Black & Veatch, a global leader in floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) infrastructure solutions, has been awarded a significant contract to provide engineering services for the Golar MK II FLNG project. Black & Veatch will contribute its licensed PRICO® technology, perform detailed engineering design, specify and procure topside equipment, and provide commissioning support for the FLNG topsides and liquefaction process. The project builds upon Black & Veatch’s successful track record in supporting Golar’s previous FLNG vessels, the Hilli and Gimi. The MK II FLNG vessel will have a production capacity of approximately 3.5 million tons per annum (MTPA) and is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2027. The project will help to increase global LNG supply, enhance energy security, and support the transition to cleaner energy sources. Black & Veatch’s involvement in the Golar MK II project further solidifies its position as a leading provider of FLNG infrastructure solutions. The company’s expertise in engineering, design, and project management will be instrumental in ensuring the successful delivery of this complex project.
Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy and State Oil Company (SOCAR) have announced a significant partnership with Italy-based Technip Energies to advance the country’s green energy goals. In a recent meeting, Mikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, and Rovshan Najaf, SOCAR President, met with Marco Villa, CEO of Technip Energies, to discuss the potential of renewable energy and sustainable development in Azerbaijan. The meeting underscored the importance of international collaboration and the use of modern technologies to unlock the country’s renewable energy potential. The discussions focused on ongoing green energy projects and explored innovative pathways toward low-carbon business solutions. As a result of these discussions, a new joint venture was formed between SOCAR Downstream Management, the Azerbaijan Investment Company, and Technip Energies S.p.A. The partnership will focus on producing pyrolysis oil from plastic waste, aiming to boost waste recycling, enhance industrial production, and lower carbon emissions. Valued at €97 million, the project will be located at the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park and is expected to process 36,000 tons of plastic waste annually, generating 23,000 tons of pyrolysis oil. The project’s ownership will be distributed among the Azerbaijan Investment Company (30 percent), Technip Energies (35 percent), and SOCAR (35 percent). This initiative represents…
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has finalized its new electricity connection policy, aimed at streamlining permit-granting processes and facilitating the integration of renewable energy into the Irish grid. The policy introduces several key reforms, including a bi-annual batch application process for grid connection applications, aligned planning and grid connection procedures for RED III projects, and streamlined processes for repowering projects. These changes are designed to accelerate the development of renewable energy projects and help Ireland meet its ambitious climate targets. Richard Murphy, an expert in renewable energy projects, praised the policy as a significant step forward in streamlining the permit-granting process. He highlighted the importance of parallel planning and grid processes in ensuring timely project development. The CRU emphasized the need for efficient and optimal use of existing grid infrastructure and the development of future infrastructure to deliver value to consumers. Repowering projects, which involve replacing or upgrading existing renewable energy systems, are seen as a crucial strategy for achieving Ireland’s net zero emissions goals. “The Commission has fired a warning shot to the member states, including Ireland, on transposing the rules to simplify and speed up the planning approval and other permits for renewables. It’s important that…
This significant milestone underscores Lightsource BP’s commitment to driving the energy transition and contributing to Poland’s renewable energy goals. The Kotuń Solar Farm will generate clean, sustainable electricity, reducing carbon emissions and supporting the country’s decarbonization efforts. Michał Głowacki, managing director of Lightsource BP Poland said: “Solar energy is of great importance for Poland’s energy transition, and we are incredibly proud to deliver the Kotuń photovoltaic farm, our first significant contribution to the national decarbonisation goals.” Since entering the Polish market in late 2020, Lightsource BP has rapidly expanded its operations, developing a pipeline of projects with a combined capacity of 3.2GW. The successful delivery of the Kotuń Solar Farm demonstrates the company’s ability to execute large-scale solar projects efficiently and effectively. Furthermore, Lightsource BP has secured a long-term power purchase agreement with Microsoft, ensuring a stable market for the clean energy generated by the Kotuń Solar Farm. This partnership aligns with both companies’ sustainability goals and strengthens Lightsource BP’s position in the Polish renewable energy market. As Lightsource BP continues to grow its team and operations in Poland, the company remains committed to supporting the country’s energy transition and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Slovakia has been awarded a grant from the US government’s Nuclear Expediting the Energy Transition (NEXT) project to support the selection of a suitable site for the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs). This grant is a significant step forward for Slovakia’s nuclear energy program, following the award of USD2 million last year under the Project Phoenix initiative to conduct feasibility studies for SMRs at former coal-fired power plant sites. The NEXT program, launched by US Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, aims to assist partner countries in exploring emerging clean nuclear energy technologies. Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister, Denisa Saková, expressed the country’s commitment to nuclear energy as a key component of its energy transition and decarbonization efforts. Slovenské elektrárne, Slovakia’s leading nuclear operator, has been actively involved in the SMR development process. CEO Branislav Strýček emphasized that SMRs are not intended to replace existing nuclear sources but rather to supplement the energy mix and ensure the country’s energy self-sufficiency. The grant, secured through a joint bid involving government agencies, nuclear operators, universities, and industry partners, will provide technical assistance and consulting services to support the selection of an optimal SMR site. The project will also focus…
Volvo Trucks North America announced that it has successfully delivered 70 VNR Electric trucks to California fleets as part of the SWITCH-ON project. The project, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), aims to accelerate the adoption of electric commercial vehicles and improve air quality in Southern California. The SWITCH-ON project is backed by $19.5 million from the EPA’s Targeted Air Shed Grant Program and an additional $2 million from South Coast AQMD for charging infrastructure. Participating fleets include CEVA, IMC Logistics, Maersk, and others. The Volvo VNR Electric trucks will be used for drayage and freight applications, providing valuable data on their performance and capabilities. This information will be used to inform future developments in electric truck technology and support broader industry adoption. “There are challenges on the road to electro mobility adoption, but through close collaboration with public entities, utilities, manufacturers and other key industry partners, we can overcome these barriers and achieve our zero-emission goals,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We’re pleased to say that with successful collaboration, we’ve together been able to find solutions that are critical for these fleets and…
Octopus Energy, a leading renewable energy company, has announced a significant investment of £2 billion in UK clean energy projects by 2030. This investment will support the development of new solar farms and battery projects, contributing to the UK’s transition to a greener energy future. The company has recently secured four new solar farm projects with a combined capacity of 222 MW and is breaking ground on a 12 MW battery project. These projects will help power tens of thousands of homes and reduce emissions equivalent to removing thousands of fossil-fuel cars from the road. Octopus Energy’s investment aligns with the UK government’s target of tripling solar capacity by 2030. In addition to these projects, Octopus Energy has increased its stake in Exagen, a British solar and storage developer. This investment will accelerate the rollout of new renewables projects in the UK. The company is also actively pursuing new onshore wind projects, taking advantage of the recent government planning reforms. Octopus Energy’s “Fan Club” scheme offers customers living near wind turbines discounted rates when the wind is blowing. Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, said: “The UK is on the verge of a green energy revolution. This £2 billion investment…
The UK government has achieved a significant milestone in its clean energy mission by securing a record number of projects through its latest renewables auction. The auction round resulted in the approval of 131 new green infrastructure projects, including a significant number of onshore wind, solar, and tidal energy projects. These projects have the potential to power the equivalent of 11 million British homes. This success follows the government’s decision to increase the auction budget by 50%, which has played a crucial role in attracting more renewable energy projects. Offshore wind projects, in particular, have seen a resurgence, with 9 contracts awarded, including the largest and second-largest windfarm projects in Europe. The government’s efforts to secure clean energy are driven by a commitment to energy independence and energy security. By investing in renewable energy, the UK aims to protect families and businesses from volatile global fossil fuel prices. The projects awarded in the auction will not only contribute to clean energy generation but also create new green jobs across the country, boosting economic growth in industrial heartlands and rural communities. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “We inherited a broken energy policy, including last year’s disastrous auction round which gave us…
The EU has made significant progress in ensuring secure, affordable, and sustainable energy for its citizens. The EU has successfully weathered critical risks to its energy supply, regained control over the energy market and prices, and accelerated its transition towards climate neutrality. These achievements are outlined in the State of the Energy Union 2024 report, which assesses the EU’s progress in 2023-2024 towards the objectives of the Energy Union, the REPowerEU plan, and the clean energy transition. The EU has established a robust regulatory and financing framework to achieve its 2030 climate and energy goals, laying the foundation for renewed economic growth and competitiveness. For consumers, measures implemented at the EU level have resulted in a drastic decline in electricity and gas prices compared to their peak levels in 2022. Vulnerable consumers are also better protected from disconnection due to new energy market legislation. In terms of renewable energy, the EU has made significant strides. Renewable sources now account for half of the EU’s electricity generation, with wind power surpassing gas as the second largest source. Additionally, the EU has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 32.5% since 1990, while its economy grew by 67% during the same period. The EU…
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) of Grenada is inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) for a renewable energy project at the island nation’s main international airport. The project aims to increase Grenada’s reliance on renewable energy and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. PURC is seeking an independent power producer (IPP) to develop and operate either a 15.1MW standalone solar PV plant or a solar-plus-storage plant combining 15.1MW of solar PV and a 10.6MW/21.2MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The project will be located at Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) and will integrate into the existing grid operated by Grenada Electricity Services Limited (Grenlec). The project offers the opportunity for investors to contribute to Grenada’s sustainable energy goals and benefit from the potential for long-term revenue through a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Grenlec. The selected IPP will be responsible for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the plant for a period of 25 years. The solar PV plant will be distributed across three sites near MBIA, and the BESS will be located at a new substation to be constructed by Grenlec. Both options will include the provision of a power management system to ensure seamless integration and control…
