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Next Time Around

Next Time Around

Written by: Powerverse
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Join Richard Britton and Lauren Forster as they explore how the evolving energy landscape is reshaping priorities, driving technological innovation, and inspiring new business models essential for the transition to a sustainable, electric future.

The green transition is impacting individuals and industries worldwide. Together with expert guests, Richard and Lauren dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of renewable energy, offering insights into how existing problems can be transformed into solutions that drive progress.


Visit www.powerverse.com to catch up on past episodes, learn more about Powerverse, and join us in shaping a sustainable tomorrow.

© 2026 Next Time Around
Economics
Episodes
  • Why Energy Flexibility will define the Energy System
    Jan 16 2026

    In this episode, we speak with Lucy Murley from LCP Delta about the growing role of energy flexibility in enabling a smarter, more resilient energy system. Lucy explains how demand-side flexibility, particularly from electric vehicles and smart energy assets, is becoming essential as renewables increase and grid constraints intensify across UK and European energy markets.

    The conversation explores where value will be created in the flexibility value chain, from retailers and independent aggregators to OEMs and mobility providers. With flexibility positioned as a “win-win-win” for consumers, businesses and the grid, Lucy outlines what energy leaders should be thinking about now as flexibility scales from early adopters to the mass market — and why getting it right is critical to delivering a resilient, low-carbon energy system.

    The episode also covers the importance of customer trust, automation and simplicity in scaling flexibility. A must-listen for energy leaders navigating the next phase of electrification.

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    32 mins
  • Why Clean Energy Projects Succeed or Fail Before They’re Built
    Jan 5 2026

    This week, we speak with Laura Hoffmann-Ostenhof, Central Europe Lead at Gridcog, about why many clean energy and decarbonisation projects succeed or fail long before anything is built.

    We unpack the often hidden challenges behind modern energy projects — from limited grid capacity and changing energy prices to complex market rules — and why relying on simple assumptions can quickly undermine the business case.

    Laura explains why energy flexibility behind-the-meter, such as batteries and EV charging, is becoming increasingly important in markets like Germany and the UK to reduce pressure on the grid and control costs. We also discuss how better modelling leads to better decisions, why flexibility matters just as much as new renewables, and what organisations can do today to make more confident, future-ready energy choices as the transition accelerates.

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    34 mins
  • The Future of UK Energy: Investment, Infrastructure, and Policy Explained
    Dec 4 2025

    In this episode, Alex Grey, Director of Policy at Energy UK, explains the forces shaping the UK’s energy transition and what business leaders need to know to navigate it. Energy UK represents the full energy value chain — from generation through the grid to household bills — giving it a unique system-wide perspective on trade-offs between policy decisions, infrastructure costs, investor confidence, and affordability.

    Alex explores why energy bills remain high, the impact on fuel poverty, and the role of government and policy in managing costs while building a more secure, clean energy system.

    The conversation also highlights the next stage of the transition: electrifying heat, transport, and industry, supporting consumer and business confidence, and enabling a workforce and skills shift to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead. This episode provides a practical view of the energy landscape for leaders planning for decarbonisation, investment and long-term resilience.

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    39 mins
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