Love it or hate it, green hydrogen appears set to play a (potentially very significant) role in the journey to net zero. In this episode, Quentin is joined by Will Rowe (Founder and CEO of Octopus Hydrogen)to consider all things hydrogen and the questions surrounding the viability of this controversial fuel source. Over the course of the conversation, they discuss: The different colours of the hydrogen rainbow - and what they each mean. How Octopus Hydrogen ensures that their hydrogen is actuall...
Jan 12, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast What does the future hold for batteries and the wider energy industry? Who knows! We say goodbye to last year and look ahead as Quentin and Alex discuss their predictions for the future in the first episode of 2023. Over the course of this episode, they discuss: A potential swing in the production of cell chemistries. What might the Balancing Mechanism look like for batteries in the year ahead? How the energy transition might be impacted by inflation and higher interest rates. Are we going to se...
Jan 05, 2023•18 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast The world is changing - and the energy industry with it. Our net-zero goals, alongside constant technological advancements, mean that the future energy system is being built before our eyes. What sort of changes are we going to see next?In this episode, Ed is joined by Paul Massara CEO and Chair at Pulse Clean Energy to talk through a wide array of topics. Over the conversation they discuss: Paul's views on challenges in the energy market, missed opportunities and potential for future energy sce...
Dec 08, 2022•45 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast November 1st saw the rollout of the new Demand Flexibility Service. Thousands of people have already taken part in it - but what is the reason for this service? How is it implemented and what are the results so far? In this episode, Ed is joined by Kieron Stopforth - Origination Manager at Octopus Energy, to talk through the ins and outs of the new Demand Flexibility Service. Over the course of the conversation they discuss: What is Demand Flexibility Service? How does it work and why has it bee...
Dec 01, 2022•41 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast With so much crypto talk in the news recently we’re revisiting a classic episode - in case you missed it first time around! 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: B...
Nov 24, 2022•51 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of developing a battery energy storage project looks like? From securing a grid connection to acquiring land - there’s a whole lot that goes on before a battery storage system can get up and running. In this episode, Quentin is joined by Andy Willis - Founder and CEO at Kona Energy, to talk through the ins and outs of developing a storage site. Over the course of the conversation they discuss: What developers are responsible for in the process of buil...
Nov 17, 2022•53 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast As the world becomes increasingly reliant on electrification, there will undoubtedly be more demand for long-duration energy storage. What might this look like? What forms might it take? In this episode John Perkins - Principal Consultant at AFRY joins Ed Porter to discuss long-duration energy storage and the next steps for the storage and power sector. During the conversation they cover: AFRY’s study for BEIS on long-duration storage and a net zero future. How did Hydrogen end up as such a larg...
Nov 10, 2022•36 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast REMA is turning energy markets on their head. But what is it, what does it involve and what does it mean for the energy industry? In this special all-Modo episode of the podcast, Ed Porter (Chief Commercial Officer) takes over as guest host and chats to Robyn Lucas (Chief Analytics Officer) and Alex Done (Head of Research) about everything REMA. Over the course of the conversation they discuss: The variations being considered for the wholesale energy markets; national, zonal and nodal. How the c...
Oct 26, 2022•42 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast The world of energy generation is changing fast, but what does change look like for companies like bp? From setting sights on low carbon generation options to nurturing smaller businesses in the field- we take a look at some of the things happening in bp at the moment. Jean-Paul Gillett - New Markets Originator at bp, joins Quentin in todays episode. Over the course of the conversation they discuss: What is involved in buying, moving and selling energy? Bp’s increasing focus on growth and low ca...
Oct 19, 2022•29 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast There is increasing appetite from investors to deploy capital in investments that are at the centre of the energy transition and have a positive climate impact. As battery energy storage grows into a more mature industry, investors are becoming more familiar and their perceptions of risk around investment are decreasing. Because of this, we are seeing more organisations taking part in sales and purchases of grid-scale batteries. But what goes into the buying and selling process? In this episode,...
Oct 12, 2022•36 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Distribution network operators (DNOs) across the country are the middlemen, taking power from the grid and making sure every building, structure or location that needs it, has the physical infrastructure to do so. In this episode, Quentin is joined by Sotiris Georgiopoulos - Head of Smart Grid Development at UK Power Networks. Over the course of the conversation, they discuss: What a distribution network operator is responsible for and how it operates as a business. The difference between a DNO ...
Oct 05, 2022•42 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast By smoothing over unstable voltage waveforms - inertia is a fascinating and important part of the system. Being able to accurately measure inertia is becoming more and more important as we transition to renewable generation, which is changing the weight of inertia on the grid. On the latest episode of Modo: The Podcast, Chris Kimmett - Chief Operations Officer at Reactive Technologies joins Quentin to teach us how utilising inertia is imperative to balancing the system. During the course of the ...
Sep 28, 2022•39 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast Renewable power is the future (and the present!) - but its buildout comes with plenty of challenges. From getting the public onside to navigating policies and regulations, we’ve got so much more to do. To reach our goals, we’ll need a combination of technologies - some established, some nascent, and some still to be imagined! So, what do we need in order to build a brighter future? On the latest episode of Modo: The Podcast, we’re thrilled to introduce Hannah Staab (Head of Advisory for Europe, ...
Sep 14, 2022•48 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast It’s no secret we love batteries, and it is clear that battery storage has come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. With various storage technologies in operation across the industry - there are also various differences in use cases. In today's episode, Quentin chats to Alan Greenshields Director EMEA at ESS inc to really deep dive into the journey that batteries have gone (and are still going!) through, the world of flow battery technologies, hydrogen storage and much more. Some of...
Sep 07, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 28•Transcript available on Metacast We love learning about other businesses that are committed to solving real problems in the journey to net zero. Today we share another founder's story. Jordan Appleson - CEO of Hark Systems joins Quentin to chat about his company. Just some of the topics they cover during the conversation include: An introduction to Hark Systems and its mission. What problems do they address and how? The pros and cons of being a B2B rather than B2C. How Hark is responding to the call for carbon savings data and ...
Aug 31, 2022•33 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Venture capital investments provide opportunities for growth and change for innovative businesses all over the world. But what goes on behind the scenes, what do investors look for when seeking companies to invest in and what sort of thing gets them excited? In this episode, Quentin is joined by Lloyd Butterworth, Investment Manager at Fred Olsen & co and board member at Modo. Over the course of the conversation they discuss: The history of the Fred Olson company and their stance in the push...
Aug 24, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast Making sure the entirety of Great Britain has enough energy, all the time, is a mammoth task, and doing this whilst simultaneously transitioning to a new suite of services in order to reach a zero carbon electricity system is even more of a challenge. In this bumper episode Quentin chats to Faye Relton (Ancillary Services Development Manager) and Neil Morgans (Balancing Services Optimisation Manager) from National Grid ESO. The conversation covers the following topics plus much more. An overview...
Aug 17, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast Energy trading agreements come in all sorts of shapes and sizes - from simply priced physical and financial trading of energy products, to much more complex arrangements. Originators and traders need to understand market dynamics, potential risks and upsides, asset capabilities - and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. On the latest episode of Modo: The Podcast, Vishnu Aggarwal (Deputy VP of Origination and Renewables, SmartestEnergy) joins Quentin to talk about his experiences of renewable ener...
Aug 11, 2022•51 min•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast Since we started producing Modo: The Podcast, we’ve gotten to know loads of truly amazing people. We’ve met pioneers from across the energy industry - all working to build the future energy system. And we’re trying to play our part in that too - by making battery energy storage a success. That’s why we’ve built our Asset Success Platform. But what do we mean by ‘Asset Success’? Today, Quentin is switching roles, and taking his turn in the hot seat. Robyn Lucas (Modo's Chief Analytics Officer) ha...
Aug 03, 2022•30 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Solar energy is a huge player in the journey to net zero - and it turns out that Great Britain is an excellent place to deploy this technology! There’s far more than meets the eye to this often seemingly passive energy producer. In this episode Ross Grier (Managing Director at NextEnergy Capitol) chats to Quentin about the following topics: Ross’s story and an overview of NextEnergy Capital and what they do. How solar markets work and a look into investments. Insight into the problems solar tech...
Jul 27, 2022•52 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast We've had plenty of lovely guests on Modo: The Podcast - and they've got some amazing ideas for and about the future energy system. In this mini-episode, we've compiled some of our favourite clips, featuring the builders, innovators and pioneers of the energy industry outlining their respective hopes and visions for the future. You'll learn about Bridgit Hartland-Johnson's dream of a fully integrated and flexible system, James Johnston's desire for a decentralised "internet of energy" (with ener...
Jul 06, 2022•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast How can we utilise the UK’s blustery coastlines to their full potential? Enter floating wind - the next step in offshore wind energy generation, allowing these mega structures to be deployed into deeper waters and windier conditions. But how does it all work? On the latest episode of Modo: The Podcast, Kerry Hayes (Project Development Manager at Simply Blue Group) talks to Quentin about all things floating wind. They discuss: What is floating wind actually is, and how it differs from traditional...
Jun 29, 2022•47 min•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast Tech companies form a vital component in the future energy industry. What does it take to ensure they are effectively helping to solve the problems the energy industry faces and what makes one successful from a business perspective? In this episode, Peter Bance (CEO & Founder at Origami Energy) joins Quentin in conversation. They discuss: Peter’s story and the journey of Origami Energy. Differences in running a public vs private company - from someone who has done both. The importance of sta...
Jun 22, 2022•41 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast In the race toward net zero, companies need to problem solve at every turn. Clean transportation and ‘storage on wheels’ technology provides one such answer to part of this huge question. But how is this achieved and how did the company pioneering it get to where they are today? Quentin speaks with Steven Meersman (Co-Founder & Director at Zenobē). In this episode they discuss: Steven's background and Zenobē's journey to where they are now. How small but calculated risks add up to big succes...
Jun 08, 2022•50 min•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant technology when it comes to grid-scale battery energy storage systems. However - like any other technology - it brings with it a particular set of risks. Fire suppression is an integral part of building a safe and successful battery energy storage asset. In this episode, Quentin talks to Ian Bartle (CEO, Nobel Fire Systems). They discuss: What sets a battery fires apart from other fires. Thermal runaway, why it occurs, and how detection is integral in preve...
May 25, 2022•47 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast The primary role of battery energy storage optimisers is to make sure that the assets they operate enter the most lucrative markets at the most opportune times. However, as more potential revenue streams emerge, this task becomes more complex. In this episode, Tim Overton (Chief Operating Officer, Modo) talks to Jacob Monroe (Chief Commercial Officer, Arenko Group) about the challenges facing battery optimisers. They discuss: The algorithmisation of trading and dispatching batteries. The differe...
May 11, 2022•58 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast How is electricity traded? And what is 'imbalance settlement'? The Balancing and Settlement Code, or BSC, is a document outlining the rules of the balancing mechanism and imbalance pricing in Great Britain. In today's episode, Quentin speaks to Aditi Tulpule, Legal Counsel at Elexon - the organisation that manages imbalance pricing and payment. In this episode they discuss: A brief history of the BSC, how it works, and why it's integral to the smooth running of the balancing mechanism. The impor...
May 03, 2022•41 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast Batteries are pretty cool inventions! And we’re only scratching the surface of what they’re capable of. They have a multitude of applications - in energy storage and beyond. On today’s episode, Marek Kubik (Managing Director, Fluence) joins Quentin to discuss everything you need to know about batteries. Their conversation covers: The flexible characteristics of different cell chemistries. Current supply chain issues and limitations in transporting batteries. The pros and cons of different batter...
Apr 13, 2022•54 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast As the world of battery energy storage grows, so does the opportunity for strategic investment. Ben Guest has been investing in battery energy storage systems (BESS) since the beginning, and is the Managing Director and Lead Fund Manager at Gresham House New Energy - which has the largest BESS portfolio in Great Britain. Ben joins Quentin to discuss: The history and evolution of markets for batteries in GB. Which elements of the battery energy storage model are most mature (and which are lagging...
Apr 06, 2022•43 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast What goes into actually building a battery energy storage system? Amit Gudka joins Quentin to talk about his experiences at Field, the company he founded. Field is moving extremely quickly - the plan being to develop, own, operate, and optimise assets - in a bid to become a major player in the future energy system. Their conversation takes in: The growing need for newbuild renewable infrastructure. Investor appetite in a rapidly expanding market. Learnings from actually building battery energy s...
Mar 28, 2022•37 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast 
