The National Energy Regulatory Council of the Republic of Lithuania hosted the 30th Baltic Electricity Market Forum, 13th Baltic Gas Market Forum, and Baltic District Heating Forum, that took place virtually on 8th-9th of November, 2021.
The events gathered more than one hundred energy market stakeholders from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden. The events were as well attended by the European Commission, European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), national energy regulatory authorities' representatives.
The Baltic Electricity Market Forum stressed the main issues in the region giving the platform for the extensive discussion of all participants that took place on 8th November, 2021. In particular, the emphasis was put on the strategic priorities of the region related with the achievement of the European Green Deal targets and implementation of the strategic projects – synchronisation of the Baltic States' Electricity Grid with the Continental European System and project for the installation of energy storage facilities.
During the event the updates from the side of the Nominated Electricity Market Operators were given to the audience. The traders presented their views and proposals for future electricity market functioning. ACER's representative touched on the common framework for resource adequacy across the EU and the methodological aspects of the European resource adequacy assessment in the light of the expected resource adequacy identification at national level.
On 9th November, 2021, the participants of the Baltic Gas Market Forum got acquainted with the developments related with the regional Baltic-Finnish gas market. As the infrastructure is indispensable for the well-functioning energy market, the recent developments on the regional gas infrastructure projects were as well presented. The event participants listened to the main achievements and prospects of regional gas trading platform. Discussions on future role of regional gas market from the suppliers' perspective were welcomed. As gas sector faces numerous challenges in view of the sustainability and decarbonisation objectives of the European Union, gas regulatory framework needs to be adjusted to the new energy policy goals. The Green deal, Fit for 55 package and the awaited Gas decarbonisation package will align the EU legislation with this goal. In this context, the views from the European Commission enriched the discussion with a wider pan-European perspective and initiatives for the adjustment of the regulatory framework in the near future. Furthermore, the event was traditionally an important occasion to discuss the cooperation opportunities focused on the ways to achieve the common goals – efficient use of the gas infrastructure in the region with the aim to ensure the highest benefits to consumers.
The Baltic District Heating Forum was dedicated to address the major trends and challenges in district heating regulation. Participants had the possibility to discuss and share information on the updates of setting tariffs of waste energy facilities, regulation of waste and its prices, how are waste prices included into and affect the final heat price and any other useful information. Significant trends that may affect the regulation of waste incineration in the countries discussed as well.
The next Forum events will be organised in Estonia and hosted by Estonian Competition Authority.
