From Data to Benchmarks: How Price Reporting Shapes Markets

Welcome back to The Pexapark Podcast! In the first part of the episode, we dive into recent developments shaping the renewable energy landscape, starting with the European Commission’s long-awaited assessment of the Guarantees of Origin (GoO) market. Hot topics include record-setting results from PJM’s latest capacity auction, implications of hyperscaler-driven demand, and the UK’s Allocation Round 7 for CfDs—and what all of this means for PPA pricing dynamics. We wrap up this section with a compelling look into why hyperscalers like Google are paying over $100/MWh for power—even as forward markets sit near $50—and what that tells us about today’s bifurcated energy markets.

In the second part of the episode, Owain Johnson – Global Head of Research at CME Group and author of Price Reporters – joins us to unpack how price benchmarks are made and why they matter so much to renewable energy markets. Enjoy a discussion on themes including:

• How commodity price benchmarks are created—and what it takes for them to gain market trust
• Why benchmarks are critical for unlocking finance, risk management, and scale in energy markets
• The journey from price reporting to industry-wide adoption and financialization
• What we can learn from benchmark journeys in emerging energy commodities like lithium, ethanol, and weather derivatives
• Case studies on benchmarks in energy transition commodities—like ethanol, lithium, and even temperature indices
• AI’s role in enhancing price discovery and transparency—while preserving the irreplaceable human touch 

Unlock More PPA Market Insights
Register for your free Pexapark account to stay updated on the latest energy transition trends. Learn more >