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<p>In recent years we have seen significant improvements in day-ahead wholesale electricity
market liquidity. In July 2014 just under 50% of GB final consumption was traded through
day-ahead power exchanges. Two years earlier this figure was 28% and 3 years earlier
4.2%1. However, liquidity in forward markets is crucial and this remains a barrier
to entry.</p><p>In April 2014 Ofgem introduced its reform package (‘Secure & Promote’2)
to improve forward market liquidity and wholesale market access for independent market
participants. The Government took backstop powers in the Energy Act 2013 to allow
it to act should Ofgem’s liquidity reforms be delayed or frustrated.</p><p>Competition
is at the heart of the Government’s Electricity Market Reforms and independent participants
have responded positively to pre-qualification for the Capacity Market. Of the 11GW
pre-qualified, this includes 7GW of large CCGT plant – more than 5GW of which is from
independent generators. In addition the Off-taker of Last Resort has been introduced
to address route-to-market concerns of independent renewables developers. We have
also seen significant participation from non-integrated utilities in the early Investment
Contracts awarded under the FID Enabling for Renewables process – only 2 of the 8
contracts have been awarded to integrated utilities.</p><p>Finally, the independent
Competition and Markets Authority is investigating the GB energy markets and will
determine whether there are any adverse effects on competition and, if so, what action
is required to address them.</p><p> </p><p><em><strong>[1]</strong></em><em> Sources:
Elexon, Nord Pool, APX Group</em></p><p><em>2</em><em> <a href="https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/wholesale-power-market-liquidity-decision-letter"
target="_blank">https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/wholesale-power-market-liquidity-decision-letter</a></em></p>
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