Regions & Geography

The European grid is divided into Capacity Calculation Regions (CCRs) to manage cross-border flows efficiently.

What are Capacity Calculation Regions (CCRs)?
Understanding the European grid structure

The European electricity grid is highly interconnected, with power flowing across national borders continuously. To manage this complexity, Europe is divided into Capacity Calculation Regions (CCRs) - groups of neighboring countries that coordinate their transmission capacity calculations.

Flow-Based CCRs

Core region uses advanced Flow-Based calculation, modeling the physical grid to maximize capacity.

NTC CCRs

Nordic, Italy North, SWE, and others use simpler NTC (bilateral limits) for capacity calculation.

European Electricity Grid Map
Explore the interconnected European transmission network
Google
Map data ©2026 Google
Map data ©2026 Google

Blue markers indicate major bidding zones. The European grid is one of the most interconnected power systems in the world, with over 400 GW of cross-border transmission capacity.

Core Region (Flow-Based)
The heart of European electricity markets

The Core CCR is the largest and most centrally located region in Europe. It implemented Flow-Based Market Coupling in June 2022, replacing the less efficient NTC method. This region is characterized by a highly meshed grid where power flows don't follow political borders.

Member Countries & Bidding Zones:

AustriaAT
BelgiumBE
CroatiaHR
Czech RepublicCZ
FranceFR
Germany + LuxembourgDE-LU
HungaryHU
NetherlandsNL
PolandPL
RomaniaRO
SlovakiaSK
SloveniaSI
Total Capacity

~700 GW

Estimated installed capacity (approximate)

Cross-Border Capacity

116-167 GW

Europe-wide (2024 → 2030 target)

CNECs Monitored

~1000+

Critical network elements

Key Interconnections in Core

France ↔ Germany

Often congested during winter

3,000 MW

Germany ↔ Netherlands

High renewable flows

4,800 MW

Belgium ↔ France

Bidirectional flows

3,400 MW

Austria ↔ Germany

Alpine hydro exports

5,000 MW

Poland ↔ Germany

Loop flows from coal

2,000 MW