Transmission

Making sure the entirety of Great Britain has enough energy, all the time, is a mammoth task, and doing this whilst simultaneously transitioning to a new suite of services in order to reach a zero carbon electricity system is even more of a challenge. In this bumper episode Quentin chats to Faye Relton (Ancillary Services Development Manager) and Neil Morgans (Balancing Services Optimisation Manager) from National Grid ESO. The conversation covers the following topics plus much more.

• An overview of frequency response in Great Britain, the history and a peek into the future.
• All about NGESO’s new suite of services - Dynamic Containment, Dynamic Moderation, Dynamic Regulation and how they are being used.
• Frequency standardisation and how it supports the system.
• Changes to the Auction. Defining the problems and highlighting the benefits.
• A look at the reasoning behind the implementation of price caps.
• and of course how the National Grid ESO plays an integral part in all of this.

Mentioned in the show - National Grid Roadmap to 2025: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/document/247136/download

National Grid ESO is the electricity system operator for Great Britain. Making sure the country has the essential energy it needs by ensuring supply meets demand every second of every day. To find out more head to: https://www.nationalgrideso.com/

Find Faye on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/fayerelton

Find Neil on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/neil-morgans-866ab273

Modo’s all-in-one Asset Success Platform provides data, research and benchmarking tools to help you get the most out of your energy storage assets. To find out how we can help you build the future energy system, check out: https://modo.energy/

To keep up with all of our latest Insights, follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modo-energy/ Find us on Instagram: @modo_energy

Energy trading agreements come in all sorts of shapes and sizes - from simply priced physical and financial trading of energy products, to much more complex arrangements. Originators and traders need to understand market dynamics, potential risks and upsides, asset capabilities - and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

On the latest episode of Modo: The Podcast, Vishnu Aggarwal (Deputy VP of Origination and Renewables, SmartestEnergy) joins Quentin to talk about his experiences of renewable energy origination and trading. Over the course of their conversation, they discuss:

• The fascinating world of carbon markets and certifications - and how we can improve them.
• The ins and outs of energy trading, and an explanation of how different types of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) work.
• What Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) are, and why they’re so controversial.
• The growing market for ‘green suppliers’. What does “100% renewable energy” look like for the end consumer? And how do we make it the norm?
• And, of course, SmartestEnergy’s role in all of this.

Procuring renewable electricity is the most effective way to start the journey to net-zero. As a leading purchaser of independent generation, supplier of renewable electricity, and provider of demand response services, SmartestEnergy helps smart businesses achieve their energy goals.For more information on SmartestEnergy, head to: https://www.smartestenergy.com

Find Vishnu on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vishnu-aggarwal-cfa-a2456821

Modo’s all-in-one Asset Success Platform provides data, research, benchmarking and forecasting tools to help you get the most out of your energy storage assets. To find out how we can help you build the future energy system, check out: https://modo.energy/

To keep up with all of our latest Insights, follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modo-energy/

Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modo_energy/

Since we started producing Modo: The Podcast, we’ve gotten to know loads of truly amazing people. We’ve met pioneers from across the energy industry - all working to build the future energy system. And we’re trying to play our part in that too - by making battery energy storage a success. That’s why we’ve built our Asset Success Platform. But what do we mean by ‘Asset Success’?

Today, Quentin is switching roles, and taking his turn in the hot seat. Robyn Lucas (Modo's Chief Analytics Officer) has kindly stepped in, to host this very special episode. Over the course of their discussion, they cover:

• Quentin’s journey across the energy industry, from his engineering (and raving) days in Manchester, to his role as Modo CEO and co-founder.
• A history of battery energy storage optimisation in Great Britain (and why Modo opted out).
• What Access Success means, and why it matters so much to us. In order for their assets to be successful, owners and operators need: data, research, benchmarking, and forecasting.
• Quentin’s vision for the future energy system. How many batteries will we actually need? What are the barriers to reaching net-zero? How big a role can hydrogen play? And why is Quentin so bullish?
• And, of course, where Modo fits into all of this.

Find Robyn on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/robyn-lucas-911ab9a4

Find Quentin on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/quentinscrimshire

Modo’s all-in-one Asset Success Platform provides data, research and benchmarking tools to help you get the most out of your energy storage assets. To find out how we can help you build the future energy system, check out: https://modo.energy/

To keep up with all of our latest Insights, follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modo-energy/

Find us on Instagram: @modo_energy

Solar energy is a huge player in the journey to net zero - and it turns out that Great Britain is an excellent place to deploy this technology! There’s far more than meets the eye to this often seemingly passive energy producer. In this episode Ross Grier (Managing Director at NextEnergy Capitol) chats to Quentin about the following topics:

• Ross’s story and an overview of NextEnergy Capital and what they do.

• How solar markets work and a look into investments.

• Insight into the problems solar technologies face and these are being tackled to make solar as efficient as possible.

• The importance of ensuring solar ROC’s are accurately green.

• How NextEnergy is combining a 50MW battery with its new solar park and retrofitting existing sites to include storage.

• And of course, how NextEnergy fits into this.

The NextEnergy Group intends to actively participate in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions through the development, operation and financing of renewable energy infrastructure assets. For more information on what they do, head to:

nextenergycapital.com

Find Ross on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/rossgrier

Modo’s all-in-one Asset Success Platform provides data, research and benchmarking tools to help you get the most out of your energy storage assets. To find out how we can help you build the future energy system, check out: https://modo.energy/

To keep up with all of our latest Insights, follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modo-energy/

Find us on Instagram: @modo_energy

We've had plenty of lovely guests on Modo: The Podcast - and they've got some amazing ideas for and about the future energy system.

In this mini-episode, we've compiled some of our favourite clips, featuring the builders, innovators and pioneers of the energy industry outlining their respective hopes and visions for the future.

You'll learn about Bridgit Hartland-Johnson's dream of a fully integrated and flexible system, James Johnston's desire for a decentralised "internet of energy" (with energy storage everywhere!), and Nima Tabatabai's belief in the convergence of bitcoin mining and energy - plus loads, loads more!

We'd like to thank all of the guests we've welcomed onto Modo: The Podcast thus far, as well as all of our listeners - you've given us loads of incredible feedback since the podcast started, and we're hugely grateful to you all for lending us your ears on a regular basis.

As ever, if you've got any suggestions for future guests, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We're always looking to enable engaging and open conversations with people from across the energy spectrum - and it could be you next!

How can we utilise the UK’s blustery coastlines to their full potential? Enter floating wind - the next step in offshore wind energy generation, allowing these mega structures to be deployed into deeper waters and windier conditions. But how does it all work?

On the latest episode of Modo: The Podcast, Kerry Hayes (Project Development Manager at Simply Blue Group) talks to Quentin about all things floating wind. They discuss:

• What is floating wind actually is, and how it differs from traditional offshore wind.
• The benefits and opportunities this emerging technology provides - not only in the UK and Ireland, but on a global scale as well.
• The types of constraints projects like this are facing - from planning permissions to port structure - and what needs to be done to overcome them.
• The possibilities for battery energy storage to work alongside floating wind to help harness its potential.
• And, of course, where Simply Blue Group fits into all of this.

Simply Blue Group are part of a global movement focused on replacing fossil fuels with clean ocean energy, developing coastal economies with new projects and investments. To find out more, head to: https://simplybluegroup.com/

Find Kerry on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kerry-hayes-01192149

Modo’s all-in-one Asset Success Platform provides data, research and benchmarking tools to help you get the most out of your energy storage assets. To find out how we can help you build the future energy system, check out: https://modo.energy/

To keep up with all of our latest Insights, follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modo-energy/

Tech companies form a vital component in the future energy industry. What does it take to ensure they are effectively helping to solve the problems the energy industry faces and what makes one successful from a business perspective? In this episode, Peter Bance (CEO & Founder at Origami Energy) joins Quentin in conversation. They discuss:

• Peter’s story and the journey of Origami Energy.
• Differences in running a public vs private company - from someone who has done both.
• The importance of staying agile in business. How changing direction is vital in survival.
• What lies ahead for tech companies in the future energy system?
• And of course - Origami’s place in all of this.

Origami are helping to build a green energy world, powered by smart technology. For more information on what they do, head to: origamienergy.com

Find Peter on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/peter-bance-08a9095

Modo’s all-in-one Asset Success Platform provides data, research and benchmarking tools to help you get the most out of your energy storage assets. To find out how we can help you build the future energy system, check out: https://modo.energy/

To keep up with all of our latest Insights, follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modo-energy/

In the race toward net zero, companies need to problem solve at every turn. Clean transportation and ‘storage on wheels’ technology provides one such answer to part of this huge question. But how is this achieved and how did the company pioneering it get to where they are today? Quentin speaks with Steven Meersman (Co-Founder & Director at Zenobē). In this episode they discuss:

• Steven's background and Zenobē's journey to where they are now. How small but calculated risks add up to big successes.
• Value proposition for customers and the challenges faced in ensuring the smooth running of a large electric vehicle fleet.
• The wider application for the ‘storage on wheels’ technology.

• How Zenobē is linking the different arms of their company, helping to close the loop and maximise the lifespan of their assets.

Zenobē aims to enable the transition to full zero carbon, non-polluting power and transport systems. To find out more head to: https://www.zenobe.com/

Find Steven on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevencgmeersman

Modo’s all-in-one Asset Success (AS) platform provides data, research and benchmarking tools to help you get the most out of your energy storage assets. To find out how we can help you build the future energy system, check out: https://modo.energy/

To keep up with all of our latest Insights, follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modo-energy/

Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant technology when it comes to grid-scale battery energy storage systems. However - like any other technology - it brings with it a particular set of risks. Fire suppression is an integral part of building a safe and successful battery energy storage asset. In this episode, Quentin talks to Ian Bartle (CEO, Nobel Fire Systems). They discuss:

• What sets a battery fires apart from other fires.
• Thermal runaway, why it occurs, and how detection is integral in preventing catastrophe.
• The different methods used in successful fire suppression for a battery energy storage system (and the costs involved).
• Why proper risk assessment is vital when working alongside insurers to protect an asset.
• And, of course, where Nobel Fire Systems fits into all of this.

Nobel are leaders in fire suppression in special risk environments. To find out more about what they do, head along to: https://nobel-fire-systems.com/

For BESS fire protection head to their BESS fire protection page

https://nobel-fire-systems.com/industry-sectors/renewable-energy/bess/

Find Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-bartle-76979514

Mentioned in the show:

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA855: “Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems”

https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=855

Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

UL9540A: “Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems”

https://www.ul.com/services/ul-9540a-test-method

Modo is an all-in-one Asset Success (AS) platform provides data, research and benchmarking tools to help you get the most out of your energy storage assets. To find out how we can help you build the future energy system, check out: https://modo.energy/

To keep up with all of our latest Insights, follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modo-energy/

The primary role of battery energy storage optimisers is to make sure that the assets they operate enter the most lucrative markets at the most opportune times. However, as more potential revenue streams emerge, this task becomes more complex. In this episode, Tim Overton (Chief Operating Officer, Modo) talks to Jacob Monroe (Chief Commercial Officer, Arenko Group) about the challenges facing battery optimisers. They discuss:

• The algorithmisation of trading and dispatching batteries.
• The differences and similarities between markets for battery energy storage in the USA and those in GB.
• The increasing complexity of optimisation as we move nearer to real-time procurement.
• Applying the lessons learned from lithium-ion battery optimisation to other technologies.
• And, of course, where Arenko Group fits into all of this.

Arenko Group seeks to bring balance to the energy system by unlocking the full value of batteries and renewables with automation and optimisation. To find out more about what they do, head along to: https://arenko.group/

Find Jacob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobdmonroe/

Modo is a leading voice in the world of battery energy storage. We provide transparency around BESS revenues, as well as unique research and analysis to help you get to grips with energy markets. To find out how we can help you build the future energy system, check out: https://modo.energy/

To keep up with all of our latest Insights, follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modo-energy/