Plugged In: the energy news podcast

Last year’s carnage in global oil demand would have been a lot worse for oil prices without the deep production cut agreement by Opec and non-member partners. But how will current geopolitical tensions play out?Will Iran keep selling to China? Is Saudi Arabia likely to maintain production cuts, or will Russia continue to boost output?Listen to a discussion on how the complex web of intrigue and realpolitik is driving the world’s most liquid commodity market. Host:  Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuest: Nadia Martin Wiggen, Partner and Energy Analyst, Pareto Securities

Meteorologists say summer temperatures in southern Europe could hit 50C, surpassing levels seen in recent years. This week’s episode looks at what this could mean for the continent’s power and gas systems in the face of more freak weather incidents such as cold snaps and heatwaves. And tune in to hear the latest forecasts for the weeks and months to come. Host:  Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuests: Mark Stephens-Row, Meteorologist, IBM WeatherJulian Telford, Head of Energy, MetDeskFredrik Cronvall, Meteorologist, SMHI

Last year remained a busy year for power purchase agreements (PPAs) despite the Covid pandemic, and activity looks set to accelerate as the market sees a post-virus bounce. Listen to a discussion on companies who are keen to brand themselves as green – the green image seekers – and those for whom cost is paramount – the green giants.  Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel,Guest: Thekla von Bulow, Principal Commissioned Projects, Aurora Energy Research

The success of Europe’s climate neutral goal for 2050 will depend a lot on hydrogen, particularly its green form when backed by renewables. Large utilities, industrial firms and oil and gas majors are now gearing up to make big investments in green hydrogen.This week’s episode looks at some of those ambitious plans in the Nordic region. Host:  Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuests: Martin Pei, Executive Vice President and CTO, SSABMarius Holm Rennesund, Partner, Thema ConsultingKathrine Stene Bakke, Head of AFRY Management Consulting NorwayOlav Botnen, Senior Analyst, Volue Insight

Last week’s deep freeze across the southern US caused power outages for millions in Texas, the country’s second most populous state. Was it an isolated problem or could a similar event occur in Europe? Listen to a panel of experts as they delve into how Europe needs to integrate renewables and the steps needed to level the playing field for new entrants. Host:  Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuests: Dirk Biermann, Chief Markets and System Operations Officer, 50 HertzMatthias Dilthey, General Manager, DACH, Sonnen

Are speculators behind the rise in carbon prices to new heights above EUR 40/t? This week’s podcast delves into the rally, addresses the fundamental factors supporting EUAs and whether placing limits on non-compliance participants is desirable or possible. Host:  Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuests: Marcus Ferdinand, Head of EU Power and Carbon Analytics, IcisTrevor Sikorski, Head of Natural Gas, Oil and Carbon Research, Energy AspectsBernadett Papp, Senior Market Analyst, VertisAlessandro Vitelli, Carbon Reporter

Developing solar power in parts of Europe not known for being sunny is like being a student at a rough school – you come out a tough kid. At least that’s how the CEOs of Nordic firms Otovo and Alright Energy see it in this week’s episode. Hear the outlook for rooftop and large-scale solar across Europe. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuests: Andreas Thorsheim, CEO, OtovoHarald Overholm, CEO, Alight Energy 

In a week of dramatic price moves in the carbon market, some participants have questioned the reasons for the rise to fresh highs. Is it the role of new entrants, could EUAs be the new Game Stop? Listen to a discussion on the various factors at play in the ever volatile EU ETS and the outlook for prices for the weeks and months ahead. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel Guest: Ingvild Sorhus, Senior Analyst, Refinitiv 

Europe’s quest to become carbon neutral by 2050 will mean increased grid congestion with an expansion of intermittent renewable energy. This week’s show discusses how electricity networks could cope with such bottlenecks, and why a fear of gaming and market power is holding back regulators from choosing market-based options. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guests: Andrea Torjussen, Business Development and Regulatory Affairs Manager, NodesGesa Milzer, Project Manager, NodesJan Budke, European Regulatory Affairs Manager, Eon

Some meteorologists may be playing down the risk of a return of 2018's "Beast from the East", but this winter is far from over and with it the potential for further gas and power price spikes. This week's show discusses the reasons for the recent price surges in Asian LNG, the outlook for the coming months and whether the market became too blase about cheap gas. Host:Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuest:•             Wayne Bryan, Director, European Gas Research, Refinitiv