News & Key Issues

The latest updates on the issues affecting Scottish hydro operators. From legal challenges and government policy to environmental developments, market opportunities and industry innovation.

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Key Issue

The geopolitics of energy markets

The UK gas and power markets were primarily influenced by the progress of the ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. With no official agreement reached yet, the markets remained sensitive…

Business Rates: the “Old Faskally” verdict

After ten years of dispute with the Scottish Assessor, the appeal of Old Faskally & Others against the rateable valuations (RVs) imposed on hydro sites by the Assessor, has received…

SEPA charges for Small Hydro: the background

Hydro abstraction charges have been disputed by the British Hydropower Association (BHA) and Alba Energy since they were first applied in 2017, with SEPA struggling to justify the amounts being…

February – a game of two halves

February 2025 saw some significant movements in the UK energy markets and was definitely a game of two halves. Momentum in the market continued into the start of February, driven…

Cool January, Warming Prices

January has seen continued volatility in the gas and power markets, underpinned by fluctuating weather forecasts and renewable generation, keeping a tight supply/demand outlook. Cold temperatures and poor wind output…

Bullish November: what now?

November saw bullish movement. Driven by colder temperatures and concern over supply across Europe, putting gas at a premium, with power prices closely following. Prices settled at the end of…

Electricity market report, October 2024

October saw geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to underpin the market. Increased demand came with cooler temperatures at the start of the month. Light winds throughout late October…

Despite storms, prices soften

November saw a decrease in both Summer24 and Winter24 by c.a. 12% despite cold temperatures and further storms bracing the country. Throughout the cold snap, gas supplies remained very comfortable and…

Wet then cold: the “El Nino” effect?

October marked the first month of the Winter-23 season which came with several weather warnings of differing severity across the month, and vast amounts of rain.

Last of the late summer weather

September seemed to be a story of two halves for weather fronts, but a consistent trend on falling prices. The beginning of September saw summer finally arrive with warm weather…

British Rain Fell, So Did Prices

July saw a return of the UK’s symbolic wet weather, in contrast to the record (and worrying) heat waves on the continent. The European drought had some unexpected consequences on…

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Alba Energy
5 Whitefriars Crescent
Perth, PH2 0PA

Contact
E: Ian.Craig@azets.co.uk
T: 01738 441 888

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