Energy Unplugged by Aurora

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.

This week, Lawson Steele, CEO of Haldane Energy and a renewable energy veteran, discusses the game-changing role of hydrogen in long-duration energy storage. He explains how hydrogen can replace aging gas-fired power plants and its high energy density advantages over batteries. Lawson delves into the design of closed-loop hydrogen systems and the geographic constraints of utilizing salt caverns in the UK. He also addresses the importance of government support in making hydrogen commercially viable for a sustainable energy future.

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Juan Carlos Jobet, former Chilean Minister of Energy and Mining and now Dean of the Business School at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez. He joins José Muñoz, Aurora’s Country Lead for Chile, to discuss Chile’s path to a cleaner, more resilient energy system, from the coal phase-out and renewable growth to the country’s ambitions in green hydrogen and the decarbonisation of mining. Juan Carlos served as Minister of Energy and Mining from 2019 to 2022, overseeing a period of profound change in Chile’s power sector. With a background spanning public service, investment banking and executive leadership in energy and infrastructure, he brings a unique perspective on the intersection of policy, markets and global energy challenges. Main topics include: • The policies and partnerships that have enabled Chile’s rapid growth in renewables • The role of large-scale storage and grid infrastructure in supporting the transition • Green hydrogen’s progress and the challenges still to overcome • Mining’s role in the transition and pathways to reduce its emissions

Ben Guest, Managing Director of Gresham House Energy Transition, shares his two decades of expertise in battery storage and renewable energy. He discusses how storage is key to decarbonization and stabilizing the grid by firming intermittent power. Ben explains the economic advantages of batteries over costly network upgrades and the potential of long-duration storage to address prolonged low renewable generation. He also highlights the need for policy changes to support optimal storage solutions and the evolving landscape of investment in energy storage.

Karin Burns, CEO of San Diego Community Power, brings her unique blend of finance and sustainability expertise to the discussion about community choice aggregation in California. She explains how CCAs are reshaping the power market, balancing decarbonization with affordability. Karin dives into the impacts of federal policy changes and surging demand from AI and data centers. She also advocates for regional market strategies to enhance reliability and lower costs, emphasizing the role of local governance in the energy transition.

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Helen Clarkson, CEO of Climate Group. She joins Richard Howard, Aurora’s Global Research Director, to discuss the role of business and government in accelerating the transition to net zero. Helen has led Climate Group since 2017, overseeing initiatives such as RE100, EV100, SteelZero, and the Under2 Coalition, which mobilise companies and governments worldwide to commit to ambitious climate goals. With over two decades of experience in climate and humanitarian work, she brings unique insights into how cross-sector coalitions can drive global action. Main topics include: How business and government coalitions are driving faster emissions reductions The challenges of scaling renewables and integrating them into power systems The growing importance of 24/7 carbon-free energy and what to expect from Climate Week NYC

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Philip Hirschhorn, Ministerial Appointee to the NEM Wholesale Market Settings Review Expert Panel, and Tim Nelson, Chair of the independent review of Australia’s NEM. They join Hugo Batten, Aurora’s Managing Director for APAC, and Hana Ramli, Principal in our Australian Advisory team, to discuss the draft recommendations of the Wholesale Market Settings Review and their implications for Australia’s energy transition. Philip has over two decades of experience advising the energy sector, including 25 years at Boston Consulting Group where he led the Australian Energy practice. He now serves on the Expert Panel shaping reforms to Australia’s derivatives market and contract design. Tim brings extensive leadership experience across Australia’s energy institutions, including Iberdrola, the AEMC, AGL, and government roles, and is currently chairing the independent review of the NEM. Main topics include: The scope and goals of the NEM Wholesale Market Settings Review and the challenges it seeks to address Key draft recommendations on the spot market, derivatives, and investment signals Implications for batteries, coal exits, and state-level renewable targets in Australia’s energy mix Lessons from overseas markets and what it will take to implement reforms successfully To delve deeper into the investment landscape in Australia, reach out to our Aurora experts at auroraer.com/global-presence/australia.

Heather Reams, President and CEO of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, lends her expertise in navigating the complex interplay of clean energy and conservative politics. She discusses the shifting Republican stance towards renewable energy and how bipartisan support is crucial for progress. The conversation dives into the consequences of the Inflation Reduction Act on investments and the need for streamlined project approvals. Reams also sheds light on the rising energy demands driven by AI and advanced manufacturing, pointing out unique opportunities for cooperation.

Christoph Bellin, a senior energy executive with over two decades in the European energy market, discusses Alpiq's ambitious plans for flexible energy assets. He explains the crucial distinctions between battery storage and pumped hydro, pondering whether they can coexist or if they’re rivals in a decarbonized grid. Bellin shares insights about the evolution of Europe’s energy landscape, the impact of climate change on hydropower, and the vital role of cultural transformation within energy companies to adapt to new market realities.

In this engaging discussion, Elyette Roux, Executive Vice President at Nexans, shares her insights on the challenges facing grid infrastructure amid the energy transition. She highlights how global supply chains, material shortages, and workforce capacity impact project timelines. Roux delves into strategies for faster deployment, emphasizing advanced manufacturing and cross-industry collaborations. The conversation also explores the transformative role of digitalization and AI in enhancing grid resilience and integrating renewables, all while advocating for modernization in electrical infrastructure.