Plugged In: the energy news podcast

Europe’s energy-intensive sectors are already facing spiralling costs ahead of the winter demand season. In this week’s pod, listen to a discussion on the consequences of soaring wholesale electricity prices for the non-ferrous metals sector and why some firms are calling for market intervention. Also, hear a critical view of the guarantees of origin market.Guests: Alexander Arnesen, Head of Power Procurement, ElkemNick Keramidas, EU and Regulatory Affairs Director, MytilineosCillian O’Donoghue, Energy and Climate Change Director, Eurometaux

We follow up Friday’s preview with a discussion of the results of Sunday’s elections in Germany and the role the Green party could play in shaping the country’s energy policy. Will the fiscally prudent FDP be able to strike a deal with the Greens over financing a green shift, and could a new government be in place by Christmas?Guest: Tobias Federico, Managing Director, Energy Brainpool

A few days before Germany goes to the polls, several government scenarios are still in play. Will the country see a traffic light, a Jamaica or a red-red-green coalition? And what could that mean for the country’s energy policy? Listen to a discussion on potential outcomes. Could there be a situation where Nord Stream 2 was stopped, along with a speedier coal exit and further green growth?Guest: Henning Gloystein, Director, Global Energy & Natural Resources, Eurasia Group

This week’s pod turns to Turkey. While the country’s phenomenal economic growth has slowed in recent years, it still has grand ambitions to lessen its dependence on imported fossil fuels by expanding renewables. Listen to a discussion on the challenges and opportunities ahead for Turkey’s energy sector.Guest: Nazli Naseh, Editor, Montel-Foreks

Norway’s election on Sunday and Monday could herald a change in the country’s climate policy, as current polls indicate growing support for calls to end oil and gas exploration. Listen to a discussion on the implications for Norway’s oil and gas sector, as well as what the Nordic country’s green transition could mean for others looking to wean themselves off fossil fuels.Guest: Stig Schjolset, Head of Policy, Zero

Despite calls for calm by the European Commission, carbon prices are continuing to break records, largely due to a soaring gas market and expectations of more stringent environmental legislation.Listen to a discussion outlining the reasons behind the extreme volatility, the key fundamentals and the outlook for the coming months. Guests:  • Ingvild Sorhus, Lead EU Carbon Analyst, Refinitiv • Bernadett Papp, Analyst, Vertis Environmental Finance

Nordic wholesale electricity prices have soared in recent months on a combination of low hydropower stocks, grid congestion, forecasts of dry weather and the start-up of the NSL cable linking Norway to the UK.Listen to a discussion on the reasons for the price surge, the outlook for the months ahead and the implications for the region’s heavy industry.Guests: Sigbjorn Seland, Chief Analyst, Storm GeoOle Lofsnaes, Nordic Energy Director, Alcoa

This week’s pod discusses the outlook for Europe’s gas market for the coming months, as the risk of higher prices is a concern amid doubts over supply, both from pipelines and LNG, robust demand and very low storage levels ahead of the winter.An additional factor could be Nord Stream 2, with prices plunging this week after operator Gazprom announced plans to start supplying Germany through the contested pipeline this year.Guest:James Waddell, Head of European Gas, Energy Aspects

This week’s pod discusses soaring energy prices, asking what is behind the bull run, how long it could last and what are the implications for energy intensive industries? As prices surge there is an increased risk of political intervention and perhaps even a call for Germany to return to nuclear power.Guest: Olav Vilnes, Editor Nordics, Montel,Nathan Witkop, Correspondent Germany, Montel

Back after a short summer break, this week’s pod takes a close look at the EU’s green finance taxonomy and how its criteria on sustainable investments will impact the energy sector.Listen to a discussion on whether nuclear and gas should be included and why some did not want to include hydropower as part of the criteria. Guest: Nathan Fabian, Chair of the European Platform on Sustainable Finance and Chief Responsible Investment Officer at the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment.