Transmission

As electricity systems decarbonise, the nature of flexibility is fundamentally shifting. Where grid operators once relied on fossil fuel generation to follow demand, today’s energy systems are increasingly turning to the demand side for flexibility. With more electric vehicles, heat pumps, and behind-the-meter batteries connecting to the grid every day, the potential for distributed assets to support reliability and earn revenue, is rapidly growing.

But tapping into that flexibility at scale is no small task. It requires coordination, intelligent optimisation, and a clear route into energy markets. In this episode of Transmission, we explore how software platforms are making it possible to turn thousands of individual devices into aggregated resources that respond dynamically to grid needs. From flexibility markets and revenue stacking to the evolving role of energy suppliers and the economics of decentralised participation, this conversation breaks down how the grid is being rebalanced from the bottom up.

Quentin is Joined by Co-Founder & CEO of Axle Energy - Karl Bach. Over the conversation they cover:

• From load to resource: How electrification of heating, cooling, and transport is transforming grid demand into flexible capacity.
• Virtual power plants in action: What it takes to orchestrate hundreds of thousands of distributed devices across diverse asset classes.
• Consumer value meets system need: Why aligning grid requirements with consumer benefit is critical to unlocking participation.
• The platform model: How software intermediaries are enabling hardware providers and energy retailers to enter flexibility markets.
• Distributed flexibility as capex-light infrastructure: Why aggregating existing assets may offer faster returns than building new ones.

About our guest:

Karl Bach is the co-founder and CEO of Axle Energy, a platform that enables distributed energy assets - from EVs and heat pumps to residential batteries, to participate in electricity and flexibility markets. With over a gigawatt of connected capacity, Axle works behind the scenes to optimise assets and unlock value for hardware providers, energy suppliers, and the grid. Karl brings a systems-level perspective to the conversation, shaped by experience at the intersection of energy markets, technology, and scalable software infrastructure. For more information, head to their website.

About Modo Energy

Modo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.

All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As Europe’s energy markets become more volatile and complex, the role of trading and optimisation is evolving fast. Real-time weather data, cross-border constraints, and fluctuating renewable output have made flexibility more valuable than ever, but also harder to manage. In this new environment, the line between asset optimisation and active trading is blurring, and originators are increasingly expected to deliver not just access to market, but strategy, risk management, and scale.

In this episode of Transmission, we explore how the worlds of origination, power trading, and asset management are converging. From route-to-market agreements and co-located batteries to the rise of algorithmic trading platforms and 24/7 market operations, this conversation offers a window into the growing sophistication of Europe’s energy traders and what it takes to stay ahead in a data-driven, weather-dependent system.

In this episode, we cover:

• What energy origination really looks like today: How the role has shifted from pure offtake to strategic optimisation and deep market involvement.

• The growing complexity of trading: Why algorithmic strategies, intraday market moves, and volatility are changing the way energy companies operate.

• Battery storage and co-location models: How different asset types are managed across multiple markets, and how to adapt trading strategies.

• Scaling up software and teams: From startup environments to major trading desks.

• What makes a good offtake partner in 2025: Why trust, systems integration, and risk-sharing now matter more than ever.

About our guest

Rimshah Javed is part of the origination team at Danske Commodities, one of Europe’s largest energy trading houses. With a background in software, route-to-market strategy, and storage commercialisation, Rimshah brings experience from both startup and institutional energy environments. Before joining Danske Commodities, she helped build and scale optimisation offerings for standalone and co-located battery assets, giving her a unique perspective on how flexibility is monetised in today's dynamic energy markets.

Danske Commodities is a leading European energy trading company, active in power and gas markets across more than 40 countries. Founded in Denmark, the company specialises in short-term trading, asset optimisation, and balancing services, helping integrate renewables and manage market volatility across the energy system. For more information on What they do, head to the website. https://danskecommodities.com/

About Modo Energy

Modo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.

All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. https://modoenergy.com/

As Europe’s energy markets become more volatile and complex, the role of trading and optimisation is evolving fast. Real-time weather data, cross-border constraints, and fluctuating renewable output have made flexibility more valuable than ever, but also harder to manage. In this new environment, the line between asset optimisation and active trading is blurring, and originators are increasingly expected to deliver not just access to market, but strategy, risk management, and scale.

In this episode of Transmission, we explore how the worlds of origination, power trading, and asset management are converging. From route-to-market agreements and co-located batteries to the rise of algorithmic trading platforms and 24/7 market operations, this conversation offers a window into the growing sophistication of Europe’s energy traders and what it takes to stay ahead in a data-driven, weather-dependent system.

In this episode, we cover:

• What energy origination really looks like today: How the role has shifted from pure offtake to strategic optimisation and deep market involvement.

• The growing complexity of trading: Why algorithmic strategies, intraday market moves, and volatility are changing the way energy companies operate.

• Battery storage and co-location models: How different asset types are managed across multiple markets, and how to adapt trading strategies.

• Scaling up software and teams: From startup environments to major trading desks.

• What makes a good offtake partner in 2025: Why trust, systems integration, and risk-sharing now matter more than ever.

About our guest

Rimshah Javed is part of the origination team at Danske Commodities, one of Europe’s largest energy trading houses. With a background in software, route-to-market strategy, and storage commercialisation, Rimshah brings experience from both startup and institutional energy environments. Before joining Danske Commodities, she helped build and scale optimisation offerings for standalone and co-located battery assets, giving her a unique perspective on how flexibility is monetised in today's dynamic energy markets.

Danske Commodities is a leading European energy trading company, active in power and gas markets across more than 40 countries. Founded in Denmark, the company specialises in short-term trading, asset optimisation, and balancing services, helping integrate renewables and manage market volatility across the energy system. For more information on What they do, head to the website.

When it comes to battery storage deployment in Europe, most of the attention has been focused on familiar markets like the UK, Germany, and southern Europe. But in the background, a quieter shift has been taking place in the Nordics - one that’s now starting to accelerate.

Long seen as too stable, too hydro-dominated, or simply too slow, the Nordic markets were largely overlooked by early battery investors. Yet growing volatility, falling capex, and the evolving needs of a decarbonising grid have started to change the picture.

In this episode of Transmission, we explore what’s driving battery investment in Sweden, Finland, and beyond. From market signals and dispatch dynamics to cross-border optimisation and grid readiness, this conversation offers a window into a part of the European market that’s now waking up and scaling fast. Quentin speaks with Nicklas Bäcker, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Ingrid Capacity. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:

• Why the Nordics were initially overlooked: How the prevalence of dispatchable hydro capacity led many investors to undervalue the incremental role of batteries in grid flexibility.
• Shifting storage economics: How declining capex, increased price volatility, and evolving ancillary service markets have improved the commercial viability of BESS in the region.
• Scaling rapidly in a new market: Insights into how more than €250 million was raised to deliver more than 200 MW of battery capacity within a compressed timeframe.
• Complementing hydro with fast-response assets: Why batteries offer unique value even in hydro-heavy systems. From frequency control to short-duration balancing and market arbitrage.
• A cross-border approach to Nordic flexibility: How project developers are expanding into Finland and other markets, and what differentiates the Nordic power system in a European context.

About our guest:

Nicklas Bäcker is Chief Strategy Officer at Ingrid Capacity, one of the fastest-growing battery storage platforms in Northern Europe. With a background in energy markets and infrastructure strategy, Nicklas plays a key role in shaping the company’s growth across Sweden, Finland, and other European markets. Ingrid Capacity currently operates over 200 MW/MWh of battery storage, with an additional 200 MW/MWh under construction—positioning it as a first mover in delivering large-scale flexibility to the Nordic grid. Nicklas brings strategic insight into project development, market entry, and the role of storage in accelerating electrification across Europe. For more information on Ingrid Capacity, head to their website.

About Modo Energy

Modo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.

All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

When it comes to battery storage deployment in Europe, most of the attention has been focused on familiar markets like the UK, Germany, and southern Europe. But in the background, a quieter shift has been taking place in the Nordics - one that’s now starting to accelerate.

Long seen as too stable, too hydro-dominated, or simply too slow, the Nordic markets were largely overlooked by early battery investors. Yet growing volatility, falling capex, and the evolving needs of a decarbonising grid have started to change the picture.

In this episode of Transmission, we explore what’s driving battery investment in Sweden, Finland, and beyond. From market signals and dispatch dynamics to cross-border optimisation and grid readiness, this conversation offers a window into a part of the European market that’s now waking up and scaling fast. Quentin speaks with Nicklas Bäcker, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Ingrid Capacity. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:

• Why the Nordics were initially overlooked: How the prevalence of dispatchable hydro capacity led many investors to undervalue the incremental role of batteries in grid flexibility.
• Shifting storage economics: How declining capex, increased price volatility, and evolving ancillary service markets have improved the commercial viability of BESS in the region.
• Scaling rapidly in a new market: Insights into how more than €250 million was raised to deliver more than 200 MW of battery capacity within a compressed timeframe.
• Complementing hydro with fast-response assets: Why batteries offer unique value even in hydro-heavy systems. From frequency control to short-duration balancing and market arbitrage.
• A cross-border approach to Nordic flexibility: How project developers are expanding into Finland and other markets, and what differentiates the Nordic power system in a European context.

About our guest:

Nicklas Bäcker is Chief Strategy Officer at Ingrid Capacity, one of the fastest-growing battery storage platforms in Northern Europe. With a background in energy markets and infrastructure strategy, Nicklas plays a key role in shaping the company’s growth across Sweden, Finland, and other European markets. Ingrid Capacity currently operates over 200 MW/MWh of battery storage, with an additional 200 MW/MWh under construction—positioning it as a first mover in delivering large-scale flexibility to the Nordic grid. Nicklas brings strategic insight into project development, market entry, and the role of storage in accelerating electrification across Europe. For more information on Ingrid Capacity, head to their website.

About Modo Energy

Modo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.

All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As battery storage continues to scale, the commercial and legal frameworks behind each project are becoming more sophisticated and more critical to long-term success. From merchant risk and revenue sharing to tolling agreements and long-term partnerships, the legal foundations of battery projects are becoming just as important as the technical ones.

What are tolling models and how are they being used to share risk? How are contracts adapting to new market realities, and what should developers and investors look for when structuring battery deals in volatile or policy-driven markets?

In this episode of Transmission, we’re joined by Louise Dalton, a partner in the Energy & Infrastructure team at CMS, and one of the UK’s leading legal experts on battery storage.

In this episode, we cover:

• Tolling agreements in battery storage: What they are, how they’re used, and why they’re gaining traction across merchant-heavy markets.
• Managing risk through contracts: How legal structures are being used to distribute volatility between developers, operators, and offtakers.
• Market change and contract flexibility: How deals are being designed to respond to evolving market conditions without breaking down.
• Revenue certainty vs. upside potential: Balancing risk and return in a maturing but still fast-moving storage landscape.
• The evolution of the legal landscape: How storage contracts have changed over the past decade and what’s still missing from many standard structures.

About our guest:

Louise Dalton is a partner at CMS, an international law firm, where she specialises in energy and infrastructure transactions. She has worked on some of the UK’s most high-profile battery storage deals and plays an active role in industry development through initiatives like WiNES (Women in New Energy Storage). For more information on CMS, head to their website.

As battery storage continues to scale, the commercial and legal frameworks behind each project are becoming more sophisticated and more critical to long-term success. From merchant risk and revenue sharing to tolling agreements and long-term partnerships, the legal foundations of battery projects are becoming just as important as the technical ones.

What are tolling models and how are they being used to share risk? How are contracts adapting to new market realities, and what should developers and investors look for when structuring battery deals in volatile or policy-driven markets?

In this episode of Transmission, we’re joined by Louise Dalton, a partner in the Energy & Infrastructure team at CMS, and one of the UK’s leading legal experts on battery storage.

In this episode, we cover:

• Tolling agreements in battery storage: What they are, how they’re used, and why they’re gaining traction across merchant-heavy markets.
• Managing risk through contracts: How legal structures are being used to distribute volatility between developers, operators, and offtakers.
• Market change and contract flexibility: How deals are being designed to respond to evolving market conditions without breaking down.
• Revenue certainty vs. upside potential: Balancing risk and return in a maturing but still fast-moving storage landscape.
• The evolution of the legal landscape: How storage contracts have changed over the past decade and what’s still missing from many standard structures.

About our guest:



Louise Dalton is a partner at CMS, an international law firm, where she specialises in energy and infrastructure transactions. She has worked on some of the UK’s most high-profile battery storage deals and plays an active role in industry development through initiatives like WiNES (Women in New Energy Storage). For more information on CMS, head to their website.

As electricity demand rises and more renewables connect to the grid, transmission infrastructure is under pressure like never before. Building new lines takes time, but what if we could unlock more capacity from the ones we already have?

Dynamic line ratings (DLR) are offering a smarter, faster path to grid optimisation. Harnessing AI-powered software enables transmission system operators to monitor real-time environmental conditions and safely increase the capacity of overhead lines. By replacing conservative static ratings with live data, DLR allows grid operators to unlock headroom, defer capital expenditure, and accelerate the integration of clean energy, all without adding new steel to the ground.

In this episode of Transmission, Quentin sits down with Georg Rute, CEO and co-founder of Gridraven, to explore how dynamic line ratings. Over the course of the conversation, you’ll hear about:

• What dynamic line ratings are: How real-time monitoring of ambient conditions can safely increase the power-carrying capacity of existing transmission lines.

• -Why traditional ratings fall short: The limitations of static line ratings and the inefficiencies they introduce to grid operations.

• How Gridraven’s platform works: From weather modelling to digital twins and software-defined infrastructure.
• Scaling and system integration: How DLR fits into the broader landscape of grid optimisation and where it’s already delivering value.
• Why this matters now: As electrification and renewables drive transmission bottlenecks globally, DLR offers a rare chance to gain capacity quickly without breaking ground.

About our guest:

Georg Rute is CEO and co-founder of Gridraven, a startup using AI-powered tools to optimise power transmission infrastructure. With a background in grid planning and digital innovation, Georg leads Gridraven’s mission to deliver smarter, data-driven solutions to transmission system operators across Europe and beyond. For more information on what Gridraven do - head to their website. https://www.gridraven.com/

As electricity demand rises and more renewables connect to the grid, transmission infrastructure is under pressure like never before. Building new lines takes time, but what if we could unlock more capacity from the ones we already have?

Dynamic line ratings (DLR) are offering a smarter, faster path to grid optimisation. Harnessing AI-powered software enables transmission system operators to monitor real-time environmental conditions and safely increase the capacity of overhead lines. By replacing conservative static ratings with live data, DLR allows grid operators to unlock headroom, defer capital expenditure, and accelerate the integration of clean energy, all without adding new steel to the ground.

In this episode of Transmission, Quentin sits down with Georg Rute, CEO and co-founder of Gridraven, to explore how dynamic line ratings. Over the course of the conversation, you’ll hear about:

• What dynamic line ratings are: How real-time monitoring of ambient conditions can safely increase the power-carrying capacity of existing transmission lines.

• -Why traditional ratings fall short: The limitations of static line ratings and the inefficiencies they introduce to grid operations.

• How Gridraven’s platform works: From weather modelling to digital twins and software-defined infrastructure.
• Scaling and system integration: How DLR fits into the broader landscape of grid optimisation and where it’s already delivering value.
• Why this matters now: As electrification and renewables drive transmission bottlenecks globally, DLR offers a rare chance to gain capacity quickly without breaking ground.

About our guest:

Georg Rute is CEO and co-founder of Gridraven, a startup using AI-powered tools to optimise power transmission infrastructure. With a background in grid planning and digital innovation, Georg leads Gridraven’s mission to deliver smarter, data-driven solutions to transmission system operators across Europe and beyond. For more information on what Gridraven do - head to their website. https://www.gridraven.com/

Australia has long been a global leader in residential solar adoption, with more than three million households now generating electricity from rooftop panels. This remarkable uptake has transformed how energy is produced and consumed at the household level, positioning Australia at the forefront of distributed energy.

But while rooftop solar has become mainstream, the next frontier of the energy transition. Widespread adoption of home battery storage is still in its early stages. As energy markets evolve, the value of grid exports is changing and resilience is becoming increasingly important and home batteries play a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of distributed energy systems.

To truly scale domestic storage, new models for ownership and financing are emerging. Shifting the conversation from technology to access. In this episode, we explore what’s driving demand for household batteries, what’s holding it back, and how smart coordination of home energy systems could transform both household economics and grid outcomes.

In this episode of Transmission, Wendel is joined by Jess Padman, Director of Energy Products at the National Renewable Network (NRN). Over the course of the conversation, you’ll hear about:

• What’s behind the rise in household batteries? From feed-in tariff reductions to energy independence and resilience, what's driving demand.
• The barriers to widespread adoption: Upfront cost, policy lag, and a fragmented supplier landscape.
• New ownership and financing models for batteries: Why access, not just technology, is key to scaling domestic storage.
• The role of smart coordination in the home: Coordinating solar, batteries, and appliances to maximise value for households and the grid.
• Australia as a testbed for residential energy innovation: How policy, culture, and infrastructure have created one of the world’s most dynamic residential energy markets.

About our guest

Jess Padman is Director of Energy Products at the National Renewable Network (NRN). With a background in distributed energy, solar programs, and product development, Jess focuses on bringing smart, scalable solutions to the residential energy market, helping more Australians access the benefits of rooftop solar and battery storage.