Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) conducted a training for agency staff on “Stages of Transition to the Model of a Liberal Market in the Electricity Industry”. Opening the training AERA Chairman of the Board Samir Akhundov noted that transition to a liberal market model is one of the pressing issues in the energy sector of Azerbaijan.

Then head of the DNV GL group, international expert Ilka Levington made a presentation on the emergence of competitive wholesale markets, the electricity market model, current mechanisms, market mechanisms, target model, phase balance and goals, energy efficiency improvements and network losses.

The participants were informed that the reforms in the energy market of Azerbaijan will further strengthen energy security, ensure reliable supply of electricity to the population and economy, ensure efficient use of energy resources, increase economic and technical efficiency of the electricity sector, apply modern technologies and innovations, eliminate subsidies and reduce the burden on the state budget, create favorable conditions for private and foreign investment, create new businesses and jobs in the electricity sector, and strengthen human resources.

Alexander Rogozin, DNV GL's Deputy Head of Relevant Group, an international expert, briefed the participants on the Ukrainian energy market and its experience, including the advantages and disadvantages of the wholesale market, as well as the bilateral contract market.

Christian Hewicker, another international expert from DNV GL, made presentations on the energy market models in Romania, Spain and South Korea. He spoke about the focus and basic models of competition in the energy markets of these and a number of other European countries, and explained to the participants the main mechanisms of energy market liberalization.

During the two-day training, interactive discussions were held and answers were given to questions of interest to the participants.