In this episode of Baringa’s Energy Innovators Podcast, you’ll hear from James Humfrey, CEO of Xlinks, as he takes you inside one of the most ambitious renewable energy projects in the world: transporting clean power across continents using subsea cables.

As you listen, you’ll discover:

• Why interconnectors matter to you as the energy system shifts toward net zero.
• How Morocco’s solar and wind patterns can deliver up to 19 hours of clean power to Europe — and what that means for grid stability.
• What it really takes to navigate the geopolitical, regulatory, and technical challenges of mega‑scale energy infrastructure.
• How projects like this get financed, and what you should understand about the balance between public and private capital.
• How subsea cables are protected and repaired, giving you a clearer picture of the real security risks (and the myths).
• Leadership lessons you can apply, as James reflects on mentors, risk‑taking, and building a career in the energy transition.

By the end, you’ll walk away with a sharper understanding of how long‑distance clean‑energy transmission works — and how it could reshape the future energy system you rely on every day.

About our guest:

James, CEO, Xlinks

James has over 25 years’ experience in the Energy Industry, most recently as EVP for Growth and Industry in ADNOC in Abu Dhabi, where he led capital project development and business development including the development of the new $25 billion Chemical Park in Ruwais. Previously, James held senior roles at Shell, with his last as SVP Downstream M&A. He was also previously in charge of Shell’s Global Capital Projects Contracting (including the $14 billion Canada LNG EPC LS contract) and Chemicals Capital Projects.

About our host:

Ellen Fraser, Partner and Expert in Energy and Resources, Baringa

Chances are, you’ve already met Ellen. When it comes to the energy sector, she’s a trusted expert – a familiar face commenting on the BBC, she’s quoted everywhere from the Financial Times to The Guardian. And at Baringa, one of her big clients is energy regulator Ofgem.

Ellen’s talent for decoding a complex industry is her opportunity to not only explain it to others, but to be inside the engine room of change. She’s sat in boardrooms with the CEOs of every major UK energy supplier. And her work with Ofgem cuts to the heart of policy and regulation. Ellen believes even the most difficult situations – like a national energy price crisis – can focus minds on the world’s move towards clean, renewable power.

Ellen takes complicated questions and strips them down. She looks for simple, effective solutions. The “so what?” buried in a pile of detail. With this approach, she steers her clients around pitfalls.

In this episode, Baringa's Ellen Fraser hosts a discussion with Sharon Johnson, CEO of AgilityEco and Rebecca Teasdale, expert in Home and Transport Decarbonisation at Baringa.

In this episode, we discuss a recent study that AgilityEco commissioned Baringa to deliver ‘Turbocharging the benefits of Great Britain's emerging home energy efficiency sector.’ It highlights the opportunity for energy efficiency upgrades, which could also grow the home decarbonisation sector, create jobs, and boost the economy.

The report showed that improving the energy efficiency of residential housing stock to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C or above is not just an environmental necessity but also a powerful economic strategy that can deliver multifaceted benefits for society. To support these efforts, we need the Government to implement a consistent policy framework, along with a committed Warm Homes Plan.

In this episode, Baringa's Ellen Fraser hosts a discussion with Tim Meanock, CEO and co-founder of the climate tech company Tallarna, and Daniel Bolton, expert in Home and Transport Decarbonisation at Baringa.

The conversation explores Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) as an innovative solution for commercial decarbonisation. The guests explain the mechanics of EaaS models, the financial incentives they provide, and how to develop robust business cases that meet the needs of all stakeholders. They also address risk management for EaaS projects, considering various customer profiles, and offer strategic advice for businesses seeking to decarbonise their operations.

About our host:

Ellen Fraser, Partner and Expert in Energy and Resources, Baringa

Chances are, you’ve already met Ellen. When it comes to the energy sector, she’s a trusted expert – a familiar face commenting on the BBC, she’s quoted everywhere from the Financial Times to The Guardian. And at Baringa, one of her big clients is energy regulator Ofgem. Ellen’s talent for decoding a complex industry is her opportunity to not only explain it to others, but to be inside the engine room of change. She’s sat in boardrooms with the CEOs of every major UK energy supplier. And her work with Ofgem cuts to the heart of policy and regulation. Ellen believes even the most difficult situations – like a national energy price crisis – can focus minds on the world’s move towards clean, renewable power. Ellen takes complicated questions and strips them down. She looks for simple, effective solutions. The “so what?” buried in a pile of detail. With this approach, she steers her clients around pitfalls.

About our guests:

Tim Meanock, CEO and Founder, Tallarna

Tim is the CEO and Co-founder of Tallarna, a climate tech and finance platform for sustainable impact. He productised the company's end-to-end Energy-as-a-Service offering, originating and structuring strategic partnerships with funders, technology providers, and developers. Prior to this, Tim spent nine years in private equity, gaining deep real estate and financing experience, and has worked within M&A and securitisation.

Daniel Bolton, Expert in Decarbonisation and Low Carbon Technology Commercial Advisory, Baringa

Daniel is a low-carbon technology expert committed to advising clients across the energy value chain. He helps energy suppliers, regulators, developers, investors and corporates from various sectors navigate the changing energy landscape to decarbonise their operations and generate value in new energy markets.

Stay in touch:

Are you on the list? For more insights from our experts, register for our Energy and Resources Briefing here https://www.baringa.com/en/industries/energy-resources/newsletter-er/

You can get in touch with our host and guests using the links below.

Ellen Fraser – https://www.baringa.com/en/people/experts/ellen-fraser/

Tim Meanock - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-meanock-b911933/

Daniel Bolton - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bolton-ab04995b/