5d ago · 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, EDF Madeleine Gabriel — Mission Director, Nesta Stephanie 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. 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 #Electrification #EnergySecurity #UKEnergy #NetZero #HeatPumps #EVCharging #EnergyTransition #TalkingPower #edf Want to get in touch? Send us a mesage!

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!

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!

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!

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!

07/15/2025

PPA Pathways: Navigating CfDs, CPPAs & the Future of Renewable Energy Contracts

In this episode of the Talking Power Podcast, host Tim McManan-Smith sits down with Tom Abbott, PPA Director at EDF, and Andrew Peyman, Head of Energy Sales at Innova, to unpack the rapidly shifting landscape of renewable energy contracts. Together, they explore the recent reforms to the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the implications of the AR7 delay, how CfD PPAs compare with Corporate PPAs (CPPAs) and the growing influence of market volatility and power price cannibalisation on PPA strategies. Whether you're a developer, energy buyer, or just navigating the complex world of renewables, this episode offers essential insights into securing and structuring PPAs in today’s evolving energy market. Want to get in touch? Send us a mesage!

10/30/2024

Sustainability: A business imperative

In this episode, Edd Mitchell, Senior Manager of Key Accounts at EDF Business Solutions, and Tom Thackray, Head of Strategy & Sustainability at EDF discuss the balance between sustainability and risk, policy and regulatory changes in support of net zero commitments, going back to basics with energy efficiency and how to implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy. To find out more, follow EDF Business Solutions on LinkedIn or visit https://www.edfenergy.com/large-business/talk-power And for the latest news, views & to register for free digital editions of The Energyst magazine please visit theenergyst.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Want to get in touch? Send us a mesage!

06/24/2024

Solar PV for business: Benefits, challenges, and dispelling age-old myths

In this episode, Raghav Singh, Head of Large Business at EDF Business Solutions, and Rob Murphy, Sales and Origination Director at SAS Energy discuss how solar PV can be a vital tool in assisting a business’s net zero ambitions, providing energy security and protection against market volatility. To find out more, follow EDF Business Solutions on LinkedIn or visit https://www.edfenergy.com/large-business/talk-power And for the latest news and views, visit theenergyst.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Want to get in touch? Send us a mesage!

02/21/2024

Corporate Power Purchase Agreements: A framework for the future?

In this episode, Tim speaks with Raghav Singh & Tom Abbott from EDF about the future deployment of new renewables and the role that Corporate PPAs play in Britain achieving Net Zero. To find out more, follow EDF Business Solutions on LinkedIn or visit https://www.edfenergy.com/large-business/talk-power And for the latest news and views, visit theenergyst.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Want to get in touch? Send us a mesage!

11/30/2023

The future of the UK energy mix, Net Zero and Corporate PPAs

In this episode, Tim speaks with Steve Parker & Matt Nunn from EDF about the future of the UK energy mix, net zero and corporate PPAs. To find out more, follow EDF Business Solutions on LinkedIn or visit https://www.edfenergy.com/large-business/talk-power And for the latest news and views, visit theenergyst.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Want to get in touch? Send us a mesage!

Talking Power

Episodes

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

Getting the basics right: Data, buildings & behaviour

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

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

From Barriers to Benefits: The Case for Flexibility

PPA Pathways: Navigating CfDs, CPPAs & the Future of Renewable Energy Contracts

Sustainability: A business imperative

Solar PV for business: Benefits, challenges, and dispelling age-old myths

Corporate Power Purchase Agreements: A framework for the future?

The future of the UK energy mix, Net Zero and Corporate PPAs

About

Information