PODCAST: The energy transition in the Middle East, VPPs in Italy and coal’s diminishing status

January 20, 2020
LinkedIn
Twitter
Reddit
Facebook
Email
Image: Scatec Solar.

In today’s episode, ESN’s Andy Colthorpe and Liam Stoker explore the way grids are changing in the Middle East to accommodate clean energy, the role virtual power plants are playing in Italy, and the contrasting role coal is playing in Germany and bush fire-stricken Australia.

The podcast can be streamed below:

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Alternatively, you can subscribe and listen to the podcast on the Solar Media Editor’s Channel, which is now on all popular audio channels, including;

17 March 2026
Sydney, Australia
As we move into 2026, Australia is seeing real movement in emerging as a global ‘green’ superpower, with energy storage at the heart of this. This Summit will explore in-depth the ‘exponential growth of a unique market’, providing a meeting place for investors and developers’ appetite to do business. The second edition will shine a greater spotlight on behind-the-meter developments, with the distribution network being responsible for a large capacity of total energy storage in Australia. Understanding connection issues, the urgency of transitioning to net zero, optimal financial structures, and the industry developments in 2026 and beyond.

Read Next

January 23, 2026
Palmer Renewable Energy has submitted a referral under the EPBC Act for a 200MW solar-plus-storage project near Collie, Western Australia.
January 23, 2026
Australian mining giant Fortescue has claimed to have secured large-scale battery storage at pricing levels not previously seen in Australia, according to CEO Dino Otranto.
Premium
January 22, 2026
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have emerged as two of the world’s most prominent energy storage markets, with mega-scale projects announced and moved forward at a staggering pace over the last two years. But what does the next phase look like?
January 22, 2026
Engie has acquired a 30% equity stake in the Hazelwood battery energy storage system (BESS) in Victoria, Australia.
January 21, 2026
Virginia’s recently proposed legislation to significantly increase energy storage requirements coincides with unprecedented electricity demand growth in the state, largely driven by data centres.