The evolution of electricity markets in Europe

Bridging theory and practice, this book offers insights into how Europe has experienced the evolution of modern electricity markets from the end of the 1990s to the present day. It explores defining moments in the process, including the four waves of European legislative packages, landmark court cases, and the impact of climate strikes and marches. Leonardo Meeus explains the sequence of electricity markets in Europe from wholesale to balancing markets, forward transmission markets, capacity mechanisms, redispatching and flexibility markets. Chapters explore current issues including the new paradigm that places the citizen at the centre of the energy transition. Concluding that most of the market integration process in Europe so far has required horizontal coordination between transmission system operators in different countries, the book looks ahead to the importance of vertical coordination between the transmission and distribution. An invaluable book for energy policymakers and practitioners working in Europe, the solutions offered for contemporary issues will also be helpful for those working in international or multi-region electricity markets more widely. Academics involved in the world of electricity regulation will also find this an invigorating read.Contents: Introduction Part I – How to trade and transport electricity across national borders? 1. Why did we start with electricity markets in Europe? 2. Who gets the rights to trade across borders? 3. How to calculate border trade constraints? 4. Who pays for the network when trade is international? Part II – How to combine electricity trade with system security to keep the lights on? 5. Who is responsible for balancing the system? 6. How to organize system operation and connection requirements? 7. How to ensure adequate investment in power plants? Part III - How to put the citizen at the centre of the energy transition? 8. How to put the citizen at the centre of the energy transition? 9. Conclusion Inde