The Hypercube Energy Podcast

Hypercube

The Hypercube Energy Podcast explores the application of technology, data and AI across the energy sector.

In the fast-moving energy landscape, organisations of all sizes need to understand and adopt emerging tech to tackle complex problems, identify new areas of innovation and capitalise on opportunity.

What should an energy technology strategy look like?

How do we identify what problems to solve first?

What innovations are being made in the industry?

These are the questions that host Adam Sroka seeks to answer on this show.

In each episode, he sits down with tech experts and business leaders from the energy sector to understand exactly how they are solving energy-specific data challenges today.

You can learn more about Hypercube - Energy Technology Partner at wearehypercube.com

Join the Beyond Energy Community: wearehypercube.com/join-the-community/

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21 episodes
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Avg 46 min
English

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S1 · E73
Wednesday · 58 min
43 years in energy: beyond the race for cheap power | Clark MacFarlane, Siemens Gamesa
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 decades The Offshore Wind Sector Deal and the importance of long-term policy Building stronger UK supply chains and creating sustainable jobs The scale of grid and electricity infrastructure needed over the next 30 years The role of innovation, AI and digital tools in project delivery
S1 · E72
August 5 · 47 min
The future grid: intelligent or insufficient? | Sam Mathew, Microsoft
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 transformation The challenge of modernising the electricity grid Digital substations and intelligent infrastructure Why people and culture matter more than technology AI, data centres and the future of energy demand
S1 · E71
July 29 · 39 min
Building a data-driven energy sector | Nic Granger OBE, The Data Lab
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 energy Lessons from building the National Data Repository What good digital transformation really looks like Aligning data and AI with business strategy Developing digital skills and collaboration across the energy sector The future of data-driven decision-making in energy
S1 · E70
July 1 · 1 hr
Floating offshore wind, supply chains and Scotland’s opportunity | Clare Lavelle, Buchan Offshore Wind
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 markets Buchan Offshore Wind’s concrete foundation strategy Building Scottish supply chain capability and local jobs Grid, transmission charging and project delivery challenges The role of AI, data and digital tools in offshore wind
S1 · E69
June 25 · 55 min
Energy's innovation challenge: closing the deployment gap | Laura Sandys CBE, Ofgem & Innovate UK
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 service Learning from logistics, telecoms and other industries Why innovation should focus on deployment, not pilots The role of data, digitalisation and AI in energy transformation Building a more diverse, customer-focused and systems-oriented sector
S1 · E68
June 10 · 48 min
Offshore wind, energy security and investment | Gary Connolly, ESB Energy
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 Ireland Energy security, grid constraints and renewables integration The role of industry groups in shaping policy and delivery What makes offshore wind projects bankable Improving offshore safety through AI, data and remote operations
S1 · E67
May 28 · 38 min
Energy storytelling beyond the headlines | Juliette Sanders, Energy UK
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 communication Public trust, misinformation and the net zero narrative The communications lessons from the energy crisis How AI is changing communications and customer engagement Creative storytelling and public engagement through “Killah Jules”
S1 · E66
May 20 · 32 min
What will power the next wave of electrification? | Mikey Clark, Relode
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 electrification The rise of AI data centres and large-scale power demand How private power parks could reshape energy infrastructure Why electric freight and charging infrastructure will scale rapidly The role of AI, optimisation and flexible energy systems
S1 · E65
May 13 · 42 min
Supply chains, ESG risk and energy security | Sarah Montgomery, Infyos
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 China The hidden ESG and human rights risks in batteries and solar How supply chain due diligence impacts project financing Why AI and data platforms are critical for supply chain transparency The future of battery manufacturers, integrators and supply chain diversification
S1 · E64
May 6 · 52 min
Corporate PPAs, power demand and customer-led energy | Ilesh Patel, Liberty Global & Egg Power
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 systems The role of corporate PPAs in scaling clean energy Why customer-led models outperform traditional development Execution challenges in building energy businesses Where AI and digital tools can drive efficiency in the system
S1 · E63
April 29 · 51 min
Oversupply, hydrogen storage and the future energy 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
S1 · E62
April 22 · 41 min
Battery storage, asset management and scaling portfolios
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 generator Asset management and operational strategy from day one Data, tooling gaps and fragmented systems Supply chain challenges and delivery risk How to scale from one asset to a portfolio
S1 · E61
April 15 · 50 min
Grid reform, queue management and the future of connections
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
S1 · E60
March 18 · 39 min
Energy efficiency, electrification and the next phase of net zero
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
S1 · E59
March 11 · 42 min
Planning, policy, and public trust in energy development
On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with James Jamieson, Vice President of Business Development at Starlight Energy, about how planning decisions shape renewable energy projects and why policy, public trust and collaboration are central to delivering new infrastructure. James shares his experience across local authority, consultancy and developer-side planning, explaining how energy projects move through the planning system and how decisions are made. The conversation explores the balance between commercial development, community concerns and environmental impact, as well as how biodiversity and social value are increasingly built into renewable projects from the outset. Adam and James also discuss how planning is evolving as renewable infrastructure scales, where AI could help reduce administrative burden, and why trust, transparency and better public understanding of planning will be essential to delivering the next generation of energy projects. Adam and James cover: James’s role at Starlight Energy and how renewable energy projects move through planning Why planning decisions are policy-led rather than popularity contests Balancing development, biodiversity and community concerns How planning professionals work with authorities, stakeholders and local communities Where AI could support planning systems and reduce administrative complexity Trust, transparency and the future of public engagement in infrastructure decisions
S1 · E58
March 4 · 43 min
People, purpose and performance in the energy transition
On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Lucy Webb, Head of People Partnering at So Energy, about the human side of the energy transition and how people strategy underpins performance in a rapidly evolving energy market. Lucy shares her journey across STEM industries into energy and explains how So Energy is preparing for sector shifts such as smart meter rollout, half-hourly settlement and increasing digitalisation. The conversation explores capability mapping, job design and future skills planning, as well as how AI can be used to enhance customer service and employee experience rather than replace human expertise. Adam and Lucy cover: Lucy’s role at So Energy and what people partnering means in practice How capability mapping helps prepare for industry reform and digital change Job design, performance and adapting roles in a fast-moving sector AI as an enabler for customer service and operational efficiency Attracting diverse talent into energy and the skills that will matter most
S1 · E57
February 24 · 50 min
Energy asset optimisation: availability, dispatch and market revenue
On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Ralph Johnson, Head of UK Business Development at Habitat Energy, about what truly drives performance in battery energy storage and why availability, not marginal optimisation uplift, often determines real-world returns. Ralph shares his journey from EDF Energy and Reactive Technologies into battery optimisation, explaining how specialist optimisers manage complex assets across evolving power markets. The conversation explores how dispatch models, settlement reform and revenue certainty products are reshaping battery economics, and why operational discipline, strong onboarding and close collaboration between trading, operations and data teams are critical to protecting long-term value. Adam and Ralph cover: Ralph’s role at Habitat Energy and how large-scale battery assets are optimised Why availability often matters more than incremental performance gains Where projects commonly fall short, from onboarding and metering to warranty constraints How market design and ancillary services influence battery returns The rise of co-location and what it means for asset performance and financing
S1 · E56
February 11 · 37 min
Bankable batteries: markets, execution, and trust
On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Antonio Montoto, Head of Storage at Greenvolt Power, about how battery storage has evolved from niche, bespoke projects into core infrastructure for modern power systems and what it really takes to deliver storage at scale across global markets. Antonio shares his journey from working on early, technically driven storage projects to leading utility-scale battery portfolios across Europe, the US, and Japan. He explains how the challenges facing storage have shifted over the past decade, from understanding degradation and cycling limits to executing complex projects, securing bankability, and integrating batteries into increasingly competitive energy markets. The conversation explores how market maturity, regulation, and geography shape storage outcomes, and why realistic returns, strong execution, and the right mix of software and in-house expertise are critical to long-term value. Adam and Antonio cover: Antonio’s role at Greenvolt Power and how large-scale storage portfolios are built Why battery storage has moved from bespoke use cases to mainstream grid infrastructure Where storage projects most commonly fail and how experienced teams avoid it The gap between engineering reality and financial bankability How regulation and market maturity differ across regions What’s really changed in battery hardware over the past decade
S1 · E55
February 4 · 48 min
AI in the Energy System: data, risk, and real-world deployment
On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Stephen Haben, Senior AI Consultant at Energy Systems Catapult, about where AI and data are genuinely useful in the energy sector — and what still needs to change for them to scale safely in a system that is becoming more complex and decentralised. Stephen shares his journey from academic research in forecasting and low-voltage networks into applied AI and digital advisory work across the energy system. He explains why many of the biggest barriers to AI adoption are not technical, but relate to data quality, integration, skills, and the realities of operating safety-critical infrastructure. The conversation explores the Catapult’s role in supporting innovators, networks, and policymakers, and why strong digital foundations are essential before advanced AI can deliver value. Adam and Stephen cover: Stephen’s path from academic forecasting research into sector-wide AI advisory Why AI in energy often fails without strong data and digital foundations Common pitfalls in forecasting and why simple models still matter How EVs, heat pumps, and flexibility are reshaping distribution networks The role of Smart Energy Data Services in enabling innovation Synthetic data, privacy, and responsible data sharing What it takes to move AI from pilots into real-world energy operations
S1 · E54
January 28 · 48 min
Energy storage at scale: C&I batteries and digital control
On this episode of the Hypercube Energy Podcast, Adam Sroka speaks with Stephan Schnez, CTO and Co-founder of RCT Pro, about the role of power electronics, digital control, and battery storage in a grid with falling inertia and rising complexity. Stephan shares his journey from theoretical physics and graphene research at ETH Zurich into renewable energy and battery storage, including senior roles at ABB and helping to build Huawei’s Zurich research centre, before joining RCT Power and spinning out RCT Pro to focus on commercial and industrial storage. The conversation explores why digital technologies are no longer optional but fundamental enablers of the energy transition, and how control systems, software, and hardware must evolve together. Adam and Stephan cover: Stephan’s path from physics research to energy storage and power electronics Why declining grid inertia makes digital control essential RCT Power’s origins and the impact of hybrid inverters in residential storage Why C&I battery storage is a fundamentally different market The decision to spin out RCT Pro to move faster and closer to customers Competing with global manufacturers through localisation, usability, and trust What building a truly digital-first hardware company looks like in practice

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