January 20, 2026
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Bulgaria to host renewable electricity plants on Luxembourg’s behalf

Bulgaria joined Finland as a host country for the 2026 call through the EU Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism (RENEWFM). Luxembourg intends to fund renewable energy projects there, which will enable it to statistically attribute 80% of output to itself.

In the European Union, a member state that missed its renewable energy target can arrange a so-called statistical transfer, for a fee, from a fellow country that surpassed its own target. Another way is to fund power plant projects in another member state, via the EU Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism (RENEWFM).

In the first round, Finland agreed to host seven solar parks on behalf of Luxembourg. The grants amounted to EUR 27.5 million. Next time, also for Luxembourg, it got seven photovoltaic projects and Estonia got two for wind power. The beneficiaries won EUR 52 million in total.

This year, Bulgaria decided to participate with Finland, again on behalf of Luxembourg. Conveniently, the plan is for photovoltaic plants with battery storage in the country’s coal regions in transition: Pernik, Kyustendil and Stara Zagora. The investments are aimed at ensuring long-term employment and energy security. They complement the so-called territorial just transition plans (TJTPs) for a smooth coal phaseout.

The budget for the forthcoming round amounts to EUR 55 million

Bulgaria applied through the call that the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy (DG Ener) published. The overall budget is EUR 55 million.

The facilities must operate for at least 15 years. Bulgaria provides land instead of Luxembourg, which gets 80% of the green energy certificates from production.

As for Finland, solar farms are planned again, for the upcoming round.

The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is responsible for conducting the calls and monitoring project implementation.

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January 19, 2026
by in News

CBAM go-live: no electricity imports in week one

Iron and steel dominated the CBAM imports declared in the first reporting window, January 1-6, according to the European Commission.

The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism entered into force on January 1. The European Commission used the January 1 to January 6 period for initial data collection to monitor and report on the CBAM go-live.

From the beginning of this year, firms in the EU that import aluminum, cement, electricity, iron and steel, hydrogen and fertilizers from non-EU countries are obliged to pay a carbon price under CBAM. But, the deadline to submit CBAM certificates for 2026 is May 31, 2027.

CBAM successfully entered into force on January 1, 2026, according to the commission.

CBAM imports declared in the first reporting window from January 1 to January 6 covered 1.655.613 tonnes

The full implementation followed a coordinated deployment across all EU member states, seamlessly integrating the CBAM Registry with national customs import systems, Taric and EU Customs Single Window, the commission explained.

This seamless interconnection ensured real-time data exchange, efficient validation of declarants, and uninterrupted import procedures at EU external borders, the EU’s executive arm claims.

CBAM imports declared in the first reporting window, from January 1 to January 6, covered 1.655.613 tonnes. This is the sectoral breakdown:

  • Iron and steel: 98%
  • Fertilizers: 1.2%
  • Cement: 0.5%
  • Aluminium: 0.3%
  • Electricity and hydrogen: 0%.

The main countries of origin of CBAM-covered imports included Turkey, China, India, Canada, Taiwan, and Vietnam. On the other hand, top importing member states are Belgium, Spain, Romania, the Netherlands, France, and Germany.

In total, more than 12,000 economic operators submitted applications for CBAM authorization by January 7.

The commission invited entities that have not yet submitted their CBAM authorization applications to do so as soon as possible via the CBAM Registry.

National authorities report stable processing times, supported by harmonized digital workflows, according to the commission.

Of note, in mid-December last year, the commission published implementing acts and amendments to the CBAM Regulation.

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January 16, 2026
by in News

DNV to acquire Automa Power & Utilities, strengthening position as global end-to-end digital operations partner for energy industry

DNV has announced the proposed acquisition of Automa Power & Utilities S.A., a prominent Brazilian technology company offering integrated monitoring, control, and performance management solutions for multi-technology power plants including renewables, transmission and distribution grids.

This strategic move strengthens DNV’s position as an end-to-end digital operations partner for utilities and independent power producers (IPPs) globally covering the full energy system. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in São Paulo, Automa has built a reputation for delivering advanced supervision and control solutions for hydro, wind, and solar power plants.

Its portfolio includes SCADA platforms, operation-support tools, and substation protection and control systems, with over 60 GW of renewable capacity under management and more than 200 substations controlled by its solutions in Brazil. In 2024, Automa expanded into Europe with an office in Porto, Portugal, and has successfully deployed systems for solar plants in France, Germany, Italy, Croatia and Poland.

The transaction has been signed and submitted to Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense, CADE (Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica), for review and approval. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Digitalization is among key enablers of energy transition

Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO, DNV, said: “The energy transition is moving forward with digitalization as a key enabler. By combining Automa’s advanced digital solutions with DNV’s global domain expertise, we are creating unique digital capabilities that will help our customers manage complexity and unlock new opportunities for growth in the energy industry.”

The transaction has been signed and submitted to Brazil’s regulatory body CADE

Ditlev Engel, CEO of Energy Systems, DNV, added: “Our vision is to be the trusted partner for the entire energy value chain. Monitoring and controlling all assets and operations in the energy system will be crucial for effective and efficient use of energy, providing secure and reliable energy to society. So, I am looking forward to welcoming 300 future colleagues from Automa. By joining forces with DNV’s existing digital and data solutions teams for Energy Systems, we will have a global digital business team of 1,200 energy experts ready to work closely with our 4,950 other energy colleagues, ensuring that our customers have an energy business partner of more than 6,150 energy experts globally, covering all parts of the energy system.

“Together, we will offer utilities and independent power producers a comprehensive suite of digital tools and services, underpinned by full energy systems thinking, to optimize real-time performance and enhance resilience.”

New chapter of growth for Automa

Juan Carlos Arévalo, Executive Vice President of the new digital and data solutions unit, highlighted: “The acquisition of Automa creates an amazing opportunity to drive meaningful change across the energy industry. By combining Automa’s expertise with DNV’s advanced software capabilities and one of the strongest energy data foundations in the sector, we look forward to provide a full suite of solutions to clients. This strategic integration will enhance our ability to help customers navigate the complexity of the global energy transition with confidence and clarity.”

Marcelo Ferreira, CEO of Automa, commented: “For Automa, the transaction represents a new chapter of growth. We will connect the experience built in Brazil and Europe with a global network of experts and technologies. The strong collaborative culture combined with technical expertise will be further strengthened, creating development opportunities for customers, partners, and employees.”

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January 16, 2026
by in News

Montenegro to renew first solar power auction call as soon as possible

After rejecting all bids within its first auction for market premiums for solar power projects, the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro vowed to tackle the shortcomings in the conditions for participation and renew the public call as soon as possible. The country intends to hold the competitive bidding process by the end of the first quarter, followed by a wind power auction in the third quarter.

Montenegro’s Ministry of Energy and Mining declined, in mid-December, all four bids in the country’s first solar power auction, for a quota of 250 MW. A report that the government adopted three weeks ago revealed that 11 entities have expressed interest by purchasing the tender documentation.

The failures in fulfilling the conditions included submitting documents that were too old and not meeting the requirements for spatial planning and grid connections, the ministry said. On the other hand, it acknowledged shortcomings regarding the auction qualification terms, vowing to tackle them and issue another call as soon as possible.

Namely, the main obligatory documents can’t be older than the public call itself. They are the urban planning and technical conditions, which the government issues, and the grid connection contract, but they are signed only once, becoming acquired legal rights.

Winners can sign 12-year CfDs

The call to auction was published in July. Under Montenegro’s legal framework, auction participants compete for market premiums in the form of 12-year contracts for difference (CfDs) for their projects.

The beneficiary has a guaranteed price, approved through the auction. When the firm sells electricity in the market at a higher price, it must return the difference. And vice versa: when the beneficiary gets less per megawatt-hour than the contract price, it is reimbursed.

Eligible projects don’t or didn’t benefit from government incentives. They can participate if construction works haven’t begun and the developers haven’t secured financing for their completion.

The lowest bids win, and the maximum allowed price was EUR 65 per MWh.

First successful projects from auctions seen for completion in 2028

Per the official plan, the solar power auction needs to be held in the first quarter of this year, followed by a wind power round, for 200 MW. Minister Admir Šahmanović earlier said that he expected the power plants to come online from 2028 to 2030.

Conducting renewable electricity auctions is one of the commitments toward the European Union that were defined by the Reform Agenda of Montenegro 2024-2027. It contains the conditions for the approval of up to EUR 383 million from the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF).

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January 16, 2026
by in News

Eurowind Energy presents solar-wind hybrid project in Romania

Eurowind Energy plans to build its Siminoc hybrid power plant in southeastern Romania by 2028. It would consist of 24.8 MW of wind power and a matching photovoltaic capacity. The company is considering battery storage as well.

Danish renewable energy developer and operator Eurowind Energy unveiled a EUR 65 million investment in Romania. The Siminoc wind and photovoltaic park project is for 49.6 MW in total.

The site for the hybrid power plant is in Constanța county in Dobruja (Dobrogea). The historical region is Romania’s wind power hub.

Eurowind Energy said it has obtained state support for the project through the country’s contracts-for-difference (CfD) mechanism.

Annual production estimated at 120 GWh

The wind and solar power segments of the future facility in the country’s southeast would each have 24.8 MW in capacity. Siminoc’s annual output is estimated at 120 GWh, equivalent to the consumption of over 50,000 households, the company said.

The company also plans to configure a BESS unit

In its portfolio, Eurowind Energy has wind, battery storage, solar, power-to-heat, hydrogen, biogas and hybrid power plants. Founded twenty years ago, it employs 700 people and is active in 16 markets in Europe, including Bulgaria, and the United States.

Completion date clings on grid connection

According to the schedule for Siminoc, it needs to obtain the construction permit in the first half of this year, and the start of works is planned for 2027. The hybrid power plant would be commissioned in 2028, though adjustments are possible, depending on administrative procedures and the grid connection.

Importantly, Eurowind Energy revealed that it would configure battery energy storage system (BESS) equipment at the procurement phase, when it also needs to select wind turbines and solar panels.

“Siminoc is our first hybrid park in Romania and marks an important step in the evolution of the local portfolio. We no longer view projects as mere production capacities, but as assets that provide real flexibility to the energy system. Combining wind with photovoltaics and, most likely, battery storage allows us to align production to demand, reduce local variability and contribute responsibly to the safe integration of renewable energies,” Country Manager Adrian Dobre said.

Eurowind Energy Romania began its activities in 2011. It has four operational solar parks – Hălchiu, Măgurele, Pufești and Teiuș. The project pipeline amounts to 7.5 GW in various stages of development. The company expects operational capacity to reach 124 MW by mid-year.

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January 16, 2026
by in News

Eurowind Energy presents solar-wind hybrid project in Romania

Eurowind Energy plans to build its Siminoc hybrid power plant in southeastern Romania by 2028. It would consist of 24.8 MW of wind power and a matching photovoltaic capacity. The company is considering battery storage as well.

Danish renewable energy developer and operator Eurowind Energy unveiled a EUR 65 million investment in Romania. The Siminoc wind and photovoltaic park project is for 49.6 MW in total.

The site for the hybrid power plant is in Constanța county in Dobruja (Dobrogea). The historical region is Romania’s wind power hub.

Eurowind Energy said it has obtained state support for the project through the country’s contracts-for-difference (CfD) mechanism.

Annual production estimated at 120 GWh

The wind and solar power segments of the future facility in the country’s southeast would each have 24.8 MW in capacity. Siminoc’s annual output is estimated at 120 GWh, equivalent to the consumption of over 50,000 households, the company said.

The company also plans to configure a BESS unit

In its portfolio, Eurowind Energy has wind, battery storage, solar, power-to-heat, hydrogen, biogas and hybrid power plants. Founded twenty years ago, it employs 700 people and is active in 16 markets in Europe, including Bulgaria, and the United States.

Completion date clings on grid connection

According to the schedule for Siminoc, it needs to obtain the construction permit in the first half of this year, and the start of works is planned for 2027. The hybrid power plant would be commissioned in 2028, though adjustments are possible, depending on administrative procedures and the grid connection.

Importantly, Eurowind Energy revealed that it would configure battery energy storage system (BESS) equipment at the procurement phase, when it also needs to select wind turbines and solar panels.

“Siminoc is our first hybrid park in Romania and marks an important step in the evolution of the local portfolio. We no longer view projects as mere production capacities, but as assets that provide real flexibility to the energy system. Combining wind with photovoltaics and, most likely, battery storage allows us to align production to demand, reduce local variability and contribute responsibly to the safe integration of renewable energies,” Country Manager Adrian Dobre said.

Eurowind Energy Romania began its activities in 2011. It has four operational solar parks – Hălchiu, Măgurele, Pufești and Teiuș. The project pipeline amounts to 7.5 GW in various stages of development. The company expects operational capacity to reach 124 MW by mid-year.

Post Views:37
January 16, 2026
by in News

DNV to acquire Automa Power & Utilities, strengthening position as global end-to-end digital operations partner for energy industry

DNV has announced the proposed acquisition of Automa Power & Utilities S.A., a prominent Brazilian technology company offering integrated monitoring, control, and performance management solutions for multi-technology power plants including renewables, transmission and distribution grids.

This strategic move strengthens DNV’s position as an end-to-end digital operations partner for utilities and independent power producers (IPPs) globally covering the full energy system. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in São Paulo, Automa has built a reputation for delivering advanced supervision and control solutions for hydro, wind, and solar power plants.

Its portfolio includes SCADA platforms, operation-support tools, and substation protection and control systems, with over 60 GW of renewable capacity under management and more than 200 substations controlled by its solutions in Brazil. In 2024, Automa expanded into Europe with an office in Porto, Portugal, and has successfully deployed systems for solar plants in France, Germany, Italy, Croatia and Poland.

The transaction has been signed and submitted to Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense, CADE (Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica), for review and approval. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Digitalization is among key enablers of energy transition

Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO, DNV, said: “The energy transition is moving forward with digitalization as a key enabler. By combining Automa’s advanced digital solutions with DNV’s global domain expertise, we are creating unique digital capabilities that will help our customers manage complexity and unlock new opportunities for growth in the energy industry.”

The transaction has been signed and submitted to Brazil’s regulatory body CADE

Ditlev Engel, CEO of Energy Systems, DNV, added: “Our vision is to be the trusted partner for the entire energy value chain. Monitoring and controlling all assets and operations in the energy system will be crucial for effective and efficient use of energy, providing secure and reliable energy to society. So, I am looking forward to welcoming 300 future colleagues from Automa. By joining forces with DNV’s existing digital and data solutions teams for Energy Systems, we will have a global digital business team of 1,200 energy experts ready to work closely with our 4,950 other energy colleagues, ensuring that our customers have an energy business partner of more than 6,150 energy experts globally, covering all parts of the energy system.

“Together, we will offer utilities and independent power producers a comprehensive suite of digital tools and services, underpinned by full energy systems thinking, to optimize real-time performance and enhance resilience.”

New chapter of growth for Automa

Juan Carlos Arévalo, Executive Vice President of the new digital and data solutions unit, highlighted: “The acquisition of Automa creates an amazing opportunity to drive meaningful change across the energy industry. By combining Automa’s expertise with DNV’s advanced software capabilities and one of the strongest energy data foundations in the sector, we look forward to provide a full suite of solutions to clients. This strategic integration will enhance our ability to help customers navigate the complexity of the global energy transition with confidence and clarity.”

Marcelo Ferreira, CEO of Automa, commented: “For Automa, the transaction represents a new chapter of growth. We will connect the experience built in Brazil and Europe with a global network of experts and technologies. The strong collaborative culture combined with technical expertise will be further strengthened, creating development opportunities for customers, partners, and employees.”

Post Views:75
January 15, 2026
by in News

Montenegro to renew first solar power auction call as soon as possible

After rejecting all bids within its first auction for market premiums for solar power projects, the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro vowed to tackle the shortcomings in the conditions for participation and renew the public call as soon as possible. The country intends to hold the competitive bidding process by the end of the first quarter, followed by a wind power auction in the third quarter.

Montenegro’s Ministry of Energy and Mining declined, in mid-December, all four bids in the country’s first solar power auction, for a quota of 250 MW. A report that the government adopted three weeks ago revealed that 11 entities have expressed interest by purchasing the tender documentation.

The failures in fulfilling the conditions included submitting documents that were too old and not meeting the requirements for spatial planning and grid connections, the ministry said. On the other hand, it acknowledged shortcomings regarding the auction qualification terms, vowing to tackle them and issue another call as soon as possible.

Namely, the main obligatory documents can’t be older than the public call itself. They are the urban planning and technical conditions, which the government issues, and the grid connection contract, but they are signed only once, becoming acquired legal rights.

Winners can sign 12-year CfDs

The call to auction was published in July. Under Montenegro’s legal framework, auction participants compete for market premiums in the form of 12-year contracts for difference (CfDs) for their projects.

The beneficiary has a guaranteed price, approved through the auction. When the firm sells electricity in the market at a higher price, it must return the difference. And vice versa: when the beneficiary gets less per megawatt-hour than the contract price, it is reimbursed.

Eligible projects don’t or didn’t benefit from government incentives. They can participate if construction works haven’t begun and the developers haven’t secured financing for their completion.

The lowest bids win, and the maximum allowed price was EUR 65 per MWh.

First successful projects from auctions seen for completion in 2028

Per the official plan, the solar power auction needs to be held in the first quarter of this year, followed by a wind power round, for 200 MW. Minister Admir Šahmanović earlier said that he expected the power plants to come online from 2028 to 2030.

Conducting renewable electricity auctions is one of the commitments toward the European Union that were defined by the Reform Agenda of Montenegro 2024-2027. It contains the conditions for the approval of up to EUR 383 million from the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF).

Post Views:54
January 15, 2026
by in News

Slovenia to aid energy-intensive companies with EUR 30 million per year

The Government of Slovenia has adopted a bill on state aid for energy-intensive companies.

Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy Bojan Kumer said following a government session that the bill on state aid for energy-intensive companies addresses the serious challenges facing this segment of the Slovenian economy.

He added that these companies generate high added value, account for a significant share of Slovenia’s exports, and provide thousands of quality jobs, often in regions which offer no alternative employment opportunities.

According to an analysis from last May, electricity tariffs for Slovenian businesses were among the highest in the European Union.

The law aims to ensure competitiveness for companies exposed to international competition, for which electricity costs are a key factor in business operations.

Around 40 companies should benefit from the state aid

In difficult global economic conditions, support for energy-intensive companies is essential to help them remain competitive in international markets, the minister emphasized.

The subsidies will be limited to electricity consumption over the next three years, including 2026. The ministry expects them to be available to approximately 40 companies in the chemical, steel, and paper industries.

The law defines clear criteria for receiving aid, limits on the amount of support, control mechanisms, and sanctions in case of violations, with the beneficiaries required to allocate at least half of the received aid to sustainable investments, according to the ministry.

The annual electricity consumption threshold is 15 GWh

Funding for the subsidies will come from sources outside the state budget, through companies wholly owned by the government that operate the country’s key electricity generation capacities. The estimated amount of aid is approximately EUR 30 million a year.

The government will send the bill to parliament for consideration under a fast-track procedure, as its implementation will require timely approval from the European Commission.

To qualify for the subsidies, companies will have to meet criteria including annual electricity consumption of more than 15 GWh and a share of electricity costs in the company’s added value of at least 5%, Naš stik reported.

They will also be required to have an established energy management system and to invest at least half of the savings from lower electricity prices in decarbonizing production or improving energy efficiency.

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January 15, 2026
by in News

Spajić: Japanese company Itochu eyes Montenegro’s waste-to-energy project

Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić said an incinerator of up to 50 MW is about to be built, resolving the municipal waste management issue. He added that Itochu from Japan is interested in the investment.

Following a public call for a feasibility study for a waste-to-energy facility in Podgorica, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić said Montenegro would soon build the first incineration plant. It will enable up to 50 MW of renewable energy from waste, sorting out the matter of municipal waste management in accordance with the European Union’s directives and in an environmentally friendly way, in his words.

The public-private partnership will facilitate the construction of an incinerator for the capital city, but it would also be an option for other municipalities, according to Spajić. The prime minister revealed that Japan-based engineering giant Itochu is among the companies interested in the project.

Deponija, the utility in charge of waste management in Podgorica, launched the public call in September. The contract was awarded last month to a consortium of local firms Vatreks Rescue CG and Medix, and Slovenia-based GP sistemi.

A consortium has won the contract for the feasibility study for the incineration facility in Podgorica

They are due to deliver the documentation within two months. The job is worth EUR 435,600 including value-added tax.

There was no indication in the project task about the preferred technology for the incinerator. Such facilities are usually cogeneration plants, combined heat and power (CHP).

In the Western Balkans, there is only one municipal waste incinerator that recovers energy. It is located in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Utilizing waste to generate energy is a component of the waste management hierarchy. Incinerators are present all over Europe.

Podgorica’s waste utility Deponija runs the city’s landfill. It already captures biogas, but it flares it without utilizing the energy.

Executive director Aleksandar Božović said the firm would soon obtain the licenses and documentation to build a biogas power plant. The study has been completed, and Deponija is working to secure a grant from an international financial institution, he asserted.

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