Talking Power

EDF Business & Wholesale

Talking Power is EDF Business & Wholesale's podcast on the ideas, innovations and market forces shaping the future of energy. Hosted by David Edmonds, the series brings together experts from across the energy industry to explore the opportunities and challenges of the transition to a low-carbon future. From energy markets and trading insights to renewables, flexibility, electrification and net zero strategies, Talking Power unpacks the topics that matter most to businesses and the wider energy sector. To find out more, follow EDF Business & Wholesale on LinkedIn or visit https://www.edfenergy.com/large-business/talk-power

  1. 4d ago ·  Video

    Can the UK grid keep up with growing data centre demand?

    As AI, cloud computing and digital services drive demand for data centres, access to reliable, affordable power is becoming a critical challenge. In this episode of Talking Power, we explore what’s holding back new data centre connections in the UK and what could help unlock capacity. Jamie Allen from Iron Mountain Data Centres and David Ferguson from EDF discuss the challenges around grid connection queues, the rising energy requirements of data centres, and whether the traditional expectation of highly resilient power needs to evolve. They also explore the potential role of flexible grid connections, renewable generation, batteries, corporate PPAs, behind-the-meter supply and demand shifting in helping data centres access power faster, as well as what policy and regulatory changes could help the UK remain competitive. In this episode: Why securing grid capacity has become such a challengeHow AI is changing data centre power requirementsThe impact of UK electricity costs on investmentWhether data centres can become more flexible in how they consume -  powerThe potential for renewables, batteries and alternative grid connectionsHow unused or underused capacity could be unlockedWhat needs to change to accelerate UK data centre developmentWant to get in touch? Send us a mesage! Talking Power is EDF Business and Wholesale's podcast bringing together voices from across the energy industry to talk about the future of UK power. Want to get involved in the conversation? Reach out on LinkedIn: business-wholesale-services

  2. Oct 13 ·  Video

    The rising cost of energy: Why are businesses paying more?

    Why are business energy bills rising, and what can businesses do about it? In this episode of Talking Power, host David Edmonds is joined by Jacob Briggs, Energy Users Lead at Cornwall Insight, to unpack the factors driving rising energy costs for UK businesses. While wholesale prices often dominate the conversation, they're only part of the picture. Jacob explains how network investment, policy costs, electrification and changing charging structures are reshaping energy bills, and why energy management is becoming a strategic business issue rather than simply a procurement exercise. The discussion also explores practical ways businesses can respond, from onsite solar and battery storage to flexibility services, corporate PPAs and smarter energy procurement strategies. Whether you're responsible for energy, sustainability, finance or operations, this episode offers valuable insight into the changing energy landscape and what it means for your organisation. #BusinessEnergy #EnergyCosts #EnergyTransition #BatteryStorage #CorporatePPA #NetZero #EnergyManagement Want to get in touch? Send us a mesage! Talking Power is EDF Business and Wholesale's podcast bringing together voices from across the energy industry to talk about the future of UK power. Want to get involved in the conversation? Reach out on LinkedIn: business-wholesale-services

  3. Sep 23 ·  Video

    Why are energy bills so high? | The past, present and future of UK energy

    Why are energy bills so high, and will they ever come down? In this episode of Talking Power, David Edmonds is joined by EDF's Director of Retail, Joe Souto, to explore the past, present and future of the UK energy market. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience, Joe breaks down what's driving energy costs, how the market has changed, and why technologies like smart meters, flexible tariffs and AI could reshape the way we use and pay for energy. From price caps and regulation to customer trust and the path to net zero, this is an essential listen for anyone wanting to understand the future of energy in the UK. #EnergyBills #UKEnergy #EnergyTransition #NetZero #SmartMeters #Flexibility #EnergyMarket #Podcast #TalkingPower #EDF Want to get in touch? Send us a mesage! Talking Power is EDF Business and Wholesale's podcast bringing together voices from across the energy industry to talk about the future of UK power. Want to get involved in the conversation? Reach out on LinkedIn: business-wholesale-services

  4. Sep 16 ·  Video

    Can Britain afford not to electrify? Solving the UK's energy security crisis

    Only 20% of the UK's energy demand is currently met by electricity. The other 80% is imported fossil fuel — gas, oil, petrol — priced by markets we don't control. That's the security problem this episode is really about. In this special episode of Talking Power, EDF Business and Wholesale brings together voices from across the energy industry to talk about why electrification — not just cleaning up power, but actually using more of it — might be the UK's clearest route to cheaper, more secure, home-grown energy. Host Alex Grey (Deputy Director, External Affairs at ‪Energy UK) is joined by: Josh Buckland — Director for Strategy and Policy, EDFMadeleine Gabriel — Mission Director, NestaStephanie Moran — Energy & Sustainability Procurement, ‪@coverisgroup‬     They cover why gas prices jumped 20-30% in the recent energy crisis while electricity barely moved, why EV chargers now outnumber petrol stations in the UK, what's actually blocking heat pump adoption (hint: it's not just cost), whether government or the market should be picking the winning technologies, why UK electricity demand has fallen 20% over the last two decades despite every prediction saying it would spike, and whether data centres and AI could be the demand surge that finally brings everyone's bills down. #Electrification #EnergySecurity #UKEnergy #NetZero #HeatPumps #EVCharging #EnergyTransition #TalkingPower #edf Want to get in touch? Send us a mesage! Talking Power is EDF Business and Wholesale's podcast bringing together voices from across the energy industry to talk about the future of UK power. Want to get involved in the conversation? Reach out on LinkedIn: business-wholesale-services

    Can Britain afford not to electrify? Solving the UK's energy security crisis

  5. Jul 23

    Getting the basics right: Data, buildings & behaviour

    Many organisations have ambitious net zero targets. The challenge is delivering them. In this episode of Talking Power, host Tim McManan-Smith is joined by Lewis Welch, Head of Energy Transition at Dalkia, part of EDF, to discuss the practical realities of decarbonising buildings and estates. From ageing infrastructure and limited budgets to behavioural change, data quality and operational complexity, Lewis explains why successful decarbonisation starts with understanding how buildings are actually used and managed. The conversation explores common sources of energy waste, why organisations often overlook optimisation in favour of new technology, and how smarter building management can unlock immediate savings while creating a stronger foundation for long-term decarbonisation. Lewis also discusses the growing role of flexibility services, the importance of good-quality data, and why organisations should focus on getting the basics right before turning to AI and other emerging technologies. Want to get in touch? Send us a mesage! Talking Power is EDF Business and Wholesale's podcast bringing together voices from across the energy industry to talk about the future of UK power. Want to get involved in the conversation? Reach out on LinkedIn: business-wholesale-services

    Getting the basics right: Data, buildings & behaviour

  6. May 5

    EVs as a Grid Resource: Smart Charging, Flexibility, and the Road to V2G

    Britain’s driveways are quietly becoming one of the most powerful assets in the energy system. With more than a gigawatt of aggregated EV flexibility now online, EVs are no longer just a passive load - they’re a mainstream grid resource. In this episode of Talking Power, Tim McMann Smith is joined by Martin Walsh, Chief Product & Technology Officer, Pod and John Grant Arrowsmith, Senior Manager, Flex Partnerships, EDF Business & Wholesale. Together, they unpack how EV flexibility is scaling, what consumers really want, and why V2G is finally moving from theory to reality. Links: https://www.edfenergy.com/content/business-wholesale https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/business-wholesale-services Want to get in touch? Send us a mesage! Talking Power is EDF Business and Wholesale's podcast bringing together voices from across the energy industry to talk about the future of UK power. Want to get involved in the conversation? Reach out on LinkedIn: business-wholesale-services

    EVs as a Grid Resource: Smart Charging, Flexibility, and the Road to V2G

  7. Apr 15

    No silver bullets: How I&C energy buyers are navigating volatility, complexity and control

    The industrial and commercial energy market is undergoing a fundamental shift. Volatility is now structural, decarbonisation decisions are moving into the boardroom, and customers are weighing up on‑site assets, new technologies and increasingly complex commercial models. In this episode of Talking Power, Tim McMann Smith speaks with Jon Slowe (LCP Delta) and Christopher Dalley (EDF Business & Wholesale) about how I&C customers are adapting - and what suppliers, or energy partners, must do to keep pace. Links: https://www.edfenergy.com/content/business-wholesale https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/business-wholesale-services Want to get in touch? Send us a mesage! Talking Power is EDF Business and Wholesale's podcast bringing together voices from across the energy industry to talk about the future of UK power. Want to get involved in the conversation? Reach out on LinkedIn: business-wholesale-services

    No silver bullets: How I&C energy buyers are navigating volatility, complexity and control

  8. 10/28/2025

    From Barriers to Benefits: The Case for Flexibility

    In this episode of Talking Power, brought to you in partnership with EDF and The Energyst, we dive into one of the most talked about themes in the UK energy landscape - flexibility. More than just a way to save on costs, flexibility helps businesses strengthen resilience, open up new revenue opportunities, and accelerate progress toward net zero. Tune in to understand the real world challenges and opportunities of flexibility, from financial and technical barriers to cultural change, and how organisations can take their first steps into this transformative space. Want to get in touch? Send us a mesage! Talking Power is EDF Business and Wholesale's podcast bringing together voices from across the energy industry to talk about the future of UK power. Want to get involved in the conversation? Reach out on LinkedIn: business-wholesale-services

    From Barriers to Benefits: The Case for Flexibility
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About

Talking Power is EDF Business & Wholesale's podcast on the ideas, innovations and market forces shaping the future of energy. Hosted by David Edmonds, the series brings together experts from across the energy industry to explore the opportunities and challenges of the transition to a low-carbon future. From energy markets and trading insights to renewables, flexibility, electrification and net zero strategies, Talking Power unpacks the topics that matter most to businesses and the wider energy sector. To find out more, follow EDF Business & Wholesale on LinkedIn or visit https://www.edfenergy.com/large-business/talk-power

Information

  • Creator
    EDF Business & Wholesale
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Talking Power
  • Show Website
    Talking Power

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