Montel Weekly

Spain and Portugal will be sending joint letters to the EU energy commissioner and French energy minister, urging them to apply pressure on the current plans for interconnections, following April's blackout in the Iberian Peninsula. But are high costs, local resistance, and fears over the impact of cheap imports stiffening Paris's opposition  to further power links with Spain.This week we speak to key Spanish and French market experts to unpack some of the issues that the topic of further interconnection raises for the two countries. And for the rest of Europe.Presenter: Richard Sverrisson Contributors:Muriel Boselli - France Correspondent, Montel NewsBelen Belmonte - Spain Correspondent, Montel News          Guests:                     Ana Barillas - Managing Director, Iberia and LATAM at Aurora Energy ResearchEmeric de Vigan - Managing Director, 42 Advisors Editor: Oscar BirkProducer: Sarah Knowles

As 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 power rivalries?Presenter: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Andrés Cala – LNG Correspondent, Montel NewsGuests: Francesco Sassi – Postdoctoral Fellow, University of OsloTobias Federico – Chief Product Officer, MontelEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

In 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 Environmental Markets Advisor, Redshaw AdvisorsNick Ogilvie - Product Manager, Carbon ChainEditors: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

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 for flexibility and storage in an increasingly green power system?Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Pablo Bronte - Editor, Montel IberiaGuests: Kristian Ruby - Secretary General, EurelectricPratheeksha Ramdas - Senior New Energies Analyst, Rystad EnergyEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

After 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:Casimir Lorenz - Managing Director for Central Europe, Aurora Energy ResearchTobias Federico - Chief Product Officer, Montel Morten Pindstrup - International Chief Engineer, EnerginetEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

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.Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelContributor: Gert Ove Mollestad - Norway Editor, MontelGuest: Daniel Arnesson - Manager of Renewable Power Certificates, Veyt Editors: Oscar BirkProducer: Sarah Knowles

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 LNG in 2026 may not materialise.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Laurence Walker - Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuest: Saul Kavonic - Head of Energy Research, MST MarqueeEditor: Oscar BirkProducer: Sarah Knowles 

This week, Trump's staggering tariffs on Asia and Europe caused turmoil in global equity and energy markets - as they took effect and were paused - raising many concerns within the energy sector about prices, trade flows, and the future of renewables investments.With the situation changing day-by-day, even hour by hour, Richard speaks to Norges Bank Investment Management - Norway's Oil Fund - about the state of the global renewables markets, and what long-term impact the events of this week will have on the energy transition.Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelContributor: Olav Vilnes - Norway Editor, MontelGuest: Harald von Heyden - Global Head of Energy and Infrastructure, Norges Bank Investment ManagementPodcast Editors: Oscar Birk, Bled MaliqiPodcast Producer: Sarah Knowles

In this week's episode, the president of the federal network agency discusses the critical issues facing Germany's energy market as the country waits for the new government to take the reins.How will Germany - and Europe - fill gas storage ahead of the winter, given the current unattractive prices? We also talk about the pressure the country faces to split its price zone, and the outlook for power demand amid a challenging macro-economic environment for German industry. Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuest:  Klaus Müller - President, The German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur); Nathan Witkop - Editor, Clean Energy DeskEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

Last Friday, one of the world's largest transport hubs came to a halt for 18 hours after a fire broke out at one of its substations in North Hyde.Since the incident, National Grid's CEO responded to accusations that Heathrow bosses were forced to shut down the airport due to a lack of power, confirming that the two other substations were operational and fully capable of powering the airport.Why, then, was the airport not able to connect the power, and why did it take so long to return to its operations?In this week's episode, Richard speaks to Simon Gallagher, grid expert and MD of UK Network Services, a leading independent energy networks consultancy, about some of the wider concerns this outage raises about the country@s energy security. How vulnerable is some of its crucial infrastructure? Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guest: Simon Gallagher, Managing Director of UK Network Services Editor: Bled Maliqi Producer: Sarah Knowles

Over the past year, many countries in Europe and beyond have announced plans to expand their nuclear programmes or build new reactors.As the pressure mounts for countries to start delivering on their decarbonisation goals and have a tighter grasp on their energy security, it begs the question: has “the road to net zero” become “the road to nuclear”?In this week's episode, Richard speaks to the Director General of the Nuclear Energy Agency about what has triggered this latest revival in nuclear, and how the private and public sectors will need to decide who takes on the financial risk of building new atomic reactors. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuest: William D. Magwood, IV - Director General, Nuclear Energy AgencyChristopher Eales - France Editor, Montel NewsEditor: Bled Maliqi, MontelProducer: Sarah Knowles 

In this week's episode we discuss how unprecedented global risks — from escalating trade tensions and hybrid warfare to rising populism — are reshaping Europe's energy markets. Statkraft's CEO Brigitte Ringstad Vartdal shares insights into the company's approach to project prioritisation, reveals why the green transition will inevitably continue despite near-term hurdles and discusses how companies can build local support for renewables amid growing opposition. Brigitte also weighs in on Norway's controversial market intervention, the fixed-price electricity retail contract, and addresses criticism around regulatory hurdles and delays to new capacity projects.Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel.Guest: Brigitte Ringstad Vartdal – CEO, Statkraft; Gert Ove Mollestad, Editor Norway, Montel.Podcast editor: Bled Maliqi, Montel. 

This week we explore the growing energy security challenges facing Europe amid a “seismic” shift in the global geopolitical order. In light of this, we discuss plans by the European Commission to support industry and keep energy affordable. Will these measures be enough to protect the continent from instability and price shocks? Kristian Ruby, secretary general of Eurelectric, weighs in on whether the bloc is moving fast enough to secure its energy future in an increasingly uncertain world, while pondering the role of flexibility in stabilising power markets and opines on how electric vehicles could be a game-changer for grid resilience. Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel.Guests: Kristian Ruby – Secretary General, Eurelectric; Fatima Sadouki, Energy Correspondent, Montel.Podcast editor: Bled Maliqi, Montel. 

As Germany's Christian Democrat alliance (CDU/CSU) is in talks about forming a new government with the Social Democrats, this week's episode discusses the country's role in the new global order. It comes against a backdrop where US president Donald Trump is abandoning old friends in Europe and proposing a trade war instead of aiding old allies. Not only could this have implications for US-sourced LNG but the new government in Berlin must make key decisions on the future of fossil fuels, the renewables transition and on whether to embrace hydrogen. The coalition will also have to deal with pressure from domestic industry and consumers demanding cheaper and more reliable power provision, as well as a backlash against wind turbines in the east of the country.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel News.Guest: Claudia Kemfert, Professor of Energy, Economics and Energy Policy at Leuphana University. She also heads the Energy, Transport, Environment Department at the German Institute for Economic Research.Podcast editor: Bled Maliqi, Montel. 

It was Europe's biggest importer of Russian gas prior to the Ukraine invasion but Russia's cutting of gas supplies to Europe pushed Uniper to the brink of collapse.It was nationalised in one of the biggest corporate bailouts in German history.Montel's Editor-in-Chief has been speaking to Uniper's COO, Holger Kreetz, on the firm's recovery, Germany's energy transition and the imminent snap election.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel News.Guests: Katharina Johannsen, Montel News Germany.Holger Kreetz, Chief Operating Officer, Uniper.Podcast editor: Oscar Birk, Montel. 

Europe's energy sector is caught in the crossfire of rising populism. With elections approaching in Norway and Germany, governments are under pressure to prioritize short-term price stability over long-term market efficiency. Norway's decision to impose fixed electricity prices has sparked concerns about weakened price signals and energy market fragmentation. Meanwhile, in Germany, the far-right AfD is gaining ground, threatening the country's renewable energy expansion and interconnectivity with neighbours.This week, Plugged In comes to you from Essen at the E-World Energy & Water trade fair, where the future of Europe's energy markets hangs in the balance. Montel's Siobhan Hall sets the scene before we hear from Hanns Koenig, Managing Director for Central Europe at Aurora Energy Research, and Amund Vik, former Norwegian deputy minister for petroleum and energy.We discuss Norway's shift toward energy protectionism, the growing backlash against renewables, the risks of fixed electricity pricing, and whether Europe's integrated energy market is at risk of political unravelling.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel.Guests: Hanns Koenig, Managing Director for Central Europe at Aurora Energy Research; Amund Vik, Senior Advisor, Eurasia Group; Stephen Woodhouse, Director, Afry; Siobhan Hall, Brussels Correspondent, Montel NewsPodcast editor: Bled Maliqi, Montel. 

The UK has announced hugely ambitious plans - clean power by 2030. This will involve a massive roll-out of wind, onshore and offshore, solar as well as an expansion of grids and storage. A challenge, certainly. But not impossible, according to Jonathan Brearley, the chief executive of Ofgem, the UK's energy market regulator. The CEO also explains why the watchdog thinks zonal, rather than national pricing is the best way forward for the country. In the first episode of Plugged In: the energy news podcast we discuss how the country can meet its targets, the obstacles that stand in the way and why the UK is not close to running out of gas. In fact, the UK will need gas in the future, albeit in a significantly less dependent way, according to Ofgem.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel News.Guest: Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive Officer, Ofgem; Laurence Walker, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Montel News. 

Norway's energy sector is at the centre of a dramatic political storm. With an election looming in September, Finance minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum pulled his Centre Party out of the government, warning of greater dependence on what he calls Europe's “dysfunctional” electricity market. But political uncertainty is not the only challenge — Norway faces a growing supply deficit, AI-driven demand spikes from data centres, and increasing hurdles in building new capacity. This week, the Montel Weekly Podcast comes to you from Oslo at the Pareto Securities Power & Renewable Energy Conference. Montel's Petter Udland sets the scene before we hear from Lars Ove Skorpen, Director Power & Renewable Energy at Pareto Securities. We discuss the government crisis over the EU's 4th Energy Package, the impact of AI and DeepSeek on Norway's power demand, the challenges of expanding interconnectors, and why investment in new capacity is not keeping up with demand. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel. Guests: Lars Ove Skorpen - Director Power & Renewable Energy, Pareto Securities Petter Udland, Montel journalist, Oslo

In his first hours back in office, US president Donald Trump issued a series of sweeping executive orders designed to prioritise fossil fuels, dismantle environmental policies and expand American energy dominance. From withdrawing from the Paris agreement to resuming LNG export permits and halting offshore wind projects, Trump's agenda marks a dramatic pivot from the previous administration.This week's Montel Weekly Podcast delves into the consequences of these policy shifts on global energy markets, renewables and climate goals. Are Europe's LNG needs creating new dependencies? How will domestic opposition shape the future of US energy?Host Richard Sverrisson is joined by Montel's Andres Cala and energy analyst Henning Gloystein to break down these developments. They discuss the challenges for renewables, the strategic importance of US LNG, and whether Trump's “drill, baby, drill” strategy will deliver on its promises.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel.Guests: Henning Gloystein - Director, Energy, Climate & Resources at Eurasia GroupAndres Cala - LNG Correspondent, Montel News

The recent damage to the Estlink 2 electricity cable running between Finland and Estonia has highlighted the precarious nature of power supply amid increased fears of a hybrid war with Russia.Finnish police are investigating whether a ship with links to Russia was involved in sabotage, with the cable – set to be offline for months for repairs – thought to have been damaged by the vessel's trailing anchor.In response, Nato has enhanced its military presence in the Baltic Sea, while Estonia has sent a patrol ship to protect the remaining Estlink 1 power cable.This week's pod discusses the spate of cuts to data and power links that could point to such nefarious activities, the market impact and the volatile political situation in northern Europe which evokes memories of the Cold War.   Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel. Guests: Prof Paula Kivimaa, Research Professor at the Finnish Environment Institute in Helsinki; Fredrik Bodecker, Founding Partner and CEO of Bodecker Partners in Malmo; Olav Vilnes, Nordics Editor, Montel News.

Germany's energy sector is at a pivotal moment, with political shifts, economic challenges, and the energy transition shaping its future. This week on the Montel Weekly Podcast, Katharina Johannsen, Montel's Berlin reporter, and Tobias Federico, senior analyst at Montel Analytics, join us to discuss key issues ahead of Germany's February election.We'll explore how political changes, including Elon Musk's favourite German party and the prospect of a Trump presidency, could impact energy policy and markets. The episode also delves into the downturn in German industrial production, expectations for energy prices in 2025, and the critical challenges facing Germany's energy transition. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Tobias Federico , Managing Director, Senior Analyst, Montel Analytics; Katharina Johannsen – Berlin Correspondent, Montel News

2024 was a year of seismic shifts in the energy sector, marked by challenges, breakthroughs, and critical debates. From Italy's energy transition hurdles to Germany's hydrogen shake-ups and the UK's evolving gas market, we've seen how global events and regional policies shape the energy landscape.In this special episode, Montel editors – Laurence Walker, Andreas Lochner, Nathan Witkop, Enza Tedesco, and Olav Vilnes – join host Richard Sverrisson to explore the biggest energy stories of 2024. We'll also look ahead to what 2025 might bring, from key elections in Germany and Norway to the implications of geopolitical tensions and the nuclear revival.Tune in for expert insights and thought-provoking discussions as we wrap up 2024 and peer into the year ahead for the global energy market. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Laurence Walker – Deputy Editor-In-Chief, Montel News; Andreas Lochner – Germany Editor, Montel News; Nathan Witkop – Editor, Clean Energy Desk, Montel News; Enza Tedesco – Italy Editor, Montel News; Olav Vilnes – Nordics Editor, Montel News

2025 is set to be a year of continuing geopolitical turmoil. Donald Trump's return to the White House will raise the temperature further at a time of major instability in the Middle East along with Russia-Ukraine.Questions remain over where Europe's gas will come from and a key European power-player, Germany, faces fresh elections in February.In this episode, we delve into the latest geopolitical developments, as well as the key fundamental drivers, and assess their likely impacts, with Wayne Bryan, Principal Associate at the London Stock Exchange Group (and formerly Director of LSEG's European Gas Research).Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Wayne Bryan, Principal Associate (formerly Director, European Gas Research), London Stock Exchange Group; Andres Cala – Senior LNG Correspondent, Montel

Poland's energy sector is undergoing a critical, if slow, transition after the election of Donald Tusk as prime minister exactly one year ago. Coal still dominates the mix despite a greater use of gas and a growth in renewables. Grid modernisation and energy security have taken centre stage. Significant challenges include high energy costs, particularly for industry. There's also the matter of where government subsidies could, and should, be spent. Issues around policy cohesion, public and industry engagement and regional impacts all persist.In this episode, we delve into the latest developments shaping Poland's energy landscape. Montel's experts provide a snapshot of the latest news, and Joanna Pandera, founder of the Forum Energii think-tank in Poland, discusses the milestones, challenges, and what Poland's energy transition means for Europe and beyond. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Joanna Pandera, Founder and CEO, Forum Energii, Professor at European University in Florence;  Hubert Put, Senior Energy Consultant, Montel;Marcin Czekanski,Poland Correspondent, Montel

This week, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change released a report declaring, “a new nuclear age is beginning,” arguing that nuclear power is critical in meeting global climate goals. But how is this renaissance different from earlier proclamations of an atomic revival?In this episode, Richard talks with report co-author Tone Langengen about the case for a nuclear revival and the hurdles still in its way. Joining the discussion is nuclear expert Paul Dorfman, who questions whether nuclear can truly compete with renewables.They cover the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs), the challenges of cost overruns, and whether nuclear and renewables can work together to create a resilient, low-carbon grid.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Tone Langengen - Senior Policy Advisor, Climate & Energy Policy at the Tony Blair Institute For Global Change. Co-author of this report “A New Nuclear Age”; Dr Paul Dorfman - Visiting Fellow at the Science Policy Research Unit of the University of Sussex; Chris Eales – France Editor, Montel

In October, the Nordic power market introduced a new calculation method for cross-zonal capacity to improve Nordic grid utilisation. However, so-called flow-based market coupling, in place for almost a decade in continental Europe, has received a rocky reception in the north. Particularly amongst policy makers and small companies. So, what exactly is it, and why has it caused a furore in the Nordic region?In this episode, Richard speaks to TenneT's flow-based expert Frank Boerman, to unpack exactly how the flow-based model works, and two of our Montel experts share insights on some of the challenges that the Nordic energy market has already faced under the new system.   Host: Richard Sverrisson –  Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Frank Boerman – Process Specialist at TenneT; Olav Vilnes – Nordic Editor, Montel News; Priyanka Shinde – Nordic Market Expert, Montel News

Global leaders at COP29 were under a huge amount of pressure going into talks this week following the UN Secretary General public voicing his concerns over the state of negotiations.    Criticisms of this year's talks and the huge scale event that COP has become in recent years begs the question: is COP too big, and does it need reforming? We also discuss Europe's carbon market, current drivers and the reasons why prices may continue to rise.  In this episode, Richard speaks to Trevor Sikorski from Energy Aspects and our Carbon Correspondent reports from COP29 in Baku.  Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Trevor Sikorski – Head of Natural Gas and Carbon Research at Energy Aspects.

At the start of November, the Swedish government announced that it was vetoing plans for 13 offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea due to security concerns. The announcement was met with much criticism from developers and lobby groups who felt blindsided by the cancellations and concerned about what this decision suggests about Sweden's future energy priorities. In this episode, Richard speaks to WindEurope about their fears regarding Sweden's decision and discusses the nuances of Sweden's Ministry of Defence with Defence Consultant and former Swedish Army Lieutenant Colonel. Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Giles Dickson – CEO, WindEurope; Tobhias Wikstrom – CEO, Parachute Consulting; Anton Tigerstedt – Editor Sweden, Montel News

It has been a big week for global politics.On the same day that the United States voted Donald Trump as their 47th President, the German coalition government broke down after a budget row over cutting energy costs to companies and financial support for Ukraine.In this episode, Richard explores what this new US administration will mean for energy markets, and he speaks to one of our guests live from Munich about what the initial reaction to the news has been in Germany. Listen to a discussion on where this leaves the country – and the wider energy transition – as it enters a period of limbo until a new government is elected. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Nadia Martin Wiggen – Director, Svelland Capital; Tobias Federico – Managing Director of Energy Brainpool GmbH & Co. KG

This week, the UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her budget – the first from a Labour government in 14 years.Whilst there were no big surprises for the energy sector, the budget still raised some interesting questions about the challenges in the UK when it comes to channeling private investment, and how effective the funding is going to be.In this episode, Richard dissects what the announcements and fiscal decisions laid out by the Government will mean for energy businesses in the UK.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Pranav Menon – Product Manager for GB Power Renewables, Aurora Energy Research; Johnny Gowdy – Director, Regen; Paul Buckworth – Montel Analytics 

It is over a year since Hamas attacked Israel, which triggered a wider conflict in the Middle East; the territory that produces around a third of the world's oil. And much of its gas. Yet, despite the escalating military attacks and rising geopolitical tensions, the price of oil has not increased as significantly as some experts assumed, especially when compared to Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago.Why? In this episode, Richard speaks to geopolitics expert and co-founder of global data and intelligence firm, Energy Aspects, about what this tells us about the oil market, and what it suggests about our assumptions on the impact of geopolitical events vs the reality on the ground.    Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Richard Bronze – Co-Founder, Energy Aspects; Luke Roshan – Correspondent, Montel News

The last two years of the conflict in Ukraine, and the rise in malicious cyberattacks, has raised concerns security risks over Europe's plans to be more self-sustainable in energy supply.Now, as countries across Europe roll out their plans for further decarbonisation and electrification, the security of these plans has come into question, pushing the energy sector firmly onto NATO's radar.  Is Europe's energy market set up to deal with security threats?In this episode, Richard speaks to two of the authors of a new report from Eurasia that puts the pressing issues of energy storage and grid compacity in Europe into a new – more urgent – context of security.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests:Amund Vik – Senior Advisor to Eurasia Group and former Deputy Energy Minister in the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy; Henning Gloystein – Head for Energy, Climate, and Natural Resources at Eurasia Group; Laurence Walker – Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Montel News

It's clear for many that Europe needs to ramp up battery energy storage capacity over the next decade to help decarbonise the economy. But where does this leave battery developers and manufacturers who must navigate the complex markets and battle against negative pricing?In this episode, Richard speaks to Neoen's MD of Sweden about the largest battery in the Nordic region that will start operating early next year. In addition, we hear from Rystad Energy's battery expert about the market conditions and the competitive threat from China that we have already seen start to impact local European manufacturers.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Laetitia Prot – Managing Director Sweden, Neoen               Lars Lysdal – Advisory Partner and battery expert, Rystad Energy 

This week marked a historic milestone for the UK as it shut down the last remaining coal-fired power station in Ratcliffe-on-Soar, Nottinghamshire. Once the backbone of the country's energy supply, coal has been an essential part of the energy mix for over a century.In this bonus episode, Richard speaks to Matthew Scrimshaw, CCO of Montel, who shares his memories of growing up in his childhood home which overlooked the iconic power plant. Matthew recounts stories of his grandfather going to work in another nearby coal unit, and being mesmerised as a boy by the Ratcliffe-on-Soar station.Matthew, Richard, and Montel's Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Laurence, reflect on coal's role in the industrial revolution, the integral position it held in the politics of the 1970s and 80s, and how the dirty fuel will be remembered in British history.    Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Laurence Walker – Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Montel News; Matthew Scrimshaw – Chief Commercial Officer, Montel

In September, the growing uncertainty surrounding the hydrogen economy brought new projects from producers like Shell and Equinor to a halt. Is this the start of a wave of hydrogen project cancellations that we are about to see in Europe? Has H2 passed peak hype?Richard speaks to Montel's Environmental Markets Reporter and the Hydrogen Science Coalition about why we are seeing hydrogen projects collapse now, and what is next to come.  Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: David Cebon – Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Cambridge University and founding member of the Hydrogen Science Coalition; Rachael Burnett – Environmental Markets Reporter, Montel News

Europe's gas supplies are plentiful. Some in the industry are relaxed ahead of the coming winter, but with the rising military escalation in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, and the global market apprehensively awaiting November's US Election, this positive sentiment might be about to change. In this week's episode, we speak to hedge fund Svelland Capital about the impending challenges to the gas market. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Nadia Martin Wiggen – Director, Svelland Capital; Andres Cala – Senior LNG Correspondent, Montel

This week, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, unveiled her team of new commissioners and set out their priorities for the next five years.Amongst her new team are some key, experienced players for energy and climate, whose home countries are already avid supporters of the EU's plans to decarbonise its economy.Does this new, energy-charged Commission combined with Draghi's report recommendations mean that we are going to see some drastic change in the next five years?In this week's episode, we hear initial reactions to the announcement from our own Brussel's Correspondent and Eurelectric's Policy Director.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Siobhan Hall – Brussel's Correspondent, Montel News; Cillian O'Donoghue – Policy Director, Eurelectric

Harmonisation and international standardisation; those were the words that were often heard this week when analysts, traders, and energy producers came together to discuss the challenges facing the guarantees of origin market at the GO Conference in Reykjavík this week. The GO market is a driver for investment in renewable energy production pipeline, but how does it need to change to bring in more firms, especially energy intensive industry, and help boost demand across Europe?In this episode, Richard speaks to industry experts from the conference in Reykjavík and our reporter Enza Tedesco goes on a tour of one of Iceland's new power plants.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Lars Ragnar Solberg – Principal Consultant, AFRYHalldór K. Sigurðarson – Business Director, LandsvirkjunMerve Güngör – Policy and Networking Manager, RECS  

The global power system is changing. Carbon emissions are declining. The green transition is in full flow. This is good news for the planet, but what do the next few years on this journey to 2030 look like for carbon prices?In this episode, we talk about the impact of impending EU regulations that businesses are bracing themselves for. With supply due to decrease faster than demand, and the squeeze on industries who will no longer benefit from the EU's free emissions allowance, we ask the question: who is going to feel the brunt of decarbonisation?Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Alexandra Härmatis - Senior Corporate Carbon Trader, Vertis Environmental Finance

A Montel News investigation has aired claims of insider trading in Germany's power market. Signals received by some to help balance the grid are allegedly being used to front-run prices for same-day delivery. We've spoken to traders who claim this is an open secret worth millions of euros. Listen to a discussion with the reporter who broke the story.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Nathan Witkop, Editor Clean Energy Desk, Montel

The guarantees of origin (GO) market is complex and opaque. Listen to a discussion that unpicks the complexity, simplifies the jargon and lays bare the controversies in the market. With big tech looking to source more and more green energy, how can the market – projected to be worth EUR 4bn by 2030 – increase its credibility and boost liquidity? And why has Norway ruled out an exit from the GO market?Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Daniel Arnesson, Manager, Renewable Power Analysis, Veyt

Germany plans to massively increase imports of hydrogen and its derivative products such as ammonia and methanol over the next five years but are the targets unrealistic and how green is the fuel? Listen to a discussion on what “hydrogen ready” could mean for infrastructure such as pipelines and power plants, the immense costs involved and the timescale for the decarbonisation of industry. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Henning Gloystein, Director, Eurasia Group.

Cuts to French electricity exports began earlier this year and will continue into the autumn. Listen to a discussion on why grid operator RTE impose the export limits and the reaction from inside France and the wider market? The TSO said the cuts are likely to continue into the autumn amid ample supply from renewables and nuclear and dwindling demand, but is the issue more structural? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Frank Boerman, Tennet; Clement Boilloux, Montel Analytics; Muriel Boselli, Montel News.

As voters across the UK go to the polls, we take the pulse of the ways a potential Labour government could change the energy landscape. Kier Starmer is committed to a clean power system by 2030, rather than maxing out gas and oil output. Whilst the right-wing Reform looks set to opt for a “burn baby, burn” policy, what are Labours other plans. Listen to a discussion with Regen CEO Merlin Hyman and Montel's Phil Hewitt on the possible future energy trading arrangements between the UK and the EU. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Merlin Hyman, CEO, Regen; Phil Hewitt, Director, Montel Analytics

As Europe's power system becomes ever more decentralised, electricity consumption patterns will need to change, and change fast. Huge daily and within-day price differences will mean ever bigger prices differences for when we choose to do our laundry, charge the car or put on the oven to make apple pie. Listen to a discussion with Michiel Lensink and Jean-Paul Harreman on the challenges of negative prices, network congestion and bringing smaller firms to the market.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Michiel Lensink, CEO of ETPA; Jean-Paul Harreman, Director, Montel Analytics

Even for the best power projects, gaining electricity access from grid operators is far from straightforward. Amid an every lengthening queue of applications, how do TSOs decide what projects to approve and which to reject? Is it a choice between electricity hungry data centres generating Tik-Tok videos or AI servers? Listen to a discussion with Marius Holm Rennesund of Thema on the potential for demand growth in Norway and the wider Nordic region. And as the discussion about Norwegian nuclear power resurfaces, we talk about the viability of atomic energy in the country.

As 373m Europeans head to the polls – we ask one simple question. Will the rise of the far right across the EU endanger the energy transition? Pollsters are warning a swing right – and left –  will fragment the European Parliament and could paralyse decision making. So, will the hard-fought parliamentary consensus for the green shift become fragile over the next five years?Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests: Raphael Hanoteaux, Policy Advisor, E3G; Siobhan Hall, Brussels correspondent, Montel. 

The green transition will not succeed unless industrial sectors also manage to decarbonise production processes. Sweden has experienced problems with long-term power purchase deals, with many companies facing a very tough financial environment amid price volatility and oversupply. Listen to a discussion on the lessons learnt for Europe and one company's ambitious plans to massively reduce its carbon footprint.  Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Mia Bodin, Partner, Bodecker Partners; Arne Österlind, Energy Portfolio Director, H2 Green Steel. 

Global geopolitical tensions are growing amid a creeping escalation of the conflicts in the Middle-East and in Ukraine. Listen to a discussion on the dangers to global security and energy supply as very few countries seek to de-escalate conflict zones. This week's pod also touches on the upcoming EU elections and positive signs in Germany as power demand seems to have bottomed out and turned a corner.Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Henning Gloystein, Director for Energy, Climate and Resources, Eurasia Group

What a difference a couple of years makes. As France returns to a position of net power exporter, it appears to have moved on from the supply woes of 2022. But booming solar generation, a plethora of negative prices in France and its neighbours have weighed on wholesale electricity prices and raised doubts about the financing of new nuclear plants and renewables. Listen to a discussion on the flexible operation of nuclear plants in combination with solar and wind generation. Could France be heading for a glut of power production?Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuests:Yves Le Thieis, Vice President, Compass LexeconPaolo Coghe, CEO, Acousmatics

Europe is the frontrunner in the global renewables boom, as wind and solar have become the fastest growing electricity sources in history. Listen to a discussion on why the massive growth in capacity is set to continue this year, while coal and gas generation set to fall further. However, there are headwinds. Curtailments and public acceptance are obstacles that the industry and policy makers need to address, while negative prices may be a concern to some they should provide incentives for innovation in storage and flexibility. Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, MontelGuest: Dave Jones, Global Insights Director at Ember.