In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, Jonny Prest sits down with Guy Nicholson Head of Zero Carbon Grid Solutions at Statkraft in the UK. With over 40 years of experience in renewable energy, Guy shares his expertise on the critical challenges and opportunities in the UK’s energy transition, focusing on innovations for grid stability and Statkraft's pioneering Greener Grid Parks. The discussion covers Guy's journey in renewable energy, the role of synchronous compensators in supporting the grid, and the collaborative efforts needed to reach a zero-carbon electricity grid by 2025. Guy also sheds light on Statkraft's community-focused approach and their work with local supply chains to drive sustainable development.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview

00:00:30 – Guest Introduction: Guy Nicholson

00:02:14 – Guy's Passion for Sustainability and Renewable Energy

00:06:32 – Statkraft's Role and Vision in Renewable Energy

00:10:24 – Hydro's Place in the Renewables Mix

00:15:22 – Early Career in Off-Grid Renewable Systems

00:22:11 – Understanding the UK’s Electricity Grid System

00:30:36 – Challenges of a Zero-Carbon Grid & System Stability

00:40:23 – The Role of Synchronous Compensators and Greener Grid Parks

00:49:26 – Batteries, Storage, and Grid Innovations for 2025 Targets

00:53:15 – Engaging Local Communities in Renewable Projects

00:56:43 – Future Prospects and Knowledge Sharing Across Statkraft

01:00:28 – Closing Remarks & Where to Connect with Guy Nicholson

Additional Links:

• Guy Nicholson on LinkedIn
• Statkraft UK
• Statkraft’s Greener Grid Parks

Stay Connected

Energy Futures Podcast YouTube Channel: Watch more episodes of the Energy Futures Podcast.

Spotify: Listen to more episodes of the Energy Futures Podcast.

Apple Podcasts: Subscribe to the Energy Futures Podcast.

In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, Jonny Prest speaks with Dr. Malte Jansen Lecturer in Energy and Sustainability at the University of Sussex Specialising in the intersection of energy markets, finance, and policy, Dr. Jansen offers valuable insights into achieving net-zero with high shares of renewables. They discuss the UK’s evolving renewable financing landscape, including the impact of the new UK energy bill, economic factors affecting offshore wind farms, and financing models for renewable energy projects, from large-scale developments to community energy initiatives.

Dr. Jansen shares his perspective on the challenges of financing renewables in times of inflation and higher interest rates and reflects on the need for innovative policy mechanisms, like Contracts for Difference, to support renewable investments. The conversation also extends to financing in the Global South, exploring unique challenges faced by developing regions and ways to facilitate a fair energy transition.

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview

00:00:30 – Guest Introduction: Dr. Malte Jansen

00:01:03 – The UK Energy Bill and Renewable Financing

00:03:07 – Offshore Wind Farms: Economic Viability and Policy Support

00:06:17 – Financing Renewables vs. Fossil Fuels: Interest Rates & Capital Costs

00:11:23 – Challenges in Renewable Energy Grid Integration

00:15:03 – Financing Models: Debt, Equity, and SPVs

00:20:20 – Community Energy Projects: Opportunities and Models

00:27:01 – Changes in Onshore Wind Policy and Future Prospects

00:30:38 – Financing the Just Transition in the Global South

00:36:23 – Dr. Jansen’s Journey in Energy Finance

00:39:17 – Closing Remarks & Where to Connect with Dr. Jansen

Additional Links:

• Dr. Malte Jansen LinkedIn
• University of Sussex, Science Policy Research Unit
• Contracts for Difference - UK Government

• Stay Connected
• Energy Futures Podcast YouTube Channel: Watch more episodes of the Energy Futures Podcast.
• Spotify: Listen to more episodes of the Energy Futures Podcast.
• Apple Podcasts: Subscribe to the Energy Futures Podcast.

Show Notes: Episode 7 - Navigating Global Energy Shifts

Host: Lukas Schirren, MSc student, Sustainable Energy Futures, Imperial College London

Guest: Dr. Yousef Alshammari, CEO of CMarkits, Energy Strategist

In this episode, Lukas Schirren speaks with Dr. Yousef Alshammari about the global shifts affecting energy markets, from COVID-19’s impact to geopolitical changes. They delve into the interplay between fossil fuels and renewables and discuss how to navigate these complexities toward a sustainable future.

Dr. Alshammari shares insights from his career as an award-winning energy analyst and offers guidance on addressing the challenges facing the energy sector today.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview
• 00:00:30 – Guest Introduction: Dr. Yousef Alshammari
• 00:01:14 – Background and Journey in the Energy Sector
• 00:02:27 – Founding CMarkits and Key Industry Insights
• 00:04:06 – Influence of PhD on Career and Perspective Shift on Energy
• 00:06:17 – Expanding Beyond Oil: Renewables and EVs
• 00:09:07 – Working with OPEC and UNECE for Decarbonisation
• 00:11:23 – OPEC’s Role in the Global Energy Transition
• 00:13:19 – Geopolitical Influence on Oil and Gas
• 00:19:02 – The Gas Crisis and Its Impact on Energy Markets
• 00:22:27 – Renewable Systems and Limitations
• 00:27:11 – The Importance of Natural Gas as a Transition Fuel
• 00:30:23 – Challenges in Achieving 100% Renewable Energy
• 00:33:32 – AI and Digitalisation in Energy Systems
• 00:36:18 – COVID-19 and Its Lasting Effects on Energy Markets
• 00:40:22 – Oil Price Volatility Post-COVID and Geopolitical Events
• 00:46:55 – COP28, COP29, and Future Technologies
• 00:52:20 – Sustainability, Energy Security, and Climate Justice
• 00:54:08 – Closing Remarks & How to Connect with Dr. Alshammari

Additional Links:

• Additional Links:
• CMarkits: https://www.cmarkits.com/
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): https://www.iaea.org/
• United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE): https://unece.org/
• University of Vienna: https://www.univie.ac.at/
• OPEC: https://www.opec.org/
• International Energy Agency (IEA): https://www.iea.org/
• Energy Institute: https://www.energyinst.org/
• Sustainable Energy Futures Programme - Imperial College London: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/sustainable-energy-futures/

Stay Connected