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2025 Business Energy Census

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Business Energy Census Highlights Rising Prices,
Volatility, and Shifting Strategies

HOUSTON – ENGIE North America (ENGIE), announced today, in collaboration with Energy Research Consulting Group (ERCG), the release of the 2025 North American Business Energy Census. This third annual report offers valuable market insights and opinions from over 100 aggregators, brokers, and consultants (ABCs), representing approximately 760,000 end-use customer locations.

“During uncertain times, our role as a retail energy supplier provides a critical link between supply and demand,” said Anne-Laure Chassanite, chief executive officer at ENGIE Resources. “Through our steadfast commitment to renewable energy and recognizing voice of customer, we navigate market volatility and help assure a sustainable and resilient future.”

Drawing insights from over 100 survey respondents, ENGIE’s Business Energy Census report highlights the evolving energy sector and the growing importance of strategic energy management for organizations of all sizes. Survey participants include a spectrum of energy management advisor roles with a diverse client base across commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors.


The 2025 Business Energy Census identifies several trends that indicate heightened volatility and uncertainty in the energy market, including:

  • Energy’s Strategic Role: A slight shift in priorities, with 10% of respondents reporting that energy had become less strategic among their end-user clients.

  • Forecast of Rising Prices and Volatility: Expectations of increased volatility in natural gas and power prices.

  • Green Premium Acceptance: A softening in demand for renewable energy with price premiums.

  • Strengthening Regulatory Support: Increasing awareness among ABCs regarding the need for more advocacy and efforts to improve regulatory frameworks.

  • Energy’s Impact on Mergers and Acquisitions: Intensification to secure reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy sources, setting the stage for strategic consolidations and investments.

  • Addressing Market Information Challenges: A slight decline in the perception of the availability of quality market information among ABCs.

Based on the 2025 Business Energy Census results, customers and partners can find observations that highlight the evolving complexities and strategic importance of energy management across diverse business sectors. The report underscores the need for agile and forward-thinking strategies to navigate increased volatility and geopolitical tensions and support the development and delivery of green energy solutions for power and gas customers.

As an affiliate of ENGIE North America, ENGIE Resources aims to deliver journey-specific insights from diverse firms across various geographical locations, revenue brackets, and business models.

Based in Boston, ERCG provides business intelligence and consulting services to energy market participants on entry strategies, investment opportunities, and market & policy dynamics. “Energy ABCs have a front row seat to the rapidly changing economic and political environment – and their impacts on end-use customers,” said Young Kim, Principal. “The annual Business Energy Census gives us a powerful tool to analyze year-over-year changes in sentiment. We are proud to partner with ENGIE Resources to keep our fingers on the pulse of the business community.”

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About ENGIE North America

Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a major player in the energy transition, whose purpose is to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy. With 98,000 employees in 30 countries, the Group covers the entire energy value chain, from production to infrastructures and sales. ENGIE combines complementary activities: renewable electricity and green gas production, flexibility assets (notably batteries), gas and electricity transmission and distribution networks, local energy infrastructures (heating and cooling networks) and the supply of energy to local authorities and businesses. Every year, ENGIE invests more than $10 billion to drive forward the energy transition and achieve its net zero carbon goal by 2045. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges.

For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, www.linkedin.com/company/engie-north-america-inc and twitter.com/ENGIENorthAm.

Media Contacts:

ENGIE North America: Michael Clingan, michael.clingan@external.engie.com, (832) 745-6057

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Custom Solutions for a Changing Energy Landscape

As our industry evolves, there is more interest than ever in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital energy solutions into operations. However, choosing technology solutions is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead of merely examining the existing out-of-the-box technology, we should examine the specific challenges we encounter in our business and develop customized digital solutions to address these issues more effectively.

Solving complex problems with custom solutions is what led us to develop the IoN Platform, our suite of comprehensive custom applications that fill the gap where off-the-shelf programs fall short.


An overview of the IoN platform

The IoN platform is a comprehensive suite of tools that include 17 custom-built applications which enhance efficiencies in our day-to-day operations and unlock valuable data insights for critical business decisions. The IoN has continuously evolved over the past five years and now has over 3,500 registered users within our organization. The platform is built upon Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform that provides secure, scalable and reliable infrastructure. Azure empowers us to deliver top-notch performance, innovate faster and ensure seamless operations for our users.

The primary goal of the IoN is to deliver impactful solutions for tackling complex business challenges, allowing us to leverage data-driven insights to achieve outcomes beyond what standard off-the-shelf products can offer. Some of our digital energy solutions offered include:

  • Access & permission management
  • Custom applications
  • Real time data acquisition
  • Automated processing including risk management
  • Streamlined data-sharing with external partners
  • Cloud-based reporting
  • Generative AI solutions
  • Safety and observation tracking

The IoN has become a beacon of innovation within ENGIE because it empowers our business to address specific business needs and conquer unique challenges with confidence through tailored digital energy solutions.

Tracking a project from its ‘INCEPTIoN”

One of the IoN’s flagship programs is INCEPTIoN, a metadata platform designed to unify different data sources into a single, centralized location. What began as a construction tracker for projects in development has evolved into a digital solution to track the entire project lifecycle. From prospect planning to commercial operations, INCEPTIoN seamlessly integrates key project data from tools used along the way such as Microsoft Project Online, Procore, Radian, Salesforce, SAP, ArcGIS, Smartsheet, and more, ensuring streamlined workflows and enhanced efficiency

The journey from concept to execution often spans years, accumulating numerous intricate components and extensive data along the way. One project to recently make its way through INCEPTIoN was Chillingham Solar, our largest solar project in operation in North America at 350 MW, which started in February 2023 and had its ribbon-cutting ceremony in Bell County, Texas in April 2025.

From greenfield prospects (projects built from scratch without any constraints from previous projects) to acquisitions, development, construction and operations, INCEPTIoN provides a comprehensive view of our project portfolio, enabling teams to access critical information at every stage. Moreover, having all the historical data centralized in one place ensures that valuable insights are preserved and easily accessible, facilitating better decision-making and strategic planning. When there is a new project, a project shell is created in INCEPTIoN. From there, the project will automatically link to all available external applications used throughout the lifecycle of the project, from asset management, financials, mapping, power marketing and others in between.

Tailoring insights for every team

One of the standout features of INCEPTIoN is its customized views, specifically tailored for different user groups. Whether groups require custom dashboards or a project-specific view, INCEPTIoN displays data visualizations in a way that meets their needs. This flexibility plays a vital role for teams working across various aspects of a project — ranging from power marketing to site operations managers — helping them stay informed and efficient.

Here are a few ways the tool has improved efficiency:

  • Power marketing dashboard: This dashboard provides a clear view of where we stand in the pipeline for deals with partners on Purchase Power Agreements (PPAs). It offers detailed insights into these PPAs, enabling users to easily track progress and access relevant deal information.
  • Project risk register: The digitized risk register allows us to manage risks more effectively by providing a centralized database for risk documentation and analysis. Digitizing risk in a database enables our teams to analyze, compare, and understand better, fostering more informed decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Safety metrics integration: Safety data is integrated from Procore, providing leading and lagging indicators for the construction phase of projects. This integration helps us maintain a pulse on safety performance.
  • Environmental data display: Environmental information is displayed through an embedded view, integrating data from Smartsheet used by our developers. This feature helps us track sustainability, as well as compliance metrics and targets.

When it comes to our digital transformation, we must not remain stagnant. Continuous improvement is key. We actively seek feedback from users and incorporate their suggestions to enhance the tool’s functionality. This iterative approach rooted in Agile methodology ensures that the tool remains relevant and effective in addressing our evolving needs.

Innovation that drives impact

To meet rising energy demand, custom innovation is key. INCEPTIoN enhances efficiency while aligning projects with business goals.

Looking ahead, we are excited to expand the IoN, delivering cutting-edge solutions that streamline data, processes, and customization.

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2025 First Quarter Results

Business highlights

  • Robust activity in Renewables & BESS, with 8.5 GW under construction across more than 100 projects at the end of March 2025
  • Acquisition of two hydropower plants in Brazil (612 MW) and a portfolio of Renewable assets in the United Kingdom (157 MW)
  • Award of a new electric substation in Chile
  • Closing of the nuclear transaction in Belgium

Financial performance

  • EBIT excluding nuclear at €3.7bn, an organic increase of 2.1%, mainly driven by Infrastructures and favorable timing effect
  • Cash Flow From Operations1 at €4.0bn in Q1 2025
  • Maintaining a solid balance sheet with an economic net debt/EBITDA ratio down to 3.0x
  • Economic net debt reduced by €1.8bn
  • FY 2025 guidance confirmed with NRIgs2 expected in a range of €4.4-5.0bn

 

For more information on the Q1 Results visit our global page >> https://www.engie.com/en/news/2025-first-quarter-results

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Integrating sustainable practices with solar energy

Responsible and sustainable land use is essential to the development and operation of solar projects. Our asset teams have a deep understanding of the long-term impacts of land use and ensure that while we harness clean energy, we also preserve the land’s future usability for generations to come. However, we don’t need to wait to implement these innovative, sustainable land management practices. We are developing best practices in solar farm management by implementing agrivoltaics and ecovoltaics.

Ecovoltaics is a practice that considers all environmental and ecological benefits in solar energy production and agrivoltaics is the practice of integrating agricultural activities with solar energy production. While these practices are in their early stages, they are already showing promising results. These approaches not only optimize the use of land but also enhances its sustainability and biodiversity.


Agrivoltaics and ecovoltaics overview

By incorporating agrivoltaics and ecovoltaic practices into solar farm development, we can optimize sustainable land use to support biodiversity and local agriculture. From livestock grazing to planting pollinator-friendly habitats, here are a few key practices.


Agrivoltaics: Combining agriculture and energy production

Sheep grazing

Our Anson Solar site in Texas has integrated sheep grazing, which has led to better land management, reduced mowing costs, and enhanced vegetation health. Sheep grazing promotes soil health by naturally fertilizing the land and preventing soil erosion, contributing to the overall sustainability of the project.

Mowing can be incredibly expensive, so using sheep for vegetation management can be a cost-effective and sustainable alternative. Per acre, mowing costs are typically almost double the amount of sheep costs annually. Additionally, the solar panels create shade and temporary shelter for the animals, so they can be protected from the elements as they do their hard work.

Cattle grazing

Integrating cattle grazing without changing pile heights (steel beams that are drilled into the ground and support the racking system that attach to the panels) can be another cost-effective solution. Keeping pile heights the same is a newer concept. While the more common thought is that companies do need to raise pile heights, ENGIE is working with a company who has maintained current pile height with success. To limit steel costs, we will continue to explore this as an option for the future.

Landowners regularly ask to incorporate cattle grazing onto our sites, so this provides an opportunity to not only integrate agrivoltaics but also to collaborate with our key stakeholders. This practice has been successful in other regions and is being considered for our future projects to further enhance land use and sustainability.

Ecovoltaics: A holistic approach

When solar projects put ecosystems first, they contribute to environmental protection and biodiversity. Ecovoltaics is an umbrella term encompassing all nature-based solutions integrated into photovoltaic systems. This holistic approach to clean energy development ensures that projects are sustainable and beneficial both the environment and the community.

From the way water falls off solar panels to how the shade cools the grass underneath, many facets of solar energy production lead to environmental benefits. Micro-climates can exist underneath panels that attract insects which improve the pollination of nearby crops; and a diverse mix of native plants decreases erosion, nourishes the soil, and increases intake of carbon (CO2).

Our Ramsey Renewable Station project was recognized by the New York Times for its integration of best practices that promote biodiversity. In a world where North American birds are down almost 30 percent since 1970, 73 species of birds were documented at our Ramsey site — presumably attracted by the buffet of seeds and insects. Some build nests in the structures supporting the panels.

It is critical to take an intentional approach to integrating agrivoltaics into any site. Consideration should be given to how each facet of the land may relate to each other, and how the land will be sustainably maintained over time. For example, by establishing vegetation that is tailored to our individual sites before introducing sheep for grazing, we can ensure that the land is managed sustainably and efficiently.

Pollinator habitats

Pollinator habitats are another significant aspect of ecovoltaics. Incorporating native plants, which pollinators are attracted to, increases the likelihood of plant pollination — supporting biodiversity and improving ecosystems. By providing essential resources for the pollinators, these habitats improve crop yields and enhance the resilience of local agriculture.

Working with local vegetation experts to create pollinator habitats is key. We collaborate with experts who understand the local vegetation to integrate native plants into our seed mixes on our sites. This provides essential habitats for our pollinators such as bees, insects, butterflies, and other species which are crucial for our ecosystem

At our Sun Valley Solar project, we collaborate with a local beekeeper (who keeps the honey) to establish pollinator habitats, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem. The organization BeeOdiversity works with us to analyze pollen from the bees to understand which plants the bees are visiting. This can help predict future successful biodiversity and seed growth.


Community involvement

Community involvement is also a key component of successful agrivoltaics projects. Engaging landowners and stakeholders early in the development process ensures project success and fosters community support.

Collaboration with landowners and our communities helps us develop grazing management plans and other strategies that benefit both the environment and the community. For example, a rancher in Kentucky suggested integrating sheep grazing on an ENGIE solar site. By listening to the needs and wants of our landowners, we are able to create a project that meets their expectations, strengthens our relationship, and ensures long-term success.


Challenges and future goals

Implementing agrivoltaics is not without its challenges. These include upfront cost differences, insurance considerations, water sources, and wide-spread commitment. Despite these obstacles, the benefits such as long-term cost savings, environmental advantages, and improved community perception make agrivoltaics a worthwhile investment. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that can include policy development, stakeholder engagement, and continuous learning from successful implementations.

To further enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of agrivoltaics, integrating advanced monitoring systems and adaptive management practices could also be beneficial. We are continuously researching and exploring different ways to integrate best practices into our projects. Additionally, some regions like California are beginning to incentivize agrivoltaics by requiring its implementation for solar project permits.


Setting industry standards

Agrivoltaics should be an aspiring industry standard across solar projects. At ENGIE, we have formed a Land Stewardship Working Group, with a goal to develop a policy or written framework that can be standardized internally and shared externally. This framework will outline criteria for our sites and guide the implementation of nature-based solutions tailored to each specific location. By setting industry standards, projects can benefit from shared knowledge and best practices, promoting continuous improvement and innovation.


The lasting impact of agrivoltaics

We must be stewards of the land we use and leave our ecosystems better than when we found them. Integrating innovative and sustainable solutions into solar energy projects through agrivoltaics maximizes land use, supports biodiversity, and enhances community acceptance. By embracing nature-based solutions, we are not only protecting and restoring ecosystems but also setting a new standard for our industry.

As we move towards adopting agrivoltaics as a standard practice, our focus must remain on creating a lasting positive impact. We need to build an energy infrastructure that supports our ecosystem, not degrades it. By prioritizing sustainability and community engagement, agrivoltaics can lead the way to a more resilient and sustainable energy sector.

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Surging Demand for Power Generation

The United States is experiencing an unprecedented surge in power demand as data center, AI and crypto technologies are expanding. The need for reliable and sustainable energy sources has become more pressing as these facilities require significant amounts of energy at all times. With AI driving innovation and increased energy consumption, it is imperative that the nation continues to invest in clean energy solutions to ensure reliability and to meet the unprecedented growing demand. The result of this investment is jobs across the chain for the industry, economic development in the communities we serve, and much needed upgrades to our infrastructure.

The Growth of Clean Energy

Driven by the near-term demand for inexpensive and available generation sources, clean energy is growing in the United States. Renewables now account for nearly 25% of the energy mix in the United States, a figure that continues to rise as investments pour into the sector. The pace of renewable capacity installations is forecasted to double between 2024 and 2030. 1

Solar projects in the US hit record breaking years in 2023 and 2024 and accounted for 66% of all new generating capacity in 2024. 3

Globally, renewable electricity generation is forecast to climb to over 17 000 terawatt-hours (TWh) by 2030, likely accounting for half of the global energy generation. Investment in electric power surpassed other energy projects in 2019, and the gap continues to widen. 2

The competitive costs of renewable energy technologies, combined with the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, make clean energy an economically viable and attractive option for meeting the near and long-term growing power demands. As technology continues to advance, the efficiency of these power sources will only improve, further driving down costs and making clean energy more accessible and immediately available at scale and across the country. The U.S. needs to take a strong “all of the above” approach to generation deployment of which renewables and clean power are positioned to meet this moment of need.

The Role of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are also playing a crucial role in the growth and stability of the renewable energy sector. These long-term contracts between energy producers and consumers guarantee that a predetermined amount of energy will be purchased at a fixed price. By providing financial certainty and stability, PPAs have encouraged investment in renewable energy projects and support their long-term viability.

PPAs mitigate the financial risks associated with renewable energy projects by ensuring a stable revenue stream for energy producers. This predictability attracts investors and lenders, who are more likely to fund projects with guaranteed returns. Consequently, PPAs drive the development of new renewable energy facilities, contributing to the overall expansion of the sector.

Supporting Demand
On the buyers’ side, PPAs offer businesses and organizations a reliable and cost-effective source of renewable energy. By locking in energy prices for the duration of the contract, buyers can hedge against future price fluctuations and reduce their exposure to volatile energy markets while also contributing to their sustainability or clean energy commitments. This investment is particularly valuable for large energy buyers, such as data centers and industrial facilities.

PPAs also help facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the power grid. By providing a guaranteed market for renewable energy, PPAs encourage the development of infrastructure needed to support renewable energy generation. This includes investments in grid enhancements, energy storage solutions, and smart grid technologies that improve the efficiency and reliability of energy distribution.

The Role of AI in Power Demand

Cloud computing and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) has contributed to exponential growth and increasing power demand in the United States. AI technologies can require significant computational power, leading to higher energy consumption. Data centers, which are the backbone of AI operations, consume vast amounts of electricity to process and store data. As AI applications expand across industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, the demand for power will continue to grow. Each of the major players within the space, are driving towards gaining their own competitive advantage over one another in a race to deploy much needed DC (direct current) capacity, thus driving forecasted and confirmed load growth to unprecedented levels.

Optimizing Energy Use with AI
While AI contributes to the rising power demand, it also offers solutions for optimizing energy use. AI can be employed to enhance the efficiency of renewable energy systems, predict energy consumption patterns, and manage power distribution. By leveraging AI, the clean energy sector can maximize its potential and ensure that the power grid operates at optimal levels.

Diversifying the Energy Grid
Designing better and more efficient power sources is essential for diversifying the energy grid. A diversified grid reduces the risk of over-reliance on a single energy source and enhances the overall resilience of the power system. Clean energy provides a balanced mix of power that meets the varying demands and at a rapid pace in the very near-term. Integrating renewable energy into the existing power grid requires careful planning and coordination by key stakeholders.

Advances in energy storage technologies, such as batteries and pumped hydro storage, are critical for managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. By storing excess energy during periods of low demand and releasing it during peak times, these technologies ensure a steady and reliable supply of power. These technological advancements improve the grid to be smarter and more diversified, so that it can meet the increasing load growth.

Collaboration to Meet Energy Demand

The successful deployment of clean energy projects requires collaboration among hundreds of stakeholders. Landowners, local government agencies and regulators, partner companies, technology suppliers, and the buyers, either utilities or corporate purchasers, must work together to achieve the growing demand for clean energy solutions. Policy incentives, technological advancements, and public awareness are essential components in driving towards a reliable and sustainable energy future. Education, outreach and community engagement programs help raise awareness about the vast number of benefits that these projects bring.

Local Impacts of Clean Energy Projects

Renewable energy projects have far-reaching economic impacts on communities, fostering local development and job creation. These projects stimulate the local economies by generating employment opportunities in construction, maintenance, and operations of renewable energy facilities. Additionally, they often require support services such as engineering, legal, and management roles, further diversifying the job market and resulting in significant direct, indirect and induced benefits, oftentimes in rural areas of the United States which often have less access to diversified jobs and industries of growth.

In rural areas, utility-scale renewable energy projects provide a stable source of income for farmers and landowners through leases and royalties for land use. The integration of renewable energy into local grids also leads to energy resilience, ensuring that communities have access to reliable and affordable power, which is crucial for economic stability and growth. Working with local communities is paramount to the success of a project as each community has unique needs and concerns for which these investments have proven impactful to provide updated school buildings or local services, ability to invest in teaching staff and curriculum, or even supporting local sports and activities for the next generation growing up in these communities.

The Path Forward

The demand for power generation in the United States presents both challenges and opportunities. We will need all available technologies to meet demand and achieve the energy transition. A balanced energy mix is essential to ensuring the flexibility and efficiency of the energy system. By embracing renewable, clean energy and leveraging the potential of AI, the nation can ensure a sustainable and resilient energy future.

As the demand for energy continues to rise, the importance of investing in and supporting renewable energy cannot be overstated. Together, we can build a future where clean energy powers our homes, businesses, and industries, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable tomorrow.

Sources:
1. Renewables 2024 – Analysis – IEA
2. Economic Growth Now Depends on Electricity, Not Oil – WSJ
3. Solar Market Insight Report 2024 Year in Review – SEIA
4. World Energy Outlook 2024 – Analysis – IEA
5. EnergyConnects.com
6. US National Power Demand Study – 2025
7. www.IEA.org
8. www.bcse.org
9. USSMI-2024 YIR-Executive Summary

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Meeting Future Power Needs

It is estimated that the world will need more than 93 million miles of transmission lines, the distance between the Earth and the Sun, to face future power needs (IEA, 2023). Over the past 120 years, 50 million miles of transmission lines have been developed, but experts say we will need an additional 40 to 50 million miles in the next 30 years to keep up with growing demand.

The impact of increased electrical consumption and renewable energy
This rising development is due to increased electrical consumption (electric vehicles, data center development, AI acceleration, etc.) and the evolution of renewable energy sources. Renewable energy sources now allow us to focus on developing generation in the places where it is most efficient to do so, instead of having to necessarily be close to our direct customers. In the past, generators were incentivized to develop thermal plants as close as possible from the consumption area to enable better cost efficiency. But today, with renewable energy sources, the focus is generation efficiency. This opens up more options, such as choosing a wind corridor or vast enough land in the desert to deploy a solar plant.

Distance is a major factor to the current delay in keeping up with power demand, as transmission line buildout cannot keep up. This is a huge challenge that we, as an industry, need to prioritize — helping to facilitate faster infrastructure and power generation development. It is critical that we work together to accelerate our decisions and investments to help face these challenges.

Balancing generation and demand
Even if we are successful at accelerating the extension of transmission lines, the operation of our power grid is still a huge roadblock. Increase in power usage, coupled with intermittent renewable power generation, challenges the balance between generation and demand.

The need for energy storage solutions
There’s no doubt that providing power to cover the demand peak in our future is an issue that keeps us up at night. We all know power is very difficult to store, but something must change. We must look at assets that enable flexibility on the grid, such as battery storage or pumped storage, but let’s not forget the importance of green or low-carbon gas. The energy transition needs the alliance of the electron and the molecule. It is important for us to work together, and center the business model, to develop assets involving the synergy between gas and electricity. The affordability and feasibility of the transition depends on it.

The role of gas in the energy transition
Recent pragmatic policies have emerged, calling for new thermal plants to be built (such as in Texas or in the United Kingdom). It is believed that we cannot handle the demand peak, and keep energy affordable, without gas-fired plants until well into the transition. With these gas-fired plants, we should remain open to “hydrogen ready” options, as well as the maturement of renewable gases such as biomethane and e-methane.

Reviving the debate on underground gas storage
The important role gas can play in meeting power demand has also revived the debate around underground gas storage. Embedded in the natural gas seasonal economy, storage is often forgotten in future planning. It has the capability of providing fast cycling services, enabling a mid-term storage delivery (storing gas for several days with the aim for it to become power) which is a smart complement to batteries (storing power for several hours).

Proven solutions for reliable grid service
The industry must consider solutions that are proven to deliver reliable service to the grid — supporting peak generation. At ENGIE, we operate fast cycling storage in the United Kingdom and are actively working on a Hydrogen Underground Storage Business Model with the UK government. As we investigate opportunities to assist with transmission and grid congestion, we must take into consideration lead time on the execution of solutions (such as underground storage), as well as the regularity of investment decisions to enable a delivery at the right time.

Shaping the future of energy
At this moment, it’s exciting to work in the energy industry, as we have been given the opportunity to collaboratively shape the energy systems of the future. By utilizing renewables sources for generation efficiency, looking at assets that enable flexibility on the grid, remaining open to hydrogen-ready options, and valuing underground gas storage, we are empowering low-carbon energy solutions to meet the unprecedented demand for power and facilitate faster infrastructure and power generation development.

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Considering Risk in Energy Procurement

The evolving dynamics of the energy sector present both new opportunities and unprecedented risk for our customers. No two days are alike in the energy market, so it is imperative to help customers navigate their risk and make the most from the energy value chain. A one-size-fits-all approach is no longer a viable way to consider sourcing your energy. Customers need more sophisticated offerings; tailored, flexible solutions based on their unique risk tolerance and budget. 

Understanding risk tolerance
Understanding risk tolerance or risk appetite in energy is similar to how risk is considered in other financial investment decisions. For example: do you want to put 90% of your investment into a more volatile stock market? Or are you more comfortable with a diversified approach and consider bonds and other more secure financial vehicles? Energy sourcing should be considered with this same lens by considering the volatility of energy prices and weighing what is appropriate for their business drivers. For example, customers that are typically more risk averse may find that a fixed price solution is best to maintain a degree of budget certainty. On the other hand, customers that are more comfortable riding the ebbs and flows of the energy market may find that an index price solution (with price locks) might better match their higher risk tolerance.

Custom, tailored solutions
Proactively identifying opportunities across the energy value chain and delivering tailored solutions is crucial to customers. This involves understanding key criteria such as budget considerations, target goals, current strategies and aspirations for improvement. Considering the needs of the customer results in meaningful energy solutions that address specific needs. A prime example of a customized solution is a multi-year retail energy supply agreement that addresses price, risk and specific objectives. Such agreements can provide flexibility and stability by locking in prices for a portion of usage while allowing the remaining usage to float at the current market index price. In this agreement, a pilot program implements a process for all transmission and ancillary services billed directly from ENGIE instead of the local utility, with charges based on actual demand. As such, the venues can take advantage of savings that stem from their distinctive peak load characteristics versus higher pooled costs.

Importance of sustainability
Renewable energy is growing at an unprecedented rate, and organizations have set aggressive goals for sustainability including ambitious target dates for net zero carbon emissions. By integrating renewable energy into tailored solutions, we empower customers to meet or exceed their sustainability energy goals. Embracing sustainability in energy procurement is not just beneficial for our environment; it is a strategic move to ensure resilience. Matching energy consumption with renewable energy credits (RECs) can help companies achieve their set targets while meeting their current energy demands. This approach can bring the benefits of renewable energy to businesses of all sizes, regardless of market location and structure. ICA Miami is matching 100% of its consumption with RECs (renewable energy credits) which is a greenhouse gas emissions reduction equivalent of 1,352 metric tons of CO2.

Providing support
It is essential to offer customers responsiveness, timely pricing and helpful tools to manage their energy usage and spending. Leveraging energy expertise can bring valuable insight to the table. For example, the utilization of wholesale markets and structuring risk management products based on customer objectives can ensure further financial security in energy procurement.

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2024 Full-year Results

Another year of strong operational and financial performance
Proposed dividend of €1.48 per share for 2024


Business highlights

  • Record level of activity in Renewables with 4.2GW added in 2024, bringing total capacity to 46GW1
  • Acceleration in battery storage with more than 5GW of capacity in operation or under construction at 31 December 2024
  • Expansion in power transmission with the award of close to 1,200km in Brazil and Peru
  • Continuous progress in our Net Zero 2045 trajectory with a 55% reduction in GHG emissions from energy production compared to 2017 to 48Mt in 2024.
  • Approval by the European Commission of the final agreement on Belgian nuclear

 

Financial performance

  • High end of the 2024 Guidance achieved with NRIgs2 of €5.5bn, an organic increase of 3.4%
  • EBIT excluding nuclear of €8.9bn, down 5.6% organically versus a high 2023 basis for comparison
  • Strong CFFO3 generation at €13.1bn
  • Maintaining a solid balance sheet with economic net debt to EBITDA ratio at 3.1x stable vs. end-2023
  • Net financial debt and economic net debt at €33.2bn and €47.9bn respectively
  • Proposed increased dividend of €1.48 for 2024, corresponding to a pay-out ratio of 65%


Read more >> 

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Interconnecting Renewables to the Grid: Opportunities, Challenges and the Future

As energy demand grows, so does the demand to interconnect renewable energy resources to the grid. According to Queued Up: 2024 Edition, an annual study on the characteristics of power plants seeking interconnection in the US published by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL), there is currently more than 1,480 GW of zero-carbon generating capacity seeking transmission access. Although generating capacity and demand grow, grid interconnection remains one of the top challenges for renewable energy.

However, with several major rulings and proposals, there have been important developments in the transmission and interconnection space—from increased interconnection request requirements and costs, to getting the most out of the existing grid with Alternative Transmission Technologies (ATTs). The below explores the current setting and how to navigate the challenges of interconnecting renewable resources to the transmission grid.

FERC Order No. 2023

In response to the interconnection backlog, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Order 2023 which aims to streamline the interconnection process. This reform required a cluster study approach across all the Independent System Operators (ISO) and Transmission Owners (TO), which attempts to study a group of projects within the same electrical region or zone at once. To standardize the process, the order also increased readiness requirements through a first ready, first served approach.

This regulation poses both challenges and opportunities for organized and non-organized energy markets. The cluster study approach minimizes study time and reduces cost, since traditionally the utilities would study projects serially. However, it also introduces delay in the study process and dependency on other projects studied in the cluster.

In large clusters with more than 20-30 projects it is very difficult to isolate multiple “what if” scenarios and understand the cost implications if other projects decide to drop out of the queue or don’t advance forward. The uncertainty in terms of cost and schedule is far more uncertain in a cluster process.

The organized markets (i.e. the ISOs) have already implemented much of what Order 2023 requires. This includes the cluster studies and requirements like withdrawal penalties, site control, and higher interconnection deposits. Since these requirements have already been implemented by multiple ISOs such as CAISO, SPP, PJM, and MISO, the impacts here are minimal.

Where FERC Order 2023 has greater implications is the non-organized markets. This is also where most of the queue was serial and the cost of entry was fairly inexpensive. Although the changes in these markets will eventually be helpful, there have been some challenges and delays to active projects as the utilities try to transition to the FERC Order 2023 guidelines.

The Order still leaves a gap on how to tie the interconnection process to long-term planning needs, thus exposing the generators to cost and schedule risks and uncertainties. It also leads to inefficiencies in how the system is planned, which is not only inefficient but also more expensive — not only for the developers but also for the rate paying customers.

FERC Order 1920

In 2024, FERC issued Order 1920 which aims to proactively plan for the future transmission system, including the interconnection of new generating resources. These reforms require proactive multi-driver and multi-benefit long term planning that considers any system upgrades identified through the interconnection process. This order also takes into account the integration of Alternative Transmission Technologies and Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) to offer potential solutions for a more predictable and efficient energy grid. The criteria laid out in order 1920 aims to extend and apply to not only long-term planning but also the joint targeted interconnection queue, long range transmission planning and intra-regional planning efforts led by various ISOs.

The aging grid and new technologies

The U.S. power grid was designed for a different era and now faces the challenge of integrating renewable energy sources. FERC Orders 2023 and 1920 require transmission providers to evaluate Alternative Transmission Technologies such as dynamic line ratings, advanced power flow devices, and advanced conductors. These technologies, while not mandated, offer a bridge to faster and cheaper renewable energy integration.

Grid-enhancing technologies (GETs)

GETs can typically be deployed in months, if not weeks, and are considerably cheaper than their long-term counterparts. To-date, these GETs have been used in operational scenarios, specifically topology optimization, so it’s in the independent power producers (IPPs) interest to study the benefits of these technologies on their project. Most of the IPPs have performed studies to evaluate cost benefit and then proposed to TOs to implement.

So far, IPPs have evaluated and studied dynamic line rating and topology optimization. These have been deployed by many utilities in their current operating scenarios, while managing outages. The next step is to have enough studies to show the benefits and establish a proactive process for proper evaluation and implementation on the TO side. After several years of effort working with MISO, there is a process to get them evaluated in that grid operator. Some of our recent efforts have also come to fruition in ERCOT, but in SPP we still haven’t been able to make a breakthrough.

Just a few years ago, there was little-to-no discussion happening on how to adopt these grid enhancing technologies. Today, there are several FERC Orders such as 881, 2023 and 1920 that demonstrate the need for adopting GETs not only in the operational environment but also as we plan the grid in transmission planning. FERC Order 1920 requires that GETs be evaluated as the ISOs andTOs plan the system.

Challenges and opportunities for IPPs in GETs adoption

The biggest challenge for IPPs is the lack of clarity and transparency in the evaluation of proposing GET solutions. This is true in both the interconnection process as well as during the operational process. There is no one-stop-shop to where the criteria, contacts and processes are listed, so the evaluation is not transparent for the interconnection customer.

However, the biggest opportunity is that these solutions are win-wins for interconnection customers (IC), ISO’s and TOs. In a study done by ENGIE and New Grid (a TO software provider), by reconfiguring just three constraints resulted in approximately $151M USD market congestion costs saving annually. This was done with minimal investment and was deployed within one month. These congestion costs savings not only help the ICs, but the savings transfer to the rate payers.

Solving this congestion problem will eventually help end customers, who are the main stakeholders for any ISO/TO. We are in a time where ISO/TO do not have to do this on their own, but they can count on ICs as their partners — where we can collaboratively provide detailed technical studies, feedback, and reviews to develop this process. The modern grid needs modern solutions, and GETs are a part of that solution.

Need for future reforms

FERC Order 1920 and 2023 are good initial steps, but there is still more work to be done. Several additional reforms are needed to speed up the interconnection backlog include:

1. Requiring study automation, including quality check reviews to ensure the information passed on to stakeholders is reliable. This should include setting up an independent interconnection study monitor.

2. Fast track projects that do not need or already have network upgrades.

3. Require that all the cost-effective solutions (such as GETs) are studied and evaluated when a transmission constraint is identified during the interconnection process.

4. Ensure transparency of the reporting of transmission construction phases to stakeholders.

The above and more reforms have been proposed by industry groups to FERC, and hopefully we see more improvements coming down the pipeline.

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ENGIE reaches more than 1.8 GW of Battery Energy Storage Systems installed capacity in the U.S., of which 1 GW added since January 2024

ENGIE announces it has reached more than 1.8 GW of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity in operation across the United States, confirming its rapid growth in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to meet the needs of the grid. Since the beginning of 2024, the Group added around 1 GW of new BESS capacity to its operating portfolio in North America. This new milestone strengthens ENGIE’s position as a leader of the energy transition in the United States, where the Group already has significant footprints through its renewable assets and its energy management platform.

With 24 projects now operating across the U.S., of which 6 were commissioned this year, ENGIE is among the largest operators of BESS in the country, and one of the largest independent operators of batteries supporting the ERCOT system in Texas.
The growth in ENGIE’s BESS fleet was accelerated by the pivotal acquisition of industry leader Broad Reach Power (BRP) in August 2023. The successful integration of BRP has not only added to ENGIE’s existing portfolio of development projects, but critically included industry leading solutions, expertise and experience. ENGIE now brings increased flexibility to the grid, allowing a better integration of renewable energies and thus contributes to speed up the energy transition.
“We are extremely proud of the delivery of so many battery projects over the past year, enabling ENGIE to play a leading role in adding storage and other ancillary services to the grid in a material way” said David Carroll, Chief Renewables Officer and Senior VP, ENGIE North America. “Storage and other services are critical additions to support grid reliability. I’m honored that on a number of occasions this summer, ENGIE has been one of the largest contributors of storage dispatch into the ERCOT system for example – helping to balance the grid at some of the most critical moments.”

ENGIE operates both stand-alone BESS projects ranging from 10 MW to 200 MW as well as co-located facilities alongside large solar projects such as the 320 MW Five Wells solar in Bell County, TX.
The ENGIE portfolio of BESS provides dispatchable energy, which in total is now capable of providing around 1.8 GWh across the combination of ERCOT and CAISO – ready to dispatch at a moment’s notice. It also provides critical ancillary services to help maintain grid reliability and stability.

In addition to the growing storage portfolio, ENGIE has some 8 GW of solar and wind projects in operation or construction across North America. The combination of renewables and the increasing growth in storage capacity supports ENGIE’s leading role in the energy transition for North America.

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About ENGIE North America

Based in Houston, Texas, ENGIE North America Inc. is a regional hub of ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services. ENGIE (ENGI), is listed on the Paris and Brussels Stock Exchanges. Together with our 96,000 employees around the globe, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition toward a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose (“raison d’être”), we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers. In North America, ENGIE helps our clients achieve their energy efficiency, reliability, and ultimately, their sustainability goals, as we work together to shape a sustainable future. We accomplish this through: energy efficiency projects, providing energy supply (including renewables and natural gas), and the development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets (wind, solar, storage and more). For more information on ENGIE North America, please visit our LinkedIn page or Twitter feed, https://www.engie-na.com/ and https://www.engie.com.

Contacts:
ENGIE North America
Michael Clingan, External Relations
Michael.clingan@external.engie.com
832-745-6057

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