DP17689 Electricity Markets in Transition: A proposal for reforming European electricity markets
In the context of the debate about the reform of electricity markets in Europe, this document proposes a new electricity market architecture. It is based on two pillars: (i) a well-functioning short-run energy market; and (ii) a set of efficient and equitable long-run contracts, signed between firms and the regulator on behalf of all consumers. The design of long-term contracts takes into account the characteristics of the various technologies in order to strike the right balance between exposing them to the short-run price signals while de-risking the investments. The proposal would facilitate the achievement of carbon-free and diversified power markets, allowing for substantial reductions in the cost of electricity for consumers. The proposed design is mostly in line with the recent European Commission (2022b)’s proposal, and it further provides details on key elements that the European Commission has not yet specified.
