
Energy Unplugged by Aurora
Welcome to ‘Energy Unplugged by Aurora’, a mix of in-depth conversations with key international industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, sharing their unique perspectives on the global energy transition.
Hosted by various Aurora experts, we explore the hottest topics and trends across the energy landscape. From renewables, battery storage, and grid integration, to hydrogen, commodity markets, and technology innovation, our high-profile guests weigh in with their valuable insights.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in the energy industry, with a new episode released every week!
Latest episodes

Oct 26, 2023 • 48min
EP.165 Dr Alan Finkel, Chair of the Low Emissions Technology Investment Advisory Council
In this Energy Unplugged episode, we discuss the transition to a future in which the role of electricity is scaled up in the global energy mix, powered by low-emission solutions. We’re pleased to be joined by Alan Finkel, Chair of the Low Emissions Technology Investment Advisory Council and James Ha, our Research Lead for Australia, in conversation with Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC & California.
Alan is, among many things, a neuroscientist, engineer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He was Australia’s Chief Scientist from 2016 to 2020, during which time he led the National Electricity Market Review and developed Australia’s first National Hydrogen Strategy. The ideas presented in his latest book, titled “Powering Up: Unleashing the Clean Energy Supply Chain”, are the focus of today’s discussion.
Main topics include the following:
• Supply chain bottlenecks, and what the government can do to mitigate this and other risks
• Australia’s opportunities to become an export superpower for electrostates
• Industrial policy and appropriate basket of policies to help countries transition towards electrostates
Support the show

Oct 19, 2023 • 46min
EP.164 Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director, Octopus Energy
In this Energy Unplugged episode, Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy and Caroline Still, Senior Associate in our Advisory team, discuss the decarbonisation of homes and buildings with Richard Howard, our Global Research Director.
Emma started her career in the real-estate industry and, over time, became the manager of a major house-building and development company. Alongside this, she is part of a community land trust which implements low-carbon solutions at the domestic and settlement scale. Presently, at Octopus, she is at the forefront of developing customer propositions aimed to decarbonise homes and buildings.
Main topics include the following:
• Barriers at the individual household scale that curb the progress towards the decarbonisation of homes and buildings
• The various technologies that have the potential to replace traditional oil and gas boilers
• The role of policy both in GB and other European countries in enabling the decarbonisation of homes and buildings
Support the show

Oct 12, 2023 • 35min
EP.163 How can refineries’ value chain be carbon neutral? Lars Peter Lindfors, EVP Innovation, Neste
In this Energy Unplugged episode, we discuss how the oil refinery business can complete the transition towards a carbon neutral value chain by 2040. We are pleased to be joined by Lars Peter Lindfors, Executive Vice President (EVP), Innovation, Neste in conversation with our Head of Nordics & Baltics, Alexander Esser.
Holding 30+ years of Industrial experience, prior to being the EVP of Innovation of Neste Corporation, Lars Peter held positions as SVP, related to areas such as R&D, Engineering, Strategy, Investments, IT, Procurement and Business Processes. He has a doctoral degree with honours in the field of chemical reaction engineering and holds an MBA from Henley Management College, UK.
Main topics include the following:
• How can an oil refinery company achieve a carbon neutral value chain?
• Which fuels for green aviation are in reach?
• What are the economics of an electrolyser on-site at Neste’s largest refinery?
Support the show

Oct 5, 2023 • 44min
EP.162 Hydrogen in Europe and APAC: Daniel Sandermann, Head of Europe at Hysata
In this Energy Unplugged episode Daniel Tas Sandermann, Head of Europe at Hysata and James Ha, our Research Lead for Australia, discuss Hydrogen in Europe and APAC with Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC & California.
Before joining Hysata, Daniel was Vice President, Head of Energy Systems at Ørsted and also a Member of the Board of Directors. He has an academic background in science and sustainable energy systems.
Main topics include the following:
• Analysis of the hydrogen market in Europe and APAC
• The electrolyser technology and industry
• Differences in hydrogen government support models between regions, focusing on Europe and APAC
Support the show

Sep 28, 2023 • 44min
EP.161 Monalisa C. Dimalanta, Chairperson & CEO, Energy Regulatory Commission, Philippines
In this episode, we focus on the Philippines’ energy system. We’re delighted to be joined by Monalisa C. Dimalanta, Chairperson & CEO of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Philippines and John Feddersen, our Founder & CEO, in conversation with Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC & California.
As well as being Chairperson of the ERC, Philippines, Monalisa is a professor at Ateneo de Manila Law School. Prior to this, she was a partner at PJS Law, and also Chief of Legal & Compliance Officer at AboitizPower.
Main topics include the following:
• An outlook of the Philippines energy system
• Main obstacles for renewable deployment in the Philippines
• Key challenges in the Philippines regulation
Support the show

Sep 25, 2023 • 21min
2024, Oxford Graduate Modelling Programme Explained
2024, Oxford Graduate Modelling Programme Explained by Aurora Energy ResearchSupport the show

Sep 25, 2023 • 34min
2024, Oxford Graduate Analyst Programme Explained
2024, Oxford Graduate Analyst Programme Explained by Aurora Energy ResearchSupport the show

Sep 25, 2023 • 22min
2023, Berlin Graduate Analyst Programme Explained
Marise Westbroek, Project Leader at Aurora, joins two of Aurora's Graduate Analysts, Anne Geschke and Luciano Serconek Fuso, in this special careers podcast episode 'Berlin Graduate Analyst Programme Explained'.Listen to find out more about our Analysts’ first-hand experience with the application process and onboarding, their typical day at work, and any advice they might have for those considering applying to Aurora's Berlin Graduate Analyst Programme.To find out more, apply or join our grad mailing list please visit auroraer.com/grads!Support the show

Sep 25, 2023 • 26min
2023, Austin Graduate Analyst Programme Explained
2023, Austin Graduate Analyst Programme Explained by Aurora Energy ResearchSupport the show

Sep 21, 2023 • 50min
EP.160 Fintan Slye, Director of the ESO and Chair of the Board
In this Energy Unplugged episode, we discuss what's next for the Future System Operator (FSO) and other hot topics in the UK ahead of the winter season. We’re pleased to be joined by Fintan Slye, Director of the Electricity System Operator (ESO) and Chair of the Board, in conversation with our Managing Director for UK & Ireland, Dan Monzani.
Fintan joined the ESO in 2018, following from his position as the CEO of the EirGrid Group, the electricity system and market operator in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Prior to leading the EirGrid Group, he worked for McKinsey & Company and the ESB Group. He is both a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Ireland and, the Energy Institute, holding a Masters in Engineering Science and an MBA from University College Dublin.
Main topics include:
• The future of the FSO and how it will be affected by the new Energy Bill
• Security of supply and flexibility demand in regard to winter peaks
• Connections and accelerating network delivery
• Dealing with increasing imbalances—the role of Locational Marginal Pricing
Support the show
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.