Plugged In: the energy news podcast

The success of Europe’s climate neutral goal for 2050 will depend a lot on hydrogen, particularly its green form when backed by renewables. Large utilities, industrial firms and oil and gas majors are now gearing up to make big investments in green hydrogen.This week’s episode looks at some of those ambitious plans in the Nordic region. Host:  Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuests: Martin Pei, Executive Vice President and CTO, SSABMarius Holm Rennesund, Partner, Thema ConsultingKathrine Stene Bakke, Head of AFRY Management Consulting NorwayOlav Botnen, Senior Analyst, Volue Insight

Last week’s deep freeze across the southern US caused power outages for millions in Texas, the country’s second most populous state. Was it an isolated problem or could a similar event occur in Europe? Listen to a panel of experts as they delve into how Europe needs to integrate renewables and the steps needed to level the playing field for new entrants. Host:  Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuests: Dirk Biermann, Chief Markets and System Operations Officer, 50 HertzMatthias Dilthey, General Manager, DACH, Sonnen

Are speculators behind the rise in carbon prices to new heights above EUR 40/t? This week’s podcast delves into the rally, addresses the fundamental factors supporting EUAs and whether placing limits on non-compliance participants is desirable or possible. Host:  Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuests: Marcus Ferdinand, Head of EU Power and Carbon Analytics, IcisTrevor Sikorski, Head of Natural Gas, Oil and Carbon Research, Energy AspectsBernadett Papp, Senior Market Analyst, VertisAlessandro Vitelli, Carbon Reporter

Developing solar power in parts of Europe not known for being sunny is like being a student at a rough school – you come out a tough kid. At least that’s how the CEOs of Nordic firms Otovo and Alright Energy see it in this week’s episode. Hear the outlook for rooftop and large-scale solar across Europe. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuests: Andreas Thorsheim, CEO, OtovoHarald Overholm, CEO, Alight Energy 

In a week of dramatic price moves in the carbon market, some participants have questioned the reasons for the rise to fresh highs. Is it the role of new entrants, could EUAs be the new Game Stop? Listen to a discussion on the various factors at play in the ever volatile EU ETS and the outlook for prices for the weeks and months ahead. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel Guest: Ingvild Sorhus, Senior Analyst, Refinitiv 

Europe’s quest to become carbon neutral by 2050 will mean increased grid congestion with an expansion of intermittent renewable energy. This week’s show discusses how electricity networks could cope with such bottlenecks, and why a fear of gaming and market power is holding back regulators from choosing market-based options. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guests: Andrea Torjussen, Business Development and Regulatory Affairs Manager, NodesGesa Milzer, Project Manager, NodesJan Budke, European Regulatory Affairs Manager, Eon

Some meteorologists may be playing down the risk of a return of 2018's "Beast from the East", but this winter is far from over and with it the potential for further gas and power price spikes. This week's show discusses the reasons for the recent price surges in Asian LNG, the outlook for the coming months and whether the market became too blase about cheap gas. Host:Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuest:•             Wayne Bryan, Director, European Gas Research, Refinitiv 

 France is set to overhaul the mechanism intended to boost competition in the country’s electricity market, but the measure’s complexity as well as disputes over the potential break-up of energy major EDF could see the government postponing reform. This week’s episode discusses the French solution for competition, and why there may not be a resolution until 2022 or beyond.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Julien Tedde, CEO, Opera Energie, Chris Eales, Editor France, Montel. 

German power prices have gained in recent weeks amid colder weather and a strong carbon market, with the bullish trend set to continue over the coming weeks, at least according to this week’s guest. Listen to a discussion on Germany’s coal exit tenders which have led, to the surprise of many, to the closure of modern, efficient plants but left older units in operation. In addition, we look at the outlook for carbon prices as well as the prospects for PPAs in Europe’s largest power market. Host:  Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Tobias Federico, Managing Director, Energy Brainpool. 

In the last episode of 2020, a year of pandemic and economic turmoil, the Montel Weekly podcast takes listeners on a virtual tour around Europe with discussions about what lies ahead for the continent’s energy markets. We review this year’s key policy milestones, the drive to decarbonise Europe, the latest demand forecasts, and conclude with a plea for peace and love. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guests: Andres Cala, Editor Iberia, MontelChris Eales, Editor France, MontelSiobhan Hall, Correspondent Brussels, MontelOlav Vilnes, Chief Editor Nordic and Baltic region, MontelNathan Witkop, Correspondent Germany, Montel