Madkour Group to Invest $200 Million in Mauritania’s Natural Gas Power Plant

Madkour Group, a leading Egyptian engineering and infrastructure powerhouse, is poised to transform Mauritania’s energy landscape with a significant investment in a state-of-the-art natural gas power plant. Valued at over $200 million, this ambitious project will play a crucial role in addressing Mauritania’s energy challenges and driving economic growth. The plant, with a projected capacity of 160-180 MW, will leverage the country’s natural gas reserves to provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy for industries, households, and businesses. By reducing reliance on less sustainable energy sources, this project will contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Mauritania. This project is strategically important for Mauritania, as it will not only address current energy deficits but also attract further investment in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. By improving energy access and reliability, the project will create a more conducive environment for economic growth and development. Madkour Group, with its extensive experience in engineering, procurement, and construction across Africa and the Middle East, is well-positioned to execute this project successfully. The company brings a strong track record of delivering high-quality infrastructure projects that contribute to sustainable development across the continent. This project underscores Madkour Group’s commitment…

PowerChina Connects High-Altitude Solar Project in Tibet

PowerChina has achieved a significant milestone with the grid connection of the second phase of the Huadian Tibet Caipeng PV-Storage Project. Located at an elevation of 5,228 meters above sea level, this project sets a new benchmark for high-altitude solar power generation. The project, located in Naidong District, Shannan City, features an installed capacity of 150MW. The second phase, with a capacity of 100MW, commenced construction in August 2024 and incorporates nearly 170,000 PV modules. Notably, the project utilizes bifacial PV modules, which boast a conversion efficiency up to 7.5% higher than traditional modules, maximizing energy output by utilizing both sides of the panels. The project also includes a 20MW/80MWh grid-based storage system, ensuring a continuous power supply of 80,000kWh for four hours during nighttime. This innovative approach addresses the challenges of intermittent solar power generation in remote and high-altitude regions. The successful grid connection of the second phase follows the successful operation of the first phase, which began generating electricity in late 2023. The first phase has already contributed over 60 million kWh of electricity, significantly alleviating seasonal power shortages in the Shannan area. This achievement further solidifies PowerChina’s position as a leader in renewable energy development. The company…

€28 Million Solar Project to Boost Energy Access in Chad

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has announced a significant investment in Chad’s clean energy future. The Board of Directors approved €28 million in funding to construct solar power plants in Gassi and Lamadji, contributing to the Desert to Power program and increasing energy access across Africa.   This €41 million project will be a collaborative effort. The AfDB’s contribution includes a €20 million direct support package, combining a loan and a grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa. Additionally, €8 million in financial guarantees will be split between the African Development Fund and the Green Climate Fund. The solar plants, each with a capacity of 15-megawatt peak, are expected to generate 61 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually. This will not only address Chad’s energy deficit but also contribute to a 20% increase in the country’s overall power supply.   “The Gassi and Lamadji solar project is a landmark development,” said Kevin Kariuki, Vice President of the Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth complex at the AfDB. “It underscores Chad’s commitment to renewable energy and the Bank’s dedication to supporting clean energy projects across Africa.”   Beyond increased energy access, the project boasts several additional benefits. It will pave…

Sembcorp Secures Landmark Solar Plus Storage Project in India

Sembcorp Industries, a leading global energy, urban, and marine solutions provider, has secured a significant milestone in its renewable energy portfolio. The company’s Indian subsidiary, Sembcorp Green Infra Private Limited, has been awarded a 150 megawatt solar photovoltaic project coupled with a 300 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system (BESS). This marks Sembcorp’s entry into the Indian solar-plus-storage market, further strengthening its position as a global leader in clean energy solutions. The BESS component of the project will play a crucial role in supporting grid stability and optimizing energy dispatch, contributing to India’s renewable energy goals. The project is expected to commence commercial operations within 24 months, subject to the execution of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Sembcorp plans to finance the project through a combination of internal funds and debt. With this new addition, Sembcorp’s total renewable energy capacity in India now approaches 6 GW, while its global clean energy portfolio exceeds 16.5 GW. The company remains committed to expanding its renewable energy footprint and contributing to a sustainable future.

Energy Storage Boom in Europe: Major Projects in Kosovo and Switzerland

Europe’s energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources and the need for reliable grid infrastructure.   In a major development, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has announced plans to procure 340 MWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) for two projects in Kosovo. This investment, totaling US$202 million, aims to enhance grid stability and support the country’s transition to clean energy. Meanwhile, in Switzerland, Intilion, a leading system integrator, has been selected by Primeo Energie to deliver a 65 MWh BESS project in Solothurn. This project will contribute to the flexibility and reliability of the Swiss power grid. These projects highlight the growing importance of energy storage in balancing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. As more renewable energy is integrated into the grid, energy storage solutions like BESS become essential for ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. These developments underscore Europe’s commitment to a sustainable energy future and its role as a global leader in clean energy technologies.

White & Case Advises on Billion Dollar Financing for Taiwan’s 4 Offshore Wind Farm

Global law firm White & Case LLP has advised the finance parties, comprising export credit agencies and commercial lenders, on the US$1.6 billion project financing of the 583MW Greater Changhua 4 Offshore Wind Farm in Taiwan. This significant milestone marks a key development for Ørsted, which is divesting a 50 percent equity stake in the project to Cathay Life Insurance. White & Case partner Fergus Smith, who co-led the Firm’s deal team, said: “As the first offshore wind project in Asia to be 100 percent backed by corporate offtake, this project is an important landmark for the offshore wind sector and the broader renewable sector in Asia. The project lights the way for a new phase of large-scale offshore wind development in the region.” The Greater Changhua 4 site is part of the 920MW Greater Changhua 2b and 4 offshore wind farms, currently under construction by Ørsted and expected to be completed by the end of 2025. This transaction represents the largest investment by a Taiwanese life insurer in an offshore wind farm to date. White & Case partner Brendan Quinn, who co-led the Firm’s deal team, said: “This transaction underscores our continued commitment to supporting the growing offshore wind…

Sustainable Development Capital Invests in US Poultry Waste-to-Energy Projects

Sustainable Development Capital (SDCL) has announced a significant investment in the clean energy sector through its Green Energy Solutions Fund (GESF). The fund has acquired a stake in two poultry waste-to-energy projects located in North Carolina, developed by East Energy Renewables. This $28 million (€33.9 million) investment underscores SDCL’s commitment to advancing the global energy transition by supporting innovative bioenergy projects. Poultry waste-to-energy represents one of the largest sources of renewable energy globally, and these projects offer a compelling combination of environmental and economic benefits. “We are thrilled to be involved in these innovative projects,” said Jonathan Maxwell, CEO and founder of Sustainable Development Capital. “Investing in bioenergy solutions like these is critical to achieving a more sustainable future. This acquisition demonstrates our ability to identify and support projects that deliver attractive returns alongside positive environmental impact.” David Maxwell, SDCL’s Managing Director and co-fund manager of GESF, further highlighted the project’s multifaceted benefits. “This investment provides our investors with strong risk-adjusted returns, while significantly reducing carbon emissions and delivering essential energy services to local utilities and wastewater treatment plants in North Carolina,” he explained. “This investment aligns perfectly with GESF’s core objectives and reinforces the vast potential for commercially viable…

Qualitas Energy Expands German Wind Portfolio with Acquisition of Repowering Project

Qualitas Energy has announced the acquisition of a wind farm undergoing repowering in Lower Saxony, Germany. The 32-turbine wind farm, located on the German North Sea coast, has been operational since 1998 and is currently undergoing a significant upgrade. The repowering project involves replacing existing turbines with five new, more efficient models. This upgrade will increase the wind farm’s total output from 17.2MW to 21.6MW, leading to increased energy production and more sustainable power generation for over 14,000 households. “This acquisition expands our wind energy portfolio with a highly promising project in an excellent wind location,” said Johannes Overbeck, Head of Investment at Qualitas Energy Deutschland. “Qualitas Energy is committed to a long-term strategy of identifying and developing high-quality renewable energy projects, contributing to the acceleration of the energy transition.” This acquisition adds to Qualitas Energy’s growing portfolio of over 100 projects in Germany. The company is actively pursuing its goal of reaching a total capacity of 4GW in the German market. This expansion is supported by €1.2 billion in funding from Qualitas Energy Fund V, which closed in 2022. Qualitas Energy Deutschland, a subsidiary of Qualitas Energy, specializes in the acquisition, financing, development, construction, and operation of onshore wind…

Shell Advances Bonga North Project, Boosting Nigeria’s Oil Production

Shell plc has announced a significant milestone in its Nigerian operations with the final investment decision for the Bonga North deep-water project. This project, a subsea tie-back to the existing Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, is expected to enhance production and contribute to Nigeria’s energy output. The Bonga North development will involve the drilling and commissioning of 16 wells, including eight production wells and eight water injection wells. By optimizing the extraction process and increasing production capacity, the project aims to unlock additional value from the Bonga field. To accommodate the increased production, Shell will implement modifications to the Bonga Main FPSO and install new subsea infrastructure. This investment will ensure the efficient handling and transportation of the additional oil and gas produced from Bonga North. The Bonga North project is estimated to recover over 300 million barrels of oil equivalent and reach peak production of 110,000 barrels of oil per day. This development aligns with Shell’s strategy to maintain stable liquid production levels and generate sustainable cash flow for the company. Zoë Yujnovich, Integrated Gas and Upstream Director at Shell, emphasized the importance of the Bonga North project in supporting Shell’s long-term growth and its commitment…

Dubai’s Green Hydrogen Project Achieves Significant Milestone

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced a major milestone for its pioneering Green Hydrogen project. Since its inception, the project has successfully produced 90 tonnes of green hydrogen, making it a significant step towards a sustainable energy future for the region. This innovative project harnesses the power of solar energy to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. With a current production capacity of 20 kilograms of hydrogen per hour and a storage capacity of 12 hours, the project is contributing to Dubai’s clean energy goals. By utilizing renewable energy sources, the project has generated over one gigawatt-hour (GWh) of green energy, preventing the emission of approximately 450 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This achievement aligns with the UAE’s ambitious target of securing 25% of the global low-carbon hydrogen market. DEWA’s Green Hydrogen project is not only a testament to Dubai’s commitment to sustainable energy but also a platform for future hydrogen applications across various sectors. The project’s success reinforces Dubai’s position as a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable development. With the expansion of the solar park powering the project, DEWA aims to increase the production capacity to over 5,000 MW by 2030. This increased capacity is expected to further…