Energy Unplugged by Aurora

Ben Wilson, President of National Grid Ventures, brings a wealth of experience from overseeing low-carbon energy sectors in the UK, Europe, and the US. He discusses the critical role of interconnectors and hybrid offshore grids for a cohesive European energy landscape. The conversation dives into how electrification and AI are reshaping electricity demand, alongside the promising role of hydrogen in cutting emissions. Wilson also navigates political hurdles in renewable energy planning and emphasizes the need for innovative regulatory approaches to foster efficiency and competition.

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Robert Brook, SVP and Managing Director of the Americas at Neara. He joins our Managing Director for North America, Oliver Kerr, to discuss the evolving state of grid infrastructure in the US and the technologies poised to transform it. Robert brings over 30 years of experience across the energy and information technology sectors. A recognised expert in infrastructure, asset management and risk mitigation, he has held leadership roles at PG&E, Esri, and Hecatic Labs. At Neara, he now works at the forefront of digital grid modelling and utility planning. Main topics include the following: The growing challenges posed by aging grid infrastructure and increasing electricity demand The role of grid-enhancing technologies, such as dynamic line ratings, in maximizing existing system capacity Climate resilience, wildfire mitigation, and the shift toward localised generation and smarter grid operations

Join Malavika Gode, a Senior Associate in Aurora's UK Advisory team, as she delves into the surge of data centers driven by AI. Discover how this growth is reshaping power demand and energy infrastructure globally. The conversation touches on the staggering energy needs of these facilities, with comparisons to vast households. Key insights include the complexities of renewable energy sourcing and the crucial strategies required for sustainable growth. Collaborating among stakeholders emerges as vital for optimizing future development in this booming sector.

Harrison Moore, Head of Energy and Renewables at Azure Capital and seasoned corporate advisor, discusses Australia’s investment landscape in the renewable sector. He highlights booming interest in emerging technologies like battery storage and the impact of government tenders on financing. Conversations also delve into the challenges of transitioning from coal and the importance of clear investment criteria. With global uncertainties looming, Harrison emphasizes the need for a robust strategy in navigating Australia’s renewable energy future.

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Rosheen McGuckian, CEO, NTR. She joins our Head of Research for Western Europe & India, Marc Hedin, and Steph Unsworth, Research Senior Associate in our Oxford office, to discuss the consequences of grid constraints in European countries. Rosheen serves as the Chief Executive Officer of NTR, a leading investor and asset manager in Europe’s transition to clean energy. With over 25 years of experience and more than 3 GW of clean power investments, NTR’s expert interdisciplinary team now oversees 1.4 GW of clean energy and storage assets across seven European markets, operating on behalf of three investment funds. Main topics include the following: Impact on Internal Rate of Return (IRR), debt sizing, and project viability in project risk management Battery deployment as a potential solution in countries with weak grid infrastructure Characteristics of a bankable renewables project with unremunerated constraints in 2030 in Europe

Jürgen Mayerhofer, CEO & Co-Founder of enspired, has two decades of experience in the energy sector, specializing in renewables. He discusses the nuances of battery optimization and trading, highlighting strategies for unlocking reliable revenue from storage systems. Jürgen delves into the challenges of co-locating batteries and the importance of collaboration between developers and asset owners. He also explores innovative financial strategies and the evolving market landscape, emphasizing the critical role of real-time adjustments for optimizing battery performance and revenue.

In this engaging discussion, Matt Grover, Director of Energy Markets at Fluence, shares insights from over a decade in Australia’s National Electricity Market. He dives into battery dispatch economics, addressing the shift from ancillary services to energy arbitrage. Matt explores grid-scale battery growth, innovative energy contract designs, and the importance of demand-side strategies in the energy transition. The interplay between timing, regional factors, and the changing landscape of renewable energy provides a fascinating look at the future of energy in Australia.

Mallika Ishwaran, Chief Economist at Shell, delves into the intricate dynamics of energy demand and AI's impact on the future. With a rich background in UK government roles, she discusses Shell’s 2025 Energy Security Scenarios and highlights four key megatrends shaping our energy landscape. Mallika also examines gas's dual role as a transition fuel and backup solution, raising critical questions about infrastructure and usage amid rising electricity demands. Her insights bridge economic trends with essential climate conversations, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Tom Glover, UK Country Chair, RWE. He joins Caroline Still, Project Leader in our Oxford Advisory team, to discuss the main challenges GB’s power sector is facing. As RWE’s UK Country Chair and Chair of the RWE UK Renewables Boards, Tom serves as the company’s most senior representative in the UK. He is responsible for leading national-level engagement and managing relationships with key stakeholders. In addition to his role at RWE, Tom is Chair of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association and a trustee for several charities. His previous experience includes roles at Barclays Capital, Enron, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Main topics include the following: The impact of the Clean Power 2030 targets on the confidence of markets and investors What decisions need to be settled by strategic planning, and which should be market-driven? What can and should the UK be doing now to take advantage of the global uncertainty and remain attractive to global investors?

Jonathan Dillon, a Partner at Clifford Chance, dives into the dynamic world of clean energy investments in Europe. He discusses the surge from €90 billion to €180 billion, fueled by the energy crisis and government initiatives. Dillon highlights the shift from public to private capital, with firms like Blackstone leading the charge. He also addresses emerging market trends, the evolving role of battery storage, and how geopolitical uncertainties shape investors' decisions and strategies for sustainable energy.