Bulgaria confirms Belene nuclear reactors will not be sold Read More »
Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov has announced that Bulgaria will not sell the two nuclear reactors intended for the Belene nuclear power plant. Following discussions with members of the Joint Governance Council and GERB party leader Boyko Borissov, a consensus was reached to retain the reactors, which are considered strategic assets crucial to the country’s […]
Albania: Karavasta solar power plant powers renewable future Read More »
Last week, French renewables developer Voltalia officially commissioned the Karavasta solar power plant, the largest solar installation in both Albania and the Western Balkans, with a total capacity of 140 MW. The project marks a major step in Albania’s efforts to diversify its energy sources and expand its domestic production capacity. This milestone is part
In the second week of April, settlement prices for Brent oil futures in the ICE market remained below $70 per barrel. On Tuesday, April 8, these futures reached their weekly minimum price at $62.82 per barrel, the lowest since April 7, 2021. However, a 4.2% increase in prices saw the futures reach their weekly peak
European electricity prices hold steady in April’s second week Read More »
In the second week of April, electricity prices in major European markets remained generally stable, with small increases in most markets. However, the IPEX market in Italy saw a 10% decrease. The largest price increase was observed in the Netherlands’ EPEX SPOT market, which rose by 10%. Other markets experienced price hikes ranging from 0.8%
Electricity demand declines across most major European markets in early April Read More »
During the week of April 7, electricity demand decreased in most major European markets compared to the previous week. Demand in Germany, France, and Spain fell for the fourth consecutive week, while in Portugal, it dropped for the third consecutive week. The French and Portuguese markets saw the largest declines, with demand falling by 4.9%
During the week of April 7, solar photovoltaic energy production increased across major European markets compared to the previous week. The Iberian Peninsula saw the most significant gains, with Spain up by 17% and Portugal increasing by 10%. The German market recorded the smallest increase, at just 1.0%. Additionally, both the Italian and French markets
Romania ends 2024 as net electricity importer amid weak hydropower and wind output Read More »
In 2024, Romania became a net importer of electricity due to a poor performance from its hydropower plants and underwhelming wind energy generation. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INS), electricity exports totaled 10.8 TWh, while imports reached 13.8 TWh, resulting in a commercial deficit of 3 TWh. From a financial perspective, electricity exports
Romania: Hidroelectrica launches €20 million tender for Pascani hydropower project Read More »
Romanian state-owned electricity producer Hidroelectrica has allocated approximately €20 million (excluding VAT) for advancing the Pascani hydropower plant (HPP) project on the Siret River. The investment focuses on acquiring and installing hydromechanical systems for four gates of the spillway dam. The contract encompasses a full turnkey solution, including design services, construction work, as well as
Romania advances small modular reactor project at Doicești amid growing energy demands Read More »
Romania’s small modular reactor (SMR) initiative at Doicești is making steady progress, according to Cosmin Ghita, CEO of state-owned electricity producer Nuclearelectrica. The project is currently in the second phase of Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED 2), where detailed site evaluations and design adaptations are being carried out to ensure seamless integration with the national
Bulgaria ends solar funding program for households Read More »
The Bulgarian Ministry of Energy has confirmed it will not proceed with a second round of funding for its rooftop solar and solar water heater subsidy program aimed at households. The decision effectively halts one of the few initiatives under Bulgaria’s national recovery plan that directly targeted individuals rather than businesses or local governments. Originally
