Can Europe Win Energy Sovereignty? Anna Teyssot (Exergon) on Nuclear, Batteries and Scale-Up Risk
Innovation and Private Capital x auliumShow Notes
Europe's energy gap is widening as electrification and data centers add demand faster than the grid can deliver, and Anna Teyssot of Exergon argues that innovation, not fossil fuels, has to close it.
In this conversation, Anna Teyssot explains why Exergon invests in new nuclear, batteries and AI-powered energy efficiency. She walks through what it takes to launch a European gigafactory, from anchoring a first client to prototyping a full-size cell, and contrasts Verkor's focused approach with Northvolt's vertically integrated ambition. She also covers how early-stage capital in long-cycle hardware can be de-risked and sold on to later investors, and why growth rounds remain a structural bottleneck in Europe.
🔋 Why a gigafactory needs an anchor client and a proven in-house cell, and how Northvolt took on too many projects and sites at the same time
⚛️ How a venture fund reconciles long-maturing reactor technology with a fund life the host frames as 10-12 years: back the supply chain, de-risk, and exit through secondaries or strategic buyers
📊 Why technical due diligence is about founder mindset and stress-testing systems in the worst conditions, not just checklists
💸 The Series B gap in Europe and the role the Scale Up Europe fund may play
🇪🇺 Why local-content regulation on batteries can be a competitive advantage that the US lacks
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