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Industry News
Gazprom prefers Inkoo LNG terminal
Eesti Gaas and Finnish Soome Gasum announced that the best possible location for the regional liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal would be on
Croatian telecoms market set to grow in 2013
After registering a drop of 2 percent in 2012, the Croatian telecommunications market is set to start growing from 2013, for the first time in five years, according to the PMR consultancy.
Lithuania is not satisfied with current energy situation
Former Lithuania's Energy Deputy Minister Romas Svedas says that although we are not satisfied with the current energy situation in which Russian gas giant Gazprom dominates the market, but we, Lithuanians ourselves, decided so, nobody forced us into this.
Wave energy park may be build in Lithuania
Electricity in Lithuania can be produced from sea waves too. A group of businessmen and the country's westernmost municipality of Neringa are toying with an idea of building an underwater wave energy park.
Höegh Secures $250M Finance for Lithuanian FRSU
Oslo-listed Höegh LNG has said today that it has received commitment letters of $250 million (USD) to finance the construction of a Lithuanian floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU).
Tallinn LNG terminal thematic plan gets approval
The North Estonian Jõelähtme parish council approved of the thematic plan and initiating the environmental effects strategic evaluation for the Tallinn LNG terminal that will be located in the Muuga port, LETA/Äripäev.ee reports.
Ekodoma implements ESOLi project in Latvia
Society is requiring for a better world at present and in the future. People are looking for more sustainable practices in all areas and lighting is one field that can improve the life of a society a lot. The better lighting on the highways, residential areas, city center, secondary roads, industrial areas and parks makes people to feel safe in improved urban environment. European Commission’s project ESOLi (Energy Saving Outdoor Lighting) project to be actualized in Latvia by the company Ekodoma.
Latvenergo: no alternatives to Visaginas NPP in Baltics
Given that small countries do not have alternative to nuclear energy, Latvia is ready to invest in the Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) project. Experts of Latvernergo AS, Latvian power company, however, forecast that regional partners will join the project only when issues of safety and distribution of responsibilities are resolved.
Nord Pool Spot doesn’t provide Lithuania with low electricity prices
For a month and a half Lithuania has been in the Nordic power exchange Nord Pool Spot trade zone. The government has been talking about a direct connection with Sweden for many years but did very little.
NER 300: Prize fund for carbon capture projects shrinks by £800m
Michael Liebreich, at Bloomberg New Energy Finance blames eurozone crisis for decline in the value of NER 300
Sekmokas: Lithuania is not afraid of Gazprom ultimatum
Lithuanian Energy Minister Arvydas Sekmokas says that the Government is not afraid of the ultimatum issued by Russian gas company Gazprom because the Government holds consistent position and it always suggests solving issues by negotiation.
Baltic Energy Security: Building a European Energy Future
Historically, energy security has played a central role in shaping the national security strategy and interests of the Baltic nations. The diverse challenges that exist in the Baltic region make it necessary to focus on identifying areas of cooperation between the countries as they pursue diversified oil and gas supplies. This is crucial to achieve a regional approach to the European Union’s common energy security goals.
Lietuvos energija calls international tender for Lithuanian Power Plant
The major power generation company in Lithuania Lietuvos energija continues the implementation of the project of modernisation of heat generation technologies of the Lithuanian Power Plant, NASDAQ OMX Baltic reports.
Global CCS Institute releases five year strategy
The Global CCS Institute has released a draft Five-Year Strategic Plan to its international Membership.
UK Don Valley project leads EU funding bid
The European Commission has announced that 2Co Energy's Don Valley CCS Project currently leads the EU's funding contest.
FutureGen affirms CO2 storage site
The FutureGen Alliance has affirmed that Morgan County will remain the preferred location for a CO2 storage site and that the Alliance will no longer maintain alternate sites.
Shell and SSE bag first offshore carbon storage licence
Crown Estate agreement to keep CO2 from Peterhead power station in Goldeneye gas field expected to be first of several
EU Commission to publish ETS rescue plan next week
The European Commission confirmed on Friday that it will announce plans next week to withhold carbon allowances to support the struggling Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which has suffered a collapse in prices under the burden of oversupply.
Gaz-System & Lietuvos Dujos to Cooperate on Polish-Lithuania Interconnection
Gaz-System and Lietuvos Dujos will move ahead with cooperation on interconnection of supply between the two companies, following the signing of a feasibility study contract yesterday.
UK CCS competition - a new beginning
The UK has set out its new long term CCS plans following on from the cancelled CCS demonstration project competition.
MHI tests CO2 capture technology for Mongstad
The approximately 3,400 tons-per-day (tpd) CO2 recovery system is targeted for installation at the 280 megawatt (MW) gas-fired combined heat and power plant (CHP) at Mongstad
Nord Stream considering two new gas pipelines in Baltic Sea
A range of national security and environmental concerns are likely to be revived after reports that Nord Stream AG, which recently finished laying its second gas pipeline on the floor of the Baltic Sea, is investigating the possibility of constructing two more along a different route.
DNV - improving CO2 pipeline design
Experimental data has been released which could enhance CO2 pipeline design.
CCS Roadmap for Romania launched
Romania can become Europe’s most climate friendly country according to a new report by Bellona.
Ayrshire Power CCS project withdrawn
Ayrshire Power, developer of a CCS power project at Hunterston, North Ayrshire in the UK, said it has put its plans on hold due to lack of investment certainty.
Gazprom Says U.K., BP Interested in Nord Stream Gas Pipeline
OAO Gazprom, the Russian gas-export monopoly seeking to expand European distribution, said the U.K. and BP Plc (BP/) are interested in bringing the Moscow-based company’s Nord Stream pipeline to the island nation.
Lithuania holds first shale gas exploration tender
Lithuania, aiming to reduce its dependency on Russian gas, is keen to invest in shale gas and has called its first exploration tender, the Energy Ministry said Wednesday, Reuters reports.
Blow me! Giant windfarm to power London is almost ready to go
A vast wind farm in the Thames Estuary that will eventually supply enough electricity to power a quarter of London’s homes is close to completion.
Germany's renewable energy revolution leaves UK in the shade
The country expects renewables to contribute 35% electricity by 2020 – no matter what the cost
Kauno Energija and Lietuvos Energija are planning to build a new biofuel plant
Kaunas Municipality-based Kauno Energija and Lietuvos Energija are planning to build a new biofuel plant in the territory of the old power plant in three years.
DECC announces potential UK CCS competition entrants
The UK Government has published a list of companies that have signalled their intention to apply to the new UK CCS competition.
Commission clears free emissions quota allowances for power plants
The European Commission on Wednesday authorised requests from Cyprus, Estonia and Lithuania for a continued free allocation of EU Emissions Trading System allowances to their power sectors beyond the year 2012, LETA/Postimees Online reports.
Lithuanian banks more tend to lend to LNG terminal, than Visaginas NPP
While Lithuania is planning to implement important energy projects: to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and the Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), the Lithuanian commercial banks so far consider possibility only to join the former one.
Eesti Gaas has to sell its grid or pay a penalty payment
The Estonian Riigikogu economy committee decided not to demand expropriation of the grid of Eesti Gaas but forces the company to sell its distribution pipelines with the help of a penalty payment, LETA/Public Broadcasting reports.
New method of carbon capture researched at Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh has been awarded funding to investigate a potential new method of carbon capture.
Lithuanian government approved of legislative concerning energy projects
Today, the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius has approved a huge legislative package regulating the implementation of strategic energy projects. This means that Lithuania is ready to implement the energy independence strategy, which ensures security, economic benefits and integration into Europe.
Global CCS Institute to facilitate CCS knowledge sharing in Europe
The Global CCS Institute has won a tender to provide secretariat and knowledge dissemination services for the European Commission’s Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Demonstration Project Network.
Bulgaria to focus on small renewable power projects
Bulgaria will now focus on small renewable energy projects, Energy Minister Delyan Dobrev said on Tuesday, as the Balkan country tries to avoid a jump in power prices and prevent its grid from overloading due to a surge in bigger projects.
Serbia's EPS invites bids for smart meters
Serbian power utility EPS has launched a 60 million euro ($79 million) tender for remote power meters, as part of a drive to modernise the Balkan country's power grid and boost energy efficiency.
Wind energy in Poland: Permits to Build 3 Baltic Wind Farm Plants
PGE said that it had won permits to build three wind power projects on the Baltic Sea with a combined potential capacity of 3.45 gigawatts, taking the lead in the development of Poland's offshore wind turbines industry.
Estonian Green Energy Subsidies
Keit Pentus, the Estonian minister of environmental affairs, has decided to hire ‘Sorainen’ – one of Estonia’s most expensive law firms. This has been done in the hope to defend the current system of renewable energy subsidies, and help the country to meet green energy targets.
Estonia Plans to Study Natural Gas Resources
The Ministry of the Environment is seeking funds to study natural gas resources in Estonia, a controversial endeavor among researchers.
UK to give £60m to developing countries to build CCS plants
Boost to carbon capture and storage technology as global partnership is formed to support energy efficiency projects
EBRD lays foundation for road PPP in Western Balkans
The EBRD is supporting the modernisation of transport infrastructure in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a €150 million sovereign-guaranteed loan for the construction of a part of the new Banja Luka-Doboj motorway
Lithuanian government agrees to Energy Independence Strategy
The Cabinet has agreed to the renewed National Strategy of Energy Independence, thereby setting key objectives for the Lithuanian energy sector for the period leading up to 2020 and outlining the vision of the energy sector up until 2050, the government said in a statement.
EC probes Polish regulator's fiber plans
Poland’s telecoms regulator faces a European Commission probe into its decision to allow the country’s incumbent carrier to limit rivals’ access to its fiber networks.
Lithuania approves of the action plan for synchronization of power grid with continental EU
The Government has authorized the Lithuanian electricity transmission system operator Litgrid to implement the project of the synchronization of Lithuania's power grid with the Continental European Electricity Network by 2020, the government said in a statement.
More aggressive carbon reduction goals in Europe are affordable
The European Union could be much more ambitious about reducing carbon dioxide emissions between now and 2020 with minimal economic costs, according to research published today by leading analysis company Bloomberg New Energy Finance. The cost would be no more than the equivalent of a few cups of coffee per person per year.
Exxon-Rosneft Deal Causes Alarm in Warsaw
The Polish Internal Security Agency (ABW), asks the leadership of the country to pay close attention to the strategic partnership of ExxonMobil and Rosneft, writes the Polish daily, citing an anonymous source at the ABW.
Poland Looks to the Mid East for Gas Processing Technologies
Poland invites Saudi petrochemical giant to invest in production of ethane derived from shale gas.
Schneider Set to Expand Market Share in Romania, Spaolanse Says
Schneider Electric SA (DG), the biggest maker of low- and medium-voltage equipment, is set to expand its market share in Romania and may consider acquisitions in the Balkan country, Saulo Spaolanse, the chairman of the local unit, said.
Poland ETFs Head-To-Head - ETF News And Commentary
Thanks to the ongoing European debt debacle, many investors have decided to go beyond the euro zone for their European exposure. In order to do this, most have looked to developed nations such as Switzerland, Great Britain or Norway for European holdings with potentially less risk.
Fortum: Latvia is a good place for investments
Latvia is a good place and a good market for a company to do business and make investments, Per Langer, Executive Vice President, of the Finnish energy company Fortum told the press on Friday.
Nord Stream maybe planning expansion
Director General of the Nord Stream gas pipeline Matthias Warnig is visiting the Baltic Sea states for an information tour of their leaders; on Monday, it was the turn of Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, LETA/Postimees writes.
Poland: Dental Clinic and Addiction Treatment Center will be Privatized
The Regional Dental Surgery Clinic in Gdansk and the Regional Centre for Addiction Treatment in Zapowiedniku are going to be sold by the Province of Pomerania.
VASAB supports BaltSeaPlan Vision 2030
On 19 March 2012, VASAB Committee on Spatial Planning and Development of the Baltic Sea Region has acknowledged the BaltSeaPlan Vision 2030. VASAB finds that BaltSeaPlan Vision 2030 is an important input towards common understanding of maritime spatial planning (MSP) in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR).
Grybauskaite's advisor: Lithuania is interesting gas client for Qatar
Lithuania for Qatar is an interesting client since the country could supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to us, says Nerijus Udrenas, President Dalia Grybauskaite's adviser on economic and social policy issues.
First neighbourhood shopping centre in Croatia
Private equity company Bluehouse Capital is to invest 50 million Euros in building a new 'neighbourhood' shopping centre, the first of its type in Croatia.
PineBridge Investments supported consortium to buy 92% stake in MKB Romexterra
MKB Bank has struck a deal with a consortium of investors supported by PineBridge Investments, to dispose 92.4% stake in its Romanian affiliate MKB Romexterra Bank.
Gazprom and Novatek to Cooperate on Yamal LNG
Two of Russia's largest gas explorers and producers, Gazprom and Novatek, are set to increase LNG production from the Yamal peninsula following the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC).
Turkcell combines m-wallet and location services
Turkish carrier Turkcell and local bank Akbank have announced a partnership to introduce an NFC-based mobile wallet service incorporating location-based elements.
President: Romania Needs Decision on Shale Gas Development
Speaking at the appointment ceremony of Attila Korodi as Environment Minister, Romanian president Traian Basescu said that authorities should make a decision on shale gas exploration in South Eastern Romania in order to create jobs and ease the pressure on the pension deficit.
European Commission: Let Market Decide
The European Commission is fully aware of unconventional gas opportunities in Europe. How they would influence any debate about them was another story.
Baltoscandia: a utopia, an ambition, or just a polite neighbourhood
The newly stressed priority of our foreign policy and economy – the Nordic countries – is beneficial for Lithuania only as regional cooperation alongside, but not instead of, active integration into the EU core.
Poland to Increase Shale Drilling This Year
Poland is set to more than double its shale activity in the country this year, up from 22 drilled in the country in 2011.
Bulgaria to Seal Gas Contract with Russia by End of Summer
Delyan Dobrev, Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism, has suggested that the new gas contract between Bulgaria and Russia should be signed by the end of the summer.
BNK Petroleum: Poland a Good Litmus Test for Europe
Given the level of unconventional gas exploration activity in Poland, Martin Robert, Vice President of Engineering and Operations at BNK Petroleum agreed that Poland was a very good litmus test for ascertaining whether unconventional gas could be developed in Europe.
EBRD to invest up to €500 million a year in Romania
The European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD) has adopted a new three-year strategy for Romania which budgets for an annual investment of between €400 million and €500 million.
Gazprom Seeks to Strengthen its Role in Turkey and Greece
Gazprom is seeking to take advantage of Turkey’s precarious energy situation and Greece’s financial woes to strengthen its influence in southeastern Europe. Although fears will undoubtedly surface over Moscow’s role in the region, for both Ankara and Athens the financial power of the Russian energy giant are very welcome.
Gas Transmission System Operators from the Baltic region adopt the first Gas Regional Investment Plan
In line with European Regulation EC/715/2009 (Article 12), Gas Transmission System Operators (TSOs) will have to publish a Gas Regional Investment Plan every two years. To comply with this obligation TSOs from the Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) region developed their first Gas Regional Investment Plan (BEMIP GRIP).
PGNiG Spuds its Third Well in Poland
Polish gas firm PGNiG SA has announced the commencement of drilling of its third well in search of shale gas in Lubycza Krolewska. The well is situated on the Tomaszow Lubelski concession, in the Lubelskie region.
Gazprom Completes Phase One of Southern Corridor Documents
Russian Gazprom has completed the project documents for the first phase of the Southern Corridor gas transport system (GTS) and has submitted these documents to the relevant state body.
Turkcell taps HP for cloud services
Turkish operator Turkcell has enlisted HP to deliver a cloud services platform, so the carrier can sell on ‘as a service’ offerings to its business customers.
Orange pledges LTE across Europe by 2015
International carrier Orange/France Telecom has committed itself to rolling out LTE networks across ten European countries by 2015. France Telecom’s CEO Stéphane Richard made the announcement at a meeting with the European Commission in Brussels this week.
Shunned by US, Turkey Looks for Alternative Oil
Turkey is in talks with Saudi Arabia and Libya to buy oil in a bid to diversify supplies, Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yıldız has said, stressing that Ankara would continue to seek exemption from U.S. sanctions on Iran.
TPI Composites and ALKE Launch Wind Blade Joint Venture in Turkey
Companies to supply wind turbine blades to regional markets
Bydgoszcz parking in the PPP
Bydgoszcz has announced a tender the construction of a parking lot in the public-private partnership. The investment is worth 23 mln zł net.
Aquapark, galleries and other attractions in the PPP
Authorities announced on Thursday Elblag investment memorandum for the construction of sports and recreation complex, which is to find a water park, hotel and retail and service gallery. Estimated cost of the construction of more than 90 million zł.
Gamesa looks to Baltic wind power with BLRT MoU
Spanish wind power manufacturer Gamesa has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with shipbuilding company BLRT Grupp. Gamesa is a global technological leader in the installation of wind turbines.
Germany’s $263 Billion Renewables Shift Biggest Since War
Not since the allies leveled Germany in World War II has Europe’s biggest economy undertaken a reconstruction of its energy market on this scale.
Siemens Wins 50-Megawatt Onshore Wind Turbine Order in Turkey
With Siemens AG winning the order to supply 50-megawatts wind farms in Turkey. The installations will begin this Autumn.
Join The ETF Revolution
Many investors are now taking advantage of low-cost exchange traded funds.Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have revolutionised the way private investors can profit from global financial markets. Today, we can enjoy direct exposure via ETFs to numerous stock markets around the world, as well as commodities (such as oil, corn and wheat) or currencies.
Results of Structures: A long time was not so bad
Only 1.13 percent. amounted to an average rate of return on structured products completed in the first two months of 2012, is the worst situation for at least three years. Only three of 67 completed in January and February of investments resulted in a reasonable level of profit, which exceeded 10 percent. per year.
The first hospital in the PPP: the protests and the problem of credit
On the brink of the first hospital build by PPP, the Zywiec County is having problems from protesters stating the the site chosen for the project is not ideal for a hospital. they are also having problems getting the credit needed to work on the project.
Greater Murowana Goślina boasted its PPP
Murowana Goślina (Wielkopolska province) has been invited by the Ministry of Regional Development to work in the working group regarding the municipal building. Murowana Goślina being invited into the working group allows for development for projects based on the concept of public-private partnership in the housing department.
A short list of companies for the reconstruction of the terminal at Okecie
It was announced on Monday 5th March 2012 Przemyslaw Przybylski by a Port Spokeman that Chopin's Warsaw airport authorities opted for a short list of performers who will participate in the tender for the reconstruction of the old terminal.The selected subjects were three consortia and two companies to work on the 300 million zł project.
Serbia to get world`s biggest solar plant
Luxembourg`s Securum Equity Partners has decided to take advantage of the sun power potential in Serbia, which is higher by a third than that in central Europe, and to start construction of the world`s biggest solar park worth close to USD 3 billion in mid 2013.
Nabucco plan is scaled down
Nabucco planners have gone back to the drawing board and scaled down part of the pipeline capacity. Nabucco's initial vision was a 3,900 kilometer-long pipeline hosting a capacity of 31 billion cubic meters, running from the eastern Turkish border through to the Baumgarten hub in Austria. A new proposal, would see a pipeline between Bulgaria and Austria with a reduced capacity approximately half of what was originally planned. The consortium however, is still maintaining the viability of the original plan.
PPP needs optimism
As the Żywiec PPP hospital project moves towards realisation, the industry awaits with eager eyes for the final outcome. Ultimately, if PPPs are going to be seen as a credible project financing tool in Poland, the Żywiec project must go ahead unhindered.
WB supports Turkey’s Private Sector Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project
The WB Board of Executive Directors approved additional financing of US$500 million equivalent to Türkiye Sınai Kalkınma Bankası (TSKB) and to Türkiye Kalkınma Bankası (TKB), guaranteed by the Republic of Turkey, for Turkey’s Private Sector Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project. The additional financing complements an initial WB loan of US$ 500 million equivalent and Clean Technology Fund financing of US$100 million for the Project, which were approved on May 29, 2009 and became effective on August 12, 2009i.
Turkish minister: direct energy investments exceeds 3.5 bln USD
The share of private sector was over 60 percent in energy production in 2011, added Yildiz who held a press conference in Ankara on Thursday. Turkish Energy & Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz has said that direct investments in energy sector exceeded 3.5 billion USD in 2011 in Turkey.
Turkey uses more electricity
Turkey expects to consume 229 billion kilowatts of electricity by the end of 2011, according to Deloitte Turkey’s Energy and Natural Resources Industry Partner Sibel Çetinkaya. This exceeds the anticipated 225 billion kilowatt figure.
Who will win the first leg of the pipeline race in South East Europe?
The Southern Gas Corridor: Reaching the Home Stretch. After many years of speculation about possible gas pipelines to be built in the so-called Southern Corridor, a first likely winner will be announced shortly. It probably won't be the EU-backed Nabucco nor the Russian-backed South Stream, but the much less ambitious Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), owned by Eon, Statoil and EGL.
TAP MD: 2011 Was "Massively Important"; 2012 to Be "Momentous"
The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is better placed than ever to win the contract to transport Shah Deniz gas, Managing Director of the pipeline consortium Kjetil Tungland has said.
Trans-Anatolia, Nabucco and South Stream pipelines bet on Turkey
Competition in the so-called Southern Gas Corridor from the Caspian Sea basin to Europe is heating up. In December, Turkey and Azerbaijan signed an agreement to build a pipeline to carry natural gas to Europe from the Caspian region.
EBRD approves funds for small hydro projects in Serbia
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a €45M sovereign-guaranteed loan to state-owned power company Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) to build new small hydropower plants in the country, and renovate existing facilities.
Serbia Gets Energy Boost
Two weeks after failing to win European Union candidate status due to a flare-up of violence in its former province Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008, Serbia is getting an energy boost. But it may prove too little to convince a discouraged nation to embrace Europe.
JESSICA helps to revitalise six major cities in Bulgaria
The European Investment Bank (EIB), in its capacity as manager of the JESSICA Holding Fund for Bulgaria, has concluded an agreement establishing an Urban Development Fund with “Regional Urban Development Fund” (“UDF”) to invest in urban projects in six major cities in Bulgaria.
Iberdrola and Gamesa Éolica ink deal for wind turbine supply and maintenance
Iberdrola and Gamesa Eólica have signed a new wind turbine supply and maintenance framework agreement, extending their current collaboration through to 2022. The deal replaces the 2008 agreement between the two firms and provides each with a more flexible framework for collaboration in light of current market conditions.
EU environmental regulations will cost Croatia €10.5 Billion
Croatia will need about EUR 10.5bn for direct investments in order to adjust to EU’s environmental protection regulations.
