Finland - a Power Success Story?
In this episode, host Marcus Rauramon (CEO of Fortum and Euroelectric President) and Finland correspondent Elias Huttanen discuss Finland’s energy security, long‑term grid planning, and how the country is handling rising electricity demand from AI, data centers, and heavy industry. They highlight Finland’s proactive measures—such as early LNG terminal procurement, extensive bunker stocks, and collaborative projects like the Olkiluoto nuclear plant—that have kept the grid resilient and largely carbon‑free. Rauramon explains how AI can both increase power demand and help manage a renewable‑heavy system, while emphasizing the need for massive grid investments across Europe. The conversation underscores Finland’s technology‑agnostic, cooperative approach as a model for other European markets.
Feeling the Heat: Preparing Europe's Grids for Summer
The episode examines how Europe’s electricity grids are being strained by increasingly frequent heatwaves, highlighting the mismatch between rapid renewable build‑out—especially solar—and the slow pace of transmission upgrades. Guests Julia Demudag and Guy Nicholson explain that high temperatures raise line...
Celebrating Curtailment: Are Negative Prices Really that Bad?
The episode examines why wholesale electricity prices in Europe are increasingly turning negative, a phenomenon driven by rapid growth in solar and wind generation that outpaces demand, especially during sunny midday periods. Experts explain that negative prices signal oversupply, prompting...
Snorkelling for Negative Prices
The episode examines Norway’s unusually low hydro reservoir levels after a record‑cold winter and a severe precipitation deficit, which have turned the country from a net power exporter into an importer for the first time in years. Experts explain how...
Reshaping French Energy
In this episode, Emmanuel Vargon, president of France's energy regulator Creux and chair of the EISA board, discusses the current state of the French wholesale energy market, highlighting its strong nuclear base, growing renewables, and increased market liquidity after the...
Gulf Ceasefire: Fragile or Firm?
The episode examines the newly announced Gulf ceasefire and its uncertain impact on global energy markets, especially LNG supply. Analysts discuss the fragility of the ceasefire, the stalled reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the critical role of Qatar's...
PPA Slowdown – Temporary or Permanent?
The episode examines why Europe’s power purchase agreement (PPA) market has slowed, highlighting a shift from a high‑growth phase to a mature, risk‑focused regime driven by falling capture rates, negative prices and market saturation. Guests Alina Travattoni and Luca Pedretti...
Coal Makes a Comeback
The episode examines a tentative resurgence of coal in Europe’s power mix as soaring gas prices—driven by the Middle East conflict—make coal comparatively more economical. Guest Lawrence Walker and analysts Toby Hassel and Firat Elgene explain that while coal imports...
Another Power Crisis
In this episode of Plugged In, the hosts examine how the war in Iran is reverberating through Europe’s power markets, reigniting price volatility and testing the resilience of the continent’s energy transition. Julia Demedag outlines Germany’s improved but still gas‑dependent...
Italy's Carbon Reform and the ETS Decree
The episode examines Italy's controversial decree that seeks to shift EU ETS costs from gas‑fired power producers to consumers, aiming to lower wholesale electricity prices and boost industrial competitiveness. Guests Enza Tedesco and lawyer Lorenzo Parola explain the economic rationale,...
Nordic Power Market Competition Heats Up
The episode examines the upcoming launch of Nord Pool's electricity futures contracts and the resulting scramble for liquidity across the Nordic power curve, with Nord Pool CEO Tom Darrell and EEX CEO Peter Reitz debating who will dominate. It also...
A Geopolitical State of Emergency?
The episode examines escalating geopolitical risks to Europe’s energy security, focusing on rising US‑Iran tensions, Russia’s renewed attacks on Ukrainian energy assets, and shifting US interest in Greenland. Experts from Eurasia Group, Aurora Energy Research, and Montel analyze how these...