Developments in the European Power Market

The theme of the event was Developments in the European Power Market: Can the power market inspire the gas sector? Nowadays, the power sector is characterized by unprecedented challenges. For example, new built high-efficient gas-fired power stations are hardly used. Who could have predicted that just a couple of years ago? At the same time, the third energy package is being implemented which affects the well-being of the industry once more. And, as the gas business knows, development in the power market, whether it is in the business or the regulation, will always be tangible. Where is the dash for gas in the Golden Era? EDI’s partners enjoyed lectures from knowledgeable speakers who discussed these recent developments.

Firstly, Coby van der Linde, director of the Clingendael International Energy Programme, discussed the EU Roadmap 2050, which investigates how the greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced without compromising our economic growth. In the next presentation, Peter Plug, former director of Energy at NMa, addressed the progress in achieving the main goal of the EU Energy Policy; the Integrated Energy Market (IEM). Following, Catrinus Jepma, professor of Energy and Sustainability at the University of Groningen, questioned the functioning of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

Lucien Wiegers, director at Eneco Energy Trade, stressed the fact that there are many factors which affect the power markets and its developments, which results in a high level of uncertainty. What is needed are clear policies and clear price setting mechanisms, similar throughout Europe.

Jaap Hoogakker, former senior business analyst at Gasterra, provided our partners with insights about the role of solar energy in the energy system. Hoogakker concluded that solar energy will become a giant player in the energy industry in the future. Finally, Marcel Keiffenheim, director of Energy Policy at Greenpeace Energy, described the aim of Greenpeace Energy, which offers the market a mixture of natural gas and wind gas as a gas product with high ecological added value.

On this inspiring day, EDI welcomed a total of 50 representatives from its partners. EDI has received many positive reactions from participants and hopes to organize the Partners Exclusive event again in the near future.