Renewable energy

Predicted population growth and economic development will increase future demand for electricity to a level than cannot be met by the existing generation and transmission infrastructure in many parts of the world, including Europe.

Coupled with the above, continuing price volatility and concerns about security of fossil fuel supply mean that Governments will need to consider radical changes to their energy policy to ensure future energy security.  In addition, ever-stringent GHG emission reduction targets will also restrict the new build and ongoing use of fossil fuel power stations.

Alternative energy sources therefore represent the only way of satisfying energy demand and still meeting these targets. Clean technology and renewables (such as bioenergy, carbon capture and storage, photovoltaics, concentrating solar power, wind power and smart grids) will need to form a large part of a reconfigured global energy generation and transmission infrastructure.

The issues
Governments and organisations seeking to minimise their energy risks must consider:

• How to source their energy needs reliably, cheaply and in a sustainable manner.
• How to ensure they are in compliance with increasing regulation.
• How to prepare for possible future energy challenges when they happen.

Governments and organisations looking to deliver renewable energy projects must consider:

• The existing policy landscape and what the market is like.
• Which technology to favour.
• How to set up their project and structure their financing arrangements.
• How to create supply chain efficiencies to drive down costs.

How we can support you
PwC's UK Renewable Energy Team offers a strong and reliable network of dedicated industry experts who serve most of the largest and most complex energy and utility companies around the world.  We are an integral part of the PwC Global Energy, Utilities & Mining practice, giving our clients access to an extensive international network of knowledge and experience.

Case study
PwC worked with a multinational corporation seeking to develop a UK energy retail business focusing on the SME market.  We helped our client to identify and validate potential opportunities for supplying a 'green energy' product by analysing market size and developments, customer propositions, skills and capabilities required to launch and operate the business, and a review of market segmentation.  

Delivering on Earth's Solar Potential
Solar Power: Generation and Transmission