Renewable energy - Castlereagh

Renewable energy here to stay – and grow

24 Apr 2020

The twin economic shocks triggered by low oil prices and COVID-19 containment measures will have a disruptive impact on renewable energy in 2020 and 2021. Further down the line, however, it will galvanise sector growth, as investors increasingly seek to diversify away from risky portfolios. Prospects will improve further if governments maintain their commitments to sustainable energy and improve their investment climates.

Tunisia: Strong investor interest to energise renewables

17 Mar 2020

Attracting investment into its domestic renewable energy sector will remain a priority of the Tunisian government over the coming years in line with its efforts to boost energy security and increase foreign direct investment inflows. The strong growth potential of the market and increasing competition in the global renewable energy sector will ensure the country remains an investment bright spot. Risks remain pertinent, however, given elevated levels of political uncertainty and concerns over the financial stability of the off-taker, STEG.

Renewable energy powering electricity sector investment in sub-Saharan Africa

29 Oct 2019

Renewable energy projects, particularly utility-scale grid connected developments, are emerging as an investment bright spot and capacity growth out-performer in sub-Saharan Africa’s wider power market. This will continue over the coming years, underpinned by strong underlying demand for electricity, the lower-risk profile of renewable energy assets compared with conventional power infrastructure, and the continued implementation of government support mechanisms, namely procurement auctions.

Turkish power sector looks for COVID-19 restructure

2 Jun 2020

Jon Gorvett
Once a premium destination for overseas investors, Turkey’s power sector has recently been struggling with the impact of lower-than-expected growth rates, partial market liberalisation and fixed, long-term natural gas contracts. Power generation firms face further stress as the economic impact of the pandemic bites. Efforts to arrange a new debt restructuring deal have been delayed by the virus and wider economic woes, casting uncertainty over future demand. However, the sector retains some high-grade assets, however, which may attract future investor interest.

Climate change and migration – the next big challenge for MENA?

22 May 2020

The level of disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic has revealed how ill-prepared governments and international institutions are for anything beyond their routine activities. When normality is once again restored, the world must learn the lessons from today’s events in order to prepare for, and mitigate, the worst effects of an even bigger challenge: climate change and global warming. For the MENA region, one of the most pressing questions will be how to handle flows of people displaced by climate change.

How will MENA handle mass urbanisation?

19 May 2020

Perhaps more than anywhere else in the world, rapid urbanisation in the MENA region will create significant investment opportunities for a variety of domestic and foreign firms. North Africa will see high-volume, low-tech developments, while capital-intensive projects such as rail and smart cities will be concentrated in higher-income nations in the Gulf. Elsewhere, a widening urban infrastructure deficit will stoke social instability.