Energy Unplugged by Aurora

EP. 289 Lord Browne on the New Energy Equation: Security, AI and Decarbonisation

Recorded live at the Aurora Spring Forum 2026, this episode of Energy Unplugged features John Feddersen, Founder & CEO of Aurora Energy Research, in conversation with Lord John Browne of Madingley - former CEO of BP and one of the most influential figures in global energy and industrial innovation; currently serving as the Chairman of BeyondNetZero and co-Chair of the UK Prime Minister’s Council on Science and Technology.  Lord Browne reflects on the geopolitical and economic implications of the Iran crisis, the resilience of global energy systems, and the growing importance of energy security in shaping policy and investment decisions. The conversation explores Europe’s exposure to supply disruption, the future role of natural gas and renewables, and why an “all of the above” energy strategy remains essential.  They also discuss AI’s transformative potential across the energy sector - from optimizing grids and supply chains to accelerating breakthroughs in materials science, industrial processes, and low-carbon fuels. Lord Browne explains why AI-driven discovery could dramatically accelerate innovation, lower costs, and reshape the future of energy and industry.  The discussion closes with reflections on the long-term trajectory of the energy transition, Europe’s industrial competitiveness, and the technologies and institutions likely to shape the next era of global energy.  Key takeaways  * Energy security is once again driving global energy and industrial policy.   * AI could significantly improve grid efficiency, industrial optimization, and scientific discovery.   * Cost reduction remains the key factor in determining the pace of decarbonisation.   * Europe faces structural competitiveness challenges due to higher energy costs.   * An “all of the above” energy strategy - spanning gas, renewables, and new technologies - will remain essential throughout the transition.

EP. 288 Building the Backbone of the Energy Transition

This week on Energy Unplugged, Pierre Dennery, Aurora’s outgoing Country Head for France, is joined by Dominique Ferreira, Global Brand Director for Omexom, the energy infrastructure brand of VINCI Energies.   Recorded live at the Building Beyond Conference in Paris, hosted by Leonard, VINCI's foresight and innovation platform. The conversation explores the growing importance of grid infrastructure in the energy transition, and why long-term investment, policy stability, and electrification are becoming central to energy security and decarbonisation strategies worldwide. Dominique works across Omexom’s global operations supporting grid infrastructure, electrification, and digitalisation projects that enable the energy transition across more than 30 countries.  Pierre and Dominique discuss the evolving balance between decentralisation and interconnection, how infrastructure priorities differ across regions, and the role of digitalisation, AI, and new grid technologies in shaping the future electricity system.  You will learn about:  * Why grid infrastructure has become one of the key bottlenecks of the global energy transition.  * How countries are balancing energy sovereignty, decarbonisation, and electrification through different energy strategies.  * Why interconnection and decentralisation are developing simultaneously across energy systems worldwide.  * How AI, digital twins, and predictive maintenance are changing the way grids are designed and operated.

EP. 287 Elias Saba on Battery Economics, Risk and the Future of Storage

This week on Energy Unplugged, Hugo Batten, Managing Director of APAC for Aurora Energy Research, is joined by Elias Saba, Chief Commercial Officer of Eku Energy, and Lara Panjkov, Aurora’s Head of Research in APAC. Together, they explore how battery storage economics are evolving across Australia and Japan, and how shifting market dynamics are reshaping investment strategies. Elias leads Eku’s global Technology, Markets and Trading function and brings over 15 years of experience across energy storage, renewables, and market design, including previous roles at Tesla and Macquarie. He has played a key role in commercialising major battery projects such as Hazelwood, Rangebank, and Williamsdale, and shares insights into how developers are structuring revenue, managing risk, and scaling storage portfolios across global markets. The conversation examines key trends shaping battery investment today: falling but volatile technology costs, increasingly bespoke offtake structures, and the growing role of merchant exposure and optionality. The speakers also explore how Australia’s mature market contrasts with Japan’s more policy-driven approach, and how evolving regulation, grid constraints, and utility participation are influencing deployment. You will learn about: * Why early battery projects relied on merchant exposure and built-in flexibility. * How offtake structures remain bespoke despite growing market standardisation. * Why Japan’s battery market is developing differently, with strong government support. * How new use cases like data centre co-location are shaping the next phase of storage investment.

EP. 286 Beyond Buildout: Brazil’s Next Power Market Evolution

This week on Energy Unplugged, Rodrigo Borges, Market Lead for Brazil at Aurora Energy Research, is joined by Veronica Coelho, Country Manager & SVP at Equinor, and Roberto Colindres, CEO of Rio Energy. Together, they explore how Brazil’s power sector is entering a new phase of development – where system optimisation, rather than pure capacity growth, will define the next cycle of investment.  Veronica brings a global developer perspective from Equinor’s international portfolio, including large-scale offshore wind, while Roberto draws on his experience leading the development and scaling of renewable assets in Brazil. The discussion highlights how Brazil’s abundance of wind, solar, water, and land positions it as a potential global clean energy powerhouse – provided the right regulatory and system-level frameworks are in place.  The conversation examines the evolving dynamics of Brazil’s electricity market: rising curtailment, increasing intraday price volatility, and mounting pressure on grid infrastructure. The discussion highlights the growing importance of BESS to reduce curtailment, capture price spreads, and improve system flexibility, while also discussing why offshore wind—despite world-class resource potential—remains a longer-term opportunity given current cost challenges relative to onshore renewables.  You will learn about:  * Why Brazil’s next phase of renewables growth depends on optimisation, not just expansion.  * How BESS can reduce curtailment, lower system costs, and enhance grid flexibility.  * Why offshore wind in Brazil is a major long-term opportunity but not yet cost-competitive.  * How grid constraints and market design challenges are shaping investment decisions.  * Why long-term policy visibility and regulatory stability are critical to unlocking future growth.

EP. 284 Luuk Veeken on navigating volatility in Europe’s power markets

This week on Energy Unplugged, Claudia Gunter is joined by Luuk Veeken, CEO and co-founder of Dexter Energy. Together, they explore how rising renewable penetration is driving short-term power market volatility – and why success increasingly depends on mastering real-time trading and forecasting.  Luuk explains how the shift from predictable, subsidy-backed renewables to weather-driven, merchant assets is transforming the market. With falling capture prices, rising imbalance costs, and more frequent price spikes, generators must move from simply maximizing output to actively optimizing value – continuously updating positions as forecasts evolve.  The conversation highlights how improved forecasting, intraday trading, and automation can significantly reduce imbalance exposure, while also examining the growing role of batteries, evolving market design, and cross-border balancing in stabilizing prices. Looking ahead, Luuk outlines how AI-driven forecasting and automated trading will shape the next generation of renewable business models.  You will learn about:  * Why short-term volatility and imbalance costs are rising in renewable-heavy systems   * How forecasting and intraday trading can protect revenues   * The role of market design and cross-border balancing in price formation   * How AI, automation, and batteries are reshaping renewable trading strategies  Registration for the leading annual gathering of the European energy industry – the Aurora Spring Forum, taking place on 29th April 2026, in London is open - a one-day deep dive into the biggest strategic questions shaping Europe’s energy transition, plus top-tier networking and a live recording of Energy Unplugged. Book now at https://auroraer.com/events/aurora-spring-forum-2026 [https://auroraer.com/events/aurora-spring-forum-2026] and use code PODCAST20 for 20% off.