Objective
The University of Houston is located proximal to the largest concentration of energy trading/marketing expertise in the world. We propose to establish an Energy Markets/Trading Lab that will enhance the asset base at UH for research on issues and problems in energy market development and provide value added opportunities for energy companies supporting our efforts at UH.

Concept
A multi-station, multi-purpose network that allows real-time experimentation and simulation related to energy commodity trading/marketing strategies and decision-making variables as well as research on energy market/institutional structure and behavior. The facility also would be used for internal (UH) and external (professional) training and education.

Minimum Features

  • A 12 to 20 station Windows NT network with two back-up stations for experimental control.
  • Installed commercial software for natural gas, power and oil trading and analysis.
  • Installed software for experimental market design and testing.
  • Network administrator for operation and maintenance.
  • Programmers for experimental design.


    • Use Scenario: Energy Trading Simulations and Training
  • Sponsored research and proprietary commercial simulations on experimental trading strategies.
  • Sponsored and proprietary research on trading/marketing decision-making and strategic behavior.
  • MBA curricula development on risk management strategies and financial instrument development.
  • Professional (continuing education) course offerings on basic and advanced risk management and simulation.
  • Special training courses for international audiences on basic and advanced risk management.
  • Graduate research fellowships related to risk management and financial instruments.


    • Use Scenario: Energy Trading Simulations and Training
  • Individual and team-based experimental research on evolving energy market/institutional issues and optional market structures in Texas, the U.S. and abroad. Potential research topics include market actor pricing responses; consumer responsiveness to alternative energy market design; pricing and efficiency issues associated with alternative market/institutional structures.
  • Opportunities for collaboration with other, high caliber experimental centers.
  • Special training courses for international audiences on energy market/institutional issues.


    • Funding
  • Tentative sponsorship for lab design and build-out already offered and under negotiation.
  • Funding for ongoing operations and maintennanceto be developed from various sources, including revenue-generating professional training courses and proprietary simulation and testing contracts.


    • Inquiries
    Inquire here for information regarding Energy Lab Sponsorship or Energy Lab General Information.