Plugged In: the energy news podcast

 France is set to overhaul the mechanism intended to boost competition in the country’s electricity market, but the measure’s complexity as well as disputes over the potential break-up of energy major EDF could see the government postponing reform. This week’s episode discusses the French solution for competition, and why there may not be a resolution until 2022 or beyond.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Julien Tedde, CEO, Opera Energie, Chris Eales, Editor France, Montel. 

German power prices have gained in recent weeks amid colder weather and a strong carbon market, with the bullish trend set to continue over the coming weeks, at least according to this week’s guest. Listen to a discussion on Germany’s coal exit tenders which have led, to the surprise of many, to the closure of modern, efficient plants but left older units in operation. In addition, we look at the outlook for carbon prices as well as the prospects for PPAs in Europe’s largest power market. Host:  Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Tobias Federico, Managing Director, Energy Brainpool. 

In the last episode of 2020, a year of pandemic and economic turmoil, the Montel Weekly podcast takes listeners on a virtual tour around Europe with discussions about what lies ahead for the continent’s energy markets. We review this year’s key policy milestones, the drive to decarbonise Europe, the latest demand forecasts, and conclude with a plea for peace and love. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guests: Andres Cala, Editor Iberia, MontelChris Eales, Editor France, MontelSiobhan Hall, Correspondent Brussels, MontelOlav Vilnes, Chief Editor Nordic and Baltic region, MontelNathan Witkop, Correspondent Germany, Montel

Power supply in northwest Europe over the coming winter faces uncertainty amid limited nuclear availability, aging conventional plant capacity and colder weather, but the lights will stay on, Vincent Verbeke of Engie assures us. In this episode we discuss the ever expanding European PPA market and Engie’s strategy going forward, as well as touching on the role of blockchain in the energy transition. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Vincent Verbeke, Member of the Executive Committee, Global Energy Management, Engie. 

Access to European energy markets is being used as a negotiating tool in Brexit discussions over access to UK fisheries as well as state aid provisions. In this episode, we discuss the implications of a no-deal Brexit for the power and gas sectors, and how it seems increasingly likely that the UK will adopt a carbon tax instead of a trading scheme. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Antony Froggatt, Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House. 

Continued oversupply, mild weather and a massive growth in wind power capacity, will keep Nordic power prices low for the coming year at least. Further out, increased demand thanks to the electrification of the heating and transport sectors could provide a shot in the arm for power producers.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Sigbjorn Seland, Chief Analyst, Storm Geo. 

Reform of the mechanism to reduce market oversupply, tweaking the cap and not least the final 2030 target are all uncertain factors for the EU ETS which will continue to cause price volatility in the coming months. Listen to a discussion on current EUA price dynamics and where the market is heading in the short as well as medium term. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Ingvild Sorhus, Senior Analyst, Refinitiv. 

China’s ban on Australian coal imports, strikes in Colombia as well as potential weather disruptions from the La Nina effect have had a major impact on global coal prices. This week’s pod discusses the outlook for coal in Europe and Asia amid the green energy transition, and the role played by Russia, a key exporter to both regions. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guests: Diana Bacila, Senior Analyst, Alpiq, Laurence Walker, Coal and Gas Editor, Montel. 

In a special podcast looking at the US election, we discuss what a Biden administration will mean for global efforts to tackle climate change and transition towards cleaner energy. With the prospect of a divided government, how far can the US move away from fossil fuels and will a new Congress pursue further sanctions to stop Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Ketil Raknes, Assistant Professor, Hoyskolen Kristiania, Trevor Sikorski, Head of Natural Gas and Energy Transition, Energy Aspects. 

This week’s pod discusses plans for a hydrogen backbone in the Netherlands, including proposals for a trading exchange for the potentially green fuel. We also talk about why November has been a key month historically for power market coupling. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Bert den Ouden, Managing Director for Energy, Berenschot.