Energy Production, Networks and Markets

For this area the unit aims at improving knowledge and insights in developments of energy production, networks and markets and the use of this knowledge and insights for policy support in the Netherlands and for the European Union. The objectives for the three sub-areas are:

• Competition in energy production and supply: Extension and application of knowledge on competition in gas, oil and power markets, both in the short-term and long-term. This includes the structure of energy markets, energy pricing and investments in production technologies. The focus is on policy questions related to the conditions and regulations set by the government for energy markets and energy production technologies, for example the conditions and (environmental) regulations for carbon capture & storage (CCS) and nuclear power. Other issues are the impact of CO₂ emission trading on investment decisions and impact of intermittent electricity supply (i.e. wind energy) on power markets.
• Regulation of gas and electricity networks: Extension and application of knowledge on the economic regulation of gas and electricity networks. The focus is on regulatory improvements regarding investments in network extensions and reinforcements, innovation necessary for integration of intermittent energy sources in electricity networks and tariff setting that provide incentives for optimal operation of networks.
• Energy security of supply: Extension and application of knowledge in methods and options that strengthen energy supply security for the Netherlands and Europe. The focus is on developing and improving indicators and identification of options and policies warranting energy supply for the Netherlands and the EU both in the short-term (power generation adequacy and maintaining gas supply under extreme circumstances) and long-term (investments in networks and production capacity).

Topics related to this area of expertise can be found at:

• Markets, infrastructure and energy security
• Electricity production
• Carbon dioxide capture and storage

The experts

Paul Koutstaal (group leader)
Jeroen van Deurzen
Sytze Dijkstra
Jeroen de Joode (Coordinator natural gas)
Frans Nieuwenhout
Özge Özdemir
Ad Seebregts (Coordinator electricity production, markets and CCS)
Jos Sijm
Herman Snoep
Adriaan van der Welle

More information: Group leader Paul Koutstaal