The Power Market Pentagon

As consequence of Europe’s climate and energy agenda, the European Union will generate some 50 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030. By 2050, the EU’s power system will have to be completely carbon-free. Solar photovoltaics and wind power – driven by significant cost reductions – will almost certainly contribute the biggest share of the zero-carbon technologies. Given the specific characteristics of wind power and photovoltaics (intermittent generation, high capital costs, very low variable costs), they will fundamentally change both market operations and the market design framework.