The Pexapark Podcast

Ivan Nieto Ruiz, Chief Commercial Officer at Zelestra, discusses the evolution of Independent Power Producers from traditional models to data-driven, customer-centric platforms. He highlights the significance of batteries as a growth engine, transforming renewable energy systems into hybrid solutions. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of building commercial operations, managing diverse market data, and the importance of tailored PPAs. Ivan emphasizes the shift towards long-term contracts and the necessity of hiring experienced talent to navigate this dynamic landscape.

Mehmet Energin, Chief Investment Officer at OX2, discusses the exciting transition of OX2 from a pure developer to an active Independent Power Producer (IPP). He explains how market shifts and EQT’s acquisition are driving this change. Mehmet dives into the importance of capabilities like portfolio optimization and merchant risk management. He highlights the role of digital tools in smarter asset management and shares insight on attracting talent in a volatile landscape. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on the future of renewable energy.

Join Jordi Francesch, Managing Director, and Pierre Bartholin, Senior Director at Nuveen Infrastructure, as they dive into the evolving landscape of Independent Power Producers. They discuss Nuveen's vertically integrated approach to clean energy, blending development, construction, and operation. The duo explores the rise of agile, risk-aware IPPs and the concept of 'virtual utilities' that balance long-term contracts with market optimization. Digitalization strategies, energy trading, and procurement mastery are highlighted as crucial for success in today's complex market.

Jesper Schaumburg-Düring, the Commercial Director at Eurowind Energy, shares insights into how the company has evolved from a traditional developer into a pioneering multi-technology Independent Power Producer. He discusses the importance of flexibility in asset design for future market mechanisms and how trader skills are essential for navigating complex PPAs and managing risks. Jesper emphasizes the critical role of data and IT infrastructure in optimizing revenues and highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by hybrid assets.

In this engaging discussion, Axel Thiemann, CEO of Sonnedix and expert in renewable energy, dives into the transformation of Independent Power Producers. He highlights how Sonnedix is evolving from a solar-only focus to a diversified, customer-led approach across ten markets. Key topics include the shift from feed-in tariffs to customer-facing models, embracing battery and wind technologies, and the importance of data standardization for operational efficiency. Axel also shares insights on balancing growth with risk and the crucial role of digitalization in the energy landscape.

Tom Thunell, co-founder and CEO of Tyba, shares insights from the forefront of the battery storage market. He discusses the implications of ERCOT's upcoming real-time co-optimization and its impact on storage revenues. The conversation dives into how storage is becoming the primary driver of investment in the US, particularly post-IRA. Tom also highlights the rise of large behind-the-meter deployments and the need for IPPs to adapt their strategies to manage these evolving portfolios effectively. Don't miss his tips on navigating the complexities of the storage landscape!

Natasha Luther-Jones is a Partner and Global Co-Chair of the Energy and Natural Resources sector at DLA Piper, specializing in renewable energy deal structuring. She discusses the evolving landscape of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), highlighting how hyperscaler demand is reshaping legal frameworks. Natasha dives into multi-buyer models and credit support strategies, the impact of Spain's blackout on contract management, and emerging trends in Battery Energy Storage System agreements. Her insights emphasize the balancing act of regulation and market dynamics in renewable energy.

Welcome back to The Pexapark Podcast! In the first part of the episode, we cover big shifts in renewables: France unveiled a revamped capacity market (centralized RTE-run auctions from November 2026) and a new injection tariff guiding storage behavior to ease grid congestion. Italy’s FER-X solar and wind auctions landed right in line with Pexapark’s fair-value benchmarks, while Germany’s Innovation auction showed sharper competition and only a small premium for solar-plus-storage projects. Meanwhile, data centers continue to dominate corporate PPA demand – around 30% of the total – with Northern Europe emerging as a key growth region. Across the Atlantic, PJM and Texas face accelerating load growth and a wave of battery deployments, confirming that storage now sits at the heart of the energy transition.In the second half, Luca Pedretti speaks with Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, about how solar is evolving from pure generation to a cornerstone of flexibility. Topics include:The growth of RE-Source into Europe’s flagship corporate PPA forum and this year’s themes – negative-price risk, hybrid PPAs, and access for smaller buyersHow SolarPower Europe drives policy in Brussels, from high-level advocacy to detailed input on network codes and market designThe rise of Solar 2.0: combining solar with storage to deliver near-continuous clean power and stronger business casesManaging new challenges – countering misinformation, adapting to shifting policy priorities, and keeping electrification momentumUpcoming milestones: the EU Grids Package and Electrification Action Plan, both expected to advance flexibility and storage adoptionAnalysis notes:Subscribe to Pexapark’s bi-weekly newsletter on LinkedInUnlock More PPA Market InsightsRegister for your free Pexapark account to stay updated on the latest energy transition trends. Learn more >

Welcome back to The Pexapark Podcast! In the first part of the episode, we cover big shifts in renewables: Europe’s day-ahead power market now trades in 15-minute intervals, boosting flexibility and volatility – a win for batteries and flexible demand. Switzerland’s new Acceleration Act aims to cut renewable permitting times dramatically, while Poland stands out with its first major BESS framework deal (1.3 GW / 5.2 GWh).Elsewhere, Germany’s PPA market slowed, the Nordics stayed quiet, and in the UK, solar-plus-storage co-location continues to rise. Meanwhile, Google’s partnership with Shell Energy Europe ushers in a new era of 24/7 carbon-free energy management, hinting at the future of corporate power procurement.In the second half, Luca Pedretti sits down with Katrin Fuhrmann, Managing Director of ENGIE Energy Management Solutions, to discuss how utilities are redefining their role in the renewable transition. Topics include:The rise of multi-technology and hybrid PPAs combining wind, solar, and storageThe evolution from PPAs to Flexibility Purchase Agreements (FPAs) and battery tollingEmerging trends in Germany and Poland’s BESS markets and their financing dynamicsEarly but fast growth: ~3 GW of co-located capacity contracted in 2025 vs 14.5 GW standalone, with two-thirds of new GB solar projects now co-locatedHow 24/7 CFE deals are progressing step by step toward truly green portfoliosUnlock More PPA Market InsightsRegister for your free Pexapark account to stay updated on the latest energy transition trends. Learn more >

Welcome back to The Pexapark Podcast! In the first part of the episode, we look at key market shifts: Germany launches a €500m guarantee scheme to revive its stalled PPA market, Italy’s FER-X auction confirms solar’s dominance with many projects now turning to PPAs at €54–60/MWh, and the Netherlands injects €1.2bn to rescue offshore wind. Battery revenues in Europe dipped on weak summer volatility but are already recovering, while the U.S. set a record with 4.9 GW of new storage in one quarter. In the second half, Jens Holstein – EVP Advisory at Pexapark – joins Luca Pedretti to explore the state of co-location. Enjoy a discussion on themes including:Why co-location is becoming the “route to market” for solar as standalone PPAs struggleHybrid PPAs and enhanced profiles: using one battery cycle to shift solar output from noon to evening, lifting capture rates from ~60% to 90%.Market outlook: Germany and the Netherlands lead on volatility-driven value, GB favors separate contracts, while Spain and Italy remain subsidy- and auction-drivenEarly but fast growth: ~3 GW of co-located capacity contracted in 2025 vs 14.5 GW standalone, with two-thirds of new GB solar projects now co-locatedRepowering as the next wave: hybridizing older German wind sites with solar and batteriesUnlock More PPA Market InsightsRegister for your free Pexapark account to stay updated on the latest energy transition trends. Learn more >