Plugged In: the energy news podcast

This week French president Emmanuel Macron announced a new prime minister – with other key energy portfolios still to be put in place. The latest pod discusses corrosion at several of the country’s nuclear plants, expected output over the crucial winter period and the expansion of solar power. We also examine whether Macron’s plan to build up to 14 new reactors is realistic without a restructuring of EDF.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Emeric de Vigan, CEO and Founder Core-E

European carbon prices have been sidelined by the debate around sanctions on gas, coal, and oil from Russia. However, EUA prices have seen huge volatility, with price swings of up to EUR 8 a day. Listen to a discussion on the price drivers over the short and medium-term,  and why EUR 100/t would be unsustainable. In addition, what is the likelihood of excluding financial entities, or speculators from the market?Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Ingvild Sørhus, Lead EU Carbon Analyst, RefinitivMarcus Ferdinand, Head of Analysis, GreenfactBernadett Papp, Head of Research and Analysis, Vertis

Russia’s halt in gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria for their refusal to pay in rubles has the energy market guessing who might be next. It is still unclear whether customers agreeing to the Kremlin’s new terms is a breach in EU sanctions, even without an outright embargo on gas imports. Listen to a discussion on the apparent weaponization of gas, and what a further stop in Russian flows could do to European industry and wholesale prices.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guest: Trevor Sikorski, Head of Natural Gas and Carbon Research, Energy Aspects

Italy lags behind many countries in harnessing its renewables potential, with the country’s energy transition hampered by cumbersome permitting rules. While that could be about to change due to government reform, other interventions such as taxes on green generators’ windfall profits may scare off investors. Listen to a discussion on the outlook for renewable energy in the country amid a scramble to replace Russian gas.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Stefano Cavriani, Co-Founder & Director of Ego Energy, and Riccardo Rossi, Head of Southern and Central Europe Origination, Centrica Energy Trading

In early April the UK announced ambitious plans to wean itself off non-domestic energy sources. Are plans to install 17 GW of nuclear capacity over the coming decades realistic? Who will build a new fleet of reactors, and more importantly, where will the cash come from? Listen to a discussion about why the government’s policy will fail to fix an energy crisis that threatens to plunge huge swathes of the country into energy poverty. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guest: Antony Froggatt, Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House

Russia is trying to force companies to pay for its gas in rubles, while the EU has still not decided to implement full energy sanctions amid opposition from some member states. Listen to a discussion on the legal issues for European firms surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the implications of a cut from either side. We also look at the current status of Nord Stream 2 and potential loopholes in the regulatory framework. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guest: Ana Stanic, Principal, E&A Law

The EU is considering energy sanctions on Russia amid reports of atrocities in its ongoing war in Ukraine but many countries fear the consequences of such measures on the economies of the 27-nation bloc. These potential measures comeo against the backdrop of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s posturing. Is Moscow’s short-term to aim to starve Europe of energy? And could oil and gas prices spike further in the weeks and months ahead?Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Bjarne Schieldrop, Chief Analyst, Commodities, SEB and Nadia Martin Wiggen, Partner and Chief Oil Analyst, Pareto Securities. 

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ensuing Western sanctions have roiled European energy markets. EU nations are scrambling to find alternatives to Russian supplies, while Moscow is demanding payments be made in rubles. Who will win this energy conflict?Listen to an update on the EU’s strategy to wean off its dependency on Russia.Guest: Siobhan Hall, Brussels Correspondent, Montel

This week we focus on how Norway and Germany are coping with the energy crisis exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While Oslo is subsidising household energy use, Berlin is reaching far and wide for alternatives to Russian gas.Listen to a discussion about their tough challenges and why they might succeed.Guests: Andreas Lochner, Editor Germany, Montel, Gert Ove Mollestad, Editor Norway, Montel

Many energy firms have been rapidly cutting ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. This week’s episode focuses on the deep ties French oil and gas major has with Moscow, its feud with the US and why a “Rexit” may be very difficult and very costly, for the company.We also touch on the financial challenges facing EDF and the role of energy in France’s upcoming presidential election.Guests: Chris Eales, Editor FranceMuriel Boselli, Correspondent France