Energy Economics

Energy Economics is primarily a textbook for engineering, business and economics students who wish to develop an economic understanding of current energy issues. It can also serve as a reference book for a wider interdisciplinary audience, such as scientists with a basic knowledge of economics. Using simple economic models, the book analyzes the strategy and behavior of the key players in the energy market. The objective is to help the reader understand the institutions and driving forces of energy markets, recognize the motives behind policies such as price controls and environmental regulations, assess their costs and benefits, and ultimately make well-founded business and policy decisions in the energy field. The main topics covered in the book are the history and future of energy use, the optimal use of non-renewable energy resources, the economics of the environment, energy ef ciency and climate change, and the functioning of the markets for coal, oil, gas, electricity and renewables. Guido Pepermans is Associate Professor at the KU Leuven Faculty of Economics and Business. He teaches energy economics, sustainability economics and data analysis. He is specialized in empirical energy economics, valuation studies and numerical optimization models, and is member of the Center for Economics and Corporate Sustainability (CEDON). Joris Morbee is Senior Analyst at hedge fund Citadel in London. He specializes in models to predict European electricity and gas markets. He is also a part-time Visiting Professor at KU Leuven, where he teaches energy economics. Marten Ovaere is a Postdoctoral Associate in the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies at Yale University. He is specialized in the economics and regulation of electricity markets and electricity networks, with a focus on electricity reliability and renewable energy. Stef Proost is emeritus Full Professor of Economics at the Department of Economics of KU Leuven. He teaches environmental and transport economics and has been teaching energy economics. He is also co-founder of the KU Leuven Energy Institute and Transport Mobility Leuven.