Trading in Uncertainty, Investing in Europe, Mark Copley, Energy Traders Europe

In this episode of Energ’Ethic, host Marine Cornelis sits down with Mark Copley, CEO of Energy Traders Europe, to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood parts of our energy system: trading.

Energy trading often feels like a secret society—shrouded in jargon, heavy with high stakes, and, let’s be honest, not the most relatable part of the transition narrative. But Mark shows us a different side: one where traders act as the shock absorbers and oil in the engine of Europe’s energy system.

Together, they explore:

🔹 Mark’s Journey: From childhood train journeys across Europe to shaping policy at Ofgem, BEIS, and ACER, and ultimately championing energy trading at the European level.

🔹 What Traders Actually Do: Far from the Wolf of Wall Street stereotype, traders manage risk, stabilise volatile markets, and enable investments in renewables. Without them, fixed energy prices and large-scale renewable projects would be almost impossible.

🔹 The Role of Markets in Crisis: During the energy crisis, trading proved its strength—not its weakness—by keeping the system afloat amidst historic shocks.

🔹 Decarbonisation and Trading: Mark shares how efficient, well-regulated markets are key to supporting Europe’s decarbonisation goals—and why trading will become even more crucial as renewables dominate.

🔹 The Gender (and Diversity) Gap: We tackle the uncomfortable realities of trading’s male-dominated culture, the excuses still floating around, and why meaningful action is urgently needed.

🔹 A Call for Systemic Thinking: No single solution will deliver the energy transition. It is about integration—large-scale grids and local energy communities, innovation and regulation, policy ambition and market efficiency.

🔹 A Vision for Europe: Mark dreams of an "energy Hanseatic League," a Europe where collaboration and smart rules drive a cleaner, fairer, and more resilient system.

💬 “There is no shortage of smart ideas. The real challenge is working together, across borders, across sectors, to make the energy transition happen.” — Mark Copley

🌍 Why You Should Listen

If you want to understand why energy markets are essential to Europe’s green future—and how we can make them work better for people and the planet—this conversation is for you.

Expect honesty, wit, and a few bad bee metaphors (yes, really).

A big thanks to Energy Traders Europe for their generous sponsorship.

Energ' Ethic goes out every other week.

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Music: I Need You Here - Kamarius
Edition: Podcast Media Factory 

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