Trends in EU energy grids regulation

Abstract

Which regulatory tools are best equipped on the national as well as European level to create functioning EU-wide electricity and gas market infrastructures, as well as address the urgent need to make grids fit for the future? This issue looks at three topics that describe current trends in energy grids regulation. Firstly, it looks at the question whether and how the EU should be involved in the electricity and natural gas transmission grid tarification, to allow for fair competition and the right investment signals. Secondly, the issue looks at the significant role offshore wind farms play for the accomplishment of the EU energy and climate objectives and the possible EU policy actions that could support the investment in offshore wind farms as well as their connection to the grid. Thirdly, the issue proposes a cost- benefit method to evaluate and compare electricity transmission and storage projects in the context of the recently adopted Energy Infrastructure Package.