Plugged In: the energy news podcast

Europe’s green energy transition risks stalling amid a patchwork of regulation across the 27-nation bloc intended to tax surplus revenues of renewable energy generators. This could also impact the important PPA market, where corporates dominated the sector in 2022. Listen to a discussion about the trends expected for 2023 and how interventions could affect the market and the burgeoning green PPA s...

Discussions over potential extensions to the lifespans of German nuclear reactors could lead to several unforeseen consequences and will be like opening Pandora’s box, says Tobias Federico of Energy Brainpool. Listen to a discussion on how Germany managed to replace Russian gas supplies – at a cost – and the challenges ahead for the country in meeting its climate goals. Is the use of fossil fuels...

The EU gas price cap agreed this week by energy ministers is intended to protect gas consumers from soaring prices, but if triggered may lead to reduced supply and increased demand. Listen to a discussion on why the measure could end up being simply a symbolic gesture, as market participants will find ways of circumventing it. There are also concerns about the creation and implementation of an LNG...

In the second of two episodes summarising the momentous energy events of 2022, we focus on the developments in the Nordic region, Germany and the coal and gas markets. Listen to a discussion on the impact of record low reservoir levels in Norway, ongoing nuclear issues in Sweden and Finland as well as increased political interference. How did Germany cope with the sudden loss of Russian gas, and w...

In the first of two episodes summarising the momentous energy events of 2022, we focus on the dramatic developments in guarantees of origin market, compare the expansion of renewables in Spain and Italy and discuss ongoing nuclear problems in France. Will next year bring relief to strained markets, or will concerns over security of supply linger?  Tune in next week for part two. Guests: Rachael Bu...

Concerns over a supply shortfall are rising as much of Europe experiences a cold snap. Gas storage units are full, Russian gas is still flowing and industrial demand is almost down by a quarter, but what is the outlook for the coming months and the coming winter? Listen to a discussion on the key supply and demand fundamentals, and the impact of easing Covid lockdowns in China on LNG flows. Could...

Many EU nations are introducing revenue caps and/or windfall taxes on power production to help consumers cope with soaring energy costs. The European Commission has also proposed wholesale gas market ceiling of EUR 275/MWh. Listen to a discussion why some member states have labelled this as “joke” and why price caps could have a long-term detrimental effect on Europe and will not alleviate the cur...

Iceland has dodged an energy crisis gripping most of Europe with spiralling costs for households and industrial consumers. While the North Atlantic island nation is self-sufficient in energy, listen to a discussion on why its largest utility Landsvirkjun recently renegotiated a supply contract with one of its industrial consumers. Also, hear about Iceland's energy successes, the prospects of...

GO prices have risen almost fivefold this year amid concerns over supply and robust demand. Listen to a discussion on the outlook for the GO market, forthcoming regulatory changes and why an exit by Norway, a key supplier of the certificates, now looks increasingly unlikely. Will prices soar beyond EUR 8 and remain there in the months ahead? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests...

An acceleration of the energy transition will put increased stress on Europe’s power system. Energy market stakeholders across the board will need to adopt a more holistic cross-border approach to managing infrastructure in order to ensure the entire system is fit for purpose for green growth. Listen to a discussion on where the current challenges are and how vulnerable the power sector is to atta...

Warmer than average weather across Europe in combination with full gas storage facilities and an LNG supply glut should not obscure the fact that Europe could still experience a shortage of the fuel over the winter. Of course the winter weather will be decisive, but also gas demand from other parts of the world that could divert shipped cargoes. Listen to a discussion on why security of supply is...

A mild spell this autumn has calmed spiralling prices in Europe’s gas and power markets for now, enabling gas storage levels to brim near full capacity. Listen to a discussion on La Nina (and El Nino), the Polar Vortex, sudden stratospheric warning and the north Atlantic oscillation. Will a mild winter save Europe's energy crisis? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guest: Amy H...

The European Commission this week proposed a flurry of measures to lower wholesale prices, shield consumers from perceived market failure and to smooth out “excessive volatility”. Listen to a discussion on how “manipulation” has driven gas prices and why intervention in the form of a price cap is necessary. In the medium term, Europe’s energy markets may need more radical overhaul. Host: Richard S...

Heavy rainfall over the past few weeks has alleviated some concerns over hydropower supply in southern Norway, boosting reservoir levels from near record lows. While electricity rationing may be off the table, prices remain elevated in some areas. Listen to a discussion on the market outlook over the coming winter in the Nordic region and in continental Europe. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-...

Finland is in the midst of an energy war, with households, industry and the power sector needing to stand together to get through the coming winter. Listen to a discussion on how the country is already preparing for blackouts, as it pins its hopes on the start-up of the much-delayed Olkiluoto 3 reactor, increased wind output and mild weather. Could the lights go out in Helsinki this winter? Host:...

Spain has implemented measures aimed at shielding energy users from soaring prices but the move has had little impact on reducing the country´s demand for gas and may have scared off investors. Listen to a discussion on the effect the Spanish intervention has had so far and why it may not be suitable at a wider EU level. And does Europe face even greater challenges in the winter of 2023/24? Host:...

The European Commission has proposed several emergency measures aimed at shielding households and businesses from price shocks, and has indicated that it also plans deeper reforms to the current wholesale energy market design. Listen to a discussion on the current sentiment in Brussels - what proposals are on the table and how effective will they be in mitigating soaring prices? Host: Richard Sver...

France has touted a huge nuclear recovery, but experts question the ability of EDF to bring back a reactor a week between October and January. Listen to a discussion on the outlook for French nuclear availability for the coming winter. Should market participants place their trust in promises that reactors will be online in the New Year? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Chr...

Politicians have finally threatened action to “fix” a broken energy market that could impoverish households and drive industry out of Europe. Listen to a discussion on what needs fixing and a passionate defence of the marginal pricing model, where the most expensive power plant sets the wholesale price. What short-fixes are urgently required, and how could policymakers reduce the risk of future en...

Germany looks set to meet its gas storage target well ahead of winter, and some are optimistic the country can muddle through peak demand when the weather turns cold. But others fear sharp drawdowns from November could result in shortages – and price volatility - particularly if Russia were to permanently halt flows through the Nord Stream pipeline. Listen to a discussion on how the country’s cent...

Drought, heatwaves, weak river and hydro levels, combined with record low French nuclear output and dwindling gas supplies are driving energy prices to fresh highs on a daily basis. Aluminium producers and fertiliser firms have already announced closures across Europe. Listen to a discussion on the outlook for industry over the months ahead. Will it experience demand reduction or destruction? Host...

Plans by Norway to impose restrictions on electricity exports if the country’s hydropower reservoir levels drop below critical levels have created uproar at home and abroad. Listen to a discussion on what is currently on the table, the reaction from market participants, and the choices facing policy makers ahead of a difficult winter. What are the repercussions of limiting power flows, and is the...

Europe could be forced to extend voluntary reductions in gas consumption to mandatory measures as Russia plays “hardball” by curbing gas supplies before some EU nations like Germany can find alternative sources. Listen to a discussion on the winter outlook and the options – apart from rationing – open to governments and regulators. In the event of mandatory rationing, how would this be organised?...

Concerns over energy supply for the coming months are mounting as gas flows from Russia to Germany through the vital Nord Stream 1 pipeline have dwindled to 20% of capacity. Market participants fear that deliveries could be cut completely, due to an ongoing spat between the two countries over the turbine necessary to pump the gas. Listen to a discussion with a Ukraine-based expert on the likelihoo...

In the last episode before a summer break, we round up the past six months and delve into the key drivers for the remainder of the year. Gas will continue to be the pressing issue, with a squeeze on supply likely to remain the single most important issue for 2022 and 2023. Listen to a discussion on why Nordic firms will be praying for rain and the urgency to solve permitting bottlenecks for green...