Electricity prices dropped significantly during 2023, which had a major impact on Vattenfall's earnings. Through strategic divestments of the heating operations in Berlin and our wind power projects off the coast of Norfolk in the UK, we are strengthening our preparedness for future investments. This is made possible by a solid balance sheet and includes the expansion of both fossil-free electricity generation and electricity grids.
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Vattenfall’s President and CEO Anna Borg comments on the full-year report for 2023:
“The electricity price was on average 60 per cent lower in Vattenfall's markets during 2023. Prices in the Nordics have been influenced by more precipitation and warmer weather. In continental Europe, prices have fallen sharply as a result of lower gas and coal prices. Europe's gas stocks have been well-filled and, in addition, the availability of French nuclear power has improved compared to 2022.
Improved profit for the period, but lower electricity prices and volumes contributed to reduced underlying operating profit
The profit for the period for the full year 2023 increased to SEK 10.4 billion (0.0). Last year's result was strongly negatively affected by temporary effects from realisation and valuation of electricity and fuel contracts. Vattenfall continues to have a strong financial position and the key ratio FFO/adjusted net debt amounted to 21.5%. Adjusted for margin calls, the key ratio was 25.6%. The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 4 billion for 2023.
The underlying operating profit decreased by SEK 15.1 billion to SEK 20.0 billion. We see an improved result from both the heat and the customer operations, where it is gratifying to see that more and more customers are choosing Vattenfall and our fossil-free electricity contracts. However, the result was negatively affected by lower electricity prices, lower volumes from hydro power and lower availability for nuclear power.
Vattenfall partly hedges the electricity generation and here we have seen a positive contribution from our Nordic price hedges, which contributed to a higher achieved electricity price in the Nordics. However, this was offset by a negative contribution from price hedges on the Continent, as these have not been as effective as in the Nordics.
Divestments ensure continued progress in the energy transition
After a strategic review, Vattenfall has decided to sell the heat operations in Berlin to the state of Berlin. We have thereby ensured that the heat business will continue to be run responsibly with a focus on reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The purchase price amounts to EUR 1.6 billion. Vattenfall will continue to be an important player in the German energy transition. In addition to a sales business with more than 5 million private customers and sales to large business customers we also have electricity generation and trading operations in the country. We also have important projects such as the wind farms Nordlicht 1 and 2 where we have signed a letter of intent for cooperation with BASF.
Vattenfall has also entered into an agreement for the sale of our wind power projects off the coast of Norfolk in the UK. The divestment increases Vattenfall's opportunities to invest in fossil-free projects that better suit our overall portfolio and risk appetite, while securing the future of the projects. The purchase price amounts to GBP 1.0 billion and, as a result of the sale, previous impairments and provisions are reversed.
Continued high rate of investment
The energy transition brings great investment opportunities and Vattenfall's investment plan for the next two years amounts to a total of SEK 65 billion (net), of which SEK 41 billion is dedicated to growth investments. Significant investments are planned in fossil-free electricity generation, the electricity grid and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Major projects include the completion of the Vesterhav offshore wind farm in Denmark and the construction of the onshore Bruzaholm wind farm in Sweden.
It is gratifying that at the end of the year the government launched a roadmap for new nuclear power in Sweden and has now appointed a national coordinator. Clarifying the conditions for new nuclear power from a political perspective is crucial so that Vattenfall and other actors can continue the work to ensure that this energy source contributes further to Sweden's future energy supply.
In 2024, we will continue on the path towards fossil freedom for our customers, in our operations and for our suppliers and partners. We will do this by focusing on financial stability and prioritising profitable business opportunities.”
Full-year report
Business highlights, January–December 2023
- Lower electricity prices both in the Nordics and on the Continent as well as reduced price area differences compared to 2022
- Divestment of Berlin heat business to the State of Berlin
- Divestment of Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone
- Memorandum of understanding between Vattenfall and BASF regarding a partnership for the German offshore wind projects Nordlicht I and II
- Inauguration of the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm in the Netherlands and the onshore wind farm South Kyle in the UK
- Vattenfall's goal of net-zero emissions by 2040 has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative
- The Swedish Energy Market Inspectorate has decided on the model and WACC for the revenue frames for electricity grid operators for the period of 2024-2027.
Financial highlights, January–December 2023
- Net sales increased by 21% (14% excluding currency effects) to SEK 290,168 million (239,644)
- Underlying operating profit of SEK 20,005 million (35,075)
- Operating profit of SEK 16,991 million (12,645)
- Profit for the period of SEK 10,395 million (21)
- The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 4 billion
Financial highlights, October–December 2023
- Net sales decreased by 7% (-10% excluding currency effects) to SEK 73,292 million (78,819)
- Underlying operating profit of SEK 4,455 million (12,527)
- Operating profit of SEK 6,061 million (-24,062)
- Profit for the period of SEK 5,657 million (-16,959)
See also
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