SEMOPX

SEMOPX is the power exchange brand operated by the Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO), the entity responsible for administering the wholesale electricity market for Ireland and Northern Ireland. SEMO itself is a contractual joint venture between EirGrid plc, the transmission system operator for Ireland, and SONI Limited, the transmission system operator for Northern Ireland. As the market operator, SEMO facilitates the continuous operation and administration of the Single Electricity Market (SEM), a gross mandatory pool market that operates with dual currencies and across multiple jurisdictions. SEMOPX serves as the trading platform within this framework, enabling market participants to buy and sell electricity in a competitive, transparent, and efficient manner. The platform is integral to the all-island market, which was the first of its kind in the world when it was established. SEMOPX supports the integration of the all-island and European electricity markets, allowing for the free flow of energy across borders. The brand is aimed at licensed generators, suppliers, and traders operating in the SEM, providing them with the tools to submit bids and offers, manage positions, and settle trades. SEMO is licensed and regulated cooperatively by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in Ireland and the Utility Regulator for Northern Ireland (UREGNI). The SEMOPX platform is a key component of the market infrastructure that delivers long-term economic and social benefits to both jurisdictions. While the exact launch date of SEMOPX is not specified in the available evidence, it is referenced on the SEMO website as a distinct offering, with a dedicated link for users seeking SEMOpx. The platform operates alongside other SEMO functions such as the Capacity Market, Balancing Market, and Market Data services. SEMOPX is not a publicly listed company; it is a state-owned joint venture operated by the two transmission system operators. Its activities are overseen by the regulatory authorities in both jurisdictions. The brand is well-known within the Irish and Northern Irish energy sectors and is essential for the functioning of the wholesale electricity market.

The origins of SEMOPX are tied to the development of the Single Electricity Market (SEM) for Ireland and Northern Ireland. In August 2004, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER, now CRU) and the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (NIAUR, now UREGNI), establishing principles for the development of an all-island electricity market. In November 2004, a development framework for the All Island Market for Electricity was agreed upon by the Irish Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR), the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Development (DETI), the CER, and NIAUR. An additional MOU was agreed in June 2005 between the respective transmission system operators, EirGrid and SONI, committing to combine resources to establish the SEM. The SEM was launched in 2007 as the first gross mandatory pool market with dual currencies and multiple jurisdictions. SEMO was established as the market operator, a contractual joint venture between EirGrid and SONI. As the market evolved, the need for a power exchange platform became apparent, leading to the creation of SEMOPX. SEMOPX is referenced on the SEMO website as a distinct service, with a dedicated link for users. The platform facilitates trading in the SEM, supporting the integration of the all-island market with European electricity markets. The exact launch date of SEMOPX is not provided in the available evidence, but it operates alongside other SEMO functions such as the Capacity Market, Balancing Market, and Market Data services. SEMO is licensed and regulated by CRU in Ireland and UREGNI in Northern Ireland. The SEMOPX brand is part of the broader SEMO offering, which aims to deliver a competitive, sustainable, and reliable wholesale electricity market.

• Memorandum of Understanding signed by CER and NIAUR establishing principles for an all-island electricity market.

• Development framework for the All Island Market for Electricity agreed by DCMNR, DETI, CER, and NIAUR.

• Additional MOU between EirGrid and SONI to combine resources for the SEM.

• Single Electricity Market (SEM) launched as the first gross mandatory pool market with dual currencies and multiple jurisdictions.

The official power exchange platform for the all-island Single Electricity Market, enabling cross-border electricity trading.

• SEMOPX trading platform

  Power exchange platform for trading electricity in the Single Electricity Market.

1. 1Homepage | SEMOsem-o.com
2. 2About the Single Electricity Market | SEMOsem-o.com
3. 3SEMOPXwikidata.org