This week Sid talks to one of the biggest and brightest stars in country music – Lainey Wilson. Back in May, he drove up to Nashville and got to have this conversation in person at Lainey’s farmhouse outside of town. The occasion was a Southern Living cover shoot, and Lainey and Sid sat down on a pair of comfortable chairs in her speakeasy-style basement, which is where she writes a lot of her songs. Lainey couldn’t have been more welcoming as a host, even though she’d been touring nonstop for her latest album, Whirlwind . She’s also hosting the CMA Awards in mid-November, and she’s appearing in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel Reminders of Him early next year. But Lainey has clearly not forgotten her small-town roots in Baskin, Louisiana, or the importance of good friends, family, and her faith. She talked a lot about how she stays grounded, how she keeps holding on despite a wild few years in Nashville, and the importance of keeping her people close. She also told some funny stories about her fiance, Devlin Hodges, who goes by Duck, and how she and her family celebrate Thanksgiving. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Biscuits & Jam is produced by: Sid Evans - Editor-in-Chief, Southern Living Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer & Editor/Producer Jeremiah Lee McVay - Producer Isaac Nunn - Recording Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…
Welcome to ‘Energy Unplugged by Aurora’, a mix of in-depth conversations with key international industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, sharing their unique perspectives on the global energy transition. Hosted by various Aurora experts, we explore the hottest topics and trends across the energy landscape. From renewables, battery storage, and grid integration, to hydrogen, commodity markets, and technology innovation, our high-profile guests weigh in with their valuable insights. Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in the energy industry, with a new episode released every week!
Welcome to ‘Energy Unplugged by Aurora’, a mix of in-depth conversations with key international industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, sharing their unique perspectives on the global energy transition. Hosted by various Aurora experts, we explore the hottest topics and trends across the energy landscape. From renewables, battery storage, and grid integration, to hydrogen, commodity markets, and technology innovation, our high-profile guests weigh in with their valuable insights. Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in the energy industry, with a new episode released every week!
This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Marcio Trannin, Managing Director for LATAM at Sunco Capital and Vice-President of the Board of Administrators at ABSOLAR, and Ricardo Motoyama, Senior Vice President of Commercial & Business Development at Elera Renewables. They join Rodrigo Borges, Aurora’s Market Lead for Brazil, to explore how Brazil’s liberalising power market, rapid renewable expansion, and evolving policy landscape are reshaping the country’s energy future. Marcio brings nearly three decades of experience across renewables, M&A, and regulatory affairs in Latin America’s electricity markets. Ricardo complements this with a strong commercial and financial background, offering insights into how trading, innovation, and risk management are driving new business models and accelerating Brazil’s transition to cleaner power. Together, they reflect on how Brazil can remain competitive in a global energy transition increasingly defined by flexibility and investment scale. Main topics include the following: The evolution of Brazil’s liberalised power market and what it means for generators, investors, and consumers The rapid expansion of renewables - particularly solar and the operational challenges of integrating decentralized generation The importance of policy and regulation in enabling long-term investment and competition Lessons from international markets and what’s next for Brazil’s energy transition…
This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Tom Palmer, Head of Business Development in Zenobē’s Network Infrastructure business. He joins Malvika Gode, Senior Associate at Aurora Energy Research, to explore how large-scale battery storage is transforming grid stability and enabling the transition to a fully renewable power system. Tom is an economist by background and brings a wealth of experience from across the energy sector, having previously worked at RWE Renewables, Cornwall Insight, Origami Energy, Palantir Solutions, EDF Energy, and Ofgem. At Zenobē, Tom focuses on developing grid-scale battery projects that support transmission and distribution networks as they adapt to increasing renewable penetration. Main topics include: How large-scale batteries are stabilising renewable-heavy grids and supporting the energy transition. Integration with transmission and distribution networks and lessons from pioneering grid-forming projects. Technical, commercial, and market challenges, including balancing mechanism inefficiencies and evolving regulatory frameworks. The future of grid-scale storage, from longer-duration projects to new revenue streams and system-wide flexibility.…
This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Martin Daronnat, Head of Flexibility & Structured Origination at ENGIE . He joins Casimir Lorenz, Aurora’s Managing Director for Central Europe, for a deep dive into the emerging market for flexibility purchase agreements (FPAs) and their role in financing and operating large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS). Martin has over 10 years of experience in energy, with a strong background in flexibility and renewables structuring and origination. Under his leadership, ENGIE offers flexibility offtake agreements and structured products that make energy assets bankable while optimising risk exposure, including market and credit risk. In 2024, ENGIE closed Germany’s first long-term fixed-price physical FPA, enabling a large-scale BESS project to reach financial close. Main topics include: How flexibility purchase agreements (FPAs) support large-scale battery storage projects and make them bankable. Exploration of the key factors that determine FPA pricing, including technical battery parameters, market and credit risk, and contract terms. How portfolio effects and strategic positioning influence the value of batteries for traders and asset owners. Differences between fixed-price, partial, and merchant FPAs across European markets.…
This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re joined by Lawson Steele, CEO of Haldane Energy, to explore the strategic and practical role of hydrogen in long-duration energy storage and the UK’s energy transition. Marten Ford, who leads Aurora’s work in GBN Ireland on low-carbon fuels and hydrogen, guides the conversation through the challenges and opportunities facing the UK’s power system over the next decade. Lawson is responsible for the day-to-day management of Haldane Energy and is a founder and director of the Windward Energy group of companies. He has over a decade of experience in renewables and energy infrastructure, building wind portfolios and independent distribution networks. Main topics include: • The strategic rationale for hydrogen long-duration energy storage and its role in replacing aging gas-fired power plants • How hydrogen provides high energy density and flexible dispatchable power relative to alternatives like batteries or pumped hydro • Design and operation of closed-loop hydrogen systems, including electrolysers, salt cavern storage, and hydrogen fuel power stations • Commercial viability and the importance of government schemes to de-risk investment in large-scale hydrogen energy storage…
This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Juan Carlos Jobet, former Chilean Minister of Energy and Mining and now Dean of the Business School at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez. He joins José Muñoz, Aurora’s Country Lead for Chile, to discuss Chile’s path to a cleaner, more resilient energy system, from the coal phase-out and renewable growth to the country’s ambitions in green hydrogen and the decarbonisation of mining. Juan Carlos served as Minister of Energy and Mining from 2019 to 2022, overseeing a period of profound change in Chile’s power sector. With a background spanning public service, investment banking and executive leadership in energy and infrastructure, he brings a unique perspective on the intersection of policy, markets and global energy challenges. Main topics include: • The policies and partnerships that have enabled Chile’s rapid growth in renewables • The role of large-scale storage and grid infrastructure in supporting the transition • Green hydrogen’s progress and the challenges still to overcome • Mining’s role in the transition and pathways to reduce its emissions…
This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Karin Burns, CEO of San Diego Community Power (SDCP). She joins Oliver Kerr, Aurora’s Managing Director for North America, and Farhad Billimoria, Head of US West Research, to discuss the rise of community choice aggregation (CCA) and its role in accelerating California’s clean energy transition. Karin has led SDCP since 2022, overseeing its rapid growth into one of the largest CCAs in California, now serving nearly one million customers. With a background spanning international finance, non-profit leadership and sustainability strategy, she brings a unique perspective on how community-led models can deliver clean, affordable and reliable energy. Main topics include: What community choice aggregation is and how it is reshaping California’s power market Balancing decarbonisation with affordability and reliability for customers The impact of federal policy changes and rapid demand growth from AI and data centres How distributed resources and virtual power plants can enhance resilience in local energy systems…
This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Helen Clarkson, CEO of Climate Group. She joins Richard Howard, Aurora’s Global Research Director, to discuss the role of business and government in accelerating the transition to net zero. Helen has led Climate Group since 2017, overseeing initiatives such as RE100, EV100, SteelZero, and the Under2 Coalition, which mobilise companies and governments worldwide to commit to ambitious climate goals. With over two decades of experience in climate and humanitarian work, she brings unique insights into how cross-sector coalitions can drive global action. Main topics include: How business and government coalitions are driving faster emissions reductions The challenges of scaling renewables and integrating them into power systems The growing importance of 24/7 carbon-free energy and what to expect from Climate Week NYC…
This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Philip Hirschhorn, Ministerial Appointee to the NEM Wholesale Market Settings Review Expert Panel, and Tim Nelson, Chair of the independent review of Australia’s NEM. They join Hugo Batten, Aurora’s Managing Director for APAC, and Hana Ramli, Principal in our Australian Advisory team, to discuss the draft recommendations of the Wholesale Market Settings Review and their implications for Australia’s energy transition. Philip has over two decades of experience advising the energy sector, including 25 years at Boston Consulting Group where he led the Australian Energy practice. He now serves on the Expert Panel shaping reforms to Australia’s derivatives market and contract design. Tim brings extensive leadership experience across Australia’s energy institutions, including Iberdrola, the AEMC, AGL, and government roles, and is currently chairing the independent review of the NEM. Main topics include: The scope and goals of the NEM Wholesale Market Settings Review and the challenges it seeks to address Key draft recommendations on the spot market, derivatives, and investment signals Implications for batteries, coal exits, and state-level renewable targets in Australia’s energy mix Lessons from overseas markets and what it will take to implement reforms successfully To delve deeper into the investment landscape in Australia, reach out to our Aurora experts at auroraer.com/global-presence/australia.…
This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Heather Reams, President and CEO of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES). She joins Oliver Kerr, Aurora’s Managing Director for North America, to discuss the role of conservative leadership in driving clean energy policy and the prospects for bipartisan cooperation. Heather has led CRES since 2016, building its role as a leading right-of-centre voice for pragmatic clean energy solutions in the US. With over three decades of experience in public affairs and energy policy, she brings a unique perspective on how conservative leadership can advance the energy transition. Main topics include: The state of conservative and Republican support for clean energy in the US The impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) on investment and tax credits Why streamlining energy project approvals could be a rare opportunity for bipartisan cooperation The implications of rising energy demand from AI and advanced manufacturing If you enjoyed listening to this episode, attend the second edition of the Aurora Energy Transition Forum on October 21st, 2025 in New York! The event will bring together senior and influential leaders from the US energy sector - developers, utilities, investors, government, tech, and finance - to address America’s energy transition challenges and solutions. Join a curated group of senior decision-makers in a high-level setting designed to foster meaningful dialogue – more than just your usual networking. Head to Aurora’s website the to find out more and to book your ticket. We look forward to seeing you there!…
This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Christoph Bellin, Head of Development & Projects at Alpiq. He joins Claudia Günther, our Research Lead for Northwestern Europe, to explore the evolving roles of flexible assets like battery storage and pumped hydro in Europe’s energy transition. Christoph is a senior energy executive with over two decades of experience in the European energy market. At Alpiq, he leads the Development & Projects unit, driving the growth of a pan-European Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) portfolio from investment through to commissioning. Main topics include: How Alpiq is expanding its flexible assets portfolio across Europe The key differences in development, financing, and operation of BESS and pumped hydro Whether batteries and pumped hydro are competitors or complementary technologies in the decarbonised grid…
This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Elyette Roux, Executive Vice President for the Power Grid market division at Nexans, and Managing Director of the company’s Accessories Business Unit. She joins Pierre Dennery, Aurora’s Country Head for France, to examine the global challenges of deploying the grid infrastructure required for the energy transition. Elyette joined Nexans in 2021 and now oversees a division representing nearly 30% of the company’s business. She has held senior roles at Dassault Aviation, Schneider Electric, and Cisco, bringing a unique perspective on how industrial capability, innovation, and operations intersect in modernising grids. Main topics include the following: • How global supply chains, material availability, and workforce capacity are shaping grid project timelines • Strategies to accelerate deployment — from advanced manufacturing to cross-industry partnerships • The role of digitalisation and AI in enabling predictive maintenance, faster renewable integration, and more resilient networks…
This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Ben Wilson, President of National Grid Ventures. He joins Dan Monzani, our Managing Director for UK & Ireland, to explore how infrastructure, interconnectors and electrification are shaping the future of the UK and global energy systems. Ben sits on the Executive Committee of National Grid and was appointed President of NGV in August 2024. NGV is the group’s competitive arm, operating a diverse portfolio of low-carbon and renewable energy businesses across the UK, Europe and the US, including interconnectors, battery storage, LNG and clean power generation. Main topics include the following: The future of interconnectors and hybrid offshore grids in building a more integrated European energy system The impact of electrification, AI, and economic growth on rising electricity demand The role of hydrogen in decarbonising emissions-intensive industries and enhancing system flexibility…
This week on Energy Unplugged, we’re delighted to welcome Robert Brook, SVP and Managing Director of the Americas at Neara. He joins our Managing Director for North America, Oliver Kerr, to discuss the evolving state of grid infrastructure in the US and the technologies poised to transform it. Robert brings over 30 years of experience across the energy and information technology sectors. A recognised expert in infrastructure, asset management and risk mitigation, he has held leadership roles at PG&E, Esri, and Hecatic Labs. At Neara, he now works at the forefront of digital grid modelling and utility planning. Main topics include the following: The growing challenges posed by aging grid infrastructure and increasing electricity demand The role of grid-enhancing technologies, such as dynamic line ratings, in maximizing existing system capacity Climate resilience, wildfire mitigation, and the shift toward localised generation and smarter grid operations…
In this episode, we explore how the explosive growth of AI is driving a rapid expansion of data centres, and how this surge is reshaping power systems and energy infrastructure around the world. Richard Howard, Aurora’s Global Research Director, is joined by Malavika Gode, Senior Associate in our UK Advisory team, to unpack the energy implications of this accelerating global trend and what it means for the future of electricity systems. Main topics include: The projected surge in power demand from data centres globally, and what’s driving it Key factors influencing where data centres are being built and how location decisions intersect with grid challenges How data centres are sourcing power today and what needs to happen for their growth to be sustainable…
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