Plugged In: the energy news podcast

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

Investors into the UK's renewable sector have expressed disbelief, disappointment and anger over plans by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to relax rules to phase out fossil fuel cars and boilers. Listen to a discussion on why the populist move makes no sense politically or financially as it will deprive areas outside of London of manufacturing opportunities and export potential. Will investors now prioritise other markets as the UK backpedals?Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Helena Anderson, COO, Ikigai Capital 

Norwegian power prices have swung from record highs last year to all-time lows this year as supply in the hydropower-intensive nation shifted from deficit to surplus. While dry or wet weather generally drives prices, Norway is set for a long-term change from a power exporter to an importer as new capacity lags demand growth. Listen to a discussion about Norway’s struggle with new capacity, notably onshore wind – with only 3 of 356 local communities in approval – and why investors are looking elsewhere due to punitive and retrospective tax measures. Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Lars Ove Skorpen, Director, Pareto Securities                    Arvid Moss, Executive Vice President, Hydro Energy.

Floods, wildfires, heatwaves, drought and hurricanes. Extreme weather patterns are becoming more frequent in Europe and across the globe. But what does this mean for the way energy is produced, consumed and transported? Listen to a discussion on how the energy market will cope with shifting weather patterns like El Nino as the planet heats up. And, what's the outlook for winter in Europe? Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Robin Girmes, Managing Partner at Energy Weather

France has announced ambitious plans to build new nuclear plants, with up to 14 reactors potentially online by 2050. Yet its much vaunted new generation reactor at Flamanville is massively overbudget and more than a decade behind schedule. Listen to a discussion on why the grandiose plans by president Emmanuel Macron may not be realised, along with analysis of the main issues affecting the country's renewables objectives. Will it meet its 2030 targets?Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Franck Gbaguidi, Director, Energy, Climate and Resources, Eurasia Group

Wholesale gas prices have been very volatile in August, largely over concerns of a reduction in supply due to strikes at Australian LNG facilities. The market has softened in recent days but risks of further spikes remain. Listen to a discussion on the price impact of the strike, maintenance on the Norwegian continental shelf and a potential cold snap. Also, how safe is northern Europe’s gas infrastructure from attack?Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Ole Hvalbye, Commodities Analyst, SEB

Europe is scaling up solar power capacity like never before and could exceed the 46 GW installed last year. But what happens when there is too much feeding the grid? Listen to a discussion on output curtailments, negative prices, and dealing with network constraints. Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Naomi Chevillard, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Solar Power Europe

By pledging to “max out” oil and gas reserves and criticising “loony” green policies, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak appears to be driving a wedge between his government and the opposition Labour party. Listen to a discussion on the country’s faltering climate goals, why offshore wind farms are proving challenging and the fierce debate around urban low-emission zones (Ulez). And, will Britons really be cooking their turkeys on new nuclear power in 2028 (11 years later than originally planned)?Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Antony Froggatt, Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House

Algorithmic trading has rapidly developed in Europe’s short-term power markets with about 85% of transactions now performed by robots. Listen to a discussion on how machines react to challenging market conditions and why it is important to keep them in check via human oversight. We also touch on the issues of data transparency and how some of Europe’s short-term markets may be prone to insider trading.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Amani Joas, Managing Director, CF Flex Power

A temporary EU ban on Icelandic GOs stirred the guarantees of origin market, raising questions about the credibility of the system amid double counting concerns. Listen to a discussion about why the EU renewables watchdog, the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB), rattled the GO market and what the utility on the island did to lift the suspension.Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Tinna Traustadóttir, Executive Vice President Sales and Customer Service, Landsvirkjun