How can a company protect itself against fluctuating energy prices? You have to be a specialist to answer that question, as the energy market is very complex. This is why many companies engage an independent energy adviser, such as GDF Suez Trading.

Sales trader Stéphane Pirotte of GDF Suez Trading explains how companies can protect themselves against fluctuations in the energy markets.

"In essence, there are two options. Do you expect price increases? Buy today. Do you expect price cuts? Defer buying. In a number of interviews we identify the energy needs of the customer, the purchase volume, the degree of coverage, as well as the company's risk profile and objectives. Some companies prefer strict budgetary control, while others opt for a dynamic approach. Our advice is independent: we do not propose which supplier you should do business with. This guarantees an optimal solution for our customers."

Which factors determine energy prices and what are the expectations for the coming months?
According to GDF Suez Trading, there are five key variables:

1. The macroeconomic situation
   Energy markets follow the economic cycle. For every percentage point the economy grows, the worldwide demand for energy grows by about 0.6%. The economy in emerging countries also plays an important role. Take India, for example. India is a major consumer of fossil fuels, such as coal. Growth or decline of the Indian economy will therefore have an impact on the price of coal. And finally, the exchange rate also affects energy prices. Oil and coal, for example, are listed in US dollars. In other words, a strong euro increases the purchasing power of European industry in the energy market.
    
2. Oil: prices on the rise again
   The current oil market is on the rise again, after the price for a barrel of Brent crude dropped in a few months from 110 to 50 dollars. Many companies hedged themselves for the long term by buying oil at a very low price. Today we see a rising demand, particularly in emerging countries and Europe, where the measures taken by the ECB gradually seem to be bearing fruit.
    
3. Coal: the decline continues
   Coal prices have plummeted in recent years. The increasing exploitation of shale gas in the US plays an important role in this dynamic. Colombia, until recently one of the major coal suppliers of the US, has been forced to look to other markets. Today, the South American country supplies more coal than ever to Europe. Another effect is also at play: the decrease in emissions in Europe makes electricity generation from coal cheaper (see below). Belgium benefits the least from low coal prices because our country only has one operational coal plant.
    
4. Natural gas: lower production in Europe creates more volatility
   Europe relies mainly on imports for its natural gas. Only 30% of our natural gas demand is met by EU countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK. Every year, natural gas production in the EU decreases. In the Netherlands, for example, gas production will decrease by more than 19 billion cubic metres in just two years. By way of comparison, Belgium consumes 15 billion cubic metres a year... In the short term, the declining European production will be offset by increased imports from Russia.
   
   Our country also imports LNG, natural gas that is liquid at a temperature of -160°C so that it can be transported by ship. The large reserves in Loenhout means that our country is relatively immune to major fluctuations in demand. In the long term, however, it will be important to look for new partnerships, including with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. Such agreements could ensure European natural gas supply.
    
5. Emission rights: reform is necessary
   The polluter pays – that is the basic principle of emissions trading. Europe introduced this mechanism to reduce GHG emissions, among others. The system is quite complicated. The bottom line is that polluting companies would have to pay increasingly higher emission rights. But the mechanism failed to take into account the impact of the financial and economic crisis.
   As a result, emission rights became cheaper, which means companies today are barely 'punished' for their harmful emissions.

Many entrepreneurs would like to, but are hesitant. That is not surprising, for green investments are relatively new and quite complex. Tailor-made work is the key.

As an entrepreneur, you have very little control over rising energy prices. However, this weighs heavily on your budget. By investing in sustainable energy, you kill two birds with one stone: costs savings and good risk management.

In times of crisis it is important to reduce costs, and this also applies to energy. Many entrepreneurs wrongly assume that energy savings can only be achieved by investing in expensive technologies and materials. This need not necessarily be the case. It is often a question of making the right choices in the design and implementation of energy projects.

Companies would also do well to focus on their energy supply. Belgium is highly energy-dependent, and we import more electricity than we export. This energy dependency, coupled with continual price rises, weakens our economy and threatens competitiveness. Companies that invest in renewable energy (wind turbines, solar panels, etc.) or the energy performance of their buildings (for example, by installing an efficient heating system) are less reliant on fluctuating energy prices.

The green image is a bonus. By investing in renewable energy, companies underline their social commitment.

Strange but true: despite all the advantages of investing in renewable energy, many entrepreneurs have cold feet. There are several reasons for this. To begin with, many technologies are quite complex and specialised. Furthermore, it is not always easy to quantify the potential profitability.

Multidisciplinary approach

 How do you go about investing in renewables? Sustainable investment is a multidisciplinary project, involving multiple actors. Project developers, investors, design consultancies, construction firms and financing institutions would do well to join forces so as to eliminate as many questions as possible.

Another tip: make an appointment with the bank as soon as possible. The specialists at BNP Paribas Fortis Sustainable Energy Services would be happy to advise you, free of charge. As well as analysing the feasibility of the project, these experts also assess the technical and financial risks. Entrepreneurs also receive guidance on applying for government aid and how to negotiate the legal and regulatory aspects of investment. Sustainable Energy Services closely follows the investment case. The specialists compare the different financing schemes, such as a traditional bank loan, leasing or an energy performance contract. The result? Custom-made financing.

Assisting and advising...

 Over the past few years, Sustainable Energy Services have carried out a number of successful projects.

• In Roeselare, Karel Sterckx NV reduced its energy bill by as much as 30% following the construction of two wind turbines
  The company produces mushroom substrates, which are needed to grow mushrooms. The climate system needed for this uses a lot of energy, 15,000 MWh of electricity per year to be exact. This is about the same as the energy consumption of 4,000 households. Wind turbines were an obvious choice, but the entrepreneurs realised that the investment would be complex. Our experts took care of the building permit, the profitability study and financing. The result is impressive: today the two wind turbines jointly produce 5,300 MWh per year, accounting for energy savings of 30% and a CO₂ emissions reduction of 4,000 tonnes.
   
• ISSOL, in Liege, develops photovoltaic projects
  The company relies on BNP Paribas Fortis for the financial structuring of its projects. ISSOL not only builds solar panels for homes and businesses, the company also provides turnkey services. This is how it works: a company or local authority places a contract with ISSOL to convert a building into an 'electricity plant' by installing solar panels. ISSOL finances that work and is responsible for managing the power plant. In exchange, ISSOL receives income from electricity production. Our specialists helped design this financial structure.
   
• Lighting expert VSE to build a passive branch in Neder-Over-Heembeek
  The company sought an innovative financing solution for the construction of their passive building. BNP Paribas Fortis proposed real estate leasing for a total of 6.6 million euros: 5.7 million euros for the construction of the building and 900,000 euros for the acquisition of building and planting rights on the land, allowing the customer to partly refinance the purchase price of the land. After completion by BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, the building will be made available by means of a financial lease with a term of 15 years. VSE will then pay rental instalments to repay the loan.
  
  

Liberalisation, the emergence of renewable energy, the announced phasing out of nuclear energy: the Belgian energy market has been evolving constantly in recent years.

All these developments have an effect on production, prices and supply. Let's take a closer look at the energy landscape. There are at least six players on the Belgian electricity market:

• Electricity producers
  They are at the beginning of the chain. The producers generate electricity in nuclear power plants, STEG plants (steam and gas turbine), windmill or solar parks and hydropower plants. All that electricity is fed to the transmission network (high voltage) or the distribution networks (low or medium voltage).
   
• Energy exchanges
  This is where market players buy or sell their energy. The system promotes competition and transparent pricing.
   
• Transmission system operators
  These are responsible for managing the transmission networks at high and very high voltages. Belgium has one transmission system operator, Elia. Belgium is not an island, of course. The transmission networks of all European countries are connected, so countries can import or export electricity, depending on their needs.
   
• Distribution network operators
  These are responsible for managing the distribution networks at low and medium voltages. The distribution network operators supply electricity to the customer and are responsible for street lighting.
   
• The regulators
  The regulators monitor the energy market. They promote users' interests and are in charge of monitoring competition and transparency, among other things. In addition to three regional regulators, Belgium has one federal regulator, the CREG (Commission for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas).
   
• Customers
  Some industrial customers are directly connected to the high-voltage grid. Individual customers and SMEs are supplied through the distribution network.

How is the energy price determined?

The price is determined in part by the energy playing field. This makes sense, as all players have to be compensated for the role they play. The price consists largely of three components, each of which is found in principle on the invoice the customer receives. Let's look at the three different price elements in more detail:

• 'Clean' energy price
  The supplier/producer determines the energy price. This price usually consists of a (fixed) subscription price and a variable fee for actual consumption. This fee takes into account the actual cost price as well as costs such as those incurred for green energy and cogeneration certificates, for example.
  
  The Flemish government has made it mandatory for suppliers to supply a certain percentage of electricity from green energy or from cogeneration plants. The suppliers have to provide proof by way of green energy certificates and cogeneration certificates. Suppliers must pay a fine in case of a lack of certificates.
  
  In the Walloon Region, it is the Commission wallonne pour l'Energie (CWAPE) that grants green energy certificates. The number of certificates depends on two parameters: reduction of CO2 emissions and energy output. All energy suppliers must attain a number of green energy certificates relative to their sales volume. 
  
  In the Brussels Region, Brugel (the Brussels energy regulator) grants green energy certificates to producers that have reduced CO2 emissions by a certain degree within a fixed period of time. These certificates remain valid for a period of ten years. 
   
• Distribution and transport costs
  The distribution and transport network operators charge a fee for the distribution and transport of electricity and natural gas and for the public services they provide (such as public lighting, social tariffs, etc.). The distribution network operators cannot simply customise their tariffs, as they require the government's approval. The distribution and transport costs vary by region.
   
• Taxes and levies
  Different public authorities charge taxes and levies on energy consumption. Some companies have an energy contract with the government and are exempt from a number of charges. One of those charges is the federal energy contribution. This is used to finance the CREG's activities, for example.

Useful information

More information on the Belgian electricity market is available at www.creg.be.

Like to know more about producing green energy?

• in Flanders: www.cogenvlaanderen.be
• in Brussels: www.brugel.be
• in Wallonia: www.cwape.be

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions, more renewable energy and better energy efficiency – this is the goal of the European action plan against climate change.

The European Union's climate plan is aimed at slowing down global warming. The intention is for the average global temperature not to rise more than two degrees above that of the pre-industrial era. Europe wants to address greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in particular, since they are the main culprits of global warming.

The EU's climate plan translates into three main objectives, with a target date of 2020:

1. reducing GHG emissions by 20% compared to 1990 levels
2. increasing the share of renewable energy to 20%
3. increasing energy efficiency by 20%.

The plan is aimed at averting a climate disaster but also at giving the EU an economic boost. Europe is counting on two million additional jobs through innovation and energy efficiency. In turn, this efficiency should boost European competitiveness. Europe could reduce its energy dependence on the rest of the world by increasing its focus on renewable energy.

According to the climate plan, improved efficiency and lower dependence could generate savings of between 175 and 320 billion euros for the EU. Finally, this should lead to better health for European citizens. Cleaner air reduces health risks, which translates into lower medical costs.

Thanks to the economic crisis

These are admirable goals, no doubt, but what is the current state of play? At first glance, it looks good. The 28 Member States have reduced GHG emissions by 18%. The objective of 20% is therefore within reach. Also notable is the reduced energy consumption. In 2012, Europe consumed 7.5% less energy in than in 2005. This can certainly be considered a trend reversal, because between 1990 and 2007 energy consumption increased continuously.

A qualification has to be made, however, since the change in trend is largely due to the economic crisis. GHG emissions decreased as never before in 2008, by as much as 7.3% to be precise. From 2009 to 2012, the decrease was less sharp. During that period half of the lower emissions were attributable to economic slowdown.

Incidentally, when you broaden the horizons a different picture emerges. The EU's efforts were offset by other regions. Between 1990 and 2011, global CO₂ emissions increased by almost 50%. The increase was particularly evident in China, where CO₂ emissions have tripled in two decades.

Emissions: need for coordination

This brings us to the second objective. Between 2004 and 2012, the share of renewable energy increased by 70%. At the end of 2012 renewable energy accounted for 14.1% of total energy consumption. This increase is due to the lower installation costs of wind turbines and solar panels, in combination with considerable tax benefits.

According to the latest forecasts, the EU will easily achieve its emissions objectives, although there are still big differences between Member States. Only 15 Member States are on schedule, while the other 13 have to take additional measures. The EU is therefore calling for better coordination between the different national climate plans. The European Commission also warns against changing the subsidy systems. Potential investors are hesitant about financing environmental projects. Europe also believes that it is taking too long to reduce the administrative burden.

Mixed findings according to Belgian report

If we look at Belgium, we see that the report has mixed findings. The 20-20-20-objectives apply to the EU as a whole, with separate objectives for each Member State (13-15-18 for Belgium). In any event, our country is well underway to hitting its renewable energy targets. Slowly but surely, the share of this type of energy is approaching 10%. This means the 13% target by 2020 is realistic. The situation is less optimistic for the other targets. GHG emissions in 2012 were 6% lower than in 1990, which means the target of 15% by 2020 is still a long way off.

The same conclusion can be drawn for energy efficiency targets. Our country is stuck on 9% improvement, just half of the proposed 18%. Incidentally, these Belgian targets for 2020 still have to be divided between the regions.

In the meantime, the European Council has set its sights on 2030. In short, it comes down to 20-20-20 becoming 40-27-27. In other words, to be continued...

Factoring is playing an increasingly important role in promoting the growth of Belgian and international companies. BNP Paribas Fortis Factor provides the oxygen to their growth story.

You want your business to grow and thrive, and so all the help and guidance you can get are more than welcome. The reason is clear: support brings extra energy to your entrepreneurial spirit and essential resources to fuel your innovative growth plans.

BNP Paribas Fortis Factor, a subsidiary of BNP Paribas Fortis, offers a service designed precisely for that: to relieve stress and motivate, to promote and nurture your growth. In this interview, Jef Ramaekers, Head Factoring Benelux at BNP Paribas Fortis Factor, and Audrey Bourguet, Working Capital Advisor at BNP Paribas Fortis Corporate Banking, come together to discuss one key topic: Factoring and the positive role it can play for Belgian businesses and their international branches.

Explaining factoring succinctly, however, is a challenge. Jef Ramaekers, Head Factoring Benelux at BNP Paribas Fortis Factor, clarifies: “To start with, factoring is a means, not an end. It’s a tool for business owners or CFOs to optimise working capital. Every financial manager, in any company, will at some point ask the same question: ‘Who do I need to pay, when, and how can I pay them with the resources I have?’ Simply put, factoring enables businesses to pay suppliers without waiting for customer payments to come in. We finance invoices by converting them into directly available cash for the business.”

This process actively alleviates concerns and reduces stress factors, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best – running their business. Ramaekers adds, “We like to say ‘giving oxygen to growth stories.’ But I certainly see the value in the term ‘relieving stress’ here. By giving an entrepreneur or CFO the freedom to focus on core activities and by taking on a key part of the financial management, we create extra time and opportunities. And they also have less to worry about."

Positive shift

According to Ramaekers, the traditionally negative perception of factoring is a thing of the past: “Factoring was once seen by many business leaders as a ‘lender of last-resort’ – a way to borrow money from the bank by using assets, receivables, or customer invoices. In other words, a company’s last resort. Fortunately, those days are long behind us. We’ve evolved towards a very open attitude to factoring, allowing our division to grow into a true service provider. Our clients’ primary need remains short-term financing. Today, one in five invoices in our country is paid through factoring. Factoring is now a substantial market, representing more than one hundred billion euros per year. BNP Paribas Fortis Factor manages 41 per cent of this market, accounting for EUR 55 billion at the end of 2023.

Growth

From the bank’s perspective, factoring also represents a significant growth story. Audrey Bourguet, Working Capital Advisor at Transaction Banking for BNP Paribas Fortis, explains: “Today, factoring is the financial product that nicely aligns with the rising turnover of our companies. It provides a practical solution for working capital and is part of a suite of Transaction Banking services. In addition to Factor, this also includes Global Trade Solutions, Cash Management, Fixed Income, and Working Capital Advisory. All these services share a common goal: provide the best possible solution for our clients’ financial needs and be there for them in all situations where they can benefit from our support.”

Factoring, from the bank’s standpoint, represents an increasingly strong and positive story, unlinked from its past connotations. Bourguet adds, “You can see this in how we truly integrate factoring within our bank and the group, and in how we offer this service to businesses across all sectors and sizes. We work with a wide range of companies in the Belgian economy. As a result, we have seen that it is precisely those companies that succeed in optimising the funding of their working capital by making use of our factoring services, among other things. This reinforces our belief that it is a very positive story: we’re talking about a form of financing that seamlessly adapts to the growth of any business, large or small.”

Natural evolution

Factoring is available to small, medium-sized, and large companies alike. Ramaekers says, “We aim to provide a solution that supports businesses throughout their entire lifecycle – we’re genuinely unique in the market in this regard. This means that we are there for start-ups, SMEs, multinationals, and every type of business in between. We are the only bank on the market to have a digital solution for small businesses in the form of Easy2Cash. This digitalisation makes it a very cost-effective option with highly competitive margins, but also a reliable, particularly fast and up-to-date link with our customers and their accounting, using a digital yet personal approach. Although Easy2Cash is digital, it includes a dedicated contact person, making the solution both personal and accessible. For start-ups, for example, it’s often challenging to secure credit. For these modest, short-term credit needs, we provide a solution in consultation with the BNP Paribas Fortis banker, enabling them to keep growing without being hindered by their expanding requirements for financing, automation, accounting, etc. Factoring gives them additional resources to meet these needs.”

Ramaekers notes that the steady growth of young companies also demands an adaptation of financial services: “It’s a natural evolution that benefits both partners. If your business grows, we grow with you – it’s that simple. During all those specific growth moments – when entrepreneurs start considering additional staff or potential exports – factoring grows with them. And we do this together with the bank; the group behind this story plays as a team. And let’s not forget, we’re here even if more challenging times come. We’re well aware that a company’s journey is not always easy. It’s at those moments that the value of our expertise and the support we provide really stands out.”

When a company grows into a large enterprise with the profile of a multinational, the importance of factoring further increases. Ramaekers says, "More than 65% of the really large companies in Belgium, with a turnover of more than EUR 1 billion, use factoring services. And half of them are our customers. Factoring often provides additional economies of scale for large enterprises. For example, we can finance receivables that have no impact on a company’s debt ratio. By combining invoice pre-financing with credit insurance, companies can avoid having debt on their balance sheet, with the approval of the company auditor. It’s a technical matter, but it is this combination of various financial elements that makes factoring efficient, high-performing and valuable for many companies.”

Economic fabric

The two agree on the value of factoring in supporting the economic fabric. Bourguet explains, “Part of this supportive role is due to the fact that factoring is a completely transparent financial service – you can only finance what is effectively there.” Ramaekers adds, “Absolutely. Plus, factoring sits right in the middle of the value chain, embedded in the economic fabric. We work alongside our clients, their customers (debtors), the bank, and so on. This makes us a key figure in this chain. We coordinate and facilitate. And for this we need to have our feet firmly planted on economic ground, often for the benefit of all our customers. When we succeed in, for example, reducing the payment terms of invoices for a business, it has a positive ripple effect not only for that company but for the economic process as a whole. This is why I am convinced that we play a broad role in the economic ecosystem – often broader than is generally perceived.”

Opportunities and fair guidance are also crucial in this financial field. Ramaekers says, “At Factor, we engage in transparent discussions with the bank and our clients to find the best solution for their needs. This means we identify opportunities and often suggest them, but also act as an honest, proactive sounding board. It’s about dialogue, analysis, and constructive critique.” Bourguet concurs: “I completely agree. With a service like factoring, we are deeply involved in our clients’ economic activity – the entrepreneurs who rely on us. So, we take a broad view of every case, looking beyond just a banking product or a single solution. This is what makes BNP Paribas Fortis’s approach so strong: we operate as a team, consisting of specialists from both Factor and the bank. This group of experts from different, well-coordinated entities provides entrepreneurs and companies with a comprehensive approach, even for complex cases. These are the moments when we truly rely on our internal expertise: years of experience; colleagues with solid knowledge; reliable economic data applicable to numerous scenarios. This combination enables us not only to guide companies in the right direction but also to provide financial support that is fair, safe, and sound.”

Future

Just like the bank itself, BNP Paribas Fortis Factor frequently considers its strategic direction for the future. As a provider of forward-thinking services, it’s essential to adopt a future-oriented approach to financial services. Ramaekers notes, “Earlier, I mentioned our digital solution, Easy2Cash. I think we can be quite proud of this because it is a glimpse into the future – today. Beyond that, our services are evolving very organically towards the future: we’re constantly striving to make them accessible to an ever-wider group of clients across the economic landscape. Additionally, we’re very focused on sustainability.”

Bourguet adds, “This last aspect is a natural extension of what we do at the bank every day. Our commitment to sustainability extends seamlessly to factoring: we encourage and motivate our clients to join us on this sustainable path.”

The two teams also collaborate closely in developing new services. Ramaekers explains, “We see a significant evolution in the commercial sector, with many online stores offering deferred payment options, such as a 30-day extension. This practice is also increasingly common in the B2B market. Factoring can innovate in this area, so we see it as part of the future we’re actively developing. From a European perspective, there are other innovations too: e-invoicing, for example, is soon to become the standard for all businesses. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity in terms of services and advisory, which we’re shaping together with the bank.”

The two partners have also developed new services. Ramaekers: "We have observed a remarkable evolution in the commercial sector, where many online stores offer payment delays of 30 days, for example. This practice is also increasingly common in the B2B market. Factoring can offer an innovative solution, so this is part of the future that we are currently developing. On the European level, there are also new features: e-invoicing will soon become the norm for all companies. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity in terms of services and advice, which we are developing together with the bank."

Bourguet concludes, “It’s clear that this is a story of synergy, one where we work together seamlessly. This isn’t just rewarding for us but also for our clients. We’re rooted in the heart of the economic marketplace, yet we’re also focused on creating platforms and products that will lead the way and shape the future of this market.”

More information: https://factor.bnpparibasfortis.be/