Plugged In: the energy news podcast

A bidding error in the Nordic spot power market could be the costliest fat finger event ever in European energy markets – both in terms of financial losses but also the reputational damage for the electricity system and the companies involved. Listen to a discussion on the events that led to EUR -500/MWh power prices and why some Finns treated it as Black Friday. Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Maarit Uusitalo, Manager, Market Solutions, Fingrid ;Riku Merikoski, Senior Power Analyst, Axpo; Gert Ove Mollestad, Editor Norway. 

Stephen Woodhouse, Director Afry Management Consulting, and Phil Hewitt, Director, Montel EnAppSys, discuss the pros and cons of locational prices in the UK electricity market, including the benefits and challenges of transitioning to a zonal market. They explore the implications of a centralized dispatch system, the comparison to European intraday markets, and the ongoing debate between nodal and zonal pricing. They also address the potential impact on existing contracts with a Contract for Difference (CFD).

World climate negotiators will meet for UN-led talks in Dubai next week in attempt to slow warming that is exacerbating extreme weather from flooding to heatwaves to drought. Could COP28 provide impetus to Europe’s carbon market, where prices have dropped from a record high above EUR 101/t to a one year-low below EUR 75/t amid weak fundamentals and rising geopolitical risks. Listen to a discussion on the outlook for the EU’s key climate policy tool. Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Ingvild Sørhus, Lead Carbon Analyst, Veyt 

The BritNed cable has boosted power trading between the UK and the Netherlands. Listen to a discussion on post-Brexit trading, the impact of more prevalent negative prices and how the platform could set the standard for other interconnectors. Was the power link shackled or freed by the UK’s exit from the EU? Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Nils Teipel, Commercial Operations Manager, BritNed and Daniel Homoki-Farkas, Managing Director, Supercharge.

Debate has begun in Norway on the EU’s fourth energy package, that dates back to 2019. Listen to a discussion on the key elements of the legislation and why they are proving controversial. The perceived powers of the EU regulatory body Acer are of concern to many, but have they been misunderstood? Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Catherine Banet, Professor of Law, Head of Department of Energy and Resources Law, University of Oslo; Olav Vilnes, Editor Nordics, Montel. 

Bruno Brunetti, Head of low-carbon electricity analytics at S&P Global Commodity Insights, discusses the increasing demand for guarantees of origin (GOs) and the potential rise in prices. The podcast explores the dynamics of supply and demand in the market, the driving factors behind the GEO price, the relationship between UK and EU GOs, and the hotspots for growth in the renewable energy market.

What will be the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on an already jittery and volatile gas market? Listen to a discussion of the potential consequences of a cut to Egyptian gas exports amid lower supply from Israel and what the situation will have on plans for a regional gas hub. In addition, what is the possibility of a reduction in LNG supplies through the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz should the war escalate?Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Agata Loskot-Strachota, Energy Policy Research Fellow, Bruegel.

The recent incident of suspected sabotage affecting the Balticconnector – the gas pipeline linking Finland and Estonia – has highlighted the vulnerability of Europe’s energy network, especially offshore pipelines. Who or what is threatening gas links and power cables? Listen to a discussion on why it is imperative that countries work together to protect critical infrastructure and the ways in which this can be achieved.Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Jakub Godzimirski, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs

The months ahead will be filled with uncertainty – and price volatility – as energy market participants assess the consequences of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and potential sabotage to the gas pipeline linking Finland with Estonia. Will these events override market fundamentals? Listen to a discussion of the key developments in UK and continental wholesale power and gas markets in the last quarter and the outlook for the coming months. Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Jean-Paul Harreman, Director, Montel EnAppSys,                   Paul Buckworth, Principal Consultant, Montel EnAppSys.

European wholesale gas prices are falling, stocks are close to full capacity and LNG is still flowing to the region, though as winter looms market participants cannot afford to relax, yet. Listen to a discussion on the factors that will influence supply and demand in the coming months. What is the risk that Russian LNG will completely stop flowing to Europe? And can we expect renewed industrial action at LNG facilities in Australia?  Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guest: Andrés Cala, LNG Correspondent, Montel