The following provides summaries of the research in progress by staff of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. The Institute’s unique multidisciplinary expertise allows it to examine the economics, the politics and the sociology of energy with a focus on oil and natural gas.
The specific subjects of research in progress, while set within these broad lines, necessarily reflects the particular research capacities, skills and interests of the research fellows.
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In a previous publication in October 2018, we introduced a new electricity market design based on reliability insurance that works as an overlay over the existing energy-only electricity markets. An insurance based market disaggregates energy and reliability and utilises consumer preference and price signal to drive capacity deployment in the power sector. While conceptually attractive, […]
In an effort to increase oil export revenue and to meet local electricity demands, the Kuwaiti government is planning to replace the majority of crude and petroleum products with imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) in its power generation by 2030. The basic motivation for this plan is that it will enable freeing crude and petroleum […]
This paper addresses the question of how distribution fixed costs can best be priced, in the context of technological disruptions in the power sector. The vast majority of network utility costs to serve residential and small commercial and industrial customers are fixed, and this means a first-best solution is unattainable. This is because distribution is […]
The debate around electricity market design to date has focused on wholesale markets, largely ignoring end users and the retail business. Over the last two decades many jurisdictions around the world have opened up their retail electricity businesses to competition, to enable greater consumer choice. However, retail choice and competition has not benefited all users. […]
In recent years, efforts to decarbonise the transport sector through incentivising the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) have gained significant momentum. However, similar to renewables, at some point policy must extend beyond the provision of incentives for EV adoption, and focus also on their integration with existing power systems. This is because EV penetration imposes […]
Previous OIES research on heat has identified meeting peak heat demand as one of the key challenges for energy decarbonisation. This study will look at some particular aspects of the issue in more detail: First, it will consider possible future developments in the peakiness of heat demand, including such factors as government policy, building and […]
In this paper, we argue that fiscal policy in Europe is not aligned with decarbonisation and propose reforms to improve the alignment. We also report on a case study carried out to model the impact of implementing a version of the proposed fiscal reform in Spain. That case study illustrates that this fiscal reform is […]
Malaysia is currently aiming to create a competitive gas and electricity market through restructuring, privatisation and creating a platform for the entry of new market players. The establishment of the independent regulatory institution and amendment of the gas and electricity legislations are some of the initiatives taken to facilitate the gas and electricity market reform. […]
Policy targets on complete decarbonization of the electricity sector have significant implications for the role of gas in the future electricity mix. Historical data from Europe shows that renewables have increased most rapidly within electricity in those countries which had the highest ability to integrate them, primarily through the presence of fossil fuel backup. However, […]
Government targets on decarbonisation are transforming the way in which the electricity sector and electricity markets are organised. The sector is expected to become more decentralised, with new technologies expected to enable direct consumer participation in markets on a large scale, enabling demand-side response – the latter could serve to curb the need for new […]
Electrification rates in low income countries have faced steady improvements in the last few decades, with impressive technological advancements in both the grid and off-grid sectors. Nonetheless, large-scale demand and supply-side challenges of electricity access and reliability persist through Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, putting into question the feasibility of universal electricity access by 2030. I […]
This paper contains a macroeconomic assessment of flexibility provision to integrate large shares of variable renewable energy sources into a power system. In particular, macroeconomic implications of investments in power transmission and distribution grid infrastructure in Germany are assessed. Modifications and restructuring of the German power system are aiming at sustainability, security of supply and […]
A review of prospects for natural gas as a fuel in road transport https://t.co/LHOICkAUUz
April 23rd
OIES study on Russia’s refining system reviewed: Plans for further additions of more complex refining units have be… https://t.co/GTmB7XB5g0
April 16th
New OIES paper on Russian refining sector and fuel oil exports: From 2015, as a result of new export tax policies,… https://t.co/2OFbXIbbUX
April 15th
