Shows
Plugged In: the energy news podcastGood COP, bad COPHas the flagship climate conference of the parties (COP) lost its touch? One week after the closing of the annual COP conference, we examine the deals - or non-deals - that came out of the two weeks of negotiations, and why the EU failed in its negotiations to deliver a plan for the global transitioning away from fossil-fuels. Richard speaks to Lord Adair Turner about the pressure from petro-states on negotiations, the unusual alliances with developed countries, and why expectations surrounding COP's effectiveness as a mechanism for change are dwindling. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Edito...
2025-11-2830 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastGermany's industry power price: hit or miss?Germany boasts the biggest economy in Europe. Yet energy-intensive industries in the country are struggling with high energy costs versus their global competitors. The German government has said it will aim to lower the cost of power to EUR 50/MWh - far below current wholesale prices - from 1 January 2026 with the launch of its new industry power price.What are the implications for German companies, larger firms as well as the smaller and medium sized companies that are the engines of the country’s economy?In this episode, Richard speaks to Dr. Claudia Kem...
2025-11-2128 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastShould we talk about cheap power?In recent months, political opposition towards renewable energy policies in the UK has been on a steady rise, as commitment to deliver "cheaper power" starts to overtake the ambition to have "clean power". Energy affordability is firmly back on the agenda.In the drive to deliver green targets have politicians overhyped the implications of a move to a decarbonized power system? Is free power for all a realistic or even feasible concept? If not, how can consumers be incentivised to use electricity when it’s cheap and not when it’s expensive? What are the real consequences?
2025-11-1433 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastWill GHG Protocol changes affect the GO market?In October, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol - the world’s most widely used carbon accounting framework - launched two public consultations, inviting input from professionals across the industry to share their thoughts on proposed changes to the current guidance for scope 2 carbon emissions and market-based accounting. But what are the changes? How do they affect big businesses on a global level? Could reformulating the methodology for temporal and locational reporting have far-reaching consequences for the GO market? In this episode, Richard sits down with experts in Amsterdam to discuss the proposed updates to the GHG...
2025-11-0734 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastPowering ahead: Could Europe's EVs use 100 TWh by 2030?Anyone who has visited Norway in recent years will be struck at the advance the country has made with electric vehicles and its charging infrastructure.Should this be rolled out across Europe, EVs could consume just over 100 TWh by 2030. What will be the impact on grids, heavy goods transport and supply chains?Listen to a discussion on the challenges faced in the electrification of transport, especially the impact that the electrification of heavy goods vehicles will have on grids. What solutions does Europe need to deploy in order to cope with the rollout of high-speed E...
2025-10-3133 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastA "frosty" winter for gas prices?European gas storage levels are lower compared to the same time last year, but many market participants are fairly confident that there will be enough of the fossil fuel for the months ahead. However, the weather remains the uncertain factor with some experts estimating that gas prices could jump more than 30% if Europe is hit with very cold temperatures this winter.What’s the outlook for prices as demand remains low, Europe becomes increasingly reliant on US LNG amid an unstable geopolitical situation?In this episode, Richard sits down with the London Stock Exchange Group to...
2025-10-2430 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastWill standardised PPAs revive a stagnating market?Long-term renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs) have been in steady decline across parts of Europe, thanks to low wholesale prices and a volatile market. Yet some short-term standardised PPA products have seen encouraging uptake — could those be a blueprint to restart the broader market? Richard speaks with German trading company FlexPower about pricing dynamics, contract structure and risk allocation. Listen to a wider discussion on the key factors behind the success of recent moves to standardise PPAs and the practical and cultural barriers that remain. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Kell...
2025-10-1728 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastSpain’s grid in "safe mode": Lessons from the blackoutApril's huge blackout across the Iberian peninsula, and parts of France, triggered a storm of debate In Spain and more widely across Europe. Despite the publication of several reports, questions remain over the cause of the outage, what lessons the country’s power system has learned from it and how to strengthen grid resilience,In this episode, Richard Sverrisson speaks to local experts to unravel the findings of a recent report into the outage, the reaction from grid operators, and how the industry is adapting in the aftermath. The discussion explores how Spain’s TSO has shifted into...
2025-10-1031 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastComplex and volatile - 15-minute power auctions startThe new 15-minute day-ahead auctions went live this week, marking one of the most significant changes in the European power market to date.In this episode - recorded 48 hours after the first auction - Richard reviews the launch with senior commentators from power exchange Nord Pool, Energy Traders Europe, and Montel Analytics.They discuss how market participants across Europe have fared under the switch to this new time resolution and why many expect market prices to continue to be volatile amid the complex new granularity.What does the data on trade volumes from...
2025-10-0328 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastSMRs and AI: Powering Europe's energy security?Last week, the UK Prime Minister was the latest leader in Europe to announce his commitment to nuclear energy production by announcing plans to build "a fleet" of small modular reactors (SMRs). The UK's announcement followed similar plans elsewhere in Europe over the last year.Why are we seeing the focus shift from larger nuclear plants to small modular reactors?In this episode, Richard speaks to Rolls Royce to understand the tech behind SMRs, the role they can play in reduce dependance on fossil fuels, and why they could prove to be an economically viable...
2025-09-2631 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastCould EU carbon prices hit EUR 90/t by year-end?Earlier this week, Europe’s benchmark carbon price climbed by over 1 EUR to reach a seven-month high. Could it continue to rise? As companies across the EU rush to meet the EU ETS deadline on the 30th September, investment funds’ increase their net long exposure in EU carbon allowances and lower supply could drive the price of EUAs higher. In this episode, Richard speaks to Veyt's Carbon Analyst about why the industry expects a tight carbon market next year, and what impact the reduced allowance thresholds and the introduction of CBAM will have on prices. Ho...
2025-09-1925 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastIs the EU failing its heavy industry?The US-EU USD 750bn energy deal announced at the end of July left many observers scratching their heads, not least because of the eye watering sums involved. However, European heavy industry, steel and aluminium in particular, were left facing a 50% US import tariff. The uncertainty for Europe's steel and aluminium companies has prompted issues of "scrap leakage" and imports of material from countries outside Europe, with producers struggling to remain competitive against Chinese overcapacity. Why were Europe's heavy industries left out of negotiations for lower tariffs, and is this the final nail in the coffin fo...
2025-09-1231 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastA Nordic balancing actIn March 2025, the balancing price in all of the Swedish price zones crashed to the technical floor of EUR -10,000/MWh - setting off a trend of volatile prices and turbulent balancing markets in the Nordics.Six months on, small producers and certain market actors in the region are struggling to navigate a complex system and differing responses from TSOs across the region, with many market participants calling out for change.In this episode, Richard speaks to Nordic market experts about why the changes introduced this year are proving problematic and puts important questions to...
2025-09-0535 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastNordic power market at a crossroadsVolatile prices, falling liquidity and declining profitability are some of the many headwinds the Nordic power market faces in the months ahead.In addition, could political meddling create more damage to the highly complex and problematic market? And why are public misunderstandings about the issue fuelling political debate?In this episode, Richard speaks to our guests at the Montel Nordic Energy Day in Oslo. They discuss why a free and competitive market is still the best solution, and they explain the changes that need to be made to the market design in order for it...
2025-08-2830 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastThe real costs of curtailing renewablesAccording to a recent report from Montel Analytics, the UK and Ireland curtailed GBP 152m of renewable energy in the first half of 2025.Is this counter productive to the UK’s green and clean energy goals? Who foots the bill? Is the lack of adequate infrastructure in Europe’s grid hindering the green energy transition?In this episode, Richard speaks to the author of the report and Renewable UK about how much curtailment is costing the industry, how it’s affecting investments in wind power projects and why batteries are essential in storing excess green energy...
2025-08-2230 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastHeatwave raises red flags for power marketTemperatures reached 40C across Europe this week in the latest of several heatwaves which have engulfed the continent this summer. In response, power prices soared in many regions, with countries like France curbing nuclear power production because rivers – used for cooling purposes – became too warm.In this week’s episode, Richard discuss the impact of rising temperatures on power production, consumption and prices. How can Europe futureproof its power market from extreme weather conditions?Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Julia Demirdag - News correspondent, Montel NewsGuests:Robi...
2025-08-1535 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastDoes the EU energy transition need China?It’s been 10 years since the Paris Climate Agreement entered intro force. Yet, tariffs, trade wars, and the reversal of the US’s climate policies are putting the global energy transition at risk. Where does this leave the relationship between the EU, the US, and other global trading partners? And should Europe’s solar and wind developers shun Chinese products? In this week’s episode, Richard speaks to Lord Adair Turner - Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission about carbon pricing, the cost of the energy transition, and China’s influence in the future of green energy...
2025-08-0834 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastSUMMER SPECIAL Episode 5: President of the Council of European Energy RegulatorsThis is the fifth episode of Plugged In’s five-part CEO summer series, where Richard interviews prominent leaders in Europe’s energy sector. In this final special episode, Richard speaks to Dr Annegret Groebel, President of the Council of European Energy Regulators and Director of International Relations at the German Regulatory Authority, BNetzA. They talk about the challenges with energy regulation in 2025, and what the next move is for Germany and its bidding zones. Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuest: Dr Annegret Groebel - President of the Council of Euro...
2025-08-0124 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastSUMMER SPECIAL Episode 4: CEO of Rystad EnergyThis is the fourth episode of Plugged In’s five-part CEO summer series, where Richard interviews prominent leaders in Europe’s energy sector. In this episode, Richard sits down with Jarand Rystad, CEO and Founder of energy research and intelligence company, Rystad Energy.They talk about the changes in China’s oil demand, the production - or lack - of hydrogen, and the challenges with battery and solar power in Europe.Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuest: Jarand Rystad - CEO and Founder, Rystad EnergyEdito...
2025-07-2529 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastSUMMER SPECIAL Episode 3: CEO of FingridThis is the third episode of Plugged In’s five-part CEO summer series, where Richard interviews prominent leaders in Europe’s energy sector. In this episode, Richard speaks to Asta Sihvonen-Punkka, CEO of Finnish TSO, Fingrid. They discuss the ongoing issues with balancing Finland’s power market, the oversupply of renewable energy in the Nordics, and the future of Finland’s nuclear energy programme. Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuest: Asta Sihvonen-Punkka - CEO, FingridEditors: Bled Maliqi, Sarah KnowlesProducer: Sarah Knowles
2025-07-1828 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastGas power gamesAs Europe eyes an end to Russian gas imports by 2027, fresh geopolitical tensions are reshaping energy markets once again. Could Trump’s mediation efforts result in a ceasefire in the Ukraine and could Russian gas re-enter Europe—directly or via shadow routes?In this week’s episode, Richard speaks to two policy experts about what peace versus a ceasefire could really mean for gas prices, energy security, and the green transition. How do emerging interdependencies with the US, Qatar, and Africa shift Europe’s leverage—and what happens when offshore wind, solar, and LNG become pawns in great powe...
2025-05-2231 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastCBAM uncertainty hits commodity tradingIn recent months, the European Commission has published what it describes as “simplified rules” of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), but is the policy still unclear and too complicated for energy and metals traders?In this episode, Richard talks to experts about the CBAM, and why some commodity trading firms are holding off - despite the official January 2026 start date. Could some be at risk of ceasing trading temporarily?Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Gabriel Power - UK Power Reporter, Montel NewsGuests:Dan Maleski - Senior Envir...
2025-05-1634 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastIberia’s blackout: a wake up call?Since parts of Spain, Portugal, and France temporarily lost power on Monday 28th April, TSOs and policy makers across Europe have been quick to try and assess how much their own networks are at risk of a similar blackout.Whilst we await conclusions from Entso-e’s investigations as to the cause of the outage, in this week’s episode Richard speaks to the Secretary General of Eurelectric and Rystad Energy about what this incident tells us about the reliability of Europe’s grid and our increasing dependency on electricity. What does the outage tell us about the need f...
2025-05-0934 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastGermany split over bidding zone divisionAfter a long delay, European TSOs finally released their bidding zone review this week. The report was met with much backlash from Germany’s government and industry leaders strongly opposed to the proposal to split its zone into five.In this week’s podcast episode Richard speaks to commentators for and against dividing Germany’s price zone, and explores how the industry can expect TSOs in Germany and the Nordic region to respond in the next six months.Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelContributor: Siobhan Hall - Brussel’s CorrespondentGuests:Casi...
2025-05-0233 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastIs Norway enabling GO double counting?Norway is the largest exporter of guarantees of origin certificates. Yet last month, the country's government published guidance for industry and union leaders that supported a localised approach, opening up the possibility for double counting of GOs.After Iceland was accused of a similar move last year, we explore whether this latest move is pulling the reliability of the GO market into question amid continuously falling prices.In this week's episode, Richard speaks to Daniel Arnesson from Veyt about where the confidence is in the GO market, and when prices will start to rise again.
2025-04-2531 min
Plugged In: the energy news podcastTariffs, trade wars and “drill, baby, drill”Oil and gas prices plummeted in the immediate aftermath of the trade war between the US and China.With many expecting oil and gas prices to continue to decline as a result of Trump's tariffs, the trade war raises raises fundamental questions about the profitability of oil production. Will oil producers feel inspired to "drill baby drill", as Trump famously promised, if prices continue to fall?In this episode, Richard speaks to Saul Kavonic, Head of Energy Research at MST Marquee, about the impact on global trade flows, prices and why an expected boost in...
2025-04-1733 min