Welcome back to The Pexapark Podcast! In the first part of the episode, we dive into recent developments shaping the renewable energy landscape, starting with the European Commission’s long-awaited assessment of the Guarantees of Origin (GoO) market. Hot topics include record-setting results from PJM’s latest capacity auction, implications of hyperscaler-driven demand, and the UK’s Allocation Round 7 for CfDs – and what all of this means for PPA pricing dynamics. We wrap up with a compelling look into why hyperscalers like Google are paying over $100/MWh for power – even as forward markets sit near $50 – and what that tells us about today’s bifurcated energy markets.
In the second part of the episode, Owain Johnson – Global Head of Research at CME Group and author of “The Price Reporters. A Guide to PRAs and Commodity Benchmarks” – joins us to unpack how price benchmarks are made and why they matter so much to renewable energy markets. Enjoy a discussion on themes including:
- How commodity price benchmarks are created – and what it takes for them to gain market trust
- Why benchmarks are critical for unlocking finance, risk management, and scale in energy markets
- The journey from price reporting to industry-wide adoption and financialization
- What we can learn from benchmark journeys in emerging energy commodities like lithium, ethanol, and weather derivatives
- AI’s role in enhancing price discovery and transparency—while preserving the irreplaceable human touch
Listen now:
Episode breakdown:
- 00:00 – Intro
- 01:15 – Regulation
- 04:05 – Deals & Prices
- 10:38 – Wider Energy World
- 14:11 – Interview with Owain Johnson
Analysis notes: