Sponsorship of graduate and post graduate theses

The Austrian electricity and gas markets have been liberalised for ten years now. On this occasion, the regulatory authority E-Control is looking to sponsor a number of master, diploma or doctoral theses. The deadline for applications is 15 April 2011.

Die finanzielle Förderung kann dabei tatsächliche Forschungsaufwendungen (bis maximal 2.000 EURO) wie zum Beispiel Spezialsoftware oder Druckkosten umfassen. Der Zugang zur universitären Infrastruktur, wie PCs oder Fachliteratur wird jedoch vorausgesetzt. Darüber hinaus werden herausragende wirtschaftliche, technische oder juristische Arbeiten, mit thematischem Bezug zur Liberalisierung der Strom- und Gasmärkte, prämiert.

Compensation of research expenses

Applications for compensation of research expenses must comprise the following documents:

• CV of the applicant
• Synopsis (four pages for a master or diploma thesis, eight pages for a doctoral thesis)
• Project plan and time schedule (including an estimate of the expenditure for which compensation is sought)

Any incomplete applications will be disregarded. Applications must be handed in by 15 April 2011 (as shown on the postmark or e-mail date).

The synopsis should not exceed four pages in the case of a master or diploma thesis, and eight pages in the case of a doctoral thesis. It must present the initial hypothesis, the methodology applied and the relevant academic literature. Particularly where doctoral theses are concerned, applicants should outline the potential for breaking new ground in their field of research.

The expenses to be compensated must be listed in the project plan and relating evidence (e.g. quotations and cost estimates) must be included. Only cost actually incurred, i.e. for which invoices or receipts can be provided, will be considered for compensation. Once the relating thesis has been completed, a copy must be submitted to E-Control. Applications will be decided on by 2 May 2011; applicants will be notified in writing.

Awards for outstanding papers

(Post)Graduate theses that address the liberalisation of the electricity and gas markets can also be handed in for an award competition. A jury will assess the submitted diploma and master theses in December 2011. For doctoral theses, the decision will be made in spring 2013. Applicants should by then have completed and handed in their theses with the relevant research institution, or be about to do so, i.e. the competition is open to all candidates who are shortly awaiting graduation or have graduated no longer than one year ago. Any entries handed in at E-Control after 1 December 2011 (in case of a diploma or master thesis) or after 1 April 2013 (in case of a doctoral thesis) will be disregarded (date as shown on the postmark or e-mail).

Entries to the award competition must comprise the following documents:

• The paper itself (one print copy and in pdf format)
• CV of the author
• Abstract of the paper

Incomplete submissions will be disregarded.

The distribution of the total prize money – € 10,000 – among the best papers is at the sole discretion of the jury.

Topics

All papers that address the liberalisation of the electricity or gas markets can be entered for compensation of expenses and the award competition. E-Control considers that the following topics would currently lend themselves to the development of research projects:

1. Incentives for market participants in the current market model
2. Incentive regulation and network development
3. Assessing the level of competition on the market
4. Market power in balancing energy auctions
5. Decentralised generation and connection to the public grid
6. The European emission trading system and feed-in tariffs – wholesale price formation
7. Financing new infrastructure in electricity and gas – international comparison
8. Capacity markets for electricity in Europe
9. The secondary market for gas transport capacity
10. Smart metering and energy consumption
11. Legal issues arising from the implementation of the 3rd energy package

For more detailed information on the individual topics or E-Control’s sponsorship programme in general, please contact Ms Karina Knaus: karina.knaus@e-control.at

Applications and entries can be handed in via e-mail to office@e-control.at or via conventional mail to: E-Control, Rudolfsplatz 13a, 1010 Vienna.

Please note that no claim or title whatsoever to sponsorship or promotion of any kind shall arise.