REM - Renewable Energy
AfDB leads DFIs in promoting private investment in energy access
The African Development Bank and a number of European development finance institutes (DFIs) have committed $160mn of initial funding for the Facility for Energy Inclusion (FEI)
TEPCO, Ørsted seal JV to move into Japanese offshore wind
Japan’s TEPCO and Denmark’s Ørsted to form JV to win offshore wind bid
Energy transition faces tough test after COVID-19 and cheap oil
Post-crisis economic stimulus packages much be focused on clean energy and not coal if the fight against climate change is not to be derailed
EDF seals Chinese offshore wind deal
China Energy has confirmed that France’s EDF is joining it in developing 502 MW of offshore wind capacity at two sites at a cost of $1.13bn
Ukraine's new cabinet offers voluntary tariff cuts for renewables, but ready to go to court in disputes
Ukraine’s new cabinet shocked investors by threatening to cut generous “green tariff” arrangements retroactively for renewable energy developers. This may prompt a raft of lawsuits from irate investors.
AfDB supports Nigeria’s struggling power sector
The African Development Bank has agreed to lend $200mn to Nigeria’s Rural Electricity Agency (REA) to boost access to power for domestic, commercial and industrial customers in rural areas.
Emerging off-grid sector to play key role in achieving universal access
Investment in off-grid energy access between 2010 and 2019 reached $2.1bn, connecting 420mn people to off-grid solar supplies and 47mn to local mini-grids.
$600bn of coal investment at risk from competitive wind and solar
The falling price of renewables means that the 499 GW of new coal capacity planned or being built worldwide could be a $638bn waste of money.
Japan’s JERA takes 44% stake in Taiwan’s Formosa 3 wind farm
Japan’s JERA has increased its stake in the planned 2-GW Formosa 3 wind farm off Taiwan to 43.75%
Belectric completes solar commissioning at India’s’ Pavagada solar park
Innogy-owned green developer Belectric has completed commissioning at Fortum’s 250-MW solar array at the Pavagada solar park in the Indian state of Karnataka, its largest solar project so far.
Japan opens world’s largest green hydrogen plant
Japan has opened a pioneering 20-MW green hydrogen production plant as the government drives renewables development in a bid to diversify the energy sector away from fossil fuels.
3% decline in coal generation not enough to meet Paris targets
China’s coal expansion has cancelled out the fuel’s decline in Europe and the US. China must also reduce its exposure to coal if the Paris targets are to be met
Azerbaijan looks to renewables to meet growing power demand
Don’t assume the push is motivated by an environmentalist impulse.
Europe’s plan to introduce a carbon import tax is forcing Russia to go green
Europe wants to be carbon neutral by 2050, and is about to introduce a carbon import duty that is already forcing Russia’s biggest companies to speed up their efforts to go green.
Brazil to raise cap on biodiesel content in motor fuel
Brazil has announced plans to increase the maximum amount of biodiesel blended with petroleum-derived diesel for retail sale to 15% over the next three years.
CNB: Central banks should not execute green policy
China’s solar plans for Uganda
Uganda cannot let Chinese investment in renewables leave it exposed to unsustainable debt, stranded assets and high tariffs
Standard Bank buys IFC green bond to invest $200mn in renewables
The IFC has invested $200mn in Standard Bank of South Africa’s green bond, which was placed on the London Stock Exchange on March 2.
NEoT Offgrid Africa to raise $45 for off-grid solar in Côte d’Ivoire
NEoT Offgrid Africa (NOA) has launched a pioneering receivables securitisation programme that aims to raise up to €40mn ($44.5mn) to finance off-grid solar home systems in West Africa.
Asia overtakes Europe for offshore wind FIDs
Total investment in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) offshore wind sector surpassed Europe for the first time in 2019.
Vena Energy issues Asia’s first green bond
Singapore IPP Vena Energy has issued a $325mn green bond in a bid to raise cash to help fund its 9-GW portfolio of renewable projects under development across Asia.
Ukraine’s government slammed for proposed changes to green energy rules
Foreign investors are up in arms following the release of the Ukrainian government’s proposed changes to the generous green energy tariffs introduced by former president Petro Poroshenko.
Ukraine to initiate downward revision of renewable power rates
EBRD provides €3mn loan for renewable energy solutions in Belarus
CrossBoundary Energy finalises $16.5mn injection of equity capital
UK-based investment fund ARCH Emerging Markets Partners has invested $16.5mn of equity capital in CrossBoundary Energy (CBE), an off-grid solar developer in Africa.
Scatec Solar opens 86-MW tranche at SA’s Dyason’s Klip 1 solar complex
Scatec Solar has connected a second 86-MW tranche at the Dyason’s Klip 1 solar complex in SA
Siemens’ Djibouti wind farm deal highlights opportunities for utility-scale projects in Africa
East Africa’s utility-scale wind sector received a much-needed boost this week as Siemens Gamesa confirmed that it would supply turbines for an Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)-led, 59-MW wind farm in Djibouti.
Georgia Capital buys buys out its partner in renewable energy JV
Romania might reconsider its offshore wind potential
More upside potential still possible for Russian utility names despite strong rally this year
Following the rally in Russian utility universe, putting the sector ahead of every other Russian equity segment in year-to-date terms for 2020, VTB Capital sees more place for upside for certain names coming from expected profitability gains.
JinkoSolar leads global solar PV module market
China’s JinkoSolar Holding led the global solar PV module market in 2019, shipping 14.2 GW of solar PV modules, way ahead of second-placed JA Solar with 10.3 GW.
Suzlon lenders' major debt restructuring
India’s Suzlon has announced a major restructuring loan led by the State Bank of India (SBI) in a bid to stave off bankruptcy as it struggles under $1.8bn of debt.
North Macedonia invites bidders for Cebren HPP construction
Serbia to invest €31mn in upgrade of Djerdap 2 HPP ship locks
North Macedonia starts converting coal mines to solar
African wind expansion stalls in 2019, but fast growth is forecast
Utility-scale wind additions in Africa and the Middle East dipped by 7% in 2019 to 894 MW, although the market is set to bounce back in the next five years.
Russia’s Rosneft plans to boost green investment to $4.7bn
Shell signs offtake deal for UK’s Chinese-built battery project
The Chinese-backed Minety battery storage project in the UK has signed up Shell’s energy technology subsidiary as offtaker in a multi-year deal.
Coronavirus threatens solar and wind in 2020
IFC and partners provide $16.2mn loan to Palestinian renewable energy firm Massader
EU to provide $55mn for green funding in Asia
The European Union is to provide €50mn ($54.9mn) to support green investment across Southeast Asia.
North Macedonia calls tender for 100-MW solar power plant
Ghana begins construction of 17 MW of grid-connected solar
Shell confirms plans to build 120-MW solar farm in Queensland
Shell is to build the 120-MW Gangarri solar plant in Queensland in a bid to reduce the carbon footprint of its LNG export-orientated Queensland Curtis (QGC) onshore natural gas project.
IEA data heralds end to emissions growth
Global energy-related emissions levelled out in 2019 at 33.3bn tonnes following two successive annual increases in 2017 and 2018.
Green energy eats into Australian coal generation
Green energy eats into Australian coal generation
Total buys into Adani’s Indian solar assets
EIA sets out 2020 vision
The US Energy Information Administration has released its Annual Energy Outlook for 2020, outlining its expectations for how energy trends will play out over the next 30 years.
Indonesia to close outdated coal plants and build more renewables
Indonesia has unveiled plans to close coal plants over 20 years old, potentially removing 11,000 MW of capacity from the market
Uzbekistan announces call for bids for construction of photovoltaic plant in Surkhandarya Region
EFT Group plans 60MW PV park in Bosnia
Russian hydropower major RusHydro ups output by 15% in 4Q19
Slovenia’s GEN-I to start major solar power plant project in North Macedonia in 2021
Serbia, Bosnia to launch construction of Buk Bijela HPP
Italian investors to build €5mn photovoltaic park in Moldova
Tech giants dominate green PPAs
Large corporations signed 19.5 GW of wind and solar power purchase agreements in 2019, up over 40% on 2018
Uncertainty over Russian RusHydro utility major governance grows
UK makes green play in Africa
The UK is to continue providing development financing for African countries that extract and use oil and gas in cleaner ways, despite UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that his government would no longer support coal mining anywhere.
Global green spending rises 1% in 2019
Global investment in renewable generation rose 1% in 2019 to $282bn, with the Chinese market falling and US spending reaching record levels.
ADB supports Maldives solar hybrid with $55mn grant
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided $55mn of support to the Maldives to build solar-hybrid battery systems on 48 islands in a bid to reduce diesel consumption.
Albania launches tender for 140 MW photovoltaic plant
Czech solar power market increased only by 1% in 2019
Slovenia’s Interenergo opens first wind farm in Croatia
UAE’s Masdar to construct $600mn wind farm in Uzbekistan
Western Balkans has potential for up to €20bn wind energy investment says new report
Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) study reveals huge untapped renewable energy potential in the region, which currently relies heavily on coal power.
IRENA conference turns focus on to green hydrogen
Green hydrogen needs to build on its unprecedented political and business momentum if it is to beat fossil fuels, derive gas hydrogen on cost within five years and drive forward the energy transition
Russian steel tycoon Mordashev to go into wind power
AfDB to provide $21.8mn to fund solar irrigation in Sudan
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $21.8mn grant to the government of Sudan to accelerate the adoption of solar-powered irrigation pumps in the country’s West Kordofan and North Kordofan states.
Chinese wind players in expansive mood
Shanghai Electric and China Three Gorges (CTG) have announced major fundraising and expansion plans at the start of the year as China’s offshore wind giants seek new global markets
MHI Vestas Offshore secures funding for Taiwanese wind expansion
Japan’s government and banks have provided $924mn of debt financing to support MHI Vestas' expansion into Taiwan, a major steeping stone to wider business in Asia
Russia world leader on air pollution damage, says OECD
Micro-grids to play key role in relief work
Micro-grids and other on-site renewable energy installations could supply refugee communities across the globe with the cheap, reliable electricity they need.
Uzbekistan's Uzatom announces approval of four IAEA projects
Iran plans special test of advanced “IR-9” centrifuge says Rouhani
Europe's nuclear power debate heats up as climate emergency grows closer
The new European Commission has set a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 to avoid a climate disaster, but the target is controversial as the only way to get there is to ramp up the role nuclear power plays in producing Europe’s electricity.
Siemens Gamesa to acquire Russian-producer wind towers
EBRD is arranging a $100mn green loan for SMEs in Egypt
Investors join South Korea’s pioneering Saemangeum offshore complex
Czech GEEN opens second biomass power plant in Croatia
Poland launches huge renewable energy auction in bid to improve energy mix
Polish energy market regulator URE launched an auction for up to 2.5 gigawatts of onshore wind power capacity as Warsaw seeks to meet the EU-required target of a 15% share of renewable energy in final energy consumption by 2020.
Russia to launch Green certificate trading system
Turkey’s electricity consumption drops 1.1% y/y in November
CEE “brimming with opportunities” in renewables — and airports
In a sign of the complex politics surrounding climate change, CEE has huge opportunities for investment into two growth areas: renewable energy and airports, finds a new study by law firm CMS.
Canadian Solar sells 10.8-MW solar plant in Japan to CSIF
Turkey plans to build more than 260 hydropower plants despite electricity oversupply
Abu Dhabi’s Masdar and Armenia National Interests Fund sign $300-320mn solar power projects development deal
Russian government introduces a draft law to create a green certificate system
The Russian government tabled a draft law on November 28 that will create a green certificate system in Russia as part of its efforts to battle climate change.
India’s Avaada Energy receives $15mn of DFI equity funding
MHI Vestas wins 220-MW offshore wind turbine in Japan
Record fall predicted for global coal generation
New research forecasts falling global coal-fired generation in 2019, as declining output in the EU and US outpaces expansion in Asia
Hungarian alternative energy company Alteo outlines ambitious growth strategy
Alteo's five-year strategy sets out the goal of becoming Hungary's number one industrial energy supplier and reaching a 50% share in renewable sources in district heating.
Slovenia’s net electricity output down 20% m/m in October
Croatia’s first geothermal power plant formally opened
Serbia completes €27mn renovation of turbine at Djerdap 1 HPP
HollyFrontier to build biodiesel plant in New Mexico
US-based refiner HollyFrontier has unveiled plans to build a new biodiesel plant as it seeks to meet its requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Morocco's SWF targets renewable energy
North Macedonia to call new tender for Cebren HPP by end-2019
Montenegro’s Mozura wind park starts commercial production
Pakistan secures $320m of DFI financing for Super Six wind projects
Georgia Capital holding takes over 21 MW wind farm from state
Slovak ministry to subsidise the purchase of electric cars
The Slovakian Ministry of Economy has announced a subsidy scheme to promote the purchase of electric vehicles and increase their number on Slovakian roads next year.
Energy Community says Bosnia, Serbia, Ukraine unlikely to meet 2020 renewables targets
North Macedonia presents final draft of Energy Strategy 2040
Danish firms explore Turkey’s offshore wind potential
UAE’s Al Dahra to build 10 biogas plants in Serbia
Permian players turning to renewable power
Drillers in the prolific Permian Basin are increasingly turning to renewable energy to power their operations.
Montenegro's WVC to build 100 MW kinetic power plant
Montenegro has substantial hydropower capacity but is looking to develop other forms of alternative energy.
Abu Dhabi-based Masdar to construct 100 MW solar power plant
Iran pours concrete for second Russian-engineered nuclear reactor facility at Bushehr
Georgia’s Bitcoin mining “sucking its power grid dry”
Grey economy businesses “patronised by high-ranking officials” have set up in Svaneti region where locals receive free electricity because of the degree of hardship.
Eurasian Development Bank to provide €53.7mn for wind farm construction in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan doubles installed renewable energy capacity
RWE enters Polish offshore wind development race
Serbia to invest €1bn to meet EU’s environmental protection standards
Serbia's ultimate goal is to make all its energy facilities compliant with EU environmental standards, as it aims to join the bloc by 2025.
Enel Russia sells its biggest coal-burning power station as it goes green
Russia’s biggest foreign-owned utilities company has finally sold its Reftinskaya power station for an undisclosed amount as part of its efforts to “go green” as well as become more profitable.
Solar power ‘to save Turkey up to $18bn over next three decades’
Wind lobby argues against tariff barriers
The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has called for trade barriers that hurt wind turbine exports to be slashed, arguing that tariff walls could hinder global attempts to mitigate climate change.
Sydney goes green as Australia dithers
Sydney City Council has put forward ambitious A$60m ($41.2) plans to become 100% green and use wind and solar power at all its properties by 2020.
Green expansion cannot keep pace with emissions, demand growth
The IEA has raised its five-year green energy expansion forecast to 50%, although this is not enough to rein in emissions
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy announces cooperation with richest Pole on small modular reactor for Synthos
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy has signed an agreement with Poland’s chemical giant Synthos, owned by the richest Pole Michal Solowow, on the potential construction of a small modular reactor.
Ukraine expects to more than double its renewable capacity in 2019
Ukraine has already been investing heavily in the renewable sector, and the goal of the government's renewable energy strategy is to reach 25% renewables by 2023.
Central Asia’s electricity network – underpowered and fragmented
Power planners were left with major headaches when the demise of the Soviet Union caused all Central Asian Power System (CAPS) member states to scramble to remake their grids along national lines. However, pan-region ideas are now back in fashion.
EBRD considers investing $60mn in Egypt’s Infinity Energy
Croatia’s HEP building 58MW wind farm
Chinese solar power developer ReneSola sells 55 MW of Polish solar capacity to Aberdeen Standard Investments
Uzbekistan announces winner in first ever competitive auction for solar power public-private partnership
Hungary utility-scale solar capacity reaches 1.1GW
Hungary can rely on two energy sources, nuclear and solar energy to meet the climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement, said President Janos Ader recently.
Germany's FAKT buys land for landmark €1bn investment
EBRD and GCF to provide $6.4mn to fund 10 MW solar plant in Kazakhstan
Disproportionate hydropower subsidies cause environmental damage across Western Balkans, NGO says
Enthusiasm for coal starts to burn out in the Western Balkans
Montenegro, like most of the countries in the EU-aspiring region, derives a large share of its power from coal, but the decision to drop plans to build a new coal power plant is a sign countries in the region could be kicking the coal habit.
Central Asian nations. Turkey sign 10-point declaration on renewable energy as part of CAREC forum
COMMENT: Fear mongering on nuclear power is imperilling the planet
On September 14th, the Akademik Lomonosov, a first of its kind floating nuclear plant built by Russian state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom, arrived at Pevek, a port town on the remote Chukotka Peninsula in the Russian Arctic.
ACWA makes record Ethiopian solar bid
Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power is to develop 250 MW of solar capacity in Ethiopia after making a record low bid of $0.02526 per kWh
Uzbekistan and Helios Energy sign agreement on construction of 40MW solar power plant
Hungary's Alteo inaugurates battery storage facility
EBRD to provide €4.4mn to Uzbek bank for providing access to green investments for SMEs
Czech energy giant CEZ buys a stake in German solar start-up Zolar
CEZ executive calls Zolar the "pioneer of an innovative, decentralised model for purchasing rooftop solar systems".
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