Ever wondered what goes into connecting a battery to the grid? Andreas Fritzsche (Managing Director) and Matt Paterson (Sales Director) from Ethical Power Connections Ltd. chat with Quentin, and lay it out step by step. In this episode they discuss: The role of an Independent Connection Provider (ICP). Common constraints in the connection process. What to take into account from an investment point of view. Supply chain issues in a post-COVID world. And, of course, where Ethical Power Connections...
Mar 24, 2022•31 min•Ep. 12
What does it take to build a successful startup in the energy storage space? Matt Allen, CEO and co-founder of Pivot Power, joins Quentin to share his insights into the future of energy storage and EVs, building big batteries, as well as a host of other lessons learned in life and in industry. The pair discuss: Why we need to move rapidly in the transition to net-zero. The dream of a distributed, lithium-ion equivalent to Dinorwig. How this relates to the electrification of transport. Building t...
Mar 22, 2022•41 min•Ep. 11
In this episode, we discuss one of the most ambitious projects the world has ever seen. Harnessing the power of the Moroccan sun and transporting the subsequent electricity 3800 kilometers to Great Britain, Xlinks is building an interconnector project whose sheer size will eclipse anything else of its ilk. Project Director Richard Hardy joins Quentin to discuss: How interconnectors work. The technical challenges involved in building a project of this size. Getting multiple governments and countr...
Mar 17, 2022•39 min•Ep. 10
As our battery energy storage fleet continues to grow, we’re seeing more new faces enter the optimisation space. But how does a startup even begin to go about controlling battery energy storage systems? In this episode, Entrix’s founder Steffen Schülzchen joins Quentin to discuss: How to enter into battery energy storage optimisation. What non-physical trading means in reality. Navigating Elexon and the BSC. Building a startup in the energy storage industry. And, of course, where Entrix fits int...
Mar 15, 2022•29 min•Ep. 1
Wind power is contributing more than ever before to our energy system. But what are the challenges surrounding the buildout and optimisation of our ever-growing offshore wind fleet? In this episode, Ørsted’s Bridgit Hartland-Johnson joins Quentin to discuss: What goes into building an offshore wind farm. How CfDs (contracts for difference) work. Why we need more battery energy storage to support our growing wind fleet, and the prospects for wind and BESS co-location. What the business models for...
Mar 10, 2022•34 min•Ep. 8
Bitcoin mining is one of the most controversial topics in energy right now. Its supporters believe that it has the potential to create new and flexible commercial avenues for energy infrastructure, while its detractors say that it’s a waste of energy that would be better used elsewhere. In this episode, Modo’s Chief Product Officer Nima Tabatabai joins Quentin to discuss: Bitcoin’s energy usage - past, present, and future. How bitcoin mining works. Potential opportunities for intermittent renewa...
Mar 08, 2022•51 min•Ep. 1
Energy management systems (EMS) help businesses and energy communities to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions. At Modo, we tend to focus on ‘in front of the meter’ assets, but in this episode, Wattstor CEO Stephan Marty joins Quentin in conversation to discuss the following topics: What energy management systems do. Where they fit into the future energy system. Current trends in behind the meter. What energy communities are; why (and how) they’re emerging. And, of course, where Wattsto...
Mar 01, 2022•40 min•Ep. 1
Given our increasing reliance on intermittent renewables, we need to build a more flexible system. In this episode, Piclo CEO and co-founder James Johnston joins Modo CEO Quentin in conversation to discuss the following topics: What flexibility means and why it matters. How to build smart solutions for distribution network problems. How local flexibility markets work. Creating a more dynamic, flexible energy system. And, of course, where Piclo fits into all of this. Piclo is the UK's leading ind...
Feb 21, 2022•42 min•Ep. 5
When it comes to building the future energy system, there’s so much to navigate. In this episode, Clean Energy Lawyer and Freeths Partner Clare King joins Modo CEO Quentin in conversation to discuss the following topics: The different types of contract you need to be aware of (and potential complications). How joint ventures work. Ensuring the banakability of projects. The issues surrounding law, policy and regulation for energy storage. And, of course, where Freeths fits into all of this. Freet...
Feb 16, 2022•32 min•Ep. 1
Harmony Energy recently raised £186.5m for its new energy storage fund at IPO. In this episode, Harmony Energy CIO Paul Mason joins Modo CEO Quentin in conversation to discuss the following topics: How the IPO came about. The commercial case for two-hour battery energy storage systems in Great Britain. What investor appetite and investment opportunities look like right now. The supply chains for BESS. And, of course, where Harmony Energy fits into all of this. Founded in 2010, Harmony Energy is ...
Feb 15, 2022•40 min•Ep. 1
What is long-duration (or longer-duration) storage, and what role can it play in the future energy system? In this episode, Invinity’s Ed Porter joins Modo CEO Quentin in conversation to discuss the following topics: How vanadium flow batteries work. The evolution of the markets for battery energy storage in Great Britain. What are the current trends for energy storage? Are grid connections the main thing holding us back right now? And, of course, where Invinity fits into all of this. Invinity E...
Feb 15, 2022•53 min•Ep. 1
We need a smarter energy system, with new technologies that are able to control, monitor, and optimise energy storage assets. In this episode, KrakenFlex Chief of Staff Charlotte Johnson joins Modo CEO Quentin in conversation to discuss the following topics: How we can use new technologies to dispatch assets. The difference between grid-scale storage and smaller assets. Frequency response markets. The energy market crisis of Winter 21/22 - an imperfect storm? And, of course, where KrakenFlex (an...
Feb 10, 2022•32 min•Ep. 2
