Montel Weekly

Are speculators behind the rise in carbon prices to new heights above EUR 40/t? This week’s podcast delves into the rally, addresses the fundamental factors supporting EUAs and whether placing limits on non-compliance participants is desirable or possible. Host:  Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuests: Marcus Ferdinand, Head of EU Power and Carbon Analytics, IcisTrevor Sikorski, Head of Natural Gas, Oil and Carbon Research, Energy AspectsBernadett Papp, Senior Market Analyst, VertisAlessandro Vitelli, Carbon Reporter

Developing solar power in parts of Europe not known for being sunny is like being a student at a rough school – you come out a tough kid. At least that’s how the CEOs of Nordic firms Otovo and Alright Energy see it in this week’s episode. Hear the outlook for rooftop and large-scale solar across Europe. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuests: Andreas Thorsheim, CEO, OtovoHarald Overholm, CEO, Alight Energy 

In a week of dramatic price moves in the carbon market, some participants have questioned the reasons for the rise to fresh highs. Is it the role of new entrants, could EUAs be the new Game Stop? Listen to a discussion on the various factors at play in the ever volatile EU ETS and the outlook for prices for the weeks and months ahead. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel Guest: Ingvild Sorhus, Senior Analyst, Refinitiv 

Europe’s quest to become carbon neutral by 2050 will mean increased grid congestion with an expansion of intermittent renewable energy. This week’s show discusses how electricity networks could cope with such bottlenecks, and why a fear of gaming and market power is holding back regulators from choosing market-based options. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guests: Andrea Torjussen, Business Development and Regulatory Affairs Manager, NodesGesa Milzer, Project Manager, NodesJan Budke, European Regulatory Affairs Manager, Eon

Some meteorologists may be playing down the risk of a return of 2018's "Beast from the East", but this winter is far from over and with it the potential for further gas and power price spikes. This week's show discusses the reasons for the recent price surges in Asian LNG, the outlook for the coming months and whether the market became too blase about cheap gas. Host:Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, MontelGuest:•             Wayne Bryan, Director, European Gas Research, Refinitiv 

 France is set to overhaul the mechanism intended to boost competition in the country’s electricity market, but the measure’s complexity as well as disputes over the potential break-up of energy major EDF could see the government postponing reform. This week’s episode discusses the French solution for competition, and why there may not be a resolution until 2022 or beyond.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Julien Tedde, CEO, Opera Energie, Chris Eales, Editor France, Montel. 

German power prices have gained in recent weeks amid colder weather and a strong carbon market, with the bullish trend set to continue over the coming weeks, at least according to this week’s guest. Listen to a discussion on Germany’s coal exit tenders which have led, to the surprise of many, to the closure of modern, efficient plants but left older units in operation. In addition, we look at the outlook for carbon prices as well as the prospects for PPAs in Europe’s largest power market. Host:  Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Tobias Federico, Managing Director, Energy Brainpool. 

In the last episode of 2020, a year of pandemic and economic turmoil, the Montel Weekly podcast takes listeners on a virtual tour around Europe with discussions about what lies ahead for the continent’s energy markets. We review this year’s key policy milestones, the drive to decarbonise Europe, the latest demand forecasts, and conclude with a plea for peace and love. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guests: Andres Cala, Editor Iberia, MontelChris Eales, Editor France, MontelSiobhan Hall, Correspondent Brussels, MontelOlav Vilnes, Chief Editor Nordic and Baltic region, MontelNathan Witkop, Correspondent Germany, Montel

Power supply in northwest Europe over the coming winter faces uncertainty amid limited nuclear availability, aging conventional plant capacity and colder weather, but the lights will stay on, Vincent Verbeke of Engie assures us. In this episode we discuss the ever expanding European PPA market and Engie’s strategy going forward, as well as touching on the role of blockchain in the energy transition. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Vincent Verbeke, Member of the Executive Committee, Global Energy Management, Engie. 

Access to European energy markets is being used as a negotiating tool in Brexit discussions over access to UK fisheries as well as state aid provisions. In this episode, we discuss the implications of a no-deal Brexit for the power and gas sectors, and how it seems increasingly likely that the UK will adopt a carbon tax instead of a trading scheme. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Antony Froggatt, Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House. 

Continued oversupply, mild weather and a massive growth in wind power capacity, will keep Nordic power prices low for the coming year at least. Further out, increased demand thanks to the electrification of the heating and transport sectors could provide a shot in the arm for power producers.Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Sigbjorn Seland, Chief Analyst, Storm Geo. 

Reform of the mechanism to reduce market oversupply, tweaking the cap and not least the final 2030 target are all uncertain factors for the EU ETS which will continue to cause price volatility in the coming months. Listen to a discussion on current EUA price dynamics and where the market is heading in the short as well as medium term. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Ingvild Sorhus, Senior Analyst, Refinitiv. 

China’s ban on Australian coal imports, strikes in Colombia as well as potential weather disruptions from the La Nina effect have had a major impact on global coal prices. This week’s pod discusses the outlook for coal in Europe and Asia amid the green energy transition, and the role played by Russia, a key exporter to both regions. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guests: Diana Bacila, Senior Analyst, Alpiq, Laurence Walker, Coal and Gas Editor, Montel. 

In a special podcast looking at the US election, we discuss what a Biden administration will mean for global efforts to tackle climate change and transition towards cleaner energy. With the prospect of a divided government, how far can the US move away from fossil fuels and will a new Congress pursue further sanctions to stop Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Ketil Raknes, Assistant Professor, Hoyskolen Kristiania, Trevor Sikorski, Head of Natural Gas and Energy Transition, Energy Aspects. 

This week’s pod discusses plans for a hydrogen backbone in the Netherlands, including proposals for a trading exchange for the potentially green fuel. We also talk about why November has been a key month historically for power market coupling. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Bert den Ouden, Managing Director for Energy, Berenschot. 

Oil demand could surge following the arrival of a vaccine for Covid-19, possibly as early as early 2021. This key moment, or “Liberation Day”, will see life slowly return to normal, with an increase in oil prices. Listen to a discussion on why the market is nihilistic” and the impact of Opec cuts, Libyan supply and the US election. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Bjarne Schieldrop, Chief Analyst Commodities, SEB. 

Burning fuels to generate energy should remain a relic of the last century. This week’s pod discusses, with a touch of “I told you so”, the outlook for decarbonisation in eastern Europe and the options available to countries in the region. Firms will need to urgently move away from coal and lignite before it’s too late or costly.  Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Paolo Coghe, CEO Acousmatics

Guarantees of origin (GOs) will be an important part of the transition to clean energy. And, at current prices companies can source renewable power at very low cost. This week’s pod discusses how long these weak prices could last and the use of GOs to decarbonize Europe’s gas sector. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Alexandra Münzer, Managing Director, Greenfact.

Europe is experiencing ever more extreme weather, with storms, floods and drought hitting several countries in 2020. This is part of a change from steady, predictable weather patterns to one more dominated by extremes. Listen to a discussion on the impact on energy markets, and the outlook for the coming months. Will the “beast from the East” return this winter? Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel, Guest: Mark Stephens-Row, Meteorologist, The Weather Company, an IBM Business. 

In theory, the Green recovery fund should provide assistance to companies trying to get back on their feet following the coronavirus pandemic, but in practice they will struggle to access available funds. This week’s episode discusses the legal aspects of the EU Green deal, Nord Stream 2 and Brexit. Host: Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief Europe, Montel. Guest: Ana Stanic, Principal of E&A Law.