Plugged In: the energy news podcast

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. 

Oil demand could surge following the arrival of a vaccine for Covid-19, possibly as early as early 2021. This key moment, or “Liberation Day”, will see life slowly return to normal, with an increase in oil prices. Listen to a discussion on why the market is nihilistic” and the impact of Opec cuts, Libyan supply and the US election. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Bjarne Schieldrop, Chief Analyst Commodities, SEB. 

Burning fuels to generate energy should remain a relic of the last century. This week’s pod discusses, with a touch of “I told you so”, the outlook for decarbonisation in eastern Europe and the options available to countries in the region. Firms will need to urgently move away from coal and lignite before it’s too late or costly.  Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Paolo Coghe, CEO Acousmatics

Guarantees of origin (GOs) will be an important part of the transition to clean energy. And, at current prices companies can source renewable power at very low cost. This week’s pod discusses how long these weak prices could last and the use of GOs to decarbonize Europe’s gas sector. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Alexandra Münzer, Managing Director, Greenfact.

Europe is experiencing ever more extreme weather, with storms, floods and drought hitting several countries in 2020. This is part of a change from steady, predictable weather patterns to one more dominated by extremes. Listen to a discussion on the impact on energy markets, and the outlook for the coming months. Will the “beast from the East” return this winter? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Mark Stephens-Row, Meteorologist, The Weather Company, an IBM Business. 

In theory, the Green recovery fund should provide assistance to companies trying to get back on their feet following the coronavirus pandemic, but in practice they will struggle to access available funds. This week’s episode discusses the legal aspects of the EU Green deal, Nord Stream 2 and Brexit. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Ana Stanic, Principal of E&A Law. 

PPAs are a vital component of Europe’s green energy transition. This week’s episode discusses whether deals have slowed down amid the Covid crisis, and the outlook in the coming years. Listen to an expert view on the changes required to increase the involvement of small and medium sized firms, and how companies should deal with counterparty risk. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Sam Ebohon, Transaction Association Director, Arup. 

Asia’s appetite for LNG will continue to grow as coal becomes more expensive. But outages at key facilities in Australia could tighten global supply ahead of this winter. This week’s show looks at the key energy market drivers in Asia and a discussion on “sticky” demand. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guests: Henning Gloystein, Director, Energy, Climate and Resources, Eurasia Group,  Saul Kavonic, Director APAC markets, Credit Suisse.