Energy Unplugged by Aurora

2025 proved to be a pivotal year for the energy sector. The podcast highlights significant US policy changes under Trump that reshaped energy markets. It also dives into the explosive growth of AI and data centers, which now demand electricity on par with major economies. The discussion covers grid reliability concerns, notable blackouts, and regional challenges in energy transitions across countries like Australia and Japan. Insights into global renewable integration and the complexities of energy market design add to the rich tapestry of today's energy landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Steve McMahon, Director for Network Price Controls at Ofgem, shares his insights on the pivotal RIIO-3 regulatory framework impacting UK energy networks. He reveals a staggering £28 billion upfront settlement aimed at accelerating the energy transition and addresses the need for continued gas investment amidst decarbonization challenges. Steve also explores innovative tools for faster grid upgrades, the balance between consumer costs and rapid funding, and the critical role of flexibility in meeting the surging energy demands.

This week features Mariglen Nora, Head of Green Energy at Elevion Group, who excels in overseeing projects across solar, battery storage, and biomethane. He discusses Germany's transition to co-located solar-battery systems driven by grid constraints, and Italy's pioneering role in biomethane supported by the MACSE mechanism. Mariglen highlights the synergy between PV, batteries, and biomethane, and addresses how rising renewables are catalyzing hybrid project development amidst regulatory challenges throughout Europe.

In this engaging discussion, Matt Kean, Chair of Australia’s Climate Change Authority and former NSW Minister for Energy, dives into Australia's ambitious energy transition. He outlines strategies for rapid decarbonisation through Renewable Energy Zones, emphasizes the importance of policy reforms like ending diesel tax credits for miners, and discusses the coordination needed between renewables and transmission. Kean also highlights the role of trusted information sources in shaping climate decisions, offering insights into the future of clean technology in Australia.

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Nawal Saini, Managing Partner in Brookfield’s Renewable Power & Transition Group. He joins Dan Monzani, Aurora’s Managing Director for the UK & Ireland and India, alongside Debabrata Ghosh, Aurora’s Head of India, for a deep dive into how renewable deployment and transition investment are accelerating in India and other emerging markets. Nawal leads Brookfield’s renewable and transition business across these regions, drawing on extensive experience in energy and infrastructure investment at CDPQ, JP Morgan, and Jacob Ballas, as well as banking roles with ABN Amro Bank and SBI Capital Markets. His perspective combines large-scale capital allocation, platform building, and first-hand insight into navigating policy, regulatory, and market complexity in fast-growing economies. You will learn about: How clean energy investment is scaling in India and other emerging markets - and the structural drivers behind investor momentum. Barriers to rapid renewable deployment, including grid constraints, curtailment, and delays in long-term PPA execution. The rising role of hybrid renewables, batteries, and firm dispatchable renewable electricity (FDRE) solutions in delivering reliable energy at scale. How Brookfield evaluates opportunities, structures partnerships, and manages risk in high-growth emerging markets.

This podcast features Roch Baranowski, Chief Strategy Officer at Respect Energy, known for his expertise in energy transition, and Karol Wolański, Head of Flexibility & Aggregation, who specializes in renewable balancing services. They delve into how Poland's power market is evolving with increasing renewable growth and regulatory changes. The discussion highlights innovative strategies for battery storage optimization, new PPA structures, and the commercial implications of balancing services. These insights position early movers to seize opportunities in an adapting market.

Anna von Bremen, a partner at Osborne Clarke and expert in energy regulation, joins to discuss the current state of Germany's energy market. She highlights the evolving role of regulators in fostering a flexible, digitalized grid and the challenges of integrating co-located battery storage with green and grey power. Topics include market mechanisms like capacity pricing and dynamic pricing, which impact investment certainty. Anna also addresses the urgency of meeting climate targets while ensuring efficiency and rationalization in energy strategies.

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Marcio Trannin, Managing Director for LATAM at Sunco Capital and Vice-President of the Board of Administrators at ABSOLAR, and Ricardo Motoyama, Senior Vice President of Commercial & Business Development at Elera Renewables. They join Rodrigo Borges, Aurora’s Market Lead for Brazil, to explore how Brazil’s liberalising power market, rapid renewable expansion, and evolving policy landscape are reshaping the country’s energy future. Marcio brings nearly three decades of experience across renewables, M&A, and regulatory affairs in Latin America’s electricity markets. Ricardo complements this with a strong commercial and financial background, offering insights into how trading, innovation, and risk management are driving new business models and accelerating Brazil’s transition to cleaner power. Together, they reflect on how Brazil can remain competitive in a global energy transition increasingly defined by flexibility and investment scale. Main topics include the following: The evolution of Brazil’s liberalised power market and what it means for generators, investors, and consumers The rapid expansion of renewables - particularly solar and the operational challenges of integrating decentralized generation The importance of policy and regulation in enabling long-term investment and competition Lessons from international markets and what’s next for Brazil’s energy transition

Tom Palmer, an expert in energy economics and Head of Business Development at Zenobē, dives into the transformative role of large-scale battery storage in stabilizing renewable energy grids. He discusses how these batteries facilitate the energy transition, detailing innovations in grid-forming technology that provide critical stability. Tom also highlights the challenges faced in regulatory frameworks, revenue dynamics for battery projects, and lessons from successful implementations like Black Hillock. Get ready for insights on market trends and the future of grid storage!

In this engaging discussion, Martin Daronnat, Head of Flexibility & Structured Origination at ENGIE, shares insights from over a decade in energy. He explores how flexibility purchase agreements (FPAs) make large-scale battery storage projects financially viable. Key topics include how FPA pricing depends on technical parameters and market risks, the advantages of physical vs. virtual agreements, and the strategic importance of portfolio effects for traders. Martin emphasizes careful structuring and negotiation to optimize FPA agreements in a rapidly evolving market.