Transition to 15-minute Market Time Unit (MTU)

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance market efficiency and better integrate renewable energy sources, we will be transitioning from 60-minute to 15-minute Market Time Units (MTU). ​

Energy production and consumption plans are typically flat within each market time unit (MTU), but actual consumption varies continuously,​ and production can change instantaneously from one MTU to the next. This creates structural imbalances that TSOs must manage. Transitioning to a 15-minute MTU and imbalance settlement period (ISP) helps reduce these imbalances, leading to a more stable and efficient energy market. ​

Important changes include a 15-minute ISP, 15-minute MTU in Intraday (ID) markets and 15-minute MTU in Day-ahead (DA) markets.​

The transition to a 15-minute MTU involves significant updates to the Euphemia algorithm, which is central to market coupling. This algorithm now includes handling 15-minute MTU products, ensuring efficient and accurate cross-product matching. Market participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these updates to understand how the new system operates. ​

Planned go-live timeline​

Single Intraday Coupling (SIDC) ​

  • Baltic 15-minute MTU go-live: 20 November 2024​
  • Estlink, France and French borders (exepct ES-FR) and IT external borders 15-minute MTU go-live: January 2025 ​
  • Norway, Spain, Portugal bidding zones and Nordic, Poland, FR-ES and ES-PT borders 15-minute MTU go-live: March 2025  
  • ​Greece bidding zone and GR-BG border 15-minute MTU go-live: postponed (a new go-live date will be provided in December 2024)

Single Day-ahead Coupling (SDAC) ​

  • ​European 15-minute MTU go-live: postponed (a new go-live date will be provided in December 2024)​ 

Updated go-live timelines, based on successful testing at each wave, will be communicated here. ​

Any effect on System Price will be communicated in due time prior to the SDAC Day-ahead 15-minute MTU implementation.​

Block Orders and Product Catalogues​

Market participants should refer to the detailed product specifications for each market  to understand the available products and their features, including block orders. We are reviewing the block limits according to customer needs.​

Member Test​

We offer a Member Test environment available prior to each go-live. Members wishing to access Member Test, add portfolios, or have any related inquiries can contact us at support@nordpoolgroup.com or you can contact your local Market Manager directly.