From EVs to BESS: Why capital is flowing to batteries – with Laurent Segalen and Stefan Müller

Recorded at two recent industry events – the SolarPower Summit in
Brussels and the Battery Business & Development Forum in
Frankfurt – this week’s episode explores why batteries have
become one of the most dynamic areas of the global energy
transition. Featuring two industry heavy hitters, the
conversations cover how BESS is transforming everything from
electric mobility and charging infrastructure to renewable energy
markets and grid management.


In the first interview, we’re joined by Laurent
Segalen, clean energy investor and host of the
Redefining Energy podcast, to unpack why electrification is
entering a new phase of growth. Laurent explains how falling
battery costs, improving EV technology, and changing energy
economics are accelerating the shift from fossil fuels to
electricity – particularly across transport sectors such as cars,
vans, and heavy-duty trucks.


The discussion explores why electric trucks are becoming
increasingly compelling from a business perspective, with lower
operating and maintenance costs driving adoption. Laurent also
explains why stationary batteries will play a critical role in
supporting high-power charging infrastructure, creating buffers
across the electricity system, and enabling the continued
expansion of renewable energy.


In the second half of the episode, we speak with Stefan
Mueller, COO and co-founder of ENERPARC, about the
booming utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) market
in Germany and Europe. Stefan shares insights into the wide range
of emerging opportunities – from grid-scale batteries and
solar-plus-storage projects to behind-the-meter applications
supporting industry, EV charging, and energy-cost optimization.


The conversation covers the changing economics of battery
projects, including merchant trading, peak shaving, balancing
markets, and how energy storage can help companies access more
reliable renewable power. Stefan also explains what investors and
banks need to see for BESS projects to become financeable, and
why predictable regulation and grid connection frameworks remain
essential.


We also discuss the role of AI and digital platforms in managing
increasingly complex energy assets, the future of hydrogen versus
electrification in transport, and why batteries may ultimately
help us use existing electricity infrastructure far more
efficiently.


️ Questions or feedback? Write us at
podcast@thesmartere.com