Europe’s Energy Transition: Insights for Policy Making

Europe’s Energy Transition: Insights for Policy Making looks at the availability and cost of accessing energy and how it significantly affects economic growth and competitiveness in global markets. The results in this book, from a European Commission (EC) financed project by INSIGHT_E, provide an overview of the most recent analyses, focusing on energy markets and their implications for society. Designed to inform European policymaking, elements of this book will be integrated into upcoming EC policies, giving readers invaluable insights into the cost and availability of energy, the effect of price increases affecting vulnerable consumer groups, and current topics of interest to the EC and ongoing energy debate. INSIGHT_E provides decision-makers with unbiased policy advice and insights on the latest developments, including an assessment of their potential impact.

Presents answers to strategic questions posed by the European CommissionCoherently assesses the energy transition, from policies to energy supply, markets, system requirements, and consumer needsInformed the EC "Clean Energy for All Europeans" package from end of 2016, e.g., regarding aspects of energy povertyEndorsed by thought leaders from within and outside of Europe, including utilities, energy agencies, research institutes, journal editors, think tanks, and the European Commission

Section I: Introduction 1. Europe’s Energy Transition 2. Insights for Policy Making - About this Book 3. INSIGHT_E - A Think Tank Informing the European Commission

Section II: Europe’s Energy Policy Landscape 4. Introduction: Europe as a Consuming Region 5. The European Union on the Global Scene - A Snapshot 6. European Energy Policy Objectives 7. A Market-Based European Energy Policy 8. Conclusions

Section III: Energy Supply: A Changing Environment 9. Introduction 10. Decarbonizing the EU Energy System 11. Gas Security of Supply in the European Union 12. Biofuels for Aviation: Policy Goals and Costs 13. Conclusions and Outlook

Section IV: Impact of Renewable Energies on Market Operation and Design 14. Introduction 15. Curtailment: An Option for Cost-Efficient Integration of Variable Renewable Generation? 16. Impact on Electricity Markets: Merit Order Effect of Renewable Energies 17. Market Design Options for Promoting Low-Carbon Technologies 18. Case Study: Design Options for the German Electricity Market 19. Conclusions and Outlook

Section V: Reliable and Flexible Energy Systems 20. Introduction 21. Need for Flexibility and Potential Solutions 22. Storage Solutions and Their Value 23. The Role of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen in Stationary Applications 24. Need for Reliability and Measuring Its Cost 25. Conclusions

Section VI: Society and Consumer Demands 26. Introduction 27. Self-Consumption of Electricity from Renewable Sources 28. DC Power Production and Consumption in Households 29. District Heating in Europe: Opportunities for Energy Savings, Business, and Jobs 30. Energy Poverty Across the EU: Analysis of Policies and Measures 31. Conclusions Society and Consumer Demands—Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Initialisms

Section VII: Europe’s Energy Transition: Challenges and Insights for Policy Making 32. Introduction 33. Key Challenges Ahead 34. Developing the Policy Package 35. Research Priorities