this composition:

VCM demand by project type AlliedOffsets
Source: AlliedOffsets

Demand for forestry projects is rising, partly because of forward contracts, which made up 55% of the 147 million credits negotiated in 2025. 

carbon credit offtakes annual 2025 Sylvera
Source: Sylvera

By country, the greatest demand will come from the U.S., China, UK, France, Germany, and Brazil. 

VCM credits forecasted demand by country and sector
Source: AlliedOffsets

Aviation will be a big factor because airlines must offset emissions under CORSIA rules. Energy and technology companies in the US, like AT&T, IBM, and Ingram Micro, are likely to enter or re-enter the market.

Moreover, new entrants will expand the buyer base, per AlliedOffsets analysis. These include consumer goods, professional services, healthcare, and industrial firms. Many come from countries with fewer buyers so far, like Turkey and Belgium.

Financial Impact of Returning and New Buyers 

AlliedOffsets estimates that new and returning buyers will spend around $2.27 billion per year. Sector contributions are expected as follows, with aviation and energy leading the pack:

  • Aviation: over $800 million per year (about one-third of total).
  • Energy and Technology & Telecommunications: substantial ongoing purchases, over $300 million a year.
  • Consumer services, industrials, financial services, professional services: smaller but steady spend.

sectors expected to lead VCM demand forecast
Source: AlliedOffsets

Returning buyers bought nearly 7 million credits in previous years. ExxonMobil accounted for 66% of these purchases through both forward contracts and OTC deals. Other companies, like ArcelorMittal, invest in low-emission technology, reducing the need to buy credits.

New entrants, especially airlines, will increase activity. Credits purchased for CORSIA compliance must match emissions for international flights to and from ICAO member states.

Overall, growth in both returning and new buyers shows that corporate demand for carbon credits is likely to rise sharply. Companies that belong to initiatives like RE100, SBTi, Race to Zero, or NZBA are more likely to participate in the voluntary carbon market.

A Turning Point and Future Forecasts: Supply, Demand, and Policy Drivers

In 2025, the voluntary carbon credit market saw big changes. Total retirements fell to about 168 million tonnes, and new issuances dropped to around 270 million tonnes, the lowest since 2020.

Despite this, spending rose to roughly $1.04 billion, up from $980 million in 2024. The average price per credit also climbed to about $6.10, showing that buyers are paying more for high-quality, trusted credits rather than just buying large amounts.

carbon credit price 2025 MSCI

Companies are now choosing credits with strong monitoring and real climate impact. Nature-based projects, like afforestation and reforestation, did better than older REDD+ credits.

Forward contracts also grew, with over $12 billion signed in 2025, even though these will deliver only about 10 million credits a year through 2035. This shows that many companies want to secure the future supply of trusted credits. These trends match forecasts from AlliedOffsets, where demand is expected to rise for durable, high-quality carbon credits.

AlliedOffsets keeps expanding its database, now covering over 60,000 companies. Adding historical emissions data and checking with initiatives like the Forest Stewardship Council and Science Based Targets will improve forecasts.

Analysts expect supply limits may appear in forestry and land use projects as demand grows. Engineered removals, chemical processes, and industrial projects will also get more attention. Large investments by companies like Google and Amazon, which pledged $100 million to superpollutant removal projects by 2030, are expected to drive this.

Returning and new buyers, led by aviation, energy, and tech, will shape the next wave of demand. Understanding these patterns helps policymakers, intermediaries, and project developers plan supply and engagement strategies.

The voluntary carbon market is entering a new growth phase, driven by rules, climate commitments, and better forecasting tools. With models like Likelihood to Buy, market participants can plan ahead. Forestry, renewable energy, and industrial projects are likely to see the biggest benefits as corporate demand grows worldwide.

The post Who Will Drive the Next Wave of Carbon Credit Demand? Insights from AlliedOffsets appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Continue Reading

Carbon Footprint

How carbon project developers quantify biodiversity and community impact

Published

on

The verified carbon market is changing. Buyers are asking harder questions. A carbon credit’s value is increasingly defined not just by the carbon it represents, but by what the project delivers alongside it and by how rigorously those outcomes are measured.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2022 BreakingClimateChange.com