Montel Weekly

Last week, the UK Prime Minister was the latest leader in Europe to announce his commitment to nuclear energy production by announcing plans to build "a fleet" of small modular reactors (SMRs). The UK's announcement followed similar plans elsewhere in Europe over the last year.Why are we seeing the focus shift from larger nuclear plants to small modular reactors?In this episode, Richard speaks to Rolls Royce to understand the tech behind SMRs, the role they can play in reduce dependance on fossil fuels, and why they could prove to be an economically viable option for Europe's rollout of nuclear energy. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Chris Eales - France Editor, Montel NewsGuest: Sophie Macfarlane-Smith - Head of Customer Engagement, Rolls Royce SMREditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

Earlier this week, Europe’s benchmark carbon price climbed by over 1 EUR to reach a seven-month high. Could it continue to rise? As companies across the EU rush to meet the EU ETS deadline on the 30th September, investment funds’ increase their net long exposure in EU carbon allowances and lower supply could drive the price of EUAs higher. In this episode, Richard speaks to Veyt's Carbon Analyst about why the industry expects a tight carbon market next year, and what impact the reduced allowance thresholds and the introduction of CBAM will have on prices. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Cem Bektas - Carbon Reporter, Montel NewsGuests: Ingvild Sørhus - Manager of EU Carbon Analysis, VeytEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

The US-EU USD 750bn energy deal announced at the end of July left many observers scratching their heads, not least because of the eye watering sums involved. However, European heavy industry, steel and aluminium in particular, were left facing a 50% US import tariff. The uncertainty for Europe's steel and aluminium companies has prompted issues of "scrap leakage" and imports of material from countries outside Europe, with producers struggling to remain competitive against Chinese overcapacity. Why were Europe's heavy industries left out of negotiations for lower tariffs, and is this the final nail in the coffin for these industrial sectors?In this episode, Richard speaks to the European Steel Association and European Aluminium about what their industries needs from the European Commission to ensure their survival. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Fatima Sadouki - Brussels Reporter, Montel NewsGuests:Paul Voss - Director General, European AluminiumAxel Egg

In March 2025, the balancing price in all of the Swedish price zones crashed to the technical floor of EUR -10,000/MWh - setting off a trend of volatile prices and turbulent balancing markets in the Nordics.Six months on, small producers and certain market actors in the region are struggling to navigate a complex system and differing responses from TSOs across the region, with many market participants calling out for change.In this episode, Richard speaks to Nordic market experts about why the changes introduced this year are proving problematic and puts important questions to the Danish TSO.Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Elias Huuhtanen - Finland Reporter, Montel NewsGuests: Kia Marie Jerichau - Vice President, Energinet Matthew Creese - Head of Market Operations for Wind and Solar, AneoPriyanka Shinde - Nordic Market Expert, Montel AnalyticsEditor: Oscar BirkProducer: Sarah Knowles

Volatile prices, falling liquidity and declining profitability are some of the many headwinds the Nordic power market faces in the months ahead.In addition, could political meddling create more damage to the highly complex and problematic market? And why are public misunderstandings about the issue fuelling political debate?In this episode, Richard speaks to our guests at the Montel Nordic Energy Day in Oslo. They discuss why a free and competitive market is still the best solution, and they explain the changes that need to be made to the market design in order for it to function better. Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Olav Vilnes - Nordic Editor, Montel NewsGuests: Kolbjørn Hembre, CEO at Entelios & Fredrik Bodecker, CEO at Bodecker PartnersEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah KnowlesVideographer: Oscar Birk

According to a recent report from Montel Analytics, the UK and Ireland curtailed GBP 152m of renewable energy in the first half of 2025.Is this counter productive to the UK’s green and clean energy goals? Who foots the bill? Is the lack of adequate infrastructure in Europe’s grid hindering the green energy transition?In this episode, Richard speaks to the author of the report and Renewable UK about how much curtailment is costing the industry, how it’s affecting investments in wind power projects and why batteries are essential in storing excess green energy productionHost: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Gabriel Power - UK Reporter, Montel NewsGuests: Fintan Devenney - Senior Energy Analyst, Montel & Barnaby Wharton - Director of Future Electricity Systems, RenewableUKEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

Temperatures reached 40C across Europe this week in the latest of several heatwaves which have engulfed the continent this summer.  In response, power prices soared in many regions, with countries like France curbing nuclear power production because rivers – used for cooling purposes –  became too warm.In this week’s episode, Richard discuss the impact of rising temperatures on power production, consumption and prices. How can Europe futureproof its power market from extreme weather conditions?Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Julia Demirdag - News correspondent, Montel NewsGuests:Robin Girmes -  Managing Director, Energy WeatherPawel Czyzak - Europe Programme Director, EmberEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles 

It’s been 10 years since the Paris Climate Agreement entered intro force. Yet, tariffs, trade wars, and the reversal of the US’s climate policies are putting the global energy transition at risk.  Where does this leave the relationship between the EU, the US, and other global trading partners? And should Europe’s solar and wind developers shun Chinese products? In this week’s episode, Richard speaks to Lord Adair Turner - Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission about carbon pricing, the cost of the energy transition, and China’s influence in the future of green energy.  Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel News Contributor: Cem Bektas - Carbon correspondent, Montel News Guest: Lord Adair Turner - Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission Editors: Bled Maliqi, Oscar Birk Producer: Sarah Knowles

This is the fifth episode of Plugged In’s five-part CEO summer series, where Richard interviews prominent leaders in Europe’s energy sector. In this final special episode, Richard speaks to Dr Annegret Groebel, President of the Council of European Energy Regulators and Director of International Relations at the German Regulatory Authority, BNetzA. They talk about the challenges with energy regulation in 2025, and what the next move is for Germany and its bidding zones. Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuest: Dr Annegret Groebel - President of the Council of European Energy Regulators & Director of International Relations at BNetzAEditors: Bled Maliqi, Sarah KnowlesProducer: Sarah Knowles

This is the fourth episode of Plugged In’s five-part CEO summer series, where Richard interviews prominent leaders in Europe’s energy sector. In this episode, Richard sits down with Jarand Rystad, CEO and Founder of energy research and intelligence company, Rystad Energy.They talk about the changes in China’s oil demand, the production - or lack - of hydrogen, and the challenges with battery and solar power in Europe.Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuest: Jarand Rystad - CEO and Founder, Rystad EnergyEditors: Bled Maliqi, Sarah KnowlesProducer: Sarah Knowles

This is the third episode of Plugged In’s five-part CEO summer series, where Richard interviews prominent leaders in Europe’s energy sector. In this episode, Richard speaks to Asta Sihvonen-Punkka, CEO of Finnish TSO, Fingrid. They discuss the ongoing issues with balancing Finland’s power market, the oversupply of renewable energy in the Nordics, and the future of Finland’s nuclear energy programme. Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuest: Asta Sihvonen-Punkka - CEO, FingridEditors: Bled Maliqi, Sarah KnowlesProducer: Sarah Knowles

This is the second episode of Plugged In’s five-part CEO summer series, where Richard interviews prominent leaders in Europe’s energy sector. In this episode, Richard interviews Leonhard Birnbaum, CEO of Eon, about Europe’s power market. They discuss the boom in renewable energy, the issues surrounding security of supply, and the importance of investing in Europe’s grid infrastructure. Presenter: Richard Sverisson - Editor-in-Chief Guest: Leonhard Birnbaum - CEO of EonEditors: Bled Maliqi, Sarah KnowlesProducer: Sarah Knowles

This is the first episode of Plugged In’s five-part CEO summer series, where Richard interviews prominent leaders in Europe’s energy sector. In this episode, Richard speaks to Dhara Vyas, CEO of Energy UK about the state of the UK’s energy sector one year on from the Labour government coming into power. They discuss the UK’s renewable energy targets, the UK government’s green energy policies, and the problem of rising energy prices. Presenter: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief Guest: Dhara Vyas - CEO of Energy UKEditors: Bled Maliqi, Sarah KnowlesProducer: Sarah Knowles

The US, China, and now Europe are seeing a surge in data centres as big tech firms and other businesses develop their AI models. But, will these data centres cause the dramatic rise in power consumption that many are predicting? In this episode, Richard goes deep into the subject with data centre experts from RISE and Greenscale to understand who the tenants of these data centres are, what challenges the tech and energy industries need to overcome together, and how data centres will continue to evolve with the exponential growth in AI. Presenter: Richard SverrissonContributor: Alina Trabattoni - Italy Correspondent, Montel NewsGuests:Tor Björn Minde - Head of ICE Datacenter Unit at RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden)Liam Newcombe - Senior Vice President of Product, Energy Strategy and Innovation, GreenscaleEditors: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

This week, LNG prices rose to a 10-week high in Europe in response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.  With the shadow of a threat from Iran to close its vital waterway for global LNG shipments, in this episode, we discuss the likelihood of this happening, the political power dynamics at play and the implications for global energy markets.Richard speaks to Eurasia Group’s Head of Energy and Kpler’s Principal LNG Analyst about the changes in shipping movements that we have seen around the strait in response to Israel and Iran’s attacks, and what this tells us about how the energy markets have so far reacted.Host: Richard SverrissonContributor: Laurence Walker - Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsGuests:Laura Page - Principal LNG Analyst, KplerHenning Gloystein - Practice Head of Energy, Climate & Resources, Eurasia GroupEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

Since spring 2025, power prices in the Nordics have been below zero, thanks to a myriad of factors, including low power demand and a glut of green power production. Whilst this has been good news for some consumers in the region - who have been paid to use their electricity - the prevalence of sub-zero prices has created jitters for investors and many in öthe markets are feeling the impact of the negative downturn. In this episode, Richard speaks to a panel of experts from Montel’s Energy Day in Helsinki about why the Nordics are experiencing the most dramatic level of negative prices vs the rest of Europe. We also look at PPAs, the impact of an increase in nuclear energy, and how renewables can coexist with other growing energy sources. Presenter: Richard SverrissonGuests:Suvi Paaso - Managing Director, Power Deriva Riku Merikoski - Senior Power Analyst, Axpo Solutions AGVesa Ahoniemi - Chief Commercial Officer, Winda EnergyPriyanka Shinde - Market Expert Nordic, Montel AnalyticsEditors: Bled MaliqiProducer:

In May, Danish energy producer, Orsted, pulled out of the UK’s Hornsea 4 project, citing "economic reasons", and earlier this week, industry leaders in The Netherlands have expressed their serious concerns about the high costs and potential delays which threaten the delivery of key offshore wind projects.In this episode, Richard speaks to the CEO of WindEurope about the state of Europe’s renewable energy sector. He also speaks to a panel of experts from the UK and The Netherlands - including a former Dutch MP - about how delays and rules set by governments are causing serious issues for the industry. Presenter: Richard SverrissonContributor: Karolin Schaps - Dutch Reporter, Montel NewsGuests: Giles Dickson - CEO, WindEuropeFintan Devenney - Senior Energy Analyst, MontelJan Vos - Chairman, NedZeroBas Sudmeijer - MD, Boston Consulting GroupEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

Spain and Portugal will be sending joint letters to the EU energy commissioner and French energy minister, urging them to apply pressure on the current plans for interconnections, following April’s blackout in the Iberian Peninsula. But are high costs, local resistance, and fears over the impact of cheap imports stiffening Paris’s opposition  to further power links with Spain.This week we speak to key Spanish and French market experts to unpack some of the issues that the topic of further interconnection raises for the two countries. And for the rest of Europe.Presenter: Richard Sverrisson Contributors:Muriel Boselli - France Correspondent, Montel NewsBelen Belmonte - Spain Correspondent, Montel News          Guests:                     Ana Barillas - Managing Director, Iberia and LATAM at Aurora Energy ResearchEmeric de Vigan - Managing Director, 42 Advisors Editor: Oscar BirkProducer: Sarah Knowles

As Europe eyes an end to Russian gas imports by 2027, fresh geopolitical tensions are reshaping energy markets once again. Could Trump’s mediation efforts result in a ceasefire in the Ukraine and could Russian gas re-enter Europe—directly or via shadow routes?In this week’s episode, Richard speaks to two policy experts about what peace versus a ceasefire could really mean for gas prices, energy security, and the green transition. How do emerging interdependencies with the US, Qatar, and Africa shift Europe’s leverage—and what happens when offshore wind, solar, and LNG become pawns in great power rivalries?Presenter: Richard Sverrisson – Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Andrés Cala – LNG Correspondent, Montel NewsGuests: Francesco Sassi – Postdoctoral Fellow, University of OsloTobias Federico – Chief Product Officer, MontelEditor: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles

In recent months, the European Commission has published what it describes as “simplified rules” of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), but is the policy still unclear and too complicated for energy and metals traders?In this episode, Richard talks to experts about the CBAM, and why some commodity trading firms  are holding off - despite the official January 2026 start date. Could some be at risk of ceasing trading temporarily?Host: Richard Sverrisson - Editor-in-Chief, Montel NewsContributor: Gabriel Power - UK Power Reporter, Montel NewsGuests:Dan Maleski - Senior Environmental Markets Advisor, Redshaw AdvisorsNick Ogilvie - Product Manager, Carbon ChainEditors: Bled MaliqiProducer: Sarah Knowles