Free Top Stories

Poland plans to curb electricity sales via power exchange to help coal industry

1 September 2020

Poland’s huge mining sector is inefficient and loss-making while EU climate regulations and the rise of renewable power are limiting demand for coal.

Bitcoin power consumption need not blow your brains—yet

29 August 2020

Russia, Kazakhstan and Iran make top 10 in electricity consumption index for digital currency mining industry.

International mediation mechanism for Armenia, Azerbaijan conflict “does not seem fit for purpose” says former co-chair

28 August 2020

Noting July skirmishes took place far from contested Nagorno Karabakh territory, former US diplomat says clashes “may have unleashed a dangerous new geopolitical dynamic” partly given their proximity to strategic oil and gas pipelines.

Azerbaijan's revised budget highlights hit to public finances from oil and virus says Fitch

27 August 2020

Planned deficit raised to 12.4% of GDP from 2.3%. Baku forced to raid sovereign wealth fund to support manat.

EU’s top diplomats ‘to discuss toolbox of Turkey options broader than sanctions’

26 August 2020

Berlin meeting takes place as France joins Italy, Greece and Cyprus in military exercises in eastern Mediterranean where Ankara is accused of illegal gas and oil exploration.

Romania’s CE Oltenia outlines restructuring and decarbonisation plan with €1.5bn of investments

24 August 2020

Troubled energy giant to scale down coal power production and gradually close its coal mines while investing into new renewables capacity.

'Daunting challenges lie in way of those minded to revive Trans-Caspian Pipeline project'

24 August 2020

Analyst says: “TCP has great political appeal and is destined to remain alive for many years, if only on PowerPoint presentations... it will provide fodder for politicians and bureaucrats (ignorant of or not understanding commercial realities)."

BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: Has Erdogan discovered more reserves of hot air?

21 August 2020

So far the markets don’t see Turkey’s gas find in the Black Sea as a game-changer and the more cynical perceive Ankara as bigging it up to put a brake on the beleaguered lira. The jury, however, is still out.

Claim that Turkey’s made Black Sea energy discovery sends ripple through markets

19 August 2020

Erdogan promises to deliver Turks some “good news” in two days that will signal “the beginning of a new era” for the nation. Against backdrop of beleaguered lira, Turkish president is badly in need of a lift.

Turkish refiner Tupras swings to Q2 net loss of TRY185mn

17 August 2020

Turkish refiner Tupras swings to TRY185mn net loss in Q2. Oil price and pandemic woes deal company double blow. Major companies in Turkey showing chunky FX deficits. Turkish Airlines becoming another burden for country.

US ‘grabs Iranian fuel en route to Venezuela’

14 August 2020

Move disrupts growing strategic alliance of two sanctioned nations that Washington finds hard to swallow.

Debut green bonds issued on Astana International Exchange

12 August 2020

UNDP backs milestone achievement of Kazakhstan’s Damu Entrepreneurship Fund. Move based on reduction of investment risks in renewable energy.

VTB Capital sees complications with viability of Tajik eurobond amid weakening sovereign profile

6 August 2020

Significant rainfall reduction in Tajikistan’s Pamir mountains hit country’s hopes for electricity export to Pakistan, perhaps undercutting potential of “TAJIKI bond” financed Roghun hydropower dam project.

Belarus set to start the Ostrovets NPP within the next few days

5 August 2020

Operations at the first unit of the new Belarusian nuclear power plant (NPP) in Ostrovets, near the Belarusian-Lithuanian border, are being launched early and slated to start in the next few days