Plugged In: the energy news podcast

Europe's electricity system is changing fast. As renewables continue to reshape the power mix, new challenges are emerging; from negative pricing and falling pofitability  to the increased need for flexibility, storage, long-term investment signals and the growing demands of AI-driven data centres.In this episode of the Plugged In Summer Series, host Richard speaks with market experts Cillian O'Donoghue of Eurelectric and Fabian Huneke of Agora to explore whether Europe's electricity market design is still fit for purpose.The discussion examines whether the current market framework is delivering the right incentives for investment, the role of contracts for difference (CFDs) and power purchase agreements (PPAs), the importance of forward market liquidity, and why flexibility (from batteries to demand response) will be critical to keeping the energy transition affordable and secure. The guests also discuss how Europe can accelerate grid development, respond to rising electricity demand from data centres, and ensure market reforms keep pace with a rapidly evolving power system.Is Europe's market design driving the clean energy transition; or at risk of holding it back? Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests: Cillian O'Donoghue, Director, Policy, EurelecticFabian Huneke, Project Lead Energy Transition in the Power Sector, AgoraProducer: Alexandra Carlon Editor: Alexandra Carlon#PluggedInPodcast #EnergyTransition #ElectricityMarkets #MarketDesign #Renewables #PowerMarkets #EnergyPolicy #GridFlexibility #EnergyStorage #CfDs #PPAs #DataCentres #EuropeanEnergy #MontelNews#Datacentres

Europe has made remarkable progress in developing renewable energy, but grids – both at distribution and transmission level, are struggling to keep up. Congestion, long connection queues and ageing infrastructure are holding back the energy transition. So, is the answer simply building more grid infrastructure; or making better use of the network we already have?In this third episode of the Plugged In Summer Series, host Richard is joined by experts from across the electricity sector to explore how Europe can ease its growing grid bottlenecks. Frank Boerman-Lima shares insights from the front line of transmission system operation and cross-border electricity markets. Luuk Veeken explains how AI, forecasting and automated trading are helping integrate more renewable power, while Brian Lonn discusses the growing role of battery storage and flexibility markets in supporting the grid. Together, they explore how smarter market design, flexibility and digital innovation can unlock more capacity from Europe's electricity networks and keep the energy transition moving.Host:Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests:Frank Boerman-Lima, Flow-Based Capacity Calculation ExpertLuuk Veeken, CEO, Dexter EnergyBrian Lonn, Head of UK Flexibility, StatkraftProducer: Alexandra CarlonEditor: Alexandra Carlon#EnergyTransition #PowerGrids #RenewableEnergy #GridFlexibility #ElectricityMarkets #EnergyTransition #PowerGrids #CleanEnergy #BatteryStorage #AI #EnergyTransition #ElectricityMarkets #PowerGrids #GridFlexibility #Renewables

Europe is developing green energy at lighting speed.  But as solar and wind generation reaches record levels, new challenges are emerging across the electricity system. Negative prices, grid congestion, curtailment and falling capture prices are raising a fundamental question: has renewable deployment reached its limits, or is the rest of the energy system failing to keep pace?In this episode of the Plugged In Summer Series, we explore whether Europe's next challenge is no longer building renewable generation, but integrating it.Host Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief of Montel News, is joined by Dr Lion Hirth, one of Europe's leading energy market economists and Professor of Energy Policy at the Hertie School; Luca Pedretti, Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder of Pexapark; and Professor Jan Rosenow, one of Europe's foremost experts on energy efficiency and electrification, and Professor of Energy and Climate Policy at the University of Oxford.Together they examine whether current market structures, grids and policy frameworks are fit for a predominantly green energy system,, how investors are responding to growing merchant risk, and why flexibility, storage and electrification could determine whether Europe's energy transition continues to accelerate…or begins to slow down.Host:Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests:Dr Lion Hirth, Professor of Energy Policy, Hertie SchoolLuca Pedretti, Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder, PexaparkJan Rosenow, Energy Programme Leader and Professor of Energy and Climate Policy, University of OxfordProducer: Alexandra Carlon Editor: Alexandra Carlon

Europe's energy transition has delivered record renewable deployment and significant emissions reductions, but a new wave of geopolitical instability is once again putting the resilience of the energy system to the test.This episode launches the Plugged In Summer Series, where we'll be asking one overarching question throughout: is the energy transition slowing down, or speeding up? Across six episodes, we'll explore the market, policy and technology trends shaping the answer.To kick off the series, we're joined by three of the sector's leading voices: Professor Jan Rosenow of the University of Oxford, one of Europe's foremost experts on energy policy and the energy transition; Simon Flowers, Chairman and Chief Analyst at Wood Mackenzie and one of the industry's most respected market commentators; and Saul Kavonic, Head of Energy Research at MST Marquee, internationally recognised for his analysis of global energy markets and geopolitical risk.Together, they explore how conflict, energy security and volatile gas markets are reshaping policy, investment and market dynamics across Europe. They discuss whether Europe has learned the lessons of previous energy crises and why politics, not technology, may now be the biggest barrier to progress.This opening episode sets the scene for the rest of the series, asking a simple but critical question: can Europe's energy transition stay on course when the world around it becomes more unstable; and is this latest period of disruption ultimately slowing the transition down, or speeding it up?#PluggedInPodcast #EnergyTransition #EnergySecurity #Geopolitics #GasMarkets #PowerMarkets #NetZero #EuropeanEnergy #Renewables #EnergyPolicyHost:Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests: Simon Flowers, Chairman, Chief Analyst at Wood MackenzieSaul Kavonic -  Head of Energy Research, MST MarqueeJan Rosenow - Professor of Energy and Climate Policy, University of Oxford Producer: Alexandra Carlon Editor: Alexandra Carlon

The UK has set one of the most ambitious energy targets in Europe: a fully clean power system by 2030. But achieving it will require a transformation of the country's electricity network, unprecedented levels of renewable investment, and difficult political and regulatory decisions.Recorded in Whitehall, Richard Sverrisson sits down with Chris Stark, Head of UK’s Mission for Clean Power, UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, to discuss whether the country is on track to meet its target and what still stands in the way.Can the UK build the grid, generation and flexibility needed in time?  And what lessons could the rest of Europe learn from its approach?The conversation explores the UK's efforts to reform grid connection queues, accelerate infrastructure delivery, expand battery storage, develop new nuclear capacity and strengthen links with European energy markets. Or as Chris Stark put it the tough choices needed to “ungum the system”.#PluggedInPodcast #EnergyTransition #CleanPower2030 #EnergyPolicy #GridInfrastructure #RenewableEnergy #EnergySecurity #NetZero #ChrisStarkHost:Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuest: Chris Stark – Head of Mission Control for Clean Power 2030, Department for Energy Security and Net ZeroEditor: Alexandra CarlonProducer: Alexandra Carlon

Europe is experiencing a rush of investment into data centres as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services drive a new wave of electricity demand.From Finland to Spain, developers are searching for locations with abundant clean power, available grid connections and supportive policy frameworks. But as data centres grow larger and more power-hungry, questions are emerging about whether Europe's electricity infrastructure can keep pace.Grid operators are facing mounting connection queues, policymakers are weighing economic benefits against environmental concerns, and system planners are grappling with how to integrate large new sources of demand without compromising reliability.Could data centres become a catalyst for investment in grids, renewables and flexibility? Or do they risk adding further pressure to already constrained electricity systems?In this episode, Richard Sverrisson is joined by Janne Peljo of Finnish Industries, Elisabeth Cremona of Ember and Liam Newcombe of GreenScale to discuss the future of data centres in Europe, the impact of AI-driven demand growth, grid investment requirements, system stability, and the policy choices that will determine whether Europe can successfully power its digital future.#DataCentres #AI #EnergyTransition #ElectricityMarkets #PowerGrids #EnergySecurity #GridInfrastructure #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #DigitalInfrastructure #ArtificialIntelligence #Electrification #EnergyPolicy #PowerMarkets #EuropeEnergyHost: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests:Janne Peljo – Chief Policy Adviser on Climate and Biodiversity, Finnish IndustriesElisabeth Cremona – Senior Energy Analyst, Europe, EmberLiam Newcombe – SVP Product, Energy Strategy & Innovation at GreenScaleAlina Trabattoni – Italy Correspondant, MontelEditor: Alexandra CarlonProducer: Alexandra Carlon

As Europe grapples with energy security concerns, expectations of rising electricity demand, and the rapid growth of AI-driven data centres, Finland is emerging as one of the continent's most compelling energy success stories.In this episode of Plugged In, Richard Sverrisson is joined first by Elias Huuhtanen, Finland Correspondent at Montel News, who explains why Finland's long-term approach to energy planning, infrastructure investment and security preparedness has positioned the country as a model for Europe.Richard then speaks with Markus Rauramo, CEO of Fortum and President of Eurelectric, about the opportunities and challenges facing Europe's energy transition. They discuss the impact of AI and data centres on power demand, how Finland is preparing for industrial electrification, the importance of grid investment, and why affordable, clean and reliable energy remains essential for maintaining Europe's competitiveness.The conversation also explores geopolitical risks, Europe's exposure to global LNG markets, hybrid threats to critical infrastructure, and the lessons other countries can learn from Finland's pragmatic and technology-neutral energy strategy.Can Finland's approach offer a blueprint for Europe's energy future?#PluggedInPodcast #EnergySecurity #Finland #Fortum #Eurelectric #EnergyTransition #DataCentres #AI #ElectricityMarkets #Renewables #NuclearEnergy #GridInfrastructure #EnergyPolicy #LNG #CyberSecurity #EnergyResilience #IndustrialElectrification #Nordics #CleanEnergy #EnergyMarketsHost: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests:Markus Rauramo – CEO of Fortum & President of EurelectricElias Huuhtanen – Finland Correspondent, Montel NewsEditor: Alexandra CarlonProducer: Alexandra Carlon

Sweden's dispute with Brussels over electricity market rules is quickly becoming one of the biggest political energy stories in Europe.At the centre of the debate is a huge stockpile of congestion revenues; billions of euros generated from price differences across Sweden's own grid and its interconnectors with neighbouring countries. Stockholm argues the money should stay in Sweden to fix domestic bottlenecks and protect consumers, while the EU wants greater flexibility to use some of those funds for wider European grid projects.But this is no longer just a technical dispute over electricity markets.This week’s episode  explains how congestion revenues became such a political flashpoint, why frustrations with Germany and EU market rules are growing, and how Sweden’s widening north-south price divide is fuelling domestic pressure.#EbbaBusch #Sweden #EuropeanUnion #EU #EnergyPolicy #EnergySecurity #ElectricityMarkets #PowerMarkets #Interconnectors #GridInfrastructure #EnergyTransition #Renewables #CongestionRevenues #MarketIntegration #Nordics #Brussels #Podcast #PluggedIn #Montel #EnergyNewsHost: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests: Arne Bergvik - Energy Strategy Consultant, Sigholm Sebastian De Toro - Partner & Head of Investor Services, New RepublicEditor: Alexandra CarlonProducer: Alexandra Carlon

Europe's power systems are facing a new reality.As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, electricity networks are coming under growing pressure. Rising cooling demand, aging infrastructure and the rapid expansion of renewable energy are all changing how grids operate during periods of extreme weather.The recent Iberian blackout also highlighted how important resilience, flexibility and interconnection have become in maintaining system security.So is Europe's electricity system ready for a hotter future?In this episode of Plugged In, Richard speaks with Julia Demirdag, Germany Correspondent at Montel News, Guy Nicholson from Statkraft, and Paweł Czyżak from Ember about how heatwaves are reshaping Europe's power sector.Together they explore why grids are increasingly becoming the critical point of vulnerability, what lessons can be learned from the Iberian blackout, and how batteries, storage and smarter system design could help future-proof Europe's electricity networks.#PluggedInPodcast #MontelNews #EnergyTransition #PowerMarkets #GridResilience #Heatwaves #EnergySecurity #BatteryStorage #ElectricityMarkets #Renewables #EnergyPolicy #NetZeroHost: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests:Julia Demirdag – Germany Correspondent, Montel NewsGuy Nicholson – Head of Zero Carbon Grid Solutions, StatkraftDr Paweł Czyżak – Europe Programme Director, EmberEditor: Alexandra CarlonProducer: Alexandra Carlon

The US-Israeli led war in Iran and the prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is once again exposing Europe’s vulnerability to global energy shocks; raising urgent questions about gas storage, LNG dependency and whether governments have learned anything from previous crises.In this episode of PluggedIn, Montel’s Richard speaks with Henning Gloystein from Eurasia Group and Saul Kavonic from MST Marquee about the escalating conflict and growing risks facing energy markets and global supply chains.Could shipping flows resume within weeks, or are market participants underestimating the possibility of years of disruption? The discussion explores fuel shortages, LNG price risks, Europe’s storage dilemma, China’s strategic positioning, and why many analysts believe the global economy is only beginning to feel the effects of the crisis.With competing forecasts and mounting geopolitical tensions, the episode examines what comes next for energy markets, and whether the world is prepared for a prolonged supply shock.#StraitOfHormuz #LNG #NaturalGas #OilMarkets #EnergyCrisis #GlobalEnergy #Geopolitics #EnergySecurity #GasMarkets #TTF #EnergyTransition #Iran #MiddleEast #ShippingCrisis #EnergyPodcast #Montel #PluggedInPodcast #OilAndGas #EuropeEnergy #LNGMarketsHost: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests:Saul Kavonic, Head of Energy Research, MST MarqueeHenning Gloystein, Managing Director - Energy & Resources, Eurasia Group Editor: Alexandra CarlonProducer: Alexandra Carlon

Negative power prices  are becoming increasingly commonplace in Europe’s electricity markets.  With solar generation soaring and renewable buildout accelerating, Europe’s power systems are increasingly producing more electricity than consumers need during certain hours of the day. The result? Wholesale electricity prices falling below zero, with generators effectively paying the market to take their power.But are negative prices actually a problem — or a sign that the energy transition is working? Should we be celebrating curtailment?The panel explores why countries like Germany, the Netherlands, France and Spain are seeing growing numbers of negative-price hours, how grid congestion and inflexible generation are contributing to the issue, and whether batteries, storage and demand-side flexibility can keep pace with the rapid expansion of renewables.They also debate why overbuilding renewables is economically rational, and whether current market structures are fit for a power system dominated by wind and solar.#EnergyMarkets #NegativePrices #Curtailment #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #PowerMarkets #BatteryStorage #SolarPower #WindEnergy #GridFlexibility #ElectricityMarkets #NetZero #EnergyStorage #MontelNewsHost:Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests:André Bosschaart - Head of Analytics, MontelAnton Tijdink, Policy advisor - Electricity Market Design, TenneT TSOCaroline Pailliez, Montel Journalist, FranceEditor: Oscar Birk Producer: Alexandra Carlon

Norway - and the Nordic power system more generally - have seen fewer instances of negative prices than their continental counterparts in recent weeks. Why has the region been “snorkelling” while others have been plumbing the depths of negative prices.Norway’s hydropower system is under pressure after one of the coldest winters in 16 years and a prolonged period of low precipitation. Reservoir levels in southern Norway remain well below normal, raising questions about energy security, winter preparedness and the growing role of Europe’s interconnected power markets. But is the situation really as serious as headlines suggest?Joined by some of the foremost experts on Norwegian hydropower and the market dynamics, together, they explore how low snowpack, dry weather patterns and shifting hydrological balances are affecting Norway’s power outlook — and why imported renewable energy from continental Europe may actually help save water in Nordic reservoirs ahead of winter.The panel also dives into the explosion of negative power prices across Europe, the impact of Germany’s rapid solar buildout, whether batteries and grids can keep pace with renewables growth, and why some analysts believe Europe’s energy transition is entering a period of extreme volatility.#EnergyMarkets #Norway #Hydropower #PowerMarkets #RenewableEnergy #Nordics #ElectricityPrices #NegativePrices #EnergyTransition #SolarPower #WindPower #EnergySecurity #GridInfrastructure #BatteryStorage #LNG #EuropeanEnergy #PowerTrading #WeatherRisk #HydroReservoirs #PluggedInPodcastHost:Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests:Katinka Bogaard - Founder, MD and Analyst - Volt Power AnalyticsIvan Føre Svegaarden - Head of Energy Analysis and Weather Risk Management -  TradeWpower AS Tor Reier Lilleholt - Head of Analysis - Insight by VolueEditor: Alexandra CarlonProducer: Alexandra Carlon

Europe may have emerged from winter without a full-scale gas crisis; but with storage levels unusually low, geopolitical tensions rising, and summer-winter price spreads offering little commercial incentive, the real challenge may only just be beginning.Germany, home to Europe's largest gas storage capacity, is facing mounting pressure to refill ahead of winter while the war in the Middle East, uncertainty around LNG transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and fragile industrial demand all cloud the outlook. Across Europe, policymakers are weighing whether market forces alone can deliver enough supply; or if strategic intervention may once again be required.Will Europe’s gas market rebalance in time, or are governments heading back into crisis-management mode?Host:Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests:Maria Haensch – Germany Correspondent, Montel NewsSebastian Gulbis – Managing Director, Enervis Energy Advisors GmbHErisa Pasko – Senior European Gas Analyst, Energy AspectsEditor:Alexandra CarlonProducer:Alexandra Carlon#GasStorage #Germany #EuropeanGas #LNG #EnergySecurity #NaturalGas #Geopolitics #EnergyMarkets #PluggedInPodcast #Montel