
Transmission
Transmission brings you insights from thought leaders, energy experts and cleantech specialists from across the industry.
Latest episodes

Nov 7, 2024 • 42min
Modo Selects: Offsetting carbon with batteries with Emma Konet (Co-Founder & CTO @ Tierra Climate)
Battery energy storage systems in Great Britain are projected to save 1.4 million tonnes of CO2 in 2024. Carbon emission savings are achieved directly through a battery's energy actions, by importing low-carbon energy and exporting it when demand is high, whilst other methods include frequency response services and inertia management savings. However, a battery's ability to reduce emissions is not inherent. Typically, they are operated to maximize profit, which may not always align with carbon-saving goals. For batteries to serve as effective tools for offsetting, there must be incentives to engage in emission-reducing behaviours. Insights into better carbon accounting and integration of storage into carbon accounting frameworks are some of the ways that can help identify how and where batteries can make the most impact.In this episode, Quentin talks to Tierra Climate Co-founder and CTO, Emma Konet. Over the course of the conversation, they discuss: The ‘four quadrants’ of carbon offsetting and where battery energy storage sits in this framework. The complexities in accurately measuring emissions and the role of voluntary carbon markets.Using locational marginal emissions factors for accurate carbon measurement.Discussion on the operational challenges of batteries in reducing emissions.The potential for carbon offsets to support energy storage projects financially.Mentioned in the episodeModo Energy’s research article: Carbon emissions reduced by batteries in Great BritainWhite paper: supercharging battery economics, shrinking emissionsWhite Paper: Charging towards net-zeroAbout our guestTierra Climate provide carbon insights to aid developers in siting and operations as well as assist corporations and utilities in making more informed procurement decisions and helpinf batteries decarbonize the grid. They offer a new class of carbon offsets that can boost battery project revenues, help accelerate decarbonization and improve grid reliability. For more information on what they do - visit their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy provides forecasts, benchmarking, data, and insights for new energy assets - all in one place. Built for analysts, Modo 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 podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on Linkedin or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our video series of bite-sized chunks explaining how different battery energy storage systems work. For more information battery energy storage and cell costs, check out our written research.

37 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 42min
Modo Selects: Offsetting carbon with batteries with Emma Konet (Co-Founder & CTO @ Tierra Climate)
Emma Konet, Co-founder and CTO of Tierra Climate, discusses the intricate relationship between battery energy storage and carbon offsets. She explains how batteries can significantly reduce emissions by optimizing energy use during peak demand. The conversation dives into the complexities of measuring carbon savings and the need for better integration into existing frameworks. Emma also highlights the operational challenges faced in aligning profit motives with environmental goals and the potential for carbon offsets to financially bolster clean energy projects.

Oct 31, 2024 • 43min
Battery costs with Aaron Wade (Head of Battery Costs @ CRU Group)
Understanding the factors driving cost reductions in battery cells is crucial for staying competitive. As demand for energy storage skyrockets, the pressure to reduce costs has never been higher. Material costs are not the only thing influencing prices, breakthroughs in cell chemistry, system efficiency and manufacturing practices all play a role in determining system prices.In this week’s episode, Head of Battery Costs at CRU - Aaron Wade joins Ed Porter to explore the latest in supply chain insights and cost projections, and what they mean for the future of energy storage. Over the conversation, they discuss: The impact of material costs on cell pricing, focusing on lithium trends. How cell and system innovation has contributed to lower costs.Changed in cell chemistry and how LFP has risen to dominance.Insights into the supply chain and manufacturing globally. What the future of battery costs might look like.About our guest CRU group provide business intelligence on the global metals, mining and fertilizer industries through market insight, commodity data and price assessments, strategic consultancy and communities and events. For more information, head to their website.Aaron is Head of Battery Costs at CRU group, where he leads a team of analysts and researchers who provide insights and forecasts on the global battery costs, production methods, and technology trends. Find him on LinkedIn. About Modo EnergyModo Energy provides forecasts, benchmarking, data, and insights for new energy assets - all in one place. Built for analysts, Modo 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 podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on Linkedin or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our video series of bite-sized chunks explaining how different battery energy storage systems work. For more information battery energy storage and cell costs, check out our written research.

30 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 43min
Battery costs with Aaron Wade (Head of Battery Costs @ CRU Group)
Aaron Wade, Head of Battery Costs at CRU Group, shares his expertise in battery technology and costs. He sheds light on the factors driving significant declines in battery prices, including lithium trends and innovative cell chemistries like LFP. The discussion covers the competitive landscape of battery manufacturing, the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act, and the challenges in the supply chain. Wade also explores future market dynamics and the critical role of recycling in sustainable battery production.

Oct 24, 2024 • 18min
Summer revenues for BESS in ERCOT with Brandt Vermillion (ERCOT Market Lead @ Modo Energy)
Brandt Vermillion, ERCOT Market Lead at Modo Energy, shares vital insights into Texas's energy landscape. He discusses the staggering drop in battery revenues from 2023 to 2024, influenced by increased competition and a boom in solar energy. The conversation highlights the significance of summer months historically, the innovative DART trading strategy for enhanced revenue, and the complexities of revenue volatility amidst changing market dynamics. Brandt sheds light on the evolving relationship between energy storage and ancillary services, making for a compelling listen.

Oct 24, 2024 • 19min
Summer revenues for BESS in ERCOT with Brandt Vermillion (ERCOT Market Lead @ Modo Energy)
Battery revenues in ERCOT in June 2024 were 85% lower than June 2023, with average earnings of $45/kW (annualized), compared with when batteries earned a massive $309/kW/year in 2023. With the summer months historically providing the bulk of high revenue days for battery energy storage, operators would expect the sixth hottest summer on record to provide a similar picture, but that has not been the case in 2024. Increased competition in Ancillary Services, a boom in renewables buildout and changes to strategic operations have resulted in a very different picture.In this episode, Brandt Vermillion, ERCOT Market Lead at Modo Energy joins Quentin to give us insight into what has been driving battery revenues in ERCOT over the summer months. Over the conversation, they discuss:Recent buildout of storage and solar PV in ERCOT.The historical significance of the summer months on battery revenues, and why this has changed in 2024.Insight into the competitive nature of the market and saturation of ancillary services.Introduction to DART (Day Ahead Real Time) trading as a new strategy for capturing revenue.The emergence of tolling agreements as a response to revenue volatility.About Modo EnergyModo Energy provides forecasts, benchmarking, data, and insights for new energy assets - all in one place. Built for analysts, Modo 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 podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on Linkedin or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our video series of bite-sized chunks explaining how different battery energy storage systems work. For more information on ERCOT, check out our written research.

Oct 17, 2024 • 44min
Battery storage in The Netherlands with Rens Savenije (Business Lead System Integration @ Ventolines)
With an impressive amount of renewables buildout in the pipeline, the Dutch energy market has ambitious plans for a clean energy future. However, the country is facing significant challenges with huge amounts of grid congestion and high grid fees. A lack of subsidies for standalone storage projects means that the investment case for storage currently leans more toward the colocation of projects with generation. What does the power system and the outlook for battery energy storage look like in The Netherlands? In this week’s episode, Rens Savenije, Business Lead System Integration for wind and solar at Ventolines, joins Quentin to discuss the Dutch energy market. Over the course of the conversation, they discuss: Dutch power market dynamics, from peak demand in the Netherlands to interconnection with other countries. The rapid growth of solar energy in the Netherlands and the challenges posed by grid congestion.Current state of grid-scale battery projects in the Netherlands and the outlook for buildout.The impact of grid fees in the Netherlands and what this means for standalone battery projects.The potential for co-located projects with wind and solar to optimize grid connections.Investment opportunities for storage in the Dutch market.Mentioned in the episodeLinkedIn posts from Rens on:Grid fees in The NetherlandsCurrent projects and pipeline in The Netherlands.Projected pipeline for high voltage stand-alone projects.About our guestVentolines is a Dutch company, striving for a world in which renewable energy projects are valuable for everyone. From cooperatives, community associations, investors, farmers, energy suppliers, governments or consumers, Ventolines develop, build and manage renewable energy projects as well as provide advisory on renewables. For more information on what Ventolines do, check out their website. For more analysis and research from Rens - follow him on LinkedIn.About Modo EnergyModo Energy provides forecasts, benchmarking, data, and insights for new energy assets - all in one place. Built for analysts, Modo 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 podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on Linkedin or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our video series of bite-sized chunks explaining how different battery energy storage systems work. For more information on virtual power plants, check out our written research.

13 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 44min
Battery storage in The Netherlands with Rens Savenije (Business Lead System Integration @ Ventolines)
Rens Savenije, Business Lead System Integration at Ventolines, dives into the evolving Dutch energy market. He discusses the rapid growth of solar energy and the challenges of grid congestion and high grid fees. Rens highlights the importance of co-locating battery storage with renewable projects to optimize efficiency and reduce costs. He also shares insights on the investment landscape for battery solutions, noting the need for innovative tariff structures and better policy alignment to foster a sustainable energy transition in the Netherlands.

Oct 10, 2024 • 46min
Virtual Power Plants with Geoff Ferrell (Senior Vice President @ sonnen, Inc)
Geoff Ferrell, Senior Vice President at sonnen, Inc., discusses the transformative potential of virtual power plants (VPPs) in stabilizing the grid. He explains how interconnected home batteries can work collectively to support energy demands while providing homeowners with new revenue opportunities. The conversation highlights the importance of metering, the rise of lithium iron phosphate batteries, and the company's innovative journey from startup to industry leader. Farrel sheds light on the essential role of quality battery systems in optimizing energy management.

Oct 10, 2024 • 46min
Virtual Power Plants with Geoff Ferrell (Senior Vice President @ sonnen, Inc)
As residential energy storage systems become more widespread, an exciting opportunity is emerging for homeowners: participating in energy markets and helping to stabilize the grid. But how can smaller home batteries combine forces to contribute during times of high demand? The answer lies in virtual power plants (VPPs). These interconnected networks of residential storage systems work together to provide energy back to the grid when needed. Not only do VPPs support grid stability, but they also create potential revenue streams for participating homeowners by compensating them for their stored energy. Geoff Ferrell, Senior Vice President of Global C&I and VPP Project Business in the Americas at sonnen, Inc. joins Quentin for this week’s episode. Over the course of the conversation, they discuss:sonnen’s role in pioneering residential energy storage and the company’s growth and market presence. Explanation of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) and their role in energy management.How VPP’s allow market participation, and where they allow batteries to engage. Why cell chemistry matters for a residential asset. The importance of metering and accurate energy data for market participation.About our guestBorn of German Engineering and American ingenuity, sonnen products are designed to manage and store energy to increase the flexibility of our energy system and provide you with greater energy independence while enabling the energy future. Starting with individual systems that have evolved into a global network, sonnen are connecting connect people and technologies through their hardware, VPP products and more. For more information on what sonnen do, head to their website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy provides forecasts, benchmarking, data, and insights for new energy assets - all in one place. Built for analysts, Modo 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 podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on Linkedin or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our video series of bite-sized chunks explaining how different battery energy storage systems work. For more information on VPPs, check out our written research.