9th Capacity Mechanism and Flexibility Forum

Key facts

Date: 15 — 16 October, 2026

Place: Prague

Conference Overview

Following the success of the previous edition, the 9th Capacity Mechanism & Flexibility Forum returns to Prague, Czech Republic, on 15–16 October 2026.

The Forum brings together regulators, TSOs, policymakers, utilities, storage developers, aggregators and market experts to assess the future of Europe’s adequacy and flexibility frameworks. With several Capacity Remuneration Mechanisms (CRMs) approaching renewal and Flexibility Needs Assessments being finalised across Europe, 2026 marks a critical moment to re-evaluate market design, cost allocation and the long-term role of CRMs in ensuring security of supply.

As a neutral platform for high-level policy discussion and practical market insight, the event explores how capacity mechanisms are evolving to support reliability, investment and the energy transition.

Participants will gain strategic clarity on regulatory direction, market design options and investment signals while connecting with senior stakeholders shaping Europe’s capacity and flexibility landscape.

Key topics

Understand What a Net-Zero Capacity Market Should Look Like

Examine whether capacity mechanisms remain transitional tools or permanent market architecture
Assess how CRMs must evolve as 10-year approvals come up for renewal
Explore how long-duration storage and non-fossil flexibility can be properly integrated

Evaluate the Risk of Over-Reliance on Conventional Thermal Generation

Analyse whether current schemes are locking in fossil assets
Compare national approaches, including Germany’s CRM plans and France’s adequacy framework
Assess how de-rating of storage is shaping future adequacy outcomes

Decode the Results of Flexibility Needs Assessments

Gain insights from TSOs presenting their 2026 flexibility assessments
Examine inconsistencies between TYNDP, ERAA and national methodologies
Understand how these assessments will translate into procurement decisions

Address the Political Economy of Capacity Mechanisms: Who Pays?

Assess the impact of data centre growth on capacity market costs
Examine cost allocation reform, dynamic levies and the “polluter pays” principle
Learn from developments in the US and what lessons Europe should heed

Explore the Evolution of Cross-Border Participation

Identify remaining barriers to cross-border CRM participation
Analyse the implications of deeper market integration initiatives
Discuss improvements in cooperation on security of supply

Unlock the Full Potential of Demand Response & Load Participation

Examine how loads can participate more effectively in CRMs
Identify regulatory and market barriers
Assess how demand response interacts with non-fossil flexibility schemes
Examine the role of DSOs in supporting a flexible and secure energy system

Reduce the Cost and Complexity of Running Capacity Mechanisms

Understand the administrative and compliance burden on TSOs and regulators
Explore how CRM design can be simplified without compromising security of supply
Compare the cost of procuring flexibility under alternative mechanisms