Cleaning Up Podcast Episode with Michael Liebreich

Overview

• Event: Euroelectric Power Summit at Lagonisi Beach Resort, Athens
• Key Speakers:
  • Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek Prime Minister
  • Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK (Ukrainian Utility)
  • Leonard Birnbaum, CEO of E.ON & President of Euroelectric

Key Topics

1. Transmission Build-out

   • Importance of accelerating transmission infrastructure development.

2. Digitization and AI

   • Exploration of pressures and opportunities in digitization and AI in the electricity sector.

Euroelectric Reports

• Two reports released focusing on:
  1. Grids for Speed - Investment needs and strategies for distribution grids.
  2. Digitization - Current digital transformation status and future needs.

Interview with Leonard Birnbaum

E.ON's Role

• Primary Focus: Electricity infrastructure and smart energy solutions for B2C and small B2B customers.
• Business Transformation: Shifted from generation to focus on infrastructure and customer solutions.

Key Changes and Challenges

• Division and Transformation:
  • E.ON split to focus on new energy world.
  • Managed nuclear risks and decommissioning.
  • Transaction with RWE to focus on infrastructure.
• Nuclear Policy
  • German political decision to shut down nuclear plants, seen as historical and forward-looking.

European Electricity Sector Challenges

Distribution vs. Transmission

• Focus on Distribution:
  • Integration of electrified mobility and heat.
  • Need for strengthened distribution grid due to changes in energy landscape.

Regulatory Issues

• Incentives for Smart Grids:
  • Need for regulatory changes to incentivize smart grid investments.
  • Current regulations can counteract efficient, smart investments.

Digitization and AI

• Necessity for Digitization:
  • Essential for managing complex future energy systems.
  • Varying levels of digital maturity across companies.
• AI in Grid Management:
  • AI will augment but not replace human decision-making.
  • Challenges with energy demand from AI data centers.

Global Considerations

• Focus on Global South:
  • Importance of energy transition in India and Africa.
  • Potential for leapfrogging older technologies.

European Energy Market

• Identity and Integration:
  • Importance of a unified European energy market for global relevance.
  • Challenges with capital markets and innovation.
• Political Involvement:
  • Encouragement of voting and pro-European policies.

Future Directions for Euroelectric

• Goals:
  • Continue focus on grid investment and security of supply.
  • Fair distribution of risk and benefits in the energy sector.

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Resources and Links:

• Euroelectric and E.ON websites
• Euroelectric Power Summit 2024 "Lights On" website
• Euroelectric's reports on "Grids for Speed" and "Wired for Tomorrow"
• Episode 34 of Cleaning Up with Christian Rubi

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Sponsors:

• Liebreich Foundation
• Jill Ardini Foundation
• Ecopragma Capital