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Since the introduction of Redispatch 2.0 in October 2021, Section 13a of the German Energy Industry Act (Ger: Energiewirtschaftsgesetz) has provided for a balancing mechanism for the balance responsible party in the context of redispatch measures. However, due to significant implementation delays, a transitional solution was introduced that is still applied today, under which balance responsible parties effectively assume responsibility for balancing group management and thus perform tasks that would normally fall within the remit of the system operator.
The process-related and overhead costs incurred by the balance responsible party have so far remained uncompensated, while the paid compensation price is intended to reflect the cost for energy replacement. Against this background, Consentec was commissioned by five direct marketers to analyze these overhead costs and to develop a concept for appropriate compensation. The study is published here.
In response to the 2022 energy crisis and the resulting heightened sensitivity regarding security of supply, Switzerland decided to introduce a demand-side electricity reserve as a complement to its existing hydraulic and thermal reserves. In summer 2025, Parliament approved the implementation of such a demand reserve, intended to strengthen demand-side flexibility by requiring large consumers—against remuneration determined through a tender procedure—to reduce their electricity consumption once day-ahead market prices exceed a predefined threshold.
Against this backdrop, Consentec, together with the ZHAW Center for Energy and Environment, prepared a study outlining a detailed and implementation-ready design for the Swiss demand-side electricity reserve.
In July 2024, the latest modelling results of the BMWE’s long-term scenarios were released. Together with Fraunhofer ISI, ifeu and TU Berlin, Consentec is working on the follow-up project, with new scenarios expected in Q2/2026. Over recent months, a dedicated “workshop phase” was carried in order to prepare the modelling of the new scenarios; its results are now available as slide decks presenting various analyses. The analyses address key questions raised by the expert community, such as: Under which conditions can CCS power plants be part of a cost-optimal energy system? How do fast-charging stations for heavy-duty vehicles affect electricity grids? What is the role of seasonal heat storages ? These and further insights are available here (ger).
Together with our partners BET, Fraunhofer IEG and IKEM, we have investigated options for further improving the System Development Strategy (German: Systementwicklungsstrategie, SES) for the BMWE. We evaluated the first issue of the SES by conducting interviews with experts from the electricity and gas network operators involved in the SES and the Federal Network Agency. We found particular potential for improvement in terms of a clearer definition of the interface between the SES and the NEP processes: How binding are the anchor points of the SES? How should network development planning deal with uncertainties identified in inter alia the SES process? The SES can also improve infrastructure planning for the interface between the planning processes at transmission level and those at distribution level, e.g., in a future role as a “data hub.” Further recommendations on this and other topics can be found in the published report on the study (ger).
How can we ensure a reliable and affordable electricity supply in Europe? In a new policy brief, our Managing Director, Christoph Maurer, together with his co-authors, demonstrates that national capacity mechanisms require significantly stronger regional coordination. Only then can security of supply be enhanced, costs reduced, and the European power market strengthened. The article has been published here.