Europe’s Energy Transition: Insights for Policy Making looks at the availability and cost of accessing energy and how it significantly affects economic growth and competitiveness in global markets. The results in this book, from a European Commission (EC) financed project by INSIGHT_E, provide an overview of the most recent analyses, focusing on energy markets and their implications for society. Designed to inform European policymaking, elements of this book will be integrated into upcoming EC policies, giving readers invaluable insights into the cost and availability of energy, the effect of price increases affecting vulnerable consumer groups, and current topics of interest to the EC and ongoing energy debate. INSIGHT_E provides decision-makers with unbiased policy advice and insights on the latest developments, including an assessment of their potential impact.

Reviews

"The world has embarked on an unprecedented energy transition. Energy efficiency and renewable energy play a key role in this transition and Europe is leading the way. It is an unchartered journey, yet foresight is required what path to follow and which framework to put in place to enable such transition. New technologies, market designs and business models are needed. This book provides an excellent cutting-edge science based perspective on various aspects of the energy transition. It helps decision makers to better understand the relation between the physical economy and markets, consumer needs and technology innovation. Billions are at stake in financial terms, this book is a worthwhile investment to make sure the right decisions are taken." --Dr. Dolf Gielen, Director of the IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre in Bonn, International Renewable Energy Agency

"A key driving force has gained remarkable momentum in the discussion on energy system transformation: sustainability. The objective to combat climate change is putting environmental considerations higher on the agenda than ever before. In fact, it is already widely believed that integration of sustainability issues will be critical to the future commercial success in the energy business. Thus, European utilities are forced to change their business models, factoring in the shift from traditional mostly fossil-based and centralized power generation to a more renewable and increasingly de-central production landscape. As a result, their traditional long-term investment planning has become even more dependent on regulatory design. More joint-up thinking between industry and policy makers will be required in order to address current deficiencies originating from the patchwork of energy policies across Europe. Holistic analyses as endeavored by this book are key to establish the required knowledge amongst stakeholders as common basis to develop the regulatory framework that allows pursuing European sustainability targets in an effective and efficient way." --Dr. Andreas Schuler, Chief Risk Officer, Vice President Risk Management, Vattenfall

"This book represents a unique, value added contribution to the ongoing issues related to the transformation of the EU power system. Insights, thoughtful analysis, informed by solid analytics combine to offer decision makers, analysts, academics and business leaders rich information to chart a pathway forward." --Dr. Doug Arent, Executive Director, Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis (JISEA) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

"The energy system is undergoing a deep, structural, and pervasive transformation, posing a number of challenges to our business models, regulatory frameworks, and behavioural patterns. For Europe, this does present very distinctive challenges, notably due to the EU’s unique complexity of multi-layer governance. By dissecting the very nature of this double complexity ? the energy transition phenomenon and the EU’s policy framework ? "Europe’s Energy Transition: Insights for Policy Making" responded to such a call for a comprehensive approach and provides a precious set of instruments for policy makers, researchers, and analysts at every governance level." --Dr. Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive and Chief Economist, European Policy Centre

Feature

• Presents answers to strategic questions posed by the European Commission
• Coherently assesses the energy transition, from policies to energy supply, markets, system requirements, and consumer needs
• Informed the EC "Clean Energy for All Europeans" package from end of 2016, e.g., regarding aspects of energy poverty
• Endorsed by thought leaders from within and outside of Europe, including utilities, energy agencies, research institutes, journal editors, think tanks, and the European Commission

Section I: Introduction Chapter 1. Europe's Energy Transition Chapter 2. Insights for Policy Making—About this Book Chapter 3. INSIGHT_E—A Think Tank Informing the European Commission Section II: Europe’s Energy Policy Landscape Chapter 4. Introduction: Europe as a Consuming Region Chapter 5. The European Union on the Global Scene—A Snapshot Chapter 6. European Energy Policy Objectives Chapter 7. A Market-Based European Energy Policy Chapter 8. Conclusions Section III: Energy Supply: A Changing Environment Chapter 9. Introduction Chapter 10. Decarbonizing the EU Energy System Chapter 11. Gas Security of Supply in the European Union Chapter 12. Biofuels for Aviation: Policy Goals and Costs Chapter 13. Conclusions and Outlook Section IV: Impact of Renewable Energies on Market Operation and Design Chapter 14. Introduction Chapter 15. Curtailment: An Option for Cost-Efficient Integration of Variable Renewable Generation? Chapter 16. Impact on Electricity Markets: Merit Order Effect of Renewable Energies Chapter 17. Market Design Options for Promoting Low-Carbon Technologies Chapter 18. Case Study: Design Options for the German Electricity Market Chapter 19. Conclusions and Outlook Section V: Reliable and Flexible Energy Systems Chapter 20. Introduction Chapter 21. Need for Flexibility and Potential Solutions Chapter 22. Storage Solutions and Their Value Chapter 23. The Role of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen in Stationary Applications Chapter 24. Need for Reliability and Measuring Its Cost Chapter 25. Conclusions Section VI: Society and Consumer Demands Chapter 26. Introduction Chapter 27. Self-Consumption of Electricity from Renewable Sources Chapter 28. DC Power Production and Consumption in Households Chapter 29. District Heating in Europe: Opportunities for Energy Savings, Business, and Jobs Chapter 30. Energy Poverty Across the EU: Analysis of Policies and Measures Chapter 31. Conclusions Section VII: Europe’s Energy Transition: Challenges and Insights for Policy Making Chapter 32. Introduction Chapter 33. Key Challenges Ahead Chapter 34. Developing the Policy Package Chapter 35. Research Priorities Index