Energy Unplugged by Aurora
Aurora Energy Research
Welcome to ‘Energy Unplugged by Aurora’, a mix of in-depth conversations with key international industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, sharing their unique perspectives on the global energy transition.
Hosted by various Aurora experts, we explore the hottest topics and trends across the energy landscape. From renewables, battery storage, and grid integration, to hydrogen, commodity markets, and technology innovation, our high-profile guests weigh in with their valuable insights.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in the energy industry, with a new episode released every week!
Hosted by various Aurora experts, we explore the hottest topics and trends across the energy landscape. From renewables, battery storage, and grid integration, to hydrogen, commodity markets, and technology innovation, our high-profile guests weigh in with their valuable insights.
Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in the energy industry, with a new episode released every week!
Episodes
Mentioned books
23 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 46min
EP.234 Lucy Yu & Jon Norman on the Role of Flexibility to Enable a Clean Power Grid
Lucy Yu, CEO of the Centre for Net Zero, provides data-driven insights into demand flexibility, while Jon Norman, President of Hydrostor, specializes in advanced energy storage technology. They discuss the pivotal role flexibility plays in transitioning to a clean power grid and the challenges of decarbonizing energy systems. The duo highlights the importance of long-duration energy storage and consumer participation in achieving sustainability goals by 2035, as well as the risks of inadequate flexibility for maintaining a reliable power supply.
22 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 28min
EP.233 Carolina Nester on Curtailment and its Impact
Carolina Nester, Head of Operations for Iberia at Sonnedix, brings over 17 years of expertise in the photovoltaic sector. She delves into the complexities of grid curtailment in Spain, discussing negative pricing effects and innovative strategies for asset management. Carolina also explains the Automatic Power Reduction System (SRAP) and its role in optimizing grid stability. With insights on evolving solar installation practices and the necessity for technology adaptation, she emphasizes the importance of balancing renewable energy output with market demands.
Feb 25, 2025 • 26min
EP.232 Aurora Experts on our European Renewables Market Overview Report, CEE
Rebecca McManus, a Research Senior Associate at Aurora with extensive experience in energy and sustainability, joins to share insights from the European Renewables Market Overview Report. They discuss the rapid growth of solar and wind energy in Central and Eastern Europe, forecasting 90GW in investments by 2030. Key challenges include curtailment and negative pricing. Opportunities also arise for energy storage, which can optimize renewable energy efficiency. The conversation even touches on the diversification of renewable investments and evaluates the viability of emerging energy concepts.
19 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 45min
EP.231 Nat Bullard on his Latest Presentation on the State of Decarbonisation
Nat Bullard, Co-Founder of Halcyon and a seasoned expert in energy transition, shares his insights on decarbonisation strategies. He discusses the profound impact AI will have on energy markets in the next decade. The conversation highlights trends in Asia, especially the dynamics in India and China. Bullard also elaborates on the challenges of increasing electrical demand from sectors like data centers, as well as the geopolitical complexities affecting energy supply chains. His unique take on the stories that drive decarbonization sheds light on the intricate narrative of energy transformation.
29 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 36min
EP.230 Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO, EDPR North America
In this discussion, Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America, shares her journey through investment banking to leading a major renewable energy company. She examines the robust growth of the U.S. renewable energy market, highlighting the demand dynamics and investment opportunities. Sandhya tackles the tricky challenges of interconnection queues and the potential for power shortages. She also touches on federal policies shaping the energy transition and the critical need for diverse energy sources to meet future demands.
23 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 39min
EP.229 Javier Cavada, President & CEO for EMEA, Mitsubishi Power
Javier Cavada, President & CEO for EMEA at Mitsubishi Power, shares insights from over 20 years in the energy sector. He discusses how the growth of renewable energy is transforming power systems and the vital role of flexibility in meeting rising demand. Cavada highlights hydrogen's evolving perception in decarbonization, its investment potential, and challenges in integrating it with renewables. The conversation also dives into emerging markets and technological innovations shaping the future energy landscape.
18 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 35min
EP.228 terralayr on the German Battery Market
Philipp Man, Founder & CEO of terralayr, and Mikko Preuß, Vice President, share insights into the rapidly evolving German battery market. They discuss how batteries are becoming an important asset class, focusing on financing challenges and risk management. The conversation highlights the impact of grid connection fees on battery storage, advocating for regulatory changes. They also explore strategies for expanding into other markets while emphasizing the need for clear regulations and innovative financing solutions to support the energy transition.
32 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 32min
EP.227 Kelcy Pegler, CEO, FlexGen
Kelcy Pegler, CEO of FlexGen and a seasoned leader in the renewables sector, dives into the evolving energy storage landscape. He discusses how data center demand is reshaping the grid and the pivotal role of batteries in this transition. The conversation highlights the importance of data analytics in battery deployment, especially in Texas and California. Kelcy also shares insights on enhancing grid resilience through innovative battery solutions and the critical role of uptime in optimizing energy systems.
17 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 32min
EP.226 Scott Mercer on Nuclear Fusion
Scott Mercer, CEO of Focused Energy and former leader of Volta Charging, dives into the captivating world of nuclear fusion. He contrasts fusion with fission, shedding light on groundbreaking advancements in laser-driven and magnetic fusion. Mercer explores the commercial viability of nuclear fusion, addressing funding challenges and political dynamics that influence research. He discusses fusion's crucial role in the energy transition, emphasizing its potential to meet future energy demands sustainably while working alongside renewable technologies.
56 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 35min
EP.225 Andrew Flanagan, CEO, RWE Clean Energy
In this chat, Andrew Flanagan, CEO of RWE Clean Energy and a veteran of the US energy sector, dives deep into the evolving landscape of American power markets. He discusses the significance of load growth forecasting in investment strategies and how interconnection queues are shaping market reactions. Andrew also shares insights on the potential impact of the upcoming US elections on the energy transition. With over 25 years of experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the pressing challenges and opportunities in renewable energy.
