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Plugged In: the energy news podcast

Latest episodes

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Jun 8, 2023 • 29min

Sticky negative prices

European electricity prices have spiked from more than EUR 1,000/MWh last year to below EUR 100/MWh this year. Hourly prices recently plunged below zero – as low as EUR -400/MWh in some countries – during periods of robust intermittent renewable supply and low demand. Listen to a discussion why negative prices could be the new normal for the next two to three years, what the consequences will be, and how policymakers should react.Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Sigbjørn Seland, Chief Analyst, Storm Geo; Ana Barillas, Head of Iberia, Aurora Energy Research; Jean-Paul Harreman, Director, EnAppSys BV 
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Jun 1, 2023 • 33min

Backing up the green transition

Without energy storage the energy transition will flounder. As Europe exits coal and gradually reduces gas use, the continent will require back-up green power to keep the lights on. Listen to a discussion on batteries, big and small, and what incentives are needed to boost the expansion of storage to help balance the transmission grid. Will batteries be a crucial element in a centralised or distributed energy system, or a combination of both? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Matt Harper, CCO Invinity Energy Systems; Mike Longson, Commercial Associate, Gore Street Capital.
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May 31, 2023 • 20min

Will carbon’s bogeymen return?

Increased renewables generation and lower gas prices will add pressure to European carbon prices in the months ahead but in the medium to long term the market is expected to tighten amid very ambitious climate targets. Listen to a discussion on the main factors driving prices and why we are unlikely to return to EUR 100/t. In addition, who are the “carbon bogeymen” and will policymakers blame them in case of a sharp rise in prices? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Florian Rothenberg, Senior Analyst EU Power and Carbon Markets, ICIS; Paula VanLaningham, Director, Carbon Research, LSEG.
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May 26, 2023 • 27min

Controversial aid for German industry

Germany’s plans to cap electricity prices for industry at EUR 60/MWh until 2030 is creating controversy and is even unwelcome by some large industrial firms. Why is there such opposition to a stable and secure power price for almost seven years? Listen to a discussion on the outlook for companies operating in Europe’s industrial heartland. Will gas demand in the EU’s biggest economy return to pre-crisis levels? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Tobias Federico, Managing Director, Energy Brainpool Stefanie Müller, Stefanie Mueller, Director Power Trading & Portfoliomanagement, BASF
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May 19, 2023 • 30min

Danish consumer backlash

In a follow-up to the episode on 5 May, we hear why Denmark's energy consumers are up in arms over the profits made by the country’s trading houses. Details over bonuses – promised, then withdrawn – have only added to the uproar. Listen to a discussion on profits, bonuses and allegations of market abuse from the perspective of energy consumers. Is there, or should there be, a more equitable way of sharing the vast proceeds of these Danish firms?Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Mogens Pilgaard Sørensen, MPS Solutions
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4 snips
May 11, 2023 • 25min

The golden age of PPAs?

The looming end of temporary interventions in Europe’s wholesale market has triggered a wave of activity in power purchase agreements (PPAs), as companies rush to secure green energy. What has been the impact of the European Commission’s market design proposal on PPAs and the expansion of renewables? Listen to a discussion of why storage will increasingly be a key part of long-term energy deals and why analysis regarding the costs of solar power is outdated almost as soon as it is published.  Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guest: Luca Pedretti, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Pexapark
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May 8, 2023 • 35min

Electrifying transport

In this special live podcast, hosted by Nord Pool at their special event in Bergen, Norway, we discuss how to accelerate the energy transition through the electrification of transport and the use of batteries. What sectors can be electrified and which ones will be more challenging? How likely is it that large ships or planes could run fully on electricity in the years to come? And what should you do if you run out of power far out at sea? Listen to a discussion on range anxiety and the requirements for charging infrastructure.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Marit Meland, Business Development Manager, Eviny - Mobil EnergyMaria Bos, CEO, PlugTherese Gjerde, Vice President Global Sustainability, World Kinect Energy Services
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May 4, 2023 • 24min

Backlash after Danish boomtime?

Several Danish trading companies have posted record high profits in recent weeks. What's the secret to their success? Listen to a discussion on the reasons behind the massive rise in earnings and how they have been received in Denmark amid a cost of living crisis. In addition, a row over huge bonuses and allegations of market manipulation are likely to increase the chances of a regulatory backlash. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Anders Plejdrup Houmøller, CEO, Houmoller Consulting ApSMartin Dam Wied, Head of Department, Green Power Denmark
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Apr 27, 2023 • 25min

Backing up the green transition

Europe has ambitious plans to become net zero by 2050. This will not only require a massive roll out of wind and solar energy, but also flexible capacity for those dark, cold, and windless winter days. Listen to a discussion on the need to speed up permitting, cannibalisation and why large nuclear and coal fired plants are not a good match for renewable energy. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Anja Frada, Chief Operating Officer, Wärtsilä Energy
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Apr 20, 2023 • 29min

Calm before the storm?

European gas prices have fallen – and should continue to drop in the weeks ahead – amid ample supply, milder weather and increased electricity generation from renewables. However, problems at French nuclear plants in combination with rising demand in Asia pose risks for winter prices. Listen to a discussion on the reasons why prices could fall in the short-term, but remain elevated in the medium-term. What is the nuclear conundrum, and is Gazprom preparing a final roll of the dice? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Wayne Bryan, Director European Gas Research, LSEG

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