€100 Million Bet on Ukraine: Inside Octopus-DTEK Energy Partnership

What does a €100 million investment tell us about the future of energy in Ukraine?

In this episode of the Wolfe Power Club, our host Alex Wolfe sits down with DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko following the signing of a landmark partnership between DTEK and Octopus Energy during London Climate Action Week.

The conversation explores why Ukraine has become one of the world's most important proving grounds for energy resilience, how distributed solar and battery storage are strengthening the country's energy system and why innovation is happening at a pace rarely seen elsewhere in Europe.

The episode also features Philip Steele, Future Technologies Evangelist at Octopus Energy, who shares his insights on Octopus' Kraken platform, microgrids, heat pumps, flexible tariffs and the technologies shaping the next phase of the energy transition.

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BIOGRAPHIES

Maxim Timchenko is the CEO of DTEK Group, having led the company since its foundation in 2005. DTEK has grown to become Ukraine’s largest private energy group, with a presence in eight European countries. Since the invasion in 2022, Timchenko has directed the rebuilding of destroyed energy infrastructure and fast-tracked new, more resilient energy assets in pursuit of greater energy security. DTEK has spent over €15 billion on repairs and investments to become the country’s biggest wartime investor.

Philip Steele is the Future Technologies Evangelist at Octopus Energy. He leads an international R&D team dedicated to inventing, testing, and launching disruptive energy innovations. His work focuses on shifting to a greener grid through smart home tech, dynamic time-of-use tariffs, and whole-home electrification.

ABOUT THE HOST

Host Alex Wolfe has over 20 years of experience in the energy industry, including previously serving as Commercial Director at Certas Energy and Director of the South, with responsibility for 900 fuel HGVs. In addition, he has led M&A activity, ran Hollies Truck Stop, and was a Director of the 5th largest fuel company in the UK. Currently, Alex not only hosts the Wolfe Power Club Podcast but also chairs The Spectator Energy Summit. 

Season Two is in Partnership with The Spectator

Tickets for the upcoming The Spectator Energy Summit, on Monday 30th November 2026, are available on sale. Use code: WPC50 for 50% off your purchase

If you would like to partner with The Spectator Energy Summit, please contact Alex on LinkedIn or emilia@wolfepowerclub.com

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Wolfe Power Club Production Team

Founder and Host: Alex Wolfe

Director of Government Relations: Max Austin

Designer: Nick Pelekanos

Editor: Adam Woodward

Social Media Manager: Bella Carter

Recorded at Studio 55 - which has produced podcasts Breaking the Taboo with Theo Clarke and The ABTO Podcast