The future of the EU electricity sector: between markets and public intervention

This debate aims at discussing the extent to which the latest reform of the electricity market design, introduced by legislation in 2024 and currently being implemented, with a greater role foreseen for long-term contracts (PPAs and CfDs) and for procurement mechanisms, impacts on the efficiency of such a market and what roles spot market will continue to perform.

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The design of the European electricity market is undergoing a reform process aimed at supporting the clean energy transition and delivering energy security, ensuring competitiveness and affordable energy for EU citizens and industries. As a greater role is foreseen, under the new legislation, for long-term contracting and procurement mechanisms, particularly for renewable generation capacity and flexibility sources, the Debate will revolve around the implications of such changes on the shaping of the future electricity sector towards net-zero in 2050.

The event is organised on the occasion of the publication of ‘A companion to the European Electricity Market: Market Design and Public Policies for Decarbonisation’, of the Loyola de Palacio Series of European Energy Policy, and aims to bring together the main players and institutions involved in EU electricity markets including policymakers, regulators, electricity system operators, market participants and representatives from consumers, as well as independent experts.

Programme

Host: Ilaria Conti

Introduction to the Debate and Opening Presentations

14.00 – 14.05     ​Introduction to the Debate

​​Alberto Pototschnig | Florence School of Regulation

14.05 – 14.15     ​The electricity sector: between markets and policy intervention

Guido Cervigni | Co-author of the Companion to the European Electricity Market and Managing Director of DFC Economics

14.15 – 14.25​     The policy perspective

Annamaria Marchi | Deputy Head of Unit, Internal Energy Market, DG ENER, European Commission

14.25 – 14.35​     The regulatory perspective

Christophe Gence-Creux | Head of the Electricity Department, ACER

Panel Discussion: Introductory Remarks, Polls and Comments

Moderator:  ​Ilaria Conti | Florence School of Regulation

14.35 – 14.55​     Introductory remarks from the panellists
Andreas Tirez | Energy Expert, IFIEC
Javier Barrantes Egaña | Market Design and RES Working Group Co-convenor, ENTSO-E
Cillian O’Donoghue | Director of Policy, Eurelectric

14.55 – 15.00​     Polls

15.00 – 15.20     ​Comments on the polls outcome and Q&A from the audience
Panellists

15.20 – 15.30​     Concluding remarks
Ilaria Conti | Florence School of Regulation
Alberto Pototschnig | Florence School of Regulation