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Transmission brings you insights from thought leaders, energy experts and cleantech specialists from across the industry.

Modo Energy


    • Oct 1, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 42m AVG DURATION
    • 310 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Transmission

    Why the ISP Puts Batteries at the Heart of the NEM with Alex Wonhas (AMPYR)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 34:31


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Australia's energy system is at a tipping point. As more renewables come online, the challenge is no longer just about building generation but about ensuring the grid can handle it reliably, affordably, and at speed. Without flexible infrastructure, bottlenecks grow, projects stall, and costs climb.In this episode, Wendel is joined by Alex Wonhas. The conversation explores how projects like Bulable One are redefining what batteries can deliver, how connections reform is shaping deployment, and how equity-sharing with First Nations groups could set a new standard for community benefit. We also look at what Australia's experience can teach the world about scaling storage and sharing the gains of the clean energy transition fairly.Key topics covered include:• How the Bulable One project is setting new benchmarks for battery storage in Australia.• Why the Integrated System Plan (ISP) positions storage as the backbone of a renewable grid.• What connections reform means for speeding up the pipeline of projects.• How equity-sharing with First Nations communities can shape a fairer energy transition.• What the rest of the world can learn from Australia's approach to scaling storage and renewables.About our guestAlex Wonhas is CEO of Ampyr Australia, where he is leading the company's expansion into large-scale renewables and storage across the NEM. With a career spanning system design at the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and senior leadership in global engineering consultancy, Alex brings deep expertise in how to plan, build, and operate complex power systems. For more information on AMPYR, 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 interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    Why the ISP Puts Batteries at the Heart of the NEM with Alex Wonhas (AMPYR)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 34:31


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Australia's energy system is at a tipping point. As more renewables come online, the challenge is no longer just about building generation but about ensuring the grid can handle it reliably, affordably, and at speed. Without flexible infrastructure, bottlenecks grow, projects stall, and costs climb.In this episode, Wendel is joined by Alex Wonhas. The conversation explores how projects like Bulable One are redefining what batteries can deliver, how connections reform is shaping deployment, and how equity-sharing with First Nations groups could set a new standard for community benefit. We also look at what Australia's experience can teach the world about scaling storage and sharing the gains of the clean energy transition fairly.Key topics covered include:• How the Bulable One project is setting new benchmarks for battery storage in Australia.• Why the Integrated System Plan (ISP) positions storage as the backbone of a renewable grid.• What connections reform means for speeding up the pipeline of projects.• How equity-sharing with First Nations communities can shape a fairer energy transition.• What the rest of the world can learn from Australia's approach to scaling storage and renewables.About our guestAlex Wonhas is CEO of Ampyr Australia, where he is leading the company's expansion into large-scale renewables and storage across the NEM. With a career spanning system design at the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and senior leadership in global engineering consultancy, Alex brings deep expertise in how to plan, build, and operate complex power systems. For more information on AMPYR, 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 interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    What sustainable investing looks like in practice with Shanu Mathew (Lazard Asset Management)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 43:14


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.How do public markets really view the energy transition? And what signals are investors looking for before they back the companies building tomorrow's energy system? Financing the energy transition isn't just about building projects, it's about convincing capital markets to back them. Uncertainty around policy, regulation, and profitability often slows the flow of capital into clean energy and without clear signals, institutional investors may hesitate, leaving projects underfunded and slowing down the pace of change.So what will it take to unlock that investment at scale? In this conversation, Quentin is joined by Shanu Mathew, Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Lazard Asset Management, explains how public markets view the risks and opportunities of the transition. He shares what investors are really looking for, from policy clarity to proof of long-term returns and how these signals can accelerate the deployment of capital into the companies and technologies shaping our net zero future.Key topics covered include:• How public markets evaluate energy and climate-focused companies.• The signals investors want to see before deploying capital.• Why policy clarity and consistency are critical for unlocking investment.• The impact of market volatility, interest rates, and geopolitics on investor appetite.• What listed markets reveal about the future shape of the energy transition.Note: Our guest caught a slip of the tongue—at timestamps 22:52, 23:08, and 23:21, they said "per square foot" but meant "per megawatt."About our guestShanu Mathew is Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Lazard Asset Management, where he manages global public equity portfolios for institutional investors. With a focus on energy and climate, he brings a unique perspective on how public markets assess risk, opportunity, and long-term value in the transition to net zero. His insights highlight what investors need to see to unlock capital at scale for the clean energy transition. For more information on Lazard Asset Management - 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 interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    What sustainable investing looks like in practice with Shanu Mathew (Lazard Asset Management)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 43:14


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.How do public markets really view the energy transition? And what signals are investors looking for before they back the companies building tomorrow's energy system? Financing the energy transition isn't just about building projects, it's about convincing capital markets to back them. Uncertainty around policy, regulation, and profitability often slows the flow of capital into clean energy and without clear signals, institutional investors may hesitate, leaving projects underfunded and slowing down the pace of change.So what will it take to unlock that investment at scale? In this conversation, Quentin is joined by Shanu Mathew, Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Lazard Asset Management, explains how public markets view the risks and opportunities of the transition. He shares what investors are really looking for, from policy clarity to proof of long-term returns and how these signals can accelerate the deployment of capital into the companies and technologies shaping our net zero future.Key topics covered include:• How public markets evaluate energy and climate-focused companies.• The signals investors want to see before deploying capital.• Why policy clarity and consistency are critical for unlocking investment.• The impact of market volatility, interest rates, and geopolitics on investor appetite.• What listed markets reveal about the future shape of the energy transition.Note: Our guest caught a slip of the tongue—at timestamps 22:52, 23:08, and 23:21, they said "per square foot" but meant "per megawatt."About our guestShanu Mathew is Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Lazard Asset Management, where he manages global public equity portfolios for institutional investors. With a focus on energy and climate, he brings a unique perspective on how public markets assess risk, opportunity, and long-term value in the transition to net zero. His insights highlight what investors need to see to unlock capital at scale for the clean energy transition. For more information on Lazard Asset Management - 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 interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    How Energy Storage Gets Built with Bex Sherwood (Field)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 43:09


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.How do you take a battery project from an empty field to a grid-connected asset that actually supports the system? And with queue reforms, planning pressure, and shifting revenue stacks, what does it now take to move storage from idea to operation at speed *and* at scale?Today we're taking a look how sites are found, why connections and planning timelines make or break projects, and which policy changes (from connections reform to Clean Power 2030) matter most for accelerating flexible capacity on the system.In this episode, Ed is joined joined by Bex Sherwood, Head of Development at Field, to unpack how a storage developer navigates origination, planning, construction and optimisation and where the biggest bottlenecks (and opportunities) now sit.Key topics covered include:How battery storage projects are developed. From day zero through to operations.The impact of Clean Power 2030 and connections reform on storage growth.The key challenges developers face in planning and permitting.How Field has evolved since 2023, moving from developer to owner, operator, and optimiser.Why diversity in the workforce matters for the future of batteries and STEM.About our guestBex Sherwood is Head of Development at Field, a developer, owner, operator and optimiser of grid-scale battery storage; she also chairs Regen's Planning Working Group, focusing on practical reforms to speed well-sited, system-friendly projects. For more information about Field, 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 interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    How Energy Storage Gets Built with Bex Sherwood (Field)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 43:09


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.How do you take a battery project from an empty field to a grid-connected asset that actually supports the system? And with queue reforms, planning pressure, and shifting revenue stacks, what does it now take to move storage from idea to operation at speed *and* at scale?Today we're taking a look how sites are found, why connections and planning timelines make or break projects, and which policy changes (from connections reform to Clean Power 2030) matter most for accelerating flexible capacity on the system.In this episode, Ed is joined joined by Bex Sherwood, Head of Development at Field, to unpack how a storage developer navigates origination, planning, construction and optimisation and where the biggest bottlenecks (and opportunities) now sit.Key topics covered include:How battery storage projects are developed. From day zero through to operations.The impact of Clean Power 2030 and connections reform on storage growth.The key challenges developers face in planning and permitting.How Field has evolved since 2023, moving from developer to owner, operator, and optimiser.Why diversity in the workforce matters for the future of batteries and STEM.About our guestBex Sherwood is Head of Development at Field, a developer, owner, operator and optimiser of grid-scale battery storage; she also chairs Regen's Planning Working Group, focusing on practical reforms to speed well-sited, system-friendly projects. For more information about Field, 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 interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    Reinventing Venture Capital for the Energy Transition with Evan Caron (Montauk Climate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 55:23


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Traditional models of company building often fall short in the energy transition space. Unlike apps or SaaS, energy is complex, capital-heavy, and tied to physical assets that keep the lights on.But the rise of the 'electron economy' see's a new approach to building companies, and could help unlock the next wave of innovation for the energy transition, supporting the convergence of electricity, technology, and infrastructure.In this conversation, Evan Caron CEO and Founder of Montauk Climate joins Quentin to explore all things energy and venture capital. Key topics covered include:Key topics covered include: • How the ‘electron economy' is reshaping markets and business models.• The shortcomings of the traditional venture model in energy and infrastructure.• How Montauk Capital flips the incubator model to build companies from the ground up.• The importance of deep expertise and management teams in scaling climate businesses.• What investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers can learn from this new approach.About our guestEvan Caron is the founder of Montauk Capital, a venture studio dedicated to building companies for the energy transition. He brings extensive experience across energy markets, venture capital, and infrastructure investment, with a career dedicated to advancing the intersection of finance and the energy system. Evan leads a structured approach to building businesses in the electron economy identifying high-impact opportunities, developing strategies, and assembling expert leadership teams to scale solutions that address some of the most complex challenges in energy and climate. For more information on Montauk Climate, head to their websiteAbout 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 interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    Reinventing Venture Capital for the Energy Transition with Evan Caron (Montauk Climate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 55:23


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Traditional models of company building often fall short in the energy transition space. Unlike apps or SaaS, energy is complex, capital-heavy, and tied to physical assets that keep the lights on.But the rise of the 'electron economy' see's a new approach to building companies, and could help unlock the next wave of innovation for the energy transition, supporting the convergence of electricity, technology, and infrastructure.In this conversation, Evan Caron CEO and Founder of Montauk Climate joins Quentin to explore all things energy and venture capital. Key topics covered include:Key topics covered include: • How the ‘electron economy' is reshaping markets and business models.• The shortcomings of the traditional venture model in energy and infrastructure.• How Montauk Capital flips the incubator model to build companies from the ground up.• The importance of deep expertise and management teams in scaling climate businesses.• What investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers can learn from this new approach.About our guestEvan Caron is the founder of Montauk Capital, a venture studio dedicated to building companies for the energy transition. He brings extensive experience across energy markets, venture capital, and infrastructure investment, with a career dedicated to advancing the intersection of finance and the energy system. Evan leads a structured approach to building businesses in the electron economy identifying high-impact opportunities, developing strategies, and assembling expert leadership teams to scale solutions that address some of the most complex challenges in energy and climate. For more information on Montauk Climate, head to their websiteAbout 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 interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    How To Balance Global Energy Systems with Elena Pravettoni and Phoebe O'Hara (Systemiq)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 42:17


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletterWhich regions are best positioned for the clean energy transition and what does it really cost to balance these variable power sources across a global energy system? The transition is not just about choosing the cheapest technology upfront. It's about understanding the system-wide costs of integrating renewables.As the world races to electrify, countries face starkly different starting points. Some have abundant solar resources; others rely on wind. But no matter the geography, the same challenge emerges: how do we balance intermittent renewables while keeping costs down for consumers? Every country will have to solve the balance challenge, but the path will look different depending on local resources.In this episode of Transmission, Elena Pravettoni and Phoebe O'Hara from SystemE&Piq join us to unpack one of the most pressing questions in energy today: how to design power systems that are clean, affordable, and reliable at scale.In this conversation, we cover:Sun belts vs wind hotspots: Which geographies are better placed for the clean energy transition, and why local resources matter.Why building renewables is only half the challenge, and how flexibility shapes the true system cost.The role of storage, interconnection and demand response - the tools that make variable renewables reliable and affordable at scale.Global lessons in power system design – what countries can learn from each other.The importance of looking beyond cheapest generation to understand long-term system costs.Mentioned in the episodePower Systems Transformation Report Demand side flexibility – unleashing untapped potential for clean powerAbout our guestsElena Pravettoni is Head of Analysis at the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC), where she leads research and insights to support policymakers and industry leaders in accelerating the global energy transition. Her work focuses on system-wide analysis to guide decision-making on clean power, decarbonisation pathways, and cost-effective solutions for net zero. Connect on LinkedInPhoebe O'Hara is Head of Clean Power at the ETC, where she leads work on power system transformation and is the lead author of the Commission's recent report on the future of global clean power. With a background in battery storage and energy innovation, Phoebe brings deep expertise on the technologies and policies that enable reliable, affordable renewable energy at scale. Connect on LinkedIn For more information on the Energy Transmissions Commision or Systemiq, check out their websites. https://www.systemiq.earth/https://www.energy-transitions.org/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 interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    How To Balance Global Energy Systems with Elena Pravettoni and Phoebe O'Hara (Systemiq)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 42:17


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletterWhich regions are best positioned for the clean energy transition and what does it really cost to balance these variable power sources across a global energy system? The transition is not just about choosing the cheapest technology upfront. It's about understanding the system-wide costs of integrating renewables.As the world races to electrify, countries face starkly different starting points. Some have abundant solar resources; others rely on wind. But no matter the geography, the same challenge emerges: how do we balance intermittent renewables while keeping costs down for consumers? Every country will have to solve the balance challenge, but the path will look different depending on local resources.In this episode of Transmission, Elena Pravettoni and Phoebe O'Hara from SystemE&Piq join us to unpack one of the most pressing questions in energy today: how to design power systems that are clean, affordable, and reliable at scale.In this conversation, we cover:Sun belts vs wind hotspots: Which geographies are better placed for the clean energy transition, and why local resources matter.Why building renewables is only half the challenge, and how flexibility shapes the true system cost.The role of storage, interconnection and demand response - the tools that make variable renewables reliable and affordable at scale.Global lessons in power system design – what countries can learn from each other.The importance of looking beyond cheapest generation to understand long-term system costs.Mentioned in the episodePower Systems Transformation Report Demand side flexibility – unleashing untapped potential for clean powerAbout our guestsElena Pravettoni is Head of Analysis at the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC), where she leads research and insights to support policymakers and industry leaders in accelerating the global energy transition. Her work focuses on system-wide analysis to guide decision-making on clean power, decarbonisation pathways, and cost-effective solutions for net zero. Connect on LinkedInPhoebe O'Hara is Power Lead at the ETC, where she leads work on power system transformation and is the lead author of the Commission's recent report on the future of global clean power. With a background in battery storage and energy innovation, Phoebe brings deep expertise on the technologies and policies that enable reliable, affordable renewable energy at scale. Connect on LinkedIn For more information on the Energy Transmissions Commision or Systemiq, check out their websites. https://www.systemiq.earth/https://www.energy-transitions.org/

    Intelligent Demand: How Consumers Can Support The Grid with Alex Schoch (Octopus Energy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 36:58


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Traditional power systems were designed to flow one way from centralised transmission assets down to households and businesses. But as electrification accelerates, this old model risks becoming a bottleneck. The grid faces growing pressure from rising demand, including EVs, heat pumps, industrial loads and variable renewable generation, but these could also be the key to flexibility success. The challenge is clear: how do we meet net zero goals affordably, without locking consumers into higher bills?In this conversation, Alex Schoch, VP of Flexibility and Electrification at Octopus Energy joins Ed Porter to unpack the critical role of consumer-led flexibility in the net zero transition.Key topics include:Why intelligent demand is no longer optional for the energy system and what happens if we ignore it.What does the shift from a supply-led grid to one shaped by consumers really look like?How smart tariffs can turn everyday appliances into tools for the energy transition.How aggregation at scale could rival traditional infrastructure and reshape system operations.Why flexibility can save consumers money as well as the system billions.About our guestAlex Schoch is VP of Flexibility and Electrification at Octopus Energy, where he leads efforts to accelerate the electrification of transport, heating, and industry while integrating consumer demand into power systems. With a background at Tesla launching both EV and energy storage businesses -including the landmark Hornsdale battery project in Australia. Alex brings deep expertise in how technology, markets, and policy intersect to drive the energy transition.Connect with Alex on LinkedInor for more information on what Octopus 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 interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    Intelligent Demand: How Consumers Can Support The Grid with Alex Schoch (Octopus Energy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 36:58


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Traditional power systems were designed to flow one way from centralised transmission assets down to households and businesses. But as electrification accelerates, this old model risks becoming a bottleneck. The grid faces growing pressure from rising demand, including EVs, heat pumps, industrial loads and variable renewable generation, but these could also be the key to flexibility success. The challenge is clear: how do we meet net zero goals affordably, without locking consumers into higher bills?In this conversation, Alex Schoch, VP of Flexibility and Electrification at Octopus Energy joins Ed Porter to unpack the critical role of consumer-led flexibility in the net zero transition.Key topics include:Why intelligent demand is no longer optional for the energy system and what happens if we ignore it.What does the shift from a supply-led grid to one shaped by consumers really look like?How smart tariffs can turn everyday appliances into tools for the energy transition.How aggregation at scale could rival traditional infrastructure and reshape system operations.Why flexibility can save consumers money as well as the system billions.About our guestAlex Schoch is VP of Flexibility and Electrification at Octopus Energy, where he leads efforts to accelerate the electrification of transport, heating, and industry while integrating consumer demand into power systems. With a background at Tesla launching both EV and energy storage businesses -including the landmark Hornsdale battery project in Australia. Alex brings deep expertise in how technology, markets, and policy intersect to drive the energy transition.Connect with Alex on LinkedInor for more information on what Octopus 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 interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    Can Regulatory Reform Unlock the UK's Clean Energy Future with Georgina Mills (Ofgem)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 32:49


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletterDelivering a decarbonised power system isn't just about building more renewables and storage, it's also about regulation. The rules that shape investment, protect consumers, and manage risk are critical to whether the UK can hit net zero on time.But regulation comes with trade-offs. How do you keep bills affordable while ensuring enough capital flows into clean infrastructure? How do you encourage innovation without compromising reliability? And how can Ofgem strike the right balance between investor certainty and consumer protection in a period of huge change?In this conversation, Ed speaks with Georgina Mills, Director of Energy Systems Management & Security at Ofgem about the regulator's role in the UK's energy transition. They discuss the frameworks that shape investment in networks, the need for agility in a fast-changing market, and what regulatory innovation might look like as we build a net zero system.Key topics covered include:Why regulation is central to delivering net zero on time.The trade-offs between consumer protection and investor certainty.How Ofgem is adapting frameworks to enable flexibility and innovation.The role of regulatory signals in unlocking clean energy investment.What the future of energy regulation could look like in a net zero world.About our guest Georgina Mills is Director of Energy Systems Management & Security at Ofgem, where she leads reform of network charging and facilitates low-carbon investment across Great Britain's electricity system. With experience spanning regulatory roles in both the UK and New Zealand, Georgina oversees initiatives that balance consumer protection with system resilienceAbout 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 interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    Can Regulatory Reform Unlock the UK's Clean Energy Future with Georgina Mills (Ofgem)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 32:49


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletterDelivering a decarbonised power system isn't just about building more renewables and storage, it's also about regulation. The rules that shape investment, protect consumers, and manage risk are critical to whether the UK can hit net zero on time.But regulation comes with trade-offs. How do you keep bills affordable while ensuring enough capital flows into clean infrastructure? How do you encourage innovation without compromising reliability? And how can Ofgem strike the right balance between investor certainty and consumer protection in a period of huge change?In this conversation, Ed speaks with Georgina Mills, Director of Energy Systems Management & Security at Ofgem about the regulator's role in the UK's energy transition. They discuss the frameworks that shape investment in networks, the need for agility in a fast-changing market, and what regulatory innovation might look like as we build a net zero system.Key topics covered include:Why regulation is central to delivering net zero on time.The trade-offs between consumer protection and investor certainty.How Ofgem is adapting frameworks to enable flexibility and innovation.The role of regulatory signals in unlocking clean energy investment.What the future of energy regulation could look like in a net zero world.About our guest Georgina Mills is Director of Energy Systems Management & Security at Ofgem, where she leads reform of network charging and facilitates low-carbon investment across Great Britain's electricity system. With experience spanning regulatory roles in both the UK and New Zealand, Georgina oversees initiatives that balance consumer protection with system resilienceAbout 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 interviews are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, conversations, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    Why Energy Trading Must Evolve for the Renewable Era with Rasmus Rode Mosbæk (Hybrid Greentech)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 33:31


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.As renewables take a larger share of the power mix, the need for flexibility in electricity markets has never been greater. But while the technology exists. From batteries and demand response to interconnectors the challenge lies in creating the right market structures and incentives to bring it all together.Today's power markets were designed around centralised fossil generation. For flexibility to scale, they must evolve, ensuring that short-term trading, ancillary services, and long-term contracts all work in harmony. Without that, renewable integration will stall, and the cost of balancing the grid will rise.In this episode of Transmission, Quentin is joined by Rasmus Rode Mosbæk to explore the future of energy trading and flexibility markets. They discuss how market design can enable faster renewable integration, why transparency and liquidity matter, and what lessons can be drawn from other European systems. Over the course of the conversation, they discuss:Why flexibility is the missing piece in renewable integration.How market design shapes investment and innovation in storage.The growing role of short-term trading in balancing the grid.Lessons from European power markets on flexibility and liquidity.What's needed to unlock the full potential of demand-side response.About our guestRasmus Rode Mosbæk is the CEO and Founder of Hybrid Greentech, a Danish software company specialising in intelligent energy storage solutions. With an MSc and PhD in energy systems, Rasmus combines deep technical expertise with commercial insight to deliver smarter ways of integrating renewables into the grid. At Hybrid Greentech, he leads the development of HERA, an AI-powered platform that optimises virtual power plants and battery storage, helping asset owners maximise revenues, extend asset lifetimes, and strengthen grid stability. For more information on Hybrid Greentech, 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    Why Energy Trading Must Evolve for the Renewable Era with Rasmus Rode Mosbæk (Hybrid Greentech)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 33:31


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.As renewables take a larger share of the power mix, the need for flexibility in electricity markets has never been greater. But while the technology exists. From batteries and demand response to interconnectors the challenge lies in creating the right market structures and incentives to bring it all together.Today's power markets were designed around centralised fossil generation. For flexibility to scale, they must evolve, ensuring that short-term trading, ancillary services, and long-term contracts all work in harmony. Without that, renewable integration will stall, and the cost of balancing the grid will rise.In this episode of Transmission, Quentin is joined by Rasmus Rode Mosbæk to explore the future of energy trading and flexibility markets. They discuss how market design can enable faster renewable integration, why transparency and liquidity matter, and what lessons can be drawn from other European systems. Over the course of the conversation, they discuss:Why flexibility is the missing piece in renewable integration.How market design shapes investment and innovation in storage.The growing role of short-term trading in balancing the grid.Lessons from European power markets on flexibility and liquidity.What's needed to unlock the full potential of demand-side response.About our guestRasmus Rode Mosbæk is the CEO and Founder of Hybrid Greentech, a Danish software company specialising in intelligent energy storage solutions. With an MSc and PhD in energy systems, Rasmus combines deep technical expertise with commercial insight to deliver smarter ways of integrating renewables into the grid. At Hybrid Greentech, he leads the development of HERA, an AI-powered platform that optimises virtual power plants and battery storage, helping asset owners maximise revenues, extend asset lifetimes, and strengthen grid stability. For more information on Hybrid Greentech, 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    Alleviating grid stresses with virtual power plants, with Michael Lynch (Enel X)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 26:00


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Electricity grids worldwide need both the flexibility to adapt to renewable energy sources, and the resilience to cope with grid-stress events. Demand curtailment and other forms of demand-side response (DSR) play an increasingly fundamental role in supporting both these requirements, yet direct participation in these programmes can be complex, and is typically geared towards high-demand customers with single, centralised sites.However smaller, decentralised organisations can still unlock the benefits of DSR and provide a crucial grid service by working with an aggregator. By bringing multiple demand customers and sites together in a virtual power plant (VPP), aggregators help businesses of all sizes become major contributors to grid stability, without the challenges of managing individual enrolment themselves.In this episode, Michael Lynch, manager of Enel X's global Network Operations Centre (NOC) in Dublin, joins Ed Porter to discuss the growing role of VPPs in helping stabilise global electricity grids. In conversation they discuss:The nature of VPPs, and the type of generation, storage and load-curtailment resources they aggregate. How VPPs respond to the requirements of grid and asset operators. The use of flexibility and automation in managing VPP performance. The need for resilience in the NOC to ensure a reliable and rapid response in volatile conditions – from shutdowns and outages, to extreme weather and earthquakes. The human dimension and skills set required to balance around 10 GW of flexibility services worldwide.The future of VPPs as they adopt more battery storage assets in EVs, homes and businesses.About our guestMichael joined Enel X Global Retail in 2020 from an airline operations control centre, where hegained hands-on experience planning, scheduling and managing disruptions in a fast-paced,high-pressure environment.Enel X Global Retail is Enel Group's business line dedicated to customers around the world with the aim of effectively providing products and services based on their energy needs and encouraging them towards a more conscious and sustainable use of energy. Globally, it provides electricity, integrated and innovative energy services to more than 54 million customers worldwide, offering flexibility services aggregating 9.8 GW, managing around 3 million lighting points, and with 30,500 owned public charging points for electric mobility.For more information on what Enel X Global Retail does, head to its website at https://www.enelx.com/uk/en/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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    Alleviating grid stresses with virtual power plants, with Michael Lynch (Enel X)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 26:00


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Electricity grids worldwide need both the flexibility to adapt to renewable energy sources, and the resilience to cope with grid-stress events. Demand curtailment and other forms of demand-side response (DSR) play an increasingly fundamental role in supporting both these requirements, yet direct participation in these programmes can be complex, and is typically geared towards high-demand customers with single, centralised sites.However smaller, decentralised organisations can still unlock the benefits of DSR and provide a crucial grid service by working with an aggregator. By bringing multiple demand customers and sites together in a virtual power plant (VPP), aggregators help businesses of all sizes become major contributors to grid stability, without the challenges of managing individual enrolment themselves.In this episode, Michael Lynch, manager of Enel X's global Network Operations Centre (NOC) in Dublin, joins Ed Porter to discuss the growing role of VPPs in helping stabilise global electricity grids. In conversation they discuss:The nature of VPPs, and the type of generation, storage and load-curtailment resources they aggregate. How VPPs respond to the requirements of grid and asset operators. The use of flexibility and automation in managing VPP performance. The need for resilience in the NOC to ensure a reliable and rapid response in volatile conditions – from shutdowns and outages, to extreme weather and earthquakes. The human dimension and skills set required to balance around 10 GW of flexibility services worldwide.The future of VPPs as they adopt more battery storage assets in EVs, homes and businesses.About our guestMichael joined Enel X Global Retail in 2020 from an airline operations control centre, where hegained hands-on experience planning, scheduling and managing disruptions in a fast-paced,high-pressure environment.Enel X Global Retail is Enel Group's business line dedicated to customers around the world with the aim of effectively providing products and services based on their energy needs and encouraging them towards a more conscious and sustainable use of energy. Globally, it provides electricity, integrated and innovative energy services to more than 54 million customers worldwide, offering flexibility services aggregating 9.8 GW, managing around 3 million lighting points, and with 30,500 owned public charging points for electric mobility.For more information on what Enel X Global Retail does, head to its website at https://www.enelx.com/uk/en/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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    Financing US Battery Storage: Tariffs, Tax Credits, & the Future of Clean Energy | Chris Taylor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 48:45


    To get the latest on energy storage, market movements, and revenue indices, straight to your inbox every week, sign up the Weekly Dispatch.Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletterThe United States is at a pivotal moment in its energy transition. Massive policy shifts like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have unlocked unprecedented levels of clean energy investment, from wind and solar to hydrogen and carbon capture. But ambition alone doesn't build projects the real challenge is how to finance, structure, and deliver gigawatts of new capacity at the speed net zero requires.Tax credits, long-term offtake structures, and regulatory frameworks will determine which projects attract capital and which stall in development. Add in the complexity of interconnection queues, supply chain constraints, and regional market rules, and it's clear that capital deployment in the US clean energy sector is as complex as it is urgent.In this episode of *Transmission*, Quentin speaks with **Chris Taylor, CEO of GridStor**, to explore how capital is flowing into US energy storage, what investors are looking for, and why regulatory clarity is key to unlocking large-scale deployment. They discuss how storage fits into the wider clean energy build-out, and what it will take to turn climate ambition into bankable, shovel-ready projects.Key topics covered include: - How the Inflation Reduction Act is reshaping storage investment in the US.- Why interconnection queues are one of the biggest barriers to deployment.- What investors need to see to back large-scale storage projects.- The balance between federal incentives and private capital.- The impact of tariffs and domestic production incentives on supply chains.About our guestChris Taylor is the CEO of GridStor, a US-based developer focused on large-scale battery energy storage. With a career spanning energy investment, infrastructure, and project development, Chris brings deep expertise in how capital, policy, and technology intersect to accelerate the clean energy transition. At GridStor, he leads efforts to deliver gigawatt-scale storage projects that help balance the grid, integrate renewables, and provide critical flexibility to the power system. His perspective combines hands-on development experience with an investor's eye for risk, regulation, and long-term value creation in the rapidly evolving US energy market. For more information on what GridStor do, head to their [website.](https://gridstor.com/)

    Financing US Battery Storage: Tariffs, Tax Credits, & the Future of Clean Energy | Chris Taylor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 48:45


    To get the latest on energy storage, market movements, and revenue indices, straight to your inbox every week, sign up the Weekly Dispatch.Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletterThe United States is at a pivotal moment in its energy transition. Massive policy shifts like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have unlocked unprecedented levels of clean energy investment, from wind and solar to hydrogen and carbon capture. But ambition alone doesn't build projects the real challenge is how to finance, structure, and deliver gigawatts of new capacity at the speed net zero requires.Tax credits, long-term offtake structures, and regulatory frameworks will determine which projects attract capital and which stall in development. Add in the complexity of interconnection queues, supply chain constraints, and regional market rules, and it's clear that capital deployment in the US clean energy sector is as complex as it is urgent.In this episode of *Transmission*, Quentin speaks with **Chris Taylor, CEO of GridStor**, to explore how capital is flowing into US energy storage, what investors are looking for, and why regulatory clarity is key to unlocking large-scale deployment. They discuss how storage fits into the wider clean energy build-out, and what it will take to turn climate ambition into bankable, shovel-ready projects.Key topics covered include: - How the Inflation Reduction Act is reshaping storage investment in the US.- Why interconnection queues are one of the biggest barriers to deployment.- What investors need to see to back large-scale storage projects.- The balance between federal incentives and private capital.- The impact of tariffs and domestic production incentives on supply chains.About our guestChris Taylor is the CEO of GridStor, a US-based developer focused on large-scale battery energy storage. With a career spanning energy investment, infrastructure, and project development, Chris brings deep expertise in how capital, policy, and technology intersect to accelerate the clean energy transition. At GridStor, he leads efforts to deliver gigawatt-scale storage projects that help balance the grid, integrate renewables, and provide critical flexibility to the power system. His perspective combines hands-on development experience with an investor's eye for risk, regulation, and long-term value creation in the rapidly evolving US energy market. For more information on what GridStor do, head to their [website.](https://gridstor.com/)

    Beyond the EV Hype: Why the Transition Needs Better Stories with Robert Llewellyn (Everything Electric)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 41:28


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Electric vehicles are no longer a niche technology. Costs are falling, ranges are increasing, and adoption is growing across the UK and beyond. But despite this progress, the EV transition is still battling misinformation, cultural resistance, and outdated narratives that slow down change.The problem isn't just about technology, it's about how the story is told. From charging infrastructure myths to debates over grid capacity, the way we talk about EVs has a direct impact on how fast people adopt them. To accelerate the shift, the industry needs clear communication, positive examples, and a willingness to challenge entrenched scepticism.In this episode of Transmission, Ed is joined by Robert Llewellyn - actor, writer, and founder of Everything Electric - to explore how storytelling, education, and culture are shaping the clean transport revolution. Together, they dig into why better narratives matter just as much as better batteries in driving the shift to zero-carbon mobility. Over the course of the conversation they discuss:⚡ Why EV myths still dominate the conversation and how to challenge them.⚡ The role of media and storytelling in accelerating adoption.⚡ How charging infrastructure is developing faster than public perception.⚡ Why the grid can cope with electrification and what still needs work.⚡ What's next for EV culture as the transition goes mainstream.About our guestRobert Llewellyn is an actor, writer, presenter, and the creator of Everything Electric, one of the world's leading channels dedicated to electric vehicles and clean energy. Best known to many as Kryten from Red Dwarf and host of Scrapheap Challenge, Robert has become a driving force in the public conversation around electrification and sustainability. Through Everything Electric (and Fully Charged before it), he has built a global platform that champions EV adoption, renewable power, and smarter energy systems making complex topics accessible and inspiring millions to engage with the transition to net zero. Find Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-llewellyn-0a43992b/?originalSubdomain=ukAbout 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    Beyond the EV Hype: Why the Transition Needs Better Stories with Robert Llewellyn (Everything Electric)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 41:28


    Want the latest news, analysis, and price indices from power markets around the globe - delivered to your inbox, every week?Sign up for the Weekly Dispatch - Modo Energy's unmissable newsletter.Electric vehicles are no longer a niche technology. Costs are falling, ranges are increasing, and adoption is growing across the UK and beyond. But despite this progress, the EV transition is still battling misinformation, cultural resistance, and outdated narratives that slow down change.The problem isn't just about technology, it's about how the story is told. From charging infrastructure myths to debates over grid capacity, the way we talk about EVs has a direct impact on how fast people adopt them. To accelerate the shift, the industry needs clear communication, positive examples, and a willingness to challenge entrenched scepticism.In this episode of Transmission, Ed is joined by Robert Llewellyn - actor, writer, and founder of Everything Electric - to explore how storytelling, education, and culture are shaping the clean transport revolution. Together, they dig into why better narratives matter just as much as better batteries in driving the shift to zero-carbon mobility. Over the course of the conversation they discuss:⚡ Why EV myths still dominate the conversation and how to challenge them.⚡ The role of media and storytelling in accelerating adoption.⚡ How charging infrastructure is developing faster than public perception.⚡ Why the grid can cope with electrification and what still needs work.⚡ What's next for EV culture as the transition goes mainstream.About our guestRobert Llewellyn is an actor, writer, presenter, and the creator of Everything Electric, one of the world's leading channels dedicated to electric vehicles and clean energy. Best known to many as Kryten from Red Dwarf and host of Scrapheap Challenge, Robert has become a driving force in the public conversation around electrification and sustainability. Through Everything Electric (and Fully Charged before it), he has built a global platform that champions EV adoption, renewable power, and smarter energy systems making complex topics accessible and inspiring millions to engage with the transition to net zero. Find Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-llewellyn-0a43992b/?originalSubdomain=ukAbout 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work.

    Rethinking Grid Connections for the AI Era with Paul Manning (NovoGrid)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 43:33


    The energy grid is facing a new kind of challenge: enormous, fast-arriving demand from hyperscale data centres, driven by AI and digitalisation. These “giga-campuses” are no longer talking about tens of megawatts they're applying for a gigawatt of capacity in a single location.That's the same scale of demand Portugal expects to add across the entire country over a decade - now requested in one UK town. For National Grid, developers, and policymakers, the question is urgent: how do you connect this demand without waiting 15 years for traditional reinforcements? It is increasingly clear that the future of large-scale demand isn't just about building faster, it's about building smarter. Flexible connections, real-time load management, and accurate grid modelling will be essential to connect AI-era demand without crippling the network or wasting resources.In this episode of Transmission, Ed sits down with Paul Manning, Commercial Director at Novogrid, about how real-time data and control can transform grid operations. From improving renewable integration to reducing connection delays, they explore the technology, market design, and operational shifts needed to build a more dynamic and efficient electricity system. ⚡ Why hyperscale data centres break the old rules for grid planning and capacity allocation.⚡The bottleneck: why firm connections could delay projects for over a decade.⚡ Flexible (non-firm) connections as a faster route and what this means for data centre operations.⚡ How to align computational load with grid availability to avoid stranded assets and wasted capacity.⚡ The role of grid analytics in de-risking curtailment and speeding up the transitionAbout the GuestPaul Manning is Co-Founder and Commercial Director at Novogrid, a grid analytics company acquired by Danish energy services firm Opora. Novagrid specialises in modelling the energy grid and helping clients plan projects from “time zero” before a single cable is laid, to secure the best possible connection strategy. For more information, check out 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Rethinking Grid Connections for the AI Era with Paul Manning (NovoGrid)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 43:33


    The energy grid is facing a new kind of challenge: enormous, fast-arriving demand from hyperscale data centres, driven by AI and digitalisation. These “giga-campuses” are no longer talking about tens of megawatts they're applying for a gigawatt of capacity in a single location.That's the same scale of demand Portugal expects to add across the entire country over a decade - now requested in one UK town. For National Grid, developers, and policymakers, the question is urgent: how do you connect this demand without waiting 15 years for traditional reinforcements? It is increasingly clear that the future of large-scale demand isn't just about building faster, it's about building smarter. Flexible connections, real-time load management, and accurate grid modelling will be essential to connect AI-era demand without crippling the network or wasting resources.In this episode of Transmission, Ed sits down with Paul Manning, Commercial Director at Novogrid, about how real-time data and control can transform grid operations. From improving renewable integration to reducing connection delays, they explore the technology, market design, and operational shifts needed to build a more dynamic and efficient electricity system. ⚡ Why hyperscale data centres break the old rules for grid planning and capacity allocation.⚡The bottleneck: why firm connections could delay projects for over a decade.⚡ Flexible (non-firm) connections as a faster route and what this means for data centre operations.⚡ How to align computational load with grid availability to avoid stranded assets and wasted capacity.⚡ The role of grid analytics in de-risking curtailment and speeding up the transitionAbout the GuestPaul Manning is Co-Founder and Commercial Director at Novogrid, a grid analytics company acquired by Danish energy services firm Opora. Novagrid specialises in modelling the energy grid and helping clients plan projects from “time zero” before a single cable is laid, to secure the best possible connection strategy. For more information, check out 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Are UK Clean Energy Schemes Fit for 2030 with Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 56:02


    The UK's clean energy ambitions depend on more than just building wind farms and solar arrays they rely on the systems and schemes that decide how those projects connect to the grid and how they sell their power.From the long-established Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions to the upcoming Clean Power 30 reforms, the rules and incentives that have shaped renewable deployment are now under pressure. With the volume of projects in the pipeline and 2030 targets approaching fast, the question is whether these mechanisms are fit for today's pace of change.Without changes to connection processes and offtake frameworks, gigawatts of clean energy could stay stuck in the queue, missing climate deadlines and adding costs. Reforming these systems is critical to delivering the UK's 2030 decarbonisation goals.In this special Transmission × Energy Revolution Podcast crossover, Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett, who has worked at the heart of government energy policy joins Modo Energy's Ed Porter to explore: How today's grid connection schemes work and where delays are building up. The role CfDs have played in accelerating renewables, and the limitations they now face.What Clean Power 30 could mean for developers, investors, and the wider market. The balance between speed, fairness, and system stability in connecting new generation. Lessons from inside government on designing schemes that actually deliver.About our guestSulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett is a recognised leader in energy and climate policy. Formerly Head of Policy and Strategy for Renewable Delivery at the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and a Policy Fellow at the University of Cambridge, he brings deep expertise in renewable energy systems, market design, and policy innovation. With a career spanning government, academia, and climate advocacy, Sulaiman has shaped strategies to accelerate the energy transition and unlock renewable deployment at scale.Connect with Sulaiman on LinkedInAbout 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Are UK Clean Energy Schemes Fit for 2030 with Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 56:02


    The UK's clean energy ambitions depend on more than just building wind farms and solar arrays they rely on the systems and schemes that decide how those projects connect to the grid and how they sell their power.From the long-established Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions to the upcoming Clean Power 30 reforms, the rules and incentives that have shaped renewable deployment are now under pressure. With the volume of projects in the pipeline and 2030 targets approaching fast, the question is whether these mechanisms are fit for today's pace of change.Without changes to connection processes and offtake frameworks, gigawatts of clean energy could stay stuck in the queue, missing climate deadlines and adding costs. Reforming these systems is critical to delivering the UK's 2030 decarbonisation goals.In this special Transmission × Energy Revolution Podcast crossover, Sulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett, who has worked at the heart of government energy policy joins Modo Energy's Ed Porter to explore: How today's grid connection schemes work and where delays are building up. The role CfDs have played in accelerating renewables, and the limitations they now face.What Clean Power 30 could mean for developers, investors, and the wider market. The balance between speed, fairness, and system stability in connecting new generation. Lessons from inside government on designing schemes that actually deliver.About our guestSulaiman Ilyas-Jarrett is a recognised leader in energy and climate policy. Formerly Head of Policy and Strategy for Renewable Delivery at the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and a Policy Fellow at the University of Cambridge, he brings deep expertise in renewable energy systems, market design, and policy innovation. With a career spanning government, academia, and climate advocacy, Sulaiman has shaped strategies to accelerate the energy transition and unlock renewable deployment at scale.Connect with Sulaiman on LinkedInAbout 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Can the UK Scale Solar Fast Enough for Net Zero with Chris Hewett (Solar Energy UK)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 32:42


    Solar has never been cheaper, cleaner, or more popular. Across rooftops, fields, and industrial sites, it's quietly reshaping the UK's energy mix. But momentum alone isn't enough. Without faster grid connections, streamlined planning, and a stable policy environment, the UK risks falling far short of its solar ambitions.The technology is proven, the economics are compelling, and the public is on board. What's missing is the speed and scale of deployment needed to hit net zero targets. The next phase for UK solar isn't about invention, it's about removing bottlenecks, integrating storage, and creating the right conditions for investors to back projects at pace.In this episode of Transmission, Ed is joined by Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, to unpack the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and outline how the UK can shift from incremental growth to a genuine solar surge.Over the conversation, they discuss: Why solar's rapid cost reductions haven't guaranteed rapid deploymentThe grid connection backlog and how to fix it How co-location with storage can unlock more capacity Why planning reform is critical for utility-scale solar The role of investor confidence in hitting solar deployment targetsAbout our guestChris Hewett is the Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, the trade association representing the UK's solar and energy storage industries. With years of experience in policy, advocacy, and the renewable energy sector, Chris is at the forefront of shaping the market conditions needed for solar to thrive. He works closely with government, industry, and stakeholders to unlock barriers to deployment, promote co-location with storage, and accelerate the UK's transition to a low-carbon power system. His insight spans everything from market growth trends to the regulatory reforms essential for scaling solar at pace. For more information - head to the Solar Energy UK 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Can the UK Scale Solar Fast Enough for Net Zero with Chris Hewett (Solar Energy UK)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 32:42


    Solar has never been cheaper, cleaner, or more popular. Across rooftops, fields, and industrial sites, it's quietly reshaping the UK's energy mix. But momentum alone isn't enough. Without faster grid connections, streamlined planning, and a stable policy environment, the UK risks falling far short of its solar ambitions.The technology is proven, the economics are compelling, and the public is on board. What's missing is the speed and scale of deployment needed to hit net zero targets. The next phase for UK solar isn't about invention, it's about removing bottlenecks, integrating storage, and creating the right conditions for investors to back projects at pace.In this episode of Transmission, Ed is joined by Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, to unpack the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and outline how the UK can shift from incremental growth to a genuine solar surge.Over the conversation, they discuss: Why solar's rapid cost reductions haven't guaranteed rapid deploymentThe grid connection backlog and how to fix it How co-location with storage can unlock more capacity Why planning reform is critical for utility-scale solar The role of investor confidence in hitting solar deployment targetsAbout our guestChris Hewett is the Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, the trade association representing the UK's solar and energy storage industries. With years of experience in policy, advocacy, and the renewable energy sector, Chris is at the forefront of shaping the market conditions needed for solar to thrive. He works closely with government, industry, and stakeholders to unlock barriers to deployment, promote co-location with storage, and accelerate the UK's transition to a low-carbon power system. His insight spans everything from market growth trends to the regulatory reforms essential for scaling solar at pace. For more information - head to the Solar Energy UK 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Deployment vs Development: The Real Net Zero Challenge with Guy Newey (Energy Systems Catapult)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 47:03


    We already have many solutions needed to decarbonise the grid, wind, solar, storage, and electrification solutions are proven and ready to go. But the real challenge now is speed: getting these technologies into the market, at scale, in a way that works for consumers, industry, and the grid.It's about optimising what we already have, removing bottlenecks, and aligning the policy, regulation, and market frameworks that will allow these solutions to flourish. From integrating heat pumps at pace to rethinking the incentives that drive investment, the next decade will be defined by how quickly we can turn ambition into delivery.In this episode of Transmission, Guy Newey, Chief Executive of Energy Systems Catapult, joins Ed to explore where the UK's focus should be, how to overcome the biggest barriers to scale, and why putting consumers at the heart of system design is critical to net zero success.key topics covered:Why innovation, not just new inventions, will determine net zero timelines.How to integrate more heat pumps into the energy system at pace.The role of consumer-centric design in decarbonising homes and transport.What market reforms mean for investment and innovation in GB. Where policy and industry alignment is critical to scaling proven tech.About our guestsGuy Newey is Chief Executive of Energy Systems Catapult, the UK's innovation centre dedicated to accelerating the transition to net zero. With a career spanning government policy, think tank leadership, and industry strategy, Guy has worked at the heart of the UK's clean energy transformation. He brings deep expertise in how markets, regulation, and innovation interact and how to turn proven technology into system-wide change. At Energy Systems Catapult, he leads efforts to design, test, and scale the solutions that will decarbonise heat, power, and transport while keeping consumers at the centre of the transition. For more information on what Energy Systems Catapult 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Deployment vs Development: The Real Net Zero Challenge with Guy Newey (Energy Systems Catapult)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 47:03


    We already have many solutions needed to decarbonise the grid, wind, solar, storage, and electrification solutions are proven and ready to go. But the real challenge now is speed: getting these technologies into the market, at scale, in a way that works for consumers, industry, and the grid.It's about optimising what we already have, removing bottlenecks, and aligning the policy, regulation, and market frameworks that will allow these solutions to flourish. From integrating heat pumps at pace to rethinking the incentives that drive investment, the next decade will be defined by how quickly we can turn ambition into delivery.In this episode of Transmission, Guy Newey, Chief Executive of Energy Systems Catapult, joins Ed to explore where the UK's focus should be, how to overcome the biggest barriers to scale, and why putting consumers at the heart of system design is critical to net zero success.key topics covered:Why innovation, not just new inventions, will determine net zero timelines.How to integrate more heat pumps into the energy system at pace.The role of consumer-centric design in decarbonising homes and transport.What market reforms mean for investment and innovation in GB. Where policy and industry alignment is critical to scaling proven tech.About our guestsGuy Newey is Chief Executive of Energy Systems Catapult, the UK's innovation centre dedicated to accelerating the transition to net zero. With a career spanning government policy, think tank leadership, and industry strategy, Guy has worked at the heart of the UK's clean energy transformation. He brings deep expertise in how markets, regulation, and innovation interact and how to turn proven technology into system-wide change. At Energy Systems Catapult, he leads efforts to design, test, and scale the solutions that will decarbonise heat, power, and transport while keeping consumers at the centre of the transition. For more information on what Energy Systems Catapult 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    What's Holding Back Clean Energy Investment in Australia with Belinda Cogswell (EY)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 39:21


    Billions in private capital are looking to back clean energy in Australia. But connecting those dollars to real projects isn't as simple as it sounds.From shifting policy environments to underdeveloped contracting models, developers and investors are navigating a fast-evolving energy landscape. Getting projects built, whether transmission, generation, or storage, requires more than just a good business case. It demands the right financial structures, policy clarity, and risk-sharing mechanisms.In this episode of Transmission, Belinda Cogswell, Partner at EY's Energy Lead Advisory team, joins Wendel to unpack what's working and what's holding things back when it comes to financing Australia's energy transition. Over the course of the conversation, they discuss:⚡ Why financial advisory has become central to delivering energy transition infrastructure.Belinda's role in the recently launched Waratah Super Battery Project. What's missing in contracting models for large-scale renewables and storage. How to structure deals in the face of market reform, volatility, and rising complexity. Why better alignment between public and private capital is critical to net zero timelines. About our guestBelinda Cogswell is a Partner in EY's Energy Lead Advisory team, where she advises on the financing and structuring of major energy transition projects across Australia. With a background that spans investment banking, infrastructure advisory, and public sector experience in the New South Wales government, Belinda works at the intersection of policy, private capital, and commercial delivery.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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week. #BatteryStorage #EnergyStorage #GridScaleBatteries #AustraliaEnergyMarket #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #FinancingRenewables #BatteryProjects #NetZero #CapacityInvestmentScheme #MerchantRisk #WaratahSuperBattery

    What's Holding Back Clean Energy Investment in Australia with Belinda Cogswell (EY)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 39:21


    Billions in private capital are looking to back clean energy in Australia. But connecting those dollars to real projects isn't as simple as it sounds.From shifting policy environments to underdeveloped contracting models, developers and investors are navigating a fast-evolving energy landscape. Getting projects built, whether transmission, generation, or storage, requires more than just a good business case. It demands the right financial structures, policy clarity, and risk-sharing mechanisms.In this episode of Transmission, Belinda Cogswell, Partner at EY's Energy Lead Advisory team, joins Wendel to unpack what's working and what's holding things back when it comes to financing Australia's energy transition. Over the course of the conversation, they discuss:⚡ Why financial advisory has become central to delivering energy transition infrastructure.Belinda's role in the recently launched Waratah Super Battery Project. What's missing in contracting models for large-scale renewables and storage. How to structure deals in the face of market reform, volatility, and rising complexity. Why better alignment between public and private capital is critical to net zero timelines. About our guestBelinda Cogswell is a Partner in EY's Energy Lead Advisory team, where she advises on the financing and structuring of major energy transition projects across Australia. With a background that spans investment banking, infrastructure advisory, and public sector experience in the New South Wales government, Belinda works at the intersection of policy, private capital, and commercial delivery.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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week. #BatteryStorage #EnergyStorage #GridScaleBatteries #AustraliaEnergyMarket #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition #FinancingRenewables #BatteryProjects #NetZero #CapacityInvestmentScheme #MerchantRisk #WaratahSuperBattery

    Pumped Thermal Energy: the Overlooked Storage Solution with Alexis Dole (SynchroStor)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 29:26


    As the grid decarbonises, our need for flexible, affordable, and longer-duration energy storage is growing fast. But are we overlooking some of the best tools for the job?Whilst lithium-ion and pumped hydro dominate the energy storage conversation, thermal energy storage offers a low-cost, scalable alternative that could complement renewables at massive scale.Explore how pumped thermal energy storage works, what makes it commercially compelling, and why it deserves more attention in the conversation around grid flexibility and net zero. In this episode, Alexis Dole, CTO at SynchroStor, joins Quentin. Over the course of the conversation they discuss: What sets thermal energy storage apart from alternatives like lithium-ion and pumped hydro. Why Synchrostor is betting on crushed rock and heat cycles over batteries. The storage challenge: balancing duration, cost, efficiency, and scale. How to design storage for real-world flexibility - not just peak shaving. Why the market undervalues long-duration storage and how that's starting to shift.About our GuestAlexis Dole is Chief Technology Officer at Synchrostor, a UK-based company developing pumped thermal energy storage solutions. With a background in mechanical and energy systems engineering, Alexis leads the development of novel long-duration storage technologies designed to integrate clean energy more effectively into the grid. For more information on SynchrStore - 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Pumped Thermal Energy: the Overlooked Storage Solution with Alexis Dole (SynchroStor)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 29:26


    As the grid decarbonises, our need for flexible, affordable, and longer-duration energy storage is growing fast. But are we overlooking some of the best tools for the job?Whilst lithium-ion and pumped hydro dominate the energy storage conversation, thermal energy storage offers a low-cost, scalable alternative that could complement renewables at massive scale.Explore how pumped thermal energy storage works, what makes it commercially compelling, and why it deserves more attention in the conversation around grid flexibility and net zero. In this episode, Alexis Dole, CTO at SynchroStor, joins Quentin. Over the course of the conversation they discuss: What sets thermal energy storage apart from alternatives like lithium-ion and pumped hydro. Why Synchrostor is betting on crushed rock and heat cycles over batteries. The storage challenge: balancing duration, cost, efficiency, and scale. How to design storage for real-world flexibility - not just peak shaving. Why the market undervalues long-duration storage and how that's starting to shift.About our GuestAlexis Dole is Chief Technology Officer at Synchrostor, a UK-based company developing pumped thermal energy storage solutions. With a background in mechanical and energy systems engineering, Alexis leads the development of novel long-duration storage technologies designed to integrate clean energy more effectively into the grid. For more information on SynchrStore - 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Sharing Power Across Borders: The Role of Interconnectors with Rebecca Sedler (National Grid)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 45:48


    As wind and solar ramp up in Europe and Great Britain, one thing becomes clear - clean energy works better when it's connected. Interconnectors are high capacity cables linking electricity grids between countries, and are critical to making the most of renewable power. They help move surplus wind across borders, balance supply and demand in real time, and can help reduce costs for consumers. The more we build, the more efficiently we can use clean energy across the whole of the UK and Europe.In this episode of Transmission, Rebecca Sedler, Managing Director of Interconnectors at National Grid, joins Ed to explain how these workhorses of the energy system operate and why they're set to play an even bigger role in the future grid.Over the conversation, we'll explore:• How interconnectors enable cross-border power flows and real-time system balancing.• How the UK moves electricity in and out of Europe in real time.• The role of interconnectors in reducing curtailment and maximising renewable asset utilisation.• Market coupling, price convergence, and the impact on system cost and consumer bills.• How projects like LionLink could help build a North Sea power grid.About our guestRebecca Sedler is Managing Director of Interconnectors at National Grid, where she leads the team responsible for the UK's network of subsea links with Europe. With a background in energy trading and commercial strategy, she brings a systems-wide perspective to one of the most complex and essential pieces of our future electricity infrastructure. For more information head to the National Grid 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Sharing Power Across Borders: The Role of Interconnectors with Rebecca Sedler (National Grid)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 45:48


    As wind and solar ramp up in Europe and Great Britain, one thing becomes clear - clean energy works better when it's connected. Interconnectors are high capacity cables linking electricity grids between countries, and are critical to making the most of renewable power. They help move surplus wind across borders, balance supply and demand in real time, and can help reduce costs for consumers. The more we build, the more efficiently we can use clean energy across the whole of the UK and Europe.In this episode of Transmission, Rebecca Sedler, Managing Director of Interconnectors at National Grid, joins Ed to explain how these workhorses of the energy system operate and why they're set to play an even bigger role in the future grid.Over the conversation, we'll explore:• How interconnectors enable cross-border power flows and real-time system balancing.• How the UK moves electricity in and out of Europe in real time.• The role of interconnectors in reducing curtailment and maximising renewable asset utilisation.• Market coupling, price convergence, and the impact on system cost and consumer bills.• How projects like LionLink could help build a North Sea power grid.About our guestRebecca Sedler is Managing Director of Interconnectors at National Grid, where she leads the team responsible for the UK's network of subsea links with Europe. With a background in energy trading and commercial strategy, she brings a systems-wide perspective to one of the most complex and essential pieces of our future electricity infrastructure. For more information head to the National Grid 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    What's Next for Gas in a Renewable-Powered Grid with Tom Glover (RWE)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 56:10


    As renewables dominate more of the UK grid, the role of gas is being fundamentally redefined.
It's no longer the workhorse it once was, but we're still going to need a lot of it. Even if gas makes up just 5% of electricity generation by 2030, we could still need around 35GW of capacity to back up wind and solar when the weather doesn't play ball. Transitioning from today's two-shift, baseload model to one that acts more like a strategic reserve in an intermittent, renewables-driven system. In this episode of Transmission, Tom Glover, UK Country Chair for RWE, joins the podcast to explore the future of gas in a net-zero electricity system, the realities of hydrogen and CCS retrofits, and what it will take to revive onshore wind in Great Britain.

Key topics include:Why the UK still needs 35GW of gas capacity, even as generation declines.What hydrogen and CCS really mean for the future of thermal plants.How gas is shifting from a baseload resource to a flexibility reserve.Why market design and investment signals must evolve for net zero.What's holding back UK onshore wind and how to fix it.About our guestTom Glover is the UK Country Chair at RWE, which operates Britain's largest power generation fleet. With more than two decades of experience in the energy sector, Tom brings a wide-angle view of how the UK's electricity system is changing from fossil fuels to renewables, and everything in between. He also chairs RWE's UK renewables business and holds board roles at Energy UK and the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, making him a key voice in the country's energy transition conversation.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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    What's Next for Gas in a Renewable-Powered Grid with Tom Glover (RWE)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 56:10


    As renewables dominate more of the UK grid, the role of gas is being fundamentally redefined.
It's no longer the workhorse it once was, but we're still going to need a lot of it. Even if gas makes up just 5% of electricity generation by 2030, we could still need around 35GW of capacity to back up wind and solar when the weather doesn't play ball. Transitioning from today's two-shift, baseload model to one that acts more like a strategic reserve in an intermittent, renewables-driven system. In this episode of Transmission, Tom Glover, UK Country Chair for RWE, joins the podcast to explore the future of gas in a net-zero electricity system, the realities of hydrogen and CCS retrofits, and what it will take to revive onshore wind in Great Britain.

Key topics include:Why the UK still needs 35GW of gas capacity, even as generation declines.What hydrogen and CCS really mean for the future of thermal plants.How gas is shifting from a baseload resource to a flexibility reserve.Why market design and investment signals must evolve for net zero.What's holding back UK onshore wind and how to fix it.About our guestTom Glover is the UK Country Chair at RWE, which operates Britain's largest power generation fleet. With more than two decades of experience in the energy sector, Tom brings a wide-angle view of how the UK's electricity system is changing from fossil fuels to renewables, and everything in between. He also chairs RWE's UK renewables business and holds board roles at Energy UK and the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, making him a key voice in the country's energy transition conversation.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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    How Battery Route to Market Structures Impact Investment with Victoria Upton (bp)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 37:35


    As battery energy storage scales across Great Britain, the commercial model behind each project is becoming as critical as the technology itself. For developers, investors, and offtakers, securing the right revenue structure is key to unlocking finance, managing risk, and delivering bankable returns.With revenue streams coming from a mix of merchant markets, capacity schemes, and ancillary service, navigating this environment requires a clear understanding of how different route-to-market structures allocate risk and reward. As capital becomes more selective, contract structure is now a core driver of whether projects progress or stall.In this episode, Ed is joined by Victoria Upton, European Power Originator at bp. Over the conversation they discuss: Why tolling agreements are becoming a go-to model for de-risking battery revenues.How the optimiser you choose can make or break your floor contract returns.What virtual battery swaps offer as a flexible, asset-free hedging tool.The implications of co-locating solar and storage.How splitting large batteries into multiple BMUs unlocks revenue and control.About our guestVictoria Upton is a Power Originator at bp, working at the intersection of energy trading and commercial structuring for low-carbon assets. With deep experience in route-to-market strategies, Victoria plays a key role in developing and executing commercial models for battery storage and renewable energy projects across Great Britain and Europe.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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    How Battery Route to Market Structures Impact Investment with Victoria Upton (bp)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 37:34


    As battery energy storage scales across Great Britain, the commercial model behind each project is becoming as critical as the technology itself. For developers, investors, and offtakers, securing the right revenue structure is key to unlocking finance, managing risk, and delivering bankable returns.With revenue streams coming from a mix of merchant markets, capacity schemes, and ancillary services -navigating this environment requires a clear understanding of how different route-to-market structures allocate risk and reward. As capital becomes more selective, contract structure is now a core driver of whether projects progress or stall.In this episode, Ed is joined by Victoria Upton, European Power Originator at bp. Over the conversation they discuss: Why tolling agreements are becoming a go-to model for de-risking battery revenues.How the optimiser you choose can make or break your floor contract returns.What virtual battery swaps offer as a flexible, asset-free hedging tool.The implications of co-locating solar and storage.How splitting large batteries into multiple BMUs unlocks revenue and control.About our guestVictoria Upton is a Power Originator at bp, working at the intersection of energy trading and commercial structuring for low-carbon assets. With deep experience in route-to-market strategies, Victoria plays a key role in developing and executing commercial models for battery storage and renewable energy projects across Great Britain and Europe.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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Electrifying Industry: The Grid Access Problem with Mikey Clarke (Relode Energy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 31:12


    The shift from traditional fuels to electricity presents one of the biggest infrastructure challenges of the energy transition. For industries like haulage, shipping, and logistics, accessing and managing gigawatt-scale electrical connections isn't just difficult, it's often the main barrier to progress.Delivering timely, affordable, and scalable access to power is critical for accelerating electrification and enabling hard-to-abate sectors to decarbonise at pace.In this episode of Transmission, Ed is joined by Mikey Clark, CEO of Reload Energy, to explore how the company's “power parks” aim to solve this challenge by bringing grid-scale electricity access to where it's needed most. From siting strategy to connection reform and workforce shortages, they dive into the infrastructure puzzle that underpins net zero.Key topics include:Why hard-to-abate sectors are struggling to secure large-scale grid connections.How Reload Energy is unlocking gigawatt-scale access through its power park model.The logic behind co-locating energy and freight infrastructure.How grid delays, planning, and skills shortages are slowing delivery.Why fleet electrification could scale faster than expected and what's needed to enable it.About our guestMikey Clark is the CEO of Reload Energy .Before founding Reload, Mikey co-founded Pivot Power, where he led the development of a 2GW battery storage network that was ultimately acquired by EDF Renewables.He has worked across infrastructure, R&D, and grid-scale storage. At Reload, he's focused on solving one of the most urgent challenges in the energy transition: how to connect new, high-demand users like HGV fleets, ports, and data centres to gigawatt-scale electricity, quickly and affordably.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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Electrifying Industry: The Grid Access Problem with Mikey Clarke (Relode Energy))

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 31:12


    The shift from traditional fuels to electricity presents one of the biggest infrastructure challenges of the energy transition. For industries like haulage, shipping, and logistics, accessing and managing gigawatt-scale electrical connections isn't just difficult, it's often the main barrier to progress.Delivering timely, affordable, and scalable access to power is critical for accelerating electrification and enabling hard-to-abate sectors to decarbonise at pace.In this episode of Transmission, Ed is joined by Mikey Clark, CEO of Relode, to explore how the company's “power parks” aim to solve this challenge by bringing grid-scale electricity access to where it's needed most. From siting strategy to connection reform and workforce shortages, they dive into the infrastructure puzzle that underpins net zero.Key topics include:Why hard-to-abate sectors are struggling to secure large-scale grid connections.How Reload Energy is unlocking gigawatt-scale access through its power park model.The logic behind co-locating energy and freight infrastructure.How grid delays, planning, and skills shortages are slowing delivery.Why fleet electrification could scale faster than expected and what's needed to enable it.About our guestMikey Clark is the CEO of Relode .Before founding Relode, Mikey co-founded Pivot Power, where he led the development of a 2GW battery storage network that was ultimately acquired by EDF Renewables.He has worked across infrastructure, R&D, and grid-scale storage. At Relode, he's focused on solving one of the most urgent challenges in the energy transition: how to connect new, high-demand users like HGV fleets, ports, and data centres to gigawatt-scale electricity, quickly and affordably.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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Financing Batteries in Australia with Harrison Moore (Azure Capital)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 33:43


    Getting battery energy storage systems built isn't just an engineering challenge - it's a financial one. While the technology is ready and the pipeline is booming, getting these projects financed remains one of the biggest challenges in the market.From navigating merchant risk to structuring offtake agreements, financing a grid-scale battery project is a high-stakes balancing act.In this episode of Transmission, Harrison Moore, Partner at Azure Capital, joins Wendel to unpack the financial side of energy storage in Australia, what's working, what's not, and what's needed next.Over the conversation, they discuss: The key steps and common roadblocks in financing battery project.How different commercial models impact bankability and investor interest.The growing appetite (and caution) from equity and debt providers.How policy shifts like the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) are influencing deal flow.Whether the Australian market has enough capital and advisory depth to keep up with demand.About our guestHarrison Moore is a Partner at Azure Capital, where he leads the firm's work in energy and renewables. With over a decade of experience advising on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising, Harrison specialises in structuring and financing large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly battery energy storage systems. His team has supported transactions totalling over 10GW of battery capacity, helping navigate the commercial, technical, and regulatory challenges that come with building grid-scale flexibility in Australia. 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week. https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1kDKOqrBjTpGU82n__HV7dQexu3k

    Financing Batteries in Australia with Harrison Moore (Azure Capital)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 33:43


    Getting battery energy storage systems built isn't just an engineering challenge - it's a financial one. While the technology is ready and the pipeline is booming, getting these projects financed remains one of the biggest challenges in the market.From navigating merchant risk to structuring offtake agreements, financing a grid-scale battery project is a high-stakes balancing act.In this episode of Transmission, Harrison Moore, Partner at Azure Capital, joins Wendel to unpack the financial side of energy storage in Australia, what's working, what's not, and what's needed next.Over the conversation, they discuss: The key steps and common roadblocks in financing battery project.How different commercial models impact bankability and investor interest.The growing appetite (and caution) from equity and debt providers.How policy shifts like the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) are influencing deal flow.Whether the Australian market has enough capital and advisory depth to keep up with demand.About our guestHarrison Moore is a Partner at Azure Capital, where he leads the firm's work in energy and renewables. With over a decade of experience advising on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising, Harrison specialises in structuring and financing large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly battery energy storage systems. His team has supported transactions totalling over 10GW of battery capacity, helping navigate the commercial, technical, and regulatory challenges that come with building grid-scale flexibility in Australia. 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. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week. https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1kDKOqrBjTpGU82n__HV7dQexu3k

    Why Upgrading Pumped Hydro Is Key to Grid Flexibility with Delphine Chérel-Sparham

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 31:56


    As the UK accelerates its transition to a net-zero electricity system, the challenge of maintaining grid stability is growing. 
A key part of a balanced system is large-scale, long-duration flexibility: assets that can store energy when it's abundant and release it when it's needed most.But much of the capacity that can provide it already exists. One of the most mature and proven forms of energy storage - pumped hydro is able to deliver gigawatts of power in seconds, store energy for hours, and provide inertia and frequency response that batteries alone can't match. Despite being decades old, they remain some of the fastest, most reliable, and highest-capacity tools for balancing supply and demand. In a world aiming for net zero, understanding and upgrading these assets is no longer optional, it's essential.In this episode, Delphine Chérel-Sparham - Engie's Managing Director of Hydro UK joins Ed Porter to discuss how ENGIE is breathing new life into two of the UK's most iconic pumped storage assets: Dinorwig and Ffestiniog. Over the conversation, they discuss:
Why pumped hydro remains unmatched for long-duration storage and grid inertia.How ENGIE is modernising vast underground infrastructure.The role of fast-responding, synchronous machines in providing inertia and flexibility to the grid.How repowering legacy assets creates headroom for more renewables on the system.Delphine's engineering journey and her advice for young people considering careers in energy infrastructure.About our guestDelphine is Managing Director of ENGIE's pumped hydro business, where she leads the strategy, operations, and refurbishment of some of Europe's most iconic energy infrastructure. With over 30 years' experience in the energy sector, Delphine has worked across gas, LNG, oil, and renewables. Today, she's focused on revitalising legacy pumped hydro assets like Dinorwig and Ffestiniog, to support the evolving needs of a flexible, decarbonised grid.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. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Why Upgrading Pumped Hydro Is Key to Grid Flexibility with Delphine Chérel-Sparham

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 31:56


    As the UK accelerates its transition to a net-zero electricity system, the challenge of maintaining grid stability is growing. 
A key part of a balanced system is large-scale, long-duration flexibility: assets that can store energy when it's abundant and release it when it's needed most.But much of the capacity that can provide it already exists. One of the most mature and proven forms of energy storage - pumped hydro is able to deliver gigawatts of power in seconds, store energy for hours, and provide inertia and frequency response that batteries alone can't match. Despite being decades old, they remain some of the fastest, most reliable, and highest-capacity tools for balancing supply and demand. In a world aiming for net zero, understanding and upgrading these assets is no longer optional, it's essential.In this episode, Delphine Chérel-Sparham - Engie's Managing Director of Hydro UK joins Ed Porter to discuss how ENGIE is breathing new life into two of the UK's most iconic pumped storage assets: Dinorwig and Ffestiniog. Over the conversation, they discuss:
Why pumped hydro remains unmatched for long-duration storage and grid inertia.How ENGIE is modernising vast underground infrastructure.The role of fast-responding, synchronous machines in providing inertia and flexibility to the grid.How repowering legacy assets creates headroom for more renewables on the system.Delphine's engineering journey and her advice for young people considering careers in energy infrastructure.About our guestDelphine is Managing Director of ENGIE's pumped hydro business, where she leads the strategy, operations, and refurbishment of some of Europe's most iconic energy infrastructure. With over 30 years' experience in the energy sector, Delphine has worked across gas, LNG, oil, and renewables. Today, she's focused on revitalising legacy pumped hydro assets like Dinorwig and Ffestiniog, to support the evolving needs of a flexible, decarbonised grid.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. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Battery Costs - Are They Declining? A Global Perspective with Aaron Wade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 39:37


    Battery costs have shaped the pace and scale of the energy transition. For years, falling cell prices underpinned bullish business cases, opened up new flexibility markets, and helped grid-scale storage move from niche to mainstream.But what happens when those cost declines level off?In this episode of Transmission, Aaron Wade returns to unpack the state of battery pricing in 2025. With lithium prices stabilising and cell costs holding firm in the $40–50/kWh range, the era of dramatic year-on-year price drops appears to be over. That shift is changing how developers plan, how integrators position themselves, and what buyers prioritise when building or procuring storage.We dig into the structural factors behind the price plateau, explore the commercial and technical implications, and ask: if price is no longer the main lever - what is?In this episode we explore⚡ Why have cell prices stabilised around $40–50/kWh and what's keeping them there?⚡ Are the big cost drops over for battery manufacturing?⚡ What matters more than price now when designing storage systems?⚡ How integrators are adapting to a more stable, competitive market⚡ Are buyers over-specifying solutions and adding avoidable cost?About our guestAaron is a leading figure in the battery industry, currently serving as the Business Development Lead at Gaussion, a UK-based startup focused on enhancing battery performance through magneto-enhancement technology. He also holds the position of Project Director at the Volta Foundation, where he co-authors the annual Battery Report and organizes European networking events to foster collaboration within the battery community. You can find Aaron on LinkedIn 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. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week. #BatteryStorage #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #CapexTrends #PowerMarkets

    Battery Costs - Are They Declining? A Global Perspective with Aaron Wade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 39:37


    Battery costs have shaped the pace and scale of the energy transition. For years, falling cell prices underpinned bullish business cases, opened up new flexibility markets, and helped grid-scale storage move from niche to mainstream.But what happens when those cost declines level off?In this episode of Transmission, Aaron Wade returns to unpack the state of battery pricing in 2025. With lithium prices stabilising and cell costs holding firm in the $40–50/kWh range, the era of dramatic year-on-year price drops appears to be over. That shift is changing how developers plan, how integrators position themselves, and what buyers prioritise when building or procuring storage.We dig into the structural factors behind the price plateau, explore the commercial and technical implications, and ask: if price is no longer the main lever - what is?In this episode we explore⚡ Why have cell prices stabilised around $40–50/kWh and what's keeping them there?⚡ Are the big cost drops over for battery manufacturing?⚡ What matters more than price now when designing storage systems?⚡ How integrators are adapting to a more stable, competitive market⚡ Are buyers over-specifying solutions and adding avoidable cost?About our guestAaron is a leading figure in the battery industry, currently serving as the Business Development Lead at Gaussion, a UK-based startup focused on enhancing battery performance through magneto-enhancement technology. He also holds the position of Project Director at the Volta Foundation, where he co-authors the annual Battery Report and organizes European networking events to foster collaboration within the battery community. You can find Aaron on LinkedIn 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. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week. #BatteryStorage #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #CapexTrends #PowerMarkets

    Managing BESS market risks in the EU's hottest market with Martin Daronnat (Engie)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 45:52


    Germany's battery boom is charging ahead - without subsidies. So how is it working?
While many markets rely on government support to kickstart energy storage, Germany is doing things differently. With more than 500 GW of battery connection requests in the pipeline, it's quickly becoming one of Europe's most competitive and dynamic battery markets.
From stacking wholesale and ancillary revenues to striking new kinds of long-term contracts, we explore how Germany's storage sector is evolving in real time and how that's changing the game for developers, corporates, and financiers alike.
In this episode of Transmission, Martin Daronnat, Head of Flexibility and Structured Origination in Germany at Engie, joins Quentin to explore the market mechanisms, commercial strategies, and contract structures that are enabling battery storage to scale, without public funding.
Highlights include: How batteries in Germany stack revenue across energy, capacity, and grid services.Why fixed-price flexibility agreements are emerging as a key financial innovation for managing merchant risk.The role of large industrial players, and why developers and buyers are both leaning in.What other countries can learn from Germany's approach, especially when it comes to risk appetite and regulatory design.
About our guestMartin is Head of Flexibility and Structured Origination in Germany at Engie, the French multinational electric utility. He's at the forefront of commercialising flexibility in one of Europe's fastest-moving energy storage markets, structuring offtake agreements, managing risk, and unlocking new revenue models for grid-scale batteries. With a background spanning power trading, corporate PPAs, and clean energy project origination, Martin brings deep insight into how flexibility is becoming investable in real-world markets.
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.Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Managing BESS market risks in the EU's hottest market with Martin Daronnat (Engie)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 45:52


    Germany's battery boom is charging ahead - without subsidies. So how is it working?
While many markets rely on government support to kickstart energy storage, Germany is doing things differently. With more than 500 GW of battery connection requests in the pipeline, it's quickly becoming one of Europe's most competitive and dynamic battery markets.
From stacking wholesale and ancillary revenues to striking new kinds of long-term contracts, we explore how Germany's storage sector is evolving in real time and how that's changing the game for developers, corporates, and financiers alike.
In this episode of Transmission, Martin Daronnat, Head of Flexibility and Structured Origination in Germany at Engie, joins Quentin to explore the market mechanisms, commercial strategies, and contract structures that are enabling battery storage to scale, without public funding.
Highlights include: How batteries in Germany stack revenue across energy, capacity, and grid services.Why fixed-price flexibility agreements are emerging as a key financial innovation for managing merchant risk.The role of large industrial players, and why developers and buyers are both leaning in.What other countries can learn from Germany's approach, especially when it comes to risk appetite and regulatory design.
About our guestMartin is Head of Flexibility and Structured Origination in Germany at Engie, the French multinational electric utility. He's at the forefront of commercialising flexibility in one of Europe's fastest-moving energy storage markets, structuring offtake agreements, managing risk, and unlocking new revenue models for grid-scale batteries. With a background spanning power trading, corporate PPAs, and clean energy project origination, Martin brings deep insight into how flexibility is becoming investable in real-world markets.
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.Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week.

    Why inverters hold the key to a more resilient energy future with Daniel Duckwitz (SMA)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 35:09


    As we shift toward a net-zero power system, inverter-based resources are rapidly replacing traditional generators. But replicating the critical system services once provided by large rotating machines isn't just about plugging in renewables - it's about designing smarter, more stable infrastructure at the grid edge.

In this episode of Transmission, we dive into one of the most technically important, yet often overlooked, aspects of modern power systems: the role of inverters. Ed Porter is joined by Daniel Duckwitz, who leads SMA's global grid stability portfolio, to unpack the differences between grid-forming and grid-following inverters and why that distinction matters more than ever.This episode covers:What grid-forming inverters actually do and why they're crucial for system strength and inertia replacement.How grid-forming requirements differ across global markets, and where the industry is heading.The role of inverter controls in stabilising power systems with high renewables.What makes grid-following and grid-forming inverters technically distinct and what's just marketing.Why transitioning to a 100% inverter-based grid is both possible and already underway.Whether you're an engineer working on battery integration, a policymaker shaping grid code, or just trying to understand how inverters affect system resilience, this conversation is packed with insight into one of the most transformative shifts in power system design.About our guestDr. Daniel Duckwitz is the Product Manager for Grid Services at SMA Solar Technology AG, where he leads the development of large-scale stability applications. His work focuses on optimizing battery energy storage systems (BESS) to provide critical grid services such as inertia, short-circuit current, and system restoration through advanced grid-forming technology.
For more information on what Daniel and SMA do, head to the website. https://www.sma.de/en/company/about-smaAbout 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.

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