
Energy Unplugged by Aurora EP. 284 Luuk Veeken on navigating volatility in Europe’s power markets
Apr 8, 2026
Luuk Veeken, CEO and co-founder of Dexter Energy, builds AI tools for short-term power forecasting and optimization. He talks about how rapid renewable growth drives short-term market volatility. He explains imbalance cost dynamics and the shift from maximizing output to maximizing value. He covers intraday trading, forecasting improvements, batteries, market design and AI-enabled automation shaping future trading.
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Renewables Drive Minute Level Market Volatility
- Rising renewable penetration causes minute-by-minute price swings that make short-term markets decisive for revenue.
- Luuk Veeken highlights that weather-driven variability means operators must manage positions continually toward delivery, not just day-ahead.
Continuously Update Positions With Intraday Trading
- Update positions intraday and use satellite or SCADA data to avoid expensive imbalance prices.
- Luuk Veeken recommends automated continuous forecasting and intraday trading to close positions as forecasts evolve.
From Maximizing Production To Maximizing Value
- Business models shifted from maximizing production under subsidies to maximizing merchant value under volatile prices.
- Veeken explains producing into negative prices now destroys revenue, so flexibility and market control matter more than raw output.
