Plugged In: the energy news podcast

Oil and gas prices plummeted in the immediate aftermath of the trade war between the US and China. With many expecting oil and gas prices to continue to decline as a result of Trump's tariffs, the trade war raises raises fundamental questions about the profitability of oil production. Will oil producers feel inspired to "drill baby drill", as Trump famously promised, if prices continue to fall? In this episode, Richard speaks to Saul Kavonic, Head of Energy Research at MST Marquee, about the impact on global trade flows, prices and why an expected boost in LNG in 2026 may not materialise. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Contributor: Laurence Walker - Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guest: Saul Kavonic - Head of Energy Research, MST Marquee Editor: Oscar Birk Producer: Sarah Knowles

This week, Trump's staggering tariffs on Asia and Europe caused turmoil in global equity and energy markets - as they took effect and were paused - raising many concerns within the energy sector about prices, trade flows, and the future of renewables investments. With the situation changing day-by-day, even hour by hour, Richard speaks to Norges Bank Investment Management - Norway's Oil Fund - about the state of the global renewables markets, and what long-term impact the events of this week will have on the energy transition. Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel Contributor: Olav Vilnes - Norway Editor, Montel Guest: Harald von Heyden - Global Head of Energy and Infrastructure, Norges Bank Investment Management Podcast Editors: Oscar Birk, Bled Maliqi Podcast Producer: Sarah Knowles

In this week's episode, Richard and Nathan travelled to Bonn to sit down with the President of The Federal Network Agency and discuss the critical issues facing Germany's power market post-election. Will Germany succumb to pressure from its neighbours to split its price zone, and how will Germany tackle its challenge of low demand for its power production vs is soaring energy prices? Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guest: Klaus Müller - President, BnetzA Montel journalist: Nathan Witkop - Editor, Clean Energy Desk Editor: Bled Maliqi Producer: Sarah Knowles

Last Friday, one of the world's largest transport hubs came to a halt for 18 hours after a fire broke out at one of its substations in North Hyde. Since the incident, National Grid's CEO responded to accusations that Heathrow bosses were forced to shut down the airport due to a lack of power, confirming that the two other substations were operational and fully capable of powering the airport. Why, then, was the airport not able to connect the power, and why did it take so long to return to its operations? In this week's episode, Richard speaks to Simon Gallagher, grid expert and MD of UK Network Services, a leading independent energy networks consultancy, about some of the wider concerns this outage raises about the country@s energy security. How vulnerable is some of its crucial infrastructure? Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guest: Simon Gallagher, Managing Director of UK Network Services Editor: Bled Maliqi Producer: Sarah Knowles

Over the past year, many countries in Europe and beyond have announced plans to expand their nuclear programmes or build new reactors. As the pressure mounts for countries to start delivering on their decarbonisation goals and have a tighter grasp on their energy security, it begs the question: has “the road to net zero” become “the road to nuclear”? In this week’s episode, Richard speaks to the Director General of the Nuclear Energy Agency about what has triggered this latest revival in nuclear, and how the private and public sectors will need to decide who takes on the financial risk of building new atomic reactors. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Guest: William D. Magwood, IV - Director General, Nuclear Energy Agency Christopher Eales - France Editor, Montel News Editor: Bled Maliqi, Montel Producer: Sarah Knowles

In this week’s episode we discuss how unprecedented global risks — from escalating trade tensions and hybrid warfare to rising populism — are reshaping Europe's energy markets. Statkraft's CEO Brigitte Ringstad Vartdal shares insights into the company's approach to project prioritisation, reveals why the green transition will inevitably continue despite near-term hurdles and discusses how companies can build local support for renewables amid growing opposition. Brigitte also weighs in on Norway’s controversial market intervention, the fixed-price electricity retail contract, and addresses criticism around regulatory hurdles and delays to new capacity projects. Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel. Guest: Brigitte Ringstad Vartdal – CEO, Statkraft; Gert Ove Mollestad, Editor Norway, Montel. Podcast editor: Bled Maliqi, Montel.

This week we explore the growing energy security challenges facing Europe amid a “seismic” shift in the global geopolitical order. In light of this, we discuss plans by the European Commission to support industry and keep energy affordable. Will these measures be enough to protect the continent from instability and price shocks? Kristian Ruby, secretary general of Eurelectric, weighs in on whether the bloc is moving fast enough to secure its energy future in an increasingly uncertain world, while pondering the role of flexibility in stabilising power markets and opines on how electric vehicles could be a game-changer for grid resilience. Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel. Guests: Kristian Ruby – Secretary General, Eurelectric; Fatima Sadouki, Energy Correspondent, Montel. Podcast editor: Bled Maliqi, Montel.

As Germany’s Christian Democrat alliance (CDU/CSU) is in talks about forming a new government with the Social Democrats, this week’s episode discusses the country’s role in the new global order. It comes against a backdrop where US president Donald Trump is abandoning old friends in Europe and proposing a trade war instead of aiding old allies. Not only could this have implications for US-sourced LNG but the new government in Berlin must make key decisions on the future of fossil fuels, the renewables transition and on whether to embrace hydrogen. The coalition will also have to deal with pressure from domestic industry and consumers demanding cheaper and more reliable power provision, as well as a backlash against wind turbines in the east of the country. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel News. Guest: Claudia Kemfert, Professor of Energy, Economics and Energy Policy at Leuphana University. She also heads the Energy, Transport, Environment Department at the German Institute for Economic Research. Podcast editor: Bled Maliqi, Montel.

This week’s Plugged In focuses on one of the world’s largest power producers- Uniper. It was Europe’s biggest importer of Russian gas prior to the Ukraine invasion but Russia’s cutting of gas supplies to Europe pushed Uniper to the brink of collapse. A 13.5bn Euro bailout by the government saw it nationalised in one of the biggest corporate bailouts in German history. Montel’s Editor-in-Chief has been speaking to Uniper’s COO, Holger Kreetz, on the firm’s recovery, Germany’s energy transition and the imminent snap election. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel. Guests: Katharina Johannsen, Montel’s Germany Editor Holger Kreetz, Uniper’s Chief Operating Officer

Europe’s energy sector is caught in the crossfire of rising populism. With elections approaching in Norway and Germany, governments are under pressure to prioritize short-term price stability over long-term market efficiency. Norway’s decision to impose fixed electricity prices has sparked concerns about weakened price signals and energy market fragmentation. Meanwhile, in Germany, the far-right AfD is gaining ground, threatening the country’s renewable energy expansion and interconnectivity with neighbours. This week, Plugged In comes to you from Essen at the E-World Energy & Water trade fair, where the future of Europe’s energy markets hangs in the balance. Montel’s Siobhan Hall sets the scene before we hear from Hanns Koenig, Managing Director for Central Europe at Aurora Energy Research, and Amund Vik, former Norwegian deputy minister for petroleum and energy. We discuss Norway’s shift toward energy protectionism, the growing backlash against renewables, the risks of fixed electricity pricing, and whether Europe’s integrated energy market is at risk of political unravelling. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel. Guests: Hanns Koenig, Managing Director for Central Europe at Aurora Energy Research; Amund Vik, Senior Advisor, Eurasia Group; Stephen Woodhouse, Director, Afry; Siobhan Hall, Brussels Correspondent, Montel News Podcast editor: Bled Maliqi, Montel.

The UK has announced hugely ambitious plans - clean power by 2030. This will involve a massive roll-out of wind, onshore and offshore, solar as well as an expansion of grids and storage. A challenge, certainly. But not impossible, according to Jonathan Brearley, the chief executive of Ofgem, the UK's energy market regulator. The CEO also explains why the watchdog thinks zonal, rather than national pricing is the best way forward for the country. In the first episode of Plugged In: the energy news podcast we discuss how the country can meet its targets, the obstacles that stand in the way and why the UK is not close to running out of gas. In fact, the UK will need gas in the future, albeit in a significantly less dependent way, according to Ofgem. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel News. Guest: Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive Officer, Ofgem; Laurence Walker, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Montel News.

Norway’s energy sector is at the centre of a dramatic political storm. With elections looming, Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum has reignited the debate over whether Norway should adopt EU energy laws, warning of higher domestic power prices and greater dependence on what he calls Europe’s “dysfunctional” electricity market. But political uncertainty isn’t the only challeng — Norway faces a growing supply deficit, AI-driven demand spikes from data centres, and increasing hurdles in building new capacity. This week, the Montel Weekly Podcast comes to you from Oslo at the Pareto Securities Power & Renewable Energy Conference. Montel’s Petter Udland sets the scene before we hear from Lars Ove Skorpen, Director Power & Renewable Energy at Pareto Securities. We discuss the government crisis over the EU’s 4th Energy Package, the impact of AI and DeepSeek on Norway’s grid, the challenges of expanding interconnectors, and whether investment in new capacity can keep up with demand. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel. Guests: Lars Ove Skorpen - Director Power & Renewable Energy, Pareto Securities Petter Udland, Montel journalist, Oslo

In his first hours back in office, US president Donald Trump issued a series of sweeping executive orders designed to prioritise fossil fuels, dismantle environmental policies and expand American energy dominance. From withdrawing from the Paris agreement to resuming LNG export permits and halting offshore wind projects, Trump’s agenda marks a dramatic pivot from the previous administration. This week’s Montel Weekly Podcast delves into the consequences of these policy shifts on global energy markets, renewables and climate goals. Are Europe’s LNG needs creating new dependencies? How will domestic opposition shape the future of US energy? Host Richard Sverrisson is joined by Montel’s Andres Cala and energy analyst Henning Gloystein to break down these developments. They discuss the challenges for renewables, the strategic importance of US LNG, and whether Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” strategy will deliver on its promises. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel. Guests: Henning Gloystein - Director, Energy, Climate & Resources at Eurasia Group Andres Cala - LNG Correspondent, Montel News

The recent damage to the Estlink 2 electricity cable running between Finland and Estonia has highlighted the precarious nature of power supply amid increased fears of a hybrid war with Russia. Finnish police are investigating whether a ship with links to Russia was involved in sabotage, with the cable – set to be offline for months for repairs – thought to have been damaged by the vessel’s trailing anchor. In response, Nato has enhanced its military presence in the Baltic Sea, while Estonia has sent a patrol ship to protect the remaining Estlink 1 power cable. This week’s pod discusses the spate of cuts to data and power links that could point to such nefarious activities, the market impact and the volatile political situation in northern Europe which evokes memories of the Cold War. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel. Guests: Prof Paula Kivimaa, Research Professor at the Finnish Environment Institute in Helsinki; Fredrik Bodecker, Founding Partner and CEO of Bodecker Partners in Malmo; Olav Vilnes, Nordics Editor, Montel News.

Germany’s energy sector is at a pivotal moment, with political shifts, economic challenges, and the energy transition shaping its future. This week on the Montel Weekly Podcast, Katharina Johannsen, Montel’s Berlin reporter, and Tobias Federico, senior analyst at Montel Analytics, join us to discuss key issues ahead of Germany’s February election. We’ll explore how political changes, including Elon Musk’s favourite German party and the prospect of a Trump presidency, could impact energy policy and markets. The episode also delves into the downturn in German industrial production, expectations for energy prices in 2025, and the critical challenges facing Germany’s energy transition. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Tobias Federico , Managing Director, Senior Analyst, Montel Analytics; Katharina Johannsen – Berlin Correspondent, Montel News

2024 was a year of seismic shifts in the energy sector, marked by challenges, breakthroughs, and critical debates. From Italy’s energy transition hurdles to Germany’s hydrogen shake-ups and the UK’s evolving gas market, we’ve seen how global events and regional policies shape the energy landscape. In this special episode, Montel editors – Laurence Walker, Andreas Lochner, Nathan Witkop, Enza Tedesco, and Olav Vilnes – join host Richard Sverrisson to explore the biggest energy stories of 2024. We’ll also look ahead to what 2025 might bring, from key elections in Germany and Norway to the implications of geopolitical tensions and the nuclear revival. Tune in for expert insights and thought-provoking discussions as we wrap up 2024 and peer into the year ahead for the global energy market. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Laurence Walker – Deputy Editor-In-Chief, Montel News; Andreas Lochner – Germany Editor, Montel News; Nathan Witkop – Editor, Clean Energy Desk, Montel News; Enza Tedesco – Italy Editor, Montel News; Olav Vilnes – Nordics Editor, Montel News

2025 is set to be a year of continuing geopolitical turmoil. Donald Trump’s return to the White House will raise the temperature further at a time of major instability in the Middle East along with Russia-Ukraine. Questions remain over where Europe’s gas will come from and a key European power-player, Germany, faces fresh elections in February. In this episode, we delve into the latest geopolitical developments, as well as the key fundamental drivers, and assess their likely impacts, with Wayne Bryan, Principal Associate at the London Stock Exchange Group (and formerly Director of LSEG’s European Gas Research). Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Wayne Bryan, Principal Associate (formerly Director, European Gas Research), London Stock Exchange Group; Andres Cala – Senior LNG Correspondent, Montel

Poland’s energy sector is undergoing a critical, if slow, transition after the election of Donald Tusk as prime minister exactly one year ago. Coal still dominates the mix despite a greater use of gas and a growth in renewables. Grid modernisation and energy security have taken centre stage. Significant challenges include high energy costs, particularly for industry. There’s also the matter of where government subsidies could, and should, be spent. Issues around policy cohesion, public and industry engagement and regional impacts all persist. In this episode, we delve into the latest developments shaping Poland’s energy landscape. Montel’s experts provide a snapshot of the latest news, and Joanna Pandera, founder of the Forum Energii think-tank in Poland, discusses the milestones, challenges, and what Poland’s energy transition means for Europe and beyond. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Joanna Pandera, Founder and CEO, Forum Energii, Professor at European University in Florence; Hubert Put, Senior Energy Consultant, Montel;Marcin Czekanski,Poland Correspondent, Montel

This week, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change released a report declaring, “a new nuclear age is beginning,” arguing that nuclear power is critical in meeting global climate goals. But how is this renaissance different from earlier proclamations of an atomic revival? In this episode, Richard talks with report co-author Tone Langengen about the case for a nuclear revival and the hurdles still in its way. Joining the discussion is nuclear expert Paul Dorfman, who questions whether nuclear can truly compete with renewables. They cover the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs), the challenges of cost overruns, and whether nuclear and renewables can work together to create a resilient, low-carbon grid. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Tone Langengen - Senior Policy Advisor, Climate & Energy Policy at the Tony Blair Institute For Global Change. Co-author of this report “A New Nuclear Age”; Dr Paul Dorfman - Visiting Fellow at the Science Policy Research Unit of the University of Sussex; Chris Eales – France Editor, Montel

In October, the Nordic power market introduced a new calculation method for cross-zonal capacity to improve Nordic grid utilisation. However, so-called flow-based market coupling, in place for almost a decade in continental Europe, has received a rocky reception in the north. Particularly amongst policy makers and small companies. So, what exactly is it, and why has it caused a furore in the Nordic region? In this episode, Richard speaks to TenneT's flow-based expert Frank Boerman, to unpack exactly how the flow-based model works, and two of our Montel experts share insights on some of the challenges that the Nordic energy market has already faced under the new system. Host: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel Guests: Frank Boerman – Process Specialist at TenneT; Olav Vilnes – Nordic Editor, Montel News; Priyanka Sinde – Nordic Market Expert, Montel News