The PJM market in the United States and the integrated electricity market in the EU are two examples of competitive wholesale electricity markets. As such, both approach the task of delivering reliable electricity to consumers at a reasonable cost from a broadly shared perspective. That said, the details of each and the contexts within which they operate are in many respects quite different and offer a range of experiences and lessons.

On Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2018, the first Germany-PJM States Energy Trends Forum will take place in Chicago, hosted by the Organization of PJM States and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. In an effort to spur dialogue among the participants, the authors of this brief look at how Germany and U.S. states in the PJM region are addressing several shared opportunities and challenges. In addition to summarizing trends and common themes in both regions and the challenges both face in adapting to them, they identify key institutional and economic differences between Germany and PJM. Finally, the brief outlines lessons learned from experience in each region and how the other might make use of that learning.