Technical Research Assignment: Analysis of the Electricity Market in Spain

Technical Research Assignment: Analysis of the Electricity

Market in Spain

1. Historical Analysis of Electricity Production and Consumption (2009–2024)

• Conduct a comprehensive study of Spain’s electricity production and consumption data over

the past 15 years.

• Identify significant shifts in energy sources (e.g., from fossil fuels to renewables), peak

demand periods, and overall consumption patterns.

• Highlight key trends in consumer behaviour and technological advancements that have

influenced demand (e.g., electric vehicles, heat pumps, energy efficiency initiatives).

2. Current Structure and Operation of the Spanish Electricity Market

• Provide a short analytical overview of how the electricity market in Spain currently

functions.

• Identify and describe the main participants:

◦ Producers (renewable and non-renewable energy providers)

◦ Distributors and retailers

◦ Transmission system operator (TSO) – e.g., Red Eléctrica de España

◦ Regulatory bodies – e.g., CNMC (National Commission on Markets and

Competition)

• Summarise the main rules, policies, and mechanisms governing the market, including how

prices are formed and how the market is regulated (e.g., day-ahead and intraday markets,

capacity mechanisms).

3. Economic Data Collection and Price Trend Analysis (2010–2024)

• Collect historical data on electricity prices for residential, commercial, and industrial

sectors.

• Analyse changes in wholesale and retail prices, taxes, and subsidies.

• Identify major factors affecting electricity prices (e.g., global energy crises, EU carbon

prices, regulatory changes).

• Draw conclusions about current and emerging economic trends in the market.

4. Study of Balancing and Manoeuvring Capacity Services

• Research the structure and role of manoeuvring (balancing/reserve) services in the

Spanish electricity market.

• Identify how balancing capacity is currently ensured and priced.

• Investigate the current use and technical role of large-scale energy storage systems

Will send more after the contract