Suez: Electrabel bid prepares ground for wider push

The Suez group has made a bid to increase its holding in Electrabel from 50.1% to 100% in order to position itself for the complete opening of EU energy markets in 2007. This follows moves by other utilities to lay the groundwork for pan-European competition and thus represents a sensible step for Suez as it works to expand its own market share.

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Ofgem hints at intervention over price spikes but affirmative action still needed

After a long period of inaction by Ofgem over the issue of wholesale price spikes, recent signals have emerged pointing to a possible new, and more vociferous, desire by the regulator to address the issue. However it remains to be seen if this rhetoric will translate into Ofgem finally taking the required assertive course of action.

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Lukoil: downstream focus gathers pace

Leading Russian oil producer Lukoil has entered into talks with ConocoPhillips to acquire some 380 filling stations under the Jet brand. This move illustrates the fact that, while the US giant begins a huge divesture program to fund upstream investments, Lukoil is heading downstream with a vengeance.

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Lukoil: brand new to western forecourts

Lukoil is keen to continue its charge across the European forecourt retailing sector as displayed by its interest in the soon-to-be-auctioned portfolio of ChevronTexaco forecourt retailing sites in the Benelux countries. With upstream infrastructure already in place, the capture of such a valuable retail network will ensure Lukoil achieves its goal of establishing its brand as a major player.

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LPG demand: in Belgium fuelled by automobiles

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GDF-Suez merger: opportunities for new entrants

The divesture of certain assets by GDF and Suez to appease European Commission conditions for their planned merger is an excellent opportunity for other energy players to augment their gas and electricity portfolios in some of western Europe's key energy markets.

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Foreign capital can ensure SPE fulfils its aims

Belgium's Societe Public d'Electricite (SPE) requires funds to grow. It has stated that by the year-end it wants to conclude a strategic and financial partnership, and early reports indicate that ten suitors have come calling. As Datamonitor's Salman Wasti explains, the names being touted point to the underlying appeal of the Belgian power market...

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European power market: absence of regulator could impede progress

France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg have signed an agreement to integrate their electricity transmission systems. This deal is being hailed by some as the first step towards a fully integrated European wholesale market. However, the lack of an independent, comprehensive regulator may slow movement towards this goal, and towards facilitating cross-border trade.

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Elia: grid IPO will further Belgium's compliance with Second Directive

Electrabel's reduced minority stake in electricity grid operator Elia would establish a legally separate systems operator, further aiding Belgium's compliance with the Second Directive. However, as EU countries take steps to fall in line with the Directive, two-tiers of compliance are emerging.

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Electrabel: triple Dutch

Recent indications from Electrabel that it is actively seeking to further expand its presence in the Dutch market serve as a sign that European utilities are increasingly taking on board the concept of internationalization. If the company does build the 1,550MW of capacity it is understood to be evaluating, such a move will greatly advance its already strong position in the Dutch market.

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