Advertise on podcast: The Hypercube Energy Podcast

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Dan Moore, Head of Asset Management at Root-Power, about the changing UK battery storage market and what it takes to build and operate increasingly large and complex portfolios. With Root-Power developing an 860 MW portfolio of four-hour battery storage projects, Dan explores how the market is evolving and what that means for asset management. He discusses capacity market reform, long-duration storage and new commercial models, as well as why data and AI should form part of asset management from day one. Adam and Dan cover: The evolution of the UK battery storage marketManaging larger and more complex BESS portfoliosCapacity market reform and long-duration storageThe role of data and AI in battery asset managementThe opportunity ahead for UK energy storage

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Clark MacFarlane, former UK Chairman at Siemens Gamesa, about what it will take to build the infrastructure, supply chains and workforce needed for the decades ahead. After a 43-year career spanning energy, technology, defence and infrastructure, Clark reflects on how dramatically the sector has changed and why the next phase will require even greater ambition. He discusses the evolution of offshore wind, his role in helping shape the Offshore Wind Sector Deal, and why consistent policy is essential if industry is expected to invest, scale and deliver. The conversation also looks at the UK supply chain, grid expansion, project economics and the importance of playing to national strengths in areas such as engineering, ports, logistics, digital technology and AI. Clark explains why long-term certainty matters more than short-term price pressure, and why building enough electricity infrastructure to meet future demand will depend on creating an industry capable of delivering at sustained scale. Adam and Clark discuss: How the UK energy sector has changed over the past four decadesThe Offshore Wind Sector Deal and the importance of long-term policyBuilding stronger UK supply chains and creating sustainable jobsThe scale of grid and electricity infrastructure needed over the next 30 yearsThe role of innovation, AI and digital tools in project delivery

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Sam Mathew, Director and Industry Lead for Energy & Utilities at Microsoft, about how AI, digital technologies and data are informing the next generation of the energy sector. Drawing on experience spanning offshore oil and gas, consulting and technology, Sam shares why the energy industry's biggest challenges are no longer technical, but organisational. Success will depend on modernising critical infrastructure, attracting the next generation of talent and embedding intelligent digital systems across the energy sector. The conversation explores the energy trilemma, AI-driven electricity demand, digital substations, grid modernisation and the importance of embedding intelligence across the energy system. Sam also discusses why the future grid must become more adaptive, why technology should empower people rather than replace them, and how learning from other industries and countries can help accelerate progress. Adam and Sam discuss: Why the energy sector must embrace AI and digital transformationThe challenge of modernising the electricity gridDigital substations and intelligent infrastructureWhy people and culture matter more than technologyAI, data centres and the future of energy demand

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Nic Granger OBE, Chair of The Data Lab and former Chief Information and Financial Officer at the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), about how data and digital technologies are reshaping the future of offshore energy. Nic shares how the NSTA is putting data at the centre of regulation and stewardship, from building the National Data Repository to supporting collaboration across oil and gas, carbon storage and hydrogen. The conversation explores why successful digital transformation starts with business problems rather than technology, how organisations can build stronger data foundations, and why leadership, skills and collaboration are essential to unlocking the value of AI. Adam and Nic also discuss the Offshore Energy Digital Strategy Group, the role of The Data Lab in developing Scotland’s data and AI ecosystem, and why the next generation of energy organisations will embed data and digital at the heart of business strategy rather than treating them as standalone technology initiatives. Adam and Nic discuss: Why data is central to the future of offshore energyLessons from building the National Data RepositoryWhat good digital transformation really looks likeAligning data and AI with business strategyDeveloping digital skills and collaboration across the energy sectorThe future of data-driven decision-making in energy

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Clare Lavelle, Project Director at Buchan Offshore Wind, about one of the world’s most advanced commercial-scale floating offshore wind projects. Clare explains why floating offshore wind is essential to unlocking deeper-water sites, expanding global offshore wind capacity and supporting long-term energy security. She also discusses Buchan Offshore Wind’s plans to use concrete floating foundations manufactured in Scotland, helping build local supply chain capability and create long-term industrial value. The conversation explores what it takes to deliver a first-of-a-kind project at commercial scale, including technology selection, risk management, grid and transmission challenges, community engagement and the role of data and AI in improving project delivery. Clare also shares why Scotland has a major opportunity to lead in floating offshore wind, using its ports, workforce and offshore expertise to build a new global industry. Adam and Clare cover: Why floating offshore wind is critical for deeper-water marketsBuchan Offshore Wind’s concrete foundation strategyBuilding Scottish supply chain capability and local jobsGrid, transmission charging and project delivery challengesThe role of AI, data and digital tools in offshore wind

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Laura Sandys CBE, Chair of the Ofgem & Innovate UK Networks Innovation Taskforce, about the structural and cultural barriers holding the energy sector back. Drawing on experience across business, politics and energy policy, Laura shares a candid perspective on why many of the industry’s biggest challenges are not technical, but organisational. The conversation explores issues such as fragmented decision-making, outdated business models, customer engagement and innovation adoption, highlighting why the sector must think differently if it is to deliver the energy transition successfully. The discussion explores whole-system thinking, digital transformation, energy-as-a-service, grid constraints and the importance of learning from sectors such as logistics, telecoms and financial services. Laura also explains why innovation should be judged by deployment rather than pilots, drawing on examples such as Sero Homes, which is helping create customer-focused, low-carbon energy solutions for social housing. Adam and Laura cover: Why the energy sector needs a stronger culture of customer serviceLearning from logistics, telecoms and other industriesWhy innovation should focus on deployment, not pilotsThe role of data, digitalisation and AI in energy transformationBuilding a more diverse, customer-focused and systems-oriented sector

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Gary Connolly, Head of UK Offshore Wind Development at ESB Energy, about the challenges and opportunities shaping the next generation of offshore wind projects. Gary shares his journey from agricultural engineering into renewable energy, exploring how offshore wind development has evolved over the past two decades and what it takes to deliver large-scale projects in increasingly complex markets. He also discusses energy security, grid constraints, project finance and the growing role of technology in offshore operations. Adam and Gary cover: Offshore wind development across the UK and IrelandEnergy security, grid constraints and renewables integrationThe role of industry groups in shaping policy and deliveryWhat makes offshore wind projects bankableImproving offshore safety through AI, data and remote operations

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Faye Girvan, Marketing Director, and Ciara Inglis, Marketing Manager at Hypercube, speak with Juliette Sanders, Chief Communications Officer at Energy UK, about the role of communications in the energy transition and why public trust has become one of the sector’s biggest challenges. Juliette shares her journey from engineering into communications, exploring how public perceptions of net zero, the energy crisis and digital media are reshaping the way the sector communicates. She also explains why relatable storytelling, creativity and human-centred communication will be critical to building trust and engagement across the industry. Faye, Ciara and Juliette cover: Why the energy sector needs more relatable communicationPublic trust, misinformation and the net zero narrativeThe communications lessons from the energy crisisHow AI is changing communications and customer engagementCreative storytelling and public engagement through “Killah Jules”

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Mikey Clark, CEO of Relode, about the growing pressure on the UK electricity system and the infrastructure needed to support the next wave of electrification. Mikey shares his experience across electrical engineering, battery storage and infrastructure development, exploring how rising demand linked to AI data centres, electric freight and industrial electrification is reshaping the grid, and why new approaches to power infrastructure will be critical to supporting the next wave of electrification. Adam and Mikey cover: Why grid connection delays are becoming a major barrier to electrificationThe rise of AI data centres and large-scale power demandHow private power parks could reshape energy infrastructureWhy electric freight and charging infrastructure will scale rapidlyThe role of AI, optimisation and flexible energy systems

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Sarah Montgomery, CEO and Co-Founder of Infyos, about the growing complexity of renewable energy supply chains and why developers can no longer ignore ESG and geopolitical risk. Adam and Sarah cover: Why renewable energy supply chains remain heavily dependent on ChinaThe hidden ESG and human rights risks in batteries and solarHow supply chain due diligence impacts project financingWhy AI and data platforms are critical for supply chain transparencyThe future of battery manufacturers, integrators and supply chain diversification

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Ilesh Patel, CEO of Egg Power and Chief Commercial Officer, Energy Transition at Liberty Global, about how rising power demand is reshaping the energy system and why customer-led models are becoming critical to delivering the next phase of the transition. Ilesh shares his experience building Baringa’s global energy practice before moving into industry to launch and scale new energy transition businesses. He explains why execution, not ideas, is the biggest challenge in energy, and how focusing on real customer demand changes the way infrastructure is developed and financed. The conversation explores a fundamental shift in the energy landscape: rapid demand growth from digital infrastructure and data centres, combined with the need to deliver clean power at scale. Ilesh outlines how corporate PPAs can help bridge the gap between ambition and delivery, and why the industry must evolve beyond traditional supply-led approaches. Adam and Ilesh cover: Why power demand is rising in modern energy systemsThe role of corporate PPAs in scaling clean energyWhy customer-led models outperform traditional developmentExecution challenges in building energy businessesWhere AI and digital tools can drive efficiency in the system

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Lawson Steele, CEO of Haldane Energy, about how the energy system is evolving and what large-scale infrastructure is needed to support a renewable-led future. Lawson shares his experience building renewable and grid businesses, explaining how long-term, high-conviction investment thinking underpins successful energy platforms. He outlines why increasing renewable penetration will lead to structural oversupply, and how this creates both challenges and opportunities across the system. The conversation also explores hydrogen as long-duration energy storage, the role of infrastructure in balancing supply and demand, and the realities of developing gigawatt-scale projects in complex markets. Adam and Lawson cover: Why renewable-heavy systems will create structural oversupply Hydrogen as long-duration energy storage at scale Building large-scale energy infrastructure businesses System planning, policy and long-term investment decisions Where AI and digital tools can improve energy system efficiency

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Richard Whitmore, Director of Asset Management at Adaptogen Capital, about how battery storage is evolving and what it takes to build and scale successful BESS portfolios. Richard shares his experience across offshore wind and battery storage, explaining why BESS should be treated as a trading asset rather than a passive generator. He outlines the importance of asset management, data strategy and operational planning early in the lifecycle, and how these decisions shape long-term performance. The conversation also explores scaling from a single project to a portfolio, supply chain constraints, and the realities of operating battery assets in increasingly complex energy markets. Adam and Richard cover: Why BESS is a trading asset, not a passive generatorAsset management and operational strategy from day oneData, tooling gaps and fragmented systemsSupply chain challenges and delivery riskHow to scale from one asset to a portfolio

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Catherine Cleary, Grid Connection Specialist at Roadnight Taylor, about the challenges shaping grid connections and why reforming the process is critical to delivering the energy transition. Catherine shares her experience working across renewable, storage and large demand connections, explaining how the grid connection process works in practice and why it has become increasingly complex. She outlines the drivers behind connections reform, the shift from “first come, first served” to “first ready, first connected,” and what this means for developers, investors and the wider energy system. Adam and Catherine also explore the realities of building and upgrading grid infrastructure, the limitations of automation and AI in this space, and where digitalisation could still play a role. Adam and Catherine cover: Catherine’s role at Roadnight Taylor and the fundamentals of grid connections Why the grid queue has become a major bottleneck for energy projects Connections reform and the shift to a “ready and needed” system The impact of reform on developers, investors and project timelines Why grid infrastructure delivery, not just process, is the critical challenge Where automation, data and digital tools could support the grid Clean Power 2030 and what it will take to deliver at scale

On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Steven Fawkes, Managing Partner at ep Group, about how energy efficiency, electrification and finance shape the pace of the energy transition. Steven shares his experience across decades in the energy sector, reflecting on how the system has evolved from centralised, fossil-based generation to one increasingly driven by renewables, storage and distributed energy. He explains why energy efficiency has historically struggled to scale, despite its importance, and how challenges around measurement, standardisation and investment continue to hold it back. Adam and Steven also discuss how electrification and efficiency interact at different system levels, the growing role of distributed batteries and flexibility, and how data, standardisation and de-risking tools could unlock more private capital. Along the way, they explore the human and organisational barriers that slow change, and why incentives, business models and trust are just as important as technology. Adam and Steven cover: Steven’s role at EP Group and how he approaches building energy projects What has changed most across the energy system over the past 40 years Why energy efficiency remains underfunded and overlooked Electrification, distributed energy and the rise of flexibility markets How finance, standardisation and de-risking shape investment decisions The organisational and human barriers that can slow the energy transition