Plugged In: the energy news podcast

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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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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 Details over bonuses – promised, then withdrawn – have only added to the uproar.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, Montel

Guest: Mogens Pilgaard Sørensen, MPS Solutions

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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will increasingly be a key part of long-term energy deals and why analysis regarding the costs of solar power is outdated almost as soon as it is published.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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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, Montel

Guest: 
Marit Meland, Business Development Manager, Eviny - Mobil Energy
Maria Bos, CEO, Plug
Therese Gjerde, Vice President Global Sustainability, World Kinect Energy Services

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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, Montel
Guest: Anders Plejdrup Houmøller, CEO, Houmoller Consulting ApS
Martin Dam Wied, Head of Department, Green Power Denmark

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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, Montel
Guest: Anja Frada, Chief Operating Officer, Wärtsilä Energy

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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, Montel
Guest: Wayne Bryan, Director European Gas Research, LSEG

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Amid surging gas prices, many countries in Europe and beyond turned to the dirty fuel in an attempt to keep a lid on prices. But the increased demand for the dirty fuel triggered a massive rise in global coal prices, which in turn was boon to illegal transport of the commodity in South Africa. Recently, train operator Transnet issued a warning about the rise in so-called "ghost trains", or unchartered, off-timetable shipment of coal to the port of Richard's Bay. Listen to a discussion of the phenomenon and potentially how much of the fuel has found its way to Europe.

Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel
Guest: Laurence Walker, Gas and Coal Editor, Montel

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There have been mounting concerns over the stability of the global banking system after the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and the rescue of Credit Suisse. Listen to a discussion on the causes of the turmoil and what may happen next. Are we in danger of a broader banking crisis, and what could the consequences be for the energy sector and the rollout of renewables? 

Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel 

Guests: Thina Margrethe Saltvedt, Chief Analyst, Sustainable Finance, Nordea and Lucy Eve, Senior Strategist, Eurasia Group

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Many market participants expressed relief that the European Commission did not meddle with the marginal price-setting mechanism in its proposals for energy market reform. But plans to protect customers from volatile and soaring prices through encouraging long-term contracts and a capacity mechanism will impact the internal energy market. Listen to a discussion on plans for virtual trading hubs and why this complex but innovative idea will be challenging to implement.

Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel 
Guests: Michela Beltracchi, Senior Advisor Public & Regulatory Affairs, Nord Pool; Georg Zachmann, Senior Fellow, Bruegel