Ep259: The Value of Flexibility

And why data centres are looking to off-grid power

Håkan Agnevall, CEO of Wärtsilä

As electricity demand rises and renewable generation continues to expand, the same question keeps arising: how do we keep power systems reliable, affordable and resilient?

This week, Michael Liebreich is joined by Håkan Agnevall, CEO of Wärtsilä, to discuss the changing role of flexible generation in modern electricity systems, the growing importance of grid stability, and why balancing technologies will be critical as renewables become an ever-larger share of the global energy mix.

They explore how rapidly growing electricity demand, including from data centres, is reshaping investment decisions, why flexible gas generation may play an important transitional role, and how batteries, renewables and thermal assets can work together to build a more resilient power system.

The conversation also examines the future of shipping decarbonisation following delays to the International Maritime Organisation’s proposed global carbon-pricing mechanism, the importance of fuel flexibility for vessel owners, and how digital technologies and AI are improving efficiency across industry.

Håkan and Michael cover a wide variety of topics, including:
• Why flexible generation remains essential in renewable-heavy grids
• How growing electricity demand is changing energy infrastructure planning
• The role of gas engines, batteries and storage in maintaining grid stability
• What data centres mean for future power systems
• Shipping decarbonisation and the IMO's delayed carbon-pricing vote
• Fuel flexibility and efficiency in maritime transport
• How industrial companies are using AI to improve performance and reliability
• Energy security, competitiveness and the changing geopolitical landscape

Watch the episode now on YouTube, or find it on your favourite podcast platform.