Best Richard A Bowers Podcasts (2024)

1
Carbon supply squeeze 30:21

1h ago30:21

30:21

The global power system is changing. Carbon emissions are declining. The green transition is in full flow. This is good news for the planet, but what do the next few years on this journey to 2030 look like for carbon prices? In this episode, we talk about the impact of impending EU regulations that businesses are bracing themselves for. With supply…

1
Insider trading allegations 24:39

2h ago24:39

24:39

A Montel News investigation has aired claims of insider trading in Germany’s power market. Signals received by some to help balance the grid are allegedly being used to front-run prices for same-day delivery. We’ve spoken to traders who claim this is an open secret worth millions of euros. Listen to a discussion with the reporter who broke the stor…

1
Guarantees of origin: Green or greenwashing? 30:56

3d ago30:56

30:56

The guarantees of origin (GO) market is complex and opaque. Listen to a discussion that unpicks the complexity, simplifies the jargon and lays bare the controversies in the market. With big tech looking to source more and more green energy, how can the market – projected to be worth EUR 4bn by 2030 – increase its credibility and boost liquidity? An…

1
Germany’s (over)ambitious green H2 plan 25:42

12d ago25:42

25:42

Germany plans to massively increase imports of hydrogen and its derivative products such as ammonia and methanol over the next five years but are the targets unrealistic and how green is the fuel? Listen to a discussion on what “hydrogen ready” could mean for infrastructure such as pipelines and power plants, the immense costs involved and the time…

1
Curbs to French power exports 29:14

27d ago29:14

29:14

Cuts to French electricity exports began earlier this year and will continue into the autumn. Listen to a discussion on why grid operator RTE impose the export limits and the reaction from inside France and the wider market? The TSO said the cuts are likely to continue into the autumn amid ample supply from renewables and nuclear and dwindling dema…

1
Has Keir’s time come? 32:49

2M ago32:49

32:49

As voters across the UK go to the polls, we take the pulse of the ways a potential Labour government could change the energy landscape. Kier Starmer is committed to a clean power system by 2030, rather than maxing out gas and oil output. Whilst the right-wing Reform looks set to opt for a “burn baby, burn” policy, what are Labours other plans. List…

1
Is it apple pie time today? 32:40

3M ago32:40

32:40

As Europe’s power system becomes ever more decentralised, electricity consumption patterns will need to change, and change fast. Huge daily and within-day price differences will mean ever bigger prices differences for when we choose to do our laundry, charge the car or put on the oven to make apple pie. Listen to a discussion with Michiel Lensink a…

1
Picking winners 30:14

3M ago30:14

30:14

Even for the best power projects, gaining electricity access from grid operators is far from straightforward. Amid an every lengthening queue of applications, how do TSOs decide what projects to approve and which to reject? Is it a choice between electricity hungry data centres generating Tik-Tok videos or AI servers? Listen to a discussion with Ma…

1
EU elections: Fragmentation and paralysis? 29:34

3M ago29:34

29:34

As 373m Europeans head to the polls – we ask one simple question. Will the rise of the far right across the EU endanger the energy transition? Pollsters are warning a swing right – and left – will fragment the European Parliament and could paralyse decision making. So, will the hard-fought parliamentary consensus for the green shift become fragile …

1
Decarbonising heavy industry 24:47

3M ago24:47

24:47

The green transition will not succeed unless industrial sectors also manage to decarbonise production processes. Sweden has experienced problems with long-term power purchase deals, with many companies facing a very tough financial environment amid price volatility and oversupply. Listen to a discussion on the lessons learnt for Europe and one comp…

1
Geopolitical tension rises on creeping escalation 29:30

3M ago29:30

29:30

Global geopolitical tensions are growing amid a creeping escalation of the conflicts in the Middle-East and in Ukraine. Listen to a discussion on the dangers to global security and energy supply as very few countries seek to de-escalate conflict zones. This week’s pod also touches on the upcoming EU elections and positive signs in Germany as power …

1
Flexing French nuclear 30:14

4M ago30:14

30:14

What a difference a couple of years makes. As France returns to a position of net power exporter, it appears to have moved on from the supply woes of 2022. But booming solar generation, a plethora of negative prices in France and its neighbours have weighed on wholesale electricity prices and raised doubts about the financing of new nuclear plants …

1
Europe leads renewables boom 29:00

4M ago29:00

29:00

Europe is the frontrunner in the global renewables boom, as wind and solar have become the fastest growing electricity sources in history. Listen to a discussion on why the massive growth in capacity is set to continue this year, while coal and gas generation set to fall further. However, there are headwinds. Curtailments and public acceptance are …

1
Choppy carbon prices 29:46

4M ago29:46

29:46

European carbon prices have rebounded from two-year lows in February to trade around EUR 70/t. One of the main drivers for the CO2 market has so far been gas. Listen to a discussion with Ingvild Sorhus from Veytabout the other drivers influencing prices and why a return to EUR 100/t is possible as a shortage looms from 2026. Host: Snjólfur Richard …

1
The Trump hand grenade 27:34

4M ago27:34

27:34

The global gas market faces turmoil and increased price volatility should Donald Trump return to the white house. Listen to a discussion why a Trump victory in November will be “like dropping a hand grenade on the energy markets”, the implications of Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian gas infrastructure and Putin’s shadow fleet of LNG vessels. And will …

1
Acer steps up 29:37

5M ago29:37

29:37

EU regulatory agency Acer is taking on new tasks and challenges. Listen to a discussion on the complexities of supervising increasingly automated and interconnected markets, the expansion of the Remit framework, the regulatory body’s new investigatory powers and how it handles huge amounts of data. In addition, what plans does Acer have to improve …

1
Carbon border tax: Europe's own goal? 30:33

5M ago30:33

30:33

The EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is intended to address the issue of carbon leakage - preventing companies moving to jurisdictions with less stringent emissions rules - and to keep industrial sectors in the EU competitive by charging a carbon levy at its borders. But the inclusion of electricity could trigger several unintended co…

1
France’s ample supply 23:06

5M ago23:06

23:06

After record low nuclear output in 2022, France has again become a powerhouse of atomic generation. So much so, that it is again Europe’s largest electricity exporter. Wholesale market prices in the country have tumbled amid ample supply, weak demand and high renewables, primarily solar, generation. Listen to a discussion on the outlook ahead of th…

1
Italy’s gas outlook 41:35

5M ago41:35

41:35

Europe may have weathered the worst of the storms of the covid pandemic and the energy crisis, but the continent’s gas market remains fragile. In this episode, we talk to the CEO of gas transit operator Snam and one of Italy’s most respected energy experts about the role gas will play for the country as it looks to wean itself off Russian gas. Ital…

1
Picasso turbulence 27:21

6M ago27:21

27:21

The pan-EU balancing mechanism Picasso has caused price turbulence after its introduction in some markets, notably Italy. The country has since exited the platform and other countries have delayed implementation to the mandatory system. Listen to a discussion on the problems experienced by Italy and proposals put forward to change the platform and …

1
Virtual hubs and deep markets 27:56

6M ago27:56

27:56

EU regulatory body Acer has proposed several changes to the framework of forward markets and cross-border trading, aimed at boosting power market liquidity. Listen to a discussion on virtual hubs, financial transmission rights or “spread futures” and why the Nordic model may not be the best example to follow. And, would dividing the German power zo…

1
The “ketchup effect” 30:33

6M ago30:33

30:33

Norway installed the least amount of renewables in the Nordic region last year. Ahead of the country’s first ever offshore wind auction, we talk to former energy minister Åslaug Haga about the outlook for new green energy in terms of meeting growing demand. Listen to a discussion on the ways in which country should speed up capacity build and why i…

1
Another bumper year for PPAs 26:45

6M ago26:45

26:45

European power purchase agreements (PPAs) look set for another bumper year with potential volume of 20 GW. However, there is some market hesitancy amid economic headwinds and flagging wholesale electricity prices. There is also a good chance for Germany to knock Spain off the top spot for PPA growth. Listen in! Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Ed…

1
Epic problems, epic solutions 30:16

6M ago30:16

30:16

Over the past decade, Germany has experienced serious energy shocks – many of which were of its own making. For instance, the over-reliance on Russian gas and exiting coal and nuclear power at the same time. However, it has also provided solutions on a remarkable scale. Listen to a discussion - recorded live at the E-World trade fair in Germany - o…

1
Why GO prices are crashing 28:37

7M ago28:37

28:37

European Guarantee of Origin prices have slumped to near 15-month lows amid oversupply and faltering auctions. Listen to a discussion on the measures policy makers need to adopt to boost both transparency and liquidity in this opaque market. Will prices ever reach the highs of 2022 again? Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief, Montel G…

1
Trump looms as geopolitics hots up 29:53

7M ago29:53

29:53

The prospect of Trump returning to the White House could shake up the global gas market already on edge from rising tensions in the Middle East. Listen to a discussion about how Trump could reverse President Biden’s pause to LNG projects. Also, the pod highlights why Chinese and German gas demand is returning close to pre-pandemic levels and what t…

1
Geopolitical risk fatigue? 27:55

7M ago27:55

27:55

Are oil and gas markets too complacent about the current geopolitical risks in the Middle East, which accounts for around one third of global seaborne oil trade? Saul Kavonic, senior research analyst at MST Financial thinks so. In this week's pod, he explains how an escalation of tensions beyond the Hamas-Irael war could see the closure of the Stra…

1
Germany bucks 17-yr power trend 28:11

7M ago28:11

28:11

For the first time in 17 years, Germany became a net electricity importer in 2023, largely due to expensive fossil fuels which meant power from its neighbours was cheaper than that domestically generated. Carbon emissions in the country also plummeted but is the drop permanent as the country looks to transform its power system? Listen to a discussi…

1
The flexibility episode 31:52

8M ago31:52

31:52

Europe’s net-zero targets for 2050 are ambitious, but the roll-out of renewable energy will not be successful without a significant boost to flexibility in power markets. Listen to a discussion on the prospects for batteries, both giga and household, in the energy transition and where the hotspots are in Europe. Could new technology such as sodium-…

1
Saved by cables? 33:31

8M ago33:31

33:31

Cross-border electricity cables are controversial. For some they provide supply security while others believe they increase prices in markets used to low energy costs. Listen to a discussion on the impact the power links had amid a period of extremely cold weather in the Nordic region. In addition, what is the outlook for wholesale prices in the co…

1
Germany’s big freeze 32:05

8M ago32:05

32:05

Germany faces a freeze on many counts over the coming weeks. Firstly, a cold snap is likely to send power prices spiralling. In addition, a budget freeze could hamper the country’s plans to meet its decarbonisation targets after a court ruled the EUR 60bn earmarked for its green transition was illegal. How will Europe’s largest energy consumer affo…

1
End of year round-up, outlook (Part two) 39:10

8M ago39:10

39:10

End of year round-up, outlook In the next two episodes we discuss the key energy issues in the year to date with Montel journalists, while also looking forward to 2024. Despite markets having come a long way since the crisis of 2022, they remain jittery and volatile. Part one will focus on Spain, Italy and France, while part two discusses Germany, …

1
End of year round-up, outlook (Part one) 41:12

9M ago41:12

41:12

In the next two episodes we discuss the key energy issues in the year to date with Montel journalists, while also looking forward to 2024. Despite markets having come a long way since the crisis of 2022, they remain jittery and volatile. Part one will focus on Spain, Italy and France, while part two discusses Germany, the Nordic region and global f…

1
Gas hostage to geopolitics, market jitters 37:20

9M ago37:20

37:20

Gas storage is ample, the weather has remained largely mild and French nuclear availability has returned to pre-Covid levels. However, given the escalating conflict in the Middle East and stalemate in Ukraine, several risks remain ahead of the winter season. Listen to a discussion on the outlook for prices amid a very jittery market. Also, will the…

1
Finland’s Black Friday 28:09

9M ago28:09

28:09

A bidding error in the Nordic spot power market could be the costliest fat finger event ever in European energy markets – both in terms of financial losses but also the reputational damage for the electricity system and the companies involved. Listen to a discussion on the events that led to EUR -500/MWh power prices and why some Finns treated it a…

1
Nodal or Zonal? 28:37

9M ago28:37

28:37

The UK is reviewing a shift in how it prices electricity from a single wholesale market, with two locational alternatives under consideration: nodal or zonal. This week’s pod addresses the pros and cons of locational prices and whether they will help or hinder the UK’s quest for net-zero emissions. Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief…

1
Can COP28 spur EU carbon market? 24:43

10M ago24:43

24:43

World climate negotiators will meet for UN-led talks in Dubai next week in attempt to slow warming that is exacerbating extreme weather from flooding to heatwaves to drought. Could COP28 provide impetus to Europe’s carbon market, where prices have dropped from a record high above EUR 101/t to a one year-low below EUR 75/t amid weak fundamentals and…

1
Post-Brexit power trading 20:32

10M ago20:32

20:32

The BritNed cable has boosted power trading between the UK and the Netherlands. Listen to a discussion on post-Brexit trading, the impact of more prevalent negative prices and how the platform could set the standard for other interconnectors. Was the power link shackled or freed by the UK’s exit from the EU? Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Edito…

1
The Acer conundrum 26:56

10M ago26:56

26:56

Debate has begun in Norway on the EU’s fourth energy package, that dates back to 2019. Listen to a discussion on the key elements of the legislation and why they are proving controversial. The perceived powers of the EU regulatory body Acer are of concern to many, but have they been misunderstood? Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in-Chief,…

1
Corporates hunger for green power 26:00

10M ago26:00

26:00

Corporate demand for guarantees of origin (GO) is hotting up and prices could soon be on the rise. Listen to a discussion on the growing importance of GOs not just for generators of electricity but also for a wider range of companies. Could the GO price become higher than the wholesale electricity price? Host: Snjólfur Richard Sverrisson, Editor-in…

1
Middle East conflict stokes gas supply jitters 22:33

11M ago22:33

22:33

What will be the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on an already jittery and volatile gas market? Listen to a discussion of the potential consequences of a cut to Egyptian gas exports amid lower supply from Israel and what the situation will have on plans for a regional gas hub. In addition, what is the possibility of a reduction in LNG supplies …

1
Is EU energy infrastructure vulnerable to attack? 25:02

11M ago25:02

25:02

The recent incident of suspected sabotage affecting the Balticconnector – the gas pipeline linking Finland and Estonia – has highlighted the vulnerability of Europe’s energy network, especially offshore pipelines. Who or what is threatening gas links and power cables? Listen to a discussion on why it is imperative that countries work together to pr…

1
Geopolitics trump fundamentals 25:47

11M ago25:47

25:47

The months ahead will be filled with uncertainty – and price volatility – as energy market participants assess the consequences of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and potential sabotage to the gas pipeline linking Finland with Estonia. Will these events override market fundamentals? Listen to a discussion of the key developments in UK an…

1
No room for complacency 26:23

11M ago26:23

26:23

European wholesale gas prices are falling, stocks are close to full capacity and LNG is still flowing to the region, though as winter looms market participants cannot afford to relax, yet. Listen to a discussion on the factors that will influence supply and demand in the coming months. What is the risk that Russian LNG will completely stop flowing …

1
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster : Part 3 Corporate Disciplines (Ep 181) 36:50

11M ago36:50

36:50

Happy October and happy new podcast season of The Wonder Podcast! We are so excited to be back and look forward to hearing from you! Chrissie read CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE by Richard J. Foster many years ago and loved it. Then she joined friends and read it again. Then she told Lisa to read it. ☺ Then she suggested we podcast about it so here we a…

1
Investor fury over Rishi's rollback 24:14

11M ago24:14

24:14

Investors into the UK's renewable sector have expressed disbelief, disappointment and anger over plans by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to relax rules to phase out fossil fuel cars and boilers. Listen to a discussion on why the populist move makes no sense politically or financially as it will deprive areas outside of London of manufacturing opportuni…

1
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster : Part 2 Outward Disciplines (Ep 180) 34:54

11M ago34:54

34:54

We are so excited to be back and look forward to hearing from you! Chrissie read CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE by Richard J. Foster many years ago and loved it. Then she joined friends and read it again. Then she told Lisa to read it. ☺ Then she suggested we podcast about it so here we are! This book, y'all. With over two million copies sold, and count…

1
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster : Part 1 Inward Disciplines (Ep 179) 33:56

12M ago33:56

33:56

TWP Show Notes – Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster – Episode 1 Airing – September Happy September and happy new podcast season of The Wonder Podcast! We are so excited to be back and look forward to hearing from you! Chrissie read CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE by Richard J. Foster many years ago and loved it. Then she joined friends and read …

1
Norway’s looming supply deficit 30:46

12M ago30:46

30:46

Norwegian power prices have swung from record highs last year to all-time lows this year as supply in the hydropower-intensive nation shifted from deficit to surplus. While dry or wet weather generally drives prices, Norway is set for a long-term change from a power exporter to an importer as new capacity lags demand growth. Listen to a discussion …

1
Powering through extreme weather 23:14

12M ago23:14

23:14

Floods, wildfires, heatwaves, drought and hurricanes. Extreme weather patterns are becoming more frequent in Europe and across the globe. But what does this mean for the way energy is produced, consumed and transported? Listen to a discussion on how the energy market will cope with shifting weather patterns like El Nino as the planet heats up. And,…

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Richard A Bowers Podcasts

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