Coming from the heart of the Montel newsroom, Editor-in-Chief, Snjolfur Richard Sverrisson and his team of journalists explore the news headlines in the energy sector, bringing you in depth analysis of the industry’s leading stories each week. Richard speaks to experts, analysts, regulators, and senior business leaders to the examine not just the what, but the why behind the decisions directing the markets and shaping the global transition to a green economy. New episodes are available every Thursday.
Artificial intelligence is transforming the global economy at extraordinary speed, but it's also creating one of the biggest new sources of electricity demand Europe has faced in decades. As hyperscale data centres continue to expand, are Europe's power systems, grids and energy markets ready to keep pace? In this episode of the Plugged In Summer Series , we explore what the AI boom means for the energy transition. The discussion centres around power supply and how grid constraints could shape investment, to the role of flexibility, policy and smarter energy management. We chat about the challenges and opportunities facing Europe's electricity system in the wake of such a growing industry. Featuring insights from experts in technology policy, data centre strategy and the power sector, this episode asks whether AI's growing appetite for energy can be aligned with Europe's ambitions for a secure, affordable and low-carbon future—and what needs to happen next. Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Katie Berriman Davies, Head of Energy, TechUK Liam Newcombe, SVP Product, Energy Strategy & Innovation, GreenScale Steve Smith, Group Chief Strategy & UK External Affairs Officer, National Grid Producer: Alexandra Carlon Editor: Alexandra Carlon #AI #DataCentres #EnergyTransition #ElectricityMarkets #PowerSystems #GridInfrastructure #Renewables #Flexibility #Decarbonisation #EnergyPolicy #Hyperscalers #DigitalInfrastructure #CleanEnergy #PluggedInPodcast #MontelNews
Market design: Driving or derailing the transition?
Europe's electricity system is changing fast. As renewables continue to reshape the power mix, new challenges are emerging; from negative pricing and falling pofitability to the increased need for flexibility, storage, long-term investment signals and the growing demands of AI-driven data centres. In this episode of the Plugged In Summer Series, host Richard speaks with market experts Cillian O'Donoghue of Eurelectric and Fabian Huneke of Agora to explore whether Europe's electricity market design is still fit for purpose. The discussion examines whether the current market framework is delivering the right incentives for investment, the role of contracts for difference (CFDs) and power purchase agreements (PPAs), the importance of forward market liquidity, and why flexibility (from batteries to demand response) will be critical to keeping the energy transition affordable and secure. The guests also discuss how Europe can accelerate grid development, respond to rising electricity demand from data centres, and ensure market reforms keep pace with a rapidly evolving power system. Is Europe's market design driving the clean energy transition; or at risk of holding it back? Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Cillian O'Donoghue, Director, Policy, Eurelectic Fabian Huneke, Project Lead Energy Transition in the Power Sector, Agora Producer: Alexandra Carlon Editor: Alexandra Carlon #PluggedInPodcast #EnergyTransition #ElectricityMarkets #MarketDesign #Renewables #PowerMarkets #EnergyPolicy #GridFlexibility #EnergyStorage #CfDs #PPAs #DataCentres #EuropeanEnergy #MontelNews#Datacentres
Grids: Easing bottlenecks
Europe has made remarkable progress in developing renewable energy, but grids – both at distribution and transmission level, are struggling to keep up. Congestion, long connection queues and ageing infrastructure are holding back the energy transition. So, is the answer simply building more grid infrastructure; or making better use of the network we already have? In this third episode of the Plugged In Summer Series , host Richard is joined by experts from across the electricity sector to explore how Europe can ease its growing grid bottlenecks. Frank Boerman-Lima shares insights from the front line of transmission system operation and cross-border electricity markets. Luuk Veeken explains how AI, forecasting and automated trading are helping integrate more renewable power, while Brian Lonn discusses the growing role of battery storage and flexibility markets in supporting the grid. Together, they explore how smarter market design, flexibility and digital innovation can unlock more capacity from Europe's electricity networks and keep the energy transition moving. Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Frank Boerman-Lima, Flow-Based Capacity Calculation Expert Luuk Veeken, CEO, Dexter Energy Brian Lonn, Head of UK Flexibility, Statkraft Producer: Alexandra Carlon Editor: Alexandra Carlon #EnergyTransition #PowerGrids #RenewableEnergy #GridFlexibility #ElectricityMarkets #EnergyTransition #PowerGrids #CleanEnergy #BatteryStorage #AI #EnergyTransition #ElectricityMarkets #PowerGrids #GridFlexibility #Renewables
Renewables Roll-Out: Saturation Reached?
Europe is developing green energy at lighting speed. But as solar and wind generation reaches record levels, new challenges are emerging across the electricity system. Negative prices, grid congestion, curtailment and falling capture prices are raising a fundamental question: has renewable deployment reached its limits, or is the rest of the energy system failing to keep pace? In this episode of the Plugged In Summer Series, we explore whether Europe's next challenge is no longer building renewable generation, but integrating it. Host Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief of Montel News, is joined by Dr Lion Hirth, one of Europe's leading energy market economists and Professor of Energy Policy at the Hertie School; Luca Pedretti, Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder of Pexapark; and Professor Jan Rosenow, one of Europe's foremost experts on energy efficiency and electrification, and Professor of Energy and Climate Policy at the University of Oxford. Together they examine whether current market structures, grids and policy frameworks are fit for a predominantly green energy system,, how investors are responding to growing merchant risk, and why flexibility, storage and electrification could determine whether Europe's energy transition continues to accelerate…or begins to slow down. Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Dr Lion Hirth, Professor of Energy Policy, Hertie School Luca Pedretti, Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder, Pexapark Jan Rosenow, Energy Programme Leader and Professor of Energy and Climate Policy, University of Oxford Producer: Alexandra Carlon Editor: Alexandra Carlon
State of Play: Where Are We Now?
Europe's energy transition has delivered record renewable deployment and significant emissions reductions, but a new wave of geopolitical instability is once again putting the resilience of the energy system to the test. This episode launches the Plugged In Summer Series , where we'll be asking one overarching question throughout: is the energy transition slowing down, or speeding up? Across six episodes, we'll explore the market, policy and technology trends shaping the answer. To kick off the series, we're joined by three of the sector's leading voices: Professor Jan Rosenow of the University of Oxford, one of Europe's foremost experts on energy policy and the energy transition; Simon Flowers, Chairman and Chief Analyst at Wood Mackenzie and one of the industry's most respected market commentators; and Saul Kavonic, Head of Energy Research at MST Marquee, internationally recognised for his analysis of global energy markets and geopolitical risk. Together, they explore how conflict, energy security and volatile gas markets are reshaping policy, investment and market dynamics across Europe. They discuss whether Europe has learned the lessons of previous energy crises and why politics, not technology, may now be the biggest barrier to progress. This opening episode sets the scene for the rest of the series, asking a simple but critical question: can Europe's energy transition stay on course when the world around it becomes more unstable; and is this latest period of disruption ultimately slowing the transition down, or speeding it up? #PluggedInPodcast #EnergyTransition #EnergySecurity #Geopolitics #GasMarkets #PowerMarkets #NetZero #EuropeanEnergy #Renewables #EnergyPolicy Host:Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Simon Flowers, Chairman, Chief Analyst at Wood Mackenzie Saul Kavonic - Head of Energy Research, MST Marquee Jan Rosenow - Professor of Energy and Climate Policy, University of Oxford Producer: Alexandra Carlon Editor: Alexandra Carlon
Can Britain Still Deliver Net Zero? Chris Stark on “ungumming the system” and the UK's Energy Future
The UK has set one of the most ambitious energy targets in Europe: a fully clean power system by 2030. But achieving it will require a transformation of the country's electricity network, unprecedented levels of renewable investment, and difficult political and regulatory decisions. Recorded in Whitehall, Richard Sverrisson sits down with Chris Stark, Head of UK’s Mission for Clean Power, UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, to discuss whether the country is on track to meet its target and what still stands in the way. Can the UK build the grid, generation and flexibility needed in time? And what lessons could the rest of Europe learn from its approach? The conversation explores the UK's efforts to reform grid connection queues, accelerate infrastructure delivery, expand battery storage, develop new nuclear capacity and strengthen links with European energy markets. Or as Chris Stark put it the tough choices needed to “ungum the system”. #PluggedInPodcast #EnergyTransition #CleanPower2030 #EnergyPolicy #GridInfrastructure #RenewableEnergy #EnergySecurity #NetZero #ChrisStark Host:Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guest: Chris Stark – Head of Mission Control for Clean Power 2030, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Editor: Alexandra Carlon Producer: Alexandra Carlon
Data Centre Boom: catalysts and constraints
Europe is experiencing a rush of investment into data centres as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services drive a new wave of electricity demand. From Finland to Spain, developers are searching for locations with abundant clean power, available grid connections and supportive policy frameworks. But as data centres grow larger and more power-hungry, questions are emerging about whether Europe's electricity infrastructure can keep pace. Grid operators are facing mounting connection queues, policymakers are weighing economic benefits against environmental concerns, and system planners are grappling with how to integrate large new sources of demand without compromising reliability. Could data centres become a catalyst for investment in grids, renewables and flexibility? Or do they risk adding further pressure to already constrained electricity systems? In this episode, Richard Sverrisson is joined by Janne Peljo of Finnish Industries, Elisabeth Cremona of Ember and Liam Newcombe of GreenScale to discuss the future of data centres in Europe, the impact of AI-driven demand growth, grid investment requirements, system stability, and the policy choices that will determine whether Europe can successfully power its digital future. #DataCentres #AI #EnergyTransition #ElectricityMarkets #PowerGrids #EnergySecurity #GridInfrastructure #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #DigitalInfrastructure #ArtificialIntelligence #Electrification #EnergyPolicy #PowerMarkets #EuropeEnergy Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Janne Peljo – Chief Policy Adviser on Climate and Biodiversity, Finnish Industries Elisabeth Cremona – Senior Energy Analyst, Europe, Ember Liam Newcombe – SVP Product, Energy Strategy & Innovation at GreenScale Alina Trabattoni – Italy Correspondant, Montel Editor: Alexandra Carlon Producer: Alexandra Carlon
Finland - a power success story?
As Europe grapples with energy security concerns, expectations of rising electricity demand, and the rapid growth of AI-driven data centres, Finland is emerging as one of the continent's most compelling energy success stories. In this episode of Plugged In, Richard Sverrisson is joined first by Elias Huuhtanen, Finland Correspondent at Montel News, who explains why Finland's long-term approach to energy planning, infrastructure investment and security preparedness has positioned the country as a model for Europe. Richard then speaks with Markus Rauramo, CEO of Fortum and President of Eurelectric, about the opportunities and challenges facing Europe's energy transition. They discuss the impact of AI and data centres on power demand, how Finland is preparing for industrial electrification, the importance of grid investment, and why affordable, clean and reliable energy remains essential for maintaining Europe's competitiveness. The conversation also explores geopolitical risks, Europe's exposure to global LNG markets, hybrid threats to critical infrastructure, and the lessons other countries can learn from Finland's pragmatic and technology-neutral energy strategy. Can Finland's approach offer a blueprint for Europe's energy future? #PluggedInPodcast #EnergySecurity #Finland #Fortum #Eurelectric #EnergyTransition #DataCentres #AI #ElectricityMarkets #Renewables #NuclearEnergy #GridInfrastructure #EnergyPolicy #LNG #CyberSecurity #EnergyResilience #IndustrialElectrification #Nordics #CleanEnergy #EnergyMarkets Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Markus Rauramo – CEO of Fortum & President of Eurelectric Elias Huuhtanen – Finland Correspondent, Montel News Editor: Alexandra Carlon Producer: Alexandra Carlon
Sweden’s energy spat with Brussels
Sweden's dispute with Brussels over electricity market rules is quickly becoming one of the biggest political energy stories in Europe. At the centre of the debate is a huge stockpile of congestion revenues; billions of euros generated from price differences across Sweden's own grid and its interconnectors with neighbouring countries. Stockholm argues the money should stay in Sweden to fix domestic bottlenecks and protect consumers, while the EU wants greater flexibility to use some of those funds for wider European grid projects. But this is no longer just a technical dispute over electricity markets. This week’s episode explains how congestion revenues became such a political flashpoint, why frustrations with Germany and EU market rules are growing, and how Sweden’s widening north-south price divide is fuelling domestic pressure. #EbbaBusch #Sweden #EuropeanUnion #EU #EnergyPolicy #EnergySecurity #ElectricityMarkets #PowerMarkets #Interconnectors #GridInfrastructure #EnergyTransition #Renewables #CongestionRevenues #MarketIntegration #Nordics #Brussels #Podcast #PluggedIn #Montel #EnergyNews Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Arne Bergvik - Energy Strategy Consultant, Sigholm Sebastian De Toro - Partner & Head of Investor Services, New Republic Editor: Alexandra Carlon Producer: Alexandra Carlon
Feeling the heat: Preparing Europe's grids for summer
Europe's power systems are facing a new reality. As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, electricity networks are coming under growing pressure. Rising cooling demand, aging infrastructure and the rapid expansion of renewable energy are all changing how grids operate during periods of extreme weather. The recent Iberian blackout also highlighted how important resilience, flexibility and interconnection have become in maintaining system security. So is Europe's electricity system ready for a hotter future? In this episode of Plugged In, Richard speaks with Julia Demirdag, Germany Correspondent at Montel News, Guy Nicholson from Statkraft, and Paweł Czyżak from Ember about how heatwaves are reshaping Europe's power sector. Together they explore why grids are increasingly becoming the critical point of vulnerability, what lessons can be learned from the Iberian blackout, and how batteries, storage and smarter system design could help future-proof Europe's electricity networks. #PluggedInPodcast #MontelNews #EnergyTransition #PowerMarkets #GridResilience #Heatwaves #EnergySecurity #BatteryStorage #ElectricityMarkets #Renewables #EnergyPolicy #NetZero Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Julia Demirdag – Germany Correspondent, Montel News Guy Nicholson – Head of Zero Carbon Grid Solutions, Statkraft Dr Paweł Czyżak – Europe Programme Director, Ember Editor: Alexandra Carlon Producer: Alexandra Carlon
How many wake up calls does Europe need?
The US-Israeli led war in Iran and the prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is once again exposing Europe’s vulnerability to global energy shocks; raising urgent questions about gas storage, LNG dependency and whether governments have learned anything from previous crises. In this episode of PluggedIn, Montel’s Richard speaks with Henning Gloystein from Eurasia Group and Saul Kavonic from MST Marquee about the escalating conflict and growing risks facing energy markets and global supply chains. Could shipping flows resume within weeks, or are market participants underestimating the possibility of years of disruption? The discussion explores fuel shortages, LNG price risks, Europe’s storage dilemma, China’s strategic positioning, and why many analysts believe the global economy is only beginning to feel the effects of the crisis. With competing forecasts and mounting geopolitical tensions, the episode examines what comes next for energy markets, and whether the world is prepared for a prolonged supply shock. #StraitOfHormuz #LNG #NaturalGas #OilMarkets #EnergyCrisis #GlobalEnergy #Geopolitics #EnergySecurity #GasMarkets #TTF #EnergyTransition #Iran #MiddleEast #ShippingCrisis #EnergyPodcast #Montel #PluggedInPodcast #OilAndGas #EuropeEnergy #LNGMarkets Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Saul Kavonic, Head of Energy Research, MST Marquee Henning Gloystein, Managing Director - Energy & Resources, Eurasia Group Editor: Alexandra Carlon Producer: Alexandra Carlon
Celebrating curtailment: Are negative prices really that bad?
Negative power prices are becoming increasingly commonplace in Europe’s electricity markets. With solar generation soaring and renewable buildout accelerating, Europe’s power systems are increasingly producing more electricity than consumers need during certain hours of the day. The result? Wholesale electricity prices falling below zero, with generators effectively paying the market to take their power. But are negative prices actually a problem — or a sign that the energy transition is working? Should we be celebrating curtailment? The panel explores why countries like Germany, the Netherlands, France and Spain are seeing growing numbers of negative-price hours, how grid congestion and inflexible generation are contributing to the issue, and whether batteries, storage and demand-side flexibility can keep pace with the rapid expansion of renewables. They also debate why overbuilding renewables is economically rational, and whether current market structures are fit for a power system dominated by wind and solar. #EnergyMarkets #NegativePrices #Curtailment #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #PowerMarkets #BatteryStorage #SolarPower #WindEnergy #GridFlexibility #ElectricityMarkets #NetZero #EnergyStorage #MontelNews Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: André Bosschaart - Head of Analytics, Montel Anton Tijdink, Policy advisor - Electricity Market Design, TenneT TSO Caroline Pailliez, Montel Journalist, France Editor: Oscar Birk Producer: Alexandra Carlon
Snorkelling for negative prices
Norway - and the Nordic power system more generally - have seen fewer instances of negative prices than their continental counterparts in recent weeks. Why has the region been “snorkelling” while others have been plumbing the depths of negative prices. Norway’s hydropower system is under pressure after one of the coldest winters in 16 years and a prolonged period of low precipitation. Reservoir levels in southern Norway remain well below normal, raising questions about energy security, winter preparedness and the growing role of Europe’s interconnected power markets. But is the situation really as serious as headlines suggest? Joined by some of the foremost experts on Norwegian hydropower and the market dynamics, together, they explore how low snowpack, dry weather patterns and shifting hydrological balances are affecting Norway’s power outlook — and why imported renewable energy from continental Europe may actually help save water in Nordic reservoirs ahead of winter. The panel also dives into the explosion of negative power prices across Europe, the impact of Germany’s rapid solar buildout, whether batteries and grids can keep pace with renewables growth, and why some analysts believe Europe’s energy transition is entering a period of extreme volatility. #EnergyMarkets #Norway #Hydropower #PowerMarkets #RenewableEnergy #Nordics #ElectricityPrices #NegativePrices #EnergyTransition #SolarPower #WindPower #EnergySecurity #GridInfrastructure #BatteryStorage #LNG #EuropeanEnergy #PowerTrading #WeatherRisk #HydroReservoirs #PluggedInPodcast Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Katinka Bogaard - Founder, MD and Analyst - Volt Power Analytics Ivan Føre Svegaarden - Head of Energy Analysis and Weather Risk Management - TradeWpower AS Tor Reier Lilleholt - Head of Analysis - Insight by Volue Editor: Alexandra Carlon Producer: Alexandra Carlon
Gas storage: Complacency or Crunch?
Europe may have emerged from winter without a full-scale gas crisis; but with storage levels unusually low, geopolitical tensions rising, and summer-winter price spreads offering little commercial incentive, the real challenge may only just be beginning. Germany, home to Europe's largest gas storage capacity, is facing mounting pressure to refill ahead of winter while the war in the Middle East, uncertainty around LNG transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and fragile industrial demand all cloud the outlook. Across Europe, policymakers are weighing whether market forces alone can deliver enough supply; or if strategic intervention may once again be required. Will Europe’s gas market rebalance in time, or are governments heading back into crisis-management mode? Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Maria Haensch – Germany Correspondent, Montel News Sebastian Gulbis – Managing Director, Enervis Energy Advisors GmbH Erisa Pasko – Senior European Gas Analyst, Energy Aspects Editor: Alexandra Carlon Producer: Alexandra Carlon #GasStorage #Germany #EuropeanGas #LNG #EnergySecurity #NaturalGas #Geopolitics #EnergyMarkets #PluggedInPodcast #Montel
Reshaping French energy
From the streets of Paris to the heart of Europe’s energy regulation, this episode explores how geopolitics, market design and infrastructure are reshaping France’s - and the continent’s - energy future. As tensions in the Gulf ripple through global gas prices and Europe’s energy markets, France finds itself in a uniquely resilient position, buoyed by nuclear power, growing renewables and strong export capacity. But beneath that stability lie complex questions about pricing, interconnectors, and the long-term balance between supply, demand and affordability. So how can Europe maintain energy security, keep prices competitive, and still accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future? In this episode, Richard sits down with Emmanuelle Wargon, President of France’s Energy Regulator (CRE) and Chair of the Board of Regulators at ACER. She shares insights into France’s evolving power mix, why electricity prices there have largely decoupled from gas, and how Europe is navigating the pressures of global gas supply shocks. Richard and Emmanuelle also explore the growing debate around marginal pricing, the urgent need for grid investment and interconnectors, and the delicate challenge of scaling renewables without undermining market stability. From LNG dependency to nuclear resurgence and the politics of cross-border energy flows, this conversation offers clarity over the trade-offs shaping Europe’s energy system. #EnergyTransition #FranceEnergy #EmmanuelleWargon #EuropeanEnergy #PowerMarkets #GasPrices #NuclearEnergy #Renewables #EnergySecurity #Interconnectors #ElectricityMarkets #GridInfrastructure #LNG #Decarbonisation Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guest: Emmanuelle Wargon, President of CRE and Chair of ACER's Board of Regulators Editor: Alexandra Carlon Producer: Alexandra Carlon & Caroline Pailliez
“Strange” prices rattle Europe's power markets
Across Europe, power prices are behaving in ways that are leaving even seasoned market participants questioning what they’re seeing. From negative prices to seemingly counterintuitive flows between some price zones, the electricity system is becoming harder to interpret, and certainly more complex. On April 6, negative prices of EUR -15,000/MWh in Belgium's balancing market highlighted just how volatile and weather-driven Europe's power system has become. But are these signals a sign of dysfunction, or simply the reality of a system in transition? So, what’s really going on beneath the surface? In this episode, we unpack what’s driving so-called “odd” or “irrational” pricing across Europe, from the rise of renewables and battery storage to the increasing role of algorithmic trading and complex market design. We also explore whether market participants are equipped to handle this growing complexity, and what risks and opportunities lie ahead. #EnergyMarkets #PowerMarkets #ElectricityPrices #EnergyTransition #Renewables #NegativePricing #EnergyTrading #Volatility #EuropeanEnergy #GridSystems #EnergyCrisis #ElectricityMarket #NetZero #BatteryStorage #AlgoTrading Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Alina Trabattoni – Italy Correspondent, Montel Frank Boerman-Lima – Flow-Based Capacity Calculation Expert, TenneT Julien Jomaux – Energy & Power Consultant Editor: Oscar Birk Producer: Alexandra Carlon
Gulf Ceasefire: fragile or firm?
A fragile ceasefire in the Gulf offers a moment of relief; but is it already beginning to unravel and will it have lasting implications for gas supply in the region and far beyond? Recorded on the morning of April 9, amid fast-moving geopolitical developments, this special episode examines what the latest developments mean for global energy markets, LNG flows, and Europe’s energy security. Is this ceasefire a genuine turning point, or simply a pause before further escalation? Host Richard Sverrisson speaks with Montel’s Deputy Editor-in-Chief Laurence Walker, before diving deeper with leading analysts Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz and Arne Lohmann-Rasmussen. Together, they unpack the reality behind halted LNG tankers, the uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, and the growing risks facing global gas markets. As tensions remain high and clarity remains low, one thing is certain: energy markets are entering a new phase of volatility. #EnergyMarkets #LNG #Geopolitics #GulfCrisis #Ceasefire #GasMarkets #EnergyCrisis #EuropeEnergy #StraitOfHormuz #GlobalEnergy #EnergySecurity #Commodities #Podcast #EnergyTransition Host Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests Laurence Walker, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz, Lead Energy Analyst (Europe), IEEFA Arne Anders Lohmann Rasmussen, Chief Analyst, Global Risk Management Editor Oscar Birk & Alexandra Carlon Producer Alexandra Carlon
PPA slowdown – temporary or permanent?
In this episode of Plugged In, we return to Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and their role in Europe’s energy transition. After years of rapid expansion, the PPA market hit a slowdown in 2025. Falling capture rates, rising negative prices and increasing volatility have made deals harder to structure and price, forcing both buyers and sellers to rethink how risk is shared. At the same time, renewable capacity continues to grow, reshaping price dynamics and pushing the market into a more complex and mature phase. So is this a temporary slowdown… or a fundamental shift in how the PPA market works? Richard speaks to Luca Pedretti, COO and co-founder of Pexapark, and Chirag Ahuja, Implementation Director at Broadpeak Partners, to break down the data, trends and structural changes shaping the market. Setting the scene is our Italy correspondent, Alina Trabattoni. Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Alina Trabattoni – Italy Correspondent, Montel Luca Pedretti – COO & Co-founder, Pexapark Chirag Ahuja – Implementation Director, Broadpeak Partners Editor: Oscar Birk Producer: Alexandra Carlon #EnergyMarkets #PPAs #Renewables #EnergyTransition #PowerMarkets #BatteryStorage #CleanEnergy #EnergyTrading #ElectricityMarkets #NetZero
Coal makes a comeback
In this episode of Plugged In , we turn to a topic we haven’t covered often; but one that’s rapidly moving back into the spotlight: coal. As war in the Middle East disrupts LNG supply chains and drives gas prices sharply higher, European power markets are being forced to adapt. With gas-fired generation becoming increasingly expensive, coal is, at least temporarily, regaining economic relevance. We’re now seeing early signs of increased coal imports, particularly in key markets like Germany, alongside shifting profitability dynamics between coal and gas-fired generation. So is this just a short-term market reaction… or a more significant structural change? Richard speaks to Toby Hassall, Lead Analyst at London Stock Exchange Group, and Firat Ergene, Lead Insight Analyst at Kpler, join the podcast to break down the data, covering fuel switching, regional demand, price dynamics, and what forward markets are signalling for winter and beyond. Setting the scene is our own Laurence Walker. Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Laurence Walker – Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Toby Hassall – Lead Analyst, London Stock Exchange Group Firat Ergene – Lead Insight Analyst, Kpler Editor: Oscar Birk Producer: Alexandra Carlon
Another Power Squeeze?
In the third episode of our energy crisis miniseries, we turn to Europe’s power markets, where rising gas prices, renewed volatility and political uncertainty are once again putting the electricity system under pressure. Although the current crisis is not a repeat of 2022, it is exposing fresh vulnerabilities; from low hydro levels in the Nordics and gas storage concerns in western Europe, to growing questions over market design, interconnectors and the pace of the energy transition. So how resilient is Europe’s power system this time around? And what happens when geopolitical shocks collide with an increasingly complex power market? Richard is joined by Montel analysts Jean-Paul Harreman, Fintan Devenney and Priyanka Shinde to unpack the impact across Europe; from battery revenues and price spikes to liquidity risks, policy shifts and the regions most exposed in the months ahead. Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Jean-Paul Harreman – Director, Analytics, Montel Fintan Devenney – Market Expert, Consultancy, Montel Priyanka Shinde – Market Expert, Nordic, Montel Julia Demirdag – Germany Correspondent, Montel News
