A U.S. private company could take over the construction and operation of the long-delayed gas pipeline linking Bosnia and Herzegovina with Croatia’s gas network, according to a proposal presented by U.S. Charge d’Affaires in Sarajevo, John Ginkel. He introduced the idea during a meeting with leaders of the political parties that form the governing coalition […]
For more than half a century, the Balkans lived inside a predictable energy ecosystem: electricity from domestic coal, oil and gas pipelines dominated by Russia, and infrastructure built in the socialist era. But the past decade — and especially the post-2022 global energy upheaval — has shattered that old order. A new geometry is forming.
Romania prepares emergency legislation to enable sale of Lukoil’s petrotel refinery Read More »
Romania is preparing special legislation to enable the sale of Lukoil’s local assets, including the Petrotel refinery, marking a shift in strategy after Energy Minister Bogdan Ivan initially argued that the state should take direct control of the facility rather than request additional time under the U.S. sanctions deadline of 21 November. The United States
Romania: Simtel expands renewable portfolio with landmark 52 MW solar power plant Read More »
Romanian engineering and technology group Simtel has brought online a 52 MW solar power plant in Giurgiu, now the largest photovoltaic facility in the country built entirely on rehabilitated industrial land. Constructed on the grounds of a former ash disposal site, the plant is expected to generate around 73 GWh of electricity per year. Completed
Hungary emerges as Ukraine’s main gas gateway amid intensified Russian strikes Read More »
The energy implications of the Russian-Ukrainian war have escalated sharply in recent weeks as Ukraine’s gas infrastructure suffers extensive damage. A new analysis by the Oeconomus Economic Research Foundation shows that nearly half of Ukraine’s imported gas now enters the country through Hungary, significantly reshaping regional patterns of energy dependence. Before 2025, Russian attacks mainly
Greece: Mirova acquires JUWI’s 156 MW clover solar portfolio Read More »
JUWI has reached an agreement to transfer ownership of a group of solar projects with a combined installed capacity of 156 MW in northwestern Greece to Mirova, the Paris-based sustainable investment firm affiliated with Natixis Investment Managers. The deal represents another significant milestone in JUWI’s expanding pipeline of large-scale solar developments in the country. Despite
Region: MOL and Slovnaft accuse JANAF of undermining EU supply security Read More »
Oil companies MOL and Slovnaft have written to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Competition to raise serious concerns over the conduct of Croatia’s state-owned pipeline operator JANAF, warning that its actions are undermining the security of non-Russian oil supplies. In their letter, the companies state that JANAF recently informed them it would accept already-purchased and
Energy, grid services & balancing markets: MNE as a regional power stabilizer Read More »
As Western Balkan energy systems modernize, Montenegro’s grid and market position is becoming strategically important. Montenegro can serve as a balancing and flexibility-services provider for neighboring power systems. Hydropower flexibility → Regional stabilization Montenegro’s hydropower plants offer fast ramping capabilities—critical for balancing Serbia’s wind capacity, Albania’s hydropower volatility, and North Macedonia’s thermal decline. Cross-border opportunities Why Montenegro
Bulgaria takes control of Lukoil operations as company considers court response Read More »
Russian oil company Lukoil announced that it may pursue legal action if it determines that its rights or legitimate interests have been infringed. The statement came after Bulgaria decided to transfer management authority over Lukoil Neftochim Burgas, Lukoil Bulgaria, and several affiliated companies to a special commercial administrator, effective 17 November 2025. Lukoil stressed that
Romania’s natural gas transmission system operator Transgaz posted a significant improvement in its financial results for the first nine months of 2025, with consolidated net profit rising to €136.4 million—almost five times higher than during the same period in 2024. The surge in profitability was driven by strong revenue growth combined with only moderate increases
