My research concerns the creation of the European internal market for electricity as one of the EU’s main policy objectives in the field of energy. For decades, the EU has endeavoured to create such a pan-European market for the free trade of electricity across borders in pursuit of more efficient energy prices, increased security of supply and more sustainable power production. However, connections between the national energy markets – so-called interconnectors – are still insufficient to make the ‘Energy Union’ a reality.

Thus, I examine how EU law regulates electricity grids, markets and interconnectors to state whether the current regulatory framework is fit for

(1) optimising the utilisation of existing interconnectors,

(2) ensuring sufficient investment in new interconnectors, and

(3) establishing effective governance structures.

This analysis includes novel legislation such as the Clean Energy Package, the European network codes and guidelines as well as the terms, conditions and methodologies. In addition to discussing rules on grid and interconnector development, I am particularly interested in investigating issues related to the implementation of EU energy law, such as agencification.