Plugged In: the energy news podcast

Paul Voss, Director General at European Aluminium, and Axel Eggert, Director General of EUROFER, tackle the urgent issues facing the EU's heavy industry. They discuss the critical impact of a $750 billion US-EU trade deal and the shock of 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium. As they highlight the challenges posed by Chinese overcapacity and rising energy prices, Voss and Eggert advocate for urgent policy reforms to enhance competitiveness. Their candid insights reflect the precarious future of these vital industries within Europe.

Kia Marie Jerichau, Vice President at Energinet, Matthew Creese, Head of Market Operations for Wind and Solar at Aneo, and Priyanka Shinde, Nordic Market Expert at Montel Analytics, dive into the chaos of the Nordic energy markets post-March 2025 price crash. They discuss volatile balancing markets and the struggle of small producers navigating complex systems. The challenges of algorithmic trading, rapid market changes, and the need for better regulation and adaptability are key themes. A real eye-opener for anyone interested in renewable energy dynamics!

Volatile prices, falling liquidity and declining profitability are some of the many headwinds the Nordic power market faces in the months ahead.In addition, could political meddling create more damage to the highly complex and problematic market? And why are public misunderstandings about the issue fuelling political debate?In this episode, Richard speaks to our guests at the Montel Nordic Energy Day in Oslo. They discuss why a free and competitive market is still the best solution, and they explain the changes that need to be made to the market design in order for it to function better. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Olav Vilnes - Nordic Editor, Montel NewsGuests: Kolbjørn Hembre, CEO at Entelios & Fredrik Bodecker, CEO at Bodecker PartnersEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah KnowlesVideographer: Oscar Birk

According to a recent report from Montel Analytics, the UK and Ireland curtailed GBP 152m of renewable energy in the first half of 2025.Is this counter productive to the UK’s green and clean energy goals? Who foots the bill? Is the lack of adequate infrastructure in Europe’s grid hindering the green energy transition?In this episode, Richard speaks to the author of the report and Renewable UK about how much curtailment is costing the industry, how it’s affecting investments in wind power projects and why batteries are essential in storing excess green energy productionHost: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Gabriel Power - UK Reporter, Montel NewsGuests: Fintan Devenney - Senior Energy Analyst, Montel & Barnaby Wharton - Director of Future Electricity Systems, RenewableUKEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

Temperatures reached 40C across Europe this week in the latest of several heatwaves which have engulfed the continent this summer.  In response, power prices soared in many regions, with countries like France curbing nuclear power production because rivers – used for cooling purposes –  became too warm.In this week’s episode, Richard discuss the impact of rising temperatures on power production, consumption and prices. How can Europe futureproof its power market from extreme weather conditions?Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Julia Demirdag - News correspondent, Montel NewsGuests:Robin Girmes -  Managing Director, Energy WeatherPawel Czyzak - Europe Programme Director, EmberEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles 

It’s been 10 years since the Paris Climate Agreement entered intro force. Yet, tariffs, trade wars, and the reversal of the US’s climate policies are putting the global energy transition at risk.  Where does this leave the relationship between the EU, the US, and other global trading partners? And should Europe’s solar and wind developers shun Chinese products? In this week’s episode, Richard speaks to Lord Adair Turner - Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission about carbon pricing, the cost of the energy transition, and China’s influence in the future of green energy.  Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Contributor: Cem Bektas - Carbon correspondent, Montel News Guest: Lord Adair Turner - Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission Editors: Bled Maliqi, Oscar Birk Producer: Sarah Knowles

Dr. Annegret Groebel, President of the Council of European Energy Regulators and Director at BNetzA, dives into the future of energy regulation in Germany. She discusses the intricacies of maintaining market integrity and preventing manipulation within the energy sector. The conversation also highlights the importance of preserving the unified German bidding zone while addressing the challenges of the renewable energy transition. Groebel emphasizes community involvement in the permitting processes necessary for expanding grid infrastructure to support Germany's energy goals.

Jarand Rystad, CEO and Founder of Rystad Energy, dives into the shifting landscape of global energy. He highlights the changes in China's oil demand and its transition from coal to renewables. The podcast discusses the complexities surrounding hydrogen production and the challenges of battery and solar power in Europe. Rystad also sheds light on the competitive dynamics between Europe and China, emphasizing the need for strategic responses in energy markets.

Asta Sihvonen-Punkka, CEO of Fingrid and leader in Finland’s energy transition, discusses pressing challenges in balancing the nation's power market. She highlights the oversupply of renewable energy in the Nordics and the vital role of nuclear energy for reliability—especially during harsh winters. The conversation also delves into the importance of flexible models to meet the rising demand for data centers, as well as innovative solutions for integrating wind energy into the grid, shaping Finland's sustainable energy future.

This is the second episode of Plugged In’s five-part CEO summer series, where Richard interviews prominent leaders in Europe’s energy sector. In this episode, Richard interviews Leonhard Birnbaum, CEO of Eon, about Europe’s power market. They discuss the boom in renewable energy, the issues surrounding security of supply, and the importance of investing in Europe’s grid infrastructure. Presenter: Richard Sverisson - Editor-in-Chief Guest: Leonhard Birnbaum - CEO of EonEditors: Bled Maliqi, Sarah KnowlesProducer: Sarah Knowles