bneGREEN
Saving the Caspian Sea for Central Asia and Kazakhstan
The Caspian Sea has long been a cornerstone of life for Central Asia, especially for Kazakhstan, where it plays a critical role in supporting local economies, biodiversity and communities.
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Google enters India’s carbon removal market with biochar deal with Varaha
Google has agreed to purchase carbon credits from an Indian start-up that transforms agricultural waste into biochar, a charcoal-like material that captures CO2 and enriches soil
Iran mandates solar panels for new buildings amid power shortage
Iran has updated its building regulations, requiring developers to set up solar panels in newly constructed buildings, said a senior official at the state power producer and distributor Tavanir.
Renewables Down Under, and under the Long White Cloud
Both Australia and New Zealand are achieving significant advances in their shift towards renewable energy sources. Both nations are striving to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels while embracing more sustainable energy alternatives.
CHN Energy connects Rudong Solar Hydrogen-Storage project to the grid in China
The project is seen as a major step forward in hydrogen power development for Beijing, reflecting China’s commitment to hydrogen energy as a cornerstone of its clean energy transition.
Russia’s Rosatom plans legal action over non-delivery of Siemens Energy parts for Turkey’s first nuclear plant
Germany's refusal to budge on issue forced Moscow to turn to China for required equipment.
German electricity prices highest in Europe, 70% above the European average, with Hungary's the lowest
Germany has been identified as the European country with the highest electricity prices at €416.20 per MWh, the Swedish price comparison company Finansvalp said in a comment emailed to bne IntelliNews on January 9.
Singapore’s PacificLight Power embarks on $735mn hydrogen power plant project
Singapore’s energy leader, PacificLight Power, is advancing clean energy initiatives with a $735mn hydrogen power plant on Jurong Island, slated for completion in 2029.
Smog back with a vengeance in Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia’s government seeks to act swiftly in face of protests. Suspicion falls on quality of coal briquettes in circulation.
Iraq’s largest cement factory restarts operations
Iraq’s Kirkuk cement factory, the country’s largest, has resumed operations following a major environmental overhaul.
Extreme weather surges in 2024
Extreme weather reached alarming levels in 2024, with record heat driving heatwaves, droughts, storms, and floods that displaced millions and caused thousands of deaths
Controversial 10-GW hydropower project in Tibet greenlit by Beijing
China has given the green light to a 10-GW hydropower project on the lower Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet - known in China as the Xizang Autonomous Region since 2023 - marking a major step in its renewable energy transition and regional development
Moscow records the warmest year on record in 2024
Moscow recorded its warmest year on record in 2024, with an average annual temperature of 8.2C, the highest in the city's 245-year history of meteorological observations, according to Moscow State University (MSU).
Russia seeks to expand its nuclear energy dominance with new international projects
Russia is constructing over 10 nuclear power units on foreign soil to help capitalise on burgeoning energy demands driven by artificial intelligence and developing markets, a senior Kremlin envoy has revealed
Nozomi Energy snaps up major solar portfolio in Japan
Nozomi Energy, a renewables platform focused on Japan and established by global sustainable infrastructure investor Actis, has announced the acquisition of 12 operational solar projects in partnership with a Japanese co-investor
Argentina announces ambitious nuclear programme linked to AI development
Argentina's President Javier Milei has unveiled plans to position the country as a nuclear energy pioneer, linking the initiative to growing power demands from artificial intelligence.
Iran to add 500MW solar capacity by year-end, targets 4GW expansion
Iran plans to add 500MW of solar power capacity by the end of the current Iranian year, as part of a broader initiative to expand its renewable energy infrastructure by more than 4,000MW by next year.
The EU Council calls for a European geothermal action plan
The energy ministers in the EU Energy Council approved the outline of a European geothermal energy action plan on December 17.
World Bank approves $350mn as Tajikistan bids to fund completion of $6.3bn Rogun mega hydro project
Funding agreed despite environmentalists warning “biggest dam in the world” investment “will turn into a nightmare”.
Iranian official jumpstarts country's delayed solar programme on energy crunch
Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has announced emergency plans to develop 30,000 MW of solar power capacity.