Our blog

CfD reform - Strike prices continue to go down

In this blog, Leigh Brown, Senior Business Development Manager at SmartestEnergy, discusses the current Contracts for Difference (CfD) concerns facing the industry and shares the importance of reform to recognise broader non-price benefits.

RenewableUK, Energy UK, and Scottish Renewables have teamed up to write a letter urging the UK Government to restore the yearly clean power auctions. In the joint communication, these trade bodies have proposed several suggestions aimed at reducing energy...

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Weekly Market Update - Gas prices reach three week high before retreating once again

Sales Trader, Yulia Zhizhaeva, reports on energy market activity, covering the period 25th – 31st July 2023. On our end-of-day pricing tool, The Source, we published an in-week high of £ 123.25/MWh for the Winter-23 seasonal power price on 25th July. In this blog, Yulia shares the market news and updates from the last week.

Following a period of low prices, European gas recovered last Tuesday, reaching a 2-week high on the back of concerns of further Norwegian outages and declining LNG...

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Weekly Market Update - Healthy stock levels combat low renewable generation

Sales Trader, Jean-Philippe Marty, reports on energy market activity, covering the period 18th – 24th July 2023. On our end-of-day pricing tool, The Source, we published an in-week high of £ 135.50/MWh for the Winter-23 seasonal power price on 18th July. In this blog, Fanos shares the market news and updates from the last week.

Early last week, gas and power prices increased following planned and unplanned outages at Norwegian gas facilities, lower renewable generation output, and higher...

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Celebrating Disability & Neurodiversity in the workplace #disabilitypridemonth

In this blog, Claudia McIntosh, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, highlights the importance of celebrating Disability Pride as an organisation. By prioritising inclusion and diversity in our decision-making processes and engaging our employees, we are taking steps to recognise neurodiversity and disability in the workplace and create an open and inclusive culture for all. 

July marks Disability pride month – a time to take pride in our identities, celebrate our communities, and reflect on the...

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Weekly Market Update - Continuing weak demand while storage levels are above average

Head of Sales Trading, Fanos Shiamishis, reports on energy market activity, covering the period 11th – 17th July 2023. On our end-of-day pricing tool, The Source, we published an in-week high of £117.38/MWh for the Winter-23 seasonal power price on 11th July. In this blog, Fanos shares the market news and updates from the last week. 

Forward prices (out to Winnter-23) continued to decline last Tuesday with the outlook for long-term demand remaining weak, while storage levels were above average ...

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The Role of Flexibility in Achieving Net Zero: Insights from Future Energy Scenarios

As the world transitions towards a cleaner and sustainable energy future, flexibility emerges as a crucial element in balancing the supply and demand of energy. This blog delves into the key insights from the Future Energy Scenarios report, highlighting the importance of flexibility and the diverse range of solutions required to ensure the successful operation of a high-renewables, net-zero energy system.

The Changing Landscape of Energy Flexibility

Operating a future energy system with high...

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Weekly Market Update - Weak demand and strong supply expectations see prices decline

Head of Sales Trading, Fanos Shiamishis, reports on energy market activity, covering the period 4th – 10th July 2023. On our end-of-day pricing tool, The Source, we published an in-week high of £128.24/MWh for the Winter-23 seasonal power price on 4th July. In this blog, Fanos shares the market news and updates from the last week. 

Last week, we saw improved supply across Europe, with Norwegian gas maintenance plans nearing completion and expectations of increased solar and wind generation to...

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Summer Solstice: A spotlight on solar energy

A few weeks ago, the summer solstice marked the longest day and shortest night of the year which gives us an opportunity to highlight the power of solar energy. Solar energy plays a crucial role in helping the UK achieve its renewable obligations and climate targets. By expanding solar energy capacity, the UK can diversify its renewable energy mix, decreasing dependency on traditional energy sources.

Solar energy in the UK has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. In 2021, the country ...

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Weekly Market Update - Strong supply in the market and expansion on storage capacity

Head of Sales Trading, Fanos Shiamishis, reports on energy market activity, covering the period 27^th June – 3^rd July 2023. On our end-of-day pricing tool, The Source, we published an in-week high of £128.62/MWh for the Winter-23 seasonal power price on 27th June. In this blog, Fanos shares the market news and updates from the last week. 

UK Power front season opened on Tuesday with an £8 bid/offer spread, but eventually traded lower than the previous day at £126/MWh. Market continued to trade...

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Weekly Market Update - European gas storage remains 30% higher than the five-year average

Head of Sales Trading, Fanos Shiamishis, reports on energy market activity, covering the period 20th – 26^th June 2023. On our end-of-day pricing tool, The Source, we published an in-week high of £138.75/MWh for the Winter-23 seasonal power price on 20th June. In this blog, Fanos shares the market news and updates from the last week. 

Last Tuesday, we saw gains continue with the opening bids for near term contracts for power supported by lower renewables generation expectations in the UK....

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