Energy Unplugged by Aurora

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.

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Miguel de Jesus, Managing Director for the Philippines at ACEN. He joins our Managing Director for APAC, Hugo Batten, and our Market Lead for Wider Asia, Patrick Tan, to discuss the current state of the Philippines' power market. Miguel oversees ACEN's operations in the Philippines and has held key leadership roles within the company. These include leading the company's solar developments in Vietnam, pioneering ACEN’s retail electricity business, and managing the company’s first operating wind assets in the Philippines. Before joining ACEN, Miguel practiced law, with a focus on energy and project finance. Main topics include the following: Philippines’ market design and the debates surrounding it Key barriers to accelerating renewables deployment and other zero-carbon technologies in the Philippines Major challenges faced by international players entering the Philippine market Support the show

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Toby Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Offshore Renewables at Northland Power. Toby joins Marc Hedin, our Head of Research for the UK & Ireland,  for an in-depth discussion on the topic of offshore wind. Toby oversees global operations, delivery, and growth initiatives for offshore renewables at Northland Power. With over 25 years in the energy industry, he previously served as COO at Maple Power and held senior roles at RWE, including Project Director for the Gwynt y Môr and Galloper wind farms, and Director of Asset Management and Operations. Main topics include the following: The most time-consuming stages of offshore wind projects: engineering, planning, permitting, and grid connection Investing in offshore wind in a higher rates world: subsidy schemes and PPAs Floating offshore wind Support the show

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Akshay Kaul, Director General for Infrastructure at Ofgem. Akshay joins Tom Smout, Senior Associate in our GB Research team, for an in-depth discussion on building a grid ready to support the energy transition in Great Britain. Akshay has been with Ofgem since 2017. Before his current role, he served as Director of Networks, overseeing the economic regulation of Great Britain’s energy networks. His responsibilities included developing the next generation of onshore network price controls (known as RIIO2), regulating offshore transmission infrastructure, and advancing an ambitious cross-border interconnection programme through the cap and floor regime. Main topics include the following: What is the current state of the GB grid connection queue, and what led to the queue being so congested? What are the main proposals under consideration for improving the grid connection process, and why? How have things changed with a new UK government? How is Ofgem working with new organisations and ministers to deliver on energy targets? Support the show

Ethan Zindler, Climate Counselor at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, dives deep into the future of the U.S. energy transition. He discusses the transformative effects of the Inflation Reduction Act and its electoral implications. Zindler also explores the complexities surrounding net zero financing and the importance of ESG principles. With wit, he rates hot-button topics like nuclear energy's resurgence and humorous links between sports challenges and climate progress. Expect insights on Just Energy Transition Partnerships and their significance in emerging economies!

John Mushriqui, co-founder & CEO of InRange Energy, and Chris Pennington, Global Director of Energy and Sustainability at Iron Mountain Data Centers, share their insights on power solutions for data centers. They discuss the challenges of balancing sustainability with increasing digital demands, the strategic use of Behind the Meter generation, and the potential roles of nuclear energy versus renewables. The conversation also touches on AI's future impact on decarbonization and energy management.

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome John Pettigrew, Chief Executive, National Grid. He joins our Global Research Director, Richard Howard, to discuss the outlook for power systems in both the UK and the US, with a particular focus on the investment required in grid infrastructure in these markets. John has extensive experience in the utility sector. He joined National Grid as a graduate in 1991 and has progressed through many senior management roles. As Chief Executive, he has delivered transformational organisational and portfolio change, positioning National Grid to play a pivotal role in the energy transition and helping shape energy policy. John is also a Fellow of the Energy Institute and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Key topics include the following: The Great Grid Upgrade The potential impact of the upcoming US election result on network investments Risks facing interconnection projects from technical, economic, regulatory, security, and market perspectives Support the show

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