This study traces the breakdown of market management in European gas markets and the emergence of gas-to-gas competition and liberalized access to networks. A surplus of gas supply and pipeline capacity, combined with institutional change to reduce monopoly power and bring new entrants into the industry, are the most important drivers for change.

This highly unique book focuses on market design issues common to most EU gas markets, particularly in the context of closer integration. It explores in detail the characteristics and requirements of national gas markets in Europe, which are constructed as virtual hubs based on entry/exit schemes as a requirement of European law. The expert contributors analyse gas supply and demand patterns in the EU, showing that both have changed following the introduction of liquefied natural gas on the supply side and the growth of gas-fired power plants on the demand side. The repeated interactions between the transmission operators activity and the gas commodity markets are addressed, as is the design of commercial networks in EU markets. The contributors also question whether the relationship between commercial and physical networks, in terms of the new flexibility requirements of users, actually works. By way of conclusion, two proposals for the EU gas target model are presented, both of which tackle the fundamental issues raised in this book, as well as the organization of short-term transactions and the mechanisms for investment in vital new long-life infrastructure needed to integrate EU markets. This volume will be of great interest to practitioners, as well as academics, researchers and students in the fields of energy economics and industrial economics. Both European and non-European energy companies and regulatory authorities looking for an independent and analytical overview of European gas markets will also find this book to be a highly valuable resource.

The paper summarizes liberalization and the EU gas market opening along with its prospects and forecasts. The European gas sector is committed to ensure that natural gas, with strong environmental advantages is able to play its full part in a competitive, secure and sustainable energy sector. A successful internal market is essential to the competitiveness of Europe and contributes to investment in infrastructure to support supply security, efficiency and service. The paper also contains an analysis of the recent changes in the structure of gas demand and the supply and its consequences for enhancement of competition in the EU gas market. It discusses role of the growing gas demand, taxation of gas production and trade along with dependency of the EU gas sector. Liberalization of the gas markets is very important tool which contributes to the development of the European economy towards its goals of efficiency and competitiveness in the ever-increasing global market place. Clearly, the implementation of the EU Gas Directive can be viewed as a final step by the EU to accomplish an internal market for gas. The major objective is to promote increasing competition in the natural gas market and to reduce gas prices for all customers and thereby to increase the competitiveness of (energy-intensive) European industries and economies. Moreover, this paper discusses prospects for increased consumption of natural gas and future trends of the European gas market within the EU up to 2030.

In this important book, notable European experts in the energy field provide valuable perspectives on the principal issues raised by the liberalisation of the electricity and natural gas markets in the EU. Lawyers, business people, regulators, and policymakers who deal with matters and issues in the energy, natural resources, and environmental fields will find the details and insights presented here of great value.

A unique and thorough investigation of the shift towards Europe-wide energy regulation, markets and business strategies, and the extent to which energy systems have become more liberalised over this period. Reshaping of European Gas and Electricity Industries analyses the key issues facing the European energy industry, from a regulatory, market, and business perspective. Current challenges within the field are also reviewed, including competitive and environmental issues. - Liberalization: Delivers timely insights into the changes facing the European energy industry in the face of deregulation - Competition: A direct look at business and marketing strategies in response to the influx of competition from across the globe - Environment: Provides powerful [insights] into the way environmentally-based legislation has now become a key driver of the energy industry in Europe

The countries of Continental Europe have started the process of reforming their natural gas markets. This book sets the context for, and considers the issues raised by, these reforms. It also analyses the key elements of effective reform, such as third party access to the gas infrastructure. Unlike earlier reformers, Europe faces important challenges of growing import dependency and reliance on a few large producer countries, against a background of strong demand growth. It is vital that both short and long term security of supply are sustained in the new market conditions. At the same time a key objective of reform is to improve economic efficiency through competition and short term trade, in order to reduce prices for natural gas consumers. The book argues that security and competition are not incompatible, and that security can be enhanced by competition provided that reform is handled with care. As Europe implements the EU Gas Directive, this book is a timely review for energy policy makers and others involved in the reform process. It is the latest in a series of IEA publications on energy market reforms.