Energy Unplugged by Aurora

Aurora Energy Research

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Welcome to ‘Energy Unplugged by Aurora’, a mix of in-depth conversations with key international industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, sharing their unique perspectives on the global energy transition. Hosted by various Aurora experts, we explore the hottest topics and trends across the energy landscape. From renewables, battery storage, and grid integration, to hydrogen, commodity markets, and technology innovation, our high-profile guests weigh in with their valuable insights. Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in the energy industry, with a new episode released every week!

EP.240 Jacob Stedman, CEO, Blykalla

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla. He joins our Head of Nordics & Baltics, Alexander Esser, to discuss the role of nuclear energy and, more specifically, of small modular reactors (SMRs). Jacob is the CEO of Blykalla, a Swedish company specialising in the development and supply of lead-cooled SMRs. He is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with over 20 years of experience, having founded and led multiple start-ups and scale-ups.

Apr 22, • 37:47

EP.239 Dawn Owens on Geothermal Power in the US

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Dawn Owens, Head of Project Development and Commercial Markets at Fervo Energy. She joins our Managing Director for North America, Oliver Kerr, and Emma McElrath, Advisory Associate in our Oakland office, to discuss geothermal power in the US. In addition to overseeing the development of the geothermal company Fervo Energy, Dawn also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University. She brings a wealth of experience in the power secto

Apr 15, • 45:51

EP.238 Marion Calcine on Long-Term Investing in Volatile Markets

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Marion Calcine, Chief Investment Officer at Ardian Infrastructure and Member of the Ardian France Executive Board. She joins our Research Lead for France & Iberia, Christina Rentell, to discuss investment strategies. As CIO, Marion supervises investment processes for Ardian Infrastructure Funds in Europe and in the Americas. She has served, or currently serves, on the boards of 3New, 4New, 2i Rete Gas, Trados M45, and Mila. On top of this

Apr 8, • 29:31

EP.237 Guillaume de Goÿs, CEO, Aluminium Dunkerque

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Guillaume de Goÿs, CEO of Aluminium Dunkerque. He joins our Head of France, Pierre Dennery, and Julia Breuing, Research Associate in our Berlin office to discuss the challenges energy consumers are facing from tariffs, electricity, and carbon prices. Guillaume began his career in the tire industry at Michelin before transitioning to the aluminium sector, working first in Cameroon and later in France. He is now CEO of Aluminium Dunkerque,

Apr 1, • 25:47

EP.236 Sir Alex Chisholm & Kirsty Gogan on the Role of Nuclear Power

This week on Energy Unplugged, we're thrilled to welcome Sir Alex Chisholm, UK Chair of EDF and a Board Director at BT Group plc, along with Kirsty Gogan, Founding Director & Co-CEO of Terra Praxis and Managing Partner at LucidCatalyst. They'll be joining Dan Monzani, our Managing Director for the UK, Ireland, and India, for an insightful discussion on the role of nuclear power. Prior to EDF Energy and BT Group, Sir Alex worked at the top level of the UK Government, including 4 years in charge o

Mar 25, • 48:15

EP.235 Wendy Lam, CEO, Capsol Technologies

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Wendy Lam, CEO of Capsol Technologies. She joined our Head of Nordics & Baltics, Alexander Esser, to discuss the future of industrial decarbonisation. Wendy is an experienced technology leader with more than 20 years’ experience at major international industrial companies and has a proven track record of driving growth, developing strategic partnerships, and commercializing new technologies worldwide. Now, she leads Capsol Technologies, a

Mar 18, • 35:32

EP.234 Lucy Yu & Jon Norman on the Role of Flexibility to Enable a Clean Power Grid

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re excited to welcome Lucy Yu, CEO of the Centre for Net Zero, and Jon Norman, President of Hydrostor. They’ll join Marc Hedin, our Head of Research for Western Europe & India, to discuss how flexibility plays a crucial role in enabling a clean power grid. The Centre for Net Zero is an independent research unit within Octopus Energy, focused on providing data-driven insights into the future of demand flexibility. Hydrostor, based in Toronto, specializes in the d

Mar 11, • 46:24

EP.233 Carolina Nester on Curtailment and its Impact

This week on Energy Unplugged, we're excited to welcome Carolina Nester, Head of Operations for Iberia at Sonnedix. She joins Christina Rentell, our Research Lead for France & Iberia, to discuss the challenges of curtailment and its impact. With over 17 years of experience in the photovoltaic (PV) sector, Carolina has a broad background spanning solar module manufacturing, installation permitting, design, construction management, and the supervision and control of solar assets, as well as PV con

Mar 5, • 27:45

EP.232 Aurora Experts on our European Renewables Market Overview Report, CEE

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, our Head of Southeast Europe, Evangelos Gazis, is joined by Rebecca McManus, our Renewables Lead for European Power Markets, to disclose the main insights for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) from our European Renewables Market Overview Report. Over the past decade, Europe's solar and wind energy capacity has increased to over 528 GW, driven by rising power demand, supportive policies, higher commodity prices, and supply chain improvements. CEE is on the cusp

Feb 25, • 26:28

EP.231 Nat Bullard on his Latest Presentation on the State of Decarbonisation

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re thrilled to welcome Nat Bullard, Co-Founder of Halcyon. He joined Oliver Kerr, our Managing Director for North America, and Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC, to discuss the current state and future of global decarbonisation. Nat is the Co-Founder of Halcyon, an AI-powered platform focused on energy transition and decarbonisation. He is also the Founder and Managing Director of Business Climate, a decarbonisation consulting firm based in Singapore,

Feb 18, • 44:40

EP.230 Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO, EDPR North America

This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re excited to welcome Sandhya Ganapathy, CEO of EDP Renewables North America. She joins our North America Managing Director, Oliver Kerr, to explore the US power market—its appeal, and the challenges and opportunities shaping its future.Before stepping into the CEO role in 2022, Sandhya was the Global Head of Investments and M&A, and also served as the Head of Investments and M&A for North America. With her vast experience in evaluating renewable energy investme

Feb 11, • 36:07

EP.229 Javier Cavada, President & CEO for EMEA, Mitsubishi Power

This week on Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Javier Cavada, President & CEO for EMEA, Mitsubishi Power. He joins our Global Research Director, Richard Howard and our Lead Expert for European Hydrogen Markets, Dilara Caglayan, to discuss electrification as a key pillar of decarbonisation.With over 20 years of global experience in the energy sector, Javier has successfully guided companies through every stage of corporate development and growth. Before joining Mitsubishi Power, he se

Feb 4, • 39:07

EP.228 terralayr on the German Battery Market

This week on Energy Unplugged, we're thrilled to welcome Philipp Man, Founder & CEO of terralayr, and Mikko Preuß, Vice President of the company. They join Eva Zimmerman, Senior Associate in our Berlin Research team, to discuss the German battery market.As a company, terralayr is committed to overcoming the challenges of renewable energy with a mission to create a future powered entirely by renewables. Their goal is to ensure a reliable, sustainable power supply, no matter the fluctuations in de

Jan 28, • 34:39

EP.227 Kelcy Pegler, CEO, FlexGen

This week on Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Kelcy Pegler, CEO of FlexGen. He joins Olivier Beaufils, our Head of US Central, to explore the current landscape and future outlook of the energy storage industry in the U.S.Prior to joining FlexGen, Kelcy founded and chaired several companies in the renewables space, including Sofdesk (solar & storage software company) and Roof Diagnostics Solar (a residential solar installation company). He has been recognised by several business lead

Jan 21, • 32:20

EP.226 Scott Mercer on Nuclear Fusion

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Scott Mercer, CEO of Focused Energy discussing nuclear fusion with our Managing Director for North America, Oliver Kerr and Eva Zimmermann, Senior Associate in our Berlin office. Scott has served as the CEO of Focused Energy since February 2024. Before joining Focused Energy, he founded and led Volta Charging, guiding the company from its inception to a successful initial public offering (IPO). Over the course of his career, Scott

Jan 14, • 32:29

EP.225 Andrew Flanagan, CEO, RWE Clean Energy

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are thrilled to welcome Andrew Flanagan, CEO of RWE Clean Energy. He chats with Oliver Kerr, our Managing Director for North America, to discuss the current and future landscape of U.S. power markets.With over 25 years of experience in the US energy sector Andrew has a wealth of expertise. He leads the third-largest renewable energy business in North America and his career spans working with international teams across Europe. Andrew holds an MBA from North

Jan 7, • 35:23

EP.224 Rohan Ma on Battery Market Economics

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we're excited to welcome Rohan Ma, the former Director of Energy Software at Tesla. Rohan joins Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC, and Julia Hoos, our Head of USA East, for an insightful discussion on battery market economics.Rohan's career has focused on the intersection of energy economics and technology. The last 8 years saw him leading the global Energy Software team at Tesla, launching initiatives like Autobidder, Tesla's Virtual Power Plant, a

Dec 17, 2024 • 39:18

EP.223 Tyler Norris on Interconnection Processes in the US Power Markets

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are thrilled to welcome Tyler Norris, James B. Duke Fellow at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. Tyler joins our Managing Director for North America, Oliver Kerr, to discuss the interconnection processes within U.S. power markets.Tyler's PhD research at Duke University focuses on electric power systems. His background includes roles as VP of Development at Cypress Creek Renewables, Director at S&P Global Platts, and Special Advisor for T

Dec 10, 2024 • 40:16

EP.222 Axel Thiemann, CEO, Sonnedix

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Axel Thiemann, CEO of Sonnedix, to discuss the investment climate for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Europe. Axel joins our Global Research Director, Richard Howard, recorded live at the Aurora Battery Conference in November 2024.Axel has been with Sonnedix since 2011 and became CEO in 2018. Under his leadership, the company has experienced rapid growth and diversification to more than 3.5GW of operational capacity. Today,

Dec 2, 2024 • 29:27

EP.221 Benjamin Merle, Chief Product Officer, Enpal

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Benjamin Merle, Chief Product Officer at Enpal, as he joins our Managing Director for Central Europe, Hanns Koenig, to discuss solar energy solutions and their role in the German power market.Since 2020, Benjamin has been responsible for product development and energy market topics at Enpal. Before this, he played a key role in establishing Aurora's German branch and worked as a consultant at McKinsey. He studied International Busi

Nov 27, 2024 • 36:38

EP.220 Miguel de Jesus on the Philippine Power Market

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Miguel de Jesus, Managing Director for the Philippines at ACEN. He joins our Managing Director for APAC, Hugo Batten, and our Market Lead for Wider Asia, Patrick Tan, to discuss the current state of the Philippines' power market.Miguel oversees ACEN's operations in the Philippines and has held key leadership roles within the company. These include leading the company's solar developments in Vietnam, pioneering ACEN’s retail electri

Nov 19, 2024 • 33:36

EP.219 Toby Edmonds on Offshore Wind

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Toby Edmonds, Executive Vice President, Offshore Renewables at Northland Power. Toby joins Marc Hedin, our Head of Research for the UK & Ireland,  for an in-depth discussion on the topic of offshore wind.Toby oversees global operations, delivery, and growth initiatives for offshore renewables at Northland Power. With over 25 years in the energy industry, he previously served as COO at Maple Power and held senior roles at RWE, inclu

Nov 11, 2024 • 48:07

EP.218 Akshay Kaul on Delivering a Grid for the Energy Transition in GB

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Akshay Kaul, Director General for Infrastructure at Ofgem. Akshay joins Tom Smout, Senior Associate in our GB Research team, for an in-depth discussion on building a grid ready to support the energy transition in Great Britain.Akshay has been with Ofgem since 2017. Before his current role, he served as Director of Networks, overseeing the economic regulation of Great Britain’s energy networks. His responsibilities included developi

Nov 5, 2024 • 35:10

EP.217 Ethan Zindler, Climate Counselor, U.S. Department of the Treasury

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Ethan Zindler, Climate Counselor at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where he leads the Treasury’s Climate Hub. Ethan joins our Head of Advisory for the UK & Ireland, Brian Potskowski, and Lizzie Bonahoom, Associate in our U.S. Research team, to discuss the current landscape and future of the U.S. energy transition, especially in light of the upcoming November 5th election.Before joining the Treasury, Ethan served as Head of Am

Oct 29, 2024 • 36:54

EP.216 Power Deliverability Solutions for Data Centers

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome John Mushriqui, co-founder & CEO of InRange Energy, and Chris Pennington, Global Director of Energy and Sustainability at Iron Mountain Data Centers. They join our Market Lead for New York ISO & ISO New England, Anne Bettiol, to discuss power deliverability solutions for data centers.John, a lifelong entrepreneur, founded InRange based on his firsthand experience with the challenges of energy procurement processes. Meanwhile, Chris

Oct 22, 2024 • 40:03

EP.215 John Pettigrew, Chief Executive, National Grid

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome John Pettigrew, Chief Executive, National Grid. He joins our Global Research Director, Richard Howard, to discuss the outlook for power systems in both the UK and the US, with a particular focus on the investment required in grid infrastructure in these markets.John has extensive experience in the utility sector. He joined National Grid as a graduate in 1991 and has progressed through many senior management roles. As Chief Executiv

Oct 15, 2024 • 34:22

Aurora's Careers Series: Oxford Graduate Analyst Programme Explained

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Oct 9, 2024 • 26:02

Aurora's Careers Series: Oxford Graduate Modelling Programme Explained

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Oct 9, 2024 • 27:34

EP.214 Louise Oriol on Negative Price Hours in the French Market

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Louise Oriol, Advisor, RTE (France's Transmission System Operator). She joins our Head of France, Pierre Dennery, and Jonathan Hoare, Senior Analyst in our French Research team, to discuss negative price hours in the French market.Louise is an expert on electricity regulatory issues and electricity markets with over 10 years of experience, that include having worked for the French Ministry of Energy in the Electricity Markets Offic

Oct 8, 2024 • 33:10

EP.213 Brett Perlman on the US Hydrogen Industry

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Brett Perlman, President and CEO of the Center for Houston’s Future. He joins our Head of US Central, Olivier Beaufils, to discuss the current state of the US hydrogen Industry.For the past seven years, Brett has been running the Center for Houston’s Future, particularly being involved in the development of Houston’s hydrogen hub. With a distinguished career in the US energy sector, Brett’s experience spans from consulting at McKin

Oct 1, 2024 • 34:12

EP.212 Tim Jarratt on the State of the Energy Transition in Australia

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Tim Jarratt, Group Executive of Market Development and Strategy at Ausgrid. He joins our Managing Director for APAC, Hugo Batten, and Head of Research for APAC, James Ha, to discuss the current state of the energy transition in Australia.Tim has a long and distinguished career in the energy sector. Before joining Ausgrid, he worked at National Grid, where he led the strategy team and served as Chief of Staff to the CEO. He has also

Sep 24, 2024 • 40:58

EP.211 Kevin O’Donovan on the Renewables Landscape in GB

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Kevin O'Donovan, Vice President and Managing Director, UK & Ireland at Statkraft. He joins Robert Pearce, Senior Associate in our UK & Ireland Advisory team, to discuss the renewables landscape in Great Britain (GB).As part of Statkraft’s Europe business area, Kevin oversees wind, solar, battery, and grid services across the UK and Ireland. He holds an engineering degree from University College Cork and a master’s in renewable ener

Sep 17, 2024 • 36:36

EP.210 Aurora Team on Korea’s Energy System

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, our Managing Director for APAC, Hugo Batten, is joined by members of the Aurora team responsible for developing the analysis underpinning our market and grid forecasts for Korea.Just last month, the team celebrated the launch of Aurora's Korean Power & Renewables Market service at a live event in Seoul, attended by numerous market experts. As Korea goes through a period of immense transformation, our team will take you through the intricacies of energy in the

Sep 10, 2024 • 44:43

EP.209 Francisco Muñoz on the Chilean Energy Sector

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Francisco Muñoz, Director of Research at Generadoras de Chile discussing Chile’s energy sector and its journey toward renewable energy integration with our Managing Director for Iberia & LATAM, Ana Barillas.Generadoras de Chile is the trade association representing Chile’s power generation companies. In his role, Francisco leads a team that supports some of the world’s largest power generation companies as they navigate the evolvin

Sep 3, 2024 • 40:45

EP.208 Allan Marks on the US' role in the Global Energy Transition

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Allan Marks, Global Project, Energy & Infrastructure Finance Partner at Milbank, to discuss the United States' role in the global energy transition. Joining him are our Managing Director for North America, Oliver Kerr, and our USA West Market Lead, George Prassas.Allan is one of the world's leading project finance lawyers, with over 30 years of expertise across various sectors, including power and renewable energy, water, fuels, an

Aug 27, 2024 • 47:48

EP.207 Steffen Schülzchen, Founder & CEO, Entrix

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Steffen Schülzchen, Founder & CEO, Entrix, discussing the current state and outlook of batteries in the German electricity market. Joining him are Thaddäus Kreisig, Project Leader from our Berlin Advisory team, and Eva Zimmermann, Associate in our European Research team.Entrix offers an AI-based trading and optimisation solution that helps owners of flexible energy assets to maximise the value of their investments. Before founding

Aug 20, 2024 • 40:14

EP.206 Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, discussing the Alberta energy and power landscape with our Managing Director for North America, Oliver Kerr.Danielle Smith, who was sworn in as the 19th Premier of Alberta in 2022, previously served as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Highwood and the leader of the Official Opposition. Before returning to politics, she built a successful career in media and business, most recently as Pr

Aug 13, 2024 • 31:12

EP.205 Katan Hirachand, Chief Executive & Chief Country Officer, Société Générale India

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Katan Hirachand, Chief Executive & Chief Country Officer of Société Générale India. Katan will be discussing project finance in India with our Managing Director responsible for our activities in the region, Dan Monzani.Katan oversees Société Générale’s Global Banking and Investor Solutions activities in India. With over two decades of global experience, he has held positions such as Co-head of Advisory and Project Finance for EMEA,

Aug 6, 2024 • 42:54

EP.204 Mateo Jaramillo, Co-founder & CEO, Form Energy

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we're delighted to welcome Mateo Jaramillo, co-founder and CEO of Form Energy. Mateo joins our Managing Director for North America, Oliver Kerr, and Zachary Edelen, a Senior Associate from our Austin office, to discuss long-duration battery storage.Before co-founding and directing Form Energy, Mateo served as the Vice President of Products and Programs for Tesla's stationary energy storage program. In this role, he was responsible for defining Tesla Energy's

Jul 30, 2024 • 46:12

EP.203 Andrew Waranch, President & CEO, Spearmint Energy

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Andrew Waranch, President & CEO of Spearmint Energy, discussing the battery storage market with our Managing Director for North America, Oliver Kerr.Andrew brings over 25 years of experience in research, trading, and portfolio management across the electricity power markets. Before founding and leading Spearmint Energy, he worked at several energy trading firms, including Elustria, Elliott Associates, Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch,

Jul 23, 2024 • 35:50

Australian Graduate Analyst Programme Explained

Thinking of applying to our Australian Graduate Program? Listen in! In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Mechtersheimer and Michael Veld, Graduate Analysts in the 2024 cohort, to hear about their first-hand experience at Aurora. You'll hear about everything from the application process to the day-to-day responsibilities and projects.To learn more visit auroraer.com/grads! Support the Show.

Jul 21, 2024 • 21:58

EP.202 Buddy Rizer on Data Centre Demand and its Impact on Power Systems

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Buddy Rizer, Executive Director for the Department of Economic Development in Loudoun County, Virginia, USA. He discusses data centre demand and its impact on power systems with our Head of USA East, Julia Hoos, and Zachary Edelen, Senior Associate in our Research team.Buddy is largely credited as the architect of "Data Center Alley"—the world’s largest concentration of data centre load. He leads the agency responsible for encourag

Jul 16, 2024 • 45:37

EP.201 Agnes da Costa, Director, Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Agnes Maria da Costa, Director at the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL). She joins our Managing Director for Iberia & LATAM, Ana Barillas, to discuss policies for the Brazilian electricity market, including capacity reserve auctions. Agnes has been a Director at ANEEL since December 2022. Before this role, she spent almost eighteen years at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, where she held positions such as advisor, sp

Jul 9, 2024 • 45:42

EP.200 Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog

On our 200th episode of Energy Unplugged, which also marks our first India-focused episode, we are delighted to welcome a very special guest: Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog. He takes a deep dive into the Indian market with Dan Monzani, Managing Director at Aurora, who oversees our activities in India.Mr. Bery is an eminent economist, academic, writer, and policy leader who has spent the better part of the last three decades at the World Bank, eventually becoming their Lead Economist. Be

Jul 2, 2024 • 46:20

EP.199 Flemming Sørensen and Ángel Sanz on the PPA Market in Europe

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Flemming Sørensen, Vice President for Europe, LevelTen Energy, and Ángel Sanz, Head of Energy Markets Iberia, ENGIE, analysing the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) market in Europe with our Managing Director for Iberia & LATAM, Ana Barillas.This episode was recorded at the LevelTen Energy European Forum, a key event in the PPA industry that brought together leaders and innovators from across the renewable energy sector. This forum ha

Jun 14, 2024 • 21:43

EP.198 Aurora experts on the New Renewable Electricity Support Scheme in Northern Ireland

On this week’s Energy Unplugged episode, the Aurora team analyses the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme in Northern Ireland. Salman Khan, Principal in our Oxford Advisory team, welcomes for the discussion our colleagues Steph Unsworth, Senior Associate and Product Manager for I-SEM, and Michael Joos, also Senior Associate manager of the project Aurora is delivering to the Northern Irish Government to support the design of this new scheme.Main topics include the following:Why is a support

Jun 10, 2024 • 31:42

EP.197 Chris Stark, Chief Executive, The Carbon Trust

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Chris Stark, Chief Executive of the Carbon Trust, discussing the UK’s climate targets with our Managing Director for the UK & Ireland and European Hydrogen, Dan Monzani.A world-renowned climate policy expert, Chris is the Chief Executive of The Carbon Trust, a global climate consultancy dedicated to accelerating the transition to a decarbonised future. In his previous role as Chief Executive of the UK’s Climate Change Committee, Ch

May 29, 2024 • 46:50

EP.196 Alice Delahunty on the Importance of Energy Networks in the Transition to Net-Zero

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Alice Delahunty, President of National Grid Electricity Transmission, in conversation with Rebecca McManus, Senior Associate and our Renewables Lead for the European Power Markets Research team. The discussion focuses on the importance of energy networks in the transition to Net-Zero in the UK and other European power markets.Alice is responsible for developing, building, maintaining, and operating the electricity transmission netw

May 20, 2024 • 34:08

EP.194 Nicole Yazon on the Philippine Power Market

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Nicole Yazon, AVP for Strategy and deputy lead for the Corporate Strategy team at Aboitiz Power, analysing the Philippine power market with our Managing Director for APAC & California, Hugo Batten, and our Market Lead for Wider Asia, Patrick Tan.At Aboitiz Power, Nicole works with the C-suite to shape portfolio strategy and advises senior leaders of the company’s subsidiaries on their business unit strategies. Previously, she worke

May 15, 2024 • 31:29

EP.195 Prologis on the Sustainability and Decarbonisation Potential of the Logistics Real Estate Sector

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Vibhu Kaushik, Senior Vice President & Global Head of Energy, and Susan Uthayakumar, Chief Energy & Sustainability Officer, both at Prologis, in conversation with our Global Research Director, Richard Howard. The focus of the discussion is on the sustainability and decarbonisation potential of the logistics real estate sector.Prologis is a global leader in the logistics real estate industry. As the world's largest owner and operato

May 10, 2024 • 29:48

EP.193 Keith Anderson, Chief Executive, ScottishPower

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of ScottishPower, discussing the deployment of renewables in the UK with our Global Research Director, Richard Howard.As the CEO of ScottishPower, Keith oversees all of the company's activities in the UK. Over the past twelve months, he has been a member of the No10 Business Council, the UK Government’s Investment Trade Advisory Group, and has been a COP26 Business Leader. Before joining ScottishPowe

May 2, 2024 • 43:02

EP.192 Johanna Schiele on the Results of the European Hydrogen Bank Auction

On this Energy Unplugged episode, we are pleased to welcome Johanna Schiele, Policy Officer at the EU Commission, DG CLIMA, discussing the results of the European Hydrogen Bank auction with Hanns Koenig, our Managing Director for Central Europe, and Emma Woodward, our European Hydrogen Market Lead.As a Policy Officer at the EU Commission, DG CLIMA, Johanna works on designing and implementing EU-wide auctions and new funding instruments at the EU Innovation Fund. Prior to joining the Commission,

May 2, 2024 • 42:15

2024, Berlin Graduate Analyst Programme Explained

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May 2, 2024 • 34:18

EP.191 Aurora Experts on Grid Modelling in APAC

On this week’s Energy Unplugged episode, the Aurora team analyses grid modelling in APAC, both from a policy and investment perspective.Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC, welcomes our colleagues Kento Yoshimura, Market Lead, Japan; Rowan von Spreckelsen, Head of New Markets, APAC; and James Ha, Research Lead, Australia to discuss the following:• Policy debates around locational price signals• Modelling debates around locational price signals, including its quality and reliability• Mark

Apr 30, 2024 • 37:10

EP.190 David Watson on the Future of EVs and Smart Charging

On this Energy Unplugged episode, we are pleased to welcome David Watson, CEO and Co-Founder of Ohme, discussing the future role of electric vehicles (EVs) and smart charging with Salman Khan, Principal at our Oxford Advisory team.David created Ohme with the aim of making it the world’s most trusted smart charging platform. Today, Ohme is the UK’s fastest growing smart charging company and the official charging provider for the Volkswagen Group in the UK and Ireland, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and P

Apr 23, 2024 • 42:06

EP.189 Charlotte Johnson on Battery Optimisation and Flexibility

On this Energy Unplugged episode we welcome Charlotte Johnson, Global Director of Markets, Kraken discussing flexible assets, their markets and, more specifically, batteries with Evangelos Gazis, our Head of Southeastern Europe.Being part of the Octopus Energy Group, Kraken is a cloud-based technology platform that uses machine learning and AI to control and optimize distributed energy resources such as batteries, EVs and heat pumps in response to real-time fluctuations in demand and supply from

Apr 16, 2024 • 30:26

EP.188 Anna von Bremen on Storage Systems and Renewables in Germany

On this Energy Unplugged episode, we welcome Anna von Bremen, Partner and Head of Energy Innovation at Osborne Clarke, discussing the integration of storage systems with renewable energy sources with Thaddäus Kreisig, Project Leader in our Berlin Advisory team.As the Head of Energy Innovation at Osborne Clarke, Anna advises companies in the energy industry on regulatory and energy law issues and aspects of digitalisation in the energy sector. Additionally, she conducts complex regulatory litigat

Apr 9, 2024 • 30:35

EP.187 Ruth Herbert on Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we welcome Ruth Herbert, CEO of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA), discussing Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) with Caroline Still, Project Leader at our Advisory team in Oxford.Ruth has served as the CEO of the CCSA since 2021, following a two-decade career in the public sector. Notably, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Low Carbon Contracts Company, where she served as Director of Strategy & Development, overseeing t

Apr 2, 2024 • 49:51

EP.186 Jeremy Bentham on the role of forecasts in the energy transition

On this episode of Energy Unplugged, we welcome Jeremy Bentham, Former Head of Shell Scenarios and Co-Chair at the World Energy Council, discussing the role of forecasts in the energy transition with our Head of Research for European Hydrogen and Global Energy Markets, Anise Ganbold.With over 40 years of profound experience in the energy industry, Jeremy Bentham holds notable positions including senior advisory roles in various international organisations and serves as a non-executive company di

Mar 28, 2024 • 42:32

EP.185 Andrew Doyle on Hydrogen Project Financing

On this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Andrew Doyle, Executive Director, MUFG, discussing hydrogen project financing with our European Hydrogen Market Lead, Emma Woodward.Andrew brings with him over 20 years of project finance experience, having joined MUFG in 2011. His expertise spans a wide range of projects, from large thermal power and renewables ventures across the UK and Europe, and Middle East as well as offshore transmission projects. Additionally, Andrew serves

Mar 19, 2024 • 22:36

EP.184 Dr Sopna Sury provides an outlook of the hydrogen landscape

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we discuss the changes, challenges and future outlook of the hydrogen landscape. We are pleased to have Dr Sopna Sury, Chief Operating Officer Hydrogen, RWE Generation SE, join us in conversation with our Lead Expert for Hydrogen, Dilara Caglayan.Sopna is responsible for the group-wide coordination and expansion of RWE's hydrogen activities and, under her leadership, RWE has set a growth target of 2 GW electrolyser capacity by 2030, supported by a 10 GW proje

Mar 12, 2024 • 31:17

EP.183 Declan Flanagan on Renewables & Storage Development in the US & Australia

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we discuss renewables and storage development in the US and Australian markets. We are delighted to welcome Declan Flanagan, Founder & CEO of Bluestar Energy Capital, in conversation with our Managing Director for APAC & California, Hugo Batten, and our Research Lead for US West, Kimberly Liu.Prior to founding and directing Bluestar Energy Capital, Declan served as EVP at Ørsted and CEO of Ørsted’s onshore renewables business. He was also the Founder & CEO of

Mar 5, 2024 • 38:35

EP.182 Robert Todd on Long Duration Energy Storage

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we discuss Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) and explore how this space is gathering momentum as its pivotal role in supporting the Energy Transition becomes increasingly recognised. We are pleased to have Robert Todd, Managing Director at CIBC Capital Partners, join us in conversation with our Head of Research for the UK & Ireland, Marc Hedin.Robert joined CIBC three years ago to help expand their advisory platform activities globally, with recent experien

Feb 27, 2024 • 29:43

EP.181 Andy Bowman on Renewables in the US

On this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Andy Bowman, Founder & CEO of Jupiter Power, discussing renewables in the US with our Managing Director for North America, Oliver Kerr.Over his 25-year career in renewables, Andy has had executive responsibility for more than 3,600 MW of wind and solar projects and 1,400 MWh of energy storage projects which are currently operational or under construction. Prior to founding and managing Jupiter Power, he was CEO and founder of Pione

Feb 20, 2024 • 49:59

EP.180 Craig Francis on Renewables & Storage Development in Australia

On this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Craig Francis, CEO of Genex Power, discussing renewables and storage development in the Australian market with our Managing Director for APAC and California, Hugo Batten, and our Research Lead for Australia, James Ha. Craig is an experienced leader with a career spanning over 15 years in financial markets as well as a deep knowledge of the energy sector. He joined Genex in 2017 to lead the commercial development of the Company’s po

Feb 13, 2024 • 33:29

EP.179 Aurora Experts on our European Battery Markets Attractiveness Report

On this week’s Energy Unplugged episode, Ryan Alexander, our Research Lead for European Power Markets, welcomes our colleagues Eva Zimmermann, Associate and Lead for Flexible Energy and Guillermo Ríos, Research Analytics Associate, to disclose the main insights from our European Battery Markets Attractiveness Report.Europe is an immensely promising region for investment in batteries, driven by ambitious decarbonisation targets and projected exponential growth in renewables. Make the most of this

Feb 8, 2024 • 34:48

EP.178 Ralph Johnson on Battery Storage Optimisation

This week on Energy Unplugged, Ralph Johnson, Head of UK Business Development, Habitat Energy discusses battery storage optimisation in GB and globally with our Global Software Solutions Director, Mateusz Wronski. Ralph is responsible for originating and managing Habitat Energy’s strategic partnerships in the UK. He is an expert in battery storage and brings over 15 years of experience working in the energy sector. Previously, Ralph held senior positions at Reactive Technologies and EDF, where h

Feb 1, 2024 • 1:01:32

EP.177 Michael Terrell, Sr. Director for Energy and Climate, Google

On this episode of Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Michael Terrell, Senior Director for Energy and Climate, Google, for a discussion with Oliver Kerr, our Head of North America, focusing on “the 24/7 goal”. Michael leads Google’s efforts to decarbonise its global operations and value chain. In his previous role as Global Director of Energy, he spearheaded the company’s commitment to operate on 24/7 carbon free energy by 2030. Additionally, Michael serves as Board Chair of the Clean

Jan 25, 2024 • 38:06

EP.176 James Johnston, CEO and Co-Founder, Piclo

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, James Johnston, CEO & Co-Founder of Piclo, engages in a discussion with Matteo Coriglioni, our Head of Italy, and Eva Zimmermann, Associate at Aurora. Together, they delve into the roles that flexibility and the deployment of new flexible technologies play as two of the key enabling factors for the energy transition. James, who initiated his career with three years of microgrid research at the University of Strathclyde, co-founded Solar Sketch in 2009—a desig

Jan 18, 2024 • 46:47

EP.175 Pascale Courcelle on the new French PPA guarantee scheme

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, Pascale Courcelle, Director of Real Estate and Energy Environment Financing at Bpifrance, engages in a discussion with our Head of France, Pierre Denery, and our Co-Head of Advisory for Central Europe, Thekla von Bülow. The conversation focuses on the Renewable Electricity Guarantee Fund (GER), a guarantee fund for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) launched in France in September 2023. Pascale began her career as a business manager in Brittany and later joined

Jan 11, 2024 • 43:04

EP.174 Gunter Erfurt, CEO, Meyer Burger

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, Gunter Erfurt, CEO, Meyer Burger engages in a discussion with Hanns Koenig, our Managing Director for Central Europe, with focus on the European solar industry. Before becoming the CEO of Meyer Burger, Gunter held the position of both Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, as well as managerial positions in other companies in the solar industry. He holds a Diploma in Engineering Physics from the University of Applied Sciences Zwickau, and Degre

Jan 4, 2024 • 52:26

EP.173 Dalia Majumder-Russell, Partner, CMS on the Latest Hydrogen Auctions

In this Energy Unplugged episode, Dalia Majumder-Russell, Partner at CMS, engages in a discussion with Emma Woodward, our European Hydrogen Market Lead, focusing on key announcements made recently, that will drive forward the development of a hydrogen economy. Particularly, focusing on the recent announcements made by the Department of Net Zero & Energy Security (DESNZ). Dalia is a partner in CMS’s Energy team in London, with over 10 years’ experience advising a wide range investors, developers,

Dec 21, 2023 • 29:46

EP.172 Igor Fonseca, Head of Power, Project Finance, Santander

This week on Energy Unplugged, Igor Fonseca, Head of Power, Santander Brazil Project Finance discusses project finance in Brazil’s power sector with our Founder & CEO, John Feddersen. Over the past 11 years, Igor has worked within Santander’s Project Finance team following his positions at HSBC and Credit Agricole. At Santander, Igor has been covering the Power sector, executing and arranging several financial advisory mandates. This has amounted to investments over USD 10 billion and a total in

Dec 12, 2023 • 53:12

EP.170 Clare Savage, Chair, Australian Energy Regulator

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, we discuss the current status and future of the Energy Transition in Australia, with a specific focus on its regulatory landscape. We are pleased to be joined by Clare Savage, Chair, Australian Energy Regulator (AER), and James Ha, our Research Lead for Australia, in conversation with our Managing Director for APAC and California, Hugo Batten. Clare has worked with some of Australia's largest businesses, including electricity and gas producers, as well as co

Nov 30, 2023 • 49:56

EP.171 Alexander Voigt, Co-Founder & Board Member, HH2E

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, Alexander Voigt, Co-Founder & Board Member of HH2E, engages in a discussion with Hanns Koenig, our Managing Director for Central Europe. Together, they explore the resilience of Europe's clean energy supply chains and delve into the extent to which Europe should try to build or rebuild its own clean energy manufacturing space. Alexander has spent his career creating several CO2-free businesses, some of which have achieved billion-euro valuations. Today, he is

Nov 28, 2023 • 42:09

EP.169 Catherine Raw, Managing Director, SSE Thermal

In this episode of Energy Unplugged, Catherine Raw, Managing Director of SSE Thermal, engages in a discussion with Anise Ganbold, our Head of Research for Global Markets & Hydrogen, exploring the role of hydrogen in the journey towards a Net-Zero power sector and economy in the UK and Ireland. Prior to joining SSE Thermal in April 2022, Catherine served as both Chief Operating Officer for North America and Chief Financial Officer for the international metals and mining firm, Barrick Gold. Before

Nov 23, 2023 • 41:23

EP.168 Pierre Bartholin, Senior Director, Glennmont Partners

In this Energy Unplugged episode, we delve into the intricacies of revenue strategy for renewable portfolio managers, focusing specifically on the topic of power purchase agreements (PPAs). We are pleased to be joined by Pierre Bartholin, Senior Director, Glennmont Partners in conversation with our Co-Head of Advisory in Central Europe, Thekla von Bülow. With more than 12 years of experience in the carbon and power markets and having contributed to pioneering business models within SG CIB, Solva

Nov 16, 2023 • 43:22

EP.167 Camilla Nilsson, CEO, Kyoto Group

In this Energy Unplugged episode Camilla Nilsson, CEO of Kyoto Group and Alejandro Zerain, Project Leader at Aurora, discuss long duration energy storage with Ana Barillas, our Head of Iberia and LATAM. Dedicated to sustainability and clean technologies, especially in energy and agriculture, Camilla has extensive international industrial experience from her leadership roles in large international companies. Her background includes experience in multinational joint ventures, aggressive turn-aroun

Nov 9, 2023 • 43:08

EP.166 Rogério Jorge, CEO, AES Brasil

In this Energy Unplugged episode, we discuss the context and challenges of the Brazilian power sector. We are pleased to be joined by Rogério Jorge, CEO of AES Brasil, in conversation with our Founder & CEO, John Feddersen. Backed by 24 years of experience in the energy sector, Rogério has led different areas in the energy distribution, generation and commercialisation sectors, including the development of new businesses, the origination and structuring of greenfield projects, and the participat

Nov 2, 2023 • 53:12

EP.165 Dr Alan Finkel, Chair of the Low Emissions Technology Investment Advisory Council

In this Energy Unplugged episode, we discuss the transition to a future in which the role of electricity is scaled up in the global energy mix, powered by low-emission solutions. We’re pleased to be joined by Alan Finkel, Chair of the Low Emissions Technology Investment Advisory Council and James Ha, our Research Lead for Australia, in conversation with Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC & California. Alan is, among many things, a neuroscientist, engineer, entrepreneur and philanthropis

Oct 26, 2023 • 47:52

EP.164 Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director, Octopus Energy

In this Energy Unplugged episode, Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy and Caroline Still, Senior Associate in our Advisory team, discuss the decarbonisation of homes and buildings with Richard Howard, our Global Research Director. Emma started her career in the real-estate industry and, over time, became the manager of a major house-building and development company. Alongside this, she is part of a community land trust which implements low-carbon solutions at the domestic

Oct 19, 2023 • 45:30

EP.163 How can refineries' value chain be carbon neutral? Lars Peter Lindfors, EVP Innovation, Neste

In this Energy Unplugged episode, we discuss how the oil refinery business can complete the transition towards a carbon neutral value chain by 2040. We are pleased to be joined by Lars Peter Lindfors, Executive Vice President (EVP), Innovation, Neste in conversation with our Nordics Market Lead, Alexander Esser. Holding 30+ years of Industrial experience, prior to being the EVP of Innovation of Neste Corporation, Lars Peter held positions as SVP, related to areas such as R&D, Engineering, Strate

Oct 12, 2023 • 35:17

EP.162 Hydrogen in Europe and APAC: Daniel Sandermann, Head of Europe at Hysata

In this Energy Unplugged episode Daniel Tas Sandermann, Head of Europe at Hysata and James Ha, our Research Lead for Australia, discuss Hydrogen in Europe and APAC with Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC & California. Before joining Hysata, Daniel was Vice President, Head of Energy Systems at Ørsted and also a Member of the Board of Directors. He has an academic background in science and sustainable energy systems. Main topics include the following: • Analysis of the hydrogen market in

Oct 5, 2023 • 43:32

EP.161 Monalisa C. Dimalanta, Chairperson & CEO, Energy Regulatory Commission, Philippines

In this episode, we focus on the Philippines’ energy system. We’re delighted to be joined by Monalisa C. Dimalanta, Chairperson & CEO of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Philippines and John Feddersen, our Founder & CEO, in conversation with Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC & California. As well as being Chairperson of the ERC, Philippines, Monalisa is a professor at Ateneo de Manila Law School. Prior to this, she was a partner at PJS Law, and also Chief of Legal & Compliance O

Sep 28, 2023 • 43:32

2024, Oxford Graduate Modelling Programme Explained

2024, Oxford Graduate Modelling Programme Explained by Aurora Energy Research

Sep 25, 2023 • 20:35

2024, Oxford Graduate Analyst Programme Explained

2024, Oxford Graduate Analyst Programme Explained by Aurora Energy Research

Sep 25, 2023 • 34:06

2023, Berlin Graduate Analyst Programme Explained

Marise Westbroek, Project Leader at Aurora, joins two of Aurora's Graduate Analysts, Anne Geschke and Luciano Serconek Fuso, in this special careers podcast episode 'Berlin Graduate Analyst Programme Explained'. Listen to find out more about our Analysts’ first-hand experience with the application process and onboarding, their typical day at work, and any advice they might have for those considering applying to Aurora's Berlin Graduate Analyst Programme. To find out more, apply or join our grad

Sep 25, 2023 • 22:20

2023, Austin Graduate Analyst Programme Explained

2023, Austin Graduate Analyst Programme Explained by Aurora Energy Research

Sep 25, 2023 • 26:16

EP.160 Fintan Slye, Director of the ESO and Chair of the Board

In this Energy Unplugged episode, we discuss the future of the Future System Operator (FSO) and other hot topics in the UK ahead of the winter season. We’re pleased to be joined by Fintan Slye, Director of the Electricity System Operator (ESO) and Chair of the Board, in conversation with our Managing Director for UK & Ireland, Dan Monzani. Fintan joined the ESO in 2018, following from his position as the CEO of the EirGrid Group, the electricity system and market operator in Ireland and Northern

Sep 21, 2023 • 49:44

EP.159 Naoaki Eguchi, Partner, Baker McKenzie

On this week’s Energy Unplugged episode, we welcome Naoaki “Nick” Eguchi, Partner, Baker McKenzie and Co-head of the Firm’s Renewable and Clean Energy Group in Tokyo, in a conversation with our Head of Advisory in Japan, Hayato Ono, and our Managing Director in APAC, Hugo Batten. The discussion revolves around Japan’s energy markets. Nick focuses his practice on project finance and renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydroelectric) and has worked on a lot of the major transact

Sep 14, 2023 • 40:04

EP.158 Eirik Wærness, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Equinor

In this Energy Unplugged episode we look at the big picture scenarios for the decarbonisation of the global economy. We’re delighted to be joined by Eirik Wærness, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at Equinor, and Anise Ganbold, our Head of Research, Global Energy Markets and Hydrogen, in a conversation with our Global Research Director, Richard Howard. Joining Equinor in 2003 under it’s previous name Statoil, Eirik leads the group’s energy market policy and macroeconomics analysis, and

Sep 7, 2023 • 52:40

EP.157 Chris Greig, Princeton University & Richard Bolt, Nous Group

In this episode, we focus on Net Zero Australia, Net-Zero America, and the differences between the two countries. We’re delighted to be joined today by two guests: Chris Greig, Senior Research Scientist in the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment at Princeton University, and Richard Bolt, Principal at Nous Group and Chair of Hydro Tasmania, in a conversation with Hugo Batten, our Managing Director for APAC & California, Julia Hoos, our Head of USA East, and James Ha, our Research Lead

Aug 30, 2023 • 50:43

EP.156 Luis Pita, General Manager, Brazil, Atlas Renewable Energy

On this week’s Energy Unplugged episode, we welcome Luis Pita, General Manager, Brazil, Atlas Renewable Energy, in a conversation with our Founder & CEO, John Feddersen, that focuses on the current situation and future plans for the energy market in Brazil. Before joining Atlas Renewable Energy, Luis worked at SunEdison (now Fenice Energy) for four years as GM for Brazil. Prior to that time, Luis accumulated over 20 years experience in executive roles across multiple continents, mainly in logist

Aug 24, 2023 • 53:44

EP.155 Global Project Finance Series in partnership with SMBC Group PART IV – The US

This episode is the fourth in a series on global project finance, organised in partnership with SMBC Group. With a number of 4 episodes covering Europe, Australia, Asia and the US, this series is hosted by Aurora, with guests from SMBC Group, various law firms and Aurora. The conversation focuses on the project finance in the US and we’re delighted to have our Head of USA East, Julia Hoos, in a discussion with Carl Morales, Managing Director and Group Head for the North American Power Project F

Aug 18, 2023 • 53:07

EP.154 Aurora on the Importance of Energy Networks for Investment Decisions and System Operation

On this week’s Energy Unplugged episode, we deep dive in the importance of energy networks for investment decisions and the operation of the system to build Net Zero power systems. We’re happy to welcome our colleagues Alexandra Houston, Senior Associate and Ashutosh Padelkar, Research Associate in a conversation with our Managing Director for UK & Ireland, Dan Monzani. Alexandra is a Senior Associate in our GB Advisory team, where she has led a variety of work related to networks including for

Aug 10, 2023 • 41:48

EP.153 Japan’s Green Transformation Act: Hitomi Komachi, Partner, Allen & Overy Tokyo

In this episode, we’re delighted to welcome Hitomi Komachi, Partner in Allen & Overy’s Tokyo office in a conversation with our Head of New Markets in APAC, Rowan von Spreckelsen and our Head of Advisory in Japan, Hayato Ono. The focus is on Japan’s recently unveiled green subsidy program, the draft Green Transformation Act published in February and passed into law in May by the Japanese Parliament. Hitomi is an English law qualified lawyer with extensive experience in clean energy projects and t

Aug 3, 2023 • 41:48

EP.152 Aurora Experts on the Hottest Power Markets in Europe

This week, on Energy Unplugged, we have a special episode featuring Aurora experts in a discussion about what energy markets are hot in Europe right now and why. Our Research Lead for European Power Markets Ryan Alexander is joined by Anuoluwa Omojola, Flexibility Lead and Rebecca McManus, Renewables Lead in the same team. Main topics include: • The most exciting markets for renewables and battery investment in Europe • The European Commission’s current power market reform • European Commissi

Jul 27, 2023 • 29:58

EP.151 Julian Leslie, Head of Networks and Chief Engineer, National Grid ESO

In this episode we focus on the grid connections reform process and we welcome Julian Leslie, Head of Networks and Chief Engineer at National Grid ESO in a conversation with Emma Woodward, Project Leader at Aurora. Julian has 30 years' experience in electricity system operation, planning and investment in various senior leadership roles. His current role is to prepare Great Britain’s electricity networks for Net Zero. Julian has a degree in Electrical Engineering, is a Chartered Electrical Engi

Jul 21, 2023 • 34:11

EP.150 Lowina Lundström, Senior Vice President, Svenska Kraftnät

In this Energy Unplugged episode, we discuss the upcoming priorities of the Swedish TSO (transmission system operator), such as the capacity market implementation and solving grid bottlenecks. We’re pleased to be joined by Lowina Lundström, Senior Vice President, Svenska Kraftnät, in a discussion with our Head of Nordics & Baltics, Alexander Esser. Lowina is also Chairman of the Board of Directors at eSett, a company providing balance settlement services to participants of electricity markets in

Jul 12, 2023 • 22:20

EP.149 Dave Jones, Global Electricity Insights Lead, Ember

EP.149 Dave Jones, Global Electricity Insights Lead, Ember by Aurora Energy Research

Jul 6, 2023 • 44:23

EP.148 Llewelyn Hughes, Professor, Australian National University on Japan energy markets

In this Energy Unplugged episode we focus on Japan’s energy markets. We’re delighted to be joined by Professor Llewelyn Hughes of the Australian National University (ANU) in a conversation with our Managing Director in APAC and California, Hugo Batten and our Head of New Markets in APAC, Rowan von Spreckelsen. Llewelyn is a deep expert in Japan’s energy markets, being currently the Director of the Japan Institute at ANU. He’s had a long and distinguished academic career, spending time at MIT, T

Jun 29, 2023 • 52:54

EP.147 Sven Utermöhlen, CEO Offshore Wind, RWE

This week on Energy Unplugged we welcome Sven Utermöhlen, Chief Executive Officer Offshore Wind at RWE, in a conversation with our Co-Head of Advisory for Central Europe, Casimir Lorenz. RWE is a leading global player in renewables and number two worldwide in offshore wind. Sven joined RWE in 2022 and before he has held various senior executive roles in renewable energy for more than sixteen years, including at innogy SE, and E.ON, where he also led the company’s offshore wind division. He also

Jun 22, 2023 • 38:27

EP.146 The Japanese Power Market with Aurora's Leadership Team in Tokyo

This week we have a special episode on Energy Unplugged in which we discuss the Japanese power market with Aurora's leadership team in Tokyo. Our Managing Director in APAC and California, Hugo Batten is joined by Aurora’s Rowan von Spreckelsen – Head of New Markets, APAC; Hayato Ono – Head of Advisory, Japan; Alex Luta and Zelin Chen – Project Leaders, Japan and Sehun Nakama – Associate, Japan. This episode is being released just as we open our office in Tokyo and deliver our first research proj

Jun 15, 2023 • 40:46

EP.145 Jonathan Brearley, CEO, Ofgem

In this week’s podcast we welcome Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem, in conversation with Dan Monzani, our Managing Director for UK & Ireland. Over the next 12 years, the energy system is under pressure for transformation to reach the goal of Net Zero. This episode focuses on the necessity for change within the energy system in order to achieve these targets. Jonathan has wide-ranging energy sector experience, having led Electricity Market Reform as the Director for Energy Markets and Networks at

Jun 9, 2023 • 39:00

EP.144 The energy transition: an investment climate for low-carbon infrastructure

In this episode, we discuss the energy transition as an investment climate for low-carbon infrastructure in Europe and the US. Our Research Director, Richard Howard is joined by Aurora experts: Ryan Alexander, Research Lead for European Power Markets and Julia Hoos, Head of USA East. Main topics include: • The impact of the REPowerEU plan and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the US on the energy transition • The status of renewables deployment in Europe vs the US • Green hydrogen as a dire

Jun 1, 2023 • 51:56

EP.143 Jack Curtis, Chief Commercial Officer, Neara

In this episode, we welcome Jack Curtis, Chief Commercial Officer at Neara, in a talk with our Managing Director in APAC and California, Hugo Batten, and our Head of Research in APAC, James Ha. Today’s discussion is focused on the challenges of the grid through the energy transition. Neara is a physics-enabled platform that builds 3D interactive models of networks and assets, providing the ability to run real-world scenarios, assess current and future risks, and prioritize maintenance and disast

May 25, 2023 • 41:18

EP.142 Jan Pepper,CEO, Peninsula Clean Energy

In this episode we welcome Jan Pepper, CEO, Peninsula Clean Energy in a conversation with our Head of Advisory – US West, Felix Chow-Kambitsch and our Head of Research – US West, Kim Liu. The discussion focusses on clean energy in California, as the state transitions towards its commitment of 100% clean electricity by 2045. Jan has been working on renewable energy in California for the last 30 years. She is now CEO of Peninsula Clean Energy, a Community Choice Aggregation agency for San Mateo

May 18, 2023 • 32:09

EP.141 Daniel Breuer, Partner, Osborne Clarke

This week we have a special episode on Energy Unplugged in which we welcome Daniel Breuer, Partner at Osborne Clarke in a conversation with our Co-Head of Advisory Central Europe, Thekla von Bülow. The episode is preparing for our Renewables Summit Berlin 2023 taking place tomorrow, Thursday 11th of May in Berlin, Germany. The topic of the event is ‘Coordinating the German State and Market: Policies and Strategies to Reach 80% Renewables by 2030’ and Daniel is one of our speakers at the event.

May 10, 2023 • 48:32

EP.140 Melissa Gander, Chief Operating Officer, Kaluza

This week on Energy Unplugged, we discuss about the revolution in retail energy markets in the UK and internationally. We’re delighted to welcome Melissa Gander, Chief Operating Officer at Kaluza in a conversation with our Managing Director for UK & Ireland, Dan Monzani. With an extensive career in energy, Melissa was a member of OVO Energy’s launch team in 2009 where she headed up their Customer Services and Operations, as well as their smart metering business. In 2019, Melissa became OVO Grou

May 5, 2023 • 38:05

EP.139 Chris Hansen, State Senator for Colorado

In this episode we’re delighted to welcome Chris Hansen, State Senator for Colorado in a conversation with our Head of USA, Oliver Kerr. Chris entered politics in 2016, he had a long career in the energy sector, both in academia and industry, he’s an energy expert by training, with a master degree from MIT, and a PhD from Oxford University. Oliver and Chris discuss: * The energy transition in Colorado and the role government has to play * The role for markets in the energy transition * The progr

Apr 25, 2023 • 29:13

EP.138 Australian Energy Market with PIP | Partners in Performance

Join Hugo Batten, Managing Director in Australia at Aurora, in an exciting episode of the podcast dedicated to the Australian Energy Market. With special guests Skipp Williamson, Managing Director at Partners in Performance, and Brian Innes, Global Technical Director specializing in energy transformation practice, this episode delves into the challenges and opportunities for large energy users in Australia to decarbonize their electricity supply. Skipp Williamson, named by the Australian Financi

Apr 21, 2023 • 37:22

EP.137 Global Project Finance Series in partnership with SMBC Group PART III - Asia

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Jeanne Soh - Head of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Structured Finance Department Asia Pacific, SMBC, Jason Humphreys - Partner Singapore, Allen Overy and Rowan von Spreckelsen - Principal at Research Analytics, Aurora in a discussion with our Managing Director for Australia Hugo Batten on some of the major challenges and opportunities in Asia Pacific Region for energy project finance. This episode is the third in a series on global project finance

Apr 13, 2023 • 35:50

EP.136 Julian Nebreda, CEO & President, Fluence

In this episode, we’re delighted to welcome Julian Nebreda, CEO & President of Fluence, in a conversation with our Head of USA, Oliver Kerr and our Head of Advisory, US West, Felix Chow-Kambitsch. Julian leads the Fluence team and its efforts to accelerate energy storage adoption globally. Prior to joining Fluence, he had a distinguished career at the AES Corporation serving as President of the South America Strategic Business Unit and other multiple positions. Julian has over 20 years of exper

Apr 6, 2023 • 36:38

EP.135 Daisuke Tsujimoto, Co-Founder, RENOVA

This week on Energy Unplugged, we are delighted to welcome Daisuke Tsujimoto, co-founder of Renova Inc – a Japanese renewable and storage developer. Joined by our Managing Director of APAC & California, Hugo Batten, and Rowan von Spreckelsen, our Head of New Markets in APAC, this discussion focuses on the trajectory and strategy of Renova, the evolution of Japan’s power markets, and the politics and policies of energy security in Japan. Main topics include: • Market reforms in Japan including sw

Mar 30, 2023 • 28:12

EP.134 Simon-Erik Ollus, EVP, Generation and Member of the Executive Management, Fortum

In this episode we’re delighted to welcome Simon-Erik Ollus, EVP, Generation and Member of the Executive Management at Fortum in a conversation with our Nordics & Baltics Lead, Alexander Esser. Simon-Erik has been with Fortum since 2009 and held various roles in strategy and market intelligence and has been a member of the division’s management team since 2013. He has been appointed Executive Vice President of Fortum’s Generation division and member of Fortum’s Executive Management in March 202

Mar 24, 2023 • 31:14

EP.133 Kate Tuohy, Director, Energy, MUFG

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Kate Tuohy, Director, Energy at MUFG in a conversation with our Co-Head of Advisory in Central Europe, Thekla von Bülow. Kate has over 12 years’ project finance experience focusing on structuring and arranging project financing, financial advisory and restructuring across the infrastructure, power and renewables sectors. Kate joined MUFG in September 2019 from ESB, Ireland’s state electricity utility where she had responsibly for structuring debt and

Mar 17, 2023 • 46:19

EP.132 Keith Anderson, CEO, ScottishPower

This week, on Energy Unplugged, we welcome Keith Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of ScottishPower in a conversation with our Managing Director for UK & Ireland, Dan Monzani. Keith is the CEO of ScottishPower since 2018 and prior to being the CEO of ScottishPower, Keith spent 12 years as the CEO of ScottishPower Renewables. As part of Iberdrola, ScottishPower Renewables is one of the leading global wind companies with over 20 GW of installed capacity. Main topics include: • The value Scottish

Mar 10, 2023 • 48:34

EP.131 Deborah Harvey & Hugo Lidbetter, Partners Energy, Osborne Clarke

In this episode, our Co-Head of Advisory for Central Europe, Casmir Lorenz is joined by Deborah Harvey and Hugo Lidbetter, both Partners for Energy at Osborne Clarke. Deborah specialises in energy sector transactions and agreements and advises on a range of commercial and regulatory energy matters across a range of technologies. Hugo has particular expertise in project development work in the energy sector and in construction law in the energy industry, and is interested in all aspects of the

Mar 2, 2023 • 33:05

EP.130 Ben Backwell, CEO, The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC)

In this episode, our Research Lead for European Power Markets, Ryan Alexander is joined by Ben Backwell, CEO of The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). Ben is a former journalist and analyst who has covered energy policy and markets in a number of geographies including Europe, the US and Latin America. Before joining GWEC, he worked for the global advisory company FTI Consulting, as a Managing Director in its Clean Energy Practice. Ben and Ryan take a global tour of the offshore wind discussing

Feb 24, 2023 • 41:01

EP.129 Katherine Blunt, Energy Reporter, The Wall Street Journal

This week we have a very special episode on Energy Unplugged where we focus the discussion around a book. Our Managing Director in APAC & California, Hugo Batten and Kimberly Liu, our Head of Research in California are delighted to be joined by Katherine Blunt, Energy Reporter at The Wall Street Journal. Katherine is the author of “California Burning: The Fall of Pacific Gas and Electric and What it Means for America’s Power Grid”, a history of Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), one of California

Feb 16, 2023 • 41:48

EP.128 Nils Aldag, Co-Founder and CEO, Sunfire

In this episode, our Managing Director for Central Europe, Hanns Koenig is joined by Nils Aldag, Co-Founder and CEO, Sunfire, a leading manufacturer of electrolysers. Nils spent his entire professional life at Sunfire, company he co-founded in 2009, right after graduating from EBS Business School in Germany. He has been Chief Executive Officer since 2020 and previously he was Chief Commercial Officer and before that Chief Financial Officer of Sunfire. Nils and Hanns discuss: • Sunfire business

Feb 10, 2023 • 45:06

EP.127 Julien Dumoulin-Smith, Managing Director, BofA Securities

In this week’s episode, we’re delighted to welcome Julien Dumoulin-Smith, Managing Director at Bank of America’s (BofA) Securities, in a conversation with Julia Hoos, Aurora’s Head of USA East. Julien is a Managing Director in Bank of America’s Equity Research team covering US power, utilities, and alternative energy. He is a double ranked #1 analyst in both utility and alternative energy categories of the Institutional Investor All‐America Research Poll for several years. Julien has a BS in ap

Feb 2, 2023 • 35:31

EP.126 Dalia Majumder-Russell, Partner Energy, CMS

This week on Energy Unplugged we focus on what it takes to launch a successful hydrogen production project. We’re delighted to welcome Dalia Majumder-Russell, Partner at CMS in a conversation with Emma Woodward, Project Leader on Aurora’s Advisory Team.  Dalia is a partner in CMS’s Energy team in London, advising a wide range of investors, developers, utilities, lenders and governments on energy projects and infrastructure for over 10 years. She has extensive experience of negotiating power, gas

Jan 25, 2023 • 28:24

EP.125 The UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy: Chris Skidmore MP

This week on Energy Unplugged we have a special episode with focus on the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy. Our Managing Director in UK & Ireland, Dan Monzani is delighted to be joined by Chris Skidmore MP. Chirs is a senior Conservative MP and former Minister for Energy and Climate Change from 2018 to 2019 when he signed the UK’s Net Zero targets. Chris is the chair of the independent review of the UK's trajectory to Net Zero which was reported to the UK Government last Friday, the 13th Janua

Jan 19, 2023 • 47:18

EP.124 Catherine Raw, Managing Director of SSE Thermal

In this episode, Emma Woodward, Project Leader on Aurora’s Advisory Team is joined by Catherine Raw, Managing Director of SSE Thermal to discuss about low-carbon flexibility with focus on hydrogen and gas CCS within the power sector. Catherine joined SSE in April 2022 where she is responsible for the strategy, performance and development of the company’s flexible power generation and energy storage activities. Previous to SSE, Catherine was Chief Operating Officer for North America and Chief Fi

Jan 12, 2023 • 38:19

EP.123 Aurora on the implications of the US Inflation Reduction Act

In this Energy Unplugged episode we discuss the implications of the US Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Our Head of US Oliver Kerr is joined by Martin Anderson, Aurora’s Head of Research in US, Felix Chow-Kambitsch, Aurora’s Head of US West and Julia Hoos, Aurora’s Market Lead for PJM. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) is the most significant piece of climate legislation in the US in over a decade, and aims to support accelerating the energy transition. Main topics include: • The state

Dec 15, 2022 • 33:18

EP.122 Battery business models in Europe with Aurora experts Marise & Ryan

In this episode, we focus on an increasingly very hot topic which is battery business models in Europe. Our Managing Director for Central Europe, Hanns Koenig is joined by Aurora’s experts Marise Westbroek and Ryan Alexander. Ryan leads our European research team and one of their most popular reports this year has been the European Battery Markets Attractiveness, which looks into market and policy drivers for shaping the attractiveness of various markets for batteries across Europe. Marise is

Dec 9, 2022 • 39:12

EP.121 Horatio Evers, Managing Director, BASF Renewable Energy

In this episode, our Managing Director for Europe, Middle East & Africa, Manuel Koehler is joined by Horatio Evers, Managing Director, BASF Renewable Energy. BASF is the biggest chemical company in the world and in his current position, Horatio is responsible for the strategic direction and overall achievement of BASF’s Net Zero targets. Horatio is passionate about collecting, refurbishing and driving old racing bikes and through this reduces his CO2 output. Horatio and Manuel discuss: • BASF’s

Dec 1, 2022 • 38:22

EP.120 Sheldon Kimber, CEO & Founder, Intersect Power

In this episode, our Managing Director of Aurora in APAC & California, Hugo Batten is delighted to be joined by Sheldon Kimber, CEO and Founder of Intersect Power and our Founder and CEO, John Feddersen. Intersect Power is one of the most successful and dynamic clean infrastructure companies in the US today. Sheldon has had a hugely impressive and diverse career in energy, spending time at Recurrent, Calpine and at Accenture before founding Intersect Power. He also lectures at the Haas School o

Nov 24, 2022 • 52:36

EP.119 Nick Carter, Managing Director, Akaysha Energy

In this episode, Nick Carter, Managing Director at Akaysha Energy and Weijie Mak, Aurora’s Head of Consulting in Australia join Hugo Batten, our Managing Director in APAC & California. Akaysha is a battery developer that has just had a major investment from Blackrock to help fund storage developments across APAC. Prior to Akaysha, Nick has worked at Macquarie, Tesla and AGL, as well as Toyota and General Motors. The focus of the discussion is very much on the nuances of battery and hydrogen inv

Nov 17, 2022 • 41:04

EP.118 Elliot Mainzer, President and CEO of CAISO

In this episode, our Managing Director in APAC and California, Hugo Batten and our CEO, John Feddersen are joined by Elliot Mainzer, President and CEO of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). Elliot has had an impressive career in energy, spending time at Enron, 18 years at the Bonneville Power Administration where he rose to CEO, and over the last 3 years being the CEO of CAISO. Main topics include: • Californian energy markets - reality versus plans • Market design in CAISO evolv

Nov 10, 2022 • 49:04

EP.117 Aurora Hydrogen Conference 2022: Alexander Voigt, Co-Founder and Board Member, HH2E

This is a special podcast episode featuring one of the speakers at the Aurora Hydrogen Conference 2022, taking place on Wednesday 9th November in London. Our Co-Head of Advisory in Central Europe, Thekla von Bülow speaks to Alexander Voigt, CEO and Co-Founder of HH2E. Alexander is a serial entrepreneur and one of the pioneers of the global energy transition. He has studied physics and started his career at an engineering bureau working on solar thermal solutions. He has founded several companies

Nov 7, 2022 • 41:56

EP.116 Frank Jotzo, Professor, The Australian National University

In this episode, our Research Lead in Aurora’s Australian office James Ha is delighted to be joined by Frank Jotzo, Professor at the Australian National University and our Managing Director for Australia and California, Hugo Batten. Frank is a professor of environmental economics at the ANU’s Crawford School of Public Policy, the inaugural director at the Centre for Climate Economics and Policy, and Head of Energy at the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions. He has been a lead

Nov 3, 2022 • 39:28

EP.115 Jimmy Glotfelty, Commissioner on the Public Utility Commission of Texas

In this episode, our Founder and CEO, John Feddersen is delighted to welcome Jimmy Glotfelty, Commissioner on the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). With a distinguished career in public service in the electricity sector, Jimmy has been appointed as Commissioner on the PUCT in August 2021. Previously, he had several public senior roles including Senior Policy Advisor to U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham, Energy Policy Director to Texas Governor George W. Bush and Legislative Dire

Oct 28, 2022 • 57:01

EP.114 Global Project Finance Series in partnership with SMBC Group PART II - Australia

This episode is second in a series on global project finance, organized in partnership with SMBC Group. With a number of 4 episodes covering Europe, Australia, Asia and the US, this series is hosted by Aurora, with guests from SMBC Group, various law firms and Aurora. In this episode, we have our Managing Director in APAC & California, Hugo Batten talking to Jeremy Hasnip, Head of Energy Transition at SMBC, Elizabeth Charlesworth, Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills and Rowan von Spreckelsen, Pri

Oct 20, 2022 • 55:24

EP.113 Australia’s National Electricity Market Reform: Benn Barr, CEO, AEMC

In this episode, our Managing Director for Australia and California, Hugo Batten is joined by Benn Barr, the Chief Executive of the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) and James Ha, Aurora’s Project Lead in our Sydney team. AEMC is the rule maker in the Australian energy markets and decides on any proposed rule changes in Australia’s electricity and gas markets. Prior to joining the AEMC, Benn was Deputy Director General in the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy.

Oct 13, 2022 • 39:17

EP.112 Trends in energy markets: Fraser Thompson, Co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Sun Cable

This week on Energy Unplugged, Fraser Thompson, Co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer of Sun Cable joins our Managing Director for Australia and California, Hugo Batten and Weijie Mak, Aurora’s Head of Consulting across Asia-Pacific for our podcast episode. Fraser is the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer for SunCable. He also founded AlphaBeta, an economic strategy consultancy headquartered in Singapore which has now been acquired by Access Partnership. Prior to this he spent 9 years at McKin

Oct 6, 2022 • 38:32

EP.111 Locational marginal pricing with Aurora’s leadership from all over the world

This week on Energy Unplugged, we explore the debates surrounding the technical and topical issue of Locational Marginal Pricing (LMP). Drawing once again on the knowledge of some of Aurora’s global leadership: Dan Monzani, Managing Director of UK and Ireland, is joined by Hanns Koenig, Head of Consulting for Central and Eastern Europe, Hugo Batten - MD for Asia-Pacific and California and Oliver Kerr – Head of USA. The main questions the team sought out to answer are as follows: • What is LMP? •

Sep 22, 2022 • 50:30

EP.110 Jeff Dimery, Managing Director & CEO of Alinta Energy

Jeff Dimery, Managing Director & CEO of Alinta Energy joins our Managing Director for Australia and California, Hugo Batten, in our latest #EnergyUnplugged podcast episode. Jeff has had a long and distinguished career in Australian energy. He has held senior roles at AGL (another Australian “gentailer”) and is now the Managing Director and CEO of Alinta Energy, one of the major vertically integrated utilities in the Australian market. Hugo and Jeff discuss the following topics: • Unprecedented t

Sep 15, 2022 • 40:34

EP.109 Green hydrogen, offshore wind and market design: Dan McGrail, Chief Executive at RenewableUK

In this week’s episode of Energy Unplugged, our Managing Director for UK and Ireland, Dan Monzani is delighted to be joined by Dan McGrail, Chief Executive at RenewableUK. Dan joined RenewableUK as Chief Executive in May 2021. Previously, during his time as a senior leader at Siemens for close to two decades, Dan played a critical role in the innovation and manufacture of key energy technologies including wind turbine blades and efficient thermal engines. As well as being the CEO of Siemens Engi

Sep 9, 2022 • 40:13

EP.108 Power Market Design: Lion Hirth, Energy Policy Prof. Hertie School & Robert Gross, Dir. UKERC

This week, we have a special Energy Unplugged podcast episode on the topic of the current energy price crisis and the implications for market design. The Head of our Berlin office, Hanns Koenig is joined by two very distinguished guests: Lion Hirth – Professor of Energy Policy at the Hertie School in Berlin and Robert Gross – Director at UKERC (The UK Energy Research Centre) and also a Professor of Energy Policy at Imperial College London. Lion is one of the leading thinkers on power market des

Sep 1, 2022 • 49:54

EP.107 Rob Wheals, CEO & Managing Director of APA

In this episode, our Managing Director in Australia and California, Hugo Batten is delighted to be joined by Rob Wheals, CEO and Managing Director of APA. APA is an energy infrastructure business with gas pipeline, electricity, solar and wind assets and the 30th largest publicly listed Australian company on the Australian Stock Exchange. Prior to APA, Rob had a varied career across tech, consulting, telco and energy. Rob and Hugo discuss: • The long-run impact of the current price/security of

Aug 25, 2022 • 38:04

EP.106 Monika Morawiecka, Senior Advisor at the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP)

In this episode, Hanns Koenig, our Head of Commissioned Projects for Central Europe, is joined by one of the leading voices of the Polish energy sector - Monika Morawiecka, Senior Advisor at The Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP). RAP is a think-tank advising predominantly governments in creating better energy sector regulation. Prior to RAP, Monika had a distinguished career in the energy sector, with more than 15 years at Poland's largest utility PGE. Her roles at PGE included Head of Strateg

Aug 18, 2022 • 48:36

EP.105 Capacity markets deep dive with Aurora's leadership from around the world

This week on Energy Unplugged we’re doing a deep dive on capacity markets with some of Aurora's leadership from around the world. Our Founder and CEO, John Feddersen is joined by Dan Monzani – MD for GB and Ireland, Hugo Batten - MD for Asia-Pacific and California and Oliver Kerr – Head of USA. The main questions we’re trying to answer are: 1) What are capacity markets?; 2) Why are they used?; and 3) When do they work? As in Europe capacity markets have largely won the debate, the focus is on m

Aug 11, 2022 • 58:59

EP.104 Jacob Mays, Assistant Professor at Cornell University

This week on Energy Unplugged, Hugo Batten and Oliver Kerr are joined by Jacob Mays, Assistant Professor at Cornell University’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Prior to this role, Jacob studied at Harvard, Winconsin-Madison, and Northwestern. He’s been a management consultant, worked at FERC, and writes energy papers across a diverse range of topics. Listen to this ep to hear them discuss: - The role of energy modelling - Market design, in particular Jacob’s view on the wholesa

Jul 29, 2022 • 39:18

EP.103 John Cole, CEO of Edify Energy

This week on Energy Unplugged, our MD for Australia and California Hugo Batten is joined by Founder and CEO of Edify Energy, John Cole. Edify has originated, financed and delivered 950 MW of utility scale solar PV and battery storage projects, with a strong pipeline of renewable, storage and green hydrogen projects to follow. John was recently included in The Australian newspaper’s Top 100 Green Power Players list. In this episode, Hugo and John discuss: • The current crisis, impact of the feder

Jul 21, 2022 • 36:16

EP.102 Global Project Finance Series in partnership with SMBC Group PART I - Europe

This episode is first in a series on global project finance, organized in partnership with SMBC Group. With a number of 4 episodes covering Europe, Australia, Asia and the US, this series is hosted by Aurora, with guests from SMBC Group, various law firms and Aurora. In this episode, we have Ana Barillas, our Head of Iberia talking to Caroline Lytton, Managing Director, Head of Power & Renewables Global Structured Finance EMEA at SMBC, John Dewar, Partner at Milbank London and Casimir Lorenz, Pr

Jul 8, 2022 • 53:18

EP.19 Nora Mead Brownell, Founding Partner of ESPY Energy Solutions_REPLAY

This is a replay of an older episode with Nora Mead Brownell, Former Commissioner FERC, Former Chair PG&E and Founding Partner of ESPY Energy Solutions. Nora will be one of the keynote speakers at the Aurora Spring Forum 2022 on 14 July. If you want to hear more from Nora and many other industry leaders, join our Spring Forum 2022 on 14 July in Oxford, UK. The topic is: Delivering the energy transition in a fractured world: Navigating price volatility, geopolitical risk, and supply chain disrupt

Jul 1, 2022 • 51:01

EP.45 Greg Jackson, Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy_REPLAY

This is a replay of an older episode with Greg Jackson, Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy. Greg will be one of the keynote speakers at the Aurora Spring Forum 2022 on 14 July. If you want to hear more from Greg and many other industry leaders, join our Spring Forum 2022 on 14 July in Oxford, UK. The topic is: Delivering the energy transition in a fractured world: Navigating price volatility, geopolitical risk, and supply chain disruption. Spaces are limited and are filling up quickly so book yo

Jun 24, 2022 • 54:59

EP.101 Mark Collette, Managing Director, EnergyAustralia

In this episode, our CEO John Feddersen is joined by Mark Collette, Managing Director of EnergyAustralia and Hugo Batten, Managing Director in Australia and California at Aurora. EnergyAustralia is one of Australia’s major vertical integrated energy gentailers. Mark has been with EnergyAustralia since 2003 and commenced as Managing Director in July 2021. He served as Chief Customer Officer from May 2019 until June 2021 and prior to leading EnergyAustralia’s retail business, Mark led the Energy b

Jun 17, 2022 • 49:27

EP.100 Antje Kanngiesser, CEO of Alpiq

This week is a very special one for Energy Unplugged as we celebrate 100 episodes and 2 years since we launched the podcast. In this 100 episode, our Head of Commissioned Projects in Central Europe, Hanns Koenig is joined by Antje Kanngiesser, CEO of Alpiq. Alpiq is a leading Swiss energy services provider and electricity producer in Europe. Antje’s professional background include Vice President of Group Markets & Services and Member of the Executive Board for BKW AG, various roles at Alpiq Gr

Jun 10, 2022 • 35:51

EP.99 Paul Ezekiel, Founder, Chair and Chief Investment Officer, Amp Energy

In this episode, our CEO, John Feddersen is joined by Paul Ezekiel, Founder, Chair and Chief Investment Officer of Amp Energy. Amp is primarily a renewable energy developer and operator with a focus across solar, wind and storage and with over 7GW of assets built or contracted since 2009. Amp is also a technology company and the Amp X platform contributes to accelerating the energy transition through a portfolio of disruptive technologies. Before Amp, Paul had a long history in the energy trans

Jun 1, 2022 • 46:41

EP.98 Alice Delahunty, President of Electricity Transmission at National Grid

In this episode, our Research Director, Richard Howard is joined by Alice Delahunty, President of Electricity Transmission at National Grid. Alice is the first President of National Grid’s Electricity Transmission business, where she is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the electricity transmission network for England and Wales. Prior to joining National Grid, Alice had a variety of roles at E.ON, culminating in Head of Offshore UK Wind Operations. The focus of the conversati

May 27, 2022 • 33:44

EP.97 Flemming Sørensen, Vice President, Europe at LevelTen Energy

In this episode, our Thekla von Bülow, Principal for Commissioned Projects at Aurora is joined by Flemming Sørensen, Vice President for Europe at LevelTen Energy, in a discussion about long-term green power purchase agreements (PPAs). LevelTen Energy is the leading provider of renewable transaction infrastructure, delivering the cloud-based software, centralized supply, automated analytics, and expertise required to accelerate clean energy transactions. Flemming leads LevelTen’s expansion effor

May 20, 2022 • 51:03

EP.96 Brad Hopkins, General Manager, Commercial and Financial Markets, AEMO Services

This week on Energy Unplugged, our Managing Director in Australia and California, Hugo Batten is joined by Brad Hopkins, General Manager of Commercial and Financial Markets at AEMO Services. With a variety of roles in the energy transition, most recently as a partner at KPMG and also at Macquarie, Brad is leading a lot of the work on the New South Wales Roadmap which aims to overhaul its energy markets and replace the coal capacity that is departing over the next decade. Brad and Hugo discuss:

May 6, 2022 • 43:58

EP.95 As Tempelman, CEO of Eneco

In this episode, our CEO, John Feddersen is joined by As Tempelman, the CEO of Eneco and Jesse Hettema, our Research Lead for Dutch & Belgium power markets. Eneco is an electric utility in The Netherlands which specialises in retail, district heating, renewables and thermal generation. Eneco has committed to full climate neutrality by 2035 for all three scopes of emissions. Main topics include: * The current trends and the status of the energy transition in the Dutch market * The impact of the R

Apr 29, 2022 • 41:34

EP.94 Sam Stranks, Leader of StranksLab at Cambridge University

In this episode, our CEO, John Feddersen speaks to Sam Stranks, Leader of StranksLab at Cambridge University’s Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology. Sam is at the forefront of research into the next generation of solar technology and his research focuses on the optical and electronic properties of emerging semiconductors including halide perovskites, carbon allotropes and organic semiconductors for low-cost electronics applications such as photovoltaics and lighting. John and Sam d

Apr 22, 2022 • 51:50

EP.93 Guillermo Bautista Alderete, Director, Market Analysis and Forecasting at California ISO

This week on Energy Unplugged, our Managing Director in Australia and California, Hugo Batten speaks to Guillermo Bautista Alderete, Director of Market Analysis and Forecasting at California’s system operator (CAISO). Hugo and Guillermo are also joined by Rowan von Spreckelsen, Aurora’s Head of Research in Australia and California. Guillermo has had a distinguished 15 years career at CAISO, having come out of academia at the University of Waterloo in Canada where he received a Ph. D. in Electr

Apr 14, 2022 • 41:51

EP.92 Kwasi Kwarteng, UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

This week on Energy Unplugged, we discuss energy security and the current energy crisis at just few hours since the UK Government has published its much anticipated energy security strategy. Our Managing Director for UK and Ireland, Dan Monzani, is delighted to welcome to the podcast the UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy - Kwasi Kwarteng. The British Energy Security Strategy comes at a very challenging time for the global energy policy and sets out how Great Brit

Apr 8, 2022 • 34:52

EP.91 Jon Wellinghoff, Former FERC Chairman and current Chief Regulatory Officer at Voltus

This week on the podcast, our USA Country Lead, Oliver Kerr is joined by Jon Wellinghoff, Former Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and current Chief Regulatory Officer at Voltus, the world’s leading platform for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). With a distinguished career in the US energy sector, Jon was the longest serving Chairman of FERC during the Obama administration after he was appointed first as a commissioner by George W Bush in 2006. Jon and Oliver discus

Mar 31, 2022 • 44:00

EP.90 Malcolm Turnbull, the 29th Prime Minister of Australia

In this episode, we are honoured to welcome the 29th Prime Minister of Australia - Malcolm Turnbull, in a conversation with our CEO, John Feddersen. Malcolm was the Prime Minister of Australia between 2015-2018, role in which he focussed heavily on decarbonisation. He announced and drove forward the Snowy Hydro 2.0 pumped hydro project, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Prior to entering politics he had successful careers as a lawyer, investment banker and journalist. Malcolm and John dis

Mar 24, 2022 • 49:07

EP.89 David Giordano, Global Head of Renewable Power at BlackRock

In this episode, our CEO John Feddersen is joined by a veteran of the renewable energy industry - David Giordano, Global Head of Renewable Power at BlackRock. David has joined the BlackRock team upon its formation in 2011 and has played a key role in the development of BlackRock’s renewables platform. With more than 20 years of investment experience, David serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Council on Renewable Energy and is a Board member of the American Wind Energy

Mar 17, 2022 • 58:30

EP.88 The role of Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) with Aurora experts Emma and Caroline

This week on Energy Unplugged, we discuss the role Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) could play in ensuring energy security in GB. Our Head of Commissioned Projects for Western Europe - Felix Chow-Kambitsch is joined by two Aurora experts: Emma Woodward, Senior Associate and Caroline Still, Associate. Aurora has recently published a report on the topic, key findings can be found here: https://auroraer.com/insight/long-duration-electricity-storage-in-gb-2/ Felix, Emma and Caroline discuss

Mar 11, 2022 • 35:10

EP.87 Impact of Russia-Ukraine war on European gas markets with Aurora experts Hanns & Anise

This week, we have a special episode on Energy Unplugged in which our experts discuss the ongoing crisis in the European energy sector and the impact of Russia-Ukraine war on the European gas markets. Our Head of Commissioned Projects in Central Europe, Hanns Koenig is joined by Anise Ganbold who leads our research team for Commodities and Hydrogen. Anise and the team have been looking for the past couple of weeks into this topic and have been producing a couple of reports. One report which has

Mar 2, 2022 • 17:42

EP.86 Kellie Metcalf, Managing Partner, Energy Transition at EnCap Investments

In this episode, our CEO John Feddersen is talking to Kellie Metcalf, Managing Partner at one of the leading energy transition investors - EnCap Investments. Kellie had a long and distinguished career in the power sector. She was a Senior Director at Pattern Development, a renewable energy and transmission development firm and held senior roles in power marketing and origination at Barclays and Fortis Bank. She began her career in 1995 at Enron North America and before her business career, Kell

Feb 25, 2022 • 48:06

EP.85 Laura Sandys, Non-Executive Director at SGN & Energy Systems Catapult

This week on Energy Unplugged we focus on energy data and digitalization. Our Managing Director for UK and Ireland, Dan Monzani is delighted to be joined by Laura Sandys, Non-Executive Director at SGN and at the Energy Systems Catapult. With a diverse career in energy and consumer’s rights, Laura has recently chaired two of the UK Government taskforces, one on energy data and the Energy Digitalization Taskforce which was recently launched by BEIS with the purpose to continue the Government’s foc

Feb 17, 2022 • 41:58

EP.84 Pat Wood, III, Former FERC Chairman, CEO at Hunt Energy Network

In this episode, our CEO John Feddersen is joined by Pat Wood, III, former FERC Chairman and CEO at Hunt Energy Network. With a distinguished career in energy and the public service, Pat has served as Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in the US under President George W. Bush, and of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). He holds a B.S. degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. John & Pat discuss: * The role of th

Feb 11, 2022 • 1:09:13

EP.83 Louise Kingham, Senior Vice President for Europe & UK Head of Country at BP

In this episode, our Managing Director for UK and Ireland, Dan Monzani speaks to Louise Kingham, Senior Vice President for Europe & UK Head of Country at BP. Prior to joining BP in May 2021, Louise was the CEO of the Energy Institute for more than 20 years, role in which she had a unique broad perspective across the energy transition. Louise is one of the sixteen CEOs on the Energy Leaders’ Coalition, organised by Powerful Women, a major professional initiative that seeks to promote the growth a

Feb 3, 2022 • 45:15

EP.82 Sam Arie, Head of European Utilities at UBS & Evangelos Gazis, Project Leader at Aurora

In this episode, we’re taking a global perspective on the energy transition having as guests two experts in the field. Our Principal Benjamin Collie is joined by Sam Arie, Head of European Utilities Equity Research at UBS and Evangelos Gazis, Project Leader and Market Lead for South Eastern Europe at Aurora. Aurora and UBS worked together in the last few years in preparing a report on the state of the global energy transition with focus on emissions from the power sector. Main topics of the po

Jan 28, 2022 • 37:46

EP.81 Trudy Harrison MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the UK Department for Transport

This week on Energy Unplugged, we discuss about how to decarbonize transport with Trudy Harrison MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the UK Department for Transport, in an episode hosted by our Research Director, Richard Howard. Trudy was appointed in the current role on 17 September 2021 and she was elected Conservative MP for Copeland in 2017. Her career outside politics includes working for Sellafield nuclear site and in renewable energy and sustainable community projects. Richard

Jan 20, 2022 • 39:33

EP.80 Tony Cocker, Senior Independent Director of SSE plc

In this episode, our CEO John Feddersen is joined by Tony Cocker, Senior Independent Director of SSE plc. Tony is also Chair of Infinis Energy Management Ltd, a distributed power generator. Between 1996-2017 he worked for E.ON SE and Powergen in a number of roles, including Chair and CEO of E.ON UK and Chair and CEO of E.ON Energy Trading SE. John and Tony discuss: • The change in the role of a director in the renewables space • The future of the British retail power market • Reforms needed to m

Jan 13, 2022 • 1:03:19

EP.79 Farhad Billimoria, Energy Systems Researcher, Energy & Power Group, University of Oxford

In this episode, our Managing Director in Australia Hugo Batten speaks to Farhad Billimoria, Energy Systems Researcher, Energy & Power Group at the University of Oxford and Rowan von Spreckelsen, Principal in our Sydney office. Farhard is currently completing his PhD on energy markets in Oxford and he has worked for Australia’s system operator AEMO, Mercer, CalPERS and AMP Capital Investors. The focus of the discussion is around the Australian energy market and incentive structures to bring on

Jan 6, 2022 • 46:54

EP.78 Julia Watsford, CEO at Enfinium & Chris Jonas, Director at Tolvik Consulting

This week on Energy Unplugged we have a Christmas special episode in which we focus on waste management and energy from waste in particular. Our Research Director, Richard Howard is joined by two waste experts: Julia Watsford, CEO at Enfinium, the largest pure-play waste-to-energy operator in the UK and Chris Jonas, Director at Tolvik Consulting, one of the expert advisors on waste markets in the UK and Europe. Main topics include: • COVID impact on the waste-to-energy sector • The role of wast

Dec 22, 2021 • 48:31

EP.77 Boris Schucht, CEO of Urenco

In this episode, our Head of Commissioned Projects for Western Europe, Felix Chow-Kambitsch is talking to Boris Schucht, Chief Executive Officer of Urenco, an international supplier of uranium enrichment services. Boris joined Urenco in May 2019 from 50Hertz, the North-East German Transmission System Operator, where he has held the position of Chief Executive Officer since 2010. Previously he held a number of senior executive positions within the energy sector across Germany and Europe, includin

Dec 16, 2021 • 43:57

EP.76 Christoph Strasser, Co-CEO of Pacifico Renewables Yield

Our Commercial Manager Lisa Langer is joined by Christoph Strasser, Co-CEO of Pacifico Renewables Yield, a renewable energy producer with a quickly growing portfolio of roughly 170 MW. Christoph joined Pacifico Renewables Yield as Co-CEO in October 2019 and prior to that he spent few years in J.P. Morgan‘s Corporate & Investment Bank. Christoph has a B.Sc. in Business Administration from University of Mannheim and M.Sc. in Management from University of Mannheim and ESSEC Business School. Lisa

Dec 9, 2021 • 33:38

EP.75 Shaun Kingsbury CBE, CIO of Just Climate

Thekla von Bülow, Principal for Commissioned Projects in our Berlin office is joined by Shaun Kingsbury, Chief Investment Officer of Just Climate. Shaun started his career working for Shell and in 2012 he has set up the world’s first low carbon investment bank – Green Investment Bank, which was later acquired by Macquarie Group. Currently Shaun is Chairman of Renewable Power Capital, Co-founder and Board member of Climate Transition Capital, Chairman of CNG Fuels and Chief Investment Officer of

Dec 3, 2021 • 39:49

EP.74 Christian Thiel, CEO of EnergyNest

In this episode, our Head of Commissioned Projects in Central Europe, Hanns Koenig is joined by Christian Thiel, CEO of EnergyNest, a high temperature energy storage company. Christian started his career at BMW and prior to joining EnergyNest in 2014 he worked as Investment Banker at UBS and as Consultant at McKinsey and he was the Vice President for Business Development and Marketing at Senvion. Christian has a PhD in Economics and Marketing focussing on designing sales structures in foreign

Nov 25, 2021 • 48:22

EP.73 Cordi O’Hara, President of National Grid Ventures at National Grid

With National Grid just announcing that the group expects profits to hit top end of range on soaring energy prices as a result of interconnectors, the focus of today's show is on interconnectors’ role in delivering NetZero and the North Sea Link project as the world’s longest subsea interconnector linking the UK and Norway. In this episode, our Managing Director for UK and Ireland - Dan Monzani is delighted to be joined by Cordi O’Hara, President of National Grid Ventures at National Grid. Cor

Nov 18, 2021 • 34:09

EP.72 Georg Aasen, Vice President at Nasdaq Commodities

In this episode we’re talking about power exchanges as a vital part of traded power markets. Our CEO John Feddersen is joined by Georg Aasen, Vice President at Nasdaq Commodities, which runs one of Europe’s largest power exchanges. Prior to this role, Georg was Head of Marketplace at Nord Pool and built up deep experience in the economics of power exchanges. John and Georg discuss: • The key characteristics of a successful power trader • Social contribution of markets and what would the Europea

Nov 12, 2021 • 38:53

EP.71 Lord Deben, Chairman of the Climate Change Committee

This week on Energy Unplugged we have a special episode which comes right after the UK Government published its Net Zero Strategy in response to the Climate Change Committee’s recommendations for the Sixth Carbon Budget and during COP26 taking place in Glasgow. Our Managing Director for UK and Ireland - Dan Monzani is joined by Lord Deben, Chairman of the Climate Change Committee (CCC) in a conversation about Net Zero and prospects for COP26. Lord Deben has over 50 years’ experience in public l

Nov 3, 2021 • 51:40

EP.70 Rupert Maloney, Head of Hydrogen at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation

In this episode, our Managing Director in Australia, Hugo Batten is joined by Rupert Maloney, Head of Hydrogen at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and Weijie Mak, Principal in Aurora’s office in Australia. Before joining CEFC, Rupert was General Manager of Strategy & Corporate Development at Ampol, an Australian fuels player, as well as a banker at Macquarie and a lawyer at Baker & McKenzie. The discussion is focused on hydrogen and the opportunities for developing a hydrogen indust

Oct 28, 2021 • 39:20

EP.69 Alberto De Paoli, CFO of Enel

In this episode, we continue the discussion on the role of world’s largest utilities in decarbonising society. Our CEO John Feddersen is talking to Alberto De Paoli, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Enel. Alberto was appointed CFO in November 2014 and joined the Enel Group in 2008 as CFO for Enel Green Power, the Group's renewable power generation subsidiary, a position he held until 2012. Between 2012 – 2014 he was the Head of Group Strategy. Alberto is also Co-chair of the UN Global Compact

Oct 21, 2021 • 50:38

EP.68 Peter Cramton, Professor of Economics at the University of Cologne

In this episode, our CEO John Feddersen is joined by Peter Cramton, Professor of Economics at the University of Cologne to discuss the future of power markets. Peter is one of the world’s foremost experts on electricity systems economics, he’s been a leading thinker in market design across energy, telecommunications and health procurements in the US, Europe and beyond. Since 1983, he has conducted research on auctions and market design, with a focus on the design of complex markets to best achie

Oct 14, 2021 • 1:02:17

EP.67 Toni Volpe, CEO of Falck Renewables

Our Market Lead for Italy - Matteo Coriglioni speaks to Toni Volpe, CEO of Falck Renewables. Toni has been the CEO of Falck Renewables since 2016 and he started working in the energy industry at the Enel Group in 2004, where he covered several roles such as CEO of Enel Green Power North America in 2005 and Country Manager and CEO of Enel Romania in 2014. Falck Renewables is one of the biggest “pure players” in the European renewable energy sector, the Group has an installed capacity of 1.3 GW i

Oct 7, 2021 • 42:55

EP.66 Andrew Doyle, Executive Director MUFG

Our Research Director Richard Howard speaks to Andrew Doyle, Executive Director MUFG. Andrew joined MUFG in March 2011 following the acquisition of a US$5bn project finance portfolio from RBS. He has over 15 years of project finance experience covering large thermal power and renewables projects across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. This is one of a series of episodes featuring energy transition leaders who will be speaking at our Spring Forum 2021. The Forum takes place in London on Wedne

Sep 28, 2021 • 38:22

EP.65 Christoph Torwegge, International Energy & Utilities Sector Leader Osborne Clarke

Our Head of Commissioned Projects in Central Europe, Hanns Koenig speaks to Christoph Torwegge - International Energy & Utilities Sector Leader at Osborne Clarke. Christoph leads a cross-border team advising clients across the energy sector on renewables, energy storage and energy innovation. He specialises in M&A and commercial law and supports funders, investors and developer clients in developing, investing in and financing projects in the renewables (solar, onshore wind and hydro) and other

Sep 21, 2021 • 41:24

EP.64 Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE

We have a very special episode for you this week on Energy Unplugged. Our CEO John Feddersen is talking to Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE AG about the role of the world’s largest utilities in decarbonising society. This is one of a series of episodes featuring energy transition leaders who will be speaking at our Spring Forum 2021. The Forum takes place in London on Wednesday 29th September. For more information go to https://auroraer.com/events/spring-forum/. John and Markus discuss: • RWE’s commi

Sep 10, 2021 • 46:15

EP.63 Anna Skarbek, CEO of ClimateWorks Australia

Our Managing Director in Australia - Hugo Batten is joined by Anna Skarbek, the CEO of ClimateWorks Australia, a not-for-profit decarbonisation think tank. Anna has been the CEO of ClimateWorks Australia for almost 12 years now and she has had a number of Board roles in Australia, from CEFC to Impact Investment Group to the Carbon Market Institute. She has been hugely influential in Australia’s decarbonisation debates, and has certainly carried the torch when things were darkest in Australia’s

Sep 2, 2021 • 43:34

EP.62 Bruce Riley – Managing Director, Infrastructure and Project Finance at NatWest

In this episode, our CEO John Feddersen is joined by Bruce Riley – Managing Director for Infrastructure and Project Finance at NatWest. The focus of the show is the evolving role of project and infrastructure finance in the energy transition. Bruce leads one of Europe’ largest and most influential energy infrastructure and project finance teams and he’s a veteran in Europe’s project finance industry, having spent his career entirely with Royal Bank of Scotland – NatWest. John and Bruce discuss:

Aug 27, 2021 • 39:21

EP.61 Ed Birkett, Policy Exchange & Rachel Fletcher, Octopus Energy

Ed Birkett, Senior Research Fellow in the Energy and Environment unit at the Policy Exchange & Rachel Fletcher, Director Regulation and Economics at Octopus Energy join our Research Director Richard Howard for this week’s Energy Unplugged episode. The conversation focuses on the challenges around energy market design in a Net Zero world. Ed wrote a report last year called ‘Powering Net Zero - Why local electricity pricing holds the key to a Net Zero energy system’ which tackled the energy marke

Aug 20, 2021 • 51:29

EP.60 Alexander Voigt, CEO of STOFF2 & Board Member and Founder of HH2E

Our Head of Commissioned Projects in Central Europe, Hanns Koenig speaks to Alexander Voigt, CEO of STOFF2 & Board Member and Founder of HH2E. Alexander is one of the pioneers of the global energy transition. He has studied physics and started his career at an engineering bureau working on solar thermal solutions. He has founded several companies in the energy sector such as Solon in the solar space, Younicos in the battery space, Lumenion in the high temperature heat storage space, and STOFF2 &

Aug 6, 2021 • 44:43

EP.59 Sopna Sury, Chief Operating Officer for Hydrogen at RWE Generation SE

Our Head of Commissioned Projects in Central Europe, Hanns Koenig is joined by one of the key executives in European hydrogen - Sopna Sury, Chief Operating Officer for Hydrogen at RWE Generation. Previous to the current role, Sopna spent ten years in roles that have spanned leading Strategy and Regulatory Affairs at RWE Renewables, Energy Services and Infrastructure at Uniper, and Business Development at E.ON Climate and Renewables. Before entering the energy sector, she completed a bank trainin

Jul 29, 2021 • 43:56

EP.58 Stef Murphy and Paro Konar, Directors of Industrial Energy at BEIS

In this episode, our CEO John Feddersen is delighted to be joined by Stef Murphy and Paro Konar, Directors of Industrial Energy at Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Stef and Paro are job share directors for the Industrial Energy Directorate which provides focus and leadership of BEIS strategy, policy development and delivery on industrial energy issues, and also ensure that industrial energy policies maximise the economic opportunities to the UK from the global move

Jul 23, 2021 • 48:27

EP.57 Federico Giannandrea, Partner, Head of Continental Europe at Foresight

Our Head of Iberia, Ana Barillas speaks to Federico Giannandrea, Partner and Head of Continental Europe at Foresight, a sustainability-led listed infrastructure and private equity investment manager. Federico joined Foresight in 2010 and leads Foresight’s infrastructure investments in continental Europe and the business development for infrastructure globally. Ana and Federico discuss: • How is renewable investment changing across Europe and value shifting across development stages • Vertical i

Jul 15, 2021 • 35:10

EP.56 Andrew Butler, Managing Director at Nectr

Our Managing Director in Australia - Hugo Batten speaks to Andrew Butler, Managing Director at Nectr – an Australian energy retailer that’s a subsidiary of the Korean group Hanwha. Andrew has successfully led three retail energy start-up ventures - Australian Power & Gas, Alinta Energy and now Nectr and he’s also spent time in telco and infrastructure more broadly. Hugo and Andrew discuss: • The retail space shift in Australia over last decades and other major aspects in the evolution of the Au

Jul 8, 2021 • 36:23

EP.55 Dolf Gielen, Director of the IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre

Dolf Gielen, Director of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Innovation and Technology Centre joins our Research Director Richard Howard for this week’s Energy Unplugged podcast. Dolf has been with IRENA for over 10 years, having previously been Chief of the Energy Efficiency and Policy Unit at UNIDO, and spending a number of years with IEA – starting as a Senior Energy Analyst and being promoted to Project Head of Energy Technology Scenarios. He has a strong engineering background

Jul 1, 2021 • 35:29

EP.54 Julian Popov, ECF Fellow and former Minister of Environment of Bulgaria

In this episode, our CEO John Feddersen is joined by a leading thinker on South Eastern European energy - Julian Popov. Julian is former Minister of Environment of Bulgaria, European Climate Foundation (ECF) fellow and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Buildings Performance Institute Europe. He has been voted twice as one of the most influential voices in European energy by EURACTIV. John and Julian discuss: • Julian’s journey, his novel called ‘Island of Mists’ and his experience as th

Jun 24, 2021 • 42:03

EP.53 Guy Newey, Strategy and Performance Director at Energy Systems Catapult

Our CEO John Feddersen speaks to Guy Newey, Strategy and Performance Director at Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) - an independent, not-for-profit centre of excellence that bridges the gap between industry, government, academia and research. ESC has recently published its report called ‘Rethinking Electricity Markets – EMR 2.0’, an initiative aiming to develop proposals to reform electricity markets so that they best enable innovative, efficient, whole energy system decarbonisation. Guy has had a

Jun 17, 2021 • 59:19

EP.52 Harald Överholm, CEO and Co-founder of Alight

Our Nordics Lead Alexander Esser speaks with Harald Överholm, CEO and co-founder of the leading solar Power Purchase Agreement provider in the Nordics - Alight (previously Eneo). Harald has been an advisor to WWF, the Swedish government and the Stockholm Environment Institute, as well as a former board member of Swedish Solar Energy. He is a Cambridge alumni with a PhD focused on market development of US solar PPA market and holds a masters degree in Industrial Engineering of Energy Systems. Al

Jun 10, 2021 • 39:39

EP.51 Pat O'Doherty, CEO of Electricity Supply Board (ESB)

In this episode, Our CEO John Feddersen speaks to Pat O'Doherty, CEO of the leading Irish utility Electricity Supply Board (ESB). Pat was appointed CEO of ESB in 2011 and to the ESB Board in 2013. He is Director of Energy UK and until very recently he was President of Eurelectric - the sector association which represents the common interests of the electricity industry at pan-European level. John and Pat discuss: • Pat’s journey and the job of the utility CEO now compared to 10 years ago • ESB

Jun 3, 2021 • 47:22

EP.50 Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President for Renewables at Total

Welcome to our 50th official Energy Unplugged episode! Our Head of Digital Solutions Mateusz Wronski is joined by the creator of the renewables division at one of the largest energy companies in the world - Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President for Renewables at Total. Julien joined Total in 2016, after two years of service as Senior Advisor to the President of France, François Hollande where he was entrusted with the overhaul of the French nuclear industry. Mateusz and Julien discuss: • Key chal

May 27, 2021 • 35:50

EP.49 Henrik Tordrup, Partner at Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

Our CEO John Feddersen speaks to Henrik Tordrup, Partner at Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). CIP is one of the leading clean energy investors globally, having recently raised a EUR 7 billion renewable energy investment fund. Henrik is a veteran of Europe’s offshore wind boom of the past decade and has deep expertise on the emerging energy transition in the US. John and Henrik discuss: • Henrik’s journey and his motivation to focus on the US markets • CIP’s current strategy and the main

May 20, 2021 • 53:59

EP.48 Henry de Zoete, Co-founder of Look After My Bills

Our Research Director, Richard Howard speaks to Henry de Zoete, Co-founder of the energy switching service provider - Look After My Bills. Henry has a career background working as Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Education prior to his success with Look After My Bills – which secured the best deal in the history of the UK Dragons’ Den business pitch competition. The company is now owned by industry giant Go Compare. Henry and Richard discuss: • Henry’s career and experience working

May 14, 2021 • 29:55

EP.47 Dulce Mendonça, Director and Fund Manager at InfraRed Capital Partners

Our Head of Iberia, Ana Barillas is joined by Dulce Mendonça, Director and Fund Manager at InfraRed Capital Partners. Dulce joined InfraRed in 2013 and is currently focusing on business development and origination of infrastructure investments in Europe. After attaining an M.Sc in Business Administration from ISCTE Business School in Lisbon, she began her career in investment banking before moving to infrastructure investment around 16 years ago. Ana and Dulce discuss: • InfraRed’s approach to

May 5, 2021 • 33:53

EP.46 Dr. Brigitte Knopf, Secretary General of MCC

Our Head of Commissioned Projects in Central Europe, Hanns Koenig is joined by Dr. Brigitte Knopf, Secretary General of the Berlin-based climate research institute MCC (Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change). Brigitte is one of Germany’s leading experts on climate change and has been appointed Deputy Chair of the Council of Experts on Climate Change by the German Federal Government. The Council has recently published its first report assessing Germany’s greenhouse gas

Apr 29, 2021 • 39:49

EP.45 Greg Jackson, Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy

In this episode our CEO John Feddersen speaks to Greg Jackson, the Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, one of the UK’s largest energy supplier businesses, and award-winning for its status as a provider of 100% sustainable energy. Octopus Energy Group recently announced the acquisition of its sister company, Octopus Renewables, bringing the retail and the generation side of energy together under one roof. Greg is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the UK with a long career leading multipl

Apr 22, 2021 • 54:17

EP.44 Dr. Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power Plc

Our Research Director Richard Howard is joined by Dr. Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power Plc to discuss one of the biggest players to emerge in new energy policies: green hydrogen. Graham joined ITM Power 12 years ago, previous to which he worked with National Power, and spent 11 years in the power industry developing energy storage and generation technologies. ITM Power is a leading manufacturer of hydrogen electrolysers. From early engagement on some of the UK’s earliest hydrogen mobility proje

Apr 15, 2021 • 33:48

EP.43 Models and their role in the energy transition: an Aurora perspective

This week on Energy Unplugged we have a special episode on modelling energy markets and the broader complexities of modelling for future scenarios. Our Head of Digital Solutions Mateusz Wronski chats with Jonathan Black, our Head of Modelling. Jonathan’s role is to set the vision and strategy for our market models and their developments. Besides managing our international team of modellers he has extensive experience in modelling for a breadth of physical systems, with a background as a Researc

Apr 9, 2021 • 36:05

EP.42 Lisa McDermott, Executive Director Renewable Project Financing at ABN AMRO Bank

Our Nordics Lead Alexander Esser speaks with Lisa McDermott - Executive Director Renewable Project Financing at ABN AMRO Bank. Lisa started her career as a lawyer at Clifford Chance, specialising in tax, M&A and fund structuring. Since 2004 she has held a number of senior origination, structuring and management roles within various structured finance disciplines. ABN AMRO is one of the earliest project financiers for offshore wind and one of the most active debt providers for renewables and sust

Mar 31, 2021 • 30:55

EP.41 Tim Nelson, Executive General Manager, Energy Markets at Infigen

Our Managing Director in Australia - Hugo Batten is delighted to be joined by Professor Tim Nelson - Executive General Manager, Energy Markets at Infigen. Tim is an Associate Professor at Griffith University and writes prolifically on Australia’s energy transition. Recently purchased by Iberdrola, Infigen is an Australian wind, gas and battery player, and also a retailer. Hugo and Tim discuss: • Gentailers and strategic options available to them • Carbon pricing vs industrial policy • Nodal pri

Mar 25, 2021 • 44:15

EP.40 Jonathan Maxwell, CEO of Sustainable Development Capital LLP

Our CEO John Feddersen is joined by Jonathan Maxwell, CEO and founder of Sustainable Development Capital LLP (SDCL). Jonathan has over 25 years’ experience in international finance, infrastructure and private equity. Since its 2007 establishment, SDCL has launched energy efficiency project investment funds in the UK, Ireland, Singapore and New York. John and Jonathan discuss: • Jonathan’s motivation for starting a sustainable investment business • The importance of energy security and resilien

Mar 18, 2021 • 51:53

EP.39 Harry Boyd-Carpenter, Director, Head of Energy EMEA EBRD

In this episode, our CEO John Feddersen speaks with Harry Boyd-Carpenter – Director, Head of Energy EMEA at EBRD; and Peter Baum – Project Leader in our Berlin office. Harry leads the landing and investment team at EBRD where he focuses on deploying capital investments in regions where investment is more challenging (including eastern Europe and northern Africa). Peter focuses on our activities in eastern and south-eastern Europe, and he has previously been an Analyst for Energy Efficiency and

Mar 11, 2021 • 54:15

EP.38 Ana Quelhas, Managing Director for Hydrogen, EDP Group

This podcast episode is a special one celebrating International Women’s Day on 8th March and discussing hydrogen. We're featuring two female leaders in the energy industry as our Head of Iberia, Ana Barillas is joined by Ana Quelhas, recently appointed as Managing Director for Hydrogen at EDP Group. Prior to the new role, Ana Quelhas was the Head of Corporate Energy Planning at EDP and previous to that she worked at the Directorate General for Research within the European Commission and for the

Mar 4, 2021 • 29:30

EP.37 Mark Futyan, CEO of Anesco

In this Energy Unplugged episode, Aurora’s Head of Commissioned Projects for Western Europe, Felix Chow-Kambitsch is joined by Mark Futyan, Anesco’s Chief Executive Officer. Anesco is an energy services company specialising in solar PV, storage and energy efficiency, and playing a key role in the transition to Net Zero. With an impressive career within the energy industry, Mark joined Anesco in February 2020 from Centrica, where he most recently held the position of Distributed Power Systems Dir

Feb 26, 2021 • 41:39

EP.36 Tony Wood, Head of the Energy Program at Grattan Institute

In this episode, Aurora’s Managing Director in Australia, Hugo Batten, speaks with Tony Wood, the Head of the Energy Program at Grattan Institute and one of Australia’s most prolific energy writers and thinkers. Tony has had a lengthy career in energy - working for organisations such as Origin Energy, The Clinton Foundation and Incitec Pivot. He also writes in the Australian Financial Review and other Australian publications on energy. Hugo and Tony discuss: • Australian approach to climate po

Feb 18, 2021 • 46:04

EP.35 Andreas Regnell, Senior Vice President, Head of Strategic Development at Vattenfall

In this episode, our Nordics Lead Alexander Esser is joined by Andreas Regnell, Senior Vice President and Head of Strategic Development at Vattenfall. Andreas has been with Vattenfall for more than 10 years and previously Managing Partner of Nordic Region at BCG, and Analyst and Account Manager at Citibank. He holds a degree in Economics. Alexander and Andreas discuss: • The role of state-owned energy companies on the path to Net Zero • Backcasting vs forecasting of the energy market • Green h

Feb 11, 2021 • 33:07

EP.34 Jason Tundermann, COO and Flemming Sørensen, VP Europe LevelTen Energy

In this episode, our US Country Lead Oliver Kerr is joined by LevelTen Energy’s Chief Operating Officer - Jason Tundermann and Vice President for Europe - Flemming Sørensen, as they take a deeper look at PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements). LevelTen is the world’s largest renewable energy procurement platform. Jason has a successful career history in senior level business development roles within the energy sector for over ten years. Flemming has a strong investments background, and over 20 years’

Feb 4, 2021 • 43:14

EP.33 Jay Zoellner, CEO of Kiwi Power

This week on Energy Unplugged, our US Country Lead Oliver Kerr is joined by Jay Zoellner, CEO of Kiwi Power, a leading global energy technology company. Jay has held a number of leadership roles in the power sector – both in public and private energy companies, and is now focusing his efforts on growing Kiwi Power’s business internationally. Oliver and Jay discuss: • Kiwi Power’s mission and Jay’s role • The company’s expansion to the US, and key differences between US and UK markets • The ro

Jan 28, 2021 • 29:55

EP.32 Stefan-Jörg Göbel, Senior Vice President Wind & Solar Continental at Statkraft

In this episode, Aurora's CEO John Feddersen speaks with Stefan-Jörg Göbel - Senior Vice President Wind & Solar Continental at Statkraft. Stefan-Jörg is responsible for developing a pan-European renewables portfolio, spanning solar and wind for one of Europe’s leading utilities. Previously, he ran one of Europe’s largest power trading and origination teams and he started his electricity sector career in Enron’s European team. John and Stefan-Jörg discuss: • The role of route-to-market provi

Jan 22, 2021 • 45:22

EP.31 Ian Learmonth, CEO of Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC)

In this episode, Aurora’s Managing Director in Australia, Hugo Batten speaks with Ian Learmonth, the CEO of Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). With vast experience in the energy sector across the globe, Ian has spent time at Macquarie Group, NatWest and Social Ventures Australia, prior to joining the CEFC in 2017. Some of the main topics include: • CEFC, technologies of focus and storage investment cases • Role of gas and storage in Australia’s energy transition • The evol

Jan 13, 2021 • 41:38

EP.30 Duncan Clark, Head of UK Region for Ørsted

In this new episode, Aurora’s Research Director Richard Howard is joined by Duncan Clark, Head of UK Region for Ørsted. Coming from a previous commercial role at The Crown Estate, Duncan joined Ørsted in 2012 as Programme Director for offshore wind, being responsible for delivering massive projects such as Westermost Rough and Hornsea 1 throughout the project execution phase, taking the new role of Head of Region UK in 2019. Richard and Duncan discuss: • Duncan’s professional journey and h

Jan 7, 2021 • 34:00

EP.29 Will Gardiner, Chief Executive Officer of Drax Group

In this latest 2020 episode, Aurora's CEO John Feddersen is joined by Will Gardiner, Chief Executive Officer of Drax Group – the UK’s largest renewable power generator. Will joined Drax as CFO in 2015 and was appointed CEO in January 2018, now playing one of the key roles in the decarbonisation of the British electricity system. John and Will discuss: * Will’s role and the most important trait of a publicly listed CEO * Biomass sustainability and its role in decarbonisation * BECCS, and if we

Dec 29, 2020 • 54:44

EP.28 Marie-Luise Pörtner, Managing Director of BayWa r.e.Wind

In this episode, Aurora’s Managing Director in Germany Manuel Köhler speaks with Marie-Luise Pörtner, Managing Director of BayWa r.e. Wind. BayWa is one of the largest renewables developers in Europe, with projects all around the world. Marie-Luise has previously held a number of other senior roles within the energy sector including Managing Director of the wind developer Juwi and Energy Sector Manager at the Fraunhofer Society. Manuel and Marie-Luise discuss: * BayWa’s upcoming white paper an

Dec 22, 2020 • 32:43

EP.27 Dan Monzani, Director of Energy Security, Networks & Markets at BEIS

This week, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen speaks with Dan Monzani, Director of Energy Security, Networks & Markets at BEIS, about the UK Government’s long-awaited Energy White Paper: Powering our Net Zero Future, published this week. The Energy White Paper follows Boris Johnson’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, and establishes a strategy to achieve Net Zero across the wider energy system. John and Dan discuss: * Market design and carbon pricing: why a trading scheme rather than

Dec 18, 2020 • 54:01

EP.26 Roger Font Garcia, Global Head of Project Finance, Asset and Specialized Lending at Sabadell

In this episode, Aurora’s Head of Iberia Ana Barillas is joined by her special guest - Roger Font Garcia, Global Head of Project Finance, Asset and Specialized Lending at Sabadell. Roger was appointed to the current role in January 2019 after several senior roles within the bank, and under his leadership, Sabadell had embraced the Spanish renewables market with a much higher degree of merchant exposure. Ana and Roger discuss: • Sabadell’s approach on project financing and the bank’s views of

Dec 10, 2020 • 26:06

EP.25 De-mystifying the hydrogen hype with Aurora experts Alexander Esser & Anise Ganbold

In this episode, Aurora’s Research Director Richard Howard discusses hydrogen’s potential in Europe with two of Aurora’s leading hydrogen experts - Alexander Esser, Senior Commercial Manager and Anise Ganbold, Project Leader. Alexander has recently led a major hydrogen multiclient study on assessing its role in the energy systems of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands and Anise leads our work on global commodities. Listen in to find out: • Hydrogen’s real potential and demand • Europe’s h

Dec 3, 2020 • 40:13

EP.24 Laurie Fitch, Partner in the Strategic Advisory Group at PJT Partners

In this episode, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen speaks with Laurie Fitch, Partner in the Strategic Advisory Group at PJT Partners. Laurie is also a Non-Executive Director of EDP (Energias de Portugal, SA) and prior to joining PJT Partners, she was Co-Head of Morgan Stanley’s Global Industrials Group in Europe. John and Laurie discuss: • Laurie’s journey and her roles at PJT Partners and EDP • Investment banking for women at present • Net Zero, and big oil’s ability to pivot towards big renewabl

Nov 26, 2020 • 55:48

EP.23 David Connolly, CEO of the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA)

In this week’s episode, Aurora’s Principal Ben Collie talks with David Connolly, CEO of the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA). IWEA is Ireland's largest renewable energy association and a leader in Ireland’s fight against climate change. Prior to this role, David was an Associate Professor in Energy Planning at Aalborg University in Copenhagen, where his research focussed on the design and assessment of 100% renewable energy systems for electricity, heat and transport. Ben and David discuss:

Nov 19, 2020 • 43:35

EP.22 Ivan Varughese, Head of Green Investment Group, Asia-Pacific at Macquarie Group

In this episode, Aurora’s Managing Director in Australia, Hugo Batten is joined by Ivan Varughese, Head of Green Investment Group for Asia-Pacific at Macquarie Group. Ivan has been with Macquarie for more than 14 years as Executive Director and Head of Infrastructure, Utilities and Renewables in Australia & New Zealand, before being appointed to the new role in 2020. Hugo and Ivan discuss: • Green Investment Group’s mission and Ivan’s career • Australia’s energy market and its evolution • G

Nov 12, 2020 • 41:45

EP.21 Tejpreet Chopra, Founder & CEO of Bharat Light & Power

In this episode, Aurora’s Project Leader Thekla von Bülow discusses artificial intelligence in energy with her special guest Tejpreet Chopra, Founder & CEO of Bharat Light & Power (BLP). Tejpreet is the former president and CEO of GE India, and has vast global management and finance experience in France, UK, Hong Kong, India and the US. Listen to the episode to find more about: • BLP and its role in the energy transition • Renewables markets and opportunities for offshore wind in India • Artif

Nov 5, 2020 • 49:42

EP.20 Rafael Mateo, Energy CEO of ACCIONA

A new podcast episode is ready for you! Aurora’s Project Leader Thekla von Bülow is joined by our first Spanish guest on ‘Energy Unplugged’ - Rafael Mateo, Energy CEO of ACCIONA. ACCIONA is the largest independent renewable developer and operator in the world, and Rafael is a true pioneer of renewable energy, having been in the energy industry for over 35 years. Thekla and Rafael discuss: • ACCIONA’s plans for renewables and the business’ wide geographic coverage • PPAs as a tool for risk mi

Oct 29, 2020 • 44:54

EP.19 Nora Mead Brownell, Co-Founder of ESPY Energy Solutions

In this episode, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen discusses the energy transition in the US with his special guest Nora Mead Brownell, Co-Founder of ESPY Energy Solutions. Nora is a former commissioner at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) where she was nominated by President George W. Bush, and among many other previous roles she has also served as the Chair of the Board of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Topics covered include: • Women in the energy sector, and ESPY Energy Solutions

Oct 22, 2020 • 50:16

EP.18 Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF Energy

This week on ‘Energy Unplugged’, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen speaks with Simone Rossi, CEO of EDF Energy, Britain’s biggest generator of zero-carbon electricity. Appointed as CEO in November 2017, Simone joined EDF in 2004 and had been head of EDF Group's international division since 2015. Listen to the episode to find out more about: • Simone’s professional journey and his clarinet playing skills • The Hinkley Point C project and its implications for the energy transition • EDF’s plan for a

Oct 15, 2020 • 43:52

EP.17 Thomas Fureder, Managing Director at Barclays Investment Bank

In this episode, Aurora’s Research Director Richard Howard is joined by Thomas Fureder, Managing Director at Barclays Investment Bank, in an interesting discussion about the market potential of hydrogen and its role in meeting Net Zero targets. Richard and Thomas discuss: • Hydrogen’s value proposition and investment opportunities • The need for a clear policy framework • Replacing grey hydrogen with blue and green hydrogen

Oct 7, 2020 • 28:05

EP.16 Audrey Zibelman, CEO and Managing Director of AEMO

This week on ‘Energy Unplugged’, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen speaks with Audrey Zibelman, currently CEO and Managing Director of the Australian Energy Market Operator - AEMO. This is Audrey’s first public interview since she announced this week that she will leave AEMO to take up a newly-created leadership role at X - the research and development facility for "moonshot" technologies, a subsidiary of Google’s parent entity, Alphabet Inc. Audrey has led AEMO for nearly four years and has more than

Oct 1, 2020 • 51:43

EP.15 Dieter Helm CBE, Professor of Economic Policy at the University of Oxford

In this episode, Aurora’s Research Director Richard Howard spoke with Dieter Helm CBE, Professor of Economic Policy at the University of Oxford, about Dieter's recent book 'Net Zero: How We Stop Causing Climate Change'. Dieter is also Chair of the Natural Capital Committee and has provided extensive advice to the UK and European governments on many issues, including 'The Cost of Energy Review' for the UK’s government in 2017 and for the European Commission in developing 'The Energy Roadmap 2030'

Sep 24, 2020 • 36:54

EP.14 Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera, President of Forum Energii

This week on ‘Energy Unplugged’, Aurora’s Head of Commissioned Projects in Central Europe Hanns Koenig is joined by Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera, President of Forum Energii, in a great discussion about the power market and energy transition in Poland. Joanna is one of the most knowledgeable and influential people in the Polish energy sector, with a distinguished career for almost 20 years across academia, and both the public and private sectors. Joanna now leads Forum Energii, a think tank focussed

Sep 17, 2020 • 48:46

EP.13 Juliet Davenport, CEO of Good Energy

This week on ‘Energy Unplugged’, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen spoke with Juliet Davenport, CEO & Founder of Good Energy, one of the UK’s leading renewable energy suppliers. For over two decades, Good Energy’s mission has been to power a cleaner, greener world by helping homes and businesses to be part of a sustainable solution to climate change. Discussion topics include: • Juliet’s professional journey and Good Energy as a green energy supplier • Electric vehicles and Zap-Map charge point app

Sep 9, 2020 • 52:58

EP.12 Jonathan Carling, CEO of Tokamak Energy

On this week’s podcast, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen is joined by Tokamak Energy’s CEO Jonathan Carling. Tokamak Energy develops fusion technology and aims to generate clean and abundant fusion power by 2030. Jonathan joined Tokamak Energy in 2017 as Chief Executive Officer and he is also a member of the board of directors. Jonathan is an experienced international business leader, bringing a unique blend of strategic, financial, technical, operational and brand know-how to Tokamak Energy. John a

Sep 3, 2020 • 38:28

EP.11 Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem - Part 2

This week on ‘Energy Unplugged’, we share the second part of John Feddersen’s discussion with Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem. If you missed Part 1 of this episode, you can find it in our podcast feed. In Part 2, John and Jonathan discuss: • Ofgem’s major long-term focus areas and its environmental perspective • Networks regulations and the UK’s different approach for offshore and onshore • Electricity markets and locational marginal pricing

Aug 27, 2020 • 24:06

EP.11 Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem - Part 1

This week on ‘Energy Unplugged’, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen is delighted to be joined by Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem. Jonathan has wide-ranging energy sector experience, having led Electricity Market Reform as the Director for Energy Markets and Networks at the Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC). Prior to this, he was Director of the Office of Climate Change, where he led the development of the Climate Change Act, and earlier in his career, Jonathan was a senior adviser in the Pri

Aug 20, 2020 • 33:26

EP.10 Bernhard Günther, CFO at Innogy

This week on ‘Energy Unplugged’, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen is joined by Bernhard Günther, CFO Innogy and Director Uniper and ThyssenKrupp. Bernhard has played a central role in the energy transition in Germany and Europe over the last two decades, and created a successful renewables business within a traditional utility over the last five years. John and Bernhard discuss: • Bernhard’s current role within Innogy as CFO, and also as CHRO/Labour Director • The idea of a carbon border tax in Eur

Aug 11, 2020 • 43:08

EP.9 Danielle Lane, UK Country Manager Vattenfall

In this week’s episode, Aurora’s Research Director Richard Howard is joined by Danielle Lane, Vattenfall’s UK Country Manager and Director of Portfolio and Transactions Offshore, in a discussion about the Net Zero challenge. Involved in many aspects of the energy transition, Vattenfall has the ambition to make fossil-free living possible within one generation. Richard and Danielle discuss: • The role Vattenfall can play in reaching Net Zero and what the UK Government needs to do • The technolog

Aug 5, 2020 • 28:45

EP.8 Paul Simshauser, CEO Powerlink Queensland

In this week’s episode, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen is joined by his compatriot Paul Simshauser, Chief Executive of Powerlink Queensland, a major electricity transmission operator in Australia. Paul is also a Professor of Economics at Griffith University and was formerly the head of a major Government energy department. John and Paul discuss: • The global history of power markets' privatisation • Centralised and dispatchable generation in the future energy system • Negative emissions technologi

Jul 28, 2020 • 48:00

EP.7 Ralph Alexander, Chairman and CEO Talen Energy

This week on ‘Energy Unplugged’, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen is joined by Ralph Alexander, Chairman and CEO of Talen Energy, one of North America’s largest private power generation businesses. Some of the key topics include: • Supermajors’ role in low-carbon power generation • Energy transition and the future of nuclear • Decarbonisation policy and Government’s role to meet carbon targets

Jul 20, 2020 • 41:54

EP.6 Mark Foley, CEO of EirGrid

This week on 'Energy Unplugged', Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen discusses energy transition with EirGrid’s Chief Executive Mark Foley, the person responsible for keeping the lights on in one of Europe’s most ambitious electricity systems in terms of their decarbonisation goals. John and Mark discuss: • EirGrid’s mission to ‘transform the power system for future generations’ • Ireland’s new Government ambition related to decarbornisation • Energy transition in terms of renewables development and net

Jul 14, 2020 • 49:05

EP.5 Sam Arie, Research Analyst at UBS

In this week’s episode, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen is joined by Sam Arie, Research Analyst at UBS Investment Bank, to discuss financing the energy transition and the impact of COVID-19 on the utilities sector. Sam is one of the top utilities equities research analysts in the UK, and at UBS he leads the European Utilities Research team. John and Sam discuss: • The role of equities analysts • The impact of COVID-19 on the utilities sector, and policy response • Oil and gas majors’ contribution

Jul 9, 2020 • 40:25

EP.4 Cameron Hepburn, Professor of Environmental Economics at the University of Oxford

As countries emerge from the Coronavirus lockdown and take stock of the severe economic impact they’ve seen, the focus is now on how to reboot the economy with significant stimulus packages of economic measures. In this week’s episode, Aurora’s Research Director Richard Howard discusses Green Stimulus with Cameron Hepburn, Professor of Environmental Economics and Director, Smith School, University of Oxford. Cameron and his team have been researching Green Stimulus, reviewing policies from aroun

Jul 1, 2020 • 36:24

EP.3 Emma Pinchbeck, CEO of Energy UK

Welcome to this week's instalment of our new podcast series ‘Energy Unplugged’. In this episode, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen discusses the Net Zero challenge with Emma Pinchbeck, the new appointed Chief Executive of Energy UK. Energy UK is perhaps the most influential energy industry group in the UK and Emma will join the trade association in July 2020, bringing with her valuable expertise and knowledge of the energy sector. Some of the main topics include: • Emma’s professional journey and tra

Jun 24, 2020 • 40:10

EP.2 Chris Hunt, Partner at Riverstone

Welcome to this week's episode of our new podcast series ‘Energy Unplugged’. Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen explores the energy transition globally in a great discussion with Riverstone’s Partner Chris Hunt. Riverstone is one of the world’s largest energy-focussed private equity fund and Chris has been in the renewables business well before the industry really began, as he first started working on wind energy projects back in the late 1980s. John and Chris discuss: • The biggest impacts of COVID

Jun 16, 2020 • 31:33

EP.1 Alistair Phillips-Davies, CEO of SSE

Welcome to our new podcast series ‘Energy Unplugged’, a mix of in-depth conversations with key international industry leaders, policymakers and academics, exploring the hottest topics across the energy market. Hosted by various Aurora experts, we invite high profile guests to share their unique perspectives on major energy issues. Our intention is to share with you a new episode every week, so stay tuned and enjoy the podcast! In this week’s episode, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen talks with Alist

Jun 9, 2020 • 50:01

EP.21 Aurora on COVID-19 implications - Part VIII - Interview with Richard Howard, Aurora

In this final podcast episode of the COVID-19 series we are focussing on power market economics, prices and policy. Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen is joined by Richard Howard, Aurora’s Research Director who coordinated the recent work on the impact of COVID-19 for the power sector. The main topics tackled in this interview include: • The major recent impacts on gas, carbon and power markets in Europe • Key policy implications for the decarbonisation challenge and Green Stimulus measures • Behavi

May 27, 2020 • 33:20

EP.20 Aurora on COVID-19 implications - Ben Guest, Gresham House & Brian Lonn, Statkraft

In this episode, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen focusses on battery storage assets, and is joined by two distinguished guests: Ben Guest, Head of New Energy & Investment Area, Gresham House and Brian Lonn, Head of UK Flexibility, Statkraft. This is a great discussion that hits on a wide range of topics, not limited to COVID-19: • The current status of the battery storage landscape in the UK and predictions for the next 5 years • Impact of COVID-19 on the storage business in terms of investment an

May 20, 2020 • 39:26

EP.19 Aurora on COVID-19 implications - Part VI- Interview with Chris Stark CCC

Our previous podcasts in this COVID-19 series covered a wide variety of perspectives from industry leaders. In this episode, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen welcomes his special guest Chris Stark, Chief Executive for The Committee on Climate Change to discuss the implications of COVID-19 on the power sector from a climate and policy perspective. Some of the key topics discussed in this episode include: • Implications of short-term reduction in carbon emissions and broader pollutants •

May 13, 2020 • 48:25

EP.18 Aurora on COVID-19 implications - Part V - Interview with Tom Glover, RWE

In our 1-1 interviews, we hear different senior perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 on power markets. This week, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen investigates the situation from the utility perspective in an interview with Tom Glover, CFO of RWE Renewables GmbH and RWE UK Country Chair. Some of the key topics discussed in this session include: • COVID-19 impact on how the business is running in terms of operations, market, constructions and development • Impact on the decarbonisation imperative a

May 6, 2020 • 51:44

EP.17 Aurora on COVID-19 implications - Part IV - Interview with Dan Wells, Foresight Group

Our previous podcasts in this series covered the renewables investment, project finance and legal perspective on the impact of COVID-19 for the energy sector. In this episode we focus on the infrastructure investor perspective, welcoming Dan Wells, Partner at Foresight Group in an informative discussion with Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen. Some of the main topics discussed include: • COVID-19 impact on developing, financing and investing in assets, capital raising and running transactions • Differ

Apr 29, 2020 • 38:32

EP.16 Aurora on COVID-19 implications - Part III - Interview with Antony Skinner, Ashurst

In our first two COVID-19 podcasts, our interviewees specialised in investment and project finance. In this podcast, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen looks at the legal perspective, interviewing Antony Skinner, Partner in the Project Practice at Ashurst. Key topics tackled in this 1-1 interview include: • COVID-19 impact on processes, around equity and debt raising • Policy uncertainty for investors and the role of corporate PPAs in developing power assets • Impact on the long-run decarbonisation

Apr 22, 2020 • 32:59

EP.15 Aurora on COVID-19 implications - Part II - Interview with Alejandro Ciruelos, Santander

In this podcast, we are excited to welcome Alejandro Ciruelos, Managing Director, Project & Acquisition Finance for Santander Corporate and Investment Banking, in a great discussion with Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen, about the impact of COVID-19 on energy project finance market in the short and longer term. Some of the key topics tackled in this interview include: • Impact from a project finance perspective and more specifically on Santander’s strategy • Government’s role and support offered to

Apr 15, 2020 • 31:52

EP.14 Aurora on COVID-19 implications - Part I - Interview with Richard Nourse, Greencoat Capital

Welcome to the first podcast in our ‘Aurora on COVID-19’ series. In these unprecedented times, our goal is to help you understand the implications of COVID-19 for both your business and the energy sector more broadly. Each week we’ll be sharing a a 1-1 podcast interview with key industry leaders. In this podcast, Aurora’s CEO John Feddersen is joined by his special guest Richard Nourse, Founder of Greencoat Capital, to talk about the impact of COVID-19 for renewables investment in UK and Europe.

Apr 8, 2020 • 42:28

EP.13 Spring Forum Preview #4 An interview with Vattenfall's Danielle Lane

Here we interview Danielle Lane from Vattenfall, about her experience, focus, and ideas for her Spring Forum panel. Remember to follow our channel!

Jan 30, 2020 • 6:13

EP.12 Spring Forum Preview #3 An interview with ScottishPower's Keith Anderson

In this episode, we interview Keith Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Power, who shares some insights about what he might discuss in the upcoming Aurora Spring Forum panel ‘How will customer requirements and technology change energy retail?’. If you’ve not yet booked your place for the 24 March event, visit our website today!

Jan 23, 2020 • 9:11

EP.11 Spring Forum Preview #2 An interview with Falck Renewables' Toni Volpe

In the second of our Spring Forum podcasts, we’re joined by Toni Volpe – Chief Executive Officer of Falck Renewables – for insight into the ideas he’ll be contributing as part of the panel session ‘How will renewables be delivered ten years from now?’. When you’ve listened, follow our podcast for the latest updates from Aurora, then visit our website to register for your place at the Aurora Spring Forum 2020!

Jan 17, 2020 • 6:24

EP.10 Spring Forum Preview #1 An interview with Equinor's Stephen Bull

The Aurora Spring Forum hosts a plethora of industry experts, and we’re delighted to welcome Stephen Bull of Equinor to the panel ‘Competition in renewables auctions: Is this the future? How involved should Government be?’, taking a closer look at to what extent we need auctions in a high-renewables world, and how auction design needs to reflect increasing cannibalisation. Stephen’s responsibilities at Equinor include project development for their global wind portfolio, and business and project

Dec 18, 2019 • 6:36

EP.9 Alan Whitehead MP challenged on Labour’s Net Zero policy at Aurora Battery Storage Conference

With just days to go until the UK General Election, the climate emergency has become a key topic of interest to voters, with parties keen to demonstrate their green credentials. Labour’s manifesto has stepped back from the Net Zero by 2030 pledge made at their Party Conference in October. So, what is their official stance? At Aurora’s 2019 Battery and Flexibility Conference held in October, Aurora’s Research Director Richard Howard interviewed Alan Whitehead MP – Shadow Minister for Energy and

Dec 4, 2019 • 23:45

EP.8 - Aurora Battery Storage and Flexibility Conference 2019

This podcast is a review of Aurora Energy Research's 2019 Battery Storage and Flexibility Conference. It features Alan Whitehead MP, Shadow Energy and Climate Change Minister and Fintan Slye Director, UK Systems Operator, National Grid SO. The need for energy storage and flexibility has become increasingly apparent as decarbonisation ambitions are raised and renewables penetration grows. However, future revenue streams and associated uncertainties are difficult to quantify and financing projects

Oct 16, 2019 • 18:22

EP.7 - Aurora Summer Renewables Summit 2019

Aurore Energy Research's Summer Renewables Summit took place at the Savoy Place Institute of Engineering and Technology. A common theme was whether the UK can meet the challenge of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, and deliver on the commitment that the UK made by signing the Paris Agreement. This lead to discussions on the implications for strategy. It also looked at the rapid acceleration in change that is likely to occur in the renewables sector as new technologies emerge, markets evol

Jun 7, 2019 • 14:14

EP.6 - Aurora Spring Forum 2019 - The Future of Energy

This podcast features some of the leading names in the energy industry, all of whom took part in the Aurora Spring Forum to discuss the future of energy. They included Iain Conn, Group Chief Executive of Centrica and Johannes Teyssen, CEO of E.ON. The Aurora Spring Forum is one of the leading gatherings of the European energy industry, bringing together industry leaders in an exclusive and intimate setting in Oxford. The Forum is a serious attempt to discuss the medium and long term challenges

Mar 20, 2019 • 15:00

EP.5 - Spring Forum Preview with Irene Rummelhoff, Equinor, Executive Vice President of MMP

The Aurora Spring Forum on 19th March is one of the leading gatherings of the European energy industry, bringing together industry leaders in an exclusive and intimate setting in Oxford. The Forum is a serious attempt to discuss the medium and long term challenges of the industry. This includes: the climate change agenda, the huge regulatory uncertainty created by Brexit in the UK, coal-phase-out, levy and grid charging reforms in Germany and other European countries, and the pace of technologic

Mar 11, 2019 • 5:55

EP.3 - Spring Forum Preview with Audrey Zibelman, CEO AEMO

The Aurora Spring Forum on 19th March is one of the leading gatherings of the European energy industry, bringing together industry leaders in an exclusive and intimate setting in Oxford. The Forum is a serious attempt to discuss the medium and long term challenges of the industry. This includes: the climate change agenda, the huge regulatory uncertainty created by Brexit in the UK, coal-phase-out, levy and grid charging reforms in Germany and other European countries, and the pace of technologic

Mar 1, 2019 • 6:30

EP.2 - Spring Forum Preview with James Samworth, Greencoat Capital

The Aurora Spring Forum on 19th March is one of the leading gatherings of the European energy industry, bringing together industry leaders in an exclusive and intimate setting in Oxford. The Forum is a serious attempt to discuss the medium and long term challenges of the industry. This includes: the climate change agenda, the huge regulatory uncertainty created by Brexit in the UK, coal-phase-out, levy and grid charging reforms in Germany and other European countries, and the pace of technologic

Feb 27, 2019 • 6:36

EP.1 - Aurora Battery Conference 2018

Battery storage and other flexible technologies continue to be a focal point for investment in the UK power system as it transitions towards a low carbon future. At the same time, markets for flexible assets have become more complex and challenging, and businesses are evolving their business models to continue to realise value. Aurora’s flagship Battery Storage and Flexibility Conference brought together original analysis and insights from the Aurora team on the outlook for flexible technologies

Oct 15, 2018 • 16:09