EU’s Energy Nirvana Still Some Way Off
2007 has again been a momentous year for EU energy policy. The accession of Bulgaria and Romania brought the EU party attendance to 27 and the Commission has unveiled numerous initiatives culminating in its third attempt at liberalising the energy sector announced in September. However, there is considerable resistance to the provisions at the heart of the new proposals.
By Guy Isherwood.

A New Wave of Consolidation in the European Energy Market: Is This The End Game?
As a result of liberalisation, the European energy markets have undergone fundamental change. The whole framework of the energy industry has changed significantly, and will continue to do so, as a result of deregulation. Due to EU directives and the resulting national energy law amendments, new market rules - such as regulation of network access, calculation of grid fees - have been implemented for the power and gas markets.
By Hans Guenter Wolf, Olaf Remmler & Thomas Pockrandt.

Climate Change May be the Commission's Competition Saviour
Energy and climate policy has largely dominated the political agenda over the past twelve months, but the market has not noticeably moved on any further as a result. This is one of the problems with new policy as the changes it projects are rarely implemented with immediate effect. This is particularly the case with EU policy initiatives, as they have to be ratified by all 27 Member States.
By Jeremy Wilcox.

New Build in European Power: A Question of Politics
The past ten years have been fairly quiet with regards to the building of power stations in Europe. With the liberalisation of the European energy markets the focus of the corporate activity has been in the mergers and acquisitions arena. Out of the almost relentless momentum of utility takeovers a select few utility giants have emerged and it is they that will be responsible for replacing the continents aging power plant.
By Scott Dendy.

Is Europe Running Out of Options When It it Comes to Gas?
Viewpoint: “Maximising gas availability, developing alternative energy sources, and saving as much energy as possible”. These are the three options available to effectively tackle gas supply security that Paolo Scaroni, CEO of Eni, proposed in his special address during the 20th World Energy Congress in Rome.
By Paolo Scaroni.

The Carbon Market: Beyond Bali
Ministers are currently completing their meeting at the annual UN Climate Summit in Bali. Although it may not directly influence carbon markets in the short-run, the political decisions made and signals sent by this meeting will reverberate in key market segments such as the EU emission trading scheme (ETS).
By Endre Tvinnereim.