Aurora Energy Research Podcast

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, James Johnston, CEO & Co-Founder of Piclo, engages in a discussion with Matteo Coriglioni, our Head of Italy, and Eva Zimmermann, Associate at Aurora. Together, they delve into the roles that flexibility and the deployment of new flexible technologies play as two of the key enabling factors for the energy transition. James, who initiated his career with three years of microgrid research at the University of Strathclyde, co-founded Solar Sketch in 2009—a design company for the solar industry. He also gained experience at the international engineering firm Arup. In 2013, James co-founded Piclo, the leading marketplace for flexibility services. The platform has been steadily expanding its presence across the UK, Europe, and the USA. James is recognised as a sought-after expert and published author, contributing chapters to academic books on peer-to-peer energy and local flexibility trading. Main topics include the following: • Why are flexibility and flexibility analysis crucial right now? • Are grid constraints more of an opportunity or of a bottleneck for flexibility assets development? • How are Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs) coordinating, and how can they improve their level of coordination?

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, Pascale Courcelle, Director of Real Estate and Energy Environment Financing at Bpifrance, engages in a discussion with our Head of France, Pierre Denery, and our Co-Head of Advisory for Central Europe, Thekla von Bülow. The conversation focuses on the Renewable Electricity Guarantee Fund (GER), a guarantee fund for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) launched in France in September 2023. Pascale began her career as a business manager in Brittany and later joined the credit committee of the bank's head office, specialising in property financing for companies in the Ile de France region. When Bpi was established in 2012, she had already joined the renewable energy project financing team, eventually being appointed Director of Real Estate and Energy Environment Financing in 2017. Additionally, she serves as the Vice-president of the Financial Lease Commission (ASF) and is behind the creation of the GER. Main topics include the following: • Which parties can benefit from the GER and what criteria are used to assess which producers and projects should receive funding? • How is the PPA price calculated, and what proportion of it is covered by the GER? • How does the GER compare with other PPA funds already established in European countries like Spain and Norway?

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, Gunter Erfurt, CEO, Meyer Burger engages in a discussion with Hanns Koenig, our Managing Director for Central Europe, with focus on the European solar industry. Before becoming the CEO of Meyer Burger, Gunter held the position of both Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, as well as managerial positions in other companies in the solar industry. He holds a Diploma in Engineering Physics from the University of Applied Sciences Zwickau, and Degree in Physics and a PhD in Physics, both from the Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg. Main topics include the following: • Dependence of Europe's solar industry on imports, and how is China dominating • Subsidies for solar in China • Renewables manufacturing reshoring in Europe, compared to other countries such as China, India, or the US

In this Energy Unplugged episode, Dalia Majumder-Russell, Partner at CMS, engages in a discussion with Emma Woodward, our European Hydrogen Market Lead, focusing on key announcements made recently, that will drive forward the development of a hydrogen economy. Particularly, focusing on the recent announcements made by the Department of Net Zero & Energy Security (DESNZ). Dalia is a partner in CMS's Energy team in London, with over 10 years' experience advising a wide range investors, developers, utilities, lenders and governments on energy projects and infrastructure, including negotiating gas and hydrogen offtake agreements and advising on carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) projects in the UK and internationally. Dalia is also a member of a number of expert groups focused on developing hydrogen policies. Main topics include the following: • Recent hydrogen auctions in GB & Denmark • European policy support for hydrogen investment • Hydrogen transport & storage business models in GB and in comparison to other countries

This week on Energy Unplugged, Igor Fonseca, Head of Power, Santander Brazil Project Finance discusses project finance in Brazil's power sector with our Founder & CEO, John Feddersen. Over the past 11 years, Igor has worked within Santander's Project Finance team following his positions at HSBC and Credit Agricole. At Santander, Igor has been covering the Power sector, executing and arranging several financial advisory mandates. This has amounted to investments over USD 10 billion and a total installed capacity over 20 GW, including large hydros, gas-fired thermal power plants, wind farms, small hydros, photovoltaic and concentrated solar power plants in Brazil. Main topics include the following: • Project finance in Brazil • The impact of the shift to the free market and the green transition plan on project financing and investment in Brazil • Key risks for Brazilian power projects

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we discuss the current status and future of the Energy Transition in Australia, with a specific focus on its regulatory landscape. We are pleased to be joined by Clare Savage, Chair, Australian Energy Regulator (AER), and James Ha, our Research Lead for Australia, in conversation with our Managing Director for APAC and California, Hugo Batten. Clare has worked with some of Australia's largest businesses, including electricity and gas producers, as well as consumers, to develop a suite of integrated energy and climate change policies. Before joining the AER, she served as Deputy Chair of the Energy Security Board and, prior to that, as the Executive Director, Policy, Energy & Climate Change at the Business Council of Australia. Clare has also held executive positions within EnergyAustralia and the Energy Supply Association of Australia. Main topics include the following: • The current challenges facing the Energy Transition in Australia • Regulatory considerations throughout the Energy Transition in Australia • The importance of supporting innovation through the Energy Transition

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, Alexander Voigt, Co-Founder & Board Member of HH2E, engages in a discussion with Hanns Koenig, our Managing Director for Central Europe. Together, they explore the resilience of Europe's clean energy supply chains and delve into the extent to which Europe should try to build or rebuild its own clean energy manufacturing space. Alexander has spent his career creating several CO2-free businesses, some of which have achieved billion-euro valuations. Today, he is one of Germany's most successful green energy entrepreneurs. His latest initiative, HH2E AG, is a new green energy company in Germany, co-founded with other like-minded pioneers. Main topics include the following: • Competition between Europe, China, and the US: What factors are boosting the weight of the latter two at the expense of Europe? • What players should be strengthening Europe's role in the renewables manufacturing industry and how? • What can Europe learn from China and the US and what should Europe push for?

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, Catherine Raw, Managing Director of SSE Thermal, engages in a discussion with Anise Ganbold, our Head of Research for Global Markets & Hydrogen, exploring the role of hydrogen in the journey towards a Net-Zero power sector and economy in the UK and Ireland. Prior to joining SSE Thermal in April 2022, Catherine served as both Chief Operating Officer for North America and Chief Financial Officer for the international metals and mining firm, Barrick Gold. Before this, she held positions as managing director and fund manager at BlackRock. Transitioning into the energy sector, Catherine brought her expertise in operational and financial performance, as well as her specialised knowledge of natural resources, commodity markets and investment management. Main topics include the following: • “Hydrogen clusters” and the business case including cost of hydrogen, profitability of new projects, and hydrogen-to-power opportunities • Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen projects in the UK • Using biofuels in Irish open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) and why this is not the right choice for the UK

In this Energy Unplugged episode, we delve into the intricacies of revenue strategy for renewable portfolio managers, focusing specifically on the topic of power purchase agreements (PPAs). We are pleased to be joined by Pierre Bartholin, Senior Director, Glennmont Partners in conversation with our Co-Head of Advisory in Central Europe, Thekla von Bülow. With more than 12 years of experience in the carbon and power markets and having contributed to pioneering business models within SG CIB, Solvay, Lightsource BP and GE, Pierre joined Glennmont Partners in 2021 as Head of Revenue. In the past years he has been developing power-market-revenue solutions to secure revenue generation from renewable assets, such as PPA structures with corporate offtakers and utilities. Main topics include the following: • Understanding the significance of PPAs and their growing importance for funds and renewable developers across Europe • Revenue strategy for renewables portfolio managers • Perspectives on PPAs from the different market sides, including developers, utilities, traders and corporate offtakers

In this Energy Unplugged episode Camilla Nilsson, CEO of Kyoto Group and Alejandro Zerain, Project Leader at Aurora, discuss long duration energy storage with Ana Barillas, our Head of Iberia and LATAM. Dedicated to sustainability and clean technologies, especially in energy and agriculture, Camilla has extensive international industrial experience from her leadership roles in large international companies. Her background includes experience in multinational joint ventures, aggressive turn-arounds, and building ambitious start-ups. Prior to joining Kyoto Group, Camilla worked with Yara International and held leadership positions at Norsk Hydro ASA, Umoe BioEnergy ASA, and Agrinos AS. Main topics include the following: • What is digital farming? • Long-duration energy storage, including both power and heat solutions • The potential competition that thermal storage might face in the future

In this Energy Unplugged episode, we discuss the context and challenges of the Brazilian power sector. We are pleased to be joined by Rogério Jorge, CEO of AES Brasil, in conversation with our Founder & CEO, John Feddersen. Backed by 24 years of experience in the energy sector, Rogério has led different areas in the energy distribution, generation and commercialisation sectors, including the development of new businesses, the origination and structuring of greenfield projects, and the participation in mergers and acquisitions. He holds a degree in Law from Mackenzie and an International MBA from FIA/USP, among other specializations in Brazil and the USA. Main topics include the following: • Policy in the Brazilian power sector • The importance of developing gas infrastructure in Brazil • Brazil's network capacity and reliability

In this Energy Unplugged episode, we discuss the transition to a future in which the role of electricity is scaled up in the global energy mix, powered by low-emission solutions. We're pleased to be joined by Alan Finkel, Chair of the Low Emissions Technology Investment Advisory Council and James Ha, our Research Lead for Australia, in conversation with Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC & California. Alan is, among many things, a neuroscientist, engineer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He was Australia's Chief Scientist from 2016 to 2020, during which time he led the National Electricity Market Review and developed Australia's first National Hydrogen Strategy. The ideas presented in his latest book, titled “Powering Up: Unleashing the Clean Energy Supply Chain”, are the focus of today's discussion. Main topics include the following: • Supply chain bottlenecks, and what the government can do to mitigate this and other risks • Australia's opportunities to become an export superpower for electrostates • Industrial policy and appropriate basket of policies to help countries transition towards electrostates

In this Energy Unplugged episode, Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy and Caroline Still, Senior Associate in our Advisory team, discuss the decarbonisation of homes and buildings with Richard Howard, our Global Research Director. Emma started her career in the real-estate industry and, over time, became the manager of a major house-building and development company. Alongside this, she is part of a community land trust which implements low-carbon solutions at the domestic and settlement scale. Presently, at Octopus, she is at the forefront of developing customer propositions aimed to decarbonise homes and buildings. Main topics include the following: • Barriers at the individual household scale that curb the progress towards the decarbonisation of homes and buildings • The various technologies that have the potential to replace traditional oil and gas boilers • The role of policy both in GB and other European countries in enabling the decarbonisation of homes and buildings

In this Energy Unplugged episode, we discuss how the oil refinery business can complete the transition towards a carbon neutral value chain by 2040. We are pleased to be joined by Lars Peter Lindfors, Executive Vice President (EVP), Innovation, Neste in conversation with our Head of Nordics & Baltics, Alexander Esser. Holding 30+ years of Industrial experience, prior to being the EVP of Innovation of Neste Corporation, Lars Peter held positions as SVP, related to areas such as R&D, Engineering, Strategy, Investments, IT, Procurement and Business Processes. He has a doctoral degree with honours in the field of chemical reaction engineering and holds an MBA from Henley Management College, UK. Main topics include the following: • How can an oil refinery company achieve a carbon neutral value chain? • Which fuels for green aviation are in reach? • What are the economics of an electrolyser on-site at Neste's largest refinery?

In this Energy Unplugged episode Daniel Tas Sandermann, Head of Europe at Hysata and James Ha, our Research Lead for Australia, discuss Hydrogen in Europe and APAC with Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC & California. Before joining Hysata, Daniel was Vice President, Head of Energy Systems at Ørsted and also a Member of the Board of Directors. He has an academic background in science and sustainable energy systems. Main topics include the following: • Analysis of the hydrogen market in Europe and APAC • The electrolyser technology and industry • Differences in hydrogen government support models between regions, focusing on Europe and APAC

In this episode, we focus on the Philippines' energy system. We're delighted to be joined by Monalisa C. Dimalanta, Chairperson & CEO of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Philippines and John Feddersen, our Founder & CEO, in conversation with Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC & California. As well as being Chairperson of the ERC, Philippines, Monalisa is a professor at Ateneo de Manila Law School. Prior to this, she was a partner at PJS Law, and also Chief of Legal & Compliance Officer at AboitizPower. Main topics include the following: • An outlook of the Philippines energy system • Main obstacles for renewable deployment in the Philippines • Key challenges in the Philippines regulation

2024, Oxford Graduate Modelling Programme Explained by Aurora Energy Research

2024, Oxford Graduate Analyst Programme Explained by Aurora Energy Research

Marise Westbroek, Project Leader at Aurora, joins two of Aurora's Graduate Analysts, Anne Geschke and Luciano Serconek Fuso, in this special careers podcast episode 'Berlin Graduate Analyst Programme Explained'. Listen to find out more about our Analysts' first-hand experience with the application process and onboarding, their typical day at work, and any advice they might have for those considering applying to Aurora's Berlin Graduate Analyst Programme. To find out more, apply or join our grad mailing list please visit auroraer.com/grads!

2023, Austin Graduate Analyst Programme Explained by Aurora Energy Research

In this Energy Unplugged episode, we discuss what's next for the Future System Operator (FSO) and other hot topics in the UK ahead of the winter season. We're pleased to be joined by Fintan Slye, Director of the Electricity System Operator (ESO) and Chair of the Board, in conversation with our Managing Director for UK & Ireland, Dan Monzani. Fintan joined the ESO in 2018, following from his position as the CEO of the EirGrid Group, the electricity system and market operator in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Prior to leading the EirGrid Group, he worked for McKinsey & Company and the ESB Group. He is both a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Ireland and, the Energy Institute, holding a Masters in Engineering Science and an MBA from University College Dublin. Main topics include: • The future of the FSO and how it will be affected by the new Energy Bill • Security of supply and flexibility demand in regard to winter peaks • Connections and accelerating network delivery • Dealing with increasing imbalances—the role of Locational Marginal Pricing

On this week's Energy Unplugged episode, the discussion revolves around Japan's energy markets. We welcome Naoaki “Nick” Eguchi, Partner at Baker McKenzie and and Co-head of the firm's Renewable and Clean Energy Group in Tokyo, in conversation with our Head of Advisory in Japan, Hayato Ono, and our Managing Director in APAC and California, Hugo Batten. Nick focuses his practice on project finance and renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydroelectric) and has worked on a lot of the major transactions that have occurred in Japan, as well as authoring a lot of academic articles, most recently as a co-author of the “Offshore Wind Finance Guide Book”. Main topics include: • Changes in Japan's energy market related to market design & policy, generation mix and various players • Technologies and investment cases, including batteries, offshore wind and hydrogen • Market dynamics and successful business models

In this Energy Unplugged episode we look at the big picture scenarios for the decarbonisation of the global economy. We're delighted to be joined by Eirik Wærness, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at Equinor, and Anise Ganbold, our Head of Research, Global Energy Markets and Hydrogen, in a conversation with our Global Research Director, Richard Howard. Joining Equinor in 2003 under it's previous name Statoil, Eirik leads the group's energy market policy and macroeconomics analysis, and in his role, he has been responsible for no less than 12 editions of the group's Energy Perspectives scenario analysis. Main topics include: • What is required to limit global warming to 1.5 or 2 degrees? • Steps that both the energy system and economy need to take in order to hit this target • How to effectively utilise scenario analysis to tackle the above?

In this episode, we focus on Net Zero Australia, Net-Zero America, and the differences between the two countries. We're delighted to be joined today by two guests: Chris Greig, Senior Research Scientist in the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment at Princeton University, and Richard Bolt, Principal at Nous Group and Chair of Hydro Tasmania, in a conversation with Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC & California, Julia Hoos, our Head of USA East, and James Ha, our Research Lead for Australia. Both of our guests have had illustrious careers spanning public and private sectors, but what's brought them here today is their recent collaboration on an ambitious modelling project called Net Zero Australia, which offers granular insights into what it will take to decarbonise the economy by 2050, and builds on the Net-Zero America report published in 2021. Main topics include: • The main findings of the two reports including the consistent themes that have been seen in the models for both countries • The use of models, and what are some of the reservations to relying on them looking forward • Investment opportunities and the Public Sector's role in the decarbonisation process to achieve net zero • Comparisons between Australia and the US given the above context, and the role and potential of the various energy resources

On this week's Energy Unplugged episode, we welcome Luis Pita, General Manager, Brazil, Atlas Renewable Energy, in a conversation with our Founder & CEO, John Feddersen, that focuses on the current situation and future plans for the energy market in Brazil. Before joining Atlas Renewable Energy, Luis worked at SunEdison (now Fenice Energy) for four years as GM for Brazil. Prior to that time, Luis accumulated over 20 years experience in executive roles across multiple continents, mainly in logistics, media production and retail. Luis was one of the founders of Brazil's Solar Energy Association, and has been a Board Member since its inception. Main topics include: • Hydro driven prices and investing in renewables in Brazil • Brazil's network building – situation and challenges for investors and developers in the context of transmission auctions • Brazil's shift to the free market: what does it mean for consumers, investors and developers? • The green transition plan in Brazil

This episode of Energy Unplugged is fourth in a series on global project finance, organised in partnership with SMBC Group. Covering Europe, Australia, Asia, and the US, this series hosts guests from SMBC Group, various law firms, and Aurora energy experts. Focusing on project finance in the US, we're delighted to welcome Carl Morales, Managing Director and Group Head for the North American Power Project Finance Group at SMBC Group, Ron Erlichman, Partner and Co-Head of Energy & Infrastructure in the Americas, New York at Linklaters, and our Head of North America, Oliver Kerr, in conversation with our Head of USA East, Julia Hoos. Main topics include the following: · An overall look at the project finance space across the US during the last year · The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), tax equity system, and how they impact the individual attractiveness of the US markets · Risks, including financial, merchant, technological, and policy, that lenders may face · The future of hydrogen technologies in the US

On this week's Energy Unplugged episode, we deep dive in the importance of energy networks for investment decisions and the operation of the system to build Net Zero power systems. We're happy to welcome our colleagues Alexandra Houston, Senior Associate and Ashutosh Padelkar, Research Associate in a conversation with our Managing Director for UK & Ireland, Dan Monzani. Alexandra is a Senior Associate in our GB Advisory team, where she has led a variety of work related to networks including for battery developers, long duration storage, renewables and locational marginal pricing. Ashutosh leads our Renewables service for the GB market and is also responsible for our Subscription Analytics offerings for corporate PPAs in GB and analysis of proposed policy and regulatory changes. Main topics include the following: • How Aurora expects networks and congestion to evolve in GB and what does this evolution mean for investment cases • The role of hydrogen and how it might interact with the various constrains of the network • What kinds of analysis and tools Aurora offers on this topic

In this episode, we're delighted to welcome Hitomi Komachi, Partner in Allen & Overy's Tokyo office in a conversation with our Head of New Markets in APAC, Rowan von Spreckelsen and our Head of Advisory in Japan, Hayato Ono. The focus is on Japan's recently unveiled green subsidy program, the draft Green Transformation Act published in February and passed into law in May by the Japanese Parliament. Hitomi is an English law qualified lawyer with extensive experience in clean energy projects and the broader energy transition field. Hitomi is an expert in the international legal landscape and government policies impacting key Japanese and international industry players. Main topics include: • An overview of Japan's Green Transformation Act and its importance • The technologies the act is trying to incentivise and the mechanisms used • Japan's Green Transformation Act vs. the US' Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) • The “Supply Chain Subsidy” aimed for producers of hydrogen and ammonia

This week, on Energy Unplugged, we have a special episode featuring Aurora experts in a discussion about what energy markets are hot in Europe right now and why. Our Research Lead for European Power Markets Ryan Alexander is joined by Anuoluwa Omojola, Flexibility Lead and Rebecca McManus, Renewables Lead in the same team. Main topics include: • The most exciting markets for renewables and battery investment in Europe • The European Commission's current power market reform • European Commission's accelerated permitting rules and which markets are most ahead of the game in implementing those • Which markets are most proactive in terms of encouraging co-location and why

In this episode we focus on the grid connections reform process and we welcome Julian Leslie, Head of Networks and Chief Engineer at National Grid ESO in a conversation with Emma Woodward, Project Leader at Aurora. Julian has 30 years' experience in electricity system operation, planning and investment in various senior leadership roles. His current role is to prepare Great Britain's electricity networks for Net Zero. Julian has a degree in Electrical Engineering, is a Chartered Electrical Engineer and a Fellow Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology. Main topics include: • The current grid connections process and the key steps developers have to follow • The multiple connections reforms going on at the moment, their current status and relation with other existing reforms • The key challenges in the reform process

In this Energy Unplugged episode, we discuss the upcoming priorities of the Swedish TSO (transmission system operator), such as the capacity market implementation and solving grid bottlenecks. We're pleased to be joined by Lowina Lundström, Senior Vice President, Svenska Kraftnät, in a discussion with our Head of Nordics & Baltics, Alexander Esser. Lowina is also Chairman of the Board of Directors at eSett, a company providing balance settlement services to participants of electricity markets in Finland, Norway and Sweden. Prior to that, she had several roles at the Nordic utility Fortum, and at Ellevio, one of Sweden's largest energy companies. Main topics include: • The role of TSOs for the energy transition in Sweden • The needs and bottlenecks of the Swedish power system • Sweden's future as an electricity exporter

This week on Energy Unplugged we welcome Dave Jones, Global Electricity Insights Lead at Ember in a conversation with our Managing Director for Central Europe, Hanns Koenig. Ember is an independent energy think tank that uses data-driven insights to support the energy transition. Before joining Ember in 2020, Dave worked for 13 years at German utility E.ON as an electricity analyst and after that, in 2014, he joined the non-profit Sandbag, where he was working on phasing out coal in Europe. Main topics include: • Driving the agenda for Europe's coal exit and global trends in the coal phase out • Campaigning for wind parks, grid expansion, efficiency vs. campaigning against coal • Ember's most recent European Electricity Review and its work on a global renewables goal

In this Energy Unplugged episode we focus on Japan's energy markets. We're delighted to be joined by Professor Llewelyn Hughes of the Australian National University (ANU) in a conversation with our Managing Director in APAC and California, Hugo Batten and our Head of New Markets in APAC, Rowan von Spreckelsen. Llewelyn is a deep expert in Japan's energy markets, being currently the Director of the Japan Institute at ANU. He's had a long and distinguished academic career, spending time at MIT, Tokyo University, and Harvard, he has worked both in government (i.e. as an advisor to Ichirō Ozawa, Liberal Party of Japan) and the private sector (i.e Enron in Japan), as well as providing strategic and regulatory advice to energy companies operating in Japanese energy markets. Main topics include: • The evolution of Japan's power markets over the last 5 years • The Japanese power market de-regulation and market shifts and the big domestic players' response to these • The challenges of decarbonisation of the power sector in Japan, covering transmission, nuclear, hydrogen and offshore wind

This week on Energy Unplugged we welcome Sven Utermöhlen, Chief Executive Officer at RWE Offshore Wind, in a conversation with our Co-Head of Advisory for Central Europe, Casimir Lorenz. RWE is a leading global player in renewables and number two worldwide in offshore wind. Sven joined RWE in 2022 and before he has held various senior executive roles in renewable energy for more than sixteen years, including at innogy SE, and E.ON, where he also led the company's offshore wind division. He also previously served in management consultancy roles for the Boston Consulting Group. He studied at the Universities of Karlsruhe and Hamburg. Main topics include: • The outlook of the offshore wind supply chain in Europe • The probably of reaching the ambitious offshore wind targets in Europe • The aim of a good market design for renewables and offshore wind in particular • The competition between different markets with regards to their attractiveness

This week we have a special episode on Energy Unplugged in which we discuss the Japanese power market with Aurora's leadership team in Tokyo. Our Managing Director in APAC and California, Hugo Batten is joined by Aurora's Rowan von Spreckelsen – Head of New Markets, APAC; Hayato Ono – Head of Advisory, Japan; Alex Luta and Zelin Chen – Project Leaders, Japan and Sehun Nakama – Associate, Japan. This episode is being released just as we open our office in Tokyo and deliver our first research projects in Japan. Main topics include: • The current generation mix in Japan and expected changes over the next years • Key elements of the energy transition in Japan • The Japanese electricity market design • Insights from Aurora's Japan power market modelling work

In this week's podcast we welcome Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem, in conversation with Dan Monzani, our Managing Director for UK & Ireland. Over the next 12 years, the energy system is under pressure for transformation to reach the goal of Net Zero. This episode focuses on the necessity for change within the energy system in order to achieve these targets. Jonathan has wide-ranging energy sector experience, having led Electricity Market Reform as the Director for Energy Markets and Networks at DECC. Prior to this, he was Director of the Office of Climate Change, a cross-government strategy unit focussed on climate change and energy issues, where he led the development of the Climate Change Act. Earlier in his career, Jonathan was a senior adviser in the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit. In 2020, Jonathan became Ofgem's Chief Executive Officer after two years in the role of Executive Director for Systems and Networks. Main topics include: *The current stability of the retail market in the run to Net Zero *The future of the system operators and how important some fundamental changes are for delivering Net Zero *Why networks play a critical role in driving the energy transition.

In this episode, we discuss the energy transition as an investment climate for low-carbon infrastructure in Europe and the US. Our Research Director, Richard Howard is joined by Aurora experts: Ryan Alexander, Research Lead for European Power Markets and Julia Hoos, Head of USA East. Main topics include: • The impact of the REPowerEU plan and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the US on the energy transition • The status of renewables deployment in Europe vs the US • Green hydrogen as a direct replacement for natural gas

In this episode, we welcome Jack Curtis, Chief Commercial Officer at Neara, in a talk with our Managing Director in APAC and California, Hugo Batten, and our Head of Research in APAC, James Ha. Today's discussion is focused on the challenges the power grid faces through the energy transition. Neara is a physics-enabled platform that builds 3D interactive models of networks and assets, providing the ability to run real-world scenarios, assess current and future risks, and prioritize maintenance and disaster response. In the past, Jack was also Head of APAC for First Solar, and before he was both an investment banker and a lawyer. Main topics include: • The development of renewables over the past 10 years in Australia • The government and the private sector's roles in achieving the 1.5 degrees goal in Australia's electricity system • Neara's platform, its fit with other models, and the challenges of the grid

In this episode we welcome Jan Pepper, CEO, Peninsula Clean Energy in a conversation with our Head of Advisory – US West, Felix Chow-Kambitsch and our Head of Research – US West, Kim Liu. The discussion focusses on clean energy in California, as the state transitions towards its commitment of 100% clean electricity by 2045. Jan has been working on renewable energy in California for the last 30 years. She is now CEO of Peninsula Clean Energy, a Community Choice Aggregation agency for San Mateo County and the City of Los Banos. Under Jan's leadership since its inception in 2016, Peninsula Clean Energy has been leading the industry with its unprecedented goal for a California load-serving entity to procure 100% renewable energy 24/7 by 2025. Main topics include: • The role of CCAs in the energy transition • PCE's goal to deliver 24/7 renewable power by 2025 • Opportunities and challenges as California moves to 100% zero-carbon

This week we have a special episode on Energy Unplugged in which we welcome Daniel Breuer, Partner at Osborne Clarke in a conversation with our Co-Head of Advisory Central Europe, Thekla von Bülow. The episode is preparing for our Renewables Summit Berlin 2023 taking place tomorrow, Thursday 11th of May in Berlin, Germany. The topic of the event is ‘Coordinating the German State and Market: Policies and Strategies to Reach 80% Renewables by 2030' and Daniel is one of our speakers at the event. Daniel will be participating in one of the panel discussions entitled ‘Uncovering Optimal Pricing Mechanisms and Navigating Impacts of Regulatory Interventions on the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) Markets'. Daniel heads Osborne Clarke Germany's Energy & Utility practice. He advises clients on all energy and regulatory matters with a particular emphasis on renewable energy projects (from greenfield development to repowering), direct marketing and PPA structures (corporate, utility and financial), energy trading compliance, battery storage and (green) hydrogen and the digital transformation of the energy industry. The podcast episode is a pre-discussion of the topics we will touch upon on at our Renewables Summit Berlin 2023. We hope to see you there! Main topics include: • The PPAs market in the last 2-3 years starting with the COVID-19 pandemic and going through the energy crisis • The impact of price caps on the recent PPAs transactions in Germany • Regulatory interventions and their impact on the PPA markets

This week on Energy Unplugged, we discuss about the revolution in retail energy markets in the UK and internationally. We're delighted to welcome Melissa Gander, Chief Operating Officer at Kaluza in a conversation with our Managing Director for UK & Ireland, Dan Monzani. With an extensive career in energy, Melissa was a member of OVO Energy's launch team in 2009 where she headed up their Customer Services and Operations, as well as their smart metering business. In 2019, Melissa became OVO Group Chief Operating Officer and joined Kaluza in 2021 as Chief Operating Officer helping to spearhead the company's international growth. Before joining OVO Energy, Melissa spent three years at Envoy Asset Management (part of Inexus Group). Melissa graduated in Economics from Sheffield University. Melissa & Dan discuss: • OVO Energy and what drove the growth of the company in the first 5 to 10 years • Kaluza's business model as a real-time SaaS platform accelerating the shift to a zero carbon world • International retail markets and how straightforward is to scale a platform such as Kaluza • Domestic flexibility and the role EV manufacturers have to play

In this episode we're delighted to welcome Chris Hansen, State Senator for Colorado in a conversation with our Head of USA, Oliver Kerr. Chris entered politics in 2016, he had a long career in the energy sector, both in academia and industry, he's an energy expert by training, with a master degree from MIT, and a PhD from Oxford University. Oliver and Chris discuss: * The energy transition in Colorado and the role government has to play * The role for markets in the energy transition * The progress of decarbonisation wider in the US

Join Hugo Batten, Managing Director in Australia at Aurora, in an exciting episode of the podcast dedicated to the Australian Energy Market. With special guests Skipp Williamson, Managing Director at Partners in Performance, and Brian Innes, Global Technical Director specializing in energy transformation practice, this episode delves into the challenges and opportunities for large energy users in Australia to decarbonize their electricity supply. Skipp Williamson, named by the Australian Financial Review as the 2019 most influential consultant, shares her insights on how she sees decarbonization as an opportunity rather than a challenge for large energy users, which derives significant cost reduction and increased productivity. The discussion also touches upon the importance of hybrid solutions and supply chain optimizations for big industrial users in the global market, including South Africa and Europe. The episode also explores the complex coal closure process in Australia over the last decade and the role of technology and service in driving energy transition. The podcast highlights Australia's strong policy thinking and appetite for change, while acknowledging that implementation may lag behind other countries like the UK and New Zealand. The role of governance and the need for the right mechanisms and incentives for investment reliability are also discussed, with a focus on the quality of carbon offsets in Australia, praised globally due to policies like The Safeguard Mechanism, implemented by the Australian government to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from large industrial facilities in the energy sector. Don't miss this informative and thought-provoking episode on the Australian Energy Market, packed with insights from industry experts and leaders in the field. Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and policy landscape in Australia's energy transition journey.

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Jeanne Soh - Head of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Structured Finance Department Asia Pacific, SMBC, Jason Humphreys - Partner Singapore, Allen Overy and Rowan von Spreckelsen - Principal at Research Analytics, Aurora in a discussion with our Managing Director for Australia Hugo Batten on some of the major challenges and opportunities in Asia Pacific Region for energy project finance. This episode is the third in a series on global project finance, organised in partnership with SMBC Group. With a number of 4 episodes covering Europe, Australia, Asia and the US, this series is hosted by Aurora, with guests from SMBC Group, various law firms and Aurora. The APAC region has varying levels of development when it comes to financing alternative energy solutions, with different markets exhibiting different levels of activity in energy and project finance based on technologies and geographies. Taiwan has shown increased interest in offshore wind, and its regulatory environment is favourable. Corporate PPAs are expected to be crucial in Taiwan, which has a clear regulatory framework for offshore wind. However, implementation may take some time. India has high investment and growth in alternative energy solutions, driven by demand from C&I customers, with a focus on hybrid-type solutions. Vietnam has many investors interested in its energy solutions, and has already been a leader in the region due to its solar capacity additions as part of its coal phase-out. Indonesia has room to grow in terms of renewable energy deployment, but has faced challenges with the tendering process and achieving grid-connected PPAs. There is also little visibility on how the carbon trading mechanism for coal plants will be implemented. Japan's corporate PPA market has seen a lot of interest, with batteries also becoming a major focus. However, there are concerns regarding the deliverability of some of the government targets, particularly given policy uncertainty and commodity price fluctuations.

In this episode, we're delighted to welcome Julian Nebreda, CEO & President of Fluence, in a conversation with our Head of USA, Oliver Kerr and our Head of Advisory, US West, Felix Chow-Kambitsch. Julian leads the Fluence team and its efforts to accelerate energy storage adoption globally. Prior to joining Fluence, he had a distinguished career at the AES Corporation serving as President of the South America Strategic Business Unit and other multiple positions. Julian has over 20 years of experience in the energy industry as well as a remarkable expertise as a Fluence board member since September 2021. Main topics include: • The outlook for battery storage globally going forward • The evolution of battery business model and to what extent business ownership models need to change • The impact of the Inflation Reduction Act • How easy it is to scale battery optimisation in-house

This week on Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Daisuke Tsujimoto, co-founder of Renova Inc – a Japanese renewable and storage developer. Joined by our Managing Director of APAC & California, Hugo Batten, and Rowan von Spreckelsen, our Head of New Markets in APAC, this discussion focuses on the trajectory and strategy of Renova, the evolution of Japan's power markets, and the politics and policies of energy security in Japan. Main topics include: • Market reforms in Japan including switching from Feed-in-Tariffs to Feed-in-Premiums and introduction of 20 yr capacity market • The future of Japan's nuclear fleet • Network access reform and the challenge of connecting renewables and batteries in parts of Japan • Future demand for hydrogen and ammonia in Japan

In this episode we're delighted to welcome Simon-Erik Ollus, EVP, Generation and Member of the Executive Management at Fortum in a conversation with our Nordics & Baltics Lead, Alexander Esser. Simon-Erik has been with Fortum since 2009 and held various roles in strategy and market intelligence and has been a member of the division's management team since 2013. He has been appointed Executive Vice President of Fortum's Generation division and member of Fortum's Executive Management in March 2021. The Generation division is responsible for Fortum's Nordic power generation in nuclear, hydro, and wind power plants. Simon-Erik and Alexander discuss: • Fortum's new strategy after exiting Russia and Uniper • What's missing in recent reform proposals for electricity market design • The role of nuclear in the Nordics

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Kate Tuohy, Director, Energy at MUFG in a conversation with our Co-Head of Advisory in Central Europe, Thekla von Bülow. Kate has over 12 years' project finance experience focusing on structuring and arranging project financing, financial advisory and restructuring across the infrastructure, power and renewables sectors. Kate joined MUFG in September 2019 from ESB, Ireland's state electricity utility where she had responsibly for structuring debt and equity funding solutions for new generation projects (thermal, renewable and flexible generation) within ESB's portfolio. Main topics include: • The renewables landscape in Europe, US & China • The offshore wind and differences in various European markets • The hydrogen investment space If you want to hear more from other global energy leaders, join the Aurora Spring Forum 2023 taking place on 29 March in Oxford, UK. The Forum offers a full day of intellectual engagement and thought-provoking analysis, with the opportunity to network with hundreds of the most influential players in the energy sector. The topic for this year focuses on: Facing New Realities: Rethinking Energy Use, Supply, and Policy in the Wake of the Global Energy Crisis. Spaces are limited so book your ticket now! Find out more at auroraer.com/events/spring-forum/

This week, on Energy Unplugged, we welcome Keith Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of ScottishPower in a conversation with our Managing Director for UK & Ireland, Dan Monzani. Keith is the CEO of ScottishPower since 2018 and prior to being the CEO of ScottishPower, Keith spent 12 years as the CEO of ScottishPower Renewables. As part of Iberdrola, ScottishPower Renewables is one of the leading global wind companies with over 20 GW of installed capacity. Main topics include: • The value ScottishPower sees in maintaining an integrated business model • The level of ambition in grid networks and how do we deliver it to get to NetZero • The UK retail market, vulnerable consumers and how the future is looking for them If you want to hear more from Keith and other global energy leaders, join the Aurora Spring Forum 2023 taking place on 29 March in Oxford, UK. The Forum offers a full day of intellectual engagement and thought-provoking analysis, with the opportunity to network with hundreds of the most influential players in the energy sector. The topic for this year focuses on: Facing New Realities: Rethinking Energy Use, Supply, and Policy in the Wake of the Global Energy Crisis. Spaces are limited so book your ticket now! Find out more at https://auroraer.com/events/spring-forum/

In this episode, our Co-Head of Advisory for Central Europe, Casmir Lorenz is joined by Deborah Harvey and Hugo Lidbetter, both Partners for Energy at Osborne Clarke. Deborah specialises in energy sector transactions and agreements and advises on a range of commercial and regulatory energy matters across a range of technologies. Hugo has particular expertise in project development work in the energy sector and in construction law in the energy industry, and is interested in all aspects of the Net Zero agenda having recently authored a book called "Decarbonising Energy: The Pathway to Net Zero". The focus of the conversation is on long-term offtake contracts, including: • The shift from subsidy support to revenue support/sharing • The role of shorter-term corporate and virtual Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) • The revenue structuring and optimisation of co-located assets • Contract structuring for newer technologies such as hydrogen

In this episode, our Research Lead for European Power Markets, Ryan Alexander is joined by Ben Backwell, CEO of The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). Ben is a former journalist and analyst who has covered energy policy and markets in a number of geographies including Europe, the US and Latin America. Before joining GWEC, he worked for the global advisory company FTI Consulting, as a Managing Director in its Clean Energy Practice. Ben and Ryan take a global tour of the offshore wind discussing: • The offshore wind sector in the US and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act • Europe's challenges of having the largest installed capacity of offshore wind by region • Offshore wind targets in Asia and the massive expansion of renewables in China • Oil & gas majors moving into the offshore wind space and where we see the most promising markets