Weekly collection of energy news articles for the region.  Click on the links for access to original publications

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 USAID/USEA ETAG Upcoming Events

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June 5-6              USAID/USEA Southeast Europe Distribution System Operator (DSO) Working Group Meeting Vienna, Austria

June 9-10           USAID/USEA Black Sea Regional Transmission System Planning Project (BSTP) Dynamic Analysis Training Tbilisi, Georgia

June 11              USAID/USEA Black Sea Regional Transmission System Planning Project (BSTP) Working Group Meeting Tbilisi, Georgia

June 12              Joint Working Group Meeting: USAID/USEA Black Sea Regional Transmission System Planning Project (BSTP) & USAID/NARUC Black Sea Regulatory   Initiative (BSRI) Tbilisi, Georgia

June 13              USAID/USEA Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey (AGT) Power Bridge Project Working Group Meeting Tbilisi, Georgia

June 13              USAID/USEA Armenia-Georgia (AG) Working Group Meeting Tbilisi, Georgia

Albania 

Albania's reform in energy, pensions sectors necessary: finance minister – (Shanghai Daily) Albanian Finance Minister Shkelqim Cani said on Monday that government deems the reform in energy and pensions sectors necessary, as it has a direct impact on public finances, according to Albanian Telegraphic Agency… 

Reforms in energy and pensions sectors are necessary- Albania's FM – (Balkans) Albanian Finance Minister Shkelqim Cani said on Monday that government deems the reform in energy and pensions sectors necessary, as it has a direct impact on public finances, according to Albanian Telegraphic Agency…

Construction work on TAP to begin next year – (Azernews) The construction work on the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) will start next year, TAP's Managing Director Kjetil Tungland said on June 4 at the 21st Caspian International Oil & Gas Exhibition in Baku…

ALBANIA EYES GASIFICATION VIA TAP PIPELINE – (Albanian Economy News) Albania’s state oil company, Albpetrol, has applied to reserve to 1.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, TAP. Albania’s inter-institutional commission for cooperation with the TAP pipeline on Monday said Albpetrol had launched a bid in the first booking phase for the pipeline on May 14…

Bulgaria

Bulgaria significantly increases electricity export to Serbia after the floods there: BEF Chairman – (Focus) The World Bank predicts electricity crisis in the Balkans because of the floods. We invited energy expert Ivan Hinovski, chairman of the Bulgarian Energy Forum to talk with on the topic. Mr. Hinovski, can you tell us what is the effect at the time of the floods on the production of electricity in the most affected countries such as Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina…

EU Tells Bulgaria to Stop Work on Gazprom's South Stream Project – (The Wall Street Journal) The European Union has demanded Bulgaria suspend construction work on Russia's South Stream natural-gas pipeline project while it investigates the way contracts were awarded…

Bulgaria’s President calls for clear engagements in respect to energy security and diversification of Bulgaria – (Focus) "Bulgaria must undertake clear engagements in respect to its energy security and diversification," said President Rosen Plevneliev, speaking before Bulgarian journalists in the Polish capital Warsaw, where he attended events to mark the 25th anniversary of democratic changes in Central and Eastern Europe, the press centre of the President’s Office announced…

Bulgaria's planned restrictions on renewable energy causes concerns – (Balkans) Bulgarian taxpayers will have to bear the burden of hasty and short-sighted management decisions of Bulgaria’s state institutions, BGWEA and BPVA warned A drastic cut of renewable energy production of up to 50% proposed by the energy regulator combined with a 20 percent fee on the sales income of PV and wind energy producers…

Bulgaria energy watchdog examines heating power prices (ROUNDUP) – (Focus) Bulgaria’s State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC) is held on Tuesday, June 3 an open sitting on the report on the regulatory review and confirmation of the heating power prices and setting preferential prices on electricity from combined production of the companies in the sector as of July 1, FOCUS News Agency reported…

REFILE-UPDATE 1-Bulgaria needs new deals, law change to cut power costs-regulator – (Reuters) Bulgaria's state energy regulator has urged the public power provider to renegotiate agreements under which it is obliged to buy all the electricity produced by two coal-fired plants owned by U.S. companies…

Bulgaria energy minister: South Stream should not be used as hostage of future relations – (Focus) “The matter in point is to avoid South Stream being used as a hostage of future relations and of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia,” said Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Energy, Dragomir Stoynev, speaking with journalists, FOCUS News Agency reporter said…

Bulgarian Energy Watchdog Seeks Lower Power Prices from US-Owned TPPs – (Novinite) Bulgaria's energy watchdog has sought changes to the contracts with US-owned thermal power plants AES-3C Maritza East 1 EOOD and Contur Global Maritsa Iztok-3.  Bulgaria's State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (DKEVR) seeks changes to the long-term contracts signed in 2001 between the National Electric Company (NEK) and the thermal power plants AES-3C Maritza East 1 EOOD and Contur Global Maritsa Iztok-3, according to reports of the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR)…

Bulgaria energy minister: I do not believe EC will sanction Bulgaria – (Focus) I do not believe that there will be a sanction as in the end our task with the European Commission (EC) is to find the best solution and if there is a violation, to eliminate it,” said Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Energy, Dragomir Stoynev, speaking about the news that the European Commission (EC) has opened an infringement procedure against Bulgaria over the South Stream gas pipeline, FOCUS News Agency reporter said…

Bulgaria’s gas reserves enough for 3 months: deputy energy minister – (Focus) There are roughly around 380 mln m3 of natural gas at the Chiren storage facility, deputy energy minister Ivan Ayolov said Monday, adding that the fuel will be enough for 2-3 months if Russian gas supplies dry up. According to Ayolov, the daily summer consumption of blue fuel in the country averaged 6 mln m3. He also said he was closely watching gas talks between Russia and Ukraine…

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Flood damage to Serbia, Bosnia around 3b euros: EBRD – (Channel News Asia) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development estimated on Thursday that the damage from record floods in Serbia and Bosnia could cost some 3 billion euros…

EPBiH receives 30-year concession grant for Janjici hydropower plant – (EBR) The government of Bosnia's independent Bosniak-Croat Federation has awarded a 30-year concession for Bosnia-based power utility EPBiH to build and manage the 13MW Janjici hydropower plant on the river Bosna in central Bosnia…

Croatia

Croatian president informs US president of Croatia's energy potential – (Dalje) Croatian President Ivo Josipovic attended a joint lunch with US President Barack Obama in Warsaw on Tuesday, using the opportunity to inform the US president of Croatia's potential in terms of energy and energy security…

Croatia and Montenegro move forward with oil and gas exploration cooperation – (Balkans) Prime Ministers Zoran Milanovic of Croatia and Milo Djukanovic of Montenegro agreed in Zagreb on Monday to do everything so that oil and gas exploration in the south Adriatic could begin as soon as possible, without prejudging a solution to sea border demarcation. "We will do everything for the exploration of hydrocarbons to begin as soon as possible…

Croatia Completes Second Phase of Zakučac Plant Upgrade – (Energetika) The installed capacity of the Zakučac plant prior to reconstruction was 486 megawatts (MW), while the average annual production totalled 1,458 gigawatt-hours (GWh).There are altogether four generators in the…

Macedonia

En.trading 014: New Energy Exchanges Expected in Balkans, Price Cuts Unlikely – (Energetika) Price cuts unlikely in new energy exchanges expected in the Balkans…

Montenegro

Montenegro awards ten small hydro power plants concessions – (Balkans) Montenegro’s Economy Minister Vladimir Kavarić awarded concessions agreements for the construction of ten small hydro power plants on six watercourses in Montenegro to representatives of the following five consortiums…

Romania

Romania will adopt a law of energy efficiency – (Balkans) The Romanian Parliament will adopt a law of energy efficiency that follows the European directive regarding targets for cutting back on energy spending, according to Iulian Iancu, president of the Industry and Services Commission in the Chamber of Deputies…

Reuters: Romania's Hidroelectrica to exit insolvency in May-June 2015 – (ACTMedia) omanian state-owned hydro power producer Hidroelectrica will likely exit insolvency in May-June 2015 and list a minority stake in the second half of that year, its manager Remus Borza told Reuters on Wednesday.Hidroelectrica, the European Union state's largest and cheapest power producer, was forced into insolvency in 2012 by a severe drought and a string of loss-making contracts, a state it exited last year…

Romania: Energy regulator ANRE expects another 2,000MW of installed capacities in the renewable sector to be rolled out this year – (Balkans) The energy regulator ANRE expects another 2,000MW of installed capacities in the renewable sector to be rolled out this year, adding to the existing 4,000MW, said Ciprian Glodeanu, partner at law firm WolfTheiss during the launch of its fifth Renewable Energy Guide…

Romania could be a net producer of energy in 2019-Ministry – (Reuters Africa) Romania will become energy independent in the second half of 2019, when it will produce more gas and power than it consumes, Energy Minister Razvan Nicolescu said on Friday…

Bucharest Forum Energy, on Wednesday and Thursday – (ACT Media) Aspen Institute of Romania, in a partnership with the Romanian Government and the Department for Energy, is organizing, on Wednesday and Thursday, the Bucharest Forum Energy, at the Parliament Palace.According to organizers…

Romania Power Report Q3 2014 - New Market Research Report – (Digital Journal) Nuclear power will be key to driving Romania's energy sector given the prospect of massive Chinese and Canadian investment in the second half of the decade. Renewables will also continue to play an important role, although the scaling back of the government's support will slow investment…

The Romanian students, the sun and the traveling house – (Romania-Insider) In the middle of the mall’s parking lot, a small house has started to take shape. It’s noon and the end-of-May heat is quite intense. The young workers who weld, attach panels and erect walls don’t seek the shade…

NPD Solarbuzz: European solar PV market to stabilize at 10 GW in 2014 – (Solar Server) NPD Solarbuzz (Santa Clara, California, U.S.) predicts that solar photovoltaic (PV) demand in Europe will fall 7% in 2014 to 10 GW, as the third consecutive year of decline from a peak of 19.2 GW in 2011…

Serbia

Parties Agree Need for Energy Cooperation in Balkan Market – (PR Newswire) An express appeal for the need for gas competitiveness and diversification in the region was heard today at a roundtable in Belgrade by key business and energy experts. Hosted by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, representatives of Bulgarian and Hungarian Chambers of Commerce…

Serbia will act in line with Moscow-Brussels agreement on South Stream – (inSerbia) The matter of compliance of existing South Stream agreements with the EU laws is addressed in the dialogue between Gazprom and the European Commission, and in case some of the signed documents need to be amended, Serbia will act in line with the agreement and the actions of other countries hosting the gas pipeline, Tanjug learned at the Ministry of Energy and Mining on Wednesday…

EC opens infringement proceedings against Bulgaria over South Stream – (The Sofia Globe) The European Commission has formally launched infringement proceedings against Bulgaria over its choice of a contractor to build the land section of the South Stream pipeline in the country, reports in Bulgarian media said on June 3…

EBRD Estimates Cost of Flood Damages in Serbia and B&H At EUR 3 B – (Novinite) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) estimated the damages from the devastating floods in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina at around EUR 3B.  Official estimates of the cost are not available yet, but in its report the EBRD put the damage at around EUR 1.5-2 B in Serbia and about EUR 1.3B in Bosnia and Herzegovina…

Armenia

Armenia concerned about weak energy security – (Azernews) Armenia is keen to improve its energy security by diversifying energy sources and is exploring ways for this aim with international organizations.  The government's attempts to diversify energy sources have failed so far because the country's energy security fully depends on Russia…

EurasiaNet: Azerbaijan wants Armenia to close nuclear power plants, but wants to build nuclear power plant on its territory – (PanoramaAM) “Oil- and natural gas-rich Azerbaijan has hinted it may be interested in developing nuclear energy capabilities. While a preliminary agreement only allows for a 10- to 15-megawatt facility, the government has not disclosed the scale of a project slated to start construction by the end of 2014…

Increasing energy prices under discussion – Armenian deputy minister – (ARKA) Armenia’s deputy minister of energy and natural resources Ara Simonyan confirmed the allegations that increasing energy tariffs is currently being discussed. Member of the Armenian parliament from Prosperous Armenia party Michael Melkumyan said at a session rumors suggest energy price may go up to 45 drams per kilowatt-hour and asked the deputy minister to clarify the matter…

Electricity prices may be reviewed – energy official – (Panorama.AM) The electricity tariffs are not frozen in Armenia and they are reviewed from time to time, Armenian Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Ara Simonyan said on Monday in response to a question of Prosperous Armenia MP Mikael Melkumyan…

PSRC starts review of electricity prices in Armenia – (Aysor) Pursuant to Article 22 parts 5 and 6 of the Law on Energy, the Public Services Regulatory Commission of Armenia (PSRC) has started on its initiative a review of the tariffs of energy production and services and the prices of electricity sold to ultimate users, the commission said in a statement…

Total cost of Armenia’s natural resources is about $120 billion, World Bank expert – (ARKA) Armenia’s ministry of nature protection estimates the total cost of all natural resources of the country to be about $120 billion, without drinking water reserves, which are estimated to cost approximately $9 billion, according to Esma Kreso…

Azerbaijan 

Azerbaijan to start exporting electricity to Turkey since 2015 – (ABC.AZ) Today in Baku at conference Caspian Oil & Gas Azerbaijani Energy Minister Natig Aliyev has stated that talks about the beginning of supplies are underway now at the level of the governments of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey…

Azerbaijan creates a regional circle of power market – (ABC.AZ) Azerbaijan is actively promoting the “Black Sea electric power circle” project to realize the potential of power export, which is not traditional for the country.  Natig Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, has stated today in Baku at the Caspian Oil & Gas Conference that today generating capacity of electric power facilities in Azerbaijan makes up 7,105 MW that exceeds by 1,500 MW the real domestic demand…

Baku Electric Network announces phenomenal loss on national standards and US GAAP – (ABC.AZ) The main retail supplier of electricity in Azerbaijan - OJSC Bakıelektrikşəbəkə (Baku Electric Network) has announced about phenomenal loss on national standards and US GAAP for 2013…

Azerbaijan’s Plans for Nuclear Power Raise Concerns – (Eruasianet) At first glance, it doesn’t add up; why is Azerbaijan, a country brimming with oil and gas, interested in developing nuclear power capacity…

Consumer fees in electricity industry fell almost by 10% – (ABC.AZ) Consumer payments in the electricity industry, according to the country’s main retailer "Baku Electric Network” (Bakıelektrikşəbəkə), has fallen almost by 9.7% since January with consumption fall by 24.4%…

Richard Morningstar: "Azerbaijan will be a major suppplier of gas to Europe" – (News.AZ) "Azerbaijan's role as an energy producer has changed markedly. With the construction of Baku Tbilisi Ceyhan pipeline Azerbaijan became major supplier of oil to world markets".  US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar said while speaking at the reception on the occasion of Caspian Oil & Gas Exhebition 2014 opened in Baku this morning, APA reports…

Azerbaijan will help Europe secure its energy – (World Bulletin) Azerbaijan’s proven natural gas reserves are at least 2.5 trillion cubic meters, an amount that will play an important role in Europe’s energy security, said Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on Tuesday…

US energy adviser: Azerbaijan to play important role in energy security of Europe – (Trend) The US is committed to the energy security of Europe, and Azerbaijan in this regard will play an important role, Daniel Stein, Senior Advisor on Energy Resources in the U.S. State Department, said at the 21st Caspian International Oil and Gas Conference in Baku on June 4…

Azerbaijan’s large energy resources fundamental for global market – (Azernews) Azerbaijan's role as an energy producer has changed markedly.  U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan, Richard Morningstar made the remark at a joint reception organized by the embassies of the U.S. and UK in Azerbaijan as a part of the 21st International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference…

Azerbaijan plays central part in contributing to global energy supply – (Cihan) Azerbaijan plays a central part in contributing to the global supply of energy, and over the next two years will become a major supplier of gas to Europe, U.S. President Barack Obama's message says…

Georgia

Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey Energy Bridge to strengthen energy security: minister – (Azernews) The implementation of the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey Energy Bridge project will contribute to the development of the Black Sea Electricity Ring.  Azerbaijani Energy Minister Natig Aliyev made the remarks during the 21st International Caspian Oil and Gas-2014 Conference in Baku on June 4…

Georgia and Azerbaijan mull energy transportation and security issues – (Trend) The transportation and security of energy was the focus of a meeting on Thursday between Georgian president and Azerbaijani defense minister in Tbilisi. Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili and Azerbaijani Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov discussed deepening the bilateral relations in the sphere of military and industrial cooperation…

Georgia plans 1.5GW wind push – (Wind Power Monthly) Georgia: Turkish developer Energy Windpower is planning to invest up to $1.4 billion in the construction of 1.5GW of wind farms in Georgia as part of a memorandum of understanding signed between the company and the Georgian energy ministry…

Major events in Caspian countries' oil and gas industry for last week (May 26-30) – (Trend) For January 2015 with mechanical completion of the Georgian section expected, the SOCAR Energy Turkey company signed loan agreements with some 23…

Moldova 

Moldova accesses to the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership – (Teleradio Moldova) The Republic of Moldova will benefit from grants amounted at 20 million euros from the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership Fund (E5P). The Inter-ministerial Committee on Strategic Planning decided to sign the financing Agreement with E5P at the request of the Economy Ministry of the Republic of Moldova…

 Turkey

TURKEY'S FUTURE NUCLEAR PLANT TO SHRINK BILLS – (Daily Sabah) Were it fully operational today, Turkey's prospective Akkuyu nuclear plant would meet 17 percent of the country's electricity demand, Fuad Akhundov – CEO of the plant – said Friday…

Turkey: Akkuyu nuclear power plant to be operational by 2023 – (ANSA Med) Were it fully operational today, Turkey's prospective Akkuyu nuclear plant would meet 17% of the country's electricity demand, Anadolu Agency reported quoting Fuad Akhundov - CEO of the plant - as saying on Friday. "Investment in this power plant…

Gazprom cuts gas export forecast to Europe, Turkey – (Daily News) Gazprom plans to export 158.4 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas this year to Europe, including Turkey, down from 161.5 bcm shipped in 2013, the state-controlled company said on June 3…

The US-Turkish energy partnership in a changing world of energy and geopolitics – (Daily News) Energy and geopolitics, which cannot be treated in isolation from one another, today dominate both Turkish and American strategic thinking more than any time in the history of their bilateral relations…

AZERBAIJANI GAS CRUCIAL FOR TURKEY TO MEET ENERGY NEEDS – (Daily Sabah) Azerbaijani natural gas is crucial for Turkey to meet its energy needs in a safe and economic way, said a member from the Caspian Strategy Institute (HASEN)…

CSUN inks 50MW Turkey PV tie-up – (reNews) China-based solar manufacturer CSUN has signed a 50MW framework agreement with KosiFrankensolar for PV projects in Turkey. The main focus will be on ground-mounted applications but rooftop installations are also in the frame…

TURKEY INTERESTED IN RUSSIA'S NEW GAS PIPELINE PROJECT – (Daily Sabah) Turkey finds it feasible and possible to participate in Russia's South Stream pipeline project, if Moscow makes official offer, said Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yıldız on Thursday… 

Gov't announces plan to spread energy conservation – (Cihan) Environment and Urban Planning Minister İdris Güllüce has announced his ministry's plans to launch an education campaign to teach citizens about environmental sustainability and energy conservation…

Turkey sees energy import bill at $61 billion in 2014 – (Reuters Africa) Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said on Tuesday he expected the country's energy import bill to reach $61 billion in 2014, compared with $56 billion last year…

Turkey Ready to Be Gas Link for Europe and Turkmenistan – (Silk Road Reporters) President of Turkey, Abdullah Gul has met with his Turkmen and Kyrgyz counterparts at the Cankaya Presidential Oalace in Ankara on Tuesday. During the meeting, he said his country was willing and prepared to trans-ship natural gas between Turkmenistan and Europe, World Bulletin reports…

Ukraine 

Ukraine: shifting energy gears from east to west – (Financial Times) With pressure from the east piling up, Kiev’s pro-western government is shifting gears to more swiftly integrate its vast but financially-troubled energy sector with the west…

Financial Times: Ukraine shifting energy gears from east to west – (Kyiv Post) With pressure from the east piling up, Kiev’s pro-western government is shifting gears to more swiftly integrate its vast but financially-troubled energy sector with the west…

Ukraine crisis highlights need for new energy sources by Russian dependents – (Business Day Online) The ongoing instability in Ukraine following the annexation of Crimea by Russia has accentuated the need for countries depending significantly on Russia for their gas supplies to diversify their energy sources.  Analysts have said that should the Ukrainian crisis escalate further, the consequences will be harsher for Russia’s economy, as well as the countries relying heavily for Russian gas…

Russia satisfied with first gas payment from Ukraine — energy minister – (ITAR TASS) Russia is satisfied with the fact that Ukraine has made the first payment on its gas debt to Russia, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said answering questions from journalists on Monday.  Earlier Monday, Russian state energy giant Gazprom received its first payment to the tune of $786.4 million from Ukraine…

Ukraine to Split State Gas Firm as European Integration Looms – (International Business Times) Ukraine's government announced plans to split the state-controlled gas company Naftogaz into three separate businesses in order to comply with European Union regulations in the energy sector…

Ukrainian government approves creation of Naftogaz-based two state-controlled companies – (ITAR TASS) Ukraine’s government has approved a decision to create a gas transportation system company, the parliament-appointed Minister of Energy and Coal Industry Yuriy Prodan has said…

European Commission notes real progress in EU-Russia-Ukraine energy meeting – (Kyiv Post) Intensive discussions led to a bilateral meeting between the CEOs of Russian gas giant Gazprom and Ukraine's national gas company Naftogaz Ukrainy who discussed key commercial issues for a settlement of the ongoing gas supply…

EU energy security plan welcomed as hopes rise for restart to Ukraine PV programme – (PVTech) Renewable energy lobbyist, the Europe-Ukrainian Energy Agency (EUEA), has welcomed moves by the European Commission to speed up renewables deployment and reduce the bloc’s dependence on Russian gas…

Crisis in Ukraine is a wake-up call over energy mix, says Oxfam – (Voice of Russia) The EU is facing an energy wake-up call as a food and fuel crisis looms, according to Oxfam. It says political instability from Russia and Ukraine is combining with climate vulnerability in the EU’s key exporters. Big decisions are being taken now about Europe's energy future as the EU negotiates a new set of climate and energy targets for 2030…

Ukrinterenergo starts supplying electricity to Crimea at market prices – (Kyiv Post) Ukrinterenergo (Kyiv) from June 1 started the supply of electricity to Crimea at market prices, according to the press service of the company…