European energy markets continue to undergo rapid transformation. Change is being driven by rapid structural adjustments in global fuels markets, growing penetration of intermittent renewables, and the need to decarbonise and replace ageing electricity capacity, as well as European policymakers’ growing focus on competitiveness.
Such developments have underpinned a growing use of auctions and other market-based mechanisms for the allocation of property rights in energy markets. This includes rights to both real assets (e.g. EU ETS allowances or gas contracts) and remuneration (e.g. payments for capacity availability or access to revenue support for renewables).
With the rise in prominence of auctions and other market-bas ed mechanisms to address complex and interrelated policy objectives (keeping energy prices competitive, system decarbonisation, supply security or system reliability) comes the risk of errors and unintended consequences in design and implementation of such mechanisms, or the temptation to over extend their use. For bidders, such mechanisms also pose new challenges, as they will need to value the rights allocated and develop bid strategies to minimise risk andmaximise value.
This conference will provide focussed information and opportunities to debate on key, sector by sector issues including electricity, gas, renewables and emissions auctions and allocation mechanisms.