International Edition

Day: February 17, 2023

European Commission sends formal notice to several Member States

The European Commission has sent reasoned opinions and letters of formal notice to several EU Member States for non-compliance with EU directives on energy, radiation protection, renewable energy, tires and drinking water. The Netherlands, Hungary and Portugal are among the countries that have been warned about not complying with the directives. The Commission may decide to refer the matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union if the Member States do not comply with the transposition obligations within the time limit set.

Brazil’s hydroelectric sector needs more development

Brazilian hydroelectric stakeholders have submitted an open letter to the Minister of Mines and Energy with recommendations to unlock the development of the country’s hydroelectric production. The recommendations consist of exploring medium-sized hydro projects, upgrading existing hydro plants and regulating repowering. These measures could boost the segment and ensure the supply of renewable energy for the expansion of the country’s production capacity.

Bomb discovered on a photovoltaic park site

The construction of a photovoltaic park on the former air base of La Martinerie, in Deols in Indre, was interrupted after the discovery of a bomb dating from the Second World War. The deminers of the civil security were called to neutralize the explosive device before resuming work.

TotalEnergies inaugurates its eighth methanizer in France

The BioBéarn methanizer, the eighth of the TotalEnergies group in France, began producing biogas in January. It is expected to provide renewable electricity to approximately 30,000 homes per year and generate 200,000 tons of fertilizer products for agriculture. However, the installation aroused opposition from local residents, who were concerned about noise and odor pollution. Biogas is becoming increasingly important as an ecological alternative to fossil fuels, and the industry is aiming to produce 25 TWh of renewable gas by 2025 and 80 TWh by 2030.

ExxonMobil and Honeywell join forces to fight CO2

ExxonMobil continues its commitment to decarbonization with its new partnership with Honeywell to produce hydrogen in Baytown, Texas. Honeywell’s technology will capture approximately 7 million tons of CO2 per year, equivalent to 1.5 million cars for one year.

EDF announces a heavy net loss in 2022

In 2022, EDF recorded one of the most massive losses in French history, with a loss of 17.9 billion euros. The company has been confronted with disruptions in its nuclear fleet and pressures related to the forced contribution to the “tariff shield” of the French, despite a 70% increase in its revenues. The French government is putting strong pressure on EDF to increase energy production and prepare the project of new EPR reactors.

Oil demand expected to increase by 2 million b/d

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global oil demand is expected to increase by 100,000 barrels per day in 2023 due to China’s economic recovery and the aviation sector. Market optimism and external factors boosted production, with an increase in the estimate for global oil production growth of 200,000 b/d.

Sri Lanka and India sign electricity connection pact

The two nations have taken a joint initiative to improve their commercial, political and cultural exchanges. Supported by mutual integration, the connection of power grids will provide Sri Lanka with access to renewable energy, while the borders will open the door to the Sri Lankan market for Indian companies.