This training course provides a clear and accessible introduction to electricity market fundamentals and the role of renewable generation within the Single Electricity Market (SEM). It is designed for participants who want to understand how electricity markets operate, how renewables participate in and influence those markets, and how market design is evolving as economies decarbonise.
Grant funding comes from Skillnet Ireland through the Irish National Training fund, and, as a result, is ONLY available to residents of the Republic of Ireland who work as a sole trader, or for a private or semi-state commercial company registered in ROI. Please read Eligibility Criteria.
The course begins by introducing the core concepts that underpin electricity markets, including energy, power, demand curves, capacity factors and power curves. Through worked examples, participants will develop an understanding of how different generation technologies operate, the technical constraints they face, and why electricity markets must continuously balance supply and demand in real time. This establishes a strong foundation for understanding market structures and highlights the key differences between renewable and thermal generation (e.g. gas-fired power stations).
Participants are then guided through how electricity is traded across the main wholesale market timeframes I.E Forwards, Day-Ahead, Intraday and the Balancing Market. The course explains how these markets interact, how market runs progress from Day-Ahead scheduling through to real-time balancing, and how generators develop bidding strategies across each stage. Real SEM price and volume data will be used to illustrate how renewable generators participate in practice.
The course also explores the key drivers of wholesale electricity prices, including renewable output, international gas prices, interconnection with neighbouring markets, system constraints and electricity demand.
Attention is given to the impact of increasing levels of variable renewable generation, including price cannibalisation effects and increased price volatility. These dynamics are used to demonstrate how decarbonisation is reshaping price formation and risk within electricity markets.
An introduction is provided to routes to market for renewable electricity, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), with a specific focus on Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs). Participants will gain an understanding of why CPPAs have become increasingly important, how they are structured, and the advantages and limitations of different routes to market for both renewable generators and corporate buyers.
Finally, the course provides an overview of SEM design and governance arrangements, including the roles of the SEM Committee, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the Utility Regulator, and relevant government departments in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Renewable support mechanisms, including the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and Offshore RESS (ORESS), are explained alongside recent examples.
The course concludes by considering how electricity markets are expected to evolve as renewable penetration increases, and the implications for future market design, investment signals and system operation.
On successful completion of this course learners should be able to:
- Explain the purpose and importance of electricity markets and the role of key regulatory and governance bodies
- Demonstrate an understanding of core electricity market terminology and concepts
- Identify electricity generation technologies and explain their operational characteristics and limitations
- Outline routes to market for renewable electricity, including Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPA)
- Explain wholesale market timeframes, market runs and generator bidding strategies
Energy Market Fundamentals
- Introduction to GB Energy Markets
- Introduction to Irish Electricity Markets
- SEM Fundamentals
- Non-Commodity Costs
Commercial & Risk
- Wholesale Markets & Risk
- Power Purchase Agreements
Asset & Flexibility Optimisation
- Flexibility Academy
- Low Carbon Generation
- (PPA also overlaps here)
- Understanding Consumer Led Flex
Strategy & Energy Transition
- Net Zero Future Electricity Markets
- Net Zero Low Carbon Heat
The training will be delivered virtually via MS Teams, structured as three (3) separate two-hour workshops, with short comfort/lunch breaks between each one.
Each session will be highly interactive, incorporating:
- Live polling to test understanding
- Facilitated discussions and Q&A
- Scenario-based exercises to reinforce learning
Upon completion of the course, each delegate will be given individual access to the Cornwall Insight industry analysis report “Industry Essentials”. This report will be embed their learning by regularly reviewing industry trends across the supply, renewable, wholesale and Flexible markets. Ensuring that they are able to continue their learning beyond the workshop.
Our Energy Market analysis reports are highly sought after and usually come with a high fee, this will be waived for any delegate attending via Green Tech Skillnet.
This course is designed for professionals at an early stage of their careers in the renewables sector, as well as those seeking a foundational understanding of electricity markets and the role of renewables.
It is particularly suited to (but not limited to):
- Project developers
- Renewable generation operators
- Legal and technical advisors
- Corporate energy users and organisations exploring Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs)
- Professionals transitioning into the energy or renewables sector
The course is also relevant for individuals who interact with energy markets as part of their role and require a clear, practical understanding of how electricity markets operate and how renewable generation participates within them.
Cornwall Insight
Cornwall Insight is the pre-eminent provider of research, analysis, consulting and learning services to businesses and stakeholders engaged in the Great British and Irish energy markets. To support our customers, we leverage a powerful combination of analytical capability, a detailed appreciation of regulation codes and policy frameworks, and a practical understanding of how markets function.
Our analysis, consultancy, and training builds capacity for the delivery of net zero, creating common purpose with our customers, and a shared commitment to reshaping the energy world of tomorrow.
Cornwall Insight is the energy sector’s market leader in learning delivery.
Our passionate and engaging trainers have a long history of delivering training for those requiring an introduction to the sector through to advanced level learning on specific complexities of the market. Their subject expertise and enthusiasm give you the unique and additional benefit of having specialists with real-world experience. We are also members of the internationally recognised CPD Certification Service, a powerful learning tool that is focused on improving skills, ensuring qualifications are up to date, and ensuring an empowering approach to career progression.
