Introduction: Financial Aspects in Energy

Abstract

European energy markets have been becoming increasingly integrated and competitive; take for instance the markets for renewable energy and emission allowances. Prices on spot markets and futures markets follow suit and a new pricing regime emerges. Also, whereas the supervision as to e.g. energy contracts remains in their hands, European states hand over much sovereign power to the European Union. While governmental controls in energy industries thus remain valid, firms have an opportunity to create economic value in this regulatory framework. In this vein, this book provides a timely guidance armed with chapters covering a wide spectrum of financial aspects of energy, particularly regarding the scope of a speedily changing environment.