Plugged In: the energy news podcast

Several Danish trading companies have posted record high profits in recent weeks. What's the secret to their success? Listen to a discussion on the reasons behind the massive rise in earnings and how they have been received in Denmark amid a cost of living crisis. In addition, a row over huge bonuses and allegations of market manipulation are likely to increase the chances of a regulatory backlash. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Anders Plejdrup Houmøller, CEO, Houmoller Consulting ApSMartin Dam Wied, Head of Department, Green Power Denmark

Europe has ambitious plans to become net zero by 2050. This will not only require a massive roll out of wind and solar energy, but also flexible capacity for those dark, cold, and windless winter days. Listen to a discussion on the need to speed up permitting, cannibalisation and why large nuclear and coal fired plants are not a good match for renewable energy. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Anja Frada, Chief Operating Officer, Wärtsilä Energy

European gas prices have fallen – and should continue to drop in the weeks ahead – amid ample supply, milder weather and increased electricity generation from renewables. However, problems at French nuclear plants in combination with rising demand in Asia pose risks for winter prices. Listen to a discussion on the reasons why prices could fall in the short-term, but remain elevated in the medium-term. What is the nuclear conundrum, and is Gazprom preparing a final roll of the dice? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Wayne Bryan, Director European Gas Research, LSEG

Amid surging gas prices, many countries in Europe and beyond turned to the dirty fuel in an attempt to keep a lid on prices. But the increased demand for the dirty fuel triggered a massive rise in global coal prices, which in turn was boon to illegal transport of the commodity in South Africa. Recently, train operator Transnet issued a warning about the rise in so-called "ghost trains", or unchartered, off-timetable shipment of coal to the port of Richard's Bay. Listen to a discussion of the phenomenon and potentially how much of the fuel has found its way to Europe.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Laurence Walker, Gas and Coal Editor, Montel

There have been mounting concerns over the stability of the global banking system after the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and the rescue of Credit Suisse. Listen to a discussion on the causes of the turmoil and what may happen next. Are we in danger of a broader banking crisis, and what could the consequences be for the energy sector and the rollout of renewables? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Thina Margrethe Saltvedt, Chief Analyst, Sustainable Finance, Nordea and Lucy Eve, Senior Strategist, Eurasia Group

Many market participants expressed relief that the European Commission did not meddle with the marginal price-setting mechanism in its proposals for energy market reform. But plans to protect customers from volatile and soaring prices through encouraging long-term contracts and a capacity mechanism will impact the internal energy market. Listen to a discussion on plans for virtual trading hubs and why this complex but innovative idea will be challenging to implement.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Michela Beltracchi, Senior Advisor Public & Regulatory Affairs, Nord Pool; Georg Zachmann, Senior Fellow, Bruegel

The European Commission has loosened state-aid rules in a bid to compete with the US Inflation Reduction Act in providing subsidies for green technology. The move comes in the wake of several high-profile European battery manufactures having indicated they are considering building factories in the US. Listen to a discussion on the main hurdles facing the battery and storage sector and how fresh regulation may spur manufacturers to stay in Europe.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Giorgio Corbetta, EU Affairs Director, Eurobat

Ahead of the publication of the European Commission's proposals for energy market design, there are concerns that some recent interventions will be permanent. Listen to why the wholesale markets need to retain the marginal pricing model, avoid a patchwork of national regulation and provide incentives to boost the energy transition. What are the lessons learnt from the energy crisis and the resulting flurry of policy measures aimed at protecting consumers? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guest: Jérôme Le Page, Director, European Electricity Markets, Efet

The European Commission recently laid out rules that will define green hydrogen as part of its renewable energy directive. They will provide clarity on what makes hydrogen renewable, define additionality and potentially boost investments into the fuel. Listen to a discussion on what this will mean for the sector and whether labelling nuclear as renewable is possible or even desirable.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Catherine Banet, Professor of Law, Head of Department of Energy and Resources Law, University of Oslo

It’s been a year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This week's pod chats to residents of Kyiv – a gas analyst and a top manager at Ukraine's utility DTEK – about the current situation in the city, while living under the constant threat of attack. Listen to a discussion about how Russia targets the energy system and how Ukraine repairs bombed infrastructure. We also talk about cross-border power flows and the outlook for the country’s gas and electricity sector amid the ongoing war. The pod finishes quite dramatically, so make you keep listening right to the end.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Yuriy Onyshkiv, Senior Gas Analyst, LSEG                  Dmytro Sakharuk, Executive Director of DTEK