Electricity Markets Instability: Causes of Price Dispersion
Sustainability
https://doi.org/10.3390/SU132212343Abstract
The creation of a single competitive EU energy market is aimed at establishing a fair price in the integrated market space. However, electricity markets in European countries remain rather fragmented, and the marginal pricing method, which is the basic one used in the market, conditions a persistent price dispersion in the search for market equilibrium. This study examines the dispersion of electricity prices in 40 bidding zones in 26 European countries by means of quartile analysis. The geographic orientation of the markets, direction of electricity flows, and structure of electricity generation are considered as the causes of this dispersion. In the study, the geographical boundaries of the electricity markets are determined using the methods of correlation analysis of prices and transitive closure of commercial electricity flows. This makes it possible to single out highly integrated, moderately integrated, poorly integrated, and non-integrated markets. Using cluster analysis, el...
FAQs
AI
What explains the drastic price variation in European electricity markets in 2020?
The study identifies fundamental factors like demand fluctuations due to COVID-19 and gas price volatility as major drivers, with price variation reaching from -115 to 449 EUR/MWh across 40 bidding zones.
How do geographic orientations affect electricity price dispersion in Europe?
The research shows that export-directed markets exhibit the highest price dispersion, while inward-directed markets tend to have a narrower price range due to reliance on internal generation.
What methodologies were employed to determine price dispersion in the study?
The study utilized descriptive statistics and quartile analysis along with correlation analysis and transitive closure to identify geographical boundaries of electricity markets.
When did significant reforms begin to liberalize European electricity markets?
Significant reforms began in the 1990s, catalyzed by the adoption of the first energy package in 1996 aimed at market efficiency through deregulation.
What implications do findings have for policymakers regarding electricity pricing?
Policymakers are encouraged to enhance non-fossil generation and open market boundaries to mitigate price dispersion and improve market competitiveness.
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