Albania

 

60% of power production is stolen, a failure for the Albanian economy– (BalkanEU) In Albania, more than half of electrical energy which is produced, distributed and imported, is stolen in different ways by private companies and households. Many state institutions, private businesses and household consumers have been debtors for several years to the state owned CEZ Distribution, as the seller of power supply…

 

Albania sets up task force to reduce system losses of electricity distribution– (Balkans) A Task Force was created in Albania to improve collection rates and reducing system losses of electricity distribution. This Task Force began work under the direction of Deputy / prime.  The work of the Task Force will begin by institutions and by those who steal energy companies for profit…

 

Balkan Energy: A Year in Review – (The Jamestown Foundation) The year 2013 was particularly important for energy security in the Balkans, as it brought the news that Caspian natural gas is closer than ever to reaching a region that has been heavily dependent on Russian sources. At the same time, the Russian-led South Stream natural gas pipeline faced a serious legal setback for violating European Union laws…

 

Energy map of Europe about to be redrawn – (The Australian) EUROPE'S energy supply options will broaden later this decade as new pipelines feed natural gas from Russia and the Caspian Sea to consumers in big Mediterranean markets such as Italy, Greece and Turkey…

 

 

Bulgaria

 

Bulgaria imports 70% of its energy from other countries– (Balkans) New Construction research report from Timetric states that the Bulgarian construction industry registered a CAGR of -14.20% during the review-period (2008-2012). In 2009, economic contraction led to decline in the inflow of foreign capital to the construction industry…

 

Bulgarian PV Industry, EC Officials Talk Renewable Energy Act Changes– (Novinite) Members of the governing body of the Bulgarian Photovoltaic Association met with members of the Cabinet of EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger in Brussels on January 8. The discussion revolved around the amendments to the Renewable Energy Sources Act adopted by Parliament on December 5, 2013, introducing restrictions on the production of green energy and imposing a 20% tax on the revenues of wind farms and photovoltaic plants…

 

Bulgarian Cabinet Plans Major Reshuffles in Energy Sector – Report – (Novinite) The Bulgarian cabinet is currently working on a new action plan for thoroughly revamping the country's state energy sector. The plan includes the splitting up of the Bulgarian Energy Holding, which currently comprises all state energy companies, into three, and the creation of a self-standing Ministry of Energy…

 

Bulgaria: 67% more businesses in energy than in 2008– (Balkans) In spite of Bulgaria's deteriorated conditions for business development in the 2008-2012 period, the number of Bulgarian companies grew 11%, mostly thanks to microenterprises, which added 14%, and at the expense of small and medium-sized enterprises, which dropped 15% and 23% respectively, Duma daily reports. During the economic crisis, the number of companies in the energy field increased the most – by 67% compared to 2008.

 

Bulgarian Energy Holding Sets Up Future Electricity Exchange Operator – (Publics) The state-owned Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) has set up a new subsidiary which will operate the future electricity exchange of the country. BEH’s new subsidiary – Bulgarian Independent Energy Exchange (BIEE), was registered on Jan 10, just a day after economy and energy minister Dragomir Stoinev dispersed rumours of possible split up of the holding…

 

Bulgaria’s Energy Holding not to be closed down: Energy Minister (ROUNDUP)– (Focus) Speaking at the first press conference organised in 2014 Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Energy, Dragomir Stoynev, refuted the allegations spread in the Bulgarian media that the Ministry of Economy and Energy would be split into two and there would be separate ministries for the two portfolios…

 

Bulgarian Energy Holding looks to distribute its deposits among various banks – (Balkans) A month following the deadline, the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) has finally announced a public procurement to distribute its deposits among various banks. New rules came into force prohibiting state-owned companies to have a net exposure to a single bank higher than 25%...

 

Bulgaria Court To Consider Tax On Renewable Energy Producers – (Tax-News Global Tax News) Bulgaria's Constitutional Court is to consider whether a new 20 percent tax on renewable energy producers is unconstitutional, after Prime Minister Rosen Plevneliev fulfilled his promise to lodge a legal challenge…

 

Bulgaria’s Energy Holding not to be closed down: minister – (Focus) “I am explicit that the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) will not be closed down until I am Minister of Economy and Energy,” Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Energy, Dragomir Stoynev announced at the first press conference he organised in 2014, FOCUS News Agency reporter informed…

 

2014: new rules for wind and solar energy producers in Bulgaria – (ACC) From 1 January 2014 there is a new state fee in Bulgaria that applies to wind and solar energy producers.  Another legislative change limits the applicability of the Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) for all renewable energy producers and threatens their financial stability…

 

Energy Ombudsman of CEZ Bulgaria meets with clients in Pernik – (Focus) Energy Ombudsman of CEZ Bulgaria, Radoslav Dimitrov, met with clients in the Bulgarian town of Pernik on Wednesday, January 8, the press office of the company announced.  The meeting was held at the client’s service centre in the town, where people had the chance to file signals, proposals and recommendations for improvement of the quality of the services rendered by the power distribution company…

 

U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria: We are very satisfied with cooperation with Bulgaria – (Focus) The U.S. is very satisfied with the cooperation with Bulgaria in the field of energy,” U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria Marcie Ries said, asked to comment on the construction of a 7th unit at Bulgaria’s Kozloduy NPP, FOCUS News Agency journalist announced…

 

11 Companies to Compete in Bulgaria’s South Stream Tender – (Novinite) A total of 11 companies have registered for the tender for constructing the Bulgarian section of the South Stream gas pipeline. The Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) says it has received all valid applications by the deadline, January 10. The next step will consist of reviewing their documents and deciding which firms will progress to the 2nd round…

 

European Commission looking into South Stream Bulgarian tender – (The Sofia Globe) The European Commission was looking into the public procurement tender to pick a contractor for the Bulgarian stretch of the South Stream gas pipeline, but no formal investigation has been opened at this point, the spokesperson for internal market commissioner Michel Barnier, Chantal Hughes, has said…

 

Bulgaria Firm on Shale Gas Drilling Ban – (Novinite) Bulgaria has not and will not in any way change its national legislation on shale gas, says the Minister of Environment and Waters, Iskra Mihaylova. Speaking Wednesday for TV7, Mihaylova reminded that there is a current moratorium on the exploration and drilling for shale gas…

 

Bulgaria’s grid operator in critical situation but it starts stabilising: minister – (Focus) “Bulgaria’s National Electricity Company (NEK) finds itself in a difficult situation but it is stabilising and gradually it has started paying off its debts,” Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Energy, Dragomir Stoynev announced at the first press conference he organised in 2014, FOCUS News Agency reporter informed…

 

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

 

Bosnia, piloting the way to energy efficiency– (UNDP) In the winter, the kindergarten in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s municipality of Gradiska was often freezing cold, with temperatures inside dipping to 7° Celsius. Swaddled in layers of heavy clothes, the kindergarteners could barely move. Teachers would rub their frozen fingers and stamp their feet to keep warm as they looked after the students…

 

Hydropower plants in middle course of river Drina waiting for green light from Italian government– (Energetika) Hydropower plants in middle course of the river Drina waiting for green light from the Italian government…

 

 

Croatia

 

Power struggle: Is the EU’s proposal for a single energy market feasible?– (EuropeanCEO) As lofty ambitions go, the EU’s goal of implementing an internal energy market for Europe in 2014 remains loftier than most. It isn’t difficult to see why, given it will require not only cross-border markets for gas and electricity to be fully up and running across Europe, but also plans to “complete, modernise and smarten EU grids” should be “well under way”…

 

Croatia Applies New Tariff Model for Gas Prices as of This Year– (Energetika)According to the new methodology that Croatia's energy market regulator HERA applies from 1 January 2014, the consumers are divided into 12 categories using different tariff models. In practice the change means…

 

INA to start gas production in northern Croatia (x)– (Portfolio.hu) Croatia's oil and gas group INA has signed contracts with four local engineering firms on Tuesday to start gas production from three fields in the north of the country, the company said.  "The contracts are worth HRK 240 million (USD 42.96 m). They are related to the Medjimurje project, which aims to start production on three gas fields with total commercial reserves estimated at around one billion cubic metres," it said in a statement…

 

INA signs contract related to Croatian gas extraction project – (BBJ) Croatia-based oil company INA, a unit of oil-and-gas company MOL, signed contracts worth a combined HRK 240 million (€31.5 million) with four consortia of Croatian companies related to the Međimurje county gas extraction project on Tuesday…

 

INA to Begin Gas Production in Northern Croatia – (Rigzone) Croatia's oil and gas group INA signed contracts with four local engineering firms on Tuesday to start gas production from three fields in the north of the country, the company said…

 

INA to Start Gas Production on Three Fields in Northern Croatia – (Energetika) “INA has signed contracts worth in total 240 million kuna (1 euro = 7.62 Croatian kuna) with four consortia of Croatian companies, two headed by STSI, which is a member of INA Group, and two headed by Končar a…

 

Bankwatch: EBRD failed to assess environmental threat in three countries – (Energetika) CEE Bankwatch Network is active across central and eastern Europe, monitoring the activities of international financial institutions and proposing constructive social and environmental alternatives to the…

 

 

Kosovo

 

Albania signs strategic partnership deal with Kosovo– (Turkish Weekly) The governments of Kosovo and Albania on Saturday signed an agreement on strategic cooperation and partnership in Prizren, south of Kosovo. The Common Economic Commission will act as the main mechanism in the bilateral economic relations and trade exchanges. It will act as the main mechanism for strengthening of cooperation in the energy sector to develop and implement joint projects in this field…

 

South Stream pipeline arms to reach Macedonia and Kosovo– (Energetika) “We have drawn up a concept for the spatial plan for areas of special importance for the southern arm of the South Stream pipeline. All that is left now is for Srbijagas and the Serbian national spatial planning...

 

 

Macedonia

 

South Stream: EU okays to represent Bulgaria in negotiations with Russia - Gazrom and Serbia agree on pipeline leg to Macedonia– (Standart) According to Standart daily, the European Commission will take the lead in negotiations with Moscow on the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline for it to correspond to the European requirements, it was agreed in a working breakfast between EU Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger and the relevant ministers from affected countries Bulgaria , Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Greece and Austria. The agreement was reported on yesterday's meeting of the Council of Ministers…

 

FYR Macedonia's Elem seeks bids to construct dam– (Balkans) (FYR) Macedonia utility AD Elektrarni na Makedonija (Elem) seeks bids to construct the dam and other civil works of the 70-MW Boskov Most hydroelectric project on the Mala Reka River in western (FYR) Macedonia. Bids are due March 31…

 

 

Montenegro

 

Montenegro round deadline extended– (Upstream) The deadline to bid for oil exploration and drilling rights for oil and natural gas off the southern Adriatic coast of Montenegro has been extended until 15 May, according to a report. The country's economy ministry said it had pushed back the original 28 February deadline at the request of potential bidders who needed more time to prepare their bids, Reuters reported…

 

Montenegro extends bidding deadline for offshore oil exploration– (Balkans) The deadline to bid for oil exploration and drilling rights for oil and natural gas off the southern Adriatic coast of Montenegro has been extended until 15 May, according to a report. The country's economy ministry said it had pushed back the original 28 February deadline at the request of potential bidders who needed more time to prepare their bids, Reuters reported…

 

Montenegro extends bid deadline in offshore hydrocarbons tender until May 15 – (SEENews) Montenegro has extended until May 15 the deadline for applying for the award of offshore hydrocarbons production concession, the country's economy ministry said on Thursday.  The original deadline was due to expire on February 28…

 

 

Romania

 

Egger Group builds waste – to – energy recycling plant in Romania– (Romanian-Insider) Austrian wood-panel manufacturer Egger Group has completed a plant in Romania. The EUR 35 million, 83-megawatt plant will use waste wood to generate power and heat, reports Bloomberg…

 

Ponta: Romania's great challenge energy-wise is to go outside borders– (ACTMedia) Prime Minister Victor Ponta, at the inauguration of Racovita hydropower plant of Sibiu County (central Romania), on Thursday, said that Romania would have to export electricity.'The important thing is to also complete projects, not just start them…

 

ANRE authorizes 40 solar parks, wind farm and two small HPPs at its last 2013 meeting– (Energetika) Forty photovoltaic projects, two micro hydropower plants and a wind farm were approved by the Romanian National Regulatory Authority for Energy (ANRE) at its last meeting in 2013, which was held on December 30…

 

SOCAR strengthens its position in Romania – (Azernews) Azerbaijan's state energy company SOCAR purchased the remaining 10 percent in SOCAR Petroleum SA from the Romanian shareholders, SOCAR Petroleum reported.  SOCAR will increase the share capital of its Romanian unit SOCAR Petroleum by 35 million euros in order to support the company's development policy…

 

Start-Up of Gas Connection Between Bulgaria and Romania Postponed Indefinitely – (Energetika) Site inspection showed that there is stacked equipment and the running tests are not completed so far. On the Bulgarian coast near the town of Martin, there are two construction sites…

 

Renewable energy output at record-high, yet subsidies slashed as of this year – (ACTMedia) The production of renewable energy hit a record-high at the end of 2013, when the capacity of projects already connected to the system topped an aggregate 3,757 MW, by 60% more than at the end of 2012, shows data released by Transelectrica…

 

Romanian President Asks for Review of Act Delaying Green Certificates; Department of Energy Claims Request Contains Incorrect Information – (Energetika) Basescu claims that the act changes a state aid scheme and therefore the European Commission should have been notified. Article 108, paragraph 3 of the Treaty on EU functioning provides that the Commission should…

 

Romania's President looks to re-examine bill deferring green certificates – (Balkans) Romanian President Traian Basescu asked the Parliament to re-examine the law approving the government emergency ordinance no.57/2013, which defers some green certificates for renewable producers, claiming the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, was not prenotified regarding the legal changes…

 

LUKERG Renew finalised 82 MW wind farm in Romania – (Energetika) The 82 MW wind farm was connected to the grid in November 2013 and is equipped with Vestas turbines. The company is currently testing the plant, and plans to install another 2 MW in the next couple of months...

 

Unison starts operations of three Romanian solar installations – (Balkans) Unisun, the solar developer part of Wuxi Guolian Development Group, announced on Tuesday it started operating three solar installations with a combined capacity of 19.59MW in Romania...

 

Romania to List Hidroelectrica and Electrica in June, CE Oltenia to Follow – (Publics) Romania plans to sell 15% in hydropower generator Hidroelectrica, the largest electricity producer in the country, and 51% in electricity distributor and supplier Electrica...

 

Romania’s Hidroconstructia has taken out a EUR 60 million loan for working capital – (Balkans) Romania’s Hidroconstructia, a construction firm specialized in the hydro sector, has taken out a EUR 60 million loan for working capital, allowing the issue of bank guarantee letters for the firm’s contracts...

 

Transgaz to connect nine Romanian villages to EUR 3.5 mln gas pipe – (DailyNews) Romanian gas transport company Transgaz will invest EUR 3.5 million in a gas transport pipe in Prahova county, to connect 9 villages to the gas distribution system. The 36-kilometer pipe from Ploiesti – Plopeni – Slanic will be built by Transgaz, while the local authorities will have to take care of creating the gas network within the villages…

 

 

Serbia

 

Green for Growth Fund signs EUR 5 million senior loan for energy efficiency in Serbia– (Balkans) The Green for Growth Fund, Southeast Europe (GGF) signed a senior loan facility of EUR 5 million with Intesa Leasing Belgrade (ILB) in Serbia to provide energy efficiency (EE) financing for a wide range of business and agricultural clients across the country...

 

Major investments in Serbian energy sector finally taking shape – (Energetika) The minister also said an agreement on the construction of the thermal power plant Štavalj at Sjenica, together with a coal mine and long-distance power lines, would be signed in the first quarter of 2014…

 

Serbia sets up a special fee for encouraging electricity production from renewables – (Balkans) The Serbian government adopted at its session the Regulation setting a special fee for encouraging electricity production from renewable sources and for purchase of energy from privileged producers…

 

Russian official: S. Stream delays out of question – (b92) Russian Ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov has said that Serbia should adhere to the bilateral agreement on South Stream with Russia…

 

 

Armenia

 

Energy and Natural Resources Minister responds ex-president’s comments on gas price– (ArmenPress) The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Armenia Armen.  Movsisyan commented on the Armenian ex-president Robert Kocharyan’s interview, where the ex-president spoke of public unawareness of real gas price…

 

‘This deal is really in our country’s interests’: Armenian energy minister’s response to ex-president – (Tert) In an interview with Tert.am, Armenia’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisyan commented on Armenian ex-president Robert Kocharyan’s interview, wherein the ex-president spoke of public unawareness of the real gas price, sale of 20% of ArmRusgasprom shares to Russia…

 

Armenia’s energy efficiency projects discussed with KfW Bank representatives – (News.am) Armenian Urban Development Minister Samvel Tadevosyan received the German government-owned KfW development bank delegation, led by Director Jan Blum of the KfW Regional Energy Programs Department…

 

Armenian ex-president Kocharian criticizes government over gas deal with Russia – (ARKA) In an interview published by his unofficial website, 2rd.am, on Monday, ex-Armenian president Robert Kocharian criticized the government for a gas deal concluded late last year with Russian Gazprom, particularly, a provision of the agreement stipulating that the current and future Armenian governments cannot raise taxes or make any other changes in the regulatory…

 

Gazprom OAO : ARMENIA-PRESIDENT-KOCHARYAN-GAS-VIEW– (4-traders) All the issues connected with the latest gas agreement of Armenia and Russia can be divided into 3 parts: concealment of the real gas price that has led to a 300 million debt ($), the sale of Armenia's 20% share in ArmRusgasprom, and the exclusive conditions of monopoly activity till…

 

ARG to seek external markets for export of electricity – (ARKA) CEO of Armenia’s Russian-owned national gas distribution company ArmRosGazprom (ARG) Vardan Harutyunyan instructed today relating departments of the company to look for external markets to sell the electricity generated by the fifth unit of Hrazdan Power plant commissioned last December 2, during Russian president Putin’s visit to Armenia…

 

 

Azerbaijan

 

NATO: Azerbaijan Is A Country Of Pivotal Importance For Europe's Energy Security– (Haberler) Azerbaijan is a country of pivotal importance for Europe's energy security. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said during press conference with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in NATO headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday…

 

Azerbaijan can participate in transit projects through pipeline TANAP – expert– (NewsAZ) One of the main events of the year was the adoption of the final investment decision on the second phase of the development of offshore gas field Shah Deniz…

 

Baku to host First intl. Caspian Energy Forum – (Azernews) Azerbaijan's capital Baku is set to host the First International Caspian Energy Forum in April.  The forum, which is part of the general meetings of the Caspian-European Club (CEIBC), is planned to be held annually.  Reports say the one-day forum consists of two parts. The first part would focus on the development of the oil, gas, energy, and environment sectors…

 

Baku to host 1st International Caspian Energy Forum this year – (NewsAZ) The first international Caspian Energy Forum will be held in Azerbaijan`s capital of Baku in April as part of celebrative events on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Caspian Energy International Media Group…

 

A task given to liquidate lagging in solar energy development in 2014 – (ABC.AZ) At yesterday’s extended government meeting Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that this year it is necessary to remedy the situation with the use of solar energy and fasten work on the development of solar energy.  "There is a plant for the production of solar panels in Azerbaijan, while solar energy development is lame. In the country there are many sunny days a year, and it is our duty to use this opportunity," President Aliyev said…

 

SOCAR to increase allocations to state budget of Azerbaijan in 2013 – (Trend) "In 2013, The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) allocated 1.57 billion manats to the state budget, which is more than in 2012", SOCAR said on Monday…

 

Azerbaijan contributes to Europe’s energy security with diversification: Elmar Mammadyarov– (Azernews) The projects on production and supply of the Shah Deniz gas once again show that Azerbaijan contributes to the energy security of Europe not only through the diversification of supply routes, but also by diversifying supply sources, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Elmar Mammadyarov said told Italian media…

 

Azerbaijani territories, prospective for alternative energy development announced– (Trend) The Institute of Geography of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) announced the list of Azerbaijan's territories that are prospective in terms of development of wind and solar energy…

 

Russia to suspend work through Azeri oil pipeline – (UPI) Russian oil company Transneft said Friday it would suspend deliveries through a pipeline to Baku because Azerbaijan hasn't signed the necessary agreements…

 

Azerbaijan temporarily suspends gas supplies to Russia – (Trend) Azerbaijan has temporarily suspended gas supplies to Russia because of repair operations on the Baku-Russian border road with gas transitions, SOCAR told Trend today…

 

Azerbaijan is able to organize production of solar panels – (ABC.AZ) The State Agency for Alternative & Renewable Energy (ABOEMDA) notes that Azerbaijan has good manufacturing capabilities to actively develop solar energy in the country…

 

Azerbaijani population receives over 2 billion cubic meters of gas in 2013 – (Trend) Azerigas Production Association of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) sold over 2.2 billion cubic meters of gas to the population in 2013, SOCAR said on Jan.15.  Azerigas Production Association is engaged in distribution and sale of gas to Azerbaijani consumers…

 

Azerbaijan defines route for pumping additional oil volumes – (Azernews) Azerbaijan's state energy company SOCAR decided to transport oil through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline instead of the Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline…

 

More than 10 bcm to more European countries from Azerbaijan – (Trend) Azerbaijan, however, has far-reaching plans for diversification of its export routes ... on Caspian energy and political issues earlier told Trend that Azerbaijan has…

 

 

Georgia

 

Exports from Georgia to Azerbaijan up 12%– (NewsAZ) In January-November 2013, compared to January-November 2012, the volume of exports from Georgia to Azerbaijan increased by 12% (by USD 68.9m) and amounted to USD 647.1m - 24.7% of total exports of Georgia, according to the Georgian National Statistical Service…

 

USAID Program Officer Issues Certificates to Employees of Georgian State Electrosystem– (USAID) Nick Higgins, USAID Program Officer issued certificates to 53 senior and mid-level managers of Georgian State Electrosystem (GSE) today, together with the HR and Organizational Development Manager Mr. Mikheil Zibzibadze…

 

EBRD, Georgia discuss issues of attracting investments– (Trend) Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with Managing Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Olivier Descamps on Jan.14…

 

 

Moldova

 

The Romania-Moldova Gas Pipeline: A Chance for Moldova to Connect to the EU– (Natural Gas Europe) The Iasi-Ungheni gas interconnector between Romania and Moldova, the construction of which began in late August, is expected to improve Moldova’s energy security, bring commercial benefits to both Moldova and Romania, and contribute to the physical integration of the European gas market...

 

Energy Efficiency Funding for Moldovan Businesses– (ESA) In response to high demand for energy efficiency loans in Moldova, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending a further €7 million to one of the country’s banks for on-lending to private companies…

 

Energy sector– (Marketinfo) The energy sector in Moldova faces several problems: strong dependence on the import of natural gas, oil and oil products, outdated technology for the generation and distribution of electricity and high historical debts. Many district heating systems work inefficiently and are badly maintained. The accumulated gas debts require long-term solutions. For further development, access to the trans-European electricity grid and gas pipelines is necessary. Further potential sector are renewable energy…

 

 

Russia

 

Another View: Shift in energy output poses threat to Russia– (DesMoinesRegister) Russian President Vladmir Putin has won some begrudging admiration for his strategic triumph during the Syria crisis. Let him have his moment. It won’t last long. A new development threatens to rob Putin of a significant part of his international heft…

 

Pros and cons of use of renewable energy sources in Russia and Germany– (Voice of Russia) Russia and Germany are expanding bilateral cooperation in the renewable energy sector. This is not incidental given that Germany remains a world leader in renewable energy, getting about 20 percent of its overall annual electricity from renewable energy sources. The German government decided to abandon nuclear power after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster…

 

Over 16 km of electrical cable stolen from APEC summit highway in Russia – (Pravda) Unknown perpetrators stole 16 kilometers of electrical cable from Sedanka-Patroclus Highway that was built in Russia's Vladivostok for the 2012 APEC summit. The highway was left without electricity…

 

Olympics electricity grid 'still being worked on,' official says – (Dalje) Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said the power grid designed for Sochi for the Winter Olympics -- less than a month away -- is "still being worked on…

 

Gazprom: lots of gas, nowhere to go? – (Financial Times) Gazprom boosted gas exports to Europe to record levels last year, as customers negotiated price discounts and competition from rival international gas producers fell away…

 

Russia’s natural gas production up 2% in 2013 – (Oil & Gas Eurasia) Russia’s natural gas production in 2013 increased by two percent on the previous year to reach 668 billion cubic meters, Russian Minister of Energy Alexander Novak said on January 9 at a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Itar-Tass has reported…

 

What Putin's Chess Game Means for Energy in Europe– (DailyFinance) Ukraine recently signed a deal where Russia agreed to purchase $15 billion in Ukrainian debt and lower the price of natural gas by one third. Under the terms of the new deal, Gazprom , Russia's national natural gas champion, agreed to provide natural gas for $268.50 per thousand cubic meters versus the previous $400 per thousand cubic meters…

 

 

Turkey

 

Turkey aiming for one-third renewable energy target for 2023 – (ClimateAction) Turkey's energy minister, Taner Yildiz, has announced that the country is on course to achieve its target of sourcing one-third of its power needs from renewable energy by 2023…

 

Turkey: Hydroelectricity Power In Turkey– (Mondaq) Turkey is rapidly becoming a very important market player in its own territory with an ambitious targets in energy sector. As it is seen from 2023 projection of Turkish government, renewable energy resources will come into prominence with highly concentration on increasing productivity of hydroelectricity power plants…

 

Massive wind and solar potential may turn Turkey into a renewable energy powerhouse – (Balkans) Massive wind and solar potential to be utilized in the next 10 years will turn Turkey into a renewable energy powerhouse in the region as the country gradually increases the use of domestic resources for power generation…

 

Natural gas privatized below price: Turkish court – (Daily News) Turkey’s Court of Accounts has ruled that Turkey’s second largest natural gas grid, Başkentgaz, was privatized for below its value…

 

Turkey: A Test For Turkish Electricity Market: Fraud-Based Manipulation – (Mondaq) Turkish electricity market is rapidly transforming a competitive open market by consistent privatization and liberalization policies of Turkish government. In line with these regulations, a manipulation risk has been revealed which restricts advantages of privatized market…

 

Siemens to build 600 MW combined cycle power plant in Turkey – (PennEnergy) Siemens (NYSE: SI) has received an order for the turnkey construction of the Bandirma II combined-cycle (gas and steam) power plant (CCPP) in Turkey. The purchaser is Enerjisa, a joint venture of Sabanci Holding and E.ON. Following the Samsun project, which is currently under construction, Bandirma II will be the second power plant…

 

Toshiba Corp : Toshiba Lands Major Order from Geothermal Power Plant in Turkey – (4-traders) Toshiba Corp. said that the company has won a major order in Turkey to supply key equipment, including turbines, generators and condensers, for the Alasehir geothermal power plant that Zorlu Energy, an independent power producer and member of the Zorlu Holdings Group, will build in Alasehir, in western Turkey'sManisa Province…

 

Toshiba to supply key equipment for geothermal power plant in Turkey – (WorldBulletin) Japanese electronics giant Toshiba will supply key equipment, including turbines, generators and condensers for the Zorlu Enerji's Alasehir geothermal power plant according to a written statement by Toshiba Corporation on Thursday…

 

Toshiba Corp. awarded contract to supply geothermal power plant in Turkey – (Renewable Energy Focus) Equipment to include turbines, generators and condensers for the Alasehir geothermal power plant in western Turkey’s Manisa Province…

 

Turkey's role vital for diversifying Europe's energy sources: Energy Charter expert– (Turkish Weekly) Transfer of oil and gas via Turkey is important for Europe in terms of energy diversification, said Gabriela Prata Dias, senior expert at Energy Charter Secretariat…

 

 

Ukraine

 

 Ukraine Gets Option on $6Bln From Russia for Atomic Energy– (The Moscow Times) Ukraine said Friday that it has secured an option to borrow $6 billion from Russian banks to help develop its atomic energy industry.  The agreement between the two countries was reached last December during an intergovernmental commission, according to a Ukrainian Economy Ministry statement…

 

Ukraine no longer wants reverse gas flows from EU– (EurActiv) Ukraine has ceased buying gas from Europe and will instead purchase the fuel solely from Russia, as it offers the lowest prices, Ukraine’s energy minister Eduard Stavitsky said yesterday...

 

Russia to be Ukraine’s Sole Gas Provider – Minister – (RiaNovosti) Ukraine has ceased buying gas from Europe and will instead purchase the fuel solely from Russia, as it offers the lowest prices, Ukraine’s energy minister said Thursday…

 

Ukraine assumes presidency of Energy Community in 2014– (NRC) "In accordance with the rules of procedure of the [Energy Community's] Ministerial Council, the presidency by EC member states of this organization is carried out in alphabetical order. Thus, Ukraine's chairmanship began on January 1 and will end on December 31, 2014," Foreign Ministry spokesman Yevhen Perebyinis said at a briefing on Tuesday…

 

Ukraine outlines energy strategy for 2014 – (ShanghaiDaily) Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and Energy and Coal Industry Minister Eduard Stavytsky on Tuesday have approved a strategy to develop the country's energy sector in 2014…

 

Russia may provide USD 6 billion for development of Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector – (Focus) Russia may provide a loan of USD 6 billion to Ukraine, which to be used for the development of Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector. Valery Muntiyan, Ukrainain Government's Commissioner for Co-operation with the Russian Federation, Commonwealth of Independent States, Eurasian Economic Co-operation and other associations, announced the news, cited by RIA Novosti…

 

PM warns against possible increase in electricity prices – (ForUm) Changing the rules of operation of the electricity market of Ukraine may lead to an increase in electricity prices, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said at the Cabinet’s meeting, ForUm correspondent reports…

 

Law on Ukraine's electricity market takes effect with New Year – (UkrainianJournal) The law on the functioning of Ukraine's electricity market, which foresees the liberalization of the country's wholesale electricity market, took effect on January 1…

 

Ukraine bags €20m for efficient district heating networks – (Energy Live News) A London-based bank is providing a loan worth €20 million (£16.6m) to improve the efficiency of district heating systems in Ukraine…

 

Nuclear power unit in Ukraine returns to service – (PennEnergy) Unit 4 of the 2,835 MW Rivne Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine is back online six days after defects were found.  According to ForUm, The plant first shut down on Jan. 3 when defects of separator-superheater fittings were detected, the article said. The unit was restarted on Jan. 9…

 

Discount for Russian gas improves Ukraine's position in negotiations with IMF - Government Commissioner – (NRCU) Reduction of a gas price with a loan from the Russian Federation improves Ukraine's positions at negotiations with international financial institutions and creates prerequisites…

 

Gas transit to EU via Ukraine up 3.2% in 2013 – (Oil & Gas Europe) Ukraine increased gas transit to Europe by 3%, having completely fulfilled all the applications, Director of Central Control Department of PJSC Ukrtransgas Andriy Datsiuk told reporters, Ukrinform reported on January 11…

 

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