The smarter E Podcast

Europe has some of the world’s best solar researchers and strongest local markets. So why is so much of the PV manufacturing happening somewhere else?Recorded at the recent EU PVSEC scientific conference and exhibition in Rotterdam, host Jonathan Gifford explores this question with Gaëtan Masson, CEO of the Becquerel Institute and co-chair of the European Solar Manufacturing Council. They examine Europe’s increasingly unusual position within the energy transition: a major solar market with very

Recorded at the historic Berlin campus of technology and engineering giant Siemens, this week’s episode explores why Europe’s logistics industry is rapidly accelerating towards electrification – driven not only by decarbonization goals, but increasingly by energy security, operational resilience, and cost control.We’re joined by Marcel Rümenapf, Head of Sales for eMobility Europe at Siemens, to unpack how rising fossil fuel prices, dynamic electricity markets, and improving EV technology are

With the Strait of Hormuz disruption continuing to drive fossil-fuel costs higher, businesses big and small have been left looking for ways to cut energy costs.But, in contrast to energy crises of the past, today’s clean energy technology is mature, cost competitive, and ready to fill the gap. This week on the pod, we speak to James Allston of Orkestra Energy for a view on how European businesses are responding to sustained high electricity prices and growing volatility. Rather than reacting to

As global energy markets face renewed volatility – from geopolitical flashpoints to supply disruptions – a key question is back in focus: how do we deliver energy security when fossil-fuel supply is no longer guaranteed?In this episode, we explore how flexibility – powered by EVs and batteries – is emerging as a frontline solution to energy security challenges. First, Gautham Ram (TU Delft) changes the narrative on EVs as a grid liability. Instead, he outlines how millions of electric vehicles