September 25, 2025
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Turkey starts building solar parks on former coal land

After the first two units of 5 MW each, state-owned Turkish Coal Enterprises (TKI) is planning two solar power plants of 14 MW in combined peak capacity at sites of its previous mining operations.

Former coal mines and their tailings dumps, together with the ash disposal fields of thermal power plants, are among the most convenient areas for solar power plants, unlike fertile agricultural land. In Southeastern Europe, Greece is leading the way by transforming its coal land into industrial hubs with cutting-edge technologies, with the focus remaining on energy – mostly solar power plants. Their capacity is among the highest in the world.

Other countries in the region are advancing slowly in such decarbonization projects, with the exception of North Macedonia, or are still in the planning stage, but Turkey announced that it intends to speed up the construction of photovoltaic units on sites of former coal mining operations.

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources said the capacity would reach 24 MW next year

Turkish Coal Enterprises (TKI) is revitalizing the areas of depleted open pit mines also through afforestation, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources said. The company planted just over 12 million trees on 6,265 hectares last year.

With photovoltaic projects, such areas are contributing to the country’s economy again. The state-owned company’s Aegean region subsidiary ELI operates a self-consumption unit of 5 MW in Manisa. Another firm, ÇLI, based in Çanakkale, further to the north, has installed a 5 MW solar park.

The two facilities generate 18 GWh of electricity per year, supplying businesses, the update adds.

Preparations are underway for the construction of a 5 MW photovoltaic plant in the Tavşanlı district of Kütahya province in Turkey’s west. Another project is for 9 MW in the Afşin district in Kahramanmaraş, in the Mediterranean region in the country’s south. TKI plans to complete them next year.

The four solar parks will produce some 41 GWh per year, according to the ministry.

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September 24, 2025
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Half of EU auction-backed hydrogen projects pull out

Seven projects for 1.88 GW of total electrolyzer capacity turned out to be unfeasible even with grants won at the second European Hydrogen Bank auction, out of 2.34 GW overall. The developers withdrew, with some citing policy and infrastructure delays and uncertainty. A project from the first renewable hydrogen auction also pulled out.

The European Commission has invited ten projects from the reserve list of the second European Hydrogen Bank auction to start preparing documentation for signing grant agreements, after seven that were initially selected withdrew. The round, completed in May, resulted in 15 projects for renewable hydrogen winning support, for 2.34 GW of total electrolyzer capacity.

Five endeavors remained in the general category, for just 453.46 MW overall, and the remaining three are in the maritime segment. They account for 108.5 MW. The ten reserve projects envisage 774 MW, compared to the 1.88 GW that dropped out, including the three biggest proposed systems.

Stuck at completion guarantees

Some developers of the withdrawn proposals weren’t able to provide completion guarantees. Completion guarantees are worth 8% of the grant, S&P Global noted in a report. Companies cited policy and infrastructure delays and uncertainty.

Four sites are in Spain, two in Germany and the seventh one is in the Netherlands: the Zeevonk electrolyser, the largest of all. It would have 560 MW and produce 411,000 tons over ten years, receiving EUR 0.6 per kilogram.

Beneficiaries receive premiums from the European Hydrogen Bank budget that compensate for the difference between the production price and the amount that buyers offer.

European Hydrogen Bank mechanism designed to weed out unfeasible investments

Before the end of the year, the European Commission expects to publish the final list for the said IF24 auction. One project recently dropped out from the first round as well.

“The auction’s completion guarantee is working as expected in weeding out companies that have bid too low, or were forced to reassess their project maturity or financial viability between bidding and having to provide the completion guarantee,” EU Innovation Fund Policy Officer Johanna Schiele said.

The withdrawn projects could still head for implementation if they complete the financing structure.

Under the second round within the European Hydrogen Bank mechanism, EUR 1.2 billion was available, but only EUR 992 million rewarded.

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September 23, 2025
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EU launches EUR 17.5 billion energy efficiency initiative for SMEs

The European Union plans to double its support to small and medium-sized enterprises in the 2025-2027 period for investments in energy efficiency and decarbonization.

The European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group have launched a EUR 17.5 billion financing initiative.

According to the commission, more than 350,000 companies across Europe are set to make energy efficiency and decarbonization gains through the scheme.

The initiative for energy efficiency for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is led by the EIB Group. It aims to help firms utilize proven energy-saving technologies to reduce their energy bills and enhance their resilience and competitiveness, the commission underscored.

The EU expects to mobilize over EUR 65 billion in overall investments

The program will use a combination of existing and new financial products, including debt and equity instruments. The EU expects to mobilize over EUR 65 billion of investments in the segment by 2027.

To streamline access and support for businesses, the initiative will introduce a “one-stop shop for energy efficiency for SMEs,” the update adds. The commission explained that a single-entry point would integrate EIB Group’s intermediated lending offering and added it would simplify engagement and accelerate implementation.

The backing by the commission will include EU budget guarantees

The commission’s backing will include EU budget guarantees offered through the InvestEU mechanism and LIFE environmental program.

EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen pointed out that SMEs invest in energy efficiency at only half the rate of larger companies. “This EIB initiative supported by the commission will be key to closing the investment gap, simplifying access to financing, and accelerating the deployment of energy efficiency solutions,” he added.

According to EIB Group President Nadia Calviño, the initiative represents a significant step up in support to help companies cut energy costs.

“Servitisation” or energy efficiency as a service

The EIB said it is partnering with the Solar Impulse Foundation, a nonprofit organization, to promote a model known as “servitisation” or energy efficiency as a service.

For example, instead of purchasing energy-efficient heating or lighting equipment, SMEs pay for the warmth or light they use. The service provider retains ownership of the equipment and ensures its performance. EIB stressed that the model eliminates upfront investment costs for businesses, making it easier and faster to adopt energy efficiency measures.

“The Solar Impulse Foundation has already identified over 1,600 profitable solutions that prove efficiency is not a cost but a gain. With this initiative, we can now bring these innovations to hundreds of thousands of SMEs across Europe,” said Bertrand Piccard, initiator and chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation.

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September 23, 2025
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Romania risks blackouts if it shuts coal plants as scheduled

Minister of Energy Bogdan Ivan claims that energy poverty or even blackouts could hit Romania if it proceeds with the closure of coal plants. Namely, the gas power projects for replacing them are suffering severe delays.

The European Commission has become flexible for the first time in the last four years, said Romania’s Minister of Energy Bogdan-Gruia Ivan. He has asked for a postponement of the deadline for shutting down a group of coal power plants.

They need to be closed by the end of the year. If the coal plants, run by state-owned Complexul Energetic Oltenia (CE Oltenia) go before gas power plants Iernut and Mintia are commissioned, Romania is jeopardized, according to the minister.

Ivan told Digi24.ro he was negotiating with the European Commission on delaying the closure by “a few months.” Romgaz decided last week to cancel the contract with Duro Felguera, the contractor for the Iernut facility.

Energy poverty risk increasing

A study conducted with Romania’s transmission system operator Transelectrica has shown that Romania can otherwise end up in energy poverty and even risk a blackout, he underscored. “Especially in the winter, when we have no solar, when we have no wind power,” Minister Ivan explained.

Furthermore, Romania would like to keep three large coal units and another two in technical reserve for replacement them in case of damage, Ivan revealed. It would ensure a 1 GW minimum coal power supply, he asserted.

Romania requires at least 1 GW in baseload energy from coal for two more years, according to Minister Bogdan Ivan

Simulations showed that the group would need to operate for two years more, at least, until Iernut and Mintia are completed.

“We are pressed for time. We need to conclude contracts for next year. We need to conclude contracts for energy supply, contracts with suppliers, coal stocks. It is a complex of factors that must be organized very well from now on. It is already late, for Romania and for our energy companies,” Ivan stated.

Gas power projects in constant delay

Additionally, gas power plants Turceni (475 MW) and Ișalnița (850 MW) are supposed to replace some of the capacity in the Oltenia complex. The two projects suffered constant delays. The deadlines in the tenders for construction have been pushed back to September 30 and November 14, respectively.

Romania has received billions of euros from the European Union for gas power plants to substitute coal, the minister noted separately. He acknowledged that the projects are still on paper. That’s why today Romanians have almost the highest electricity price in Europe, Ivan claimed.

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September 19, 2025
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North Macedonia adopts Law on Energy Efficiency

North Macedonia’s new Law on Energy Efficiency brings a long-term strategy for the reconstruction of buildings and the obligation to set up solar collectors on public buildings. It envisages financial support for investments in solar panels, geothermal systems and smart technologies.

The Assembly of North Macedonia adopted the Law on Energy Efficiency at its last session. The new legal framework, aligned with European standards, will directly contribute to lowering bills for citizens and businesses, a cleaner environment and the creation of new green jobs, the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Minerals said.

The law is a substantial step forward in reducing energy consumption, integrating renewable sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the statement reads. It will bring the country closer to fulfilling European climate goals and to a green transition, the ministry added.

The new legislation introduces the European Union’s principle “energy efficiency first,” according to the announcement. One of the novelties is a long-term strategy for the reconstruction of residential, public and commercial buildings.

At least 3% of public buildings must be reconstructed every year

The law mandates tripling energy savings in the public sector. At least 3% of public buildings must be reconstructed every year. In the construction or reconstruction of schools, kindergartens and public institutions, it will be obligatory to install solar collectors.

New measures include financial support for investments in solar panels, geothermal systems and smart technologies. The ministry said the law brings high standards in public procurement, digital transparency and professionalization of energy audits. Energy performance certificates will be included in the real estate cadastre.

The Law on Energy Efficiency is part of the package of reform laws that lay the foundation for a stable, sustainable and competitive energy sector – with energy security, better quality of life for citizens and accelerated accession to the European Union, the ministry underscored.

Of note, public calls are ongoing for households in energy poverty, for free inverter air conditioners and financial aid.

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September 18, 2025
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Turkish oil company Tüpraş to produce sustainable aviation fuel

Oil refiner Tüpraş is working on a technology for biofuel from algae and yeasts, using solar energy. The Sunfusion project involves processing into sustainable aviation fuel – kerosene – and green alternatives for vessels. It received EU support and includes partners from Greece, France, Germany, Norway and Serbia.

Istanbul-based Türkiye Petrol Rafinerileri AŞ (Tüpraş) has several decarbonization projects underway, counting on the expansion of green energy markets. One of the endeavors is Sunfusion – advancing biofuel production from purified microalgae and oleaginous yeasts by utilizing state-of-the-art solar technologies.

The project, which runs until the end of 2028, received EUR 3 million through the European Union’s Horizon Europe program. Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), known also by its Greek acronym EKETA, is the coordinator.

Ten partners include the Middle East Technical University (METU/ODTÜ), located in Ankara, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and Foodscale Hub (FSH), which is in Novi Sad, Serbia. The rest are from France, Germany and Norway.

Solar-to-biocrude efficiency must top 50%

Tüpraş, the largest oil refiner in Turkey, is majority-owned by Koç Holding and its related businesses. It launched Sunfusion to develop the conversion of microalgae and oleaginous yeasts using the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) method. Among the goals is to minimize costs, emissions and waste and achieve a solar-to-biocrude efficiency target of more than 50%.

The company and its partners intend to cultivate high-lipid, low-nitrogen microalgae and yeasts

The initiative involves photobioreactors, open raceway ponds and a solar thermal system supplying energy for the process. The company and its partners intend to cultivate high-lipid, low-nitrogen microalgae and yeasts.

Hydrotreatment units would have fractionation capabilities, for refining the biocrude into high-value fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel – kerosene – and alternative marine fuels.

First SAF supply deal in Turkey already in scope

In June, Tüpraş signed a letter of intent with Turkish Airlines for a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply arrangement. They claimed that carbon emissions would be up to 87% lower than from conventional jet fuel.

“We will begin SAF production next year at our Izmir Refinery by leveraging our existing facilities. We aim to finalize the investment decision for a new unit that will increase our SAF production capacity to 300,000 tons by the end of this year. The use of SAF is becoming a necessity under both international and local regulations for the decarbonization of the aviation sector,” General Manager of Tüpraş Ibrahim Yelmenoğlu stated.

It would be both the first production and supply operations in Turkey. The company revealed at the time that it would make the SAF from bio-based feedstocks.

Tüpraş has seven projects with support from Horizon Europe

Tüpraş said it has completed 17 projects under Horizon 2020 and that seven are ongoing through Horizon Europe. The company updated its strategic transformation plan in April, placing the focus on sustainable refining, SAF, zero-carbon electricity and green hydrogen.

In the Horizon portfolio, it is conducting the Eastern Lights project for geological storage of carbon dioxide. ICO2nic is in the same segment, with carbon capture and electrochemical conversion of CO2, while the Hermes initiative is for the separation and purification of hydrogen with innovative membranes.

Also of note, one of the oil refiner’s subsidiaries took over a major solar power project in Romania early this year.

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September 17, 2025
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Bulgarian coal plant mulls replacing boiler with molten salt battery

The operator of the AES Maritsa iztok 1 coal plant in Bulgaria is interested in replacing one of its boilers with a molten salt reactor. It would accumulate excess renewable energy from the power grid as heat and produce steam to drive the existing turbine.

With the surge in solar and wind power capacity throughout the world, the grid needs to match it with balancing and flexibility to handle the intermittency of the two sources. Their output varies with weather conditions, so the amount of electricity is often much higher or lower than demand.

Batteries are all the rage now, with investors racing to bridge the gaps between intraday peak production and peak consumption. Southeastern Europe is catching up with the trend, especially in Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.

A molten salt battery could turn out to be a lifeline for AES Maritsa East 1

It opens up space for some other solutions in the emerging energy storage market which are nearing maturity. United States-based AES Corp.’s subsidiary in Bulgaria is examining one such overlooked opportunity. The molten salt reactor technology could revive the prospects of its coal power plant in Galabovo in Stara Zagora province.

The operator of the AES Maritsa iztok 1 (AES Maritsa East 1) facility is planning to transform one of the units into a so-called Carnot battery, Capital.bg reported. Such systems turn electricity into thermal energy and store it, to convert it back to electricity.

AES plans to maintain generator’s capacity

The company’s solution of choice is a molten salt reactor, which would replace the boiler. AES plans to power it with surplus renewable energy and produce steam for the existing 345 MW turbine. Importantly, among its other assets is the Saint Nikola wind power plant of 156 MW, the largest in Bulgaria.

The battery would hold enough heat to drive the unit at maximum power for five hours, translating to 1.73 GWh.

Coal plants can technically work nonstop, but the market has all but overrun most such facilities in Europe. Now they increasingly operate only when prices are high, covering peaks. It could make the business case for molten salt reactors and preserve jobs.

Molten salt is used in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. They mostly use electrolytes such as alkali metal chlorides – sodium chloride, potassium chloride or lithium chloride – or nitrates: for instance, sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate.

Need for energy storage strengthening with rise in intraday price spreads

Market prices were negative on 2.8% of the days of last year, while they were lower than EUR 5 per MWh for 8.8% of the time. It compares to 1.9% and 5.5% in 2025, respectively, the article adds. The spread between the maximum and minimum prices is increasing. On 53% of days in the first half of this year, the difference was between EUR 100 per MWh and EUR 200 per MWh. The share of spreads above EUR 200 per MWh was 30%.

Such high amplitudes indicate both oversupply and shortages within the same day, amid the strong growth in variable renewables capacity.

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September 16, 2025
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Coal plant operator KEK to begin construction of Solar4Kosovo PV plant

Government-controlled Kosovo Energy Corp. (KEK) said it is preparing to start building its Solar4Kosovo 1 photovoltaic plant near Prishtina. It informed the local community that agricultural and other activities weren’t allowed anymore on the designated land.

After four years of planning. a former coal ash dump is about to be turned into the biggest solar power plant in Kosovo*. KEK is running the Solar4Kosovo 1 project at a site near its Kosovo A power plant near Prishtina.

The area is in the municipalities of Obiliq (Obilić) and Fushë Kosovë (Kosovo Polje). The government-owned power utility said it is preparing to begin construction works. The project is for 100 MW in connection capacity, translating to 120 MW in peak capacity.

The update mainly affects residents of Dardhishtë and Mërlak in Kryshevc (Kruševac) in Obiliq municipality. Agricultural and other activities aren’t allowed anymore, the company announced. It explained that so far it tolerated the use of its property there by the local community.

KEK obtained EUR 32 million EU grant

The financing for the Solar4Kosovo facility is part of the European Union’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans of EUR 9 billion in grants. The package is aimed at mobilizing a total of EUR 30 billion.

The European Investment Bank is providing a EUR 33 million loan. The EU has approved a EUR 32 million grant via its Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), while Germany’s KfW Development Bank is lending EUR 29 million to KEK. The investment was earlier estimated at EUR 107 million overall.

Annual output estimated at 169 GWh

The proposed solar power plant is expected to produce 169 GWh per year. It would have an underground connection to the existing substation at the Kosovo A thermal power plant.

Notably, Kosovo* is dependent on the obsolete Kosovo A and Kosovo B coal plants for almost all its electricity.

The other part of the Solar4Kosovo project is for a solar thermal facility for the capital city’s district heating system. The site is in the village of Shkabaj (Orlović) in Obiliq municipality. The investment includes a 20 MW network extension.

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* This designation is without prejudice to positions onstatus and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
September 15, 2025
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Montenegro plans to develop LNG terminal with JERA

The Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro and Japanese company JERA have signed a memorandum of cooperation in the development of projects for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and gas power plant.

The memorandum was signed at the Gastech 2025 conference in Italy by Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović and Steve Winn, chief global strategist of JERA. They agreed to explore the possibilities for developing a project of an LNG terminal and associated gas power plant in Montenegro, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mining.

Within the strategic partnership, the government will use JERA’s extensive global experience to enhance its national energy mix, strengthen supply security, support decarbonization goals, and position Montenegro as an important energy hub in the Western Balkans.

The Japanese company and the ministry will conduct a feasibility study for the project

They will carry out a comprehensive feasibility study, covering the technical, commercial, and financial viability of the proposed LNG terminal and associated gas power plant, including an analysis of multiple potential locations.

According to the ministry’s press release, the study will provide detailed data on the cost-effectiveness and future expansion in the use of LNG in Montenegro, making a solid ground for strategic decisions beneficial to the country’s energy security and sustainable development.

Of note, in May 2023 Montenegro signed a cooperation memorandum on the planned LNG terminal and gas power plant with companies Enerflex Energy Systems and Wethington Energy Innovation, based in the United States. The European Union has also expressed its interest in the project.

Šahmanović: The study will provide data on the profitability of developing LNG in the country

Admir Šahmanović and Steve Winn (photo: Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro)

Minister Admir Šahmanović said JERA is a renowned and credible global player in the areas of energy and LNG.

In his words, Japan is recognized for innovation and advanced technologies, and the cooperation will give Montenegro access to knowledge and experience necessary for the further development of its energy sector.

“The planned feasibility study will provide us with concrete data on potential locations and the profitability of developing liquefied natural gas in Montenegro, creating the basis for making strategic decisions in the interest of our country’s energy security and sustainable development,” Šahmanović underlined.

Winn: JERA is an ideal partner to support Montenegro in achieving its strategic energy goals

Steve Winn, JERA’s chief global strategist, said its extensive experience in LNG infrastructure and proven results in implementing complex international energy projects make it an ideal partner to support Montenegro in reaching its strategic energy objectives.

“We look forward to supporting Montenegro’s vision of strengthening energy security and decarbonization through practical and economically viable solutions,” he stressed.

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September 12, 2025
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European electricity industry issues Paris Pledge on pumped storage hydropower

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) and Eurelectric launched the Paris Pledge. It is a collective call to action, aimed at unlocking the potential of pumped storage hydropower in Europe. The signatories urge the European Union and national governments to create the right conditions for long-duration storage to meet clean energy goals.

Over 50 utilities, hydropower suppliers and energy-focused associations have signed the Paris Pledge. The document’s alternative headline is Committing to Pumped Storage to Secure Europe’s Clean Energy Future.

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) and Eurelectric – Union of the Electricity Industry launched the initiative. They warned that Europe faces an urgent and growing need for long-duration electricity storage to secure a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy future.

Amid the transition to a renewables-dominated power system, the ability to store and dispatch electricity over long periods will be critical to balance variable generation from wind and solar, ensure grid stability and resilience, and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, the authors stressed. They called pumped storage hydropower or PSH the most important, scalable and cost-effective long-duration electricity storage solution available today. It still provides over 90% of the world’s long-duration electricity storage capacity.

PSH is currently the most important, scalable and cost-effective long-duration electricity storage solution, the industry pointed out

By 2050, around 86% of production capacity in Europe will come from variable sources, according to the material accompanying the Paris Pledge. Encouragingly, 78 pumped storage hydropower projects are under development, for 35 GW overall. The EU accounts for over 32 GW, and the rest is in Switzerland, Norway and Turkey.

The combined pipeline would provide storage capacity in excess of 700 GWh, equivalent to more than 10 hours of consumption of Italy and Spain taken together. There is 3.9 GW in the ready-to-build phase, and 2.8 GW is under construction. Of note, an earlier report showed 52.9 GW of PSH was under development.

The existing capacity amounts to 48 GW, compared to 190 GW globally. In the EU, pumped storage hydropower systems can store 1.2 TWh overall.

Photo: Types of pumped storage (IHA, Eurelectric)

Paris Pledge calls for separate legislation for long-duration energy storage

Among other proposals, the signatories are asking the EU for a dedicated initiative to boost the rollout of electricity storage. They suggested legislation to be separate for long duration, short duration and other solutions.

The Paris Pledge calls on member states to remunerate the provision of system services and security of supply for all time frames. They should eliminate double grid fees on electricity storage technologies and accelerate permitting for PSH, the document reads.

With strong political commitment, Europe can double its pumped storage hydropower capacity in the next 25 years, according to the Paris Pledge. In-person signatories represent EDP, EDF, Iberdrola, Andritz, Enel, Statkraft, Voith, Hydrogrid, Verbund, Landsvirkjun and GE Vernova.

Pumped storage hydropower’s contribution during Iberian Peninsula blackout

During the power blackout in Spain and Portugal on April 28, pumped storage played a pivotal role in balancing and supporting the recovery of the system. In Spain, PSH generated 11 GWh of electricity in the first 12 hours, instead of the planned 12 GWh recharge. Similarly, in Portugal, hydropower and pumped storage covered 80% of the demand in the first ten hours.

Such facilities also made a major contribution to restoring the electricity grid in the entire peninsula, thanks to their so-called black start capability. It allows the power plant to be restarted without relying on external power sources and to reenergise the power system.

“Very few technologies can provide this function. As a result, within a few minutes, the first pumped storage plants were ready for synchronization and awaiting dispatch instruction” from transmission system operators, notes the report published with the Paris Pledge.

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