Albania

Albania has real, great water potentials which is not exploited says PM Berisha – (Balkans) Albania's Prime Minister Sali Berisha attended the proceedings of Tirana Economic Forum that Albanian Confindustria organized in Tirana on energy…

First gas to be transported via TANAP pipeline in 2019: SOCAR – (Azernews) First gas is to be transported through the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP) in 2019, head of Azerbaijan's state energy company SOCAR Rovnag Abdullayev has said…

Managing Director: Nabucco West concludes negotiations on shareholder agreement with Shah Deniz partners – (Trend) Nabucco West has concluded the negotiations on the shareholder agreement with the partners of Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field development, Managing Director of Nabucco Gas Pipeline International GmbH Reinhard Mitschek said in interview with journalists in Baku on Wednesday…

Bulgaria

Chair of Bulgaria's Energy Watchdog Resigns – (Novinite) Evgenia Haritonova, Chair of Bulgaria's State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (DKEVR), is said to have resigned from the post…

Bulgaria's Energy Ministry Lifts Restrictions on Renewable Electricity Generation – (Novinite) Bulgaria's Ministry of Economy has ordered the Electricity System Operator, ESO, to stop imposing restrictions on the production of energy by wind farms and photovoltaic plants on a regular basis…

Bulgaria energy watchdog to hold open sitting – (Focus) Bulgaria’s State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SEWRC) is to hold an open sitting to discuss a report on the request of Fornetin AD company for issuance of a licence for electricity trade and for coordinating activity of standard balancing group, the press office of the commission announced…

Bulgaria's Energy Minister: No Restart of Belene NPP on June 5 – (Novinite) Bulgaria's new Minister of Economy and Energy, Dragomir Stoynev, has rejected claims that the government is planning to restart the Belene NPP on June 5, adding that no political decision on the step has been taken…

World Bank, EC Slam Bulgaria's Energy Sector – (Novinite) Non-transparency in the management of State-owned companies, a widespread sense of corruption and an insufficiently independent regulator to control the entire energy system, are just some of the findings of the World Bank…

Ivan Hinovski: Bulgaria’s energy sector lacks presence on international markets –(Focus) Ivan Hinovski, an energy expert and former director of the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) in an interview with FOCUS News Agency about the most urgent measures in the Bulgarian energy sector and the need to change the method for electricity price formation..

Bulgaria’s citizens asked for transparency in the energy sector and the interim govt met this requirement – (Focus) “Bulgarian citizens asked for transparency in the energy sector and the interim government met this expectation…

Bulgaria's Ombudsman Moves to End Heating Utility Monopoly – (Novinite) Bulgarian Ombudsman Konstantin Penchev has submitted a report to Parliament proposing amendments to the Energy Act aimed at terminating the dictatorship of energy monopolies…

Croatia

IFC finances the 30 MW Jelinak wind farm in Croatia – (Balkans) IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is helping Croatia increase its supply of renewable energy by arranging up to €38.8 million in financing for the 30 MW Jelinak wind farm, in the northwest of the Split-Dalmatia region…

MEPs unimpressed by Croatia's Commission candidate – (EurActiv) Neven Mimica, Croatia's nominee for consumer protection commissioner, yesterday (4 June) faced questions from members of two European Parliament committees…

Macedonia

Regional energy shortages require co-operation, analysts say – (Setimes) Balkan countries need to focus on joint projects that will harness water resources to improve the regional energy supply, analysts and experts said…

Montenegro

KAP problems will not affect Montenegro's energy sector – (Balkans) The current situation in Montenegro's energy sector and the costs resulting from illegal electricity supply to the Aluminium Plant (KAP) will not affect the tariffs charged to the clients, says Energy Regulatory Agency (RAE)…

Romania

Romania decree threatens green energy projects – (Phys org) Romania's centre-left government on Tuesday adopted a decree cutting incentives for renewable energy, which experts say could drive investors away and put on hold a booming industry…

Energy Champions celebrated in the Romanian Energy Gala Awards – (The Diplomat) The Romanian Energy Awards 2013 announced the winners of the categories for the conventional, renewable and individuals in a prestigious event organized by The Diplomat - Bucharest, continuing the annual tradition of acknowledging performance and exceptional acompishments in the Romanian Energy sector…

Is the party over for renewable energy in Romania? – (Lexology) Recent proposals from Romania’s energy regulatory authority and projected legislative changes could have a negative impact on investments in the country’s renewable energy sources (“RES”) sector…

Romania approves cut in green certificates renewable energy incentive scheme – (Romania Insider) The Romanian Government recently approved a piece of legislation on cutting the incentives to renewable energy producers…

Romania's renewable energy decree could drive investors away – (Balkans) Romania's centre-left government on Tuesday adopted a decree cutting incentives for renewable energy, which experts say could drive investors away and put on hold a booming industry…

Romania’s largest energy producer Hidroelectrica to soon exit insolvency, one year after start of reorganization process – (Romania Insider) Hidroelectrica SA, Romania’s state-owned hydro-power producer and largest energy producer in the country will exit the insolvency procedure on July 1 this year, according to the Minister Delegate for Energy, Constantin Niţă…

Nabucco West project to meet 50% of demand of Bulgaria, Romania, Austria anda Hungary for gas – (APA) Nabucco West pipeline will transport first gas at the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019, said the managing director of the Nabucco Gas Pipeline International GmbH Reinhard Mitschek…

Serbia

First Solar Power Plant In Vojvodina – Construction Began – (In Serbia) Serbia’s Minister of Energy Zorana Mihajlovic laid in Beocin on Monday the cornerstone of the first solar power plant in Vojvodina, the second in Serbia, in which EUR 1.5 million will be invested…

Armenia

high time Armenia thought of alternative sources of energy – (PanArmenian) It’s high time the government thought of alternative sources of energy production, director of Techno eco LLC said…

US Geological Survey Completes Armenia Shale Gas Resources Study – (Asbarez) U.S. Geological Survey representatives have completed study of Armenia’s shale gas resources, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern said in response to a question from the ArmInfo new agency…

Alternative energy sources able to produce 20 percent of Armenia’s electricity: expert – (ARKA) YEREVAN, June 3. / ARKA /. Armenia is rich in renewable energy sources, which can generate up to 20% of all electricity produced in the country to mitigate the impact of the impending rise in gas price, Mikael Martirosyan, head of Techno Eco LLC, said at a news conference on Monday…

Armenia to import about 1bln cubic meters of gas from Iran annually by mid-2014 – (ARKA) YEREVAN, June 5./ARKA/. Armenia will be able to import nearly 1 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Iran annually by mid-2014, replied Wednesday Armenian minister of energy and natural resources Armen Movsisyan…

Blue Fuel Debate: Gas tariffs at forefront of public discussion – (Armenia Now) Discussions on the expected price hike for gas are incessant on the highest rostrums of Armenia, as well as courtyards of residential houses, in public transport, working places and homes…

Azerbaijan

Managing Director: Nabucco West concludes negotiations on shareholder agreement with Shah Deniz partners – (Trend) Nabucco West has concluded the negotiations on the shareholder agreement with the partners of Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field development, Managing Director of Nabucco Gas Pipeline International GmbH Reinhard Mitschek said in interview with journalists in Baku on Wednesday…

US President: Azerbaijani Energy Resourses Stabilizes the Global Energy Supply – (USACC) Azerbaijani energy resources stabilized the global energy supply to markets over the years, US President Barack Obama said in the letter to participants of the 20th anniversary edition of Caspian Oil & Gas 2013 Exhibition and Conference in Baku…

Azerbaijan’s energy operator increased sales and reduced need for subsidies – (abc.az) Deloitte & Touche has confirmed the improvement of the electric power industry of Azerbaijan and the reduction in energy subsidies in the audit of financial and economic activities of Azerbaijan’s national electricity operator Azerenerji OJSC…

Azerbaijan to double share of alternative energy sources by 2020 – (Trend) Currently alternative and renewable energy in Azerbaijan is concentrated mainly in the field of hydroelectric power generation, representative…

Hydropower plants generate 10 pct of electricity in Azerbaijan – (Azernews) Alternative and renewable energy in Azerbaijan is presently mainly concentrated in producing electricity and hydropower, Deputy Director of the State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources Jamil Melikov said at the Baku Futures Forum held this week…

Azerbaijan completes preparations for large energy projects – (Azernews) Preparations for the implementation of projects on the expansion of the South Caucasus Gas Pipeline and second stage of the giant Shah Deniz gas condensate field development located in Azerbaijan's sector of the Caspian Sea are nearing to completion, Azerbaijan's state energy company SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev said…

Georgia

New investors in the Georgian energy sector – (Messenger) New investors have appeared in the Georgian energy sector. The India-based TATA group together with Norwegian Clean Energy will build four hydroelectric stations in Adjara at Shuakhevi, Koromkheti, Khertvisi and Skhalta…

Georgia – Tata in $700m Hysdro Scheme – (Financial Times) Georgia is a great country to work in and Turkey is a fast evolving energy market in Europe,” said Anil Sardana, managing director of Tata…

Georgian energy distribution company’s new head appointed – (Trend) Jaromir Tesar was appointed the CEO of the Energo-Pro Georgia Company in Georgia. Tesar has previously served as the chairman of the supervisory board of the Energo-Pro Georgia Company, the company told Trend on Tuesday…

Bank of Georgia signs financing package with EBRD – (ShareCast) FTSE 250-listed Bank of Georgia has signed a loan agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for 10.0m dollars under the EBRD's Caucasus Energy Efficiency Programme (CEEP)…

Russia

EU energy chief to quiz Russian counterpart on Gazprom – (euobserver) EU Energy commissioner Gunther Oettinger is set to tackle his Russian counterpart Alexander Novak on Gazprom's energy pricing, EU sources confirmed Friday…

Russia's energy: still no shale revolution – (Telegraph) Russia's extensive reserves of conventional gas mean shale production is not yet a viable option…

Medvedev issues bold first by stumping for more renewable energy in Russia – (Bellona) Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has signed a resolution aimed at stimulating more use of alternative energies and government compensation for the high cost of renewables – the first sign ever from the prime minister that he believes in an alternative energy future for Russia…

EU leaders brainstorm on Russia, prepare energy summit – (EurActiv) EU leaders concluded their two-day summit today (15 March) with an informal discussion on Russia, largely intended as a brainstorming session to prepare an EU visit to Moscow next week aimed at ‘exploring areas of mutual interest'…

A cap on Gazprom’s ambitions – (Financial Times) Gazprom once symbolised Russia’s claim to be an energy superpower but is losing its hold…

Medvedev: Green power in Russia has a 'bright future' – (Itech Post) Dmitry Medvedev believes green energy has a bright future in Russia. The Russian prime minister has signed a resolution sending Russia down the path to their first large-scale renewable energy production…

Russia Joins Forces With Scandinavia to Finance Arctic Oil Rush – (Energy Tribune) Russia, Finland and Norway are in talks to create a fund that will help pay for investments in the Arctic Barents region as part of a plan to gain access to billions of barrels of oil and natural gas…

Turkey

Turkey revives hopes on Black Sea sources – (Daily News) Turkey’s state owned oil explorer TPAO is confident that its off-shore exploration operations in the Black Sea will pay-off with new partnerships after unsuccessful attempts…

Wind, Water, and Steam – a Triple Win for Turkey’s Energy Sector – (World Bank) Over the last two decades Turkey has been experiencing rapid economic, population, and industrialization growth – leading to economic and social improvements across the country….

Rosatom seek partners for Turkish nuke – (Daily News) Russian atomic energy corporation Rosatom, which was selected to build and operate Turkey’s first nuclear plant in 2010, has pre-interviews with 10 companies including Tekfen Construction and Spanish Tecnicas Reunidas, to discuss the possibilities of any cooperation in the project, according to sources…

Turkey poised for energy boom says minister – (Power Engineering) Turkey is expected to double its energy infrastructure in the next 10 years and is “willing to integrate fully with the rest of Europe”, its Deputy Energy Minister said today…

World Bank & 3 Others Has Provided A $210m Project For Turkey – (Spyghana) The World Bank together with Halkbank, Vakifbank and Ziraatbank have launched a$210 million project for Turkey’s Small and Medium Enterprises Energy Efficiency…

Turkey ready to deliver Turkmen gas to Europe – (Daily News) Turkey is ready to deliver Turkmenistan’s natural gas to consumers in Europe, Turkish President Abdullah Gül said yesterday, supporting the Central Asian nation’s plans to build alternative pipelines and ease dependence on exports to Russia…

Ukraine

Ukrainian Ecologists Call on EU Not to Fund New Coal Plants - Ukraine is asking the Energy Community – an EU-led partnership with Balkan and Eastern European states – to select a new 800MW coal plant at Burshtyn and three 220MW units at Dobrovtir as ‘Projects of Energy Community Interest’…

European Energy Community official: Ukraine's gas debts caused by 2009 deals, low domestic gas price – (Kyiv Post) Ukraine has to increase the domestic price of gas to a market price in order to upgrade the gas transport system (GTS) and ease the problem with settlements with Russia's Gazprom, Director of the European Energy Community Secretariat Janez Kopac has said…

Energy minister: Ukraine to announce tender to buy two more drilling rigs in August – (Kyiv Post) Ukraine plans to announce a tender for the purchase of another two modern drilling rigs for work on the Ukrainian shelf in late August this year, Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Eduard Stavytsky told journalists in Kyiv on June 5…

Ukrainian energy minister says contract on reverse gas supply through Slovakia could be signed on June 15-20 – (Interfax) PJSC Ukrtransgaz is planning to sign a contract with Slovakia's Eustream on June 15-20 on the supply of natural gas through Slovakia, Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Minister Eduard Stavytsky has said…

EBRD - European Bank for Reconstruction and Develo : EBRD to finance largest biogas grid-connected project in Ukraine – (4 Trader) The EBRD is organising a financing facility of up to €4.2 million to construct and put into operation a 1.5MW biogas plant at the privately owned agribusiness company Ecoprod, located in the Donetsk region, in eastern Ukraine…

Ukraine's gas upstream sector: focus on international investment – (Oil and Gas Journal) Ukraine depends to a large extent on natural gas imports, which are mainly met by one external supply source…

Ukrainian ecologists call on EU not to fund new coal plants  -(EurActiv) A Ukrainian application for European funding of two new coal plants would cause massive health and environmental damage to local people from nitrogen oxide emissions and other related pollution effects, local environmental campaigners have told EurActiv…

Ukraine to sign agreement on reverse gas supply through Slovakia in mid-June – (Forum) PJSC Ukrtransgaz is planning to sign a contract with Slovakia’s Eustream on June 15-20 on the supply of natural gas through Slovakia, Ukrainian energy and coal industry minister Eduard Stavytsky stated… 

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