Advent of Renewable Energy Market– Understanding Critical Success Factors in PPA Model

Abstract

Under the market reforms, the unbundling of energy systems has opened new areas for value creation at a competitive price, which was impossible in centralized energy markets dominated by utilities. The renewable energy market via Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) has emerged as a realistic business proposition within such reforms. In the last decade, the renewable energy market based on the PPA scheme has seen unprecedented growth in Europe and North America. The falling cost of renewable energy and exigency to achieve energy transition targets have created new opportunities for Independent Power Producers (IPP) via the PPA route. Alongside, the PPA improves bankability and ensures a long-term revenue stream for renewable energy projects in the subsidy-free environment. On the contrary, the complexity of PPA models, market risks, and intermittency of energy generation pose challenges to IPPs and buyers. Considering PPA is an evolving concept, this paper aims to contribute to the existing knowledge on PPAs by analyzing critical success factors in the PPA model. During analysis, the elements that emerged as critical success factors are 1) tariff design, 2) bankability to secure funds, 3) addressing intermittency, and 4) stakeholder engagement. With a focus on regional settings and emerging trends, this paper discussed the rationale for PPA model selection, risk management practices, and strategic partnerships for value creation. During analysis, we also observed that the PPA schemes are driven by local market configuration, demand patterns, and country-specific policies.