Energy Unplugged by Aurora

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 Tech-to-Market at the U.S. Department of Energy. Tyler has also served as an expert witness in multiple utility commission proceedings, with his insights featuring in prominent publications such as The New York Times and Foreign Affairs.Key topics in this episode include:What are interconnection processes, and why are these increasingly relevant in the US?“Invest and connect” vs “connect and manage” approaches to interconnectionWhat will the results of the US election mean for the energy transition in the country?Support the show

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, he leads a global team of over 500 employees across 10 countries.Main topics include the following:What are the factors and trends shaping the investment climate for BESS in Europe?What are the key risks and uncertainties for BESS investment in Europe, and how can these be managed?Where are the best opportunities and the hottest markets for BESS in Europe?Support the show

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 Business Administration at Erasmus University in Rotterdam and Environmental Change and Management at the University of Oxford.Main topics include the following:The importance of supply chain security in the face of geopolitical tensionsWhat is a virtual power plant, and how does it work within the power market?How can incentive schemes for rooftop solar in Germany be reformed to make them more system-friendly?Support the show

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 electricity business, and managing the company’s first operating wind assets in the Philippines. Before joining ACEN, Miguel practiced law, with a focus on energy and project finance.Main topics include the following:Philippines’ market design and the debates surrounding itKey barriers to accelerating renewables deployment and other zero-carbon technologies in the PhilippinesMajor challenges faced by international players entering the Philippine marketSupport the show

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, including Project Director for the Gwynt y Môr and Galloper wind farms, and Director of Asset Management and Operations.Main topics include the following:The most time-consuming stages of offshore wind projects: engineering, planning, permitting, and grid connectionInvesting in offshore wind in a higher rates world: subsidy schemes and PPAsFloating offshore windSupport the show

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 developing the next generation of onshore network price controls (known as RIIO2), regulating offshore transmission infrastructure, and advancing an ambitious cross-border interconnection programme through the cap and floor regime.Main topics include the following:What is the current state of the GB grid connection queue, and what led to the queue being so congested?What are the main proposals under consideration for improving the grid connection process, and why?How have things changed with a new UK government? How is Ofgem working with new organisations and ministers to deliver on energy targets?Support the show

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 Americas at BloombergNEF (BNEF). He played a pivotal role in the creation of Climatescope, an annual public resource detailing clean energy investment conditions in emerging market economies since 2012. Ethan has also authored reports on climate and clean energy for organisations such as the Climate Investment Funds at the World Bank, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations, among others.Main topics include the following:What is the progress to date for the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and how could the upcoming elections in the United States impact its future?Could the costs of the IRA overshoot, given higher power demand growth driven by generative AI?How is the United States supporting Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) and what is the outlook for delivery of their objectives?Support the show

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, in his role at Iron Mountain, defines what it means for a data center to be truly sustainable—addressing issues from water use to biodiversity, with clean power as the foundation.Key topics of discussion include:The opportunities and challenges data centers face todayHow can Behind the Meter (BTM) generation be used strategically to meet data center demand with clean electricityNuclear vs renewables regarding BTM generation to meet data center demand Support the show

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 Executive, he has delivered transformational organisational and portfolio change, positioning National Grid to play a pivotal role in the energy transition and helping shape energy policy. John is also a Fellow of the Energy Institute and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.Key topics include the following:The Great Grid UpgradeThe potential impact of the upcoming US election result on network investmentsRisks facing interconnection projects from technical, economic, regulatory, security, and market perspectivesSupport the show

Aurora’s Careers Series: Oxford Graduate Modelling Programme Explained

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