Latvia has taken a significant step towards a greener future with the commissioning of its first utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS). The 10MW/20MWh BESS, located in Targale, Ventspils region, is integrated with the 58.8MW Targale Wind Park. Developed by Utilitas Wind, a subsidiary of Estonian energy company Utilitas, the BESS project is a €7 million investment. The system comprises six containerized BESS units, inverters, transformers, and a distribution point container. Hoymiles, a Chinese solar inverter manufacturer, provided the BESS enclosures and power conversion system inverters. The BESS will enable the storage of excess wind energy generated during periods of high production and its subsequent release to the grid during peak demand or low renewable generation. This will contribute to grid stability and enhance the overall reliability of the power supply. The opening event was attended by guests and dignitaries including Latvia’s climate and energy minister Kaspars Melnis, who said that hybrid energy parks that combine different clean energy technologies like wind and batteries “will become common practice in the future, ensuring a stable, minimally weather-dependent energy supply.” Melnis said the project set a high bar for wind farms in the country and noted their importance in the context of…
The Swedish government has announced the rejection of 13 applications for offshore wind farm projects in the Baltic Sea, south of the Sea of Åland. The decision was made due to concerns about potential impacts on national defense. Despite the potential for clean energy generation and the inclusion of precautionary measures in the project proposals, the government prioritized national security interests. Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari stated that the government carefully considered expert opinions and public input before making its decision. Defense Minister Pål Jonson emphasized the importance of national security in light of the current geopolitical situation. As a result of this decision, Hexicon’s joint venture company, Freja Offshore, will terminate work on its Cirrus and Dyning projects in Sweden. However, the company remains committed to its other projects, including the Mareld wind farm, which is currently under review by the Swedish government. This development highlights the complex interplay between energy transition goals and national security concerns. While renewable energy projects are essential for a sustainable future, governments must also consider broader geopolitical factors when making decisions about critical infrastructure.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s School of Chemistry are at the forefront of a groundbreaking new laser technology project, SUPERLASER. This EU-funded initiative aims to develop a new type of laser based on halide perovskite materials, offering superior performance and environmental sustainability. The project, coordinated by the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” in Athens, seeks to address the limitations of current laser technologies, such as their reliance on critical raw materials and thermal noise instability. By harnessing the unique properties of halide perovskites, SUPERLASER aims to create lasers that are more stable, precise, and environmentally friendly. Dr. Katherine Inzani’s group at the University of Nottingham is leading the theoretical aspects of the project, using computational techniques to identify and predict the properties of optimal perovskite materials. This research will guide the experimental work of the project partners, enabling the development of highly efficient and environmentally friendly laser devices. The SUPERLASER project is funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder Programme and involves a consortium of nine partners from seven countries. “This ambitious European effort will take us from theoretical materials predictions all the way to device fabrication, establishing a new type of laser that will be crucial…
Paleo, a Belgian biotechnology company, has announced a strategic partnership with Vienna-based foodtech company Revo Foods. The collaboration, funded by the European Union with a total project volume of €2.2 million, aims to develop a more realistic and nutritious vegan salmon alternative. The two companies will leverage their expertise to create a myoglobin protein, derived from precision fermentation, that will be integrated into Revo Foods’ 3D structured vegan salmon filet, “THE FILET – Inspired by Salmon.” This innovative approach will enhance the product’s appearance, taste, and nutritional value, bringing it closer to the experience of eating real salmon. Paleo’s precision fermentation technology allows for the production of animal proteins without the use of animals. The company currently produces beef myoglobin and is expanding its portfolio to include other proteins such as chicken, pork, tuna, and even mammoth. Revo Foods, on the other hand, specializes in 3D food-printing technology, which enables the precise structuring of multiple materials, including fats and proteins. The partnership between Paleo and Revo Foods represents a significant step forward in the development of sustainable and innovative food solutions. By combining their expertise, the two companies aim to create a more sustainable and delicious food future.
Air Liquide and Cementir Holding Group, through its fully owned subsidiary Aalborg Portland, have announced the launch of ACCSION, a groundbreaking carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. Located in Aalborg, Denmark, ACCSION aims to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions from the Aalborg Portland cement plant. The project will utilize Air Liquide’s proprietary CryocapTM technology to capture, purify, and liquefy approximately 95% of the CO₂ emitted by the cement kilns. The captured CO₂ will then be integrated into a new pipeline infrastructure and transported to onshore CO₂ storage facilities. By the end of 2029, ACCSION is expected to avoid 1.5 million tons of CO₂ emissions per year of operation. This will make it one of the first full onshore CCS value chains in Europe, demonstrating a significant step towards decarbonizing the cement industry. The European Commission has recognized the importance of this project by awarding it 220 million euros in project support under the EU Innovation Fund. This funding will be instrumental in making a final investment decision and initiating the project’s execution. This collaboration between Air Liquide and Cementir Holding Group highlights their commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the industrial sector. By reducing CO₂ emissions from cement production, ACCSION…
The European Commission has approved the Reform Agendas of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, following positive opinions from EU Member States. These ambitious reform plans outline the socio-economic and fundamental reforms that the five Western Balkan governments will undertake to spur growth and align with the EU. This crucial step enables the disbursement of funds from the EU’s €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility, which will be made upon completion of agreed reform steps. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “I’m impressed by the work of our Western Balkan partners on their Reform Agendas. It shows that they are committed to the success of the Growth Plan. It’s our roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to ours. And to give their companies the access and the means to compete on our Single Market. Everyone benefits, and it’s a big leap forward towards the European Union”. The Reform Agendas focus on key areas such as rule of law, governance, digital and green transitions, human capital development, and the business environment. Each beneficiary country has also proposed a list of indicative investments to be funded under the Facility, which are aimed at unlocking socio-economic growth. The Commission…
Today marks the official launch of ReFarm, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at making farming for nature a sustainable and scalable practice in Ireland. Launched by Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, ReFarm offers businesses a unique opportunity to support nature-positive actions on Irish farms, while complying with new EU sustainability reporting directives. Spearheaded by Dr. Brendan Dunford, founder of Burrenbeo Trust, and Anke Heydenreich, an impact investor, ReFarm is a collaborative effort between Trinity College Dublin, Burrenbeo Trust, and local and international organizations. The project has already begun funding the creation of wildlife ponds on Irish farms, a practice that will continue throughout its five-year lifespan to address biodiversity and climate challenges. Trinity College Dublin will spearhead a research program exploring long-term funding structures for businesses looking to invest in nature-positive actions on Irish farms. ReFarm has successfully secured over €1 million in seed funding from a diverse group, including RWE Ireland, John Paul Construction, CIE Tours, BiOrbic, Community Foundation Ireland, and Trinity Business School. Welcoming the ReFarm project Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, said: ‘Two thirds of the landmass of Ireland is farmland, so it’s only by working with farmers that…
Brno Waterworks and Sewerage Company (BVK), a joint venture between the City of Brno and SUEZ, has officially begun construction on a new sludge treatment line at the Brno-Modřice wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The ambitious project involves the construction of new buildings and the integration of advanced technologies for sludge thickening, anaerobic digestion, dewatering, and drying. This state-of-the-art treatment process aims to optimize the energy potential of the sludge, generating biogas that will be converted into heat and electricity, covering approximately 65% of the plant’s energy requirements. Solar panels will also be installed to contribute another 5% of the plant’s energy consumption. To enhance sludge recovery from wastewater treatment, a new drying process will be implemented, significantly reducing sludge volumes by up to 60%. The dried sludge will be repurposed to generate energy for cement production in local industries. This on-site treatment will also reduce the number of truck trips needed to transport sludge from the plant by 60%. The total investment for this project amounts to €140 million (CZK 3.5 billion). Financing has been secured through long-term bank loans from the European Investment Bank, the Council of Europe Development Bank, and Komerční banka a.s., complemented by a subsidy from…
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…
TotalEnergies announced today that it has commenced production at the Fenix offshore gas field located off the coast of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. The project, which began production two years after the final investment decision, reflects TotalEnergies’ commitment to contributing to a sustainable gas supply in Argentina. The Fenix gas field, located 60 kilometers off the coast of Tierra del Fuego, is part of the Cuenca Marina Austral (CMA-1) concession, in which TotalEnergies holds a 37.5% interest alongside Harbour Energy and Pan American Energy. With a daily production capacity of 10 million cubic meters of gas, Fenix is expected to cover approximately 8% of Argentina’s natural gas requirements. The gas produced at Fenix will be sent through a subsea pipeline to the TotalEnergies-operated Vega Pléyade platform and then treated onshore at the Río Cullen and Cañadon Alfa facilities. The Fenix development is a low-emission project that aligns with TotalEnergies’ Oil & Gas strategy. By utilizing existing infrastructure, the project’s carbon intensity is estimated at 9 kilograms of CO2 equivalent per barrel of oil equivalent (CO2e/boe), compared to an average of 13 kg CO2e/boe for the company’s production activities. Natural gas plays a crucial role in the energy transition, offering a…
