The power of plurality: A new taxonomy of actors in the European energy system

Abstract

The European energy market comprises a diverse range of actors, each with distinct roles and objectives. This paper proposes a taxonomy that categorizes these actors into five groups: governance, grid and transport, supply, demand, and investors. Utilizing a systematic literature review, we identify salient characteristics and distinctions within these groups through analyzing their interconnections and interactions. By systematically mapping energy flows and investment patterns, we present a structured overview of the market’s evolving landscape and its implications for the energy transition. A special focus is the ongoing debate about the necessity of capacity mechanisms.