Transmission

Charles Deacon, Managing Director at Eclipse Power Solutions, dives into the perplexing grid connection backlog in the UK. He reveals how developers face hurdles with long delays and shifting requirements that hinder renewable projects. Charles discusses the impact of recent reforms, exploring flexible connections and the need for better resource planning. He shares insights on private networks and practical strategies for developers navigating the evolving landscape. The conversation underscores the pressing need for systematic change to meet the urgent energy transition goals.

Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy’s unmissable newsletter.https://bit.ly/TheWeeklyDispatchGrid connections have become one of the most urgent bottlenecks in the UK energy transition. With long queues, inconsistent timelines, and a system designed for a different era, developers are struggling to connect the very projects needed to decarbonise the grid. As demand for renewables, storage, and electrification accelerates, the question is no longer whether the system needs reform, but how quickly it can be delivered.In this episode of Transmission, Charles Deacon, Managing Director at Eclipse Power Solutions, joins Ed to break down the root causes of the UK’s connection backlog and what needs to change to fix it. Over the conversation, Charles explores how developers are navigating today’s connection challenges, what the recent reforms really mean in practice, and how networks, policymakers, and industry can work together to speed up delivery. He also shares lessons from real projects: what works, what doesn’t, and the operational realities behind getting assets connected in a congested system.Key points covered:• Why grid connection delays have become a major blocker for renewables and storage projects.• How developers are adapting to uncertainty, shifting requirements, and long lead times.• What the latest connection queue reforms mean for projects in practice.• How networks, regulators, and industry can collaborate to accelerate connections.• What a future, streamlined connection process should look like for a net-zero power system.About our guest:Charles Deacon is Managing Director at Eclipse Power Solutions. He is a specialist in grid connections and energy infrastructure development, with hands-on experience navigating the UK’s complex and rapidly evolving connection landscape. For more information on what Eclipse Power Solutions do - head to their website. https://eclipsepower.co.uk/solutions/About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy’s unmissable newsletter.https://bit.ly/TheWeeklyDispatchRenewable build-out is accelerating, driven by record levels of solar deployment and shifting system needs. But as generation scales, the system’s ability to manage volatility isn’t keeping pace. Markets across the globe are experiencing deeper price swings, more frequent negative prices, and growing operational complexity all pointing to one issue: the flexibility gap.In this episode of Transmission, Dario Hernandez, Head of Energy Storage at NextEnergy Capital, breaks down why flexibility has become the defining challenge for the energy transition. Over the conversation, Dario explores how storage, co-located solar-plus-storage projects, and smarter market design are essential to maintaining system stability as renewable penetration rises. He explains what’s driving volatility, where markets are falling behind, and why places like Europe are entering a crucial phase that will determine the long-term resilience of its power system. The discussion unpacks how investors, operators, and policymakers can close the flexibility gap and unlock the value needed to support a high-renewables future.Key topic covered include:- How Europe’s rapid solar growth is outpacing the flexibility needed to stabilise the grid.- Why market volatility is making fast-response flexibility more valuable than ever.- How outdated market designs and regulatory frameworks are slowing investment in flexibility.- The role battery storage will play in managing solar-driven price swings and balancing the system.- What reform is needed to accelerate flexibility deployment and close the system gap.About our guest:Dario Hernandez is Head of Energy Storage at NextEnergy Capital where he focuses on power markets, flexibility, and the role of storage in supporting the energy transition. NextEnergy Capital is a leading international investment and asset management platform specialising in solar and renewables infrastructure. Learn more on their website: https://www.nextenergycapital.com/About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy’s unmissable newsletter.https://bit.ly/TheWeeklyDispatchRenewable build-out is accelerating, driven by record levels of solar deployment and shifting system needs. But as generation scales, the system’s ability to manage volatility isn’t keeping pace. Markets across the globe are experiencing deeper price swings, more frequent negative prices, and growing operational complexity all pointing to one issue: the flexibility gap.In this episode of Transmission, Dario Hernandez, Head of Energy Storage at NextEnergy Capital, breaks down why flexibility has become the defining challenge for the energy transition. Over the conversation, Dario explores how storage, co-located solar-plus-storage projects, and smarter market design are essential to maintaining system stability as renewable penetration rises. He explains what’s driving volatility, where markets are falling behind, and why places like Europe are entering a crucial phase that will determine the long-term resilience of its power system. The discussion unpacks how investors, operators, and policymakers can close the flexibility gap and unlock the value needed to support a high-renewables future.Key topic covered include:- How Europe’s rapid solar growth is outpacing the flexibility needed to stabilise the grid.- Why market volatility is making fast-response flexibility more valuable than ever.- How outdated market designs and regulatory frameworks are slowing investment in flexibility.- The role battery storage will play in managing solar-driven price swings and balancing the system.- What reform is needed to accelerate flexibility deployment and close the system gap.About our guest:Dario Hernandez is Head of Energy Storage at NextEnergy Capital where he focuses on power markets, flexibility, and the role of storage in supporting the energy transition. NextEnergy Capital is a leading international investment and asset management platform specialising in solar and renewables infrastructure. Learn more on their website: https://www.nextenergycapital.com/About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy’s unmissable newsletter.https://bit.ly/TheWeeklyDispatchFor many households in the UK, the effects of the energy transition doesn’t yet feel fair, affordable, or accessible. As the UK moves towards a smarter, cleaner power system, big questions remain about who benefits, who pays, and how to ensure consumers are supported rather than left behind. The success of the transition will depend not just on technology and investment, but on designing a system that works for real people as well as for industry.In this episode of Transmission, Dhara Vyas, CEO of EnergyUK explores what it truly means to build a people-centred energy system. Over the conversation, Dhara unpacks how policy, pricing, and consumer engagement must evolve to ensure households can participate in, and benefit from, the shift to net zero. The discussion brings clarity to one of the transition’s biggest challenges: making the energy system work for everyone.Key topics covered:• Why fairness and affordability must be central to the energy transition - not an afterthought.• How households can meaningfully participate in a smarter, low-carbon system.• The policies and market reforms needed to protect consumers while enabling industrial investment.• Why better communication, engagement, and trust are essential for system change.• How to build an energy system that supports both households and industry as the UK moves toward net zero.About our guestDhara Vyas is Chief Executive Officer of EnergyUK and is an experienced energy policy and consumer engagement leader focused on building a fair, affordable, and inclusive energy system. She has worked across industry, policy, and advocacy organisations to shape how the UK transitions to a low-carbon future that works for everyoneAbout Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy’s unmissable newsletter.https://bit.ly/TheWeeklyDispatchFor many households in the UK, the effects of the energy transition doesn’t yet feel fair, affordable, or accessible. As the UK moves towards a smarter, cleaner power system, big questions remain about who benefits, who pays, and how to ensure consumers are supported rather than left behind. The success of the transition will depend not just on technology and investment, but on designing a system that works for real people as well as for industry.In this episode of Transmission, Dhara Vyas, CEO of EnergyUK explores what it truly means to build a people-centred energy system. Over the conversation, Dhara unpacks how policy, pricing, and consumer engagement must evolve to ensure households can participate in, and benefit from, the shift to net zero. The discussion brings clarity to one of the transition’s biggest challenges: making the energy system work for everyone.Key topics covered:• Why fairness and affordability must be central to the energy transition - not an afterthought.• How households can meaningfully participate in a smarter, low-carbon system.• The policies and market reforms needed to protect consumers while enabling industrial investment.• Why better communication, engagement, and trust are essential for system change.• How to build an energy system that supports both households and industry as the UK moves toward net zero.About our guestDhara Vyas is Chief Executive Officer of EnergyUK and is an experienced energy policy and consumer engagement leader focused on building a fair, affordable, and inclusive energy system. She has worked across industry, policy, and advocacy organisations to shape how the UK transitions to a low-carbon future that works for everyone. Check out https://www.energy-uk.org.uk/ for more informationAbout Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy’s unmissable newsletter.https://bit.ly/TheWeeklyDispatchBattery storage has moved from a niche technology to a cornerstone of modern power systems. But as the sector scales, investors face a new challenge: managing complexity across different markets, regulations, and revenue models. Building a global storage portfolio means balancing opportunity with risk and understanding how policy, pricing, and performance differ by region.In this episode of Transmission, Alicja Kowalewska-Montfort, Principal (Technical / Energy Storage) at Gore Street Capital breaks down how investors are approaching the next phase of storage growth. Over the conversation Alicja explores how the company approaches battery investment across Gore Street’s global portfolio. She explains what makes the markets unique, how diversification supports resilience, and why operational discipline is critical to long-term value. The conversation explores how investors are turning storage from a promising technology into a bankable global asset class.Key points covered:• Why financing energy storage remains complex despite growing demand.• The challenges of building and managing assets across multiple markets.• What makes battery projects bankable in different regulatory environments.• How policy, market reform, and merchant exposure shape investment decisions.• What needs to change to scale storage as a core part of the power system.About our guest:Alicja Kowalewska-Montfort is a Principal (Technical / Energy Storage) at Gore Street Capital where she focuses on technical diligence and portfolio optimisation for grid-scale batteries. Gore Street Capital is a private equity investment manager focusing on renewable energy. For more information head to their website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week? Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy’s unmissable newsletter.https://bit.ly/TheWeeklyDispatchBattery storage has moved from a niche technology to a cornerstone of modern power systems. But as the sector scales, investors face a new challenge: managing complexity across different markets, regulations, and revenue models. Building a global storage portfolio means balancing opportunity with risk and understanding how policy, pricing, and performance differ by region.In this episode of Transmission, Alicja Kowalewska-Montfort, Principal (Technical / Energy Storage) at Gore Street Capital breaks down how investors are approaching the next phase of storage growth. Over the conversation Alicja explores how the company approaches battery investment across Gore Street’s global portfolio. She explains what makes the markets unique, how diversification supports resilience, and why operational discipline is critical to long-term value. The conversation explores how investors are turning storage from a promising technology into a bankable global asset class.Key points covered:• Why financing energy storage remains complex despite growing demand.• The challenges of building and managing assets across multiple markets.• What makes battery projects bankable in different regulatory environments.• How policy, market reform, and merchant exposure shape investment decisions.• What needs to change to scale storage as a core part of the power system.About our guest:Alicja Kowalewska-Montfort is a Principal (Technical / Energy Storage) at Gore Street Capital where she focuses on technical diligence and portfolio optimisation for grid-scale batteries. Gore Street Capital is a private equity investment manager focusing on renewable energy. For more information head to their website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Join Pete Berini, Director of Industry at Modo Energy with 15 years in power market modeling, and Brandt Vermillion, U.S. Research Lead with hands-on ISO experience. They dissect America’s fragmented energy landscape, highlighting the regional differences in battery storage and clean energy assets. Discover the impact of recent federal policy changes, evolving storage economics, and the importance of transparency for investors. The duo shares insights on market-specific motivations, capacity markets, and the future of energy with a touch of contrarian views.

In this discussion, Brandt Vermillion, the U.S. research lead at Modo Energy, and Peter Berini, the Director of Industry for the U.S. at Modo Energy, unpack the uneven growth of battery energy storage across America. They examine how federal policy, market dynamics, and economic factors influence storage revenues. The duo also highlights the importance of data transparency for investors and delves into the regional variances in battery durations and offtake agreements, offering listeners a clear view of the future landscape of clean energy.