The “APE – Energy Notes” series continues with a new edition. This month, Cinzia Bonaldo, a researcher from the Energy Systems Development Department at RSE, within the Energy Markets Regulation Group, analyzes the functioning and importance of long-term electricity markets.

Long-term markets allow operators to enter into contracts for the future purchase and sale of energy, stabilizing cash flows and protecting against short-term price volatility. These contracts, such as futures, forwards, and Contracts for Differences, are key tools for risk management and investment planning in the energy sector.

Currently, these markets play a crucial role for energy producers, large consumers, and financial operators, allowing them to hedge against energy price fluctuations and ensure economic stability for investments. However, limited liquidity in long-term markets often presents a challenge, with high bid-ask spreads that hinder the effectiveness of risk hedging.

Recent reforms proposed by the European Commission aim to improve the efficiency of these markets by offering more accessible and flexible hedging tools. The introduction of mechanisms like Contracts for Differences (CfD) and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) could facilitate access to renewable energy sources and stabilize costs for end consumers.

Want to learn more? In this month’s APE, we delve into the functioning and the importance of long-term electricity markets.