The Pexapark Podcast

Welcome back to The Pexapark Podcast! In the first part of the episode, we zoom out and look at how power markets are shifting across regulation, prices, and the wider energy world. ERCOT is launching real-time co-optimization and fully integrating BESS – the biggest reform since nodal pricing. Germany is moving toward dynamic grid fees that reward flexibility and penalize congestion. Denmark is abandoning “first come, first served” grid queues in favor of maturity-based prioritization. At the same time, Europe’s renewables landscape has entered a phase of abundance: more negative prices, lower capture factors, and pressure on debt structures where legacy PPAs weren’t designed for today’s volatility. Owners are rewriting contracts, reshaping hedges, and bridging the next 3–5 years until storage and flexibility scale. A new generation of IPPs is emerging – defined not by how well they build megawatts, but by how well they manage risk, revenue, and flexibility in markets where volatility is becoming the norm.In the second half, Luca Pedretti speaks with Domenico De Luca, Head of Trading & Sales and Executive Board Member at Axpo, for a deep dive into how one of Europe’s largest trading organizations is navigating volatility, managing global portfolios, and preparing for a future shaped by renewables, storage, and shifting market fundamentals.Enjoy a discussion on themes including:How trading & origination have evolved — and which fundamentals still anchor the businessThe shift from long-term to short-term value as volatility growsHow renewables, cannibalization, and batteries are reshaping PPAs and merchant riskThe emerging role of hybrid assets and tolling structures in storageWhy Europe still needs long-duration flexibility and disciplined risk-takingNotes𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁-𝗴𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗣𝗣 𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Instead of passively taking weather-driven output, they control and optimize when and how renewables hit the grid and the market – shaping, shifting, and firming power as they scale into multi-GW, multi-tech, multi-market portfolios.If you want to understand what “next-gen IPP” looks like in practice, we’ve made two free resources available on the Pexapark website:𝗣𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 8 interviews with early leaders who are re-defining the IPP model in Europe. Listen here𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗣𝗣 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: a hands-on guide for energy leaders, unpacking how IPPs are evolving to capture value, manage risk, and optimize revenues in modern power markets. Read/download free here (no forms)Unlock More PPA Market InsightsRegister for your free Pexapark account to stay updated on the latest energy transition trends. Learn more >

Welcome back to The Pexapark Podcast! In this special edition, we look at how next-generation Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are becoming digital, data-driven operators. In this episode Luca Pedretti is joined by Jérôme Tricot, Director, Asset Performance & Optimisation at Mirova, a Paris-based sustainable asset manager with ~€33bn AUM, including >€4bn invested in energy-transition infrastructure and a sixth fund currently in fundraising. Jérôme explains how Mirova invests in and alongside IPPs – developing, building, and operating renewables – while evolving capabilities for revenue management, hedging, and flexible, dispatchable portfolios.Enjoy a discussion on themes including:The evolution of IPPs: from maximising generation to optimising when and how energy is produced amid price volatilityOperational control as a core skill: EMS systems, curtailment, AI-driven forecasting, and hybridisation with storageInternalising key expertise and building local partnerships across Europe to manage risk and drive efficiencyThe new energy-management frontier: balancing, route-to-market, and merchant exposure as core revenue leversCross-market innovation inspired by Australia and California – capacity swaps and virtual tolling as future modelsMirova’s digital stack: from in-house stochastic models to a SaaS + API ecosystem integrating SCADA, asset, and risk toolsThe road ahead: VPPs, AI, and regulatory readiness – why the shift from electricity to electronicity defines the next era of IPPsUnlock More PPA Market InsightsRegister for your free Pexapark account to stay updated on the latest energy transition trends. Learn more >

Welcome back to The Pexapark Podcast! In this special edition, we explore how leading developers are evolving into next-generation Independent Power Producers (IPPs). In this episode Luca Pedretti sits down with Mehmet Energin, Chief Investment Officer at OX2, to discuss how the company is transitioning from a pure-play developer to an active renewable asset owner. With new shareholders, shifting market dynamics, and fast-moving technology, OX2 is building the commercial, digital, and strategic muscles needed to thrive in an era of volatility, capital scarcity, and hybrid portfolios.Enjoy a discussion on themes including:Why OX2 is returning to the IPP model and how EQT’s 2024 acquisition accelerated the shiftThe new value drivers: structuring, operations, and merchant risk managementBuilding capabilities in origination, portfolio optimization, and hybrid PPAsHow digital tools and data integration support smarter asset managementThe balance between scale, focus, and flexibility in today’s IPP landscapeLessons for the future: creating bankable products, attracting talent, and staying agileUnlock More PPA Market InsightsRegister for your free Pexapark account to stay updated on the latest energy transition trends. Learn more >

Kai Rintala and Aleksi Nordlund from Taaleri Energia dive into the evolution of Independent Power Producers (IPPs). They discuss the transition from traditional development to becoming full-spectrum value creators. The importance of power market expertise and sophisticated risk analysis is highlighted, as is the shift towards digitalization and AI in energy trading. The duo also shares insights on insourcing versus outsourcing trading activities and the growing need for talent in the competitive energy sector.

In this engaging discussion, Axel Thiemann, CEO of Sonnedix and expert in renewable energy, dives into the transformation of Independent Power Producers. He highlights how Sonnedix is evolving from a solar-only focus to a diversified, customer-led approach across ten markets. Key topics include the shift from feed-in tariffs to customer-facing models, embracing battery and wind technologies, and the importance of data standardization for operational efficiency. Axel also shares insights on balancing growth with risk and the crucial role of digitalization in the energy landscape.

Jesper Schaumburg-Düring, the Commercial Director at Eurowind Energy, shares insights into how the company has evolved from a traditional developer into a pioneering multi-technology Independent Power Producer. He discusses the importance of flexibility in asset design for future market mechanisms and how trader skills are essential for navigating complex PPAs and managing risks. Jesper emphasizes the critical role of data and IT infrastructure in optimizing revenues and highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by hybrid assets.

Ivan Nieto Ruiz, Chief Commercial Officer at Zelestra, discusses the evolution of Independent Power Producers from traditional models to data-driven, customer-centric platforms. He highlights the significance of batteries as a growth engine, transforming renewable energy systems into hybrid solutions. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of building commercial operations, managing diverse market data, and the importance of tailored PPAs. Ivan emphasizes the shift towards long-term contracts and the necessity of hiring experienced talent to navigate this dynamic landscape.

Join Jordi Francesch, Managing Director, and Pierre Bartholin, Senior Director at Nuveen Infrastructure, as they dive into the evolving landscape of Independent Power Producers. They discuss Nuveen's vertically integrated approach to clean energy, blending development, construction, and operation. The duo explores the rise of agile, risk-aware IPPs and the concept of 'virtual utilities' that balance long-term contracts with market optimization. Digitalization strategies, energy trading, and procurement mastery are highlighted as crucial for success in today's complex market.

Joanna Ellis, Chief Commercial Officer at Nadara, discusses the evolution of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) into comprehensive commercial entities. She highlights Nadara's significant portfolio of over 4 GW across Europe and the transition from development to operating and optimizing assets. Key topics include building in-house trading and risk management capabilities, managing physical dispatch in multiple markets, and navigating future revenue models. Joanna also emphasizes the importance of talent acquisition and technological integration for sustained success.

Tom Thunell, co-founder and CEO of Tyba, shares insights from the forefront of the battery storage market. He discusses the implications of ERCOT's upcoming real-time co-optimization and its impact on storage revenues. The conversation dives into how storage is becoming the primary driver of investment in the US, particularly post-IRA. Tom also highlights the rise of large behind-the-meter deployments and the need for IPPs to adapt their strategies to manage these evolving portfolios effectively. Don't miss his tips on navigating the complexities of the storage landscape!