DESCRIPTION:
Improving the level of interconnections between countries and enabling them to move towards greater integration is an important milestone for energy transition. This objective resulted in the development of regional energy markets as one of the top energy priorities. In this regard, there are two strategic directions to improve cross-border integration: in the short term, the focus is on regulatory convergence, while the long-term focus is on investment and interconnection development.
Interconnection development is a multiple-year process that starts with the identification of a need. This need can be a result of a new energy generation, problems of congestion, demand growth, or significant changes in the topological grids.
Going ahead with further cross-border integration requires a high level of coordination among different parties, namely TSOs, regulators, and administrations. The development of cross-border interconnections and the integration of regional markets is a long process that requires stability in terms of its regulatory framework and a well-designed long-term actions plan.
KEY QUESTIONS:
1) How can countries converge their regulations to achieve regional integration?
2) How should these interconnections be developed? What is the role of energy planning in your region?
3) And what can we do to deepen the regional dialogue between regulators, institutions, and network operators?