• Understanding curtailment
    Jul 4 2025

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    "Is it a feature, or is it a bug? And I think we could say it's both. It's part feature, it's part bug."


    Way back in 2014, renewable power generation curtailment was a nascent issue, while the hybridisation of renewables was still a novel concept. Today, both are commonly found across the wind and solar sectors.


    On this episode of Energy Enablers, David is joined by Jan Cornillie, Director of Advisory Services at 3E. They discuss why renewable energy projects are being sited in less-than-optimal locations, which is exacerbating curtailment challenges.


    "Battery storage can deliver a solution where you actually master the solution. You can install it, you can learn how to operate it, and you can learn how to fix your problem with grid curtailment."


    The problem is exacerbated by current electricity market designs and regulations that lag behind technological advancements. Flexible grid connections, responsive regulatory incentives, and clear price signals are crucial for effectively managing variable renewable energy.


    Technical solutions are emerging to manage the peaks and troughs of supply and demand. Hybrid renewable energy projects (wind, solar, storage) are becoming common. Decentralised solutions empower developers and consumers with greater energy system control.


    "Without tripling of renewables, we will not stop global warming. Even with tripling of renewables, it will take a bit more than that."


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    39 mins
  • Understanding the business of the energy transition
    Jun 26 2025

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    "I am definitely seeing a pivot in how sustainability and decarbonising organisations have been talked about in terms of value rather than just regulation."


    Even for those of us in the energy sector, the energy transition is a tricky business. But there is one thing that's clear to everyone, from big companies to individual homes: switching to low-carbon energy is good for the planet and good for your wallet.


    On this week’s episode of Energy Enablers, Gerard Gallagher, EY Global Sustainability Leader — Clients & Industries, explains how businesses are increasingly driven by opportunities like cost-efficiency and innovation, rather than just regulation, in their approach to energy transition and decarbonisation.


    "I'm a big fan of taking all of the complexity out there and thinking about those three phases of measure, plan, and act."


    Gallagher identifies three steps businesses should take when discussing their decarbonising strategies: measurement, planning, and action.


    He then highlights the need for "hyper-collaboration" across a business and with external stakeholders to get the full buy-in to decarbonisation efforts.


    "Sustainability has got a new best friend. It's capitalism."


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    51 mins
  • Understanding corporate solar
    May 1 2025

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    It's widely known that solar power is the fastest-growing clean generation technology, and for good reason. For the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector, securing stable, low-cost electricity and its green credentials are key drivers in the uptake of new capacity.


    On Energy Enablers this week, David is joined by Leandro Netz, Head of European Sales at Solnet, a Dutch solar equipment and services provider. They discuss how and why the C&I sector wants to adopt solar amid trade tensions and supply chain concerns. Netz also tells us how SMEs can take advantage of all the benefits solar can provide.


    Leandro and Solnet will be at the Intersolar Event in Berlin in early May, so you can hear more from them there. Remember to join the conversation on the FORESIGHT app.


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    27 mins
  • Understanding wind’s industrial decarbonisation potential
    Apr 8 2025

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    Europe’s industries want to decarbonise but remain globally competitive at the same time. That is where the wind sector is looking to step in and provide the green electrons needed to electrify factories and manufacturing centres. Industries have a growing appetite for what wind is offering, so how do we best bring the two to the same table?


    In the latest episode of Energy Enablers, Sam Morgan is joined by WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson, for a discussion about the sector’s industrial decarbonisation potential, what policies are in place to enable that and what steps need to be avoided.


    Leave your thoughts below or on the FORESIGHT app.


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    23 mins
  • Understanding the importance of start-ups
    Mar 20 2025

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    Existing technologies can take us a long way towards our goal of a decarbonised economy. But innovation remains crucial for accelerating this progress and eliminating any lingering emissions. Startups are therefore key to this by developing new technologies and services to tackle challenges like integrating renewable energy into grids.


    In the latest episode of Energy Enablers, David Weston is joined by Sebastian Schaefer, Senior Innovation Manager and Programme Lead at the E.ON Grid Startup Challenge. Schaefer explains E.ON's how active collaboration with startups fosters an "innovation ecosystem" through initiatives like the Grid Startup Challenge and Free Electrons.


    Leave your thoughts below or on the FORESIGHT app.


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    23 mins
  • Understanding cybersecurity of renewable energy
    Mar 14 2025

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    While cyber attacks against renewables projects are still rare, the risk associated with such activities is growing, particularly in a world with an unpredictable geopolitical environment.


    Digital infrastructure is essential for developing and operating clean energy generation. However, the expanding digital ecosystem creates more opportunities and entry points for malicious cyber actors.


    On this week’s episode of Energy Enablers, Sebastian Hess, Chief Risk Officer for the Cyber team at insurer Riskpoint, discusses the emerging cyber threats that could disrupt generation and the insurance sector's role in combatting them.


    FORESIGHT published long-form analyses on the cybersecurity of both renewables and buildings in our recent print magazine. You can listen to those articles on the FORESIGHT app.


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    31 mins
  • Understanding the societal impact of EV charging
    Mar 6 2025

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    We often talk about the technical aspects of electric vehicles (EVs), like how they connect to the power grid and the use of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology. However, we rarely consider their impact on society.


    This week, European power sector trade association Eurelectric is hosting its annual EVision event on e-mobility in Brussels. To coincide with the event, Eurelectric and partner EY have released a new report emphasising the importance of smart charging for a sustainable and resilient energy system.


    In this episode of Energy Enablers, David Weston speaks with Gabrielle Clark, energy and climate policy officer at Eurelectric, about the report and how EV adoption will benefit society in general.


    Clark underlines the need for consumers to take an active role in their energy management and the importance of education so individuals can make the best decisions for themselves and the wider energy network.


    Join the conversation about EV adoption on the FORESIGHT app, where you'll also find other podcasts and in-depth content on the energy transition.


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    32 mins
  • Understanding digital twins for grids
    Feb 28 2025

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    The concept of digital twins has been discussed across the energy sector for years. From city-wide grid systems to individual wind turbines, creating a virtual copy of an asset to assess its performance is gaining traction. However, for many, it remains an abstract idea.


    In the latest episode of Energy Enablers, David Weston is joined by Fergal Burke, Chief Revenue Officer of Siemens Grid Software, to demystify digital twins, particularly within the context of grid systems and their role in the energy transition.


    Burke sheds light on the tangible impact of digital products on our lives and their potential to drive decarbonisation. He uses the analogy of comparing a paper map to Google Maps to illustrate the workings of a digital twin. Burke also emphasises the critical importance of data quality, "Your network is only as good as its data."


    To delve deeper into this discussion and explore other energy-related topics, download the FORESIGHT app and join the conversation.


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    37 mins