Plugged In: the energy news podcast

Montel News
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Coming from the heart of the Montel newsroom, Editor-in-Chief, Snjolfur Richard Sverrisson and his team of journalists explore the news headlines in the energy sector, bringing you in depth analysis of the industry’s leading stories each week.   Richard speaks to experts, analysts, regulators, and senior business leaders to the examine not just the what, but the why behind the decisions directing the markets and shaping the global transition to a green economy.   New episodes are available every Thursday.

  1. Snorkelling for negative prices

    17H AGO

    Snorkelling for negative prices

    Norway - and the Nordic power system more generally - have seen fewer instances of negative prices than their continental counterparts in recent weeks. Why has the region been “snorkelling” while others have been plumbing the depths of negative prices. Norway’s hydropower system is under pressure after one of the coldest winters in 16 years and a prolonged period of low precipitation. Reservoir levels in southern Norway remain well below normal, raising questions about energy security, winter preparedness and the growing role of Europe’s interconnected power markets.  But is the situation really as serious as headlines suggest? Joined by some of the foremost experts on Norwegian hydropower and the market dynamics, together, they explore how low snowpack, dry weather patterns and shifting hydrological balances are affecting Norway’s power outlook — and why imported renewable energy from continental Europe may actually help save water in Nordic reservoirs ahead of winter. The panel also dives into the explosion of negative power prices across Europe, the impact of Germany’s rapid solar buildout, whether batteries and grids can keep pace with renewables growth, and why some analysts believe Europe’s energy transition is entering a period of extreme volatility. #EnergyMarkets #Norway #Hydropower #PowerMarkets #RenewableEnergy #Nordics #ElectricityPrices #NegativePrices #EnergyTransition #SolarPower #WindPower #EnergySecurity #GridInfrastructure #BatteryStorage #LNG #EuropeanEnergy #PowerTrading #WeatherRisk #HydroReservoirs #PluggedInPodcast Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Katinka Bogaard - Founder, MD and Analyst - Volt Power Analytics Ivan Føre Svegaarden - Head of Energy Analysis and Weather Risk Management -  TradeWpower AS  Tor Reier Lilleholt - Head of Analysis - Insight by Volue Editor: Alexandra Carlon Producer: Alexandra Carlon

    34 min
  2. Gas storage: Complacency or Crunch?

    APR 30

    Gas storage: Complacency or Crunch?

    Europe may have emerged from winter without a full-scale gas crisis; but with storage levels unusually low, geopolitical tensions rising, and summer-winter price spreads offering little commercial incentive, the real challenge may only just be beginning. Germany, home to Europe's largest gas storage capacity, is facing mounting pressure to refill ahead of winter while the war in the Middle East, uncertainty around LNG transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and fragile industrial demand all cloud the outlook. Across Europe, policymakers are weighing whether market forces alone can deliver enough supply; or if strategic intervention may once again be required. Will Europe’s gas market rebalance in time, or are governments heading back into crisis-management mode? Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Maria Haensch – Germany Correspondent, Montel News Sebastian Gulbis – Managing Director, Enervis Energy Advisors GmbH Erisa Pasko – Senior European Gas Analyst, Energy Aspects Editor: Alexandra Carlon Producer: Alexandra Carlon #GasStorage #Germany #EuropeanGas #LNG #EnergySecurity #NaturalGas #Geopolitics #EnergyMarkets #PluggedInPodcast #Montel

    31 min
  3. Reshaping French energy

    APR 23

    Reshaping French energy

    From the streets of Paris to the heart of Europe’s energy regulation, this episode explores how geopolitics, market design and infrastructure are reshaping France’s - and  the continent’s - energy future. As tensions in the Gulf ripple through global gas prices and Europe’s energy markets,  France finds itself in a uniquely resilient position, buoyed by nuclear power, growing renewables and strong export capacity. But beneath that stability lie complex questions about pricing, interconnectors, and the long-term balance between supply, demand and affordability. So how can Europe maintain energy security, keep prices competitive, and still accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future? In this episode, Richard sits down with Emmanuelle Wargon, President of France’s Energy Regulator (CRE) and Chair of the Board of Regulators at ACER. She shares insights into France’s evolving power mix, why electricity prices there have largely decoupled from gas, and how Europe is navigating the pressures of global gas supply shocks. Richard and Emmanuelle also explore the growing debate around marginal pricing, the urgent need for grid investment and interconnectors, and the delicate challenge of scaling renewables without undermining market stability. From LNG dependency to nuclear resurgence and the politics of cross-border energy flows, this conversation offers clarity over the trade-offs shaping Europe’s energy system. #EnergyTransition #FranceEnergy #EmmanuelleWargon #EuropeanEnergy #PowerMarkets #GasPrices #NuclearEnergy #Renewables #EnergySecurity #Interconnectors #ElectricityMarkets #GridInfrastructure #LNG #Decarbonisation Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guest: Emmanuelle Wargon, President of CRE and Chair of ACER's Board of Regulators  Editor: Alexandra Carlon Producer: Alexandra Carlon & Caroline Pailliez

    36 min
  4. “Strange” prices rattle Europe's power markets

    APR 16

    “Strange” prices rattle Europe's power markets

    Across Europe, power prices are behaving in ways that are leaving even seasoned market participants questioning what they’re seeing. From negative prices to seemingly counterintuitive flows between some price zones, the electricity system is becoming harder to interpret, and certainly more complex. On April 6, negative prices of EUR -15,000/MWh in Belgium's balancing market highlighted just how volatile and weather-driven Europe's power system has become. But are these signals a sign of dysfunction, or simply the reality of a system in transition? So, what’s really going on beneath the surface? In this episode, we unpack what’s driving so-called “odd” or “irrational” pricing across Europe, from the rise of renewables and battery storage to the increasing role of algorithmic trading and complex market design. We also explore whether market participants are equipped to handle this growing complexity, and what risks and opportunities lie ahead. #EnergyMarkets #PowerMarkets #ElectricityPrices #EnergyTransition #Renewables #NegativePricing #EnergyTrading #Volatility #EuropeanEnergy #GridSystems #EnergyCrisis #ElectricityMarket #NetZero #BatteryStorage #AlgoTrading Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Alina Trabattoni – Italy Correspondent, Montel Frank Boerman-Lima – Flow-Based Capacity Calculation Expert, TenneT Julien Jomaux – Energy & Power Consultant Editor: Oscar Birk  Producer: Alexandra Carlon

    37 min
  5. Gulf Ceasefire: fragile or firm?

    APR 9

    Gulf Ceasefire: fragile or firm?

    A fragile ceasefire in the Gulf offers a moment of relief;  but is it already beginning to unravel and will it have lasting implications for gas supply in the region and far beyond? Recorded on the morning of April 9, amid fast-moving geopolitical developments, this special episode examines what the latest developments mean for global energy markets, LNG flows, and Europe’s energy security. Is this ceasefire a genuine turning point, or simply a pause before further escalation?  Host Richard Sverrisson speaks with Montel’s Deputy Editor-in-Chief Laurence Walker, before diving deeper with leading analysts Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz and Arne Lohmann-Rasmussen. Together, they unpack the reality behind halted LNG tankers, the uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, and the growing risks facing global gas markets. As tensions remain high and clarity remains low, one thing is certain: energy markets are entering a new phase of volatility.   #EnergyMarkets #LNG #Geopolitics #GulfCrisis #Ceasefire #GasMarkets #EnergyCrisis #EuropeEnergy #StraitOfHormuz #GlobalEnergy #EnergySecurity #Commodities #Podcast #EnergyTransition   Host Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests Laurence Walker, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz, Lead Energy Analyst (Europe), IEEFA Arne Anders Lohmann Rasmussen, Chief Analyst, Global Risk Management Editor Oscar Birk & Alexandra Carlon  Producer Alexandra Carlon

    33 min
  6. PPA slowdown – temporary or permanent?

    APR 9

    PPA slowdown – temporary or permanent?

    In this episode of Plugged In, we return to Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and their role in Europe’s energy transition. After years of rapid expansion, the PPA market hit a slowdown in 2025. Falling capture rates, rising negative prices and increasing volatility have made deals harder to structure and price, forcing both buyers and sellers to rethink how risk is shared. At the same time, renewable capacity continues to grow, reshaping price dynamics and pushing the market into a more complex and mature phase. So is this a temporary slowdown… or a fundamental shift in how the PPA market works? Richard speaks to Luca Pedretti, COO and co-founder of Pexapark, and Chirag Ahuja, Implementation Director at Broadpeak Partners, to break down the data, trends and structural changes shaping the market. Setting the scene is our Italy correspondent, Alina Trabattoni. Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Alina Trabattoni – Italy Correspondent, Montel Luca Pedretti – COO & Co-founder, Pexapark Chirag Ahuja – Implementation Director, Broadpeak Partners Editor: Oscar Birk Producer: Alexandra Carlon #EnergyMarkets #PPAs #Renewables #EnergyTransition #PowerMarkets #BatteryStorage #CleanEnergy #EnergyTrading #ElectricityMarkets #NetZero

    43 min
  7. Coal makes a comeback

    APR 2

    Coal makes a comeback

    In this episode of Plugged In, we turn to a topic we haven’t covered often; but one that’s rapidly moving back into the spotlight: coal. As war in the Middle East disrupts LNG supply chains and drives gas prices sharply higher, European power markets are being forced to adapt. With gas-fired generation becoming increasingly expensive, coal is, at least temporarily, regaining economic relevance. We’re now seeing early signs of increased coal imports, particularly in key markets like Germany, alongside shifting profitability dynamics between coal and gas-fired generation. So is this just a short-term market reaction… or a more significant structural change?  Richard  speaks to Toby Hassall, Lead Analyst at London Stock Exchange Group, and Firat Ergene, Lead Insight Analyst at Kpler, join the podcast to break down the data, covering fuel switching, regional demand, price dynamics, and what forward markets are signalling for winter and beyond. Setting the scene is our own Laurence Walker.   Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Laurence Walker – Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Toby Hassall – Lead Analyst, London Stock Exchange Group Firat Ergene – Lead Insight Analyst, Kpler Editor: Oscar Birk Producer: Alexandra Carlon

    32 min
  8. Another Power Squeeze?

    MAR 26

    Another Power Squeeze?

    In the third episode of our energy crisis miniseries, we turn to Europe’s power markets, where rising gas prices, renewed volatility and political uncertainty are once again putting the electricity system under pressure. Although the current crisis is not a repeat of 2022, it is exposing fresh vulnerabilities; from low hydro levels in the Nordics and gas storage concerns in western Europe, to growing questions over market design, interconnectors and the pace of the energy transition. So how resilient is Europe’s power system this time around? And what happens when geopolitical shocks collide with an increasingly complex power market? Richard is  joined by Montel analysts Jean-Paul Harreman, Fintan Devenney and Priyanka Shinde to unpack the impact across Europe;  from battery revenues and price spikes to liquidity risks, policy shifts and the regions most exposed in the months ahead. Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guests: Jean-Paul Harreman – Director, Analytics, Montel Fintan Devenney – Market Expert, Consultancy, Montel Priyanka Shinde – Market Expert, Nordic, Montel Julia Demirdag – Germany Correspondent, Montel News

    44 min
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Coming from the heart of the Montel newsroom, Editor-in-Chief, Snjolfur Richard Sverrisson and his team of journalists explore the news headlines in the energy sector, bringing you in depth analysis of the industry’s leading stories each week.   Richard speaks to experts, analysts, regulators, and senior business leaders to the examine not just the what, but the why behind the decisions directing the markets and shaping the global transition to a green economy.   New episodes are available every Thursday.

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