Energy trading is often seen as opaque, controversial, or even unnecessary, yet it sits at the very heart of Europe’s energy system. As the continent grapples with war, price shocks, decarbonisation and rising political pressure over household bills, trading is no longer a niche activity: it’s the infrastructure that moves molecules and electrons to where they are needed most.

In this episode of AFRY on Strategy, we speak with Mark Copley, CEO of Energy Traders Europe (formerly EFET), about why trading is best understood as a circulatory system for energy, and what happens when policy starts to clog the arteries. Mark explains the role of standardised contracts, data and cross-border market coupling in creating consumer value, and explores the growing tension between Brussels-led market design and fast-moving national interventions.

From Romania’s 98% tax on cross-border trading to debates over REMA, zonal vs nodal pricing, and the massive build-out needed in the North Sea, we discuss why policy coherence, strong institutions and simple shared principles matter more than ever. Mark also reflects on Europe’s import dependence, the future of gas and biomethane, and why getting the basics right (generation, networks, flexibility, smart meters and clear rules for new certificates and hydrogen) is more important than chasing perfect but unimplementable market designs

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Flexibility is emerging as one of the most vital and misunderstood elements of Europe’s future energy system. As renewables scale at unprecedented speed, volatility in the grid is growing, creating both challenges and opportunities.

In this episode of AFRY on Strategy, we speak with Christoph Gardlo, COO and co-founder of Esforin, one of Europe’s most innovative players in the flexibility space. Christoph shares his journey from corporate energy markets to entrepreneurship and explains how Esforin helps industrial and commercial consumers monetise their flexibility through AI-driven trading and digital platforms.

From the rise of intraday optimisation to the role of batteries, industrial demand response, and regulatory shifts across Europe, we explore why flexibility is no longer optional, it’s essential. Christoph also reflects on the company’s growth story, the lessons of building a start-up to rival incumbents, and why putting the customer at the centre is key to success in an industry often dominated by policy and technology

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Nuclear energy has long been a cornerstone of Spain’s power system, yet all reactors are set to shut down by 2035. As electrification surges and the Iberian blackout serves as a stark reminder of system fragility, tough questions are being asked about how to secure clean, reliable energy.

In this episode, we speak with Guillem Sanchis, co-founder of Econucleares and a passionate advocate for nuclear power as part of the clean energy transition. Guillem shares his views on Spain’s nuclear phase-out plan, the broader role of nuclear in decarbonisation, and what inspired his activism. From public perception to political decision-making, we explore why nuclear remains one of the most debated (yet potentially essential) tools in the energy mix.

Join us to hear why Guillem believes it’s time for a serious rethink.

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