Kapasitetsauksjoner

Kapasitetsauksjoner, or capacity auctions, are market mechanisms used to procure or secure a certain amount of resource capacity, often in the energy sector. These auctions are designed to ensure that there is sufficient capacity available to meet demand, particularly during periods of high stress on the system. For example, in electricity markets, capacity auctions can be used to guarantee that enough power generation capacity is online to meet peak demand and maintain grid stability.

The process typically involves market participants bidding on their willingness to provide capacity. These bids are then ranked, and the auction clears at a price that ensures the desired level of capacity is secured. Participants who successfully bid are then compensated for making their capacity available, whether it is ultimately used or not. This compensation mechanism is designed to incentivize investment in and maintenance of generation or other capacity resources.

Capacity auctions can take various forms, including forward auctions held well in advance of the delivery period, or more immediate auctions. The specific design of a capacity auction can significantly impact market outcomes, including the price of capacity and the types of resources that participate. They are a tool to address market failures where the price of energy alone may not adequately signal the need for readily available capacity.