Plugged In: the energy news podcast

Nordic power prices have languished near historically low levels amid a combination of extreme factors, notably an abundance of hydropower supply, and limitations in interconnector capacity and nuclear supply. In this week’s pod, experts discuss the outlook for prices going forward and whether 2020 will be a one-off or if market participants should brace themselves for more of the unexpected. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guests: Eylert Ellefsen, senior analyst, EQ, Tor Reier Lilleholt, head of analysis, Wattsight. 

This week’s pod focuses on the carbon market and, in particular, the reasons behind the price spike in mid-July. Was it due to the closing of a speculative position that went rogue, or were other fundamental factors at play? Tune in for a discussion on the outlook for prices going forward, the potential impact of the EU green deal and the UK ETS post Brexit. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guests: Louis Redshaw, founder and CEO Redshaw Advisors, Alessandro Vitelli, Carbon Reporter. 

In the first pod after the summer break, we welcome back Wayne Bryan and discuss the outlook for gas prices amid waning demand, ample supply, healthy storage and geopolitical tensions. Is the current rally in European gas prices sustainable, or will market fundamentals limit the gains amid a potential second wave of Covid-19? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Wayne Bryan, director EU gas research, Refinitiv. 

Iceland is starting to position itself as a producer and exporter of “green” hydrogen. Listen to a discussion on the potential for the island nation to export the clean fuel, expand wind power and on the difficulties currently faced by large industrial energy users. Host: Snjolfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Hordur Arnarson, CEO Landsvirkjun.  

For this week's pod, Montel journalists review the key energy market developments in the first six months of the year, and provide an outlook for the remainder of 2020 and beyond. What will happen to prices, will demand recover and are markets prepared for a second wave? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guests: Olav Vilnes, Chief Editor Nordics, Montel, Chris Eales, Editor France, Montel, Andres Cala, Editor Iberia, Montel, Christian Driessen, Editor Germany, Montel. 

Europe’s TSOs will remain vigilant over the months to come in order to keep the lights on and the power system secure amid unprecedented falls in demand as well as growing output from renewables. Listen to a discussion on digitalisation, accelerating the permitting process and the complicated but necessary task of incorporating decentralised, distributed energy. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Pascale  Fonck, Vice Chair of the Board, Entso-E and Chief Officer External Relations, Elia. 

All market participants should work together to ensure the electricity system works efficiently and stays afloat, says Auke Lont. This week’s pod discusses low prices, key interconnectors, bidding zones and the importance of maintaining transparent, liquid wholesale energy markets. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Auke Lont, CEO, Statnett. 

Direct prohibition of the use of fossil fuels will be necessary in order to meet the goals of the Paris climate agreement, says Rana Adib of REN 21. This week’s pod discusses how other sectors should emulate the “extraordinary success” of renewable electricity and how short term measures must accompany long term targets for green energy.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Rana Adib, Executive Director, REN 21.

Nordic wholesale power prices are unlikely to return to levels around EUR 40/MWh as delivered last year. This week’s episode welcomes back Marius Holm Rennesund with a discussion on the outlook for prices over the coming months and years, with prices expected to stay low with demand side measures and batteries assuming a greater role. Rennesund also provides his view of the future development for PPAs in the region. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guests: Marius Holm Rennesund, Partner, Thema Consulting, Olav Vilnes, Chief Editor Nordics, Montel.

The recent EU recovery fund should help to propel the continent into a greener, cleaner post Covid-19 world. This week’s episode welcomes Susanne Nies who discusses the outlook for electricity demand in Europe, the importance of smart networks as well as insights in to the political bubble of Brussels. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Susanne Nies, Country Manager Germany, Smart Wires.