ElectricityA form of energy having magnetic, radiant and chemical effects. Electric current is created by a flow of electrons. market reform is an ever-lasting issue. Most countries of the world are involved in processes of liberalization of their electricity markets. We all hear about promoting competition, natural monopolies that need to be regulated, incentives to reduce costs and energy lossesEnergy efficiency will reduce energy losses which make up a chunk of the primary energy we need. Especially the transport sector is inefficient; on average, an engine of a typical gasoline car looses more than 60% of its energy, more is lost on accessories and idle stand-by and only 15% are ..., infrastructure expansion, security and quality of supply, grid access tariffs… Electricity market becomes a complex universe that requires some basic knowledge of regulatory principles.

RenewablesRenewable energy is power generated from infinite sources, such as wind or solar power. Conventional energy is generated from finite sources, such as natural gas or fossil oil. and energy efficiency projects are directly affected, as they are not anymore a marginal part of the generation mix; its integration to the electricity market becomes an important issue. To give an example, many countries promote renewable electricity generationElectricity generation includes all technologies that turn some form of energy into useful electric energy. through primes that are added to the market price. There are several types of markets, such as cost- and price-based pools, mandatory and voluntary markets, as well as bilateral and single buyer markets. How is formed the market price in each case and how to participate?

As well, the new distributed generation faces a big barrier which is the required gridA grid is a network of transmission lines, usually to distribute electric power . development to allow electricity to be injected to the grid. Who pays for it? Should it be socialized or fully charged to the project? Is there any incentive scheme or regulation applicable for investments and grid expansion?

European Union has approved a Directive to promote the use of renewable energy so as to reach 20% of the final energy consumption(Final) energy consumption includes all energy supplied to to final user and includes all sectors, such as households, industries, agriculture…. share. That means around 35% renewable electricity generation. With such amount of variable generation, it becomes fundamental to strengthen cross-border interconnections and fine-tune balancing energyThe ability to perform work, mainly kinetic, potential, thermal energy, but also in forms of gravitational, sound, elastic and electromagnetic energy. exchanges. How does it work, at which price?

Our Partners from Leonardo Energy are going to launch an e-learning module with the objective to create knowledge in and understanding of regulation issues and I think it is definitely worth to check that out. Market design, regulation of transmissionThe delivery of electricity to the retail customer's home or business through low voltage distribution lines. and distributionThe delivery of electricity to the retail customer's home or business through low voltage distribution lines. activities, price control, cost of capital, efficiencyUsing less energy/electricity to perform the same function. Programs designed to use electricity more efficiently - doing the same with less. assessment, quality of supply regulation and electricity pricing are the main contents of this training module. It is free and universally accessible, as it is delivered through 8 webinars from October 2009 to February 2010. Upcoming modules will tackle transmission system operator issues such as cross-border trading, congestion management and balancing markets.

For further information and registration have a look on the Leonardo Energy Training Module on Electricity Market Regulation.