The Scandinavian and European Electricity markets

The Institute of Economic Studies present: The Scandinavian and European Electricity markets -Challenges and opportunities in times of transition.

Mats Nilsson, Södertörn University

The power systems (sometimes developed into electricity markets) in Scandinavia and Europe are changing rapidly. These changes mainly emanate from changing regulations and policies. Three underlying political goals, combating climate change, creating a sustainable power sector and supplying consumers with affordable electricity, drive these changes. Policies implemented are, e.g.,  support schemes for renewable, a European emission trading system and tightening legal support for energy poor citizens. The political goals are not always compatible and the effects of strong policy actions on socioeconomic efficiency, climate gas emissions and the end consumer bills are sometimes both unexpected and dismal. What can be learned from the European experience, and what may be the way forward?

Mats Nilsson is a Docent of Economics, at Södertörn University, Sweden. His research interests are mainly the economics of electricity markets (power systems), and the role of infrastructure for markets. He has a MS from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks from 1994, a PhD from Luleå University of Technology 2000, and was appointed Docent 2008. He is a practitioner in the utilities industry since 2005