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2025 Projects

As we move into 2025, the European energy market continues to evolve, building on the lessons from previous years. Here’s an updated overview:

Changing Landscape:

Relative stability: Power prices have further stabilized since 2024, thanks to ongoing improvements in nuclear production and a robust renewable energy supply.

Accelerated transition: Europe is making significant strides in renewable energy transition, supported by strengthened regional policies and national commitments. progress is evident, additional efforts are still necessary to meet ambitious targets.

Focus on security: Energy security remains a priority, requiring a careful balance between affordability, sustainability and a reliable energy supply.

Ongoing Challenges:

Geopolitical tensions: The aftermath of the war in Ukraine continues to affect gas supplies and market dynamics, highlighting the need for strategic energy planning.

Cost pressures: Although energy prices have shown some stabilization, they remain a concern for households and businesses, emphasizing the importance of solutions for long-term affordability.

-Market volatility: The reliance on renewable energy, particularly those affected by weather conditions, necess continued investment in flexibility and energy storage solutions to ensure grid stability.

Emerging Trends:

Investment surge: Renewables, particularly offshore wind and solar, are experiencing substantial investment, with battery storage increasingly vital for effective grid management.

Policy evolution The EU is advancing market reforms to support renewable integration and mitigate price volatility, while policies aimed at hydrogen development are gaining traction.

Technological advancements: Innovations in clean energy technologies, such as advanced nuclear reactors and next-generation storage systems, are being explored to foster a more sustainable and secure energy future.

Emerging investment opportunity: Fast-start gas-fueled reciprocating engines are becoming an exciting high-return investment opportunity. As the European power grid faces increasing volatility and instability due to the high volume of intermittent renewables, these offer a reliable solution for quick ramp-up capabilities, ensuring grid stability and meeting demand during peak times.

Key Takeaways:
While 2025 shows continued stabilization in the European energy market, challenges remain. Striking a balance between security affordability, and sustainability is still a complex task. Ongoing investments in renewables, energy storage, and grid modernization will be crucial for achieving Europe’s energy and climate goals in the coming years. Additionally geopolitical factors and technological innovations will continue to shape the market landscape

Battery Energy Storage System - BESS

UK (Confidential)

The upcoming decades will require over 30 GW of multi-hour battery storage connected to transmission systems at essential high-voltage grid junction. Executing these projects will necessitate traditional tools along with a approach to project execution.

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Hydrogen

Steel Decarbonisation

Large-scale African Solar-to-Ammonia Project Feasibility

This investigation assesses the economic and logistical viability of a large-scale solar project in Africa, aiming to produce green hydrogen via electrolysis, convert it to ammonia, and ship it to a DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) plant.

Economics:

  • Potential: Abundant African sunshine offers cost-competitive solar power generation. Electrolysis and ammonia conversion add significant costs, requiring economies of scale.

  • Challenges: High upfront capital expenditure for infrastructure, including solar panels, electrolyzers, ammonia converters, and dedicated pipelines/shipping capacity. Fluctuating energy prices and potential carbon pricing could impact profitability.

  • Opportunities: Long-term offtake agreements with DRI plants ensure stable demand and revenue. Carbon credits from green hydrogen production could generate additional income.

Deliverability:

  • Technical feasibility: Established technologies exist for each stage of the process. However, integrating and scaling them for a large-scale project requires careful planning and expertise.

  • Logistical challenges: Building infrastructure in remote African locations presents logistical complexities, requiring robust supply chains and skilled labor. Shipping ammonia safely and efficiently over long distances necessitates specialized infrastructure and regulations.

  • Political and social aspects: Project success hinges on securing government permits, navigating land rights, and engaging local communities through job creation and social development initiatives.

Conclusion:

Building a large-scale solar-to-ammonia project in Africa is technically feasible but faces significant economic and logistical challenges. Careful financial modeling, securing long-term contracts, and addressing logistical complexities are crucial for success. Additionally, the project's impact on local communities and the environment must be carefully considered and mitigated.

Steel Decarbonisation

Small Modular Reactors

UK Entrant (Confidential)

2022 has seen the next stage in the roll out of SMRs, migrating from technology licensing to the broader project financing for execution. Will we see repowering of existing thermal assets?

Nuclear power station
Jatropha

SAF Feedstock Development

Jatropha to BioDiesel

Overview of the process of designing and funding a large reforestation project to deliver inedible vegetable oils for subsequent hydrogenation together with voluntary carbon credits. Comparison with known "waste to liquids" processes including Velocys, Fulcrum and other Fischer-Tropsch (FT) pathways.

Chemical Plant

Waste Plastics Chemical Recycling

CM Energy Insight has advised and supported:

  • Phigenesis -plastics chemical recycling

  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel

  • €500m+ capital raise via Alexa Capital

  • port-located facilities for biofuels & biomass feedstocks

  • development of international feedstock supply solutions.

EfW / RdF Trading

In the 1990s Chris was part of the Cory PowerGen JV that developed the UK's largest EfW plant (now Riverside), and the Kemsley Waste Paper EfW plant (a large FBC). More recently CMEI has advised clients on the identification of greenfield development sites for EfW projects. Feedstock counterparties have included Geminor, Transwaste, N+P, Andusia and Renewi

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Gigafactory, EV Charging Infrastucure, and Storage Development

CM Energy Insight supports market entrants during the rapid cross-geographic growth of their business:

  • Regulatory framework at a Eu and UK level

  • Site identification & acquisition

  • Project development (permitting, regulatory approval, FEED study)

  • Project procurement & project finance

  • Teaming & project management / collaboration

  • Fund Raising

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Investment in SRF Supply Chains

Afforestation project investment consisting of Eucalyptus, Poplar, Southern Yellow Pine, and Leylandii for pension backed investment fund wanting long term returns and access to the voluntary carbon credit market.

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