Live from Brussels, on the 20th of June 2023, we were invited to interview Leonard Birnbaum. Since he came last on the show (Ep50), the whole Energy Sector has been through hell with Russia invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent near-death experience of 2022.
Leonard Birnbaum is the CEO of the giant German Utility E.ON and also president of Eurelectric, the sector association which represents the common interests of the electricity industry at pan-European level.
We have a very lively debate about how E.ON survived the energy crisis. What changes he had to be undertaken, how luck played its part, but also the “need for speed”.
Other key lessons were the end of tolerance for weaknesses, the acceleration of digitisation and total engagement with their customers. We then moved the conversation to the proposed reform of the Energy Market that regulators are keen to put in place. Is it too little too late or, on the opposite, a solution in search of a problem.
In its manifesto, Eurelectric wants to focus in the coming years on three priorities:
- Security of supply
- Stronger & more digitised infrastructure
- Fairness of the distribution of risks & benefits between the stakeholders
Leo advocates for flexibility mechanisms rather than capacity mechanisms and support full traceability via 24/7 green certificates.
Finally, when you add the electrification of transport, the key word is Flexibility, as the electrification can either be fast or global, but cannot be both at the same time. Compromises will have to be made.
A great thanks to Kristian Ruby, Bruce Douglas and Emily O'Leary for making this moment possible.
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