EP. 290 AI, Flexibility and the Rise of the Autonomous Grid

EP. 290 AI, Flexibility and the Rise of the Autonomous Grid

This week on the Energy Unplugged podcast, Richard Howard is joined by Devrim Celal, Chief Marketing & Flexibility Officer, Kraken to explore how flexibility, AI and distributed energy resources are reshaping the future of electricity systems.  Devrim oversees flexibility and product capabilities at Kraken, the cloud-based platform that optimizes and orchestrates distributed energy resources including EVs, batteries, heat pumps and renewable generation assets. Prior to Kraken, Devrim was CEO of Upside Energy, which was acquired by the company in 2020.  Recorded against the backdrop of rapidly accelerating electrification and growing grid constraints, the conversation explores how electricity systems are evolving from centrally managed networks into highly dynamic, data-driven platforms powered by millions of connected devices. Richard and Devrim discuss the growing importance of flexibility markets, low-voltage network visibility, interoperability standards and real-time optimization in enabling higher penetration of renewable energy while avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades.  The episode also examines the role of AI and automation in future grid operations, the balance between market-based incentives and regulatory intervention, and how increasingly granular data and intelligent orchestration could unlock significantly greater utilisation of existing network infrastructure. The discussion spans everything from virtual power plants and dynamic pricing to locational signals, consumer flexibility and the future role of autonomous “agentic” systems in electricity markets.  You will learn:  * Why distributed flexibility is becoming critical for renewable-heavy electricity systems.   * How AI and device-level data could transform the operation of electricity networks.   * Why low-voltage grid visibility is emerging as one of the industry’s biggest challenges.   * How virtual power plants and intelligent automation are reshaping grid operations.

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.