Joint MEDREG - ECRB workshop on integrating renewables into electricity networks and balancing systems

On 15 April, the Energy Community Regulatory Board (ECRB) and the Association of Mediterranean Energy Regulators (MEDREG) held a joint virtual workshop in order to exchange expertise and implementation practices on the integration of renewables into the electricity system and market balancing mechanisms. For the first time, the regulators were joined in their discussions by transmission system operators from the ECRB and MEDREG regions.

Workshop participants exchanged best practices in dealing with the challenges that electricity generation from decentralised renewable sources bring to the system and its operation. Power system flexibility and the need for regulators to address investment challenges were underlined as key elements in this respect. The discussion also elaborated upon the responsibilities of producers from renewable energy sources in the context of balancing mechanisms and internal and cross-border markets.

The workshop underlined the importance of finding the right balance between the regulation of markets and the technological and system developments. Furthermore, it also highlighted the crucial role energy regulators must play in ensuring the well-functioning of the markets and the cost-effective deployment of renewables.