Michael Stecher

Dr. Michael Stecher is a Senior Researcher in the Department of Energy Policy and Energy Markets at the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) since 2023. Previously, he held roles at the University of Freiburg’s Chair of Environmental and Resource Economics, where he completed his doctorate on 'Causal attribution in ecosystems with tipping points'. His educational background includes a B.A. in International Business Administration (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and University of Victoria) and M.Sc./B.Econ. in Economics (University of Tübingen and University of Adelaide).

His research focuses on designing and analyzing policy instruments for renewable energy support, particularly market/bidding design and funding mechanisms for climate-neutral energy systems. Methodologically, he employs quantitative and qualitative statistical methods. Key projects include BMWK’s renewable energy financing framework under EEG, DG ENER’s European hydrogen import auction design, and Kopernikus Project Ariadne’s electricity market design analysis.

His publications emphasize energy market structures, causal agent responsibility in ecosystems, and photovoltaic auction criteria. Though no formal awards are listed, his contributions to policy-relevant energy research are notable. He currently advises on national/international energy policy and contributes to Fraunhofer’s interdisciplinary teams.