List of the 150 largest independent power producers in Europe [2025]

Description

List of 5 large independent power producers in Europe

Independent Power Producers – or IPPs – play a central role in the energy transition. While they own and operate energy sites, they do not have their own access to the grid, which distinguishes them from utilities (hence the name ‘non-utility generators (NUGs)’). IPPs sell the energy generated at their sites either to a grid operator (usually through a feed-in tariff contract with the operator) or by selling their electricity directly to a customer through a power purchase agreement. The second option in particular is highly relevant to the energy transition – to tackle climate change, industry in particular needs to reduce its CO2 emissions. By ‘buying’ green energy through a PPA, an IPP can take a big step towards carbon neutrality. Here, we look at five major independent power producers in Europe.

1. BayWa r.e. – Leading global IPP

BayWa r.e. is a leading global developer, service provider, distributor and supplier of energy solutions in the renewable energy sector. In 2021, BayWa r.e. will become an independent power producer, managing all aspects of our IPP asset portfolio. BayWa r.e. itself has brought more than 6 GW of renewable energy online while managing more than 10.5 GW of assets, partly as an IPP. Its largest IPP project is a wind farm in Texas, providing 250 MW of green energy for more than 74,800 homes. The company also has one of the largest floating PV plants in Central Europe.

2. Clearvise AG – Green energy investments from Wiesbaden, Germany

Clearvise AG is an independent power producer based in Wiesbaden, Germany. The company invests primarily in onshore wind and solar energy projects, both large-scale utility projects and smaller power generation systems. Clearvise also owns a biogas plant. The IPP was founded in 2010 and operates across Europe with a portfolio of over 380 MW of installed capacity. The company has thus exceeded its self-imposed clearScale 2025 target.

Update: Clearvise AG has realized two further solar parks in Italy through cooperation. The new solar parks with an anticipated aggregate capacity of 14.2 MWp are scheduled for construction about 15 kilometers south of Rome in the Lazio region.

3. Ilmatar Wind Power – Finnish independent power producer

Ilmatar Wind Power is an independent Finnish energy producer based in Helsinki. The company was founded in 2011 and develops wind farms and solar parks in Finland. They have also just started their first battery storage project. As is typical for IPPs, Ilmatar is very closely involved in every step – from development to construction and operational asset management. The company is also offering long-term PPAs to Finnish customers. The company’s extensive project portfolio includes more than 30 GW of wind, solar and energy storage in mainland Finland, Sweden and Åland.

4. Conrad Energy – Diverse renewable energy portfolio from Abingdon, UK

Conrad Energy is an independent power producer based in Abingdon. The IPP focuses on projects in the United Kingdom, developing solar, green hydrogen and energy storage projects. Conrad Energy offers multiple power purchase agreement solutions while operating a diverse range of renewable energy sites (e.g., wind, hydro, or biomass energy in addition to their own development focus). The company’s portfolio comprises 83 sites that are operational and under construction, with the potential to generate 983 MW of renewable energy. Conrad Energy has an additional 2495 MW in development and 117 MW in construction.

Update: Conrad Energy has signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Belton Farm. The company will undertake the development, funding, construction, ownership, maintenance and operation of a 1.5 MWp ground-mounted solar facility, which will result in a reduction of 552 tonnes of CO2 in Belton Farm’s carbon emissions next year. 

5. Neoen – Paris-based independent power producer

The Paris-based Neoen is one of the largest renewable energy companies in France. The independent power producer operates on the whole value chain while focusing on solar and wind power and energy storage projects. Since its foundation in 2008, the IPP has a total capacity in operation or under construction of 8.9 GW, mainly in Europe.

Update: Neoen has entered into a 4-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with SmartestEnergy to sell half the power generated by its 440 MWp Culcairn Solar Farm in Australia. The Culcairn Solar Form is currently under construction and on track to be operational in 2026.

More information about our list:

Our list of independent power producers in Europe is split into two sub-lists: IPPs that act primarily as investors and IPPs that act primarily as project developers. Both types of companies are included in the product. Some entries are duplicated as the company acts as both investor and project developer; in total, there are over 150 individual entries.

Columns included in the list of independent power producers in Europe

• Company data (Company Name, Legal form, Country of origin)
• Contact details (Address, City, Postcode, URL, E-Mail, Phone, Management)
• Area of activity (Onshore Wind, Offshore Wind, Solar, Hydro, Tidal, Hydrogen projects, Geothermal, Energy storage, Biomass)
• Special Focus (IPP, PPAs, Repowering)
• Further information (Regional Focus, Founding year, installed capacity in MW)

Image Sources: Erik Karits & Clément Rémond (22.06.2023)