Energy Unplugged by Aurora

In this discussion, Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America, shares her journey through investment banking to leading a major renewable energy company. She examines the robust growth of the U.S. renewable energy market, highlighting the demand dynamics and investment opportunities. Sandhya tackles the tricky challenges of interconnection queues and the potential for power shortages. She also touches on federal policies shaping the energy transition and the critical need for diverse energy sources to meet future demands.

Javier Cavada, President & CEO for EMEA at Mitsubishi Power, shares insights from over 20 years in the energy sector. He discusses how the growth of renewable energy is transforming power systems and the vital role of flexibility in meeting rising demand. Cavada highlights hydrogen's evolving perception in decarbonization, its investment potential, and challenges in integrating it with renewables. The conversation also dives into emerging markets and technological innovations shaping the future energy landscape.

Philipp Man, Founder & CEO of terralayr, and Mikko Preuß, Vice President, share insights into the rapidly evolving German battery market. They discuss how batteries are becoming an important asset class, focusing on financing challenges and risk management. The conversation highlights the impact of grid connection fees on battery storage, advocating for regulatory changes. They also explore strategies for expanding into other markets while emphasizing the need for clear regulations and innovative financing solutions to support the energy transition.

Kelcy Pegler, CEO of FlexGen and a seasoned leader in the renewables sector, dives into the evolving energy storage landscape. He discusses how data center demand is reshaping the grid and the pivotal role of batteries in this transition. The conversation highlights the importance of data analytics in battery deployment, especially in Texas and California. Kelcy also shares insights on enhancing grid resilience through innovative battery solutions and the critical role of uptime in optimizing energy systems.

Scott Mercer, CEO of Focused Energy and former leader of Volta Charging, dives into the captivating world of nuclear fusion. He contrasts fusion with fission, shedding light on groundbreaking advancements in laser-driven and magnetic fusion. Mercer explores the commercial viability of nuclear fusion, addressing funding challenges and political dynamics that influence research. He discusses fusion's crucial role in the energy transition, emphasizing its potential to meet future energy demands sustainably while working alongside renewable technologies.

In this chat, Andrew Flanagan, CEO of RWE Clean Energy and a veteran of the US energy sector, dives deep into the evolving landscape of American power markets. He discusses the significance of load growth forecasting in investment strategies and how interconnection queues are shaping market reactions. Andrew also shares insights on the potential impact of the upcoming US elections on the energy transition. With over 25 years of experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the pressing challenges and opportunities in renewable energy.

Rohan Ma, former Director of Energy Software at Tesla, brings his expertise in energy economics and technology to the discussion. He dives into the development and challenges of Tesla's Autobidder, showcasing how it has transformed energy market strategies. Rohan compares emerging and established battery markets, offering insights on the best investment opportunities. He also explores the potential implications of the Trump administration's policies on the Inflation Reduction Act, revealing how political changes could reshape the energy landscape.

Tyler Norris, a James B. Duke Fellow at Duke University specializing in electric power systems, shares his insights on U.S. power market interconnection processes. He discusses the increasing complexity of interconnection queues and the challenges developers face, particularly with 'zombie projects.' Tyler contrasts 'invest and connect' with 'connect and manage' approaches, and delves into the implications of upcoming U.S. elections on the energy transition. His expertise sheds light on the delicate balance between innovation, reliability, and market dynamics.

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Axel Thiemann, CEO of Sonnedix, to discuss the investment climate for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Europe. Axel joins our Global Research Director, Richard Howard, recorded live at the Aurora Battery Conference in November 2024. Axel has been with Sonnedix since 2011 and became CEO in 2018. Under his leadership, the company has experienced rapid growth and diversification to more than 3.5GW of operational capacity. Today, he leads a global team of over 500 employees across 10 countries. Main topics include the following: What are the factors and trends shaping the investment climate for BESS in Europe? What are the key risks and uncertainties for BESS investment in Europe, and how can these be managed? Where are the best opportunities and the hottest markets for BESS in Europe? Support the show

Benjamin Merle, Chief Product Officer at Enpal, a leading German solar installer, joins Hanns Koenig to discuss solar energy solutions in Germany. They tackle supply chain security amid geopolitical tensions and explore the concept of virtual power plants. Benjamin reveals how machine learning enhances energy forecasting and why regulatory reforms for rooftop solar incentives are crucial. He also highlights innovations in financing, transforming the customer experience from sales models to more accessible leasing and loan options.