Good prospects for regional energy exchange in Bucharest

The Romanian authorities have enlisted Bulgaria’s support for basing the regional energy market in Bucharest, given that other Balkan states are competing to host this exchange. Basing the Energy Exchange in Bucharest could take place some time next year, with the costs estimated at some $5 million, sources close to the talks say.
“We will invite companies from other countries to become shareholders of the Bucharest energy market, if it is to be based here. Transelectrica, owner of 100% of OPCOM (the commercial operator on the market, the structure of which is to be used for the new energy exchange) is considering attracting other specialised operators from other countries as shareholders,” Jean Constantinescu, Transelectrica general manager, told Ziarul Financiar.
The regional energy exchange could cover up to twelve states in the Central and Eastern Europe area (Greece, Serbia or Bulgaria included), but could begin operating with only 4 or 5 states as members, if considering the Nord Pool model.
“A partnership may be concluded with Nord Pool, which would either provide the know-how or participate in the energy exchange,” Constantinescu specified.
Nord Pool, which comprises Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland is deemed by specialists as the most efficient energy exchange in the entire Europe. Its shareholders (50-50) are Svenska Kraftnat (Sweden’s national energy carrier) and Statnett (Norway’s power carrier).
Several other energy markets operate in Europe (in Spain, France, Holland, Germany and the UK), as well, with the traded energy value amounting to tens of billions of dollars a year. How could such a market benefit Romanian consumers, though?
“It will boost competition among power producers in this part of Europe because the energy exchange is a place where supply meets demand on the regional market. On the other hand, this is the place where electricity suppliers and eligible consumers can buy cheaper power. Captive consumers will also benefit indirectly, through their suppliers, which can buy cheaper power from the exchange,” specialists with the National Electrical and Thermal Power Regulation Authority (ANRE) say.