Beyond the 'Grid-Lock' in German-Polish Electricity Interconnectors

Abstract

In March 2011 the European Council envisaged a common energy market already by 2014 so as to enhance economic performance, increase security of supply, and facilitate the transfer to a low carbon economy. However, the alignment of trading rules and system operations is not sufficient -- for a real common market we also need a more robust electricity grid. This is emphasised in the EU infrastructure package - but the examples of borders between regional electricity markets, such as between France and Spain or Germany and Poland, show that trans-border interconnector expansion faces a number of challenges. What explains this apparent “grid-lock” -- the visible stall in grid construction? Is it lack of money or trust? Do the stakeholders on both sides share interests, or do the ill-adjusted administrative procedures maybe block the investments? A closer scrutiny of the case of the Polish-German border helps us draw conclusions that have pan-European significance.