Plugged In: the energy news podcast

Connecting 300 GW of offshore wind by 2050 will require a fresh configuration of bidding zones, and multilateral cooperation between countries, TSOs and utilities. Onshore, politics often trumps economics or physics, but will this be the case offshore? Listen to a discussion on bidding zones, green hydrogen and a look back at key decisions made in Brussels in recent years. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuest: Bente Hagem, former Director Statnett, ex Chair of Entsoe board

The Nordic region has huge potential for the further expansion of renewable energy as more and more companies seek to procure new or “additional” green energy.Listen to a discussion on the current trends in PPAs and the risks of “cannibalisation”.Host:  Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuests: Mia Bodin, Head of Analysis, Bodecker PartnersPaul Orstavik, Lead Originator, Renewable Energy Solutions, Kinect Energy

Germany faces an electricity capacity gap of up to 4 GW in 2023 and 2024 due to the country’s exit from both coal-fired and nuclear power generation. Listen to a discussion on how supply could be critically endangered and what direction energy policy could take should the Green party join the government following elections later this year.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuest: Konstantin Lenz, Professor for Energy Economics, University of applied sciences Erfurt and Business Development Manager, Volue

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