Over the past 3.5 years, AURES II established solid foundations for supporting the effective and cost-efficient implementation of RES auctions in Europe, through target-oriented analysis as well as knowledge sharing and capacity building activities. By the end of the project, a number of results have been achieved:
Empirical Analysis: AURES II has analysed auction schemes in more than 20 case studies. In addition, two peer-reviewed research papers investigating the interaction between policy objectives, such as cost-efficiency, and the auction design elements, were developed.
Auction database: We collected information on all RES auction rounds that have taken place in the EU since 2011 and published this overview in a holistic database.
Impact on the RES sector: We have investigated how the introduction of auctions has influenced the RES sector. The first report looked at the value chains, while the second analysis focused more on the effect of auctions on technological innovation in the RES sector. The work was complemented by a report on the competition dynamics, looking at the RES markets in Spain and Germany.
Financing conditions: In a dedicated analysis, we have looked into the effects of RES auctions on the financing costs of renewable energy projects. In more detail, we provided a first indication, on how specific design elements affect the financing conditions. Based on these insights, a peer-reviewed research paper was published. A report with specific policy recommendations for reducing the risk for bidders in RES auctions has concluded these analyses.
Cross-border auctions: We have published a report, which provides a comprehensive overview of possible design elements of cross-border auctions and their effects. In addition, in a theoretical analysis, we have analysed the various aspects and design options for cross-border auctions. Several case studies on potential cross-border auctions in Europe provided a more practical approach to this topic, which was complemented by a guidance document for policymakers.
Multi-technology auctions: Based on a variety of experiments, we derived conclusions on the effects of several design elements of multi-technology auctions. The dedicated research paper is currently undergoing peer-review in an academic journal. Moreover, we published a dedicated report that provides an overview on multi-technology auctions in Europe.
Future of auctions: Several studies looked into the future of auctions in the energy system. We developed four scenarios of the future electricity system and the role of auctions therein. Modelling activities of the European energy system provided further insights. Another report looked more specifically into the role of auctions in sectors beyond electricity, e.g. in the transport sector. This was complemented by several policy briefs, e.g. on auctions in the heating sector or auctions for green hydrogen support.
Policy support: An important part of AURES II is the cooperation with policymakers on ongoing auction implementation in EU Member States. We successfully cooperated with policymakers in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Hungary. In addition, we supported a number other countries, such as Ireland or Ukraine, and cooperated with the Energy Community Secretariat. We also discussed our results with the European Commission (DG Competition and DG Energy).
Knowledge sharing and capacity building: We produced a series of podcast episodes, which inform about best practices in RES auction design and possible challenges. We conducted six regional workshops, as well as nine thematic workshops. The AURES II partners participated in 33 project-external events. Our newsletter was sent out 28 times. Furthermore, we are also active on social media, such as Twitter and LinkedIn.
