The AURES II project has ambitious goals, and this is mostly possible thanks to the experience and the results achieved by its “father” project: AURES.
To get a better understanding of the strong link and the continuity between our recently started project and its predecessor, we interviewed the new project coordinator, Vasilios Anatolitis, of Fraunhofer ISI. Here is what he told us.

Why from AURES to AURES II?

The AURES project, running from 2015-2017, provided comprehensive analyses on renewable energy sources auctions with numerous capacity-building activities for policymakers at national and international level (several EU Member States, the EU Commission), the energy industry and other stakeholders. AURES II seeks to continue and extend the successful work of AURES.

What does AURES II inherit from AURES?

Of course we inherit precious know-out, as well as insights to build upon. For instance, we have learned that the optimal auction design for a single implementation may be very different from the optimal auction design for a different market or even time period. Nonetheless, we have identified several good practices that can with benefit be taken into consideration when designing auctions for renewable support

We can also draw on a variety of reports produced, including theoretic background and case studies. Furthermore, we developed very useful tools, such as the cash flow model, which quantifies the impact of different auction design on the business case of a single project, and the Auction Designer, an interactive tool that answers the most important questions when designing an auction scheme for the first time.

In what way AURES II goes beyond AURES and why?

In AURES, we primarily analysed the theoretical foundation of RES auctions, studied first applications, and provided capacity-building activities for policymakers and other stakeholders. In AURES II, we monitor the effects of RES auction implementation in detail and study more “innovative” RES auction approaches, as cross-border or technology-neutral auction formats.
AURES II follows up on the preceding project’s information materials, but widens the scope towards more specific upcoming policy discussions, points out the effects of auctions on the industry, and provides a valuable collection of quantitative and qualitative data and lessons from real-life auction applications. Like its predecessor, AURES II will provide concrete recommendations for future auction designs, and will directly accompany interested policymakers in the design process.

What does it mean for you to take the reins of the project?
It is a great honor to coordinate such an impactful project, whose predecessor AURES has already been a big success – thanks to the excellent coordination by DTU. In addition, the consortium consists of outstanding international experts on the field of renewable energy auctions, with whom it is always a pleasure to work in a project.
Personally, I am curious and already looking forward to the results and new insights on auction design we are going to produce in the next years.