European Energy Markets Observatory (2007)

The 9th edition of European Energy Markets Observatory covers the full year 2006 and the winter 2006-2007. Key findings include: -The EU Climate Change 2020 objectives of 3x20% is an ambitious and good road map but very challenging to meet. -The supply and demand balance of oil will stay tight and prices trend should continue to be on the upward side. -Gas security of supply is threatened by the clashing Russian and European Union’s strategies. -Electricity security of supply in Europe has improved on average but the planned constructions will deteriorate Europe’s CO2 emissions situation. -The European Commission has suggested a third “unbundling Directive” as a response to the lack of results from previous Directives on market efficiency. -New market regulations triggers market consolidation but this is progressing slowly because of conflicting interests. -With changing market dynamics, Utilities are confronted with many changes and have to implement new management models.