OREANDA-NEWS. While thermal project performance is largely stabilized by contracts, ratings may be pressured by market dynamics including slow demand growth, low electricity prices, and growing environmental compliance costs, according to a new Fitch Ratings report.

"Merchant generators face increased pressure due to environmental regulation and weak demand, while geothermal, biomass and waste to energy projects face greater supply risks," said Greg Remec, Senior Director. "The natural gas industry's slow response to low oil prices creates uncertainty for the electricity market."

Key factors affecting thermal power projects include:

--Fixed price tolling agreements mitigate fuel price risk, and market-based heat rate penalities are minimized in a low natural gas price environment.
--Power purchase agreements typically provide protection against environmental legislation and pass through the associated costs to counterparties.
--Poor fundamental backdrop in Europe, with weak demand and growth of renewables shifting down merit order.

For more information, a special report titled "Thermal Power Projects - 2016 Briefing" is available on the Fitch Ratings web site at www.fitchratings.com.