IHS reviewed 307 renewable asset transactions in Europe between 2008 and 2011 as part of our Europe Renewable Power Asset M&A Review. Key trends in this Data Insight include: Aggregate operational, under construction, and under development renewable power capacity acquired in 2011 reached 12.4 GW, an increase of 128% from 2010 levels. Renewable M&A activity in 2011 shows a continuing shift toward assets in operation and under development. Investment funds and other non-traditional players led M&A activity in Europe in 2011. The exit of major players created opportunities: Strabag SE scored the biggest deal with the acquisition of a 51% stake in 15 offshore wind farms from Norderland Northern Energy Group for planned capacity of 4 GW (2 GW net owned). Solar M&A activity accounted for 41% of the number of deals during the period, but only for 11% of the capacity acquired. Italy and Spain remained the major solar markets. Technologies such as hydro, biomass, geothermal, and ocean energy represented only 12.7% of all deals during the period. Hydro assets-with 77% of the total capacity being traded (1.8 GW) during the period-attracted more acquirers due to the maturity of the technology and the assets.
IHS reviewed 307 renewable asset transactions in Europe between 2008 and 2011 as part of our Europe Renewable Power Asset M&A Review. Key trends in this Data Insight include: