Plugged In: the energy news podcast

European gas storage levels are lower compared to the same time last year, but many market participants are fairly confident that there will be enough of the fossil fuel for the months ahead. However, the weather remains the uncertain factor with some experts estimating that gas prices could jump more than 30% if Europe is hit with very cold temperatures this winter.What’s the outlook for prices as demand remains low, Europe becomes increasingly reliant on US LNG amid an unstable geopolitical situation?In this episode, Richard sits down with the London Stock Exchange Group to discuss several potential seasonal scenarios and the key market drivers for the months ahead. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Laurence Walker - Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuest: Wayne Bryan - Research Principal, London Stock Exchange GroupEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

Amani Joas, Managing Director at FlexPower, delves into the complexities of the PPA market, highlighting the surprising rebound of short-term standardised agreements amid a broader decline. She discusses how market sophistication post-energy crisis and improved trading capabilities are pivotal for success. Amani also explains how entities are shifting focus from premium green labels to cost-effective options. With insights on automation in PPA structuring and the rising influence of batteries and data centers, Amani paints a dynamic picture of renewable trading's future.

Christina Rentell, Research Lead at Aurora Energy Research, and Daniel Garasa Sagardoy, Energy Engineer and Solar Analyst at Wood Mackenzie, dive into the aftermath of Spain's major blackout. They discuss the shift to a 'safe mode' for grid operation, the challenges posed by solar intermittency, and the role of distributed assets. The conversation also touches on the politicization of the incident, the need for localized voltage services, and the outlook for batteries in achieving grid stability. Insightful and thought-provoking, this discussion sheds light on future energy resilience.

Jerome Le Page is the Chair of the Electricity Committee at Energy Traders Europe, while Jean-Paul Harreman is the Director at Montel Analytics. They discuss the recent rollout of 15-minute day-ahead auctions and its impact on market volatility. Le Page shares insights on trader sentiment and legislative contexts, while Harreman explores zigzag pricing patterns linked to cross-border capacity calculations. Both emphasize the potential for this new granularity to attract flexibility providers and enhance market integration of renewables.

Last week, the UK Prime Minister was the latest leader in Europe to announce his commitment to nuclear energy production by announcing plans to build "a fleet" of small modular reactors (SMRs). The UK's announcement followed similar plans elsewhere in Europe over the last year.Why are we seeing the focus shift from larger nuclear plants to small modular reactors?In this episode, Richard speaks to Rolls Royce to understand the tech behind SMRs, the role they can play in reduce dependance on fossil fuels, and why they could prove to be an economically viable option for Europe's rollout of nuclear energy. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Chris Eales - France Editor, Montel NewsGuest: Sophie Macfarlane-Smith - Head of Customer Engagement, Rolls Royce SMREditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

Earlier this week, Europe’s benchmark carbon price climbed by over 1 EUR to reach a seven-month high. Could it continue to rise? As companies across the EU rush to meet the EU ETS deadline on the 30th September, investment funds’ increase their net long exposure in EU carbon allowances and lower supply could drive the price of EUAs higher. In this episode, Richard speaks to Veyt's Carbon Analyst about why the industry expects a tight carbon market next year, and what impact the reduced allowance thresholds and the introduction of CBAM will have on prices. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Cem Bektas - Carbon Reporter, Montel NewsGuests: Ingvild Sørhus - Manager of EU Carbon Analysis, VeytEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

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