Energy One: Renewables Investment Assessment
Context
You are the CEO of Energy One, an incumbent utility evaluating whether to invest in a new renewable-energy project. Candidate technologies include nuclear, solar, hydro, and corn-based (biofuel) power. The company primarily sells electricity to government buyers through public tenders rather than to retail consumers.
Questions
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What factors would you consider when evaluating whether Energy One should invest in a new renewable-energy project?
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How does selling primarily to government buyers (vs. retail customers) change your assessment and decision criteria?
Hints to Consider
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Market size and demand; competitive landscape
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Regulation, permits, interconnection, incentives
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Project economics (CapEx, OpEx, LCOE), financing, risk-adjusted returns
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Technology maturity, performance and supply-chain risks
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Grid integration, capacity/firmness, storage needs
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Bargaining power, counterparty risk, and contract terms
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Pricing mechanics and service requirements in public tenders (SLAs, penalties, local content)