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Uncovering Bidder Behaviour in the German PV Auction Pilot: Insights from Agent-based Modeling

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  • Marijke Welisch
  • Jan Kreiss

Abstract

This paper analyses bidder behaviour in the German photovoltaic (PV) auction pilot. It uses a novel approach combining insights from data analysis and decision theory to optimise an agent-based simulation model. We model both a uniform pricing (UP) scheme, a pay-as-bid (PAB) scheme, and a benchmark case, where agents adapt their bidding strategy. The findings are contrasted with empirical auction outcomes. The comparison shows that, especially in the early rounds, bid prices were above the costs—possibly due to uncertainties and false expectations concerning competition. This is particularly visible in the first round. Adapting their expectations to a higher competition level, bidders in the pay-as-bid simulation subsequently decrease their bids. From simulating a separate auction for arable land bidders, we see that this bidder type reduces support costs substantially and that an implicitly discriminatory auction yields more aggressive bids and can induce further cost reductions.

Suggested Citation

  • Marijke Welisch & Jan Kreiss, 2019. "Uncovering Bidder Behaviour in the German PV Auction Pilot: Insights from Agent-based Modeling," The Energy Journal, , vol. 40(6), pages 23-40, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:enejou:v:40:y:2019:i:6:p:23-40
    DOI: 10.5547/01956574.40.6.mwel
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Haufe, Marie-Christin & Ehrhart, Karl-Martin, 2018. "Auctions for renewable energy support – Suitability, design, and first lessons learned," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 217-224.
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