REM - Renewable Energy
EBRD to extend up to €50mn loan to Turkish auto leasing company TEB Arval for new electric fleet investment
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is to extend a loan worth up to €50mn to TEB Arval, the investment bank said on January 20.
Iraq completes 40% of solar energy projects
Brazil's solar capacity hits 52 GW despite import tax rise
Brazil's solar power capacity has reached 52 gigawatts, comprising 34.8 GW of distributed generation and 17.4 GW from large plants, according to figures by the Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association (Absolar).
Chile's Colbún starts work on $260mn battery storage project
Chilean power company Colbún has begun construction of its 228 MW/912 MWh Celda Solar storage facility in the Arica and Parinacota region, the firm's largest battery project to date and one of Chile's most significant energy storage developments.
Chile well-placed for green growth, says OECD
Chile could revive its stagnant economic growth through energy transition, leveraging its significant renewable resources and mineral reserves, according to the OECD’s 2025 Economic Survey of the country.
Kerman Motor to enhance electric vehicle infrastructure across Iran from north to south
Kerman Motor, a domestic automotive manufacturer in Iran, is advancing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across the country, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable transport.
UK's Global OTEC partners with Brazilian Institute on Ocean Energy
UK company Global OTEC has signed an agreement with Brazil's COPPE/UFRJ research institute to study Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) development in Brazilian waters, marking a significant step in the country's renewable energy expansion.
Madhya Pradesh state to provide 170-MW solar power to Indian Railways
Madhya Pradesh will provide 170 MW of solar energy to Indian Railways, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on X
Renewable energy to hold steady at 21% of India's energy mix in FY25
India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) predicts that renewable energy, including large hydro, will hold steady at 21% of the country's energy mix in FY25, with the remainder coming primarily from thermal power
Brazil to name career climate diplomat as COP30 Chief
Hong Kong firm to build 150-MW wind power plant in Cambodia
Hong Kong-based HK OASIS Power Energy Development Co., Ltd. has received approval from Cambodia's government to build a 150-megawatt wind power plant in Mondulkiri province, the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) said on January 17
Calls for greater safety measures after fire at world’s largest battery storage plant in Northern California
A huge fire at the world’s biggest battery storage facility in Northern California has created a moment of reckoning for the fledgling battery storage industry.
Algeria officially joins SoutH2 Corridor project for hydrogen transport
Algeria signed an agreement on January 21 to officially join the SoutH2 Corridor project aims to transport green and blue hydrogen to European markets by 2030
Italian energy firm Enel unveils plan to develop pilot project for green hydrogen production in Tunisia
Italian energy firm Enel, in collaboration with the Tunisian government and Italian oil and gas group Eni, is currently preparing to develop a pilot project for green hydrogen production in Tunisia
Trump withdraws US from Paris Agreement
President Donald Trump wasted no time withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement merely hours after being sworn-in on January 20.
Five Canadian banks join exodus from Net-Zero Banking Alliance
Five of Canada’s biggest banks have pulled out of a global climate coalition for the financial sector.
Egyptian government invites Spanish Acciona Energia to cooperate in desalination projects
The Egyptian government invited Spanish renewable energy firm Acciona Energia to cooperate in clean energy and water desalination projects in Egypt.
Zero Greenwashing Alliance launches guidelines and database to combat Indonesia's corporate misrepresentation
On January 20, the Zero Greenwashing Alliance unveiled its Guidelines and Database, developed in partnership with Southeast Asian environmental NGOs, climate watchdog and advocacy groups.
Croatian robot boat to tackle microplastics in the Adriatic
Equipped with advanced sensors, Jadranko v1.0 is designed to detect, collect and analyse microplastics in marine environments.
Premier African Minerals, Chinese offtaker Canmax to continue collaborating on Zimbabwe lithium project
Carbon capture in Indonesia set to boost economy and jobs
The adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology in Indonesia could contribute significantly to economic growth, creating up to 170,000 jobs annually
Indonesia’s largest floating solar power plant to begin operations in 2027
PT PLN Indonesia Power (PLN IP) has announced that the 50-megawatt (MW) floating solar power plant (PLTS) on Lake Singkarak, West Sumatra, is scheduled to commence operations in 2027
South Africa added 1.1 GW of solar in 2024, industry association data show
South Africa added approximately 1.1 GW of solar in 2024, according to figures from the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association, down from 2.6 GW of new capacity installed a year earlier but still far more than other African countries.
Trump announces 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada from February 1
US President Trump has announced plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Mexico and Canada from February 1, citing concerns over immigration and fentanyl flows into the United States, while also taking steps to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
Chinese JA Solar signs modules supply agreement with CEEC for Egypt’s 1-GW Abydos Phase II plant
1.4mn of Kyrgyzstan’s 1.7mn vehicles older than 15 years, says minister
Of 1.67mn vehicles registered for the road in Kyrgyzstan, some 1.39mn are more than 15 years-old, according to Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision Meder Mashiev.
Africa’s Just Energy Transition: AEC shares insights from South Africa and Senegal
NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber, shares Just Energy Transition (JET) lessons learnt from two African countries with different power generation contexts.
China’s Envision Energy starts construction of $40mn BESS and wind turbines plant in Kazakhstan-Afghanistan
Romania wins €256mn arbitration with solar park investors
Romania has won an international arbitration case brought by investors in renewable energy, avoiding €256mn in claimed damages required by investors in solar parks who objected to changes in the support schemes during 2014-2018.
Japan’s nuclear power generation up by 9.6% in 2024, more expansion on the horizon
Japan’s nuclear power sector experienced notable growth in 2024, with electricity generation rising by 9.6% to 88.87 terawatt-hours, marking a significant step in the country’s energy landscape.
Construction complete at Rooppur NPP in Bangladesh, tests begin
The staff and administrators at Bangladesh’s Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant have initiated testing on the first power unit following the completion of construction and assembly work.
Brazil’s solar industry leads investment growth in 2024
Brazil’s solar and wind energy sectors attracted BRL78bn ($12.9bn) in investments in 2024, a 2.7% increase from the previous year.
Iran’s renewables agency to power up public offices with solar panels
Iran’s Renewable Energy and Electricity Efficiency Organisation (SATBA) set out plans to set up mini solar farms at government offices, in line with an order from President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Saving the Caspian Sea for Central Asia and Kazakhstan
The Caspian Sea has long been a cornerstone of life for Central Asia, especially for Kazakhstan, where it plays a critical role in supporting local economies, biodiversity and communities.
Turkey to mandate domestic sourcing of at least one-third of rented e-scooters in “safety push”
Turkey reportedly plans to mandate that at least a third of rented e-scooters provided by operators in the country be sourced from domestic manufacturers.
EBRD aims to ramp up investment in Romania to €1bn a year
Increase was largely down to a hike in investment into projects supporting Romania’s green transition.
Iran’s thermal power output grows slightly amid lingering shortage
Electricity production from Iran’s thermal power plants has inched up by 1.9% in the first ten months of the current Persian calendar year, which started on March 20, 2024, compared to the same period last year, an official said.
Utility-scale projects lead Africa’s new solar capacity growth in 2024, says AFSIA
The African Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) said that utility-scale projects dominated Africa’s new solar capacity additions in 2024.
Uruguay's UTE submits solar park construction plans for evaluation
Uruguay's national utility company UTE submitted plans for a new 75 MW photovoltaic solar park to the National Environmental Observatory for evaluation.
Singapore’s Sembcorp signs MoUs with India's Odisha to explore green hydrogen, industrial park development
Singapore’s Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Sembcorp Green Hydrogen India Private Limited (SGHIPL) and Sembcorp Development Ltd, has signed two non-binding memoranda of understanding with the Indian state
Nuclear becomes Pakistan's leading power source in December 2024
Nuclear energy has once again emerged as Pakistan’s leading electricity source, contributing over 26% to the national grid in December 2024 at an exceptionally low cost of just over half a US cent per unit
India's IREDA forms joint venture for 900-MW Upper Karnali hydro project in Nepal
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has entered into a joint venture deed with SJVN Ltd., GMR Energy Ltd. and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to develop the 900-MW Upper Karnali Hydro-electric Project in Nepal
Slovenia’s Petrol targets €178m net profit and €6.1bn revenue in 2025
Slovenian energy company Petrol Group has announced ambitious targets for 2025, aiming for a net profit of €178mn and sales revenues of €6.1bn.
Belém, in Brazil, prepares for COP30 with sustainability, expanded infrastructure
Belém, the host city for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) from 10-21 November 2025, is expanding its infrastructure to accommodate an expected 100,000 visitors, including heads of state, participants and tourists.
Brazil’s Petrobras’ biomethane plan faces price debate
Petrobras has issued a public call for biomethane purchases, aligning with the Fuel of the Future Law, which mandates the inclusion of biomethane in natural gas from January 2026.
Brazil’s BNDES funds $624mn gas plant to back national grid
The Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) will invest BRL3.8bn ($624mn) in debentures to support the construction of UTE Portocem I, a natural gas-fired thermoelectric plant in Barcarena, Pará.
EBRD lends Kosovo €50mn to boost energy efficiency in public buildings
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced on January 17 a significant expansion of its energy efficiency programme in Kosovo with a sovereign loan of up to €50mn to the Ministry of Finance.
Indonesia’s electric company PLN advances decarbonisation with CCS technology
Indonesia’s state utility PT PLN is pursuing a multi-faceted approach to ensure a sustainable and reliable energy supply while supporting the nation’s Net Zero Emissions (NZE) target by 2060
Indonesia to offer carbon credits internationally to boost climate goals
Indonesia is set to begin offering carbon credit certificates to international buyers starting on January 20, as announced by the nation’s carbon exchange
Indonesia to boost palm oil-based biodiesel for energy security
The Energy Security Task Force has identified palm oil-based biodiesel as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s strategy to ensure uninterrupted and affordable energy access for its population
Mongolia signs $1.6bn uranium mining investment agreement with France’s Orano
France’s state-owned Orano Group and Mongolia’s state-owned MonAtom Group will together over the course of three decades develop deposits in Mongolia holding an estimated 90,000 tonnes of uranium.
Chile advances bill to provide energy subsidies to lower-income households
Chile's lower house approved a bill expanding electricity subsidies for lower-income families but notably rejected a controversial measure that would have funded part of the program by modifying profits from small renewable energy generators.
Renewable professionals criticise Czechia’s changes to green subsidy programme
Professional association Voice of Renewables in Czechia criticised the Ministry of Environment’s proposal to lay out rules for the New Green Savings subsidy programme.
Google enters India’s carbon removal market with biochar deal with Varaha
Google has agreed to purchase carbon credits from an Indian start-up that transforms agricultural waste into biochar, a charcoal-like material that captures CO2 and enriches soil
Madhya Pradesh should aim to be India's carbon market hub
The Indian state of Madhya Pradesh should aim to establish itself as a frontrunner in India’s carbon market sector, given its strategic advantages, experts noted during a gathering on January 15
Voltalia starts construction of its first solar plant in Colombia
French renewable energy giant Voltalia has commenced work on its first solar project in Colombia, with a 19.7 MW facility in the Tolima department
Turkey biggest recipient of EBRD investments for fifth straight year
For the fifth year in a row, Turkey in 2024 received the largest investment volume from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in comparison to all of the lender’s other investee economies.
Colombia's green gamble: LNG imports surge amid Petro’s climate push
The Andean country is witnessing a shift in its energy landscape as declining gas reserves coincide with President Gustavo Petro’s refusal to issue new drilling contracts.
Swiss Geocycle installs 718.62 kW solar system at Costa Rican recycling facility
Geocycle, a subsidiary of Holcim Costa Rica, (originally from Switzerland) has announced the installation of a 718.62 kW solar photovoltaic system at its waste processing facility in Cartago, located in central Costa Rica
Number of Turkish energy M&As edges up to 30 in 2024
Volume of transactions, however, contracts 44% y/y to $1bn from $1.8bn in 2023.
EBRD sets annual record in Central Asia, investing €2.3bn through 121 projects in six economies
The EBRD said on January 16 that in 2024 it set an annual operational record in Central Asia, investing €2.26bn through 121 projects in six regional economies.
Global solar firm Photon advances 250MW project in South Africa
Photon Energy, an Amsterdam-based renewable energy company, has agreed “favourable” terms with South Africa's state-owned electricity utility, which will enable a seamless integration of its 250 MW solar energy plant into the national grid.
Uzbekistan wants renewable energy share of 54% by 2030, Mirziyoyev tells UAE conference
Over the past five years, Uzbekistan has attracted nearly $20bn in foreign investment that has led to the development of 9.6 GW of new energy capacity. The big numbers were this week highlighted by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at a UAE conference.
Colombia's Ecopetrol, JPMorgan to halve ADR conversion costs
Colombia’s state-controlled oil company Ecopetrol announced on January 15 that it has reached an agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. to temporarily lower conversion costs for its American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) by 50%.
Hartek Group secures 8-MW rooftop solar EPC contract in India’s J&K state
Hartek Group’s commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop solar division has secured an 8-MW turnkey solar EPC contract from Kandhari Beverages Private Limited, one of Hindustan Coca-Cola’s largest bottling plants, in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)
India's AM Green partners with Dubai-based DP World to build global green fuel supply chain
Hyderabad-based AM Green, a producer of green hydrogen and ammonia, has partnered with global logistics firm DP World to establish a supply chain for green fuels and chemicals
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