Albania

Albania asks SOCAR for gasification– (Trend) Albania has invited the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) to gasify the country, Albanian Minister of Economy and Energy Damian Gjiknuri said at panel discussions held during the third Caspian Forum in Istanbul on Thursday…

 

SOCAR considering possibility of creating gas infrastructure in Albania – (Trend) State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is working out a worksheet for creation of a gas infrastructure in Albania, a senior source at SOCAR told Trend…

 

World Bank proposes Albania's gov't to rethink electricity tariffs – (Global Post) The World Bank (WB) believes that it is time to find lasting solution to difficulties in the energy sector, which has repeatedly relied on the budget's contingency funds and reserves to avert crisis, according to WB experts on Tuesday…

 

Italian Parliament approves ratification of the intergovernmental agreement on TAP – (Energetika) The Intergovernmental Agreement solidifies a range of key commitments made by Italy, Greece and Albania to further development, construction and operation of the TAP pipeline, the company TAP said…

 

Bulgaria

Commission authorises €945 million allocation of free greenhouse gas emission allowances for modernisation of Bulgarian electricity sector– (Energetika) The Commission found that the funds would be used to modernise production infrastructure, diversify the energy mix or construct new installations…

 

Electricity a hot-button issue in Bulgaria this winter– (Sofia Globe) Electricity distribution companies in Bulgaria are conducting campaigns to help customers whose power consumption is significantly higher with the onset of winter, to use electricity more efficiently…

 

BEH Head to Lead Bulgaria's Energy Watchdog– (Novinite) Boyan Boev is the new chairman of Bulgaria's energy watchdog, the Minister of Economy and Energy, Dragomir Stoynev, announced…

 

Bulgaria utilities regulator chief resigns – (Sofia Globe) The head of Bulgaria’s State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC), Anzhela Toneva, submitted her resignation late on December 10, and will be replaced by Boyan Boev…

 

Bulgarian Energy Regulator Chief Calls it Quits over Stress – (Novinite) Bulgaria’s State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (DKEVR) has confirmed its head Angela Toneva has resigned, citing stress…

 

Bulgaria Approves Renewable Energy Profit Tax Hike– (Tax-News) Renewable energy producers in Bulgaria have reacted angrily to a new 20 percent tax on revenues, condemning the move as unconstitutional and warning that local and foreign investment will be discouraged…

 

Bulgaria MPs Ok 20% Renewable Energy Tax, Defy Protests– (Novinite) Bulgaria's parliament has approved conclusively a highly controversial new tax on revenues of renewable energy producers amid a wave of protests against it…

 

UPDATE 2-Bulgaria imposes 20 pct fee on solar and wind power – (Reuters) Bulgaria's parliament voted on Thursday to impose a 20 percent charge on income from wind and solar power installations next year as the Socialist-led government struggles to keep down electricity bills and reduce deficits related to clean energy…

 

Bulgaria: 20% fee to be imposed on solar and wind power plants – (ACC) The Bulgarian Parliament has approved a controversial 20% fee on the income of solar and wind power plants, as well as a restriction -- for all renewables -- of the amount of electricity produced that can be purchased at preferential prices…

 

Bulgaria's Wind, Solar Power Producers Want New Fee Vetoed – (Novinite) Bulgarian producers of wind and solar power have attacked the new 20% fee of their revenues, demanding that the president impose a veto on it…

 

AmCham, Confindustria urge Bulgaria to pursue energy reforms– (Sofia Globe) The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Bulgaria and Confindustria Bulgaria have called on the Bulgarian Government to implement reforms that would improve the financial health of the country’s energy sector…

 

Electricity consumption in Western Bulgaria surged by 5% in the beginning of December – (Focus Information Agency) The low temperatures in Bulgaria since the start of December led to higher electricity consumption in Western Bulgaria, the press office of CEZ announced…

 

Bulgaria Urges Active Dialogue between EC, Russia on South Stream – (Novinite) Bulgaria, being an EU country on the route of the South Stream gas pipeline, remains firmly committed to observing the requirements of EU law…

 

Europe and Its Slippery Energy Slope – (Wall Street Cheat Sheet) Europe, at present the world’s largest market and largest economic bloc, is in decline, and living standards are in danger. That was the sober message at an energy conference here, delivered by a battery of speakers from across eastern Europe…

 

EU’s single energy market: two sides of the coin – (European Public Affairs) As already highlighted in a previous article dealing with the internal energy market in the EU, the European Commission has announced a list of 248 energy projects of common interests, which have been presented during the conference “Completing the Internal Energy Market: Building an Integrated European Energy Network”…

 

Bulgarian National Electrical Company (NEC) Sank into Debts – (Energetika) The neglect of the interests of state-owned enterprises in the energy sector and the refusal of adequate measures in the crisis over the past four years logically led to the serious situation now," concludes…

 

Bulgaria to begin talks with Westinghouse on new Kozloduy nuclear reactor– (Sofia Globe) Bulgaria’s Cabinet endorsed on December 11 the Economy Ministry’s recommendations to begin negotiations for the construction of a new nuclear unit at Kozloduy power plant, using Westinghouse’s AP1000 reactor design…

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Shell to be Given Concession for Oil Exploration in Bosnia and Herzegovina– (Energetika) The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the two political entities comprising the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is run jointly by Bosnian Muslims and Croats, whereas the other entity…

 

Bosnian capital the most polluted city in the region– (World Bulletin) Clouds of smog and fog are hovering over the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina this late autumn.  According to the latest information, Sarajevo, the valley basin city, is the most polluted city in the region…

 

Croatia

 EU integration brings choice, savings, to regional energy consumers– (SETimes) Tens of thousands of Croatian energy consumers are exercising a benefit of the country's new EU membership…

 

Perica Jukić: HEP will aim to retain the dominant market share by introducing new products in all segments – (Energetika) In the coming years, Croatia will need, Jukić said, between 700 and 800 MW of new thermal power capacity, 600 MW of new hydropower capacity, and 450 MW of new pumped-storage capacity, and could also use about…

 

New EBRD strategy cuts financing of coal-fired power projects (Video)– (Penn Energy) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has adopted a new strategy that will guide its investments in the energy and natural resources sector for the next five years…

 

Croatia's Top Telecom Operator to Start Delivering Electricity – (Energetika) From 9 December 2013, Hrvatski Telekom begins delivering electricity to citizens and companies at the most favourable prices on the local market. Our offer comprises several benefits, one of them being that…

 

Croatia's largest telecom firm enters electricity market – (Reuters) Croatia's biggest telecom operator, T-HT, said on Friday it would start delivering electricity to local households and companies from next week as part of diversification plans…

 

Iran Willing to Increase Power Cooperation with Croatia – (FARS) Mahsouli made the remarks on Wednesday in a meeting with former Croatian President Stjepan Mesic who is on a visit to Tehran at the head of a high-ranking trade delegation…

 

Kosovo

Serbia’s EMS and Kosovo’s KOSTT to sign agreement on transmission system operation– (Energetika) The signature of the agreement is a follow-up on the “Agreements on Energy” reached by the governments of Kosovo and Serbia in Brussels in September this year…

 

Serbia’s EMS and Kosovo’s KOSTT reach agreement on transmission system operation– (Energetika) The agreement, which was proposed to the respective authorities for signature in Vienna yesterday, deals with operational and commercial aspects in the relations of both companies…

 

Transmission system operators EMS of Serbia and KOSTT of Kosovo* set to sign agreement on their bilateral relations– (Energy Community) Under the auspices of the Energy Community Secretariat and the European Commission, representatives of the electricity transmission system operators of Serbia (EMS) and of Kosovo* (KOSTT) agreed on the terms of an agreement on principles for their future cooperation in Vienna on 10 December 2013…

 

Macedonia

Macedonia will start with electricity prices liberalization in April 2014– (Energetika) During the meeting, the Macedonian minister for economy in charge of energy issues, Valon Saraqini undertook to submit an action plan to the Secretariat outlining how the country will meet its remaining…

 

Macedonian Finance Minister: Macedonia will continue the realisation of South Stream– (Focus) Macedonia will continue with the realisation of the South Stream gas pipeline, as the country urges the European Commission (EC) to start a direct dialogue with Russia for resolving all problems, pointed by the EC, for the realisation of the project, Macedonian Minister of Finance Zoran Stavreski said, Macedonian newspaper Vecer reported…

 

Montenegro

Miodrag Djekić, adviser to the Board of Energy Regulatory Agency of Montenegro: Only competition and an open market can ensure real energy prices and more chances to invest in new energy generating facilities– (Energetika) Mr. Djekić, what are the characteristics of the Montenegrin electricity sector?Montenegro is a small country with about 650,000 inhabitants and this influences our electricity system...

 

Energy Community Regulatory Board elects new President – (Energy Community) The Energy Community Regulatory Board elected, out of a number of candidates, Mr Branislav Prelevic as the new ECRB President at its 26th meeting in Athens on 11 December…

 

 

Romania

Chevron Resumes Fracking After Romania Protests– (OilPrice) Chevron is back to fracking in Romania after operations were blocked for the second time in two months, and equipment damaged by hundreds of protesters, while riot police stepped in to protect the drilling site…

 

Chevron resumes shale work in Romania despite protests– (GulfNews) Chevron on Sunday said it has resumed activities to build its first shale gas exploration well in Romania, a day after protests forced the US energy giant to suspend work…

 

Anti-fracking clashes in Romania as activists break into Chevron site – (RT) Hundreds of protesters have broken into a Chevron site after the US oil giant resumed its search for shale gas in northeast Romania. RT’s Lucy Kafanov reports from the scene, where clashes ensued as riot police started streaming in…

 

Romania’s electricity transporter Transelectrica wants to raise EUR 45 mln from bonds issuance – (Romania-Insider) Romanian electricity transport operator Transelectrica launched a bonds issuance on Wednesday (December 11), hoping to raise some EUR 45 million. The company plans to use the funds for expanding and consolidating its electricity network and refinance existing loans…

 

 

Transelectrica on Wednesday launches first issue of corporate bonds, worth 200 million lei – (Hispanic Business) Transelectrica on Wednesday launches the first issue of corporate bonds worth 200 million lei (about 44.9 million euros at the current exchange rate), with five-year maturity, according to a release the company sent to the Bucharest Stock Exchange...

 

 

Uphill Battle in Europe Over Fracking – (New York Times) A recent lecture on energy and climate change at the London School of Economics and Political Science by John Browne, the former chief executive of the oil giant BP, showed how contentious the debate on the merits of extracting natural gas from shale rock has become in Britain and Europe…

 

Enel Green Power Receives 200 Million Euros from EIB to Finance Investments in Romania – (Energetika) The 15-year loan is secured by a parent company guarantee provided at the request of Enel Green Power by Enel S.p.A., the company informed in a press release. The economic conditions provided by the EIB are…

 

 

Martifer Solar completes 5.41MWp Romania projects for Eurowind Energy – (PVTECH) Portugal-based Martifer Solar has completed the construction of two PV plants in Romania totalling 5.41MWp…

 

Martifer Solar completes Romanian PV plants – (Focus) Martifer Solar, a subsidiary of Martifer SGPS, has completed the construction of two photovoltaic plants in Romania, in a total of 5.41MWp, for Eurowind Energy A/S…

 

Chinese Company Ming Yang Wind Power Group to Construct 200-Megawatt Wind Farm in Romania – (Energetika) Chuanwei Zhang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Chinese manufacturer, stated that the company is proud to be working with Speranta & Succesul S.A. According to him, the agreement is significant…

 

Serbia

Serbia Counts on South Stream for Energy, Says PM Dacic– (Novinite) The Prime Ministers of Bulgaria and Serbia, Plamen Oresharski and Ivica Dacic met in Sofia on Wednesday morning.  Their main topic of discussion was the South Stream gas pipeline, which is set to pass through both Balkan countries…

 

Serbia should become the main energy storage in the region- Energy Minister – (Balkans) The construction of the South Stream pipeline would open jobs for dozens of thousands of people and Serbia should become the main energy storage in the region, Serbian Energy Minister Zorana Mihajlovic said at the conference in the European Parliament on the pipeline construction on Wednesday…

 

South Stream Pipeline Will Not Endanger Environment In Serbia – (InSerbia) The South Stream gas pipeline is one of the most advanced projects in Europe in terms of environment protection and will not threaten the environment in Serbia, according to what was said at the first public debate on the effects of the pipeline on the environment…

 

Serbia "won't renegotiate South Stream agreement" – (b92) "There will be no new talks between Russia, Serbia and other countries participating in South Stream about the construction of the pipeline, as all the agreements have been made at the inter-state level, and there will be no delay in works or moving of construction deadlines," the head of Serbia's state-run natural gas enterprise told Tanjug…

 

Srbijagas Must Be Restructured – Zorana Mihajlovic– (InSerbia) A proposal put forward by the management of the Serbian gas producer to restructure the company by forming a national energy holding company could result in the entire Srbijagas being purchased by someone who pays its debts, Mihajlovic said at a press conference in the Serbian government…

 

EU law "breached" by S. Stream agreements – (b92) The bilateral agreements to build South Stream "are all in breach of EU law and need to be renegotiated from scratch," the European Commission said…

 

South Stream pipeline project is economy beneficial for Bulgaria and Serbia – (Focus) We haven’t discussed in details all possible aspects of South Stream gas pipeline project, but the energy project, however, was topic of our discussion. We expressed common opinion that the project would provide higher security for the gas deliveries on one hand and on the other hand it is very economically profitable for both countries…

 

Armenia

Electric Networks of Armenia to make investments– (ArmenPress) Electric Networks of Armenia submitted to the Public Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of Armenia an investment program for 2014-18…

 

Gazprom commissions Hrazdan TPP's fifth power unit in Armenia– (EBR) Gazprom has started commercial operation of fifth power generating unit at Hrazdan thermal power plant (TPP), located near Hrazdan, Armenia…

 

Black Sea countries develop energy saving program in Armenia– (ArmenPress) The Black Sea countries will share with their experience in energy saving and will develop a joint action plan…

 

Black sea countries share their energy saving experience with Armenia– (ARKA) Black Sea countries have shared their energy saving experience with Armenia in the course of discussions aimed at development of a joint program of actions at their gathering in Yerevan, according to Tamara Babayan, the director of the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Armenia program…

 

Yerevan hosts energy efficiency brochure launch event– (PanArmenian) “Energy Efficiency: Did You Know” brochure launch event was held in Yerevan on Tuesday, Dec 10, with the aim to raise public awareness of the concept…

 

Iranian gas supplies disadvantageous to Armenia: ministry of energy– (ARKA) Iranian gas supplies to Armenia makes no economic sense as they will cost much more than the Russian gas, Armenia’s minister of energy Armen Movsisyan said at government hour in the parliament Wednesday, in commenting the statement of the Iranian ambassador about Iran’s willingness to supply gas to Armenia…

 

Gas Politics: Russia tightens grip on Armenian energy sector with new Gazprom acquisition – (ArmeniaNow) Negotiations between Armenia and Russia around natural gas, which have been conducted since 2011, are finally over, the agreement has been signed, but events around the matter are still developing…

 

Pricing scheme for Russian gas to Armenia should be more transparent – (ARKA) The pricing scheme for Russian gas supplied to Armenia should be more transparent both on Russian and Armenian sides, expert of the Central Asia and Caucasus Center of Russia’s Oriental Studies Institute, researcher of Black Sea and Caspian region studies institute Andrey Areshev said…

 

Power Struggle: Armenia bound to Russia by “blue flame”– (ArmeniaNow) The “blue fuel” remains to be the trump card in international politics, by which pressure is easily put on the Armenian authorities. The gas subject turned into Achilles’ heel when the last 20 percent shares of the Armrosgasprom company was handed to Russia after president Putin’s visit to Armenia last week…

 

Commission clear on Armenian nuclear plant closure – (PowerEngineering) The European Commission is happy to assist safety upgrades at Armenia’s Metzamor nuclear power plant but with the proviso that the facility is closed down as soon as possible…

 

Azerbaijan

Minister: Azerbaijan to participate in ensuring sustainability of region’s energy sector– (Trend) Azerbaijan will participate in ensuring the sustainability of the region's energy sector and will cooperate with Georgia and Turkey, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Natig Aliyev said on Dec.11 at the opening ceremony of the power transmission line connecting Georgia with Turkey…

 

Turkey, Azerbaijan to be key in gas transfer: Energy minister – (DailyNews) Turkey and Azerbaijan will assume important roles regarding their location between energy supply and demand, Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yıldız said at the 3rd Caspian Forum in Istanbul Dec. 5…

 

Azerbaijan to supply EU with electricity-UPDATED– (WorldBulletin) Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz attended on Wednesday the inauguration ceremony of the electric power transmission line which extends from the Georgian town of Akhaltsikhe to the northeastern Turkish city of Borcka…

 

Azerbaijan is ready to cover its power debt to Turkey by direct power supplies through Georgia – (ABC.AZ) Azerbaijan welcomes the today’s opening of Power Bridge between Turkey and Georgia that will enable the country to arrange power supplies to Turkey and European countries…

 

Facilities to supply Azerbaijani electricity to Europe open – (ABC.AZ) Energy Minister Natig Aliyev is to leave for Georgia by order of the President of Azerbaijan and the invitation of Vice Premier and Minister of Energy of Georgia Kakha Kaladze...

 

3-part system for the transfer of Azeri gas – (DailyNews) Natural gas transfer from Azerbaijan to Europe requires a three-part system that includes the South Caucus pipelines, TANAP and TAP, said Rövnag Abdullayev, the President of the Azeri state oil company SOCAR at the Caspian Forum in Istanbul yesterday…

 

Azerbaijan’s power generation grew by 5.9% in November– (ABC.AZ) Azerbaijani national energy producer Azerenerji OJSC increased generating power by 5.88% in November against October 2013. The last year’s power generation index exceeded the 2011 figure by 6.5%...

 

Azerbaijan generates more electricity– (Trend) Over 19.3 billion kilowatt hours of electricity were generated in Azerbaijan in January-November compared to 19.2 billion kilowatt hours in the same period of…

 

Azerbaijan generates over 19bn kW/h of electricity in 11 months – (NewsAZ) In November, the system of JSC Azerenergy produced over 1.8bn kW/h of electricity.  During the month, the scheduled flows with neighboring countries - Russia, Georgia, Turkey and Iran continues, said the national energy agency…

 

Deputy Minister: Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey Energy Bridge supplies may start in 2014 – (Trend) Azerbaijan may provide the debt repayment of the Nakhchivan Autonomous.  However, the question of a commercial electricity supply within the bridge will be…

 

Azerbaijan pursues successful energy export policy – Turkish minister – (NewsAZ) "Azerbaijan is pursuing a very successful policy in terms of energy exports from the Caspian region to world markets." It was stated by Energy and Natural Resources Minister of Turkey Taner Yildiz while addressing III Caspian Forum in Istanbul, 1news.az reports…

 

Are Azerbaijani Energy Dealings Transparent and Opaque at the Same Time? – (Eurasianet) A new report focusing on Azerbaijan’s energy sector is exposing flaws in an initiative designed to promote transparency in extractive industries…

 

Azerbaijan stops oil exports via Russia – (DailyNews) Azeri state-run energy company Socar plans to halt its oil exports through Russia and will direct most of this oil to the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and use the remainder to meet its domestic demand…

 

Azerbaijani Alternative Energy to become self-sustaining in 2 year – (ABC.AZ) Azalternativenerji Ltd (Azerbaijan Alternative Energy; Azaltenergiya) whose founder is the State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Energy (ABOEMDA) has obtained the first commercial success.  ABOEMDA deputy chairman Jamil Melikov says that Azalternativenerji has already formed its own portfolio of commercial orders…

 

Azerbaijan has not resources to increase share of hydropower up to 20% of energy balance – (ABC.AZ) Azerbaijani specialists are rather skeptical about the alternative energy prospects in the country.  One of such professionals has stated that even meeting of the European demand for higher alternative and renewable sources up to 20% of the energy balance in the country associated with a number of restrictions…

 

Georgia

Georgia and Russia have close energy relations– (Trend) Russia sells electricity to Georgia at a very 'interesting' price, Georgian Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze said on Monday…

 

Georgia to help Europe diversify gas supply sources– (NewsAZ) Georgia, located at the crossroads of East and West, is ready to participate in all future energy projects that will contribute to development of the South Caucasus…

 

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy to visit Georgia– (APA) The delegation led by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy Natig Aliyev will pay an official visit to Georgia on December 11. The aim of the visit is to attend the opening ceremony of 500/400/220 kV Akhaltsikhe sub-station and 400kV power supply line uniting Georgia with Turkey within the Black Sea Transmission Network Project, APA-Economics reports quoting the Ministry of Energy...

 

Minister:Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey create powerful energy corridor of regional significance– (Trend) Construction of the power transmission line connecting Georgia and Turkey, is one of the largest energy projects in the region, Georgian Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze said at the opening ceremony of the power transmission line and Akhaltsikhe substation on Dec.11…

 

Opening of Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey Power Bridge to increase electricity production in Azerbaijan– (Trend) Electricity production in Azerbaijan in 2014 is projected to reach 22 billion kilowatt/hours, Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Industry and Energy, Natig Abbasov told…

 

Azerbaijani delegation to attend opening of power facilities in Georgia – (Trend) Azerbaijani delegation headed by the Azerbaijani Minister of Energy Natig Aliyev will participate in the opening ceremony of the Akhaltsikhe substation and high voltage power lines part of the Black Sea transmission network project in Georgia on Dec.11, according to a message published by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy on Dec.9…

 

Rasmussen expects a new energy to co-op from Georgia's new government – (AzerNews) Georgia's ambitious reform agenda has an ambitious goal - integration into the Euro-Atlantic family, where Georgia naturally belongs, said NATO Secretary General Andres Fogh Rasmussen…

 

Georgia, Turkey create intergovernmental commission on energy projects – (Trend) An intergovernmental commission was created with regard to energy projects implemented by Georgia and Turkey…

 

Intergovernmental commission on energy projects created by Georgia and Turkey – (VestnikKavkaza) Due to energy projects implemented by Turkey and Georgia, an intergovernmental commission was created…

 

Moldova

Kerry Vows to Help Moldova Hew to the West– (New York Times) In a lightning visit to Moldova, Secretary of State John Kerry pledged American support on Wednesday to help this former Soviet republic develop closer political and economic ties with the European Union…

 

EBRD INVESTS €100 MILLION IN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY IN MOLDOVA– (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) nvestments by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in energy efficiency and renewable energy in Moldova have reached €100 million under the EBRD’s Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI)...

 

Award for the best project in solar energy handed over – (TRM) Trophies for the category of the best project in solar energy were handed over by PM Iurie Leanca during the Moldova Eco-Energy Gala, to the Oncology Hospital and a resident of the Hirtopul Mic village for installing photovoltaic system…

 

Moldovan Government adopts key energy acts in the fields of renewables, energy efficiency and gas – (Energy Community) The Moldovan Government adopted key energy acts on 4 December, including the National Renewable Energy Action Plan to 2020; two Regulations, namely on providing energy services and solid biofuels; draft amendments to the Natural Gas Law 123/2009; and a draft law on energy labelling…

 

Russia                                    

Megatons to Megawatts 2.0: Russia eyes new nuclear project with US energy industry– (RT) Russia's state nuclear energy monopoly has delivered the last portion of uranium fuel made from Soviet nuclear warheads to the US. Rosatom is now looking forward to mutually profitable cooperation with America’s nuclear energy industry…

 

EBRD In First Russian Power Distribution Deal – (HispanicBusiness) The European Union's European Bank for Reconstruction and Development issued the following news release: A 12-year EBRD loan equivalent to EUR 100 million will fund a much-needed modernisation of the power infrastructure in the Russian Far East, a region badly hit by massive flooding last summer, in what will be the Bank's first power distribution project in its largest country of operation…

 

Russia Readies to Take Shale Oil Lead – (OilPrice) President of Russian energy company Rosneft, Igor Sechin, said he was eager to unlock the shale oil potential in the Samara region of western Russia. With forecasts warning the U.S. shale phenomenon won't last, Russia could be moving its pawns into play…

 

Russia sends EU proposals on adjusting third energy package – Medvedev– (VoiceofRussia) Russia has sent proposals on adjusting the third energy package to the European Union and thinks that it is possible to implement both the EU decisions and the agreement on the South Stream construction, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said…

 

Russia PM Says Gazprom Pipeline Trumps EU Law – (4-traders) The agreement on building and operating OAO Gazprom's (>> Gazprom OAO) South Stream pipeline on European Union territory between Russia and the EU prevails over European energy law, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev told journalists Tuesday, Interfax reported…

 

Russia-Ukraine 'closer on gas price' after Sochi talks – (BBC News) Russia says differences with Ukraine on reducing the price of Russian gas have been narrowed after talks in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.  Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the talks would continue at a later date…

 

EIA posts new Russia energy overview – (PetroleumNews) Russia isn’t so different from Alaska in trying to encourage oil and gas development with tax and other fiscal incentives. That’s a key message gleaned from a new Russia overview from the U.S. Energy Information Administration…

 

Turkey

Turkey pursues aspirations as a global energy hub – (Turkish Weekly) Turkey's aspiration to become a global energy hub was at the top of the agenda during the Atlantic Council Energy and Economic Summit. The event recently brought participants from around the world to Istanbul to discuss the latest developments in the energy sector…

 

Turkey aims to serve as energy corridor: Minister– (Daily News) While energy supply security is an issue on many countries’ agendas, Turkey is working to meet its own demand and to become an “energy corridor” through the European and global markets, Turkish Trade and Custom Minister Hayati Yazıcı has said…

 

Turkey: Global Energy partly sells its stake in the 270-MW power plant– (Balkans) Global Energy, a fully-owned subsidiary of Global Holding, announces it has reached a preliminary agreement with Akkök Group for the partial transfer of ownership in the 270-MW power plant in the southeastern province of Şırnak…

 

 

SOFAZ prepares to finance large energy project in Turkey – (Trend) The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) is preparing to start financing of a share of the state's participation in the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline project (TANAP), which intends to enable the transportation of Azerbaijani gas through Turkey to Europe, Executive Director of Azerbaijani State Oil Fund Shahmar Movsumov said on Dec.5…

 

Vestas lands 44MW for Turkey – (ReNews) Vestas is to supply 44MW to Kangal Elektrik Uretim for a wind farm in the Sivas province of Turkey. The Danish manufacturer will deliver, install and commission 22 V100 2.0MW turbines starting in the first quarter of 2014…

 

Turkey to increase its stake in TANAP gas pipeline project – (DailyNews) Turkey is expected to increase its 20 percent stake in the multi-billion dollar Trans-Anatolian natural gas pipeline project (TANAP), designed to reduce Europe’s reliance on Russian gas, Azeri state energy company SOCAR has said…

 

SOCAR: Turkey's TANAP gas pipeline share can be increased – (Trend) Turkey's share in the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP) project can be increased from the current 20 per cent, SOCAR head Rovnag Abdullayev told the media today...

 

PV Power Plants - Turkey: Call for Papers – (PVMagazine) The Turkish government has unveiled new legislation that establishes FITs for small scale solar installations – up to 1 MW – of US$0.133/kWh under ten-year PPAs. The plans also include removing size limitations on self-consumption, which is becoming a very attractive business model…

 

Ukraine

Ukraine Balances Energy Needs and European Aspirations – (Oil Price) Ukraine is one step farther away from Europe. A sudden decision made by the Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovich to cancel the signing of a pre-agreed deal with the European Union is a strong blow to Brussels and, at the same time, an important victory for the Kremlin…

 

In Ukraine, an energy balancing act– (Christian Science Monitor) Ukraine's recent natural gas deals show that Ukraine will continue to flirt with both East and West, Belinksi writes, and, most of all, move toward energy independence…

 

Kiev pursuing energy diversification strategy– (UPI) An energy company in Ukraine said it was holding discussions on the prospects for a natural gas pipeline from Slovakia despite reports to the contrary…

 

How Natural Gas Has Helped Fuel Ukraine’s Violent Unrest – (ThinkProgress) Ukrainians continued to blockade streets and occupy government buildings in Kyiv on Friday, vowing to expand their mass protests until the current government is gone. Activists are calling for Ukrainians to join a ‘March of a Million’ in Kyiv on Sunday, deeming it “the last chance…

 

Ukraine’s Two New Energy Deals– (OilPrice) If one was to believe the picture that most Western media outlets are painting, Ukraine has been lost to Russia. Though the country fought valiantly to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union in Vilnius, Lithuania last month, President Viktor Yanukovych suspended negotiations with the EU at the last possible moment, betraying Ukrainians everywhere…

 

Ukraine modernizes its energy sector – (ForUm) The National Energy Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved the investment component of 4.5 billion UAH of the electricity tariff for PJSC DonbasEnergo to implement reconstruction of Unit 6 of the Slovyanska TPP. The amount will be used to pay back credit funds raised for the project, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine informs…

 

 

Ukraine's Energy Sector Retreats Behind Iron Curtain – (OilPrice) Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz said it agreed with Russian gas giant Gazprom to defer payments for winter gas supplies until early 2014. With Ukraine embroiled in protests, and Europe making headway on energy diversification strategies, the move signals a tilt by Kiev back to its former Kremlin patrons...

 

EBRD gives 300 million EUR for Ukrainian alternative energy development – (ForUm) 2012-2013, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has provided Ukraine about 100 million EUR under the Ukraine Sustainable Energy Lending Facility (USELF). Also, from 2007 to 2013 Ukraine received 220 million USD under the Ukraine Energy Efficiency Programme (UKEEP). The total volume of EBRD investment credits for development of Ukrainian alternative energy totaled 300 million Euros, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine informs…

 

Europe will sleep warm, Ukraine says – (UPI) Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said European energy consumers will stay warm this winter as a result of efforts to resolve gas issues with Russia…

 

Ukraine Officials Fail to Show to Sign Gas Import Deal – (The Wall Street Journal) Ukrainian officials failed to turn up to sign a deal Wednesday that could open a natural gas supply route via Slovakia, according to several people familiar with the situation, raising concerns that Kiev was walking away from an agreement the European Union spent months brokering…

 

Ukraine, Russia and the EU in the context of energy security – (Turkish Weekly) The demonstrations on Kiev's main square Maidan have been sparked by President Viktor Yanukovich declaring on November 21 that the Ukraine will suspend the negotiation of an association agreement with the European Union, under economic and political pressure from it's Eastern neighbor Russia. After 19 days of protests, the opposition is calling for early elections…

 

Ukrainian, Russian energy ministries have not talk gas price reduction – (KyivPost) The question of revising contracts for Russian gas delivery to Ukraine, including a reduction in price, has not been discussed at the energy ministry level, Deputy Russian Energy Minister Anatoly Yanovsky told the press…

 

 

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