191. “How Big Things Get Done” with Pr. Bent Flyvbjerg (hosted by Michael Barnard)
This is a re-release of the legendary interview by Michael Barnard of Pr Bent Flyvbjerg on our sister show ”Redefining Energy Tech” Professor Bent Flyvbjerg, an expert on megaprojects and author of How Big Things Get Done, shares insights from a database of over 16,000 projects, revealing that 99.5% fail to meet expectations in budget, timeline, or benefits.He stresses the value of learning from successful projects, especially in renewable energy, where solar, wind, and transmission projects outperform nuclear power, which suffers from regulatory hurdles and skill shortages.Flyvbjerg introduces key concepts like modularity, repeatability, and the “window of doom”—the critical early phase when delays can derail projects. He contrasts fast, modular successes like the Tesla Gigafactory with slow, complex projects like nuclear plants and the Olympics.The episode also compares pumped hydro and battery storage, highlighting the role of risk management, stakeholder alignment, and using data-based heuristics to guide project decisions. Listeners are encouraged to understand base rates, study variance charts (especially Chapter 9 of Flyvbjerg's book), and develop their own heuristics for better megaproject outcomes.
--------
1:19:39
--------
1:19:39
190. Solar and Flex – Solar Power Summit 2025
This Spring, Laurent Segalen was invited by Solar Power Europe to moderate a panel, during the Solar Power Summit, around the theme ”Winning the Flex challenges”.The Speakers were:Andrea Wechsler, Member of the European Parliament, EPP, GermanyPaula Rey Garcia, Acting HoU Renewables & Energy System Integration, DG ENER, European CommissionNick Bitsios, Head of Brussels Office, MetlenJuan Rivier Abbad, Head of Global Renewables Regulation, IberdrolaVlasios Souflis, COO EMEA, Lightsource BPJose Manuel Carvalho, Head of Renewable Energy JV & Partnerships, Arcelor MittalThere is a European Policy being developed called the Green Industrial Deal. What is it? Does it work? Does it answer the current issues faced by Solar developers and Energy Consumers?The panel confront the views of various actors, from policy makers to the private sector. A very lively debate with unexpected outcomes. We thank Walburga Hemetsberger and the whole team of Solar Power Europe for organising that great event
--------
39:56
--------
39:56
189. Energy Disruptions - (Gerard on "Clean Titans")
This is Summer time, so we publish some contents that we have created on other channelsA few weeks ago, Gerard came on the ”Clean Titans”The YouTube channel “Clean Titans” focused on clean energy, is hosted by Sam Evans, known as The Clean Energy Guy. His content dives into clean energy topics with enthusiasm, aiming to educate and inspire viewers about sustainable solutions.Gerard talks about “Energy Disruptions” and you can watch him here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5LGTcT-EOw
--------
1:09:46
--------
1:09:46
188. US/Petrostate vs EU/Electrostate – a joint episode with Open Circuit
On July 7th, Gerard and Laurent were invited to appear on the U.S. podcast Open Circuit, alongside Jigar Shah, Katherine Hamilton, and Stephen Lacey. It was an emotional reunion—Jigar and Katherine were part of the original Energy Gang, the very show that inspired us to create our own.We had a rich, two-part conversation. The first part revisited the Spanish blackouts, a topic we had already explored in Episode 185. The second part delved into Europe’s energy security and the evolving dynamic between “Petrostates” and “Electrostates”—the main focus of this episode.Twenty years ago, Europe and the U.S. shared a broadly aligned energy landscape. But the rise of American energy dominance has since driven a wedge between the two, contributing to today’s political fractures across the Atlantic.Together, the five of us explored the implications of this growing misalignment—and where we might go from here. It was a passionate and thought-provoking discussion.
--------
32:08
--------
32:08
187. Texas: Power Surge or Power Splurge? - Jul25
Texas is an oddity in the western electricity world: fastest growing load, ultra-low prices, crazy development of renewables. Texas consumes now more power than France, despite having only half the population. Prices are a factor 4 lower compared to 20 years ago. And 90% of additional load has been provided by Wind and Solar, despite the permanent attacks from the fossil fuel lobby.To make sense of the current situation in Texas, and also talk about the future, with unbelievable projections, full of AI and Datacentres, we have the pleasure of welcoming Arushi Sharma Frank.Arushi Sharma Frank is an energy policy expert with deep expertise in distributed energy resources (DERs) and virtual power plants (VPPs). She pioneered ERCOT frameworks for grid-integrated VPPs and the integration of batteries on the Grid, while at Tesla where she worked between 2020 and 2024. Arushi was a key architect of the Texas Public Utility Commission’s Aggregated DER pilot, enhancing grid resilience post-Winter Storm Uri. The Lone Star State is at the crossroads: will the additional load arrive? Are the renewables in danger? Can fossil fuels make a come-back, or are we seeing this wrongly, as the new model suggest that it is all about flexibility.Finally, the best source for information on renewable energy in Texas is Doug Lewin: www.douglewin.com
Two investment bankers weekly explore how tech, finance, markets and regulations are radically redefining the world of energy: Renewable Energy, Electric Cars, Hydrogen, Battery Storage, Digitisation...Your co-hosts: from Berlin, Gerard Reid and from London, Laurent Segalen.Our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redefining-energy/X handle: @Redef_Energy
Brasil