Plugged In: the energy news podcast

Russia is trying to force companies to pay for its gas in rubles, while the EU has still not decided to implement full energy sanctions amid opposition from some member states. Listen to a discussion on the legal issues for European firms surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the implications of a cut from either side. We also look at the current status of Nord Stream 2 and potential loopholes in the regulatory framework. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guest: Ana Stanic, Principal, E&A Law

The EU is considering energy sanctions on Russia amid reports of atrocities in its ongoing war in Ukraine but many countries fear the consequences of such measures on the economies of the 27-nation bloc. These potential measures comeo against the backdrop of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s posturing. Is Moscow’s short-term to aim to starve Europe of energy? And could oil and gas prices spike further in the weeks and months ahead?Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Bjarne Schieldrop, Chief Analyst, Commodities, SEB and Nadia Martin Wiggen, Partner and Chief Oil Analyst, Pareto Securities. 

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ensuing Western sanctions have roiled European energy markets. EU nations are scrambling to find alternatives to Russian supplies, while Moscow is demanding payments be made in rubles. Who will win this energy conflict?Listen to an update on the EU’s strategy to wean off its dependency on Russia.Guest: Siobhan Hall, Brussels Correspondent, Montel

This week we focus on how Norway and Germany are coping with the energy crisis exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While Oslo is subsidising household energy use, Berlin is reaching far and wide for alternatives to Russian gas.Listen to a discussion about their tough challenges and why they might succeed.Guests: Andreas Lochner, Editor Germany, Montel, Gert Ove Mollestad, Editor Norway, Montel

Many energy firms have been rapidly cutting ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. This week’s episode focuses on the deep ties French oil and gas major has with Moscow, its feud with the US and why a “Rexit” may be very difficult and very costly, for the company.We also touch on the financial challenges facing EDF and the role of energy in France’s upcoming presidential election.Guests: Chris Eales, Editor FranceMuriel Boselli, Correspondent France

Carbon market participants should brace themselves for more price volatility in the week to come - have we reached the bottom at EUR 55/t, or could prices climb to EUR 100/t?Listen to a discussion on the key drivers going forward, and whether compliance buying could offset selling by speculative and industrial companies. Guests: Ingvild Sorhus, Lead EU Carbon Analyst, RefinitivBernadett Papp, Analyst, Vertis Environmental Finance

The energy crisis that has engulfed Europe for months is set to continue well into 2023 amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the concerns over gas and coal supplies from Russia. Will either side cut gas flows, or can Europe source alternative fossil fuels?Listen to a discussion on the hard choices facing Europe going forward and the outlook for wholesale prices. Guests: Wayne Bryan, Director, European Gas Research, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG)Laurence Walker, Editor Montel

The prices of European guarantees of origin have soared in recent weeks amid robust demand, strong commodity markets and low hydro levels in the Nordic region.Listen to a discussion on the outlook for GO prices amid increasing interest from corporates, as well as forecasts for carbon prices amid ongoing policy and regulatory reforms.Marcus Ferdinand, Head of Analysis, Greenfact

As Russian troops pour into Ukraine, we recorded a special episode looking into the implications for Europe’s wholesale energy markets. As we go to press, piped gas continues to flow from Russia, but what are the chances of a supply curtailment? Europe needs to find alternatives and make some hard decisions, in what our guest calls a “merit order of torture”.Guest: Georg Zachmann, Senior Fellow, Bruegel

Hardly a week goes past without a company announcing ambitious plans to produce green hydrogen. But are these projects realistic?Listen to a discussion on the folly of using hydrogen as a fuel in the transport, heating and power generation sectors and the sectors where H2 has an important role. Is hydrogen a panacea for the green transition, or a vehicle for greenwashing?Guests: Paul Martin, Spitfire Research ConsultingJan Cihlar, Managing Consultant, Guidehouse