Transmission

As rooftop solar booms and the grid grows more complex, one question is gaining urgency: how do we store energy locally, efficiently, and in a way that benefits everyone? Community batteries are emerging as one solution small-scale, shared storage systems designed to maximise solar self-consumption, reduce network strain, and deliver value back to neighbourhoods.In this episode of Transmission, Wendel is joined by Graeme Martin - Founder of Village Power to take a closer look at the real-world deployment of community batteries in Australia. From funding and grid integration to ownership models and consumer trust, this conversation explores what it takes to build energy infrastructure at street level and why that might be the key to a more resilient, inclusive electricity system.In this episode, you'll learn:What community batteries actually do and how they fit between household solar and grid-scale storage.The biggest roadblocks to rollout, from regulatory complexity to grid connection delays.Why customer experience and transparency matter, and how trust shapes participation.The economics of local storage, including how these systems are funded and who benefits.How community-led models can scale, and what Australia's experience means for global grids.About our guestGraeme Martin is Founder and Director of Village Power, a volunteer-led community energy group based in Melbourne. With over 30 years in environmental science and geospatial consulting, Graeme has led the group's multi-year campaign to install a community battery in Alphington/Fairfield. For more information on the work Village Power is doing - head to their website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As rooftop solar booms and the grid grows more complex, one question is gaining urgency: how do we store energy locally, efficiently, and in a way that benefits everyone? Community batteries are emerging as one solution small-scale, shared storage systems designed to maximise solar self-consumption, reduce network strain, and deliver value back to neighbourhoods.In this episode of Transmission, Wendel is joined by Graeme Martin - Founder of Village Power to take a closer look at the real-world deployment of community batteries in Australia. From funding and grid integration to ownership models and consumer trust, this conversation explores what it takes to build energy infrastructure at street level and why that might be the key to a more resilient, inclusive electricity system.In this episode, you'll learn:What community batteries actually do and how they fit between household solar and grid-scale storage.The biggest roadblocks to rollout, from regulatory complexity to grid connection delays.Why customer experience and transparency matter, and how trust shapes participation.The economics of local storage, including how these systems are funded and who benefits.How community-led models can scale, and what Australia's experience means for global grids.About our guestGraeme Martin is Founder and Director of Village Power, a volunteer-led community energy group based in Melbourne. With over 30 years in environmental science and geospatial consulting, Graeme has led the group's multi-year campaign to install a community battery in Alphington/Fairfield. For more information on the work Village Power is doing - head to their website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As Europe accelerates toward a low-carbon electricity system, storage is under the spotlight. But while battery deployments are scaling quickly, long-duration assets like pumped hydro remain a crucial part of the flexibility mix.So how do these technologies complement each other, and what's really needed to make large-scale storage viable across different European markets?In this episode of Transmission, Ed talks with Lukas Gresnigt (Member of Executive Board) and Nadiya Vargola (Head of BESS Business Development) at Alpiq. Over the conversation they explore Alpiq's approach to balancing legacy infrastructure with modern flexibility. From developing batteries across multiple markets to operating an 80-to-100 year lifespan pumped hydro plant in the Swiss Alps, this conversation dives into the commercial realities of grid-scale storage. You'll hear how Alpiq is navigating cross-border market design, adapting gas peaker strategies in solar-saturated regions like Iberia, and structuring long-term investments in flexibility across Europe.Key insights include:How pumped hydro and batteries complement each other, and where each technology shinesWhat it takes to bring large storage projects to life, from decade-long build times to multigenerational returnsHow Alpiq is acquiring and developing BESS assets across European marketsWhy Iberia is a case study in flexibility, and how legacy gas assets are adapting to new solar peaksWhat market reforms are needed to unlock storage at the scale the energy transition demandsAbout our guestsNadiya Vargola is Head of BESS Business Development at Alpiq. With over 12 years in the energy sector, she is a key part of Alpiq's core team in implementing flexibility strategy and is involved in building & managing Alpiq's portfolio of BESS opportunities across Europe.Lukas Gresnigt is Head of International at Alpiq, overseeing the company's activities outside Switzerland. His work focuses on expanding Alpiq's commercial footprint across European energy markets, with a particular emphasis on flexibility, market access, and innovation.For more information - head to Alpiq's website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As Europe accelerates toward a low-carbon electricity system, storage is under the spotlight. But while battery deployments are scaling quickly, long-duration assets like pumped hydro remain a crucial part of the flexibility mix.So how do these technologies complement each other, and what's really needed to make large-scale storage viable across different European markets?In this episode of Transmission, Ed talks with Lukas Gresnigt (Member of Executive Board) and Nadiya Vargola (Head of BESS Business Development) at Alpiq. Over the conversation they explore Alpiq's approach to balancing legacy infrastructure with modern flexibility. From developing batteries across multiple markets to operating an 80-to-100 year lifespan pumped hydro plant in the Swiss Alps, this conversation dives into the commercial realities of grid-scale storage. You'll hear how Alpiq is navigating cross-border market design, adapting gas peaker strategies in solar-saturated regions like Iberia, and structuring long-term investments in flexibility across Europe.Key insights include:How pumped hydro and batteries complement each other, and where each technology shinesWhat it takes to bring large storage projects to life, from decade-long build times to multigenerational returnsHow Alpiq is acquiring and developing BESS assets across European marketsWhy Iberia is a case study in flexibility, and how legacy gas assets are adapting to new solar peaksWhat market reforms are needed to unlock storage at the scale the energy transition demandsAbout our guestsNadiya Vargola is Head of BESS Business Development at Alpiq. With over 12 years in the energy sector, she is a key part of Alpiq's core team in implementing flexibility strategy and is involved in building & managing Alpiq's portfolio of BESS opportunities across Europe.Lukas Gresnigt is Head of International at Alpiq, overseeing the company's activities outside Switzerland. His work focuses on expanding Alpiq's commercial footprint across European energy markets, with a particular emphasis on flexibility, market access, and innovation.For more information - head to Alpiq's website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Carbon accounting underpins nearly every climate commitment and energy market, but today's system often misses the mark. Most reporting is based on annual averages and generic certificates, ignoring when and where emissions are actually avoided. That mismatch creates blind spots for investors, policymakers, and clean energy developers alike.In this episode of Transmission, Quentin sits down with McGee Young, Founder & CEO at WattCarbon to explore how more accurate, time- and location-specific carbon data could transform the way we value clean energy.From tracking real emissions impact to building virtual power plants at the community level, this is a conversation about making carbon accounting smarter, and climate action more meaningful.In this episode, you'll learn:Why traditional carbon accounting is broken and how granular, real-time data can fix it.What time-stamped energy attributes are, and why they matter for valuing clean energy projects.How virtual power plants (VPPs) can unlock local flexibility, avoid expensive grid upgrades, and share value with communities.The case for ‘sleeved VPPs', where large energy users fund local demand-side programs instead of building new capacity.How community-led decarbonisation could reshape climate finance and deliver impact from the ground up.About our guestMcGee Young is founder and CEO of WattCarbon, a US-based company building the first platform for real-time, time-based carbon accounting and community-scale decarbonisation. At WattCarbon, he is delivering visibility into hourly carbon intensity and enabling more transparent, impact-driven carbon markets for buildings and energy projects. For more information about WattCarbons mission, head to their website. https://www.wattcarbon.com/About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Carbon accounting underpins nearly every climate commitment and energy market, but today's system often misses the mark. Most reporting is based on annual averages and generic certificates, ignoring when and where emissions are actually avoided. That mismatch creates blind spots for investors, policymakers, and clean energy developers alike.In this episode of Transmission, Quentin sits down with McGee Young, Founder & CEO at WattCarbon to explore how more accurate, time- and location-specific carbon data could transform the way we value clean energy.From tracking real emissions impact to building virtual power plants at the community level, this is a conversation about making carbon accounting smarter, and climate action more meaningful.In this episode, you'll learn:Why traditional carbon accounting is broken and how granular, real-time data can fix it.What time-stamped energy attributes are, and why they matter for valuing clean energy projects.How virtual power plants (VPPs) can unlock local flexibility, avoid expensive grid upgrades, and share value with communities.The case for ‘sleeved VPPs', where large energy users fund local demand-side programs instead of building new capacity.How community-led decarbonisation could reshape climate finance and deliver impact from the ground up.About our guestMcGee Young is founder and CEO of WattCarbon, a US-based company building the first platform for real-time, time-based carbon accounting and community-scale decarbonisation. At WattCarbon, he is delivering visibility into hourly carbon intensity and enabling more transparent, impact-driven carbon markets for buildings and energy projects. For more information about WattCarbons mission, head to their website. https://www.wattcarbon.com/About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As the UK works toward a fully decarbonised power system by 2035, one thing is clear: hitting climate targets will require a more flexible electricity system. But that flexibility won't just come from utility-scale batteries or grid-scale innovation. It will need support from consumers, households, businesses, and communities that can shift, shape, and reduce their electricity use.In this episode of Transmission, Ed Porter is joined by Marzia Zafar, Deputy Director of Governance for Data & Digitalization at Ofgem, to explore why consumer flexibility is no longer just a nice-to-have, it's now essential for grid stability, cost efficiency, and net-zero progress.We dig into the economics behind demand-side response, the role of price signals and digital infrastructure, and the policy decisions needed to unlock this potential at scale. Whether you're a system operator, innovator, or just trying to understand what demand flexibility actually means, this conversation is packed with insight.In this episode you'll learn:Why demand-side flexibility matters now more than ever, and how it supports both consumers and the system.The practical and policy steps needed to scale flexibility across millions of homes and businesses.How real-time price signals and automation can help shift consumer load and reduce system costs.The regulatory shift underway at Ofgem, and why this matters for innovators and aggregators.Why enabling consumer flexibility is a ‘no regrets' decision for a decarbonised energy future.About our guestMarzia Zafar is Deputy Director of Strategy and Decarbonisation at Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator. With nearly three decades of experience across policy, utilities, and innovation, Marzia has worked on both sides of the Atlantic to design regulatory frameworks that support the clean energy transition. At Ofgem, she plays a leading role in shaping strategy around consumer flexibility, digitalisation, and system planning ensuring that market design keeps pace with the evolving needs of a net-zero grid. For more information on Ofgem - head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As the UK works toward a fully decarbonised power system by 2035, one thing is clear: hitting climate targets will require a more flexible electricity system. But that flexibility won't just come from utility-scale batteries or grid-scale innovation. It will need support from consumers, households, businesses, and communities that can shift, shape, and reduce their electricity use.In this episode of Transmission, Ed Porter is joined by Marzia Zafar, Deputy Director of Governance for Data & Digitalization at Ofgem, to explore why consumer flexibility is no longer just a nice-to-have, it's now essential for grid stability, cost efficiency, and net-zero progress.We dig into the economics behind demand-side response, the role of price signals and digital infrastructure, and the policy decisions needed to unlock this potential at scale. Whether you're a system operator, innovator, or just trying to understand what demand flexibility actually means, this conversation is packed with insight.In this episode you'll learn:Why demand-side flexibility matters now more than ever, and how it supports both consumers and the system.The practical and policy steps needed to scale flexibility across millions of homes and businesses.How real-time price signals and automation can help shift consumer load and reduce system costs.The regulatory shift underway at Ofgem, and why this matters for innovators and aggregators.Why enabling consumer flexibility is a ‘no regrets' decision for a decarbonised energy future.About our guestMarzia Zafar is Deputy Director of Strategy and Decarbonisation at Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator. With nearly three decades of experience across policy, utilities, and innovation, Marzia has worked on both sides of the Atlantic to design regulatory frameworks that support the clean energy transition. At Ofgem, she plays a leading role in shaping strategy around consumer flexibility, digitalisation, and system planning ensuring that market design keeps pace with the evolving needs of a net-zero grid. For more information on Ofgem - head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Raising capital for grid-scale storage in Australia is a balancing act. Projects need to navigate volatile wholesale prices, tight grid constraints and uncertain policy timelines while still delivering reliable returns. Government-backed green banks and specialist financiers have stepped in to bridge that gap, creating new structures that share merchant risk, widen the pool of lenders and move projects from concept to construction.This episode of Transmission breaks down how innovative finance is accelerating battery storage across the National Electricity Market. Modo Energy Director, Wendel Hortop sits down with Niall Brady - Head of Solar and Storage at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to explore the mechanics of concessional debt, profit-share structures and revenue floors, and examine how early deals paved the way for today's multi gigawatt pipeline. If you want to understand why capital remains a bottleneck for Australia's energy transition and how the right instruments can unlock it, this conversation is for you.In this episode you'll learn:• Why merchant risk still scares traditional lenders and how tailored debt packages make first-of-a-kind battery projects bankable• How profit-share and upside mechanisms work to align public finance, private equity and project developers• What makes an effective revenue stack in the NEM, including energy arbitrage, FCAS and emerging capacity paymentsLessons from Australia's earliest solar-storage hybrids and how their financing models have evolved with falling capex and sharper price spreads• The next frontiers for green finance, from long-duration storage to regional microgrids and community energy hubsAbout our guestNiall Brady is Head of Solar and Storage at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), Australia's $30 billion government-owned green bank. Niall leads investment strategy for large-scale PV and battery projects, structuring deals that de-risk merchant exposure and crowd in private capital. His portfolio covers Australia's first utility-scale solar-storage hybrids as well as new market entrants targeting firmed renewable generation for the NEM. For more information on what the CEFC do - head to their website.https://www.cefc.com.au/About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Raising capital for grid-scale storage in Australia is a balancing act. Projects need to navigate volatile wholesale prices, tight grid constraints and uncertain policy timelines while still delivering reliable returns. Government-backed green banks and specialist financiers have stepped in to bridge that gap, creating new structures that share merchant risk, widen the pool of lenders and move projects from concept to construction.This episode of Transmission breaks down how innovative finance is accelerating battery storage across the National Electricity Market. Modo Energy Director, Wendel Hortop sits down with Niall Brady - Head of Solar and Storage at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to explore the mechanics of concessional debt, profit-share structures and revenue floors, and examine how early deals paved the way for today's multi gigawatt pipeline. If you want to understand why capital remains a bottleneck for Australia's energy transition and how the right instruments can unlock it, this conversation is for you.In this episode you'll learn:• Why merchant risk still scares traditional lenders and how tailored debt packages make first-of-a-kind battery projects bankable• How profit-share and upside mechanisms work to align public finance, private equity and project developers• What makes an effective revenue stack in the NEM, including energy arbitrage, FCAS and emerging capacity paymentsLessons from Australia's earliest solar-storage hybrids and how their financing models have evolved with falling capex and sharper price spreads• The next frontiers for green finance, from long-duration storage to regional microgrids and community energy hubsAbout our guestNiall Brady is Head of Solar and Storage at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), Australia's $30 billion government-owned green bank. Niall leads investment strategy for large-scale PV and battery projects, structuring deals that de-risk merchant exposure and crowd in private capital. His portfolio covers Australia's first utility-scale solar-storage hybrids as well as new market entrants targeting firmed renewable generation for the NEM. For more information on what the CEFC do - head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Building large-scale battery storage is much more than securing capital and selecting technology. Success hinges on navigating market rules, regulatory timelines, permitting, grid connection challenges, and talent gaps - each of which varies from one country to another. Developing in a single market can alreadt present complexity. Expanding across borders introduces a new set of operational and commercial challenges, but it also unlocks huge opportunity.
In this episode of Transmission, Quentin is joined by Erik Strømsø - Chief Executive Officer at BW ESS. Erik discusses how BW ESS has adjusted to different grid codes, policy timelines, and market signals, and why success often means building a local strategy within a broader portfolio vision. Whether it's managing duration risk in the Nordics, securing interconnection in Italy, or navigating regulatory change in Germany, this episode offers a real-world look at what it takes to build flexible, investable storage in today's fragmented energy landscape.

Key topics include:
Why the UK led the early storage build-out: Market liberalisation, merchant opportunities, and a clear policy signal made the UK the launchpad for battery investment.How different European markets compare: What sets Sweden, Germany, and Italy apart in terms of project bankability, permitting, and revenue models.Scarcity as a competitive edge: How grid connection constraints and market friction can work in a developer's favour - if approached strategically.The bottlenecks no one talks about: Why access to qualified people and institutional knowledge is one of the most critical limits to scale.Contracting and capital discipline: How a long-term investor approaches merchant exposure, offtake, and project risk in high-growth markets.

About our guestErik Strømsø is Chief Executive Officer at BW ESS, the energy storage platform of BW Group - a global industrial group active in shipping, infrastructure, and renewables. Erik leads BW ESS's efforts to deploy utility-scale battery storage across Europe and Australia, with a particular focus on markets with long-duration needs and supportive policy tailwinds. He brings a background in private equity and infrastructure investment, with experience structuring and delivering energy transition projects across multiple jurisdictions. Under his leadership, BW ESS is positioning itself as a long-term owner and operator of flexible grid assets designed for net zero power systems. For more information on BW ESS, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Building large-scale battery storage is much more than securing capital and selecting technology. Success hinges on navigating market rules, regulatory timelines, permitting, grid connection challenges, and talent gaps - each of which varies from one country to another. Developing in a single market can alreadt present complexity. Expanding across borders introduces a new set of operational and commercial challenges, but it also unlocks huge opportunity.
In this episode of Transmission, Quentin is joined by Erik Strømsø - Chief Executive Officer at BW ESS. Erik discusses how BW ESS has adjusted to different grid codes, policy timelines, and market signals, and why success often means building a local strategy within a broader portfolio vision. Whether it's managing duration risk in the Nordics, securing interconnection in Italy, or navigating regulatory change in Germany, this episode offers a real-world look at what it takes to build flexible, investable storage in today's fragmented energy landscape.

Key topics include:
Why the UK led the early storage build-out: Market liberalisation, merchant opportunities, and a clear policy signal made the UK the launchpad for battery investment.How different European markets compare: What sets Sweden, Germany, and Italy apart in terms of project bankability, permitting, and revenue models.Scarcity as a competitive edge: How grid connection constraints and market friction can work in a developer's favour - if approached strategically.The bottlenecks no one talks about: Why access to qualified people and institutional knowledge is one of the most critical limits to scale.Contracting and capital discipline: How a long-term investor approaches merchant exposure, offtake, and project risk in high-growth markets.

About our guestErik Strømsø is Chief Executive Officer at BW ESS, the energy storage platform of BW Group - a global industrial group active in shipping, infrastructure, and renewables. Erik leads BW ESS's efforts to deploy utility-scale battery storage across Europe and Australia, with a particular focus on markets with long-duration needs and supportive policy tailwinds. He brings a background in private equity and infrastructure investment, with experience structuring and delivering energy transition projects across multiple jurisdictions. Under his leadership, BW ESS is positioning itself as a long-term owner and operator of flexible grid assets designed for net zero power systems. For more information on BW ESS, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As electricity systems decarbonise, the role of national planners and system operators is going through a major shift. Strategic planning is no longer just about keeping the lights on. It now involves reshaping the grid to support high levels of renewable generation, growing electrification, and new sources of flexibility. The challenge lies in aligning long-term goals with real-world system operations.In this episode of Transmission, Ed sits down with Julian Leslie, Director of Strategic Energy Planning and Chief Engineer at the National Energy System Operator (NESO). The conversation explores how long-term energy planning is changing in Great Britain and the need for low-carbon dispatchable power, the role of storage and interconnectors, and the uncertainty around technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture. We also unpack how NESO is managing competing pressures while working to design a future-proof system. If you want to understand how the UK grid is being reimagined for net zero, this one is worth a listen.Key topics include:How Great Britain's system operator is evolving from National Grid ESO to NESOWhy strategic planning must now consider the whole energy system, not just electricityThe role of low-carbon dispatchable generation in a net zero futureHow hydrogen, storage, and CCS are being factored into long-term plansWhy planning under uncertainty is so difficult, and how NESO is respondingAbout our guestJulian Leslie is Director of Strategic Energy Planning and Chief Engineer at NESO, the new National Energy System Operator for Great Britain. With more than 30 years of experience at National Grid and the ESO, Julian has helped shape both real-time system operations and long-term planning. He now leads the team responsible for designing the future of Britain's electricity system, ensuring it can meet climate targets while staying reliable and cost effective.For more information on NESO's work, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As electricity systems decarbonise, the role of national planners and system operators is going through a major shift. Strategic planning is no longer just about keeping the lights on. It now involves reshaping the grid to support high levels of renewable generation, growing electrification, and new sources of flexibility. The challenge lies in aligning long-term goals with real-world system operations.In this episode of Transmission, Ed sits down with Julian Leslie, Director of Strategic Energy Planning and Chief Engineer at the National Energy System Operator (NESO). The conversation explores how long-term energy planning is changing in Great Britain and the need for low-carbon dispatchable power, the role of storage and interconnectors, and the uncertainty around technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture. We also unpack how NESO is managing competing pressures while working to design a future-proof system. If you want to understand how the UK grid is being reimagined for net zero, this one is worth a listen.Key topics include:How Great Britain's system operator is evolving from National Grid ESO to NESOWhy strategic planning must now consider the whole energy system, not just electricityThe role of low-carbon dispatchable generation in a net zero futureHow hydrogen, storage, and CCS are being factored into long-term plansWhy planning under uncertainty is so difficult, and how NESO is respondingAbout our guestJulian Leslie is Director of Strategic Energy Planning and Chief Engineer at NESO, the new National Energy System Operator for Great Britain. With more than 30 years of experience at National Grid and the ESO, Julian has helped shape both real-time system operations and long-term planning. He now leads the team responsible for designing the future of Britain's electricity system, ensuring it can meet climate targets while staying reliable and cost effective.For more information on NESO's work, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Europe is seeing a rapid increase in battery energy storage, but no two markets are quite the same. Each country presents its own blend of policy ambition, grid challenges, market structures, and investor appetite. For developers and capital providers, this means a highly fragmented landscape where understanding the local context is just as critical as getting the technology or financing right.In this episode of Transmission, we take a pan-European view of battery investment looking at how the economics, regulation, and risk profile of projects vary from Belgium to the Baltics. Director of Investment Management for Battery Storage at Aquila Clean Energy EMEA - Kilian Leykam joins Ed to explore everything from four-hour assets in the Benelux to co-location in Italy, capacity markets in Greece, and merchant risk in Germany, this conversation explores what it takes to scale a diversified battery portfolio in today's evolving energy landscape.In this episode, we cover:Project development across multiple European markets: How site selection, policy maturity and market signals drive investment strategy.Four-hour storage in the Benelux: What early operational data tells us about long-duration battery economics.Germany and Italy: Why grid support and flexibility services are gaining momentum.The role of harmonisation: How EU-wide reforms may help or hinder cross-border battery investmentMarket risks and revenue models: From merchant exposure to capacity payments and co-location opportunities.About our guest:Kilian Leykam is Director of Investment Management for Battery Storage at Aquila Clean Energy, where he oversees one of Europe's most geographically diverse battery portfolios. With more than 7 GW of battery projects spanning nine European countries, Kilian brings deep experience in project development, trading, and strategic energy investment. For more information on what Aquila Clean Energy do, head to the website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Europe is seeing a rapid increase in battery energy storage, but no two markets are quite the same. Each country presents its own blend of policy ambition, grid challenges, market structures, and investor appetite. For developers and capital providers, this means a highly fragmented landscape where understanding the local context is just as critical as getting the technology or financing right.In this episode of Transmission, we take a pan-European view of battery investment looking at how the economics, regulation, and risk profile of projects vary from Belgium to the Baltics. Director of Investment Management for Battery Storage at Aquila Clean Energy EMEA - Kilian Leykam joins Ed to explore everything from four-hour assets in the Benelux to co-location in Italy, capacity markets in Greece, and merchant risk in Germany, this conversation explores what it takes to scale a diversified battery portfolio in today's evolving energy landscape.In this episode, we cover:Project development across multiple European markets: How site selection, policy maturity and market signals drive investment strategy.Four-hour storage in the Benelux: What early operational data tells us about long-duration battery economics.Germany and Italy: Why grid support and flexibility services are gaining momentum.The role of harmonisation: How EU-wide reforms may help or hinder cross-border battery investmentMarket risks and revenue models: From merchant exposure to capacity payments and co-location opportunities.About our guest:Kilian Leykam is Director of Investment Management for Battery Storage at Aquila Clean Energy, where he oversees one of Europe's most geographically diverse battery portfolios. With more than 7 GW of battery projects spanning nine European countries, Kilian brings deep experience in project development, trading, and strategic energy investment. For more information on what Aquila Clean Energy do, head to the website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Battery energy storage is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of Australia's evolving electricity system. As the National Electricity Market (NEM) transitions to accommodate rising renewable penetration, new policy mechanisms, and famously volatile prices, batteries are taking on a broader range of roles, from firming and arbitrage to frequency control and capacity support. But developing and operating storage in this environment requires more than just technology. It calls for strategic decision-making across commercial, technical, and market dimensions.In this episode, Wendel is joined by Eku Energy's Chief Technology Officer - Elias Saba. The conversation explores how project developers like Eku are approaching duration and sizing, managing merchant risk, accessing FCAS revenues, and navigating the emerging capacity market landscape. We also look at how international experience can inform decision-making in Australia. Key insights include: Why the NEM is a proving ground for batteries: The opportunities and risks of operating in a high-volatility, high-renewables environment.Duration and design choices: How CapEx trends, price signals, and regulatory uncertainty are shaping battery configurations.Revenue stacking in practice: Merchant trading, FCAS markets, and the role of contracting in stabilising returns.Global context, local application: Lessons from other advanced markets and how they translate to the Australian grid.Building for scale: The internal capabilities and strategic frameworks required to run a high-performing storage business.About our guestElias Saba is the Chief Technology Officer and a founding team member at Eku Energy, a global battery storage developer and operator with active projects across Australia, Japan, Italy, and the UK. At Eku, Elias leads technical strategy, project optimisation, and market integration across multiple jurisdictions. His work sits at the intersection of engineering, commercial strategy, and energy market operations shaping how large-scale batteries are deployed and monetised in complex and fast-moving grid environments. For more information, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Battery energy storage is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of Australia's evolving electricity system. As the National Electricity Market (NEM) transitions to accommodate rising renewable penetration, new policy mechanisms, and famously volatile prices, batteries are taking on a broader range of roles, from firming and arbitrage to frequency control and capacity support. But developing and operating storage in this environment requires more than just technology. It calls for strategic decision-making across commercial, technical, and market dimensions.In this episode, Wendel is joined by Eku Energy's Chief Technology Officer - Elias Saba. The conversation explores how project developers like Eku are approaching duration and sizing, managing merchant risk, accessing FCAS revenues, and navigating the emerging capacity market landscape. We also look at how international experience can inform decision-making in Australia. Key insights include: Why the NEM is a proving ground for batteries: The opportunities and risks of operating in a high-volatility, high-renewables environment.Duration and design choices: How CapEx trends, price signals, and regulatory uncertainty are shaping battery configurations.Revenue stacking in practice: Merchant trading, FCAS markets, and the role of contracting in stabilising returns.Global context, local application: Lessons from other advanced markets and how they translate to the Australian grid.Building for scale: The internal capabilities and strategic frameworks required to run a high-performing storage business.About our guestElias Saba is the Chief Technology Officer and a founding team member at Eku Energy, a global battery storage developer and operator with active projects across Australia, Japan, Italy, and the UK. At Eku, Elias leads technical strategy, project optimisation, and market integration across multiple jurisdictions. His work sits at the intersection of engineering, commercial strategy, and energy market operations shaping how large-scale batteries are deployed and monetised in complex and fast-moving grid environments. For more information, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As electricity systems decarbonise, the nature of flexibility is fundamentally shifting. Where grid operators once relied on fossil fuel generation to follow demand, today's energy systems are increasingly turning to the demand side for flexibility. With more electric vehicles, heat pumps, and behind-the-meter batteries connecting to the grid every day, the potential for distributed assets to support reliability and earn revenue, is rapidly growing.But tapping into that flexibility at scale is no small task. It requires coordination, intelligent optimisation, and a clear route into energy markets. In this episode of Transmission, we explore how software platforms are making it possible to turn thousands of individual devices into aggregated resources that respond dynamically to grid needs. From flexibility markets and revenue stacking to the evolving role of energy suppliers and the economics of decentralised participation, this conversation breaks down how the grid is being rebalanced from the bottom up.Quentin is Joined by Co-Founder & CEO of Axle Energy - Karl Bach. Over the conversation they cover:From load to resource: How electrification of heating, cooling, and transport is transforming grid demand into flexible capacity.Virtual power plants in action: What it takes to orchestrate hundreds of thousands of distributed devices across diverse asset classes.Consumer value meets system need: Why aligning grid requirements with consumer benefit is critical to unlocking participation.The platform model: How software intermediaries are enabling hardware providers and energy retailers to enter flexibility markets.Distributed flexibility as capex-light infrastructure: Why aggregating existing assets may offer faster returns than building new ones.About our guest:Karl Bach is the co-founder and CEO of Axle Energy, a platform that enables distributed energy assets - from EVs and heat pumps to residential batteries, to participate in electricity and flexibility markets. With over a gigawatt of connected capacity, Axle works behind the scenes to optimise assets and unlock value for hardware providers, energy suppliers, and the grid. Karl brings a systems-level perspective to the conversation, shaped by experience at the intersection of energy markets, technology, and scalable software infrastructure. For more information, head to their website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As electricity systems decarbonise, the nature of flexibility is fundamentally shifting. Where grid operators once relied on fossil fuel generation to follow demand, today's energy systems are increasingly turning to the demand side for flexibility. With more electric vehicles, heat pumps, and behind-the-meter batteries connecting to the grid every day, the potential for distributed assets to support reliability and earn revenue, is rapidly growing.But tapping into that flexibility at scale is no small task. It requires coordination, intelligent optimisation, and a clear route into energy markets. In this episode of Transmission, we explore how software platforms are making it possible to turn thousands of individual devices into aggregated resources that respond dynamically to grid needs. From flexibility markets and revenue stacking to the evolving role of energy suppliers and the economics of decentralised participation, this conversation breaks down how the grid is being rebalanced from the bottom up.Quentin is Joined by Co-Founder & CEO of Axle Energy - Karl Bach. Over the conversation they cover:From load to resource: How electrification of heating, cooling, and transport is transforming grid demand into flexible capacity.Virtual power plants in action: What it takes to orchestrate hundreds of thousands of distributed devices across diverse asset classes.Consumer value meets system need: Why aligning grid requirements with consumer benefit is critical to unlocking participation.The platform model: How software intermediaries are enabling hardware providers and energy retailers to enter flexibility markets.Distributed flexibility as capex-light infrastructure: Why aggregating existing assets may offer faster returns than building new ones.About our guest:Karl Bach is the co-founder and CEO of Axle Energy, a platform that enables distributed energy assets - from EVs and heat pumps to residential batteries, to participate in electricity and flexibility markets. With over a gigawatt of connected capacity, Axle works behind the scenes to optimise assets and unlock value for hardware providers, energy suppliers, and the grid. Karl brings a systems-level perspective to the conversation, shaped by experience at the intersection of energy markets, technology, and scalable software infrastructure. For more information, head to their website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As Europe's energy markets become more volatile and complex, the role of trading and optimisation is evolving fast. Real-time weather data, cross-border constraints, and fluctuating renewable output have made flexibility more valuable than ever, but also harder to manage. In this new environment, the line between asset optimisation and active trading is blurring, and originators are increasingly expected to deliver not just access to market, but strategy, risk management, and scale.In this episode of Transmission, we explore how the worlds of origination, power trading, and asset management are converging. From route-to-market agreements and co-located batteries to the rise of algorithmic trading platforms and 24/7 market operations, this conversation offers a window into the growing sophistication of Europe's energy traders and what it takes to stay ahead in a data-driven, weather-dependent system.In this episode, we cover:What energy origination really looks like today: How the role has shifted from pure offtake to strategic optimisation and deep market involvement.The growing complexity of trading: Why algorithmic strategies, intraday market moves, and volatility are changing the way energy companies operate.Battery storage and co-location models: How different asset types are managed across multiple markets, and how to adapt trading strategies.Scaling up software and teams: From startup environments to major trading desks.What makes a good offtake partner in 2025: Why trust, systems integration, and risk-sharing now matter more than ever.About our guestRimshah Javed is part of the origination team at Danske Commodities, one of Europe's largest energy trading houses. With a background in software, route-to-market strategy, and storage commercialisation, Rimshah brings experience from both startup and institutional energy environments. Before joining Danske Commodities, she helped build and scale optimisation offerings for standalone and co-located battery assets, giving her a unique perspective on how flexibility is monetised in today's dynamic energy markets.Danske Commodities is a leading European energy trading company, active in power and gas markets across more than 40 countries. Founded in Denmark, the company specialises in short-term trading, asset optimisation, and balancing services, helping integrate renewables and manage market volatility across the energy system. For more information on What they do, head to the website. https://danskecommodities.com/About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. https://modoenergy.com/

As Europe's energy markets become more volatile and complex, the role of trading and optimisation is evolving fast. Real-time weather data, cross-border constraints, and fluctuating renewable output have made flexibility more valuable than ever, but also harder to manage. In this new environment, the line between asset optimisation and active trading is blurring, and originators are increasingly expected to deliver not just access to market, but strategy, risk management, and scale.In this episode of Transmission, we explore how the worlds of origination, power trading, and asset management are converging. From route-to-market agreements and co-located batteries to the rise of algorithmic trading platforms and 24/7 market operations, this conversation offers a window into the growing sophistication of Europe's energy traders and what it takes to stay ahead in a data-driven, weather-dependent system.In this episode, we cover:What energy origination really looks like today: How the role has shifted from pure offtake to strategic optimisation and deep market involvement.The growing complexity of trading: Why algorithmic strategies, intraday market moves, and volatility are changing the way energy companies operate.Battery storage and co-location models: How different asset types are managed across multiple markets, and how to adapt trading strategies.Scaling up software and teams: From startup environments to major trading desks.What makes a good offtake partner in 2025: Why trust, systems integration, and risk-sharing now matter more than ever.About our guestRimshah Javed is part of the origination team at Danske Commodities, one of Europe's largest energy trading houses. With a background in software, route-to-market strategy, and storage commercialisation, Rimshah brings experience from both startup and institutional energy environments. Before joining Danske Commodities, she helped build and scale optimisation offerings for standalone and co-located battery assets, giving her a unique perspective on how flexibility is monetised in today's dynamic energy markets.Danske Commodities is a leading European energy trading company, active in power and gas markets across more than 40 countries. Founded in Denmark, the company specialises in short-term trading, asset optimisation, and balancing services, helping integrate renewables and manage market volatility across the energy system. For more information on What they do, head to the website.

When it comes to battery storage deployment in Europe, most of the attention has been focused on familiar markets like the UK, Germany, and southern Europe. But in the background, a quieter shift has been taking place in the Nordics - one that's now starting to accelerate.Long seen as too stable, too hydro-dominated, or simply too slow, the Nordic markets were largely overlooked by early battery investors. Yet growing volatility, falling capex, and the evolving needs of a decarbonising grid have started to change the picture.In this episode of Transmission, we explore what's driving battery investment in Sweden, Finland, and beyond. From market signals and dispatch dynamics to cross-border optimisation and grid readiness, this conversation offers a window into a part of the European market that's now waking up and scaling fast. Quentin speaks with Nicklas Bäcker, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Ingrid Capacity. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:Why the Nordics were initially overlooked: How the prevalence of dispatchable hydro capacity led many investors to undervalue the incremental role of batteries in grid flexibility.Shifting storage economics: How declining capex, increased price volatility, and evolving ancillary service markets have improved the commercial viability of BESS in the region.Scaling rapidly in a new market: Insights into how more than €250 million was raised to deliver more than 200 MW of battery capacity within a compressed timeframe.Complementing hydro with fast-response assets: Why batteries offer unique value even in hydro-heavy systems. From frequency control to short-duration balancing and market arbitrage.A cross-border approach to Nordic flexibility: How project developers are expanding into Finland and other markets, and what differentiates the Nordic power system in a European context.About our guest:Nicklas Bäcker is Chief Strategy Officer at Ingrid Capacity, one of the fastest-growing battery storage platforms in Northern Europe. With a background in energy markets and infrastructure strategy, Nicklas plays a key role in shaping the company's growth across Sweden, Finland, and other European markets. Ingrid Capacity currently operates over 200 MW/MWh of battery storage, with an additional 200 MW/MWh under construction—positioning it as a first mover in delivering large-scale flexibility to the Nordic grid. Nicklas brings strategic insight into project development, market entry, and the role of storage in accelerating electrification across Europe. For more information on Ingrid Capacity, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

When it comes to battery storage deployment in Europe, most of the attention has been focused on familiar markets like the UK, Germany, and southern Europe. But in the background, a quieter shift has been taking place in the Nordics - one that's now starting to accelerate.Long seen as too stable, too hydro-dominated, or simply too slow, the Nordic markets were largely overlooked by early battery investors. Yet growing volatility, falling capex, and the evolving needs of a decarbonising grid have started to change the picture.In this episode of Transmission, we explore what's driving battery investment in Sweden, Finland, and beyond. From market signals and dispatch dynamics to cross-border optimisation and grid readiness, this conversation offers a window into a part of the European market that's now waking up and scaling fast. Quentin speaks with Nicklas Bäcker, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Ingrid Capacity. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:Why the Nordics were initially overlooked: How the prevalence of dispatchable hydro capacity led many investors to undervalue the incremental role of batteries in grid flexibility.Shifting storage economics: How declining capex, increased price volatility, and evolving ancillary service markets have improved the commercial viability of BESS in the region.Scaling rapidly in a new market: Insights into how more than €250 million was raised to deliver more than 200 MW of battery capacity within a compressed timeframe.Complementing hydro with fast-response assets: Why batteries offer unique value even in hydro-heavy systems. From frequency control to short-duration balancing and market arbitrage.A cross-border approach to Nordic flexibility: How project developers are expanding into Finland and other markets, and what differentiates the Nordic power system in a European context.About our guest:Nicklas Bäcker is Chief Strategy Officer at Ingrid Capacity, one of the fastest-growing battery storage platforms in Northern Europe. With a background in energy markets and infrastructure strategy, Nicklas plays a key role in shaping the company's growth across Sweden, Finland, and other European markets. Ingrid Capacity currently operates over 200 MW/MWh of battery storage, with an additional 200 MW/MWh under construction—positioning it as a first mover in delivering large-scale flexibility to the Nordic grid. Nicklas brings strategic insight into project development, market entry, and the role of storage in accelerating electrification across Europe. For more information on Ingrid Capacity, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As battery storage continues to scale, the commercial and legal frameworks behind each project are becoming more sophisticated and more critical to long-term success. From merchant risk and revenue sharing to tolling agreements and long-term partnerships, the legal foundations of battery projects are becoming just as important as the technical ones.

What are tolling models and how are they being used to share risk? How are contracts adapting to new market realities, and what should developers and investors look for when structuring battery deals in volatile or policy-driven markets?

In this episode of Transmission, we're joined by Louise Dalton, a partner in the Energy & Infrastructure team at CMS, and one of the UK's leading legal experts on battery storage.In this episode, we cover:Tolling agreements in battery storage: What they are, how they're used, and why they're gaining traction across merchant-heavy markets.Managing risk through contracts: How legal structures are being used to distribute volatility between developers, operators, and offtakers.Market change and contract flexibility: How deals are being designed to respond to evolving market conditions without breaking down.Revenue certainty vs. upside potential: Balancing risk and return in a maturing but still fast-moving storage landscape.The evolution of the legal landscape: How storage contracts have changed over the past decade and what's still missing from many standard structures.About our guest:Louise Dalton is a partner at CMS, an international law firm, where she specialises in energy and infrastructure transactions. She has worked on some of the UK's most high-profile battery storage deals and plays an active role in industry development through initiatives like WiNES (Women in New Energy Storage). For more information on CMS, head to their website.

As battery storage continues to scale, the commercial and legal frameworks behind each project are becoming more sophisticated and more critical to long-term success. From merchant risk and revenue sharing to tolling agreements and long-term partnerships, the legal foundations of battery projects are becoming just as important as the technical ones.

What are tolling models and how are they being used to share risk? How are contracts adapting to new market realities, and what should developers and investors look for when structuring battery deals in volatile or policy-driven markets?

In this episode of Transmission, we're joined by Louise Dalton, a partner in the Energy & Infrastructure team at CMS, and one of the UK's leading legal experts on battery storage.In this episode, we cover:Tolling agreements in battery storage: What they are, how they're used, and why they're gaining traction across merchant-heavy markets.Managing risk through contracts: How legal structures are being used to distribute volatility between developers, operators, and offtakers.Market change and contract flexibility: How deals are being designed to respond to evolving market conditions without breaking down.Revenue certainty vs. upside potential: Balancing risk and return in a maturing but still fast-moving storage landscape.The evolution of the legal landscape: How storage contracts have changed over the past decade and what's still missing from many standard structures.About our guest:

Louise Dalton is a partner at CMS, an international law firm, where she specialises in energy and infrastructure transactions. She has worked on some of the UK's most high-profile battery storage deals and plays an active role in industry development through initiatives like WiNES (Women in New Energy Storage). For more information on CMS, head to their website.

As electricity demand rises and more renewables connect to the grid, transmission infrastructure is under pressure like never before. Building new lines takes time, but what if we could unlock more capacity from the ones we already have?Dynamic line ratings (DLR) are offering a smarter, faster path to grid optimisation. Harnessing AI-powered software enables transmission system operators to monitor real-time environmental conditions and safely increase the capacity of overhead lines. By replacing conservative static ratings with live data, DLR allows grid operators to unlock headroom, defer capital expenditure, and accelerate the integration of clean energy, all without adding new steel to the ground.In this episode of Transmission, Quentin sits down with Georg Rute, CEO and co-founder of Gridraven, to explore how dynamic line ratings. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about: What dynamic line ratings are: How real-time monitoring of ambient conditions can safely increase the power-carrying capacity of existing transmission lines.-Why traditional ratings fall short: The limitations of static line ratings and the inefficiencies they introduce to grid operations.How Gridraven's platform works: From weather modelling to digital twins and software-defined infrastructure.Scaling and system integration: How DLR fits into the broader landscape of grid optimisation and where it's already delivering value.Why this matters now: As electrification and renewables drive transmission bottlenecks globally, DLR offers a rare chance to gain capacity quickly without breaking ground.About our guest:Georg Rute is CEO and co-founder of Gridraven, a startup using AI-powered tools to optimise power transmission infrastructure. With a background in grid planning and digital innovation, Georg leads Gridraven's mission to deliver smarter, data-driven solutions to transmission system operators across Europe and beyond. For more information on what Gridraven do - head to their website. https://www.gridraven.com/

As electricity demand rises and more renewables connect to the grid, transmission infrastructure is under pressure like never before. Building new lines takes time, but what if we could unlock more capacity from the ones we already have?Dynamic line ratings (DLR) are offering a smarter, faster path to grid optimisation. Harnessing AI-powered software enables transmission system operators to monitor real-time environmental conditions and safely increase the capacity of overhead lines. By replacing conservative static ratings with live data, DLR allows grid operators to unlock headroom, defer capital expenditure, and accelerate the integration of clean energy, all without adding new steel to the ground.In this episode of Transmission, Quentin sits down with Georg Rute, CEO and co-founder of Gridraven, to explore how dynamic line ratings. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about: What dynamic line ratings are: How real-time monitoring of ambient conditions can safely increase the power-carrying capacity of existing transmission lines.-Why traditional ratings fall short: The limitations of static line ratings and the inefficiencies they introduce to grid operations.How Gridraven's platform works: From weather modelling to digital twins and software-defined infrastructure.Scaling and system integration: How DLR fits into the broader landscape of grid optimisation and where it's already delivering value.Why this matters now: As electrification and renewables drive transmission bottlenecks globally, DLR offers a rare chance to gain capacity quickly without breaking ground.About our guest:Georg Rute is CEO and co-founder of Gridraven, a startup using AI-powered tools to optimise power transmission infrastructure. With a background in grid planning and digital innovation, Georg leads Gridraven's mission to deliver smarter, data-driven solutions to transmission system operators across Europe and beyond. For more information on what Gridraven do - head to their website. https://www.gridraven.com/

Australia has long been a global leader in residential solar adoption, with more than three million households now generating electricity from rooftop panels. This remarkable uptake has transformed how energy is produced and consumed at the household level, positioning Australia at the forefront of distributed energy.But while rooftop solar has become mainstream, the next frontier of the energy transition. Widespread adoption of home battery storage is still in its early stages. As energy markets evolve, the value of grid exports is changing and resilience is becoming increasingly important and home batteries play a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of distributed energy systems. To truly scale domestic storage, new models for ownership and financing are emerging. Shifting the conversation from technology to access. In this episode, we explore what's driving demand for household batteries, what's holding it back, and how smart coordination of home energy systems could transform both household economics and grid outcomes.In this episode of Transmission, Wendel is joined by Jess Padman, Director of Energy Products at the National Renewable Network (NRN). Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:What's behind the rise in household batteries? From feed-in tariff reductions to energy independence and resilience, what's driving demand.The barriers to widespread adoption: Upfront cost, policy lag, and a fragmented supplier landscape.New ownership and financing models for batteries: Why access, not just technology, is key to scaling domestic storage.The role of smart coordination in the home: Coordinating solar, batteries, and appliances to maximise value for households and the grid.Australia as a testbed for residential energy innovation: How policy, culture, and infrastructure have created one of the world's most dynamic residential energy markets.About our guestJess Padman is Director of Energy Products at the National Renewable Network (NRN). With a background in distributed energy, solar programs, and product development, Jess focuses on bringing smart, scalable solutions to the residential energy market, helping more Australians access the benefits of rooftop solar and battery storage.

Australia has long been a global leader in residential solar adoption, with more than three million households now generating electricity from rooftop panels. This remarkable uptake has transformed how energy is produced and consumed at the household level, positioning Australia at the forefront of distributed energy.But while rooftop solar has become mainstream, the next frontier of the energy transition. Widespread adoption of home battery storage is still in its early stages. As energy markets evolve, the value of grid exports is changing and resilience is becoming increasingly important and home batteries play a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of distributed energy systems. To truly scale domestic storage, new models for ownership and financing are emerging. Shifting the conversation from technology to access. In this episode, we explore what's driving demand for household batteries, what's holding it back, and how smart coordination of home energy systems could transform both household economics and grid outcomes.In this episode of Transmission, Wendel is joined by Jess Padman, Director of Energy Products at the National Renewable Network (NRN). Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:What's behind the rise in household batteries? From feed-in tariff reductions to energy independence and resilience, what's driving demand.The barriers to widespread adoption: Upfront cost, policy lag, and a fragmented supplier landscape.New ownership and financing models for batteries: Why access, not just technology, is key to scaling domestic storage.The role of smart coordination in the home: Coordinating solar, batteries, and appliances to maximise value for households and the grid.Australia as a testbed for residential energy innovation: How policy, culture, and infrastructure have created one of the world's most dynamic residential energy markets.About our guestJess Padman is Director of Energy Products at the National Renewable Network (NRN). With a background in distributed energy, solar programs, and product development, Jess focuses on bringing smart, scalable solutions to the residential energy market—helping more Australians access the benefits of rooftop solar and battery storage.

Behind every battery system that comes online is a hidden world of engineering, integration, and performance management. Getting a site up and running is only the beginning - keeping it safe, efficient, and profitable over time is where the real challenge begins. As investment in storage accelerates, the process from a blueprint to bankable asset remains a demanding process, especially at utility scale.What does it take to deploy and operate large-scale battery projects successfully? In this episode, we unpack the overlooked realities of BESS integration, from hidden operational risks to the processes that keep these systems running at full performance.Quentin is joined by Zach Vosburg, Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Flexgen. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:Integration 101: Why battery projects involve more than just stacking containers and switching them on.Commissioning bottlenecks and technical handovers: What tends to go wrong and how teams resolve it.Lifecycle support in storage: The difference between getting a site to COD and keeping it profitable five years later.Control software and data layers: How visibility, automation, and preventative diagnostics are shaping BESS operations.Lessons learned: The most common mistakes made during battery deployment and how the sector is learning to avoid them.About our guestZach Vosburg is Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Flexgen, where he works across engineering, analytics, and software implementation to support the long-term performance of battery assets across multiple U.S. markets.FlexGen specializes in integrating battery systems with traditional and renewable power sources, offering advanced energy management solutions, including its HybridOS platform. The company focuses on optimizing energy storage performance, ensuring grid reliability, and supporting the transition to sustainable energy. for more information on what FlexGen do, head to their website.

Behind every battery system that comes online is a hidden world of engineering, integration, and performance management. Getting a site up and running is only the beginning - keeping it safe, efficient, and profitable over time is where the real challenge begins. As investment in storage accelerates, the process from a blueprint to bankable asset remains a demanding process, especially at utility scale.What does it take to deploy and operate large-scale battery projects successfully? In this episode, we unpack the overlooked realities of BESS integration, from hidden operational risks to the processes that keep these systems running at full performance.Quentin is joined by Zach Vosburg, Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Flexgen. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:Integration 101: Why battery projects involve more than just stacking containers and switching them on.Commissioning bottlenecks and technical handovers: What tends to go wrong and how teams resolve it.Lifecycle support in storage: The difference between getting a site to COD and keeping it profitable five years later.Control software and data layers: How visibility, automation, and preventative diagnostics are shaping BESS operations.Lessons learned: The most common mistakes made during battery deployment and how the sector is learning to avoid them.About our guestZach Vosburg is Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Flexgen, where he works across engineering, analytics, and software implementation to support the long-term performance of battery assets across multiple U.S. markets.FlexGen specializes in integrating battery systems with traditional and renewable power sources, offering advanced energy management solutions, including its HybridOS platform. The company focuses on optimizing energy storage performance, ensuring grid reliability, and supporting the transition to sustainable energy. for more information on what FlexGen do, head to their website.

As battery energy storage systems scale up, so do the risks. For insurers, developers, and investors, understanding how to manage those risks has never been more important. From fire events like Moss Landing to the evolving role of insurance across development, construction, and operations, the way insurers are underwriting storage is changing fast.In this episode we unpack how the insurance world is thinking about batteries, exploring how risk is priced, what underwriters look for in new technologies, and why insurability is becoming a key commercial consideration for project developers. Whether you're securing project finance, evaluating warranties, or just navigating changing industry expectations, this conversation is packed with insight from someone working at the frontier of energy infrastructure risk.In this episode of Transmission, Ed is joined by Michael Bogdon, Partner at Lockton. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:Moss Landing and fire risk: What recent high-profile battery failures tell us about risk and how the industry is adapting.Insurance across the asset lifecycle: From development through to operations, how risk profiles evolve and what coverage actually looks like.Bankability and risk transfer: Why insurance is now a core part of making projects financeable and what's driving underwriter decision-making.Emerging tech and evolving standards: How insurers approach new chemistries, control systems, and unfamiliar manufacturers.The future of battery insurability: What needs to change, from data access to design practices to make large-scale storage lower risk and more cost-effective.About our guestMichael Bogdon is a Partner at Lockton, where he specialises in insurance and risk advisory for renewable energy and energy storage projects. With a background in structuring coverage for complex infrastructure assets, Michael works closely with developers, investors, and insurers to ensure that clean energy projects are bankable, resilient, and ready to scale.Lockton is the world's largest privately held insurance brokerage, providing tailored risk management, insurance, and employee benefits solutions. With deep expertise in energy and infrastructure, Lockton advises developers, investors, and operators on how to structure coverage for complex assets—including renewable energy and battery storage projects. For more information, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As battery energy storage systems scale up, so do the risks. For insurers, developers, and investors, understanding how to manage those risks has never been more important. From fire events like Moss Landing to the evolving role of insurance across development, construction, and operations, the way insurers are underwriting storage is changing fast.In this episode we unpack how the insurance world is thinking about batteries, exploring how risk is priced, what underwriters look for in new technologies, and why insurability is becoming a key commercial consideration for project developers. Whether you're securing project finance, evaluating warranties, or just navigating changing industry expectations, this conversation is packed with insight from someone working at the frontier of energy infrastructure risk.In this episode of Transmission, Ed is joined by Michael Bogdon, Partner at Lockton. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:Moss Landing and fire risk: What recent high-profile battery failures tell us about risk and how the industry is adapting.Insurance across the asset lifecycle: From development through to operations, how risk profiles evolve and what coverage actually looks like.Bankability and risk transfer: Why insurance is now a core part of making projects financeable and what's driving underwriter decision-making.Emerging tech and evolving standards: How insurers approach new chemistries, control systems, and unfamiliar manufacturers.The future of battery insurability: What needs to change, from data access to design practices to make large-scale storage lower risk and more cost-effective.About our guestMichael Bogdon is a Partner at Lockton, where he specialises in insurance and risk advisory for renewable energy and energy storage projects. With a background in structuring coverage for complex infrastructure assets, Michael works closely with developers, investors, and insurers to ensure that clean energy projects are bankable, resilient, and ready to scale.Lockton is the world's largest privately held insurance brokerage, providing tailored risk management, insurance, and employee benefits solutions. With deep expertise in energy and infrastructure, Lockton advises developers, investors, and operators on how to structure coverage for complex assets—including renewable energy and battery storage projects. For more information, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

From arbitraging volatility and unlocking grid stability, battery energy storage is playing an increasingly central role in power markets. But even the most well optimized units can fall short of their potential if one key metric is off: state of charge (SOC). Get it wrong, even slightly, and the revenue losses can be staggering.State of charge is hard to measure accurately - errors can compound over time, and what operators do to improve performance can make huge differences in profitability. Whether you're an asset owner, optimiser, or just want to understand the real-world constraints behind battery revenue models, this conversation is packed with detail and lessons that could change how you think about storage strategy.In this episode of Transmission, Quentin sits down with Blake Rector, Director of Markets and Optimization at Powin explore the nuances of SOC. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:Why state of charge matters: How even a 1% error in SOC estimation can significantly reduce revenue from energy trading and grid services.Operational vs. theoretical capacity: The difference between nameplate and usable capacity, and why operators often leave value on the table.Forecasting and dispatch constraints: Why better SOC management means more flexibility and higher earnings in volatile markets.Hardware vs. software approaches to SOC: What Powin has learned about algorithmic improvements, calibration strategies, and real-time feedback loops.Powin's scale and strategy: With 17 GWh online or under construction, what's next for one of America's fastest-growing battery OEMs?About our guestBlake Rector is Director of Markets and Optimization at Powin, where he leads the company's efforts to maximise the performance and revenue of battery energy storage systems across multiple markets. With a background in energy markets, analytics, and operational strategy, Blake focuses on the interface between algorithmic control, asset health, and market opportunity.Powin is a U.S. based global energy storage platform provider specializing in fully integrated, utility-scale battery energy storage systems. With over 17 GWh of systems deployed or under construction worldwide, Powin delivers scalable solutions that enable the transition to clean, reliable, and affordable energy. For more information, head to their website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

From arbitraging volatility and unlocking grid stability, battery energy storage is playing an increasingly central role in power markets. But even the most well optimized units can fall short of their potential if one key metric is off: state of charge (SOC). Get it wrong, even slightly, and the revenue losses can be staggering.State of charge is hard to measure accurately - errors can compound over time, and what operators do to improve performance can make huge differences in profitability. Whether you're an asset owner, optimiser, or just want to understand the real-world constraints behind battery revenue models, this conversation is packed with detail and lessons that could change how you think about storage strategy.In this episode of Transmission, Quentin sits down with Blake Rector, Director of Markets and Optimization at Powin explore the nuances of SOC. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:Why state of charge matters: How even a 1% error in SOC estimation can significantly reduce revenue from energy trading and grid services.Operational vs. theoretical capacity: The difference between nameplate and usable capacity, and why operators often leave value on the table.Forecasting and dispatch constraints: Why better SOC management means more flexibility and higher earnings in volatile markets.Hardware vs. software approaches to SOC: What Powin has learned about algorithmic improvements, calibration strategies, and real-time feedback loops.Powin's scale and strategy: With 17 GWh online or under construction, what's next for one of America's fastest-growing battery OEMs?About our guestBlake Rector is Director of Markets and Optimization at Powin, where he leads the company's efforts to maximise the performance and revenue of battery energy storage systems across multiple markets. With a background in energy markets, analytics, and operational strategy, Blake focuses on the interface between algorithmic control, asset health, and market opportunity.Powin is a U.S. based global energy storage platform provider specializing in fully integrated, utility-scale battery energy storage systems. With over 17 GWh of systems deployed or under construction worldwide, Powin delivers scalable solutions that enable the transition to clean, reliable, and affordable energy. For more information, head to their website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As the energy transition in Australia and New Zealand accelerates, the ability to develop, finance, and operate renewable energy projects is becoming increasingly complex. Success now demands more than technical delivery, it requires a deep understanding of market risk, community engagement, and long-term asset management.From battery storage financing to the growing importance of social license, this episode explores navigating risk, engaging communities, and why having a long-term view matters more than ever, as Australia navigates away from the traditional model of centralised coal and gas toward a more renewables centred generation stack.In this episode of Transmission, Wendel joined by Dennis Freedman, Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Aquila Clean Energy. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:Aquila Clean Energy's approach to battery storage: Why being comfortable with merchant risk is vital and how the debt market's view on batteries is changing.The challenge of modelling batteries vs. wind and solar: Why volatility and spread are what matter for storage revenues.Australia vs. New Zealand: Comparing two very different energy systems, from hydro dominance to nodal pricing structures.Social license and misinformation: Why community engagement is becoming the biggest challenge for new projects and how developers can get it right.The future of the grid: Why replacing coal requires not just generation, but massive investment in transmission and why politics is increasingly slowing the transition.Mentioned in the episodeDennis is a member of the Clean Energy Council, if you would like to learn more about the CEC, head over to their website. About our guestDennis Freedman is Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Aquila Clean Energy, where he oversees the development, construction, and operation of renewable and storage projects across the region. With nearly 20 years of experience in the energy industry, Dennis brings a long-term perspective to market risk, community engagement, and what it really takes to scale clean energy infrastructure.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As the energy transition in Australia and New Zealand accelerates, the ability to develop, finance, and operate renewable energy projects is becoming increasingly complex. Success now demands more than technical delivery, it requires a deep understanding of market risk, community engagement, and long-term asset management.From battery storage financing to the growing importance of social license, this episode explores navigating risk, engaging communities, and why having a long-term view matters more than ever, as Australia navigates away from the traditional model of centralised coal and gas toward a more renewables centred generation stack.In this episode of Transmission, Wendel joined by Dennis Freedman, Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Aquila Clean Energy. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:Aquila Clean Energy's approach to battery storage: Why being comfortable with merchant risk is vital and how the debt market's view on batteries is changing.The challenge of modelling batteries vs. wind and solar: Why volatility and spread are what matter for storage revenues.Australia vs. New Zealand: Comparing two very different energy systems, from hydro dominance to nodal pricing structures.Social license and misinformation: Why community engagement is becoming the biggest challenge for new projects and how developers can get it right.The future of the grid: Why replacing coal requires not just generation, but massive investment in transmission and why politics is increasingly slowing the transition.Mentioned in the episodeDennis is a member of the Clean Energy Council, if you would like to learn more about the CEC, head over to their website. About our guestDennis Freedman is Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Aquila Clean Energy, where he oversees the development, construction, and operation of renewable and storage projects across the region. With nearly 20 years of experience in the energy industry, Dennis brings a long-term perspective to market risk, community engagement, and what it really takes to scale clean energy infrastructure.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Battery storage has quickly moved from a niche technology to a core pillar of the energy transition. But one big question has remained: when will the world's largest banks fully get behind it? And what will it take for battery projects to attract long-term, large-scale financial backing?How are market structures, price signals, and contract innovations shaping the future of battery investment? And what do developers, asset owners, and market participants need to understand as the sector matures?In this episode of Transmission, Quentin is joined by Bryan Long, Executive Director at JP Morgan, to explore how major banks are approaching battery storage. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:The evolution of the US power markets: How market structures have enabled huge investment in renewables and what's changing as load growth accelerates.The tipping point for batteries: Why banks like JP Morgan are now engaging in battery storage and what portfolio scale means for financing.Battery portfolios vs. single assets: How portfolio effects smooth returns, de-risk projects, and open new hedging strategies.Forward hedging for batteries: Why linking short-term battery operations with long-term forward markets is the next step for financial maturity.The rise of new trading products: How market participants are pricing volatility, risk, and revenue certainty across high and low-demand periods.US vs. European market dynamics: How the US remains the global leader in sending investable price signals and what Europe can learn as it faces its own transition challenges.About our guestBryan Long is Executive Director at JP Morgan, specialising in power markets, commodity risk management, and structured energy products. With a background spanning real-time trading, renewables origination, and large-scale hedging strategies, Bryan helps clients navigate the evolving landscape of US energy markets—and build resilience as the grid transitions toward more flexible, renewable systems.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Battery storage has quickly moved from a niche technology to a core pillar of the energy transition. But one big question has remained: when will the world's largest banks fully get behind it? And what will it take for battery projects to attract long-term, large-scale financial backing?How are market structures, price signals, and contract innovations shaping the future of battery investment? And what do developers, asset owners, and market participants need to understand as the sector matures?In this episode of Transmission, Quentin is joined by Bryan Long, Executive Director at JP Morgan, to explore how major banks are approaching battery storage. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:The evolution of the US power markets: How market structures have enabled huge investment in renewables and what's changing as load growth accelerates.The tipping point for batteries: Why banks like JP Morgan are now engaging in battery storage and what portfolio scale means for financing.Battery portfolios vs. single assets: How portfolio effects smooth returns, de-risk projects, and open new hedging strategies.Forward hedging for batteries: Why linking short-term battery operations with long-term forward markets is the next step for financial maturity.The rise of new trading products: How market participants are pricing volatility, risk, and revenue certainty across high and low-demand periods.US vs. European market dynamics: How the US remains the global leader in sending investable price signals and what Europe can learn as it faces its own transition challenges.About our guestBryan Long is Executive Director at JP Morgan, specialising in power markets, commodity risk management, and structured energy products. With a background spanning real-time trading, renewables origination, and large-scale hedging strategies, Bryan helps clients navigate the evolving landscape of US energy markets—and build resilience as the grid transitions toward more flexible, renewable systems.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Retail energy may seem like a simple business on the surface. Sell electricity, serve customers - but behind the scenes, it's anything but. Every household bill is backed by a series of decisions: how to hedge supply, when to lock in prices, and how to manage risk across millions of customers. As volatility increases and decarbonisation accelerates, the pressure on energy retailers to get those decisions right is only growing.In this episode of Transmission, Ed speaks with Gethin Musk, Head of Trading at OVO, one of the UK's leading energy suppliers. Gethin gives a behind-the-scenes look at how retail portfolios are managed, why hedging is such a delicate balancing act, and how flexibility assets like batteries might reshape the future of consumer energy costs. Throughout the conversation, you'll hear about: The fundamentals of retail hedging: What does it actually take to hedge a retail book and why is it more complicated than it looks?Managing customer risk: How retailers like OVO protect their customers from price shocks, and what happens when volatility spikes.The role of batteries in supply portfolios: Are flexible assets like storage a viable tool for smoothing retail exposure?Innovation vs. margin pressure: How retailers are navigating the tension between net zero ambitions and competitive pricing.Working in trading: Gethin shares what skills matter most, how his team is structured, and advice for those looking to enter energy trading from non-traditional backgrounds.About our GuestGethin Musk is Head of Trading at OVO, where he oversees the company's wholesale energy procurement and risk management strategies. With a background spanning utilities, trading, and market operations, he plays a key role in ensuring OVO's retail portfolio stays resilient, cost-effective, and aligned with the broader energy transition. For more information, head to the OVO website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Retail energy may seem like a simple business on the surface. Sell electricity, serve customers - but behind the scenes, it's anything but. Every household bill is backed by a series of decisions: how to hedge supply, when to lock in prices, and how to manage risk across millions of customers. As volatility increases and decarbonisation accelerates, the pressure on energy retailers to get those decisions right is only growing.In this episode of Transmission, Ed speaks with Gethin Musk, Head of Trading at OVO, one of the UK's leading energy suppliers. Gethin gives a behind-the-scenes look at how retail portfolios are managed, why hedging is such a delicate balancing act, and how flexibility assets like batteries might reshape the future of consumer energy costs. Throughout the conversation, you'll hear about: The fundamentals of retail hedging: What does it actually take to hedge a retail book and why is it more complicated than it looks?Managing customer risk: How retailers like OVO protect their customers from price shocks, and what happens when volatility spikes.The role of batteries in supply portfolios: Are flexible assets like storage a viable tool for smoothing retail exposure?Innovation vs. margin pressure: How retailers are navigating the tension between net zero ambitions and competitive pricing.Working in trading: Gethin shares what skills matter most, how his team is structured, and advice for those looking to enter energy trading from non-traditional backgrounds.About our GuestGethin Musk is Head of Trading at OVO, where he oversees the company's wholesale energy procurement and risk management strategies. With a background spanning utilities, trading, and market operations, he plays a key role in ensuring OVO's retail portfolio stays resilient, cost-effective, and aligned with the broader energy transition. For more information, head to the OVO website. About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As artificial intelligence reshapes every sector, its impact on energy markets is only just beginning to unfold. From smarter forecasts to autonomous trading, AI is opening new doors for market access, optimisation, and commercial participation.What does it take to go from hype to real-world performance? How can AI lower barriers for new entrants, and how are platforms like Gridmatic helping to automate the complexity of trading in volatile markets? Whether you're an asset owner, trader, or just curious about how automation is changing the energy landscape, today we're unpacking where AI is heading and what that means for the future of power market participation.In this episode of Transmission, Quentin sits down with David Miller, VP of Business Development at Gridmatic, to unpack what AI really means in a power market context. Over the conversation you'll hear about:• What AI actually does in power markets: Beyond the buzzwords, David walks through the core functions of Gridmatic's AI - from forecasting to bidding to real-time optimisation.• Access vs. optimisation: Why some market participants struggle just to get in the door and how AI can streamline onboarding, participation, and profitability.• Volatility and opportunity: As market spreads become more dynamic, AI-driven strategies are proving especially valuable for batteries and flexible assets.• Trusting the black box: What does it take for asset owners to feel confident letting an algorithm take the wheel?• AI vs. traditional strategies: Why Gridmatic sees its advantage in consistently adapting to changing price signals and operational constraints faster than human traders can.About our guestDavid Miller is Vice President of Business Development at Gridmatic, a US-based AI-powered energy trading firm. With a background spanning renewable energy, commercial strategy, and digital innovation, David works closely with asset owners, developers, and market operators to unlock the full potential of autonomous trading in electricity markets. For more information on what Gridmatic do, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy terminal. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As artificial intelligence reshapes every sector, its impact on energy markets is only just beginning to unfold. From smarter forecasts to autonomous trading, AI is opening new doors for market access, optimisation, and commercial participation.What does it take to go from hype to real-world performance? How can AI lower barriers for new entrants, and how are platforms like Gridmatic helping to automate the complexity of trading in volatile markets? Whether you're an asset owner, trader, or just curious about how automation is changing the energy landscape, today we're unpacking where AI is heading and what that means for the future of power market participation.In this episode of Transmission, Quentin sits down with David Miller, VP of Business Development at Gridmatic, to unpack what AI really means in a power market context. Over the conversation you'll hear about:• What AI actually does in power markets: Beyond the buzzwords, David walks through the core functions of Gridmatic's AI - from forecasting to bidding to real-time optimisation.• Access vs. optimisation: Why some market participants struggle just to get in the door and how AI can streamline onboarding, participation, and profitability.• Volatility and opportunity: As market spreads become more dynamic, AI-driven strategies are proving especially valuable for batteries and flexible assets.• Trusting the black box: What does it take for asset owners to feel confident letting an algorithm take the wheel?• AI vs. traditional strategies: Why Gridmatic sees its advantage in consistently adapting to changing price signals and operational constraints faster than human traders can.About our guestDavid Miller is Vice President of Business Development at Gridmatic, a US-based AI-powered energy trading firm. With a background spanning renewable energy, commercial strategy, and digital innovation, David works closely with asset owners, developers, and market operators to unlock the full potential of autonomous trading in electricity markets. For more information on what Gridmatic do, head to their website.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy terminal. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As Europe's energy markets evolve, the Nordic region provides a fascinating case study. High hydro penetration, cross-border interconnections, and shifting regulatory frameworks are shaping a unique electricity market with lessons for the rest of the continent. From Sweden's shift to zonal pricing to growing debates around consumer fairness and the future role of storage, the region continues to test the boundaries of what a flexible, renewable-heavy market can look like and what it means for the rest of Europe.In this episode of Transmission, Ed is joined by Riku Merikoski, Senior Power Analyst at Axpo Group, to explore the distinct challenges and opportunities in the Nordics. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:The role of batteries in the Nordics – in a system already dominated by flexible hydro, where exactly do batteries fit in?Swedens move away from a national market in 2011 and adoption of a zonal market structure.Interconnection and integration in the region.Rethinking fairness in energy policy – who really needs support, and should subsidies extend to second homes?What the Nordics can teach the rest of Europe (and the world) about balancing renewable integration, price signals, and consumer outcomes.About our guestAxpo Group is Switzerland's largest producer of renewable energy and a leading international player in energy trading and the marketing of solar and wind power. Headquartered in Baden, the company operates across more than 30 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia, offering innovative energy solutions to industrial and commercial customers. With a diverse portfolio that includes hydropower, nuclear, biomass, and gas-fired plants, Axpo is committed to enabling a sustainable future through technological innovation and strategic investments in clean energy. For more info, head to their website.Riku Merikoski is a Senior Power Analyst at Axpo Group, specializing in Nordic and UK power market analysis within the company's fundamental analysis team. With over a decade of experience in the North European power markets, his insights have supported significant investments across major low-carbon power production technologies.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As Europe's energy markets evolve, the Nordic region provides a fascinating case study. High hydro penetration, cross-border interconnections, and shifting regulatory frameworks are shaping a unique electricity market with lessons for the rest of the continent. From Sweden's shift to zonal pricing to growing debates around consumer fairness and the future role of storage, the region continues to test the boundaries of what a flexible, renewable-heavy market can look like and what it means for the rest of Europe.In this episode of Transmission, Ed is joined by Riku Merikoski, Senior Power Analyst at Axpo Group, to explore the distinct challenges and opportunities in the Nordics. Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:The role of batteries in the Nordics – in a system already dominated by flexible hydro, where exactly do batteries fit in?Swedens move away from a national market in 2011 and adoption of a zonal market structure.Interconnection and integration in the region.Rethinking fairness in energy policy – who really needs support, and should subsidies extend to second homes?What the Nordics can teach the rest of Europe (and the world) about balancing renewable integration, price signals, and consumer outcomes.About our guestAxpo Group is Switzerland's largest producer of renewable energy and a leading international player in energy trading and the marketing of solar and wind power. Headquartered in Baden, the company operates across more than 30 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia, offering innovative energy solutions to industrial and commercial customers. With a diverse portfolio that includes hydropower, nuclear, biomass, and gas-fired plants, Axpo is committed to enabling a sustainable future through technological innovation and strategic investments in clean energy. For more info, head to their website.Riku Merikoski is a Senior Power Analyst at Axpo Group, specializing in Nordic and UK power market analysis within the company's fundamental analysis team. With over a decade of experience in the North European power markets, his insights have supported significant investments across major low-carbon power production technologies.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As the energy transition accelerates, batteries are no longer just utility-scale infrastructure - they're moving into homes, neighbourhoods, and communities. Residential storage is emerging as a powerful tool for improving grid reliability, reducing electricity costs, and giving consumers more control over their energy use. This shift is being driven by falling technology costs, growing demand for backup power, and the need for faster, more flexible ways to support an increasingly electrified grid.While most attention in the battery world focuses on utility-scale systems, Base Power is scaling something different: a distributed, behind-the-meter fleet of residential batteries installed across Texas homes.Zach walks us through the business model, the reasons residential deployment is faster and more scalable than many assume, and how Base's vertically integrated strategy is unlocking both customer trust and capital efficiency. From billing and software to partnerships with utilities, the conversation unpacks what it takes to bring batteries to the grid at speed and at scale.In this episode of Transmission, Quentin is joined by Zach Dell, CEO and founder of Base Power, a fast-growing startup redefining how residential batteries are deployed and monetised in the U.S.Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:The story of Base Power and why it is focusing on distributed, behind the meter residential deployment.How Base participates in ERCOT markets and plans for ancillary services.Zach's take on cost curves, solar + storage vs nuclear, and the future of distributed energy.The role of vertical integration in reducing cost and increasing speed at every step of the process.Why more granular price signals in Texas could supercharge DER investmentAbout our guestBase Power is a Texas-based energy company pioneering a new model of home energy service by combining residential battery storage with retail electricity provision. Founded in 2023, the company aims to enhance grid reliability and affordability through a network of distributed, software-connected batteries across Texas homes. For more information on Base Power, head to their website.Zach Dell is the founder and CEO of Base Power. A Texas native with a background in finance, Zach started Base after working in New York and seeing the opportunity to accelerate battery deployment through a distributed, vertically integrated model.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As the energy transition accelerates, batteries are no longer just utility-scale infrastructure - they're moving into homes, neighbourhoods, and communities. Residential storage is emerging as a powerful tool for improving grid reliability, reducing electricity costs, and giving consumers more control over their energy use. This shift is being driven by falling technology costs, growing demand for backup power, and the need for faster, more flexible ways to support an increasingly electrified grid.While most attention in the battery world focuses on utility-scale systems, Base Power is scaling something different: a distributed, behind-the-meter fleet of residential batteries installed across Texas homes.Zach walks us through the business model, the reasons residential deployment is faster and more scalable than many assume, and how Base's vertically integrated strategy is unlocking both customer trust and capital efficiency. From billing and software to partnerships with utilities, the conversation unpacks what it takes to bring batteries to the grid at speed and at scale.In this episode of Transmission, Quentin is joined by Zach Dell, CEO and founder of Base Power, a fast-growing startup redefining how residential batteries are deployed and monetised in the U.S.Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:The story of Base Power and why it is focusing on distributed, behind the meter residential deployment.How Base participates in ERCOT markets and plans for ancillary services.Zach's take on cost curves, solar + storage vs nuclear, and the future of distributed energy.The role of vertical integration in reducing cost and increasing speed at every step of the process.Why more granular price signals in Texas could supercharge DER investmentAbout our guestBase Power is a Texas-based energy company pioneering a new model of home energy service by combining residential battery storage with retail electricity provision. Founded in 2023, the company aims to enhance grid reliability and affordability through a network of distributed, software-connected batteries across Texas homes. For more information on Base Power, head to their website.Zach Dell is the founder and CEO of Base Power. A Texas native with a background in finance, Zach started Base after working in New York and seeing the opportunity to accelerate battery deployment through a distributed, vertically integrated model.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Operating a battery in Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) is no simple task. With a five-minute dispatch interval, nodal pricing, and an energy-only market structure, success hinges on the ability to process and respond to massive amounts of data in real time. These unique market dynamics demand sophisticated strategies for battery optimization, underpinned by algorithmic bidding and advanced forecasting.As renewable penetration grows and the grid becomes more volatile, batteries are playing a pivotal role in providing fast, flexible support. But unlocking their full value requires a deep understanding of the NEM's fast-paced, data-driven environment—where every five minutes counts.In this episode, Matt Grover, Director of Sales Engineering and Energy Markets for Fluence in APAC - joins Wendel Hortop to discuss what optimization looks like in the NEM.Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:How algorithmic bidding continues to evolve in the NEM, demanding adaptability to successfully optimize batteries.Challenges faced by asset owners in managing state of charge in real time.Local dispatch prices vs. regional settlement prices in Australia.The emergence of virtual toll agreements in the NEM.The growth of battery portfolios and the challenge of co-optimization.About our guestFluence is on a mission to create a more sustainable future by transforming the way we power our world. Fluence brings proven energy storage products and services, and digital applications for renewables and storage to support the modernization of our energy networks. For more information on the services Fluence provides, check out their website.Matt leads the Energy Markets team and the Sales Engineering function within Fluence's Digital division in APAC, looking after Fluence's Mosaic software product offering and helping dozens of renewable generators and BESS assets trade in Australia's National Electricity Market.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

Operating a battery in Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) is no simple task. With a five-minute dispatch interval, nodal pricing, and an energy-only market structure, success hinges on the ability to process and respond to massive amounts of data in real time. These unique market dynamics demand sophisticated strategies for battery optimization, underpinned by algorithmic bidding and advanced forecasting.As renewable penetration grows and the grid becomes more volatile, batteries are playing a pivotal role in providing fast, flexible support. But unlocking their full value requires a deep understanding of the NEM's fast-paced, data-driven environment—where every five minutes counts.In this episode, Matt Grover, Director of Sales Engineering and Energy Markets for Fluence in APAC - joins Wendel Hortop to discuss what optimization looks like in the NEM.Over the course of the conversation, you'll hear about:How algorithmic bidding continues to evolve in the NEM, demanding adaptability to successfully optimize batteries.Challenges faced by asset owners in managing state of charge in real time.Local dispatch prices vs. regional settlement prices in Australia.The emergence of virtual toll agreements in the NEM.The growth of battery portfolios and the challenge of co-optimization.About our guestFluence is on a mission to create a more sustainable future by transforming the way we power our world. Fluence brings proven energy storage products and services, and digital applications for renewables and storage to support the modernization of our energy networks. For more information on the services Fluence provides, check out their website.Matt leads the Energy Markets team and the Sales Engineering function within Fluence's Digital division in APAC, looking after Fluence's Mosaic software product offering and helping dozens of renewable generators and BESS assets trade in Australia's National Electricity Market.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

As the energy transition accelerates, the landscape of start-up funding is evolving, particularly in the energy storage sector. The impact of the recent downturns and the growing complexity of the capital stack means energy start-ups need to be ahead of the curve to secure funding in an ever-changing environment.From scaling energy technologies across diverse regulatory environments to the opportunities facing climate tech entrepreneurs today, the world of venture capital is changing and so must the strategies to ensure success. In todays's episode, Philipp Emig, Senior Vice President at Picus Capital, joins Quentin to discuss how start-up get funded in the energy transition. Throughout the conversation, you'll hear about:The role of venture capital and early stage investing in climate tech and Picas Capital's focus in this.Trends in climate tech funding - from the decline in funding levels to the successes of battery and home energy control technologies.Differences between energy markets and comparisons of energy market development stages across regions.The importance of different types of investors at various stages of company growth.Grid-scale energy storage solutions and the potential for software-driven asset management in the energy sectorAbout our guestPicus Capital invest in early-stage technology ventures with a focus on energy & climate, fintech, enterprise infrastructure, generative ai, cybersecurity, healthcare, and enterprise application, specializing in Pre-Seed, Seed and Series A ventures. For more information on what Picus Capital do, check out their website.Philipp joined Picus Capital in 2021, where he focuses on energy & climate investments, as well as on pre-seed stage efforts. Prior to this, Philipp worked for McKinsey & Company in Munich and advised clients across Europe in the energy, mobility and process industry mainly on innovation, strategy and sustainability topics.About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.