Understanding energy infrastructure

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Energy Enablers is a podcast in which we speak to those making a difference every day in the race to a decarbonised economy.

For the best possible audio experience, listen to Energy Enablers in the FORESIGHT app. This requires a membership to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy. If you want to know if your company/organisation is a member of FORESIGHT and would like a reminder of your login details, email info@foresightdk.com.

Grid congestion and permitting are nearly always cited as the main culprits to the expansion of clean energy on our power system.

Earlier this year, German energy company E.ON and Afry Management Consulting co-authored a report about how to tackle the tricky yet vital problem of infrastructure buildout to support the energy transition.

In this episode of Energy Enablers, we discuss why the issue has reached where it is today—a bottleneck to decarbonisation—and the best next steps. David is joined by Thomas Boermans of E.ON and Helge Barlen from Afry.

Enjoy the conversation. •

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our social media accounts:

Helge Barlen
Thomas Boermans
David Weston
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The Jolt: Ready, steady, grids

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Join us on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for bite-sized updates, expert analysis and a global view.

Welcome to today’s episode of The Jolt, arming you with the news and insight you need to navigate the rapidly changing transition to a decarbonised economy.

What you need to know

Here are the main climate and energy stories making the news around the world:

The European Commission wants to prolong emergency energy price measures for a further 12 months. This includes joint gas-purchases and accelerated permitting processes. Governments now need to approve it, more details here.
Fossil fuel firm Exxon will join the UN’s methane emissions monitoring programme. This will leave Chevron as the only major western oil company outside of the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership. Check out the latest episode of the Policy Dispatch for more on methane.
Airline Virgin Atlantic completes the first long-haul commercial flight using sustainable aviation fuels. No paying passengers were on board because regulators still only allow a 50% fuel blend.
Rolls-Royce will pull out of electric and hydrogen propulsion research. The engine-builder has indicated that conventional turbines running on cleaner fuels will continue to be the option of choice for the next two decades.
The United States’ first enhanced geothermal power plant is now online in Nevada. The Google-backed 3.5 megawatt (MW) project relies on “advanced drilling techniques” to tap into hard-to-access heat sources.
Panama will shut down one of the world’s largest copper mines after a court ruling struck down a controversial agreement. Mass protests triggered by the government’s deal with Canadian firm First Quantum caused widespread disruption.
The International Energy Agency’s new report on energy efficiency for 2023 shows progress has slowed this year but the trend is still growing: annual spending on energy saving has increased 45% since 2020. More here.
Germany will stick to its climate commitments despite ongoing budget difficulties, Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirms. A recent court ruling struck down a €60 billion climate fund but the government has reacted by extending emergency measures, which should circumvent the country’s strict debt rules.
European power companies have agreed to make electricity connections with Ukraine a permanent fixture of the grid system. Technical requirements have been met and regulators have also decided to up the limit on electricity trades from 1200 MW to 1700 MW.

Today’s main story

Ready, steady, grids

The European Commission has published a new grids action plan in a bid to direct more investments towards electricity infrastructure buildout and upgrades.
The action plan does not impose new rules or tap new funding but instead focuses on existing requirements that have not been met by national regulators.
Improved transparency, long-term planning, a focus on projects of common interest and faster permitting are among some of the factors that the action plan wants to prioritise.

Matthew Henry/Unsplash

Elisabeth Cremona, an energy analyst at Ember, a market observer, says that companies are starting to experience grid bottlenecks and more instances of curtailment, making the issue of grids more relevant to an increasing number of stakeholders.
Putting grids on the political agenda is a positive step, she adds, because these technologies need that kind of support in order for faster rollout to be possible.

“The EU has very clearly now put grids on its political agenda.”

Naomi Chevillard, head of regulatory affairs at trade association SolarPowerEurope, says the sector welcomes the plan’s focus on anticipatory investments guidance, a pan-European view of grid-hosting capacity and efforts to standardise important grid components.
Meanwhile, Zsuzsanna Pató, from the Regulatory Assistance Project, an NGO, emphasises that the action plan mostly highlights that countries have not been implementing existing rules correctly.
Progress would be easier to achieve in national regulators were given a net-zero mandate for grids, Pató adds.

While you’re here, check out the latest episodes of Watt Matters on carbon removals and Policy Dispatch’s look at methane.

We want The Jolt to be as listener-driven as possible. Get in touch with us about what you like, what you don’t like and what you’d like to see in future episodes. All feedback is appreciated so don’t be shy.

Email us at thejolt@foresightdk.com

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The Jolt: Ireland’s climate finance call

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Introducing The Jolt, a new series from FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, which will keep you updated on all the essential energy transition stories

Listen to The Jolt in the FORESIGHT app. This requires a membership to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy. If you would like to know if your company/organisation is subscribed to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, or if you would like a reminder of your login details, send an email to info@foresightdk.com.

Join us on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for bite-sized updates, expert analysis and a global view.

Welcome to today’s episode of The Jolt, arming you with the news and insight you need to navigate the rapidly changing transition to a decarbonised economy.

What you need to know

Here are the main climate and energy stories making the news around the world:

Germany’s €200 billion energy bills support scheme will wrap up at the end of 2023. Finance minister Christian Lindner confirmed this weekend that the fund will not be extended. For more on how Germany is struggling to fund energy and climate from its budget, check out this episode of The Jolt.
Germany’s Green party has dropped its opposition to policies that are pro carbon, capture and storage (CCS). The party will now support the application of CCS in emissions-heavy sectors like cement manufacturing but will continue to oppose its use in hydrogen production. For more on so-called blue hydrogen, check out our latest deep dive.
India plans to triple the amount of coal it sources from domestic underground mines. India is the second-largest coal producer in the world and the second-largest importer. The new policy aims to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign suppliers.
COP28 host the United Arab Emirates planned to use the meeting to broker oil deals. The BBC reports that talking points have been prepared for government officials, which include discussing fossil fuel projects. The UAE team insists “private meetings are private”, the BBC adds.
Mozambique’s new energy transition plan aims to add an extra 2 gigawatts of hydropower capacity by 2030 and help people switch to cleaner heating and cooking fuels. The government puts the overall price tag of the new policies at $80 bn.
An Australian ‘super-fund’ that manages about €130 bn in assets will pump more than €1 bn into UK energy and infrastructure projects. The announcement comes during the UK-hosted Global Investment Summit.
BP has opened an electric truck charging corridor along one of Europe’s busiest freight routes. Six chargers cover a 600 km stretch between the Mediterranean and North Sea, with two more planned in the coming months.
Romania expects EU approval for a new contracts-for-difference scheme to be granted soon. The first auction for renewable energy projects is scheduled for the beginning of 2024.
An aviation start-up has secured more than €110 million in investment for its hydrogen fuel cell project. ZeroAvia is targeting regulatory approval by 2025 and will soon announce which airlines it will partner with for the next stage of its operation.

Today’s main story

Ireland’s climate finance call

Irish climate minister Eamon Ryan told FORESIGHT’s Kira Taylor that climate action requires serious reforms to global finance systems.
Minister Ryan points out that the work of the International Energy Agency has had a big influence on both the COP and G20 processes, as clean energy investments outstrip fossil fuel for the first time.

ALEXANDROS MICHAILIDIS/Alamy Live News

Progress is being made on securing vital financing for loss and damage but financing for adaptation and mitigation is still lagging behind.
Developed countries need to step up but countries that were previously outside the funding requirement, like China and rich oil-producing states, also “need to come in”.
Carbon taxation reforms need to look at how investments can be redirected into clean energy instead, he adds and that decisions need to be made at this COP meeting in order to make progress over the next two years.

“We need financing for loss and damage and financing for adaptation and mitigation.”

Global investments in clean energy and resources means diversification of supply, avoidance of climate trade wars, as well as a reduction of risk of conflict and forced migration.
If there are not strong decisions on the global stocktake and redirection of finance then COP28 will not be a success, the minister warns, but the atmosphere at a pre-summit meeting does give reason for hope.

While you’re here, check out the latest edition of Watt Matters and a new special podcast series, Talking Transitions. This week’s Policy Dispatch will go live on Wednesday.

Email us at thejolt@foresightdk.com

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The private sector’s key role

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Listen to Talking Transitions in the FORESIGHT app. This requires a membership to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy. If you would like to know if your company/organisation is subscribed to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, or if you would like a reminder of your login details, send an email to info@foresightdk.com.

Talking Transitions is a new special podcast series from FORESIGHT Climate & Energy and EY looking at how the transition to a sustainable economy—both from an environmental, but also social perspective—is affecting three key areas: the energy and resources industry, the financial services sector, and Government.

Accelerating the decarbonisation of our economy is becoming increasingly urgent. Existing climate action falls short of what is required—a priority to be confronted at the upcoming COP28 negotiations.

To help address this, private sector institutions have a key role to play. Investors are facing the huge task of embedding decarbonisation into capital allocation and everyday decision-making.

Achieving the mindset required to manage these changes and prioritise long-term sustainability will require investment, leadership and cultural change.

They will also have to overcome inconsistent government policies, shifting political priorities, and everchanging economic realities.

To discuss this, David Weston is joined by Gillian Lofts EY’s global financial services sustainable finance leader, and Masayuki Takanashi, group chief sustainability officer at the Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group.

Enjoy the show.

How cities navigate the green transition

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Cities play a pivotal role in driving innovation and fostering employment in the context of the green transition. As epicentres of human activity and creativity, urban areas are poised to lead the charge in developing and implementing green technologies and sustainable processes.

The transition towards a sustainable economy will have implications for traditional fossil-fuel-related jobs, but it will also pave the way for the creation of new, environmentally conscious employment opportunities. This will affect the movement of people, from where they live to how they live.

Governments need to embrace a multi-stakeholder approach and create capacity-building programmes to support the emergence of new green talent.

Cities can position themselves as both the pioneers and beneficiaries of the green transition, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

In this episode of Talking Transitions, David Weston from FORESIGHT Climate & Energy and George Atalla, EY’s Global Government and Public Sector Leader, are joined by:

Abbas El-Zein, Professor at the School of Civil Engineering and Head of the Geoenvironmental Laboratory, University of Sydney in Australia.
Ralph Hall, Professor of Urban Affairs and Planning at Virginia Tech University in the United States. Ralph is also the Director of Undergraduate Studies at the School of Public and International Affairs and Associate Director at the Center for the Future of Work Places and Practices.

Enjoy the show.

The Jolt: Taking a chainsaw to climate action

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Introducing The Jolt, a new series from FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, which will keep you updated on all the essential energy transition stories

Join us on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for bite-sized updates, expert analysis and a global view.

Welcome to today’s episode of The Jolt, arming you with the news and insight you need to navigate the rapidly changing transition to a decarbonised economy.

What you need to know

Here are the main climate and energy stories making the news around the world:

Donald Trump will gut Joe Biden’s multi-billion-dollar Inflation Reduction Act if re-elected president next year, according to his advisers. Trump will also open up federal land to fossil fuel exploration and take the United States out of the Paris Agreement (again).
The heads of the European Central Bank, International Energy Agency and the European Investment Bank say that it is time to climate-proof the European economy. Check out their opinion piece here.
Ireland’s energy regulator might recommend that gas-powered data centres be banned and large-scale facilities be forced to sign power purchase agreements with renewable energy providers.
France will reportedly refuse to pay a hefty fine for missing its renewable energy target. In 2020, France only sourced 19% of its energy from renewables, falling short of its 23% goal.
Brazil will propose a new fund to pay for tropical rainforest conservation. It is scheduled to be presented at COP28 and could benefit around 80 countries. For more on how Brazil is upping its climate game, check out this episode of the Policy Dispatch.
The European Union launched its Hydrogen Bank, an €800 million subsidy scheme aimed at scaling up the production of green hydrogen. Applications are open until February 2024 and successful applicants could be granted a decade of support.
Australia’s government will underwrite 32 gigawatts of renewable energy projects. Coal phaseout plans and an ambitious clean power target have convinced the government to ramp up its renewable support schemes.
South Africa’s government has approved a Just Energy Transition Partnership worth up to $9 billion. Launched in 2021, the government has struggled to make progress due to labour unions protesting against possible job losses in the coal sector. It will likely be presented at COP28.

Today’s main story

Taking a chainsaw to climate action

Voters around the world are turning to rightwing politicians to lead their countries and the impact of that shift risks having a negative impact on decarbonisation efforts.
Brazil and the United States have recently had leaders who actively undermined climate and clean energy policies, while last weekend, Argentina elected a far-right president.
Javier Milei openly denies climate change and has pledged to eliminate the government’s environment ministry. He also plans to ramp up fossil fuel production and use.

Michael Fenton, Unsplash

Milei will take office on December 10th, just as the COP28 summit in Dubai is entering its crucial period. There are doubts that Argentina’s delegation will be able to achieve anything as a result.
Julian Reingold, an investigative journalist from Argentina, says that Milei has exploited the fact that the environment has never played a big role in Argentine society and that he may prove to be worse for climate than either Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro or the US’ Donald Trump.

“He believes that climate change is an invention of the socialist party.”

Meanwhile, Fermín Koop, managing editor for Latin America at China Dialogue, says that government officials and researchers are already worried about what might happen under Milei’s government but also adds that Argentina’s federal structure means that states will still have the power to enact strong climate policies.
Voters in The Netherlands also opted for the far-right in Wednesday’s election. Geert Wilders’ Freedom Party won the most votes but may struggle to form a working coalition. Wilders has pledged to roll back environmental standards and take the Netherlands out of the Paris Agreement.
If Wilders fails to convince other parties to work with him then the EU’s former climate chief, Frans Timmermans, is in pole position to be given a chance to form a government.

While you’re here, check out the latest edition of Watt Matters, our deep dive on blue hydrogen and a new special podcast series, Talking Transitions.

Email us at thejolt@foresightdk.com

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The Jolt: Mind the gap

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Introducing The Jolt, a new series from FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, which will keep you updated on all the essential energy transition stories

Join us on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for bite-sized updates, expert analysis and a global view.

Welcome to today’s episode of The Jolt, arming you with the news and insight you need to navigate the rapidly changing transition to a decarbonised economy.

What you need to know

Here are some of the main climate and energy stories making the news around the world:

The United States will provide $2 billion in grants to help poorer communities install low-carbon power generation and clean up pollution. Applications are now open and will be reviewed over the course of the coming year.
The European Parliament voted in favour of a new carbon removals framework, updated engine standards for heavy vehicles and a list of critical technologies needed to reach net-zero. Negotiations with national governments can now start.
Brazil recorded its highest ever temperature: 44.8℃. The previous record of 44.7℃ had stood since 2005. Brazilian energy consumption has also set a new benchmark as air conditioners work around the clock.
Chinese battery maker CATL and FIAT parent company Stellantis are in talks to build a battery plant in Europe. The car conglomerate hopes that cheaper battery tech will help bring down the costs for electric car production.
Swedish battery maker NorthVolt says testing of sodium-ion technology has yielded energy density results that rival that of lithium-ion equivalents. Sodium-ion does not use critical materials like lithium or nickel.
Nigerian and German companies signed up to a $500 million renewable energy plan, plus a fossil gas export deal that will see 850,000 tonnes of fuel shipped to Germany every year from 2026.
European countries, including France and Germany, have been told to phase out energy bill support schemes that were only supposed to be temporary. A new EU report says the measures risk undermining energy price signals and could jeopardise energy efficiency schemes.
The United Kingdom and South Korea will sign a clean energy partnership today. The pact will boost collaboration on civil nuclear power, offshore wind and wider climate policies.
Danish shipping firm Maersk will receive 500,000 tonnes of green methanol every year as of 2026 under a new deal with Chinese company Goldwind. This figure is five times the current global production rate and would be enough to run 12 of the next-gen ships it currently has on order.
Japanese industrial giant Hitachi will commercialise a hydrogen-powered generator that is designed to provide power for facilities such as hospitals, data centres and remote venues. The first model will be available in 2024.

Today’s main story

Mind the gap

The United Nations Environment Programme’s new emissions gap report—entitled Broken Record—has outlined the state of greenhouse gas reduction efforts in comparison to global climate targets.
The report shows that current policies mean the planet is on course for nearly 3℃ of warming, far exceeding the 2℃ and 1.5℃ temperature targets set by the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate.

Chris LeBoutillier, Unsplash

UNEP’s report states in clear terms that the solution to the deteriorating situation is to cut the use of fossil fuels, reflecting a gradual shift in tone best illustrated by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who calls them a “poisoned root”.
Greg Muttitt, one of the lead authors of the report, says that the only surprising thing about this shift in tone is how long it has taken. He adds that the report will be a crucial resource for delegates attending next week’s COP28 summit.

“We know it is still possible to make the 1.5℃ limit a reality. It requires tearing out the poisoned root of the climate crisis: fossil fuels.”

Hanna Homestead from the Centre for International Policy points out that the UN has for the first time mentioned the lack of accounting for military emissions in its report. She says that it is a massive hole in global climate bookkeeping.
The US military’s emissions in particular eclipse those of most countries and there are ongoing political efforts to prevent the government from forcing contractors to disclose their emissions.

While you’re here, check out the new edition of the FORESIGHT magazine, now available as a digi-mag.

Email us at thejolt@foresightdk.com

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Critical momentum

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When we talk about the transition to a decarbonised economy, it sounds like just one change. In reality, however, this societal evolution holds within it a number of different and varied transitions across sectors, geographies and timelines.

In Talking Transitions, a new special podcast series from FORESIGHT Climate & Energy and EY, we will be looking at how the transition to a sustainable economy—both from an environmental, but also social perspective—is affecting three key areas: the energy and resources industry, the financial services sector, and Government.

In the first three podcasts, we will take a look at where we stand today, focusing on both the risks and the opportunities for these three areas.

Then, we will be at the COP28 climate negotiations in Dubai for some live podcasts to discuss how challenges can be addressed, no-regret strategies, the role of both the public and private sectors and how they interlink.

We will then follow up on COP28 with a further set of three podcasts reflecting on what took place in Dubai and what the next steps will—or should—be.

Guiding you through the series will be key EY thought leaders from the three different areas.

In Episode One, David Weston from FORESIGHT takes a look at the energy and climate space alongside Serge Colle, EY’s Global Energy & Resources Leader and EY Parthenon Energy Sector Leader, Andy Brogan.

The energy transition to a decarbonised economy has reached a critical momentum, but handbrakes remain, which could slow progress.

Enjoy the show.

Open letter: EPBD – Closing the Green Deal on a high note

The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Dear President von der Leyen,

We, business leaders of European frontrunners on energy efficiency in buildings, support the swift adoption of an ambitious Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

While necessary short-term energy savings have been the Commission’s focus last year, structural measures should be adopted by the end of the mandate to reinforce Europe’s industrial competitiveness through energy efficiency in buildings.

Buildings represent over one-third of our GHG emissions—and it is vital the Green Deal’s last cornerstone adequately reflects the importance of this sector towards meeting climate goals.

Beyond this, efficient buildings and energy renovations exemplify the green transition’s objectives: they create local jobs, shelter European citizens and businesses from high energy prices and improve overall living conditions.

Speed is of the essence but the EPBD’s ambition should not be sacrificed in the name of a quick deal. We count on the European Commission to stand strong and defend this important piece of legislation.

This Directive can become the EU’s industrial policy for the construction and energy efficiency sector.

We particularly support:

A flexible, yet solid approach on Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS): It will provide necessary market visibility and encourage investments throughout the renovation value chain, unlock further production capacity and help companies optimise and scale up training programmes. Clear timelines and benchmarks will also help to better plan renovation works whilst improving living conditions for millions of citizens in their homes and workplaces.
Increased access to quality information and guidance: Public and private One Stop Shops and information tools such as Energy Performance Certificates, Renovation Passports and the Smart Readiness Indicator must be rolled out to better inform and simplify renovation works.
New instruments are needed to mobilise finance: EU and national funds can be used more efficiently to cut costs for homeowners, and dedicated mortgage portfolio standards and renovation loans can facilitate access to finance.

Europe cannot afford to lose another decade when it comes to energy efficiency in buildings. The EPBD can unlock the full benefits smart and efficient buildings provide. Our industry is ready to deliver.

List of signatories:

Davide Cappellino President of AGC Architectural Glass Europe & Americas
Stanislas Lacroix CEO, Aldes
Klaus Ries Vice President BM Styrenics Europe, BASF SE
Stefan Endlweber CEO, Baukom Bauprodukte GmbH
Gerald Prinzhorn CEO, Baumit Group Jonas Siljeskär COO, BEWI RAW
Stefaan Bonny Director, BSTB E-Consult BV ProAttika Systems
Jürgen Fischer President, Danfoss Climate Solutions, Member of the Danfoss Group Executive Team
Dr. Ralf Murjahn CEO, DAW SE
Christian F. Kocherscheidt CEO, EJOT Holding GmbH & Co. KG
Bernard Delvaux Chief Executive Officer, ETEX
Poul Due Jensen CEO, GRUNDFOS Holding A/S
Filippo Colonna Amministratore Delegato (CEO) & Direttore Marketing Strategico (CMO), IVAS Industria Vernici S.p.A.
Marc Vandiepenbeeck Vice President and President, Building Solutions EMEALA – Johnson Controls
Rüdiger Lugert CEO, Keimfarben GmbH
Gene Murtagh CEO Kingspan Group
Alexander Knauf Speaker of the General Partners, Knauf Group
Benoît Coquart CEO du Groupe Legrand
Kay Hennekens CEO Nestaan Holland b.v.
Christian Quenett Head of Architectural Glass Europe NSG Group
Jari Airola Managing Director, Paroc Group
Ivica Konjecic Director, PLASTFORM doo
Dr. Andreas Huther CEO of Puren group
Ralf Becker Group General Manager Insulation, Recticel
Mirella A Vitale Senior Vice President ROCKWOOL Group
Reinhard Pfaller CEO, Rygol Dämmstoffe
Benoit Bazin CEO Saint Gobain
Gwenaelle Avice-Huet Executive Vice-President Europe Operations, Schneider Electric
Harry Verhaar VP Global Public & Government Affairs, Signify
Pierre Etienne Bindschedler CEO SOPREMA group
Michael Keller Chief Sales Officer, responsible for Sales Sto Brand Germany, Distribution and Central Services, Sto SE & Co. KGaA, represented by STO Management SE
Roman Eberstaller CEO SUNPOR Kunststoff GmbH
Lieven Malfait Managing director, UNILIN bvba, division insulation
Efren Del Pino Iglesias CEO, URSA
Lars Petersson CEO, VELUX Group

If you have a thoughtful response to the opinions expressed here or if you have an idea for a thought leadership article regarding an aspect of the global energy transition, please send a short pitch of 200 words outlining your thoughts and credentials to: opinion@foresightdk.com.

Understanding efficient data centres

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Energy Enablers is a podcast in which we speak to those who are making a difference in the race to a decarbonised economy.

For the best possible audio experience, listen to Energy Enablers in the FORESIGHT app. This requires a subscription to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy. If you want to know if your company/organisation is subscribed to FORESIGHT or would like a reminder of your login details, email info@foresightdk.com.

With the ever-increasing level of data being produced across the economy, power-hungry data centres are becoming a vital node in the ecosystem. But as their demand grows, so does their energy consumption—making decarbonisation an important step for their owners.

In this week’s episode, David speaks to Hans Godden, director of product management at Novenco Building and Industry, about ways the sector is trying to reduce data centre energy demand. There is also a host of new business models that data centre operators can take advantage of, which can also contribute to society more widely.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our social media accounts:
Hans Godden
David Weston
EnergyEnablers
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Power to the people: UK’s net zero transition

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy.

For the best possible audio experience, listen to Watt Matters in the FORESIGHT app. This requires a subscription to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy. If you would like to know if your company/organisation is subscribed to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, or if you would like a reminder of your login details, send an email to info@foresightdk.com.

The energy crisis put a spotlight on energy usage for British consumers as soaring bills dropped through letterboxes across the country. Renewable solutions can help tackle high prices, as well as lower emissions, and companies like Scottish Power are trying to roll these out.

Heat pumps, solar panels and other solutions offer healthier home environments, lower energy bills and higher home values, but the transition can be tricky. To get around this, companies need to be transparent and help consumers understand the benefits of renewable solutions.

On this week’s episode of Watt Matters, Chris Carberry, Smart Solutions Director at Scottish Power, joins Jan and David to discuss how companies can help households participate in the energy transition and ensure that no one is left behind.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Chris Carberry
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
Kira Taylor
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Listen and subscribe to Watt Matters wherever you get podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @WattMattersPod or email us at show@wattmatterspodcast.com. You can also find FORESIGHT Climate & Energy on LinkedIn.

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

What caught our eye this week:

Jan’s pick: Brewing beer with heat pumps – New Scientist
Chris’ pick: Heating on prescription scheme suggests fewer NHS visits
Dave’s pick: Lack of offshore wind in latest UK auction round

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Sparking the transition

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Policy Dispatch is a podcast all about the policies that underpin the global energy transition.

For the best possible audio experience, listen to Policy Dispatch in the FORESIGHT app. If you don’t already have the app, download it from the App Store or Google Play. Use your FORESIGHT login details to access the app.

Decarbonisation is happening across sectors, and although the pace may at times be less than required, the direction of travel is generally the correct one. Industries and businesses are all starting to actively engage with the energy transition in one shape or another. That means there is a role for firms to help other companies clean up their act.

This week, Sam is joined by Gwenaelle Avice-Huet – who at the time of recording was chief strategy and sustainability officer at multinational company Schneider Electric – to discuss what her employer is doing to turbocharge the green transition. From labour market changes to energy-saving digitalisation, this week’s episode takes a peak at what kind of policies private companies are deploying. Since Gwenaelle sat down with Sam for the chat, she has been promoted to CEO of Schneider’s Europe operations.

Congratulations to her, enjoy the show!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Gwenaelle Avice-Huet
Sam Morgan
@Policy Dispatch
Kira Taylor
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Listen and subscribe to Policy Dispatch wherever you get podcasts. Follow us on Twitter at @Policy Dispatch or email us at show@policydispatch.com. You can also find FORESIGHT Climate & Energy on LinkedIn.

Show notes:
FORESIGHT Policy Section

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The Australian sandbox

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy.

For the best possible audio experience, listen to Watt Matters in the FORESIGHT app. If you don’t already have the app, download it from the App Store or Google Play. Use your FORESIGHT login details to access the app.

The energy transition is a big puzzle for Australia, an important player in the fossil energy world, with large coal and gas reserves. It ranks eighth highest globally for emissions per capita and first for coal power emissions per capita, according to Climate Action Tracker, an independent scientific project.

In the last few years, the country has seen a surge in solar energy as fossil fuel prices have risen, and “Teal” candidates winning elections on platforms advocating for more climate action. Despite this, it still struggles with inefficient buildings and the question of how to transform its grids.

In this week’s episode, David, Jan, and Michaela are joined by the CEO of Australia’s Energy Efficiency Council, Luke Menzel, to delve into the politics and practicalities of the country’s energy transition.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Luke Menzel
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
Kira Taylor
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

Show notes:

You can find Luke’s Let Me Sum Up podcast here and the Energy Efficiency Council’s First Fuel podcast that he hosts here. Find the episode Jan starred on here.

The Energy Efficiency Council report Luke mentioned is available here.

What caught our eye this week:

Jan’s pick: Energy Monitor’s story about solar panels gathering dust in European warehouses
Michaela’s pick: The Irish government backtracking on a tweet regarding meeting consumption
Luke’s pick: Dr Ron Ben-David’s paper on Australia’s electricity market and the potential issues
Kira’s pick: Poland’s case against EU climate legislation
David’s pick: Wind-powered ships potential comeback

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Understanding security of supply

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Energy Enablers is a podcast in which we speak to those who are making a difference in the race to a decarbonised economy.

A trio of challenges facing Europe are having an ongoing impact on its energy sector: the energy crisis, which saw prices grow sharply, was brought into greater focus following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while the vital climate crisis bears a constant pressure on all decisions.

In this week’s episode, David is joined by Leonhard Birnbaum, president of the trade association Eurelectric—and CEO of E.ON—to discuss how Europe has reacted to the crises and its next steps towards 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our social media accounts:
Leonhard Birnbaum
David Weston
EnergyEnablers
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Understanding start-ups

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Energy Enablers is a podcast in which we speak to those who are making a difference in the race to a decarbonised economy.

Innovation and new technologies are central to the energy transition. While there are plenty of interesting ideas to help decarbonise the economy, scaling them to profitable businesses remains tricky in a capital-intensive industry.

Spirii is a digital EV charging platform. Launched in 2019, the company has grown rapidly and is now present in 14 countries, with plans to go even further.

Tore Harritshøj, founder and CEO of the Copenhagen-based company joins David Weston to discuss the best way for start-ups to be supported and why the Nordics are a fertile ground for new companies.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our social media accounts:
Tore Harritshøj
David Weston
EnergyEnablers
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Here comes the policy police

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Policy Dispatch is a podcast all about the policies that underpin the global energy transition.

It has been a big year for energy and climate developments already even though we are only just over the halfway point.

From the fallout of the energy price crisis to the beginnings of a “green gold rush”, there has been plenty of energy transition news to report on and analyse: How is industry actually going to decarbonise? What is going on in transport? And what can we expect from the end-of-year COP summit?

These are just some of the points considered in this week’s show. To round up these big talking points and look ahead to the milestones, Sam is joined this week by fellow FORESIGHT journalist Kira Taylor.

Tune in again after the summer break for more Policy Dispatch episodes and if you have not caught up on our first 20 shows, have a listen during your downtime.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Kira Taylor
Sam Morgan
@Policy Dispatch
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Show notes:
FORESIGHT Policy Section

Understanding carbon offsets

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Energy Enablers is a podcast in which we speak to those who are making a difference in the race to a decarbonised economy.

The carbon offset market is a vital tool for many companies to meet their climate neutrality targets.

But questions over the effectiveness and quantifiability of schemes—particularly voluntary ones—hang gloomily over the sector.

In this episode, David is joined by Artem Abramov, a partner at Rystad Energy, to discuss the future of carbon offset markets and how to make them bankable in the race to decarbonise.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our social media accounts:
Artem Abramov
David Weston
EnergyEnablers
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

FORESIGHT secures capital and technology investment

New capital injection and technology will boost internationally-renowned energy transition media

Investment from the newly established Planetary Responsibility Foundation (PRF) and technological support from Danish media firm Zetland is helping FORESIGHT Media Group to grow its international reach and coverage. The vision of the three parties is to build on the trustworthy global profile established by FORESIGHT Climate & Energy with its in-depth journalism on the global energy transition.

The investment from PRF, which acquires up to 25% ownership in FORESIGHT Media Group, also enables the establishment of a brand-new section with a particular focus on climate and biodiversity in and around cities and buildings.

Since its establishment in 2016, FORESIGHT Climate & Energy has evolved into a reliable source of knowledge about the barriers and solutions in transitioning to a fossil-free economy through independent and in-depth journalism.

“The goal over the next five years, with new investments in sales, marketing, technology and content, is to increase the number of subscribers by several hundred per cent, reaching more decision-makers worldwide. It makes sense for us to expand our profile with a new section on sustainable development in cities and buildings, which account for nearly half of the global energy consumption and CO2 emissions. We are now establishing an independent editorial team and an international network of journalists in the field,” says Kasper Thejll-Karstensen, co-founder of FORESIGHT Media Group.

“The investment in FORESIGHT Media Group is the first for the PRF foundation and aligns with the foundation’s purpose of sharing knowledge about solutions that contribute to sustainable development. We have a strong shared value with FORESIGHT and Zetland and look forward to following the development of the media as it reaches even more decision-makers worldwide while strengthening the dissemination of knowledge and solutions that can make a difference in the built environment,” says Jens Böhme, CEO of PRF.

Zetland, a digital news media, is the third partner to help turbocharge FORESIGHT’s international platform. “Through this partnership, we can test our developed technology in the international media market, and we look forward to sharing our experiences from Denmark. We have much in common with FORESIGHT, including the recognition that independent and engaged journalism can contribute to shared knowledge and important progress in sustainable development. The new section on cities and buildings made possible by PRF is important considering global urbanisation and the overconsumption of nature’s resources,” says Tav Klitgaard, CEO of Zetland.

Over 100,000 decision-makers worldwide have access to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy. The media has focused on the transition to renewable energy, particularly emphasising energy markets, cities, finance, business, politics and technology. The investment from PRF will establish an editorial team and section that delves into the impact of cities and the built environment on the climate and biodiversity crises, conveying research-based knowledge and solutions.

FORESIGHT Climate & Energy publishes up to three weekly articles online, produces internationally-leading podcasts and releases a high-quality themed print magazine twice a year. •

Contact details:

FORESIGHT Media Group / FORESIGHT Climate & Energy
CEO Kasper Thejll-Karstensen
P +45 3143 4114
E kasper@foresightdk.com
W www.foresightdk.com

Planetary Responsibility Foundation
CEO Jens Böhme
P +45 2969 5282
E jbo@prf.dk
W www.prf.dk

Zetland
CEO Tav Klitgaard
P +45 5190 9850
E tav@zetland.dk
W www.zetland.dk

IMAGE iStock

Where are we now?

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy.

In the past 12 months, the energy transition has had some successes: the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States and the EU’s response in the form of the Net Zero Industry Act are both designed to turbocharge green investments.

But there is still the overwhelming feeling that progress is slow. With the recent wildfires in Greece and the repeated “hottest month on record” headlines, the urgency to decarbonise is ramping up. “The era of global boiling has arrived,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned in late July.

In this week’s episode of Watt Matters and before we go off on our holidays, Jan, Michaela and David examine the progress made in the energy transition so far this year. They also discuss what topics need greater focus in the coming months and pick out some of their highlights from the year so far.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
Kira Taylor
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

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Charting a new energy course

Exclusively for subscribers: We are delighted to offer early access to the latest episode of our Policy Dispatch podcast.

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Policy Dispatch is a podcast all about the policies that underpin the global energy transition.

The Energy Charter Treaty has been referred to as a “relic of the past” and “a chimaera of the energy industry” during the three decades it has been in force. Many see it as a crutch for the fossil fuel sector and an unnecessary weight that is dragging down the green transition. Some countries have signalled their intent to leave the agreement, Italy has already left and others are in the process of considering their options. In July, the executive branch of the European Union proposed that the 27-member bloc should exit the treaty en masse. So what is going on?

This week, Fabian Flues, investment policy lead at PowerShift, joins the show to explain why the ECT is so divisive and why the green transition could accelerate by consigning the agreement to the past. He also suggests that this might be a death knell for the ECT, as it might not be able to survive without EU countries as members. Could this be an important milestone in the journey towards net-zero?

Enjoy the show!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
PowerShift
Sam Morgan
@Policy Dispatch
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Show notes:
FORESIGHT Policy Section

Job opening: Cities and Buildings Editor

Job title: Cities and Buildings Editor

Company: FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Location: Europe, e.g., Brussels or London

Employment type: Full-time

Application deadline: November 3rd, 2023

Compensation and benefits:

FORESIGHT recognises its staff members’ hard work and dedication and provides excellent rewards with generous paid time off (up to 33 days combined), flexible work arrangements, and a competitive salary range in alignment with the market of €44,000 – €58,000.

About FORESIGHT Climate & Energy:

FORESIGHT Climate & Energy is a leading media platform that provides insightful content and analysis on the global transition to a decarbonised energy economy. We specialise in in-depth journalism and news like the news should be that focuses on objectively reporting what truly matters, delivered by expert journalists and writers. Our coverage spans all the sectors involved in the energy transition, from renewable energy and climate policy to emerging technologies and sustainable practices. We believe that media are only as successful as their ability to attract subscribers. Only then will we know if what we do makes a difference. In other words – we prioritise our readers and listeners above all. Two essential pillars in our work are engaging formats and engagement. Our editors and writers must have audio flare and be interested in working in constructive dialogue with our audiences of global experts.

Job description:

We seek a passionate journalist/editor who deeply understands cities and the built environment. The Cities and Buildings Editor will be a storyteller and strongly desire to be at the forefront of climate and energy journalism.

As our Cities and Buildings Editor, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our coverage in this critical area. This is a full-time position, and we are eager to hire the right person as soon as possible. The pay for this position is competitive and aligned with qualifications. This role is perfect for someone who is not only a skilled writer but also thrives in a collaborative environment, who has the engaging X-factor that will attract listeners and is eager to work with audio, video, event moderation and podcasting.

Key responsibilities:

Content Creation: Research, write, narrate, and edit high-quality audio-first articles, features, and reports focused on cities and the built environment, with a strong emphasis on climate and energy-related topics.
Editorial Leadership: Lead our Cities and Buildings section, shaping its content and direction and developing it into a standalone media offering.
Media Innovation: Explore and initiate new media formats, such as podcasts, roundtables, and video content, to engage our audience and provide fresh perspectives on urban sustainability and energy transition.
Collaboration: Work closely with our editorial team to ensure cohesive and strategic content creation that aligns with our broader editorial strategy, with a particular focus on audio content.
Representation: Be the face of FORESIGHT Climate & Energy in the Cities & Buildings domain, participating in events, moderating discussions, and engaging with experts and stakeholders in the field.
Engage our expert audiences with surveys, open editorial meetings, active focus on commentary sections and, in general, humbly respecting the potent source of inspiration and solutions our expert audience represents.

Essential:

Native English speaker with exceptional writing and editing skills.
In-depth knowledge of cities and the built environment and a strong understanding of climate and energy issues.
Proven experience in journalism or editorial roles, ideally with a background in sustainable urban development, architecture, or related fields.
A creative and forward-thinking mindset passionate about exploring new storytelling formats, particularly in audio.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a diverse team.
An honest interest in learning from our audiences.
Familiarity with or willingness to learn about climate, energy policy, and technology developments.
Located in Europe, e.g., Brussels, London.

Desirable:

Video shooting and editing capabilities.
Building up and developing content offerings.
Commissioning experience.

Why join FORESIGHT Climate & Energy:

At FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, we are committed to providing objective reporting on the global transition to a decarbonised energy economy. As a Cities and Buildings Editor, you will be at the forefront of covering some of the most critical issues of our time. You’ll be able to shape our Cities & Buildings section, create meaningful content, and engage with experts and thought leaders in the field. We value innovation, creativity, and a passion for positive change.

If you’re excited about the prospect of leading our Cities & Buildings coverage and exploring new media possibilities, we encourage you to apply.

How to apply:

To apply for the Cities and Buildings Editor position, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you’re the ideal candidate for this role, with audio and writing samples demonstrating your expertise in cities and the built environment.

Please send your application to our Editor-in-Chief, David Weston, david@foresightdk.com and CEO, Kasper Thejll-Karstensen, kasper@foresightdk.com.

FORESIGHT Climate & Energy is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Out from the shadows

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy.

As we move into the second half of the year, a key trend of the first part of 2023 is the confidence that surrounds the solar sector. With a number of new policy packages announced over the past 12 months, the industry is buoyed by new momentum.

In its latest Market Outlook, SolarPower Europe, a trade association, revealed that 239 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity was installed in 2022, with 118 GW in the rooftop segment. Having taken 22 years to reach its first terawatt of capacity, the world will reach its second and third terawatt in just the next five years.

But there are still problems that the solar sector needs to face up to: a supply chain dominated by Chinese companies and an ongoing lack of regulation in Europe to support the scale-up further.

To discuss why the sector is invigorated and the barriers to overcome, our guest on the podcast this week is Dries Acke, a director at SolarPower Europe.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Dries Acke
Kira Taylor
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

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Australia, the land of ‘however’

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Policy Dispatch is a podcast all about the policies that underpin the global energy transition.

For the best possible audio experience, listen to Policy Dispatch in the FORESIGHT app. This requires a subscription to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy. If you want to know if your company/organisation is subscribed to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy or would like a reminder of your login details, email info@foresightdk.com.

Australia’s industries are thirsty for power and its energy exporters supply a lot of the world with cheap coal and gas. But as the world changes, Australia’s way of doing business will have to as well. Long-accused of being a laggard in the shift towards green energy systems, Australia has a net-zero goal and a 2030 emissions target, but little else besides in terms of meaningful climate policies. Renewable energy investments have stalled this year, despite the country’s immense potential for clean power, and a new instrument meant to decarbonise big polluters has faced heavy criticism and been accused of greenwashing. Coal and gas dominate the domestic energy mix and there is little appetite to meet climate goals, let alone increase their ambition.

There are signs of encouragement though: a new net-zero authority aims to help chart a course for fossil fuel industries to transition their workforces and help communities survive the shift to green and thrive afterwards. Plus the very fact that Australia’s emissions problem is so heavily skewed towards power generation, means that there is a rather simple solution available.

To delve deeper into how the Land Down Under is approaching the transition and what policies are — and more importantly are not — in place, the Policy Dispatch is thrilled to welcome Ketan Joshi, an Australian analytics and communications professional who helps climate groups advance climate action.

Enjoy the show!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Ketan Joshi
Sam Morgan
@Policy Dispatch
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Show notes:
FORESIGHT Policy Section

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Understanding eMobility

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Energy Enablers is a podcast in which we speak to those who are making a difference in the race to a decarbonised economy. For the best possible audio experience, listen to Energy Enablers in the FORESIGHT app. This requires a subscription to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy. If you want to know if your company/organisation is subscribed to FORESIGHT or would like a reminder of your login details, email info@foresightdk.com.

Transport sector emissions are some of the most stubborn of our modern economy. But it is also the sector that has the clearest and most developed technical solution to decarbonise: electric vehicles.

The rollout of EVs is gathering pace – but it is uneven and there are still barriers to uptake.

In the episode, Serge and David discuss some of these issues facing the EV market and the changes afoot to help accelerate growth.

Enjoy the show!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our social media accounts: Serge Colle David Weston @EnergyEnablers FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Regulating methane emissions

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy.

The European Union is currently working on a law to monitor and tackle methane emissions, which have a significant impact on the climate and have, so far, been somewhat overlooked in EU legislation.

There are moves, both internationally and on the EU level, to tackle these emissions, including a pledge made at COP26 to reduce emissions by at least 30% by 2030, based on 2020 levels.

The EU’s Methane Regulation should help the bloc meet this pledge, but the European Parliament and EU countries differ on what they want from the legislation as they gear up for negotiations, known as trilogues in EU jargon, to decide the final law.

On this week’s episode of Watt Matters, Kira, Jan and Michaela are joined by Jutta Paulus, a Green MEP from Germany, who is a negotiator in the trilogues for the European Parliament.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Jutta Paulus
Kira Taylor
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

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Net-zero industry’s unseen side

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Policy Dispatch is a podcast all about the policies that underpin the global energy transition.

When the United States unveiled its Inflation Reduction Act and showed off the billions of dollars in financing that it is offering for industries like renewable energy, carbon capture, clean mobility and more, the first question was: how will Europe respond? Not long after Joe Biden’s administration debuted the IRA, the European Union published its Net-Zero Industry Act, in a bid to make it easier for homegrown manufacturers and developers to compete.

Lacking the pure financial firepower of the US, the EU has instead attempted to grant extra perks like streamlined regulation, permitting reform and procurement benefits. But as the act makes it way through the labyrinth of the EU legislative machine and lawmakers decide what should and what should not be given priority, it is important to remember that there is more at stake than just turbocharging European industry. A whole host of other actors, from civil society to academia, have a vested interest in seeing a well-designed net-zero act make it into EU law at the end of the process. However, their voices are not being heard.

This week WWF Europe’s Camille Maury, an expert in industrial decarbonisation, joins the Policy Dispatch to explain why the EU risks missing an opportunity with the NZIA.

Enjoy the dispatch!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Camille Maury
Sam Morgan
@Policy Dispatch
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Show notes:
FORESIGHT Policy Section

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Strength in flexibility

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy.

The smart use of energy within buildings could help support the energy transition. Most of us spend most of our time in buildings, and they are responsible for a huge share in overall emissions. The smarter use of energy, installation of smart controls and energy efficiency could help buildings play a role in the energy transition, and provide some additional benefits to its users: all of us.

In this week’s episode of Watt Matters, Michaela, Jan and David are delving into the role households can play in the energy transition, specifically by providing flexibility services.

To talk through the potential of household flexibility and where homeowners can also gain, our guest this week is Tobias Mitter from GridX, a German software company that helps building operations and energy management.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Tobias Mitter
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

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Understanding CCUS

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Energy Enablers is a podcast in which we speak to those who are making a difference in the race to a decarbonised economy.

Turning the emissions tide is a slow process. Emissions are still rising, despite some progress. It is increasingly becoming a case of all hands on deck, in order to stay below the 2C of global warming target.

The role of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) is still being debated, but it increasingly looks like it will need to play a significant part in the decarbonisation of our economy. Your energy enabler this week is Jenny Seagraves a senior manager for sustainability and decarbonisation at chemicals giant Linde.

In the episode, we touch on the various capture technologies being used across the energy sector today, and how utilisation will become increasingly important as we continue to decarbonise.

Enjoy the show!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Jenny Seagraves
David Weston
@EnergyEnablers
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

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Rebuilding the ‘infrastructure of our lives’

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Policy Dispatch is a podcast all about the policies that underpin the global energy transition.

People on average spend 90% of their time in buildings, be it at home, at work or using public services like schools and hospitals. That explains why such a large portion of energy demand is soaked up by buildings and why such a huge chunk of emissions are produced by them. To decarbonise our edifices, several policies have to work harmoniously together, including but not limited to, energy efficiency standards, building codes, renewable energy rules, construction best practices and clean mobility targets. It is not an easy challenge to face but an all-important one if the energy transition is to be realised.

This week, director of the Renovate Europe campaign and former practising architect Adrian Joyce joins the Policy Dispatch to chat about how Europe is trying to clean up its building stock. Adrian discusses with Sam where the money for renovations is going to come from, what legislation is waiting in the pipeline and how politics might impede progress. There is also a round of fact-checking and disinfo-busting of some of the more outlandish claims that have been made about the sector in recent months.

Enjoy the dispatch!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Adrian Joyce
Sam Morgan
@Policy Dispatch
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Show notes:
Renovate Europe campaign
Pezinok castle
FORESIGHT Policy Section

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Advantageous liaisons

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy.

A number of synergies have yet to be unlocked between district heating and cooling networks and industries, with both sectors looking to decarbonise. Both sectors are highly complementary.

The ability to recover excess heat from industrial processes—and more recently the likes of data centres—is opening new opportunities to help decarbonise district networks by supplying sustainable heat to residential or commercial buildings. But the rollout of new networks and the forethought to couple them with industrial heat sources is lacking.

This week’s episode of Watt Matters is a special live recording that formed part of the Euroheat & Power congress in Turin (May 22nd-24th).

David and Michaela are joined by Ana Cardoso from the Portuguese energy agency, Adene; Emanuele Pingaro of heating engineering firm Turboden; Malgosia Ryback from the Confederation of European Paper Industries; and Carlo Semeraro of thermal solar company Absolicon Solar Collector to discuss the issues facing the combination of district heating and industry.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Ana Cardoso Adene
Emanuele Pingaro
Malgosia Ryback
Carlo Semeraro
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

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Gases from the greenhouse

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Policy Dispatch is a podcast all about the policies that underpin the global energy transition.

Reducing agriculture emissions is a big part of climate action and the wider energy transition. “Greenhouse gases” may well be a term straight out of the farmyard but the sector is struggling to rid itself of those polluting emissions, despite attempts to clean up farming.

Unlike power generation and transport, where much of the progress will be made simply by electrifying as much as possible and making sure there is enough renewable energy to fuel everything, agriculture has many more complex issues to contend with.

Replacing one pollution-generating process often means a trade-off with other environmental concerns, meaning farmers are often damned if they do and damned if they don’t. Add in factors like slim margins, inflation and cultural concerns and you realise the difficulty of the task ahead.

But improvements have been made and policies are being implemented to reduce farming’s climate impact. Progress may be slow but as initiatives like Europe’s Green Deal dig ever deeper furrows into how society goes about its business, focus is gradually shifting to the farmyard.

Expert journalist Gerardo Fortuna, who has spent years covering the EU’s attempts to regulate agriculture and co-hosts a weekly podcast on the farm and food sector, joins Sam Morgan for a chat about where farming fits into the energy transition puzzle. Topics include the Ukraine war, a shift in who wields political power in agriculture and how policies like the Emissions Trading System and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will affect farming’s future.

Enjoy the dispatch!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Gerardo Fortuna
Sam Morgan
@Policy Dispatch
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Show notes:
AgriFood Brief Podcast
FORESIGHT Policy Section

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Neighbourhood watts

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy.

A growing trend within the energy transition is the use of energy communities – collectives of neighbours or nearby residents and end-users coming together to promote and source renewable energy for their own benefit.

Yet this shift away from the traditional centralised energy system brings with it its own set of challenges.

Our guest on the podcast this week is Anna Francis, a project manager with a particular interest in energy communities from Energy Cities—a European Association of local authorities working on the energy transition.

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If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Anna Francis
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

Show notes:
New Hydropower Alliance
Investment needs assessment and funding availabilities to strengthen EU’s Net-Zero technology manufacturing capacity
Community Energy Municipal Guide
LIFE LOOP – Local Ownership Of Power – Energy Cities

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Zero-emission cars and stripes

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From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Policy Dispatch is a podcast all about the policies that underpin the global energy transition.

Think about the United States’ relationship with cars and the first thing that comes to mind is probably gas-guzzling SUVs and gigantic pickup trucks roaring down an arrow-straight freeway.

However, that may soon be an anachronistic impression of US transport now that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has tabled a new plan that would scrub billions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from transport’s pollution docket.

If adopted as it stands, the EPA’s standards would go some way toward putting the US on a more even footing with the likes of China and Europe when it comes to zero-emission mobility, especially when coupled with the financial firepower offered by the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and its billions of dollars in green subsidies.

But what does the plan actually mean for the automobile industry? How will this coexist with other vehicle standards and regulations? And how feasible is the EPA’s proposal?

To answer these questions and more, Sam is joined by special guest Stephanie Searle from the International Council on Clean Transportation. Stephanie heads the ICCT’s fuels programme and is the lead on US policies so is able to shed a lot of light on what has been hailed as one of the most ambitious climate plans ever unveiled stateside.

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If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Stephanie Searle
Sam Morgan
@Policy Dispatch
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Show notes:
FORESIGHT Policy Section

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The future for heat pumps

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy.

The decarbonisation of heating is as important as any other sector in the energy transition but is perhaps sometimes a little overlooked.

The sector’s main tools to help remove carbon emissions from space heating are heat pumps and the rollout of the technology is quickly gathering pace, particularly in Europe, but regulatory and technological barriers remain.

The guest on the podcast this week is Thomas Nowak, secretary general of the European heat pump association. Nowak describes what the sector needs to see happen to fully unleash its potential, while he and Michaela debate the European Commission’s revised F-Gas directive.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Thomas Nowak
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

Show notes:
Weekly data: Why growth in solar and wind is truly unprecedented
THE FILM | Into the Weeds
Philippines’ 1970s nuclear relic that may open at last

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China’s carbon trading tribute act

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Policy Dispatch is a podcast all about the policies that underpin the global energy transition.

China is the latest country to get into emissions trading, launching a nationwide market in 2021 and using several regional and local pilot projects as a springboard. Many of the details still need to be hashed out, and the low price means that it is far too soon to see any actual decarbonising impact. But we have been here before: when Europe launched its emissions trading system nearly two decades ago, the early years were plagued by low prices, a glut of pollution permits and a regulatory system that did not extract the full potential from the market. Subsequent reforms have patched loopholes and dragged the price of carbon into a window where industries are now being forced to adopt greener technologies not to fall foul of the polluter pays principle. China has taken inspiration from the EU ETS and hopes to iron out the kinks in a shorter time span.

Yan Qin, an expert in all things carbon market from Refinitiv, joins the Policy Dispatch this week to share her insights into China’s nascent effort, how it stacks up against the EU’s, and what the future holds for the promising policy. The discussion also dips into what China will hope to avoid as it develops its market, what other countries might be influenced by this development and to what extent Chinese efforts to price carbon are an attempt to defuse Europe’s new climate and trade superweapon, the carbon border adjustment mechanism.

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If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Yan Qin
Sam Morgan
@Policy Dispatch
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Show notes:
FORESIGHT Policy Section

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The EU’s new trade weapon

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy.

Greenhouse gas emissions are a global problem as carbon dioxide and the heating side-effects caused by it do not respect national frontiers. This means that a country or region that may have the best decarbonisation intentions will only partly achieve its objectives if the rest of the planet is not playing by the same rule book.

An innovative and, in some circles, controversial new climate superweapon designed by the European Union is coming into frame. The carbon border adjustment mechanism, known as CBAM, is a variant of a carbon border tax that will soon be deployed at the EU’s trade borders.

A select list of imports that do not respect certain green criteria will be slapped with extra charges, in a bid to get trade partners to follow the EU’s lead and get serious about the energy transition. The mere idea of CBAM has already prompted some governments to start designing their own systems in order to avoid the anti-climate-dumping regime, while others are crying foul and threatening to lodge complaints at the highest level.

Watt Matters is joined by one of the architects of CBAM, MEP Mohammed Chahim, in order to delve into the detail of the new tool in the EU’s green arsenal. The discussion with one of the European Parliament’s most intelligent and thoughtful energy lawmakers looks at what the complex negotiations settled on, what was rejected and what the future holds for the new rules.

Also don’t miss why today’s guest was chased into a public toilet by overly enthusiastic lobbyists.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Mohammed Chahim
Oliver Sartor
Sam Morgan
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

Show notes:
Germany’s e-fuel EU loophole could mean ‘135bn more litres of petrol burnt’
Europe’s Net-Zero Industry Act: What does it mean for carbon capture and storage? – Clean Air Task Force
EU space programme, Green Deal endangered by Brexit vacuum – EURACTIV.com

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Efficient business plans

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy.

Any discussion of energy efficiency immediately conjures images of how our homes can use power better or more economically. But this ignores the whole commercial and industrial sectors and how businesses and corporations can improve the efficiency of their activities.

This week’s guest is Toby Morgan from Climate Group, a non-profit organisation that helps businesses in their decarbonisation quest. Climate Group have published a new report, which looks at why there has never been a better time for businesses to invest in energy efficiency and to improve their energy resilience.

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Toby Morgan
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

Show notes:
Businesses tackling the energy crisis through increased energy efficiency | Climate Group
Disguised Solar Tiles
An efficient transition | FORESIGHT
Danfoss waste heat white paper
SolarPower Europe report on heat pump and solar

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What’s in store

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Policy Dispatch is a podcast all about the policies that underpin the global energy transition.

More clean power is being added to energy mixes on a daily basis, but it does not matter how many wind turbines or solar panels are installed; the electrons still need to reach homes and businesses. Supply cannot always match demand, either in quantity or timing, so that is where storage comes in. Whether it is hydropower dams, grid batteries, molten salt or the power of gravity, storage — both conventional and innovative — is gearing up to play an absolutely fundamental role in decarbonised energy systems.

The road ahead is by no means a smooth one, though, as many hurdles stand in the way of 24/7 on-demand green electricity. Developers need to establish strong business cases to support their storage ambitions, and some policies are already helping to make that a reality. More changes are needed to unlock a storage boom and also establish the technology as a safeguard against the price spike crisis that happened towards the end of 2022. Helping to turbocharge this week’s Dispatch is Thomas Lewis from the European Association for the Storage of Energy.

Enjoy the dispatch!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Thomas Lewis
Sam Morgan
@Policy Dispatch
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Show notes:
FORESIGHT Policy Section

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Securing a slice of the PPA market

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy.

The world of PPAs is complex, particularly for corporations seeking to secure and decarbonise their power sources.

But as demand for clean capacity from businesses grows, so must the PPA market. Maintaining the fluidity of the market and ensuring everyone can get a slice of the pie if they want to is a challenge for operators, developers and regulators.

In a special live recording of the podcast at the SolarPower Summit in Brussels in early March, the Watt Matters team are joined by an esteemed panel of experts from across the corporate sourcing world to discuss these challenges and how the market is also providing some of the solutions. This week’s guests are:

Ruud Kempener from DG Ener at the European Commission
Annie Scanlan, Policy & Impact Director from RE-Source, a forum for corporate renewable energy sourcing
Maria Flora Middelboe Andersen, Reel Energy, a Danish digital power market aggregation company
Toby Ferenczi, CEO and co-founder of Granular Energy, a software company that helps utilities, traders and large energy buyers to manage their portfolio of energy certificates
Jaime Gorjon Piquer, PPA Origination Director at Portugese utility EDPR
Nick Keramidas, Executive Director of EU & Regulator Affairs, Mytilienos, a Greek electro-intensive metallurgical company

Enjoy the show.

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Ruud Kempener
Annie Scanlan
Maria Flora Middelboe Andersen
Toby Ferenczi
Jaime Gorjon Piquer
Nick Keramidas
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

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India’s pollution progress

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Policy Dispatch is a podcast all about the policies that underpin the global energy transition.

India is poised to become the most populous country on Earth, with energy demands and climate concerns set to grow in step. Air pollution has long been a significant health concern in many of India’s cities, in particular in the capital of New Delhi, which regularly tops global pollution indexes.

Given that air quality is intrinsically linked to the energy transition through sectors like transport, power generation, agriculture and more, India is a fascinating testbed for policies that can work on a broad scale.

Whether that means shifting vehicles towards e-mobility, setting new industrial standards or making big investments in cleaning up the heating sector, India is slowly but surely making progress. But is it fast enough? What other policies must be taken seriously by the government to solve this problem? And what can India learn from other countries that struggle to keep air quality high?

To tackle the pollution-climate issue, Sam is joined this week by Pallavi Pant from the Health Effects Institute, a US-based research group where she leads the global health programme.

Enjoy the dispatch!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Pallavi Pant
Sam Morgan
@Policy Dispatch
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Show notes:
FORESIGHT Policy Section

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Understanding clean aviation fuels

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Energy Enablers is a podcast in which we speak to those who are making a difference in the race to a decarbonised economy.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) will form the core of the aviation industry’s efforts to decarbonise.

The sector and its supply chains are spending significant resources on developing the production capacity and source of low-carbon feedstocks to produce enough SAFs to meet the mid-century decarbonisation targets.

But with a lack of standardisation and many options available, deciding the best routes to focus on is proving difficult.

In this week’s Energy Enablers, David speaks to Sylvain Verdier, Senior Business Strategy Manager for Strategy & Innovation at Topsoe. They discuss how seriously the aviation sector is tackling the shift to sustainable aviation fuels and what governments must do to help.

The Energy Enablers podcast, a regular series from FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, speaks to those who are making a difference in the race to a decarbonised economy.

Enjoy the show!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Sylvain Verdier
David Weston
@EnergyEnablers
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

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The problem with wind power

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy.

The wind industry should be experiencing a golden age. As one of the world’s cheapest forms of new generation, with a renewed global focus on energy security, and the need to decarbonise, wind energy is often the go-to technology of choice.

But orders for new machinery were down in 2022, and western original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have issued warnings for a difficult 2023. A similar story is seen along the whole supply chain.

Many fingers point to permitting, particularly in Europe, as the main bottleneck for the deployment of new wind capacity. But there are other issues the sector is facing that it must also overcome.

In this week’s Watt Matters, Ben Backwell, CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), and Morten Dyrholm, Vice President and Global Head of Marketing and Public Affairs at Danish OEM Vestas Wind and chair of GWEC, discuss with the team why the wind manufacturing sector is struggling, what the solutions could be and why there is still cause for optimism.

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If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Morten Dyrholm
Ben Backwell
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

Show notes:
Fit for the future, not Fit-for-55 | Ember
At Last, a New Deal for the High Seas
Developing offshore wind energy in India
Energy House 2.0 project by Salford Uni in Manchester, UK

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Beyond the tipping point

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Policy Dispatch is a podcast all about the policies that underpin the global energy transition.

For the best possible audio experience, listen to Policy Dispatch in the FORESIGHT app. This requires a subscription to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy. If you would like to know if your company/organisation is subscribed to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, or if you would like a reminder of your login details, send an email to info@foresightdk.com.

The energy transition continues to gather pace. As data for 2022 is crunched and processed, an optimistic picture begins to be painted. Renewables are going from strength to strength and the rate of development of new energy technologies continues to make past predictions look conservative. But will this growth last? What does 2023 and beyond look like? Have we reached a tipping point of clean energy uptake that will trigger even more installations?

These are the literal multi-billion dollar questions. In an attempt to try and answer them, the Policy Dispatch is this week joined by the CEO and founder of research and intelligence firm Rystad Energy, Jarand Rystad. Sam caught up with Jarand at an energy event in Brussels, for a Foresight chat about foresight.

Enjoy the dispatch!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Jarand Rystad
Sam Morgan
@Policy Dispatch
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Show notes:
FORESIGHT Policy Section

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Understanding the energy crisis

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Energy Enablers is a podcast in which we speak to those who are making a difference in the race to a decarbonised economy.

For the best possible audio experience, listen to Energy Enablers in the FORESIGHT app. This requires a subscription to FORESIGHT Climate & Energy. If you would like to know if your company/organisation is subscribed to FORESIGHT, or if you would like a reminder of your login details, send an email to info@foresightdk.com.

A decade of low energy prices, falling further during the Covid-19 pandemic, meant the sudden price spikes of 2022 were felt even more keenly.

The long-term impacts of the energy crisis, the societal lockdowns of 2020 and the fallout from the invasion of Ukraine are still unknown. A short-term knee-jerk reaction to the market design could have implications for the energy transition, but changes need to be made, and quickly, in order to provide secure and stable power supplies

In this week’s Energy Enablers, David is joined by Derk Swider, Vice President Group Strategy, Foresight & Analytics at E.ON. They talk about how the market could change in a way that provides security while also promoting new clean energy sources.

The Energy Enablers podcast, a regular series from FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, speaks to those who are making a difference in the race to a decarbonised economy.

Enjoy the show!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Derk Swider
David Weston
@EnergyEnablers
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

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Hydrogen set to spread its wings

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy

The branches of the burgeoning green hydrogen sector are spreading slowly around the world. This creates huge uncertainty but also significant opportunities for businesses and governments the world over to leverage a whole new industry.

The guest on this week’s podcast is Sara Edmonson from Australia-based developer Fortescue Future Industries—a company that solely focuses on green hydrogen and ammonia production.

Edmonson believes green hydrogen technology is ready to scale up, but issues around permitting of renewables and new other projects need to be sorted out. Meanwhile, the green hydrogen sector offers export opportunities for emerging markets that have significant renewables potential but not the grid infrastructure to support it.

Enjoy the show!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Sara Edmonson
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

Show notes:
Green hydrogen organisation – good contracting principles
Solar outpaces IEA predictions
The issues with importing from North Africa
Fossil fuel subsidies continue to rise
Commission sets out rules for renewable hydrogen
Vestas’ blade circularity breakthrough

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The Green Shipping News

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Policy Dispatch is a podcast all about the policies that underpin the global energy transition.

International trade and the global economy is reliant on ships to transport goods across the planet, but the sector is also a massive contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The industry will have to play an integral part of the energy transition, whether it likes it or not, as climate targets loom ever nearer on the horizon. Technology will help clean up shipping’s act, as will regulation, but when will we see emission-free vessels in the water?

Simon Bergulf, senior director for ESG Public & Regulatory Affairs at Maersk, one of the world’ largest shippers, is the guest on this week’s Policy Dispatch and talks to Sam about the course his company is charting.

Enjoy the dispatch!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Simon Bergulf
Sam Morgan
@Policy Dispatch
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Show notes:
FORESIGHT Policy Section

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Understanding storage

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Energy Enablers is a podcast in which we speak to those who are making a difference in the race to a decarbonised economy.

The energy transition will require a significant scale-up of storage capacity to help deal with both the increasing levels of variable clean energy generation and an ever-growing level of flexible demand.

Balance these two moveable feasts will require agile and rapid response battery solutions as well as long-term, seasonal storage—a barrier that has yet to be fully overcome.

In this episode of Energy Enablers, David is joined by Johan Söderbom, Thematic Leader Smartgrid and Storage at EIT InnoEnergy. They discuss how the rise of storage capacity will be made easier with other demand-side technologies helping to reduce demand.

The Energy Enablers podcast, a regular series from FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, speaks to those who are making a difference in the race to a decarbonised economy.

Enjoy the show!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Johan Söderbom
David Weston
@EnergyEnablers
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

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Europe breaks fossil fuel shackles

From FORESIGHT Climate & Energy, Watt Matters is a podcast all about the energy transition and the shift to a decarbonised economy

As Europe emerges from the long dark winter days, many grid operators around Europe are breathing a sigh of relief. A milder winter than expected meant there wasn’t the need for increased levels of fossil fuel generation to meet heightened demand.

A new report by environmental think-tank Ember found wind and solar technologies generated a fifth of EU electricity in 2022—a new record—and for the first time overtook fossil gas.

Coal power share increased by just 1.5 percentage points to generate 16% of EU electricity in 2022, with year-on-year falls in the last four months of 2022 as Europe prevented a threatened return to coal power in the wake of the 2022 energy crisis.

Joining the team this week is Ember’s head of data insights and lead author on the report, Dave Jones. We discuss what to look out for in 2023 and how Europe can avoid returning to old habits.

Enjoy the show!

If you have any thoughts or questions about anything that has been discussed in this week’s episode, you can reach us at our Twitter accounts:
Dave Jones
Michaela Holl
Jan Rosenow
David Weston
@WattMattersPod
FORESIGHT Climate & Energy

Illustration: Masha Krasnova-Shabaeva.

Show notes:
European Electricity Review 2023 | Ember
Europe’s wind industry flags further weakness in 2023 despite energy demand | Financial Times
Open Climate Fix
TransitionZero
Preparing for the next winter: Europe’s gas outlook for 2023

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