Liberalizing European Energy Markets: An Economic Analysis

The vital importance of energy and the challenges associated with it necessitate the efficient structuring of energy markets and well-designed policies. This book presents an economic analysis of the main effects of liberalizing the electricity and natural gas markets across Western Europe. It is based on a state-of-the art detailed numerical simulation model that takes account of the interlinkages between different energy markets. Short-run and long-run effects are identified and the robustness of results is tested. Separate chapters discuss climate policy, renewable energy and the role of Russia. A key finding is that liberalization lowers energy prices and increases consumption, particularly in the electricity markets where prices fall by 25 per cent on average in the short run. Effects are somewhat stronger in the long run, as investment options are utilized. The welfare benefits of liberalization are considerable in the long run. However, liberalization increases emissions of CO2. The welfare costs of fulfilling Western Europe's Kyoto obligations depend highly on the policies implemented, but are at least as large as the benefits of liberalization.

This book centres on the effects of the liberalization of European energy markets, given that the liberalization process proceeds as the EU has proposed it. The process thus far has been slow, not least because of considerable resistance from key agents in the market, and the final outcome is not clear.

Graduate students and researchers in energy economics, numerical economic modeling and operational research will warmly welcome Liberalizing European Energy Markets. It will also appeal to both energy policymakers and management in the energy industries of Europe.

Finn Roar Aune, Research Department, Statistics Norway, Rolf Golombek, Sverre A.C. Kittelsen, The Ragnar Frisch Centre for Economic Research, Norway and Knut Einar Rosendahl, UMB School of Economics and Business Norway