THEMA blog
Who would have thought…
While 2021 was a dramatic year in the energy sector, 2022 was completely exceptional. Putin, helped by climate change, has created energy shortages and historically high energy prices in Europe. The markets are coming apart at the seams and we are heading for a painful winter. We are facing a 2023 where we have to find completely new solutions.
The Commission's emergency intervention to reduce power prices explained
To cut power prices and reduce gas power production, the European Commission is proposing efforts to cut consumption, particularly in peak price hours. The measures are to be financed by a revenue cap. If adopted, the measures will help reduce prices in Europe. Here we explain how.
Replacing gas in the German power sector
The invasion of the Ukraine by Russia has led to substantial economic sanctions. In this context, replacement of Russian gas is discussed. We analyze in how far activation of coal and nuclear capacities can replace gas in the power sector. We assess relevant constraints and find that the potential of such measures is limited.
THEMA’s Christmas blog
In 2020, prices were abnormally low. In 2021, all-time highs were recorded in the fall. What happened and to what extent are developments a sign of things to come? In this Christmas blog, we look back on a year in which power prices were discussed almost as much a Covid-measures and try to find some answers.
Ny tysk regjeringsplattform setter ambisiøse fornybarmål
Den nye tyske koalisjonsregjeringen har lagt fram en politisk plattform som øker ambisjonsnivået for utbygging av fornybar energi og grønt hydrogen. Plattformen innebærer omfattende reformer. Våre modellanalyser viser at dersom målene nås, vil både importavhengigheten og utslippene i Tyskland reduseres.
Power prices rally – old debates open up again
Currently, power prices seem to be out of control in Europe. In Germany, we see power prices above 200 EUR/MWh. In Great Britain, they are even higher. Even Norway is seeing prices well above 100 EUR/MWh in certain areas over extended periods. The power price surge has become a matter of political concern, as it burdens both industry and end-users.