Quentin Pares

NESO launches national consultation to plan regional energy infrastructure

The British system operator NESO initiates a consultation process to define the methodology of eleven upcoming regional strategic plans aimed at coordinating energy needs across England, Scotland and Wales.

Washington authorises flows to Paks II and inserts US interests into Hungary’s nuclear sector

OFAC’s licence for Paks II circumvents sanctions on Rosatom in exchange for US technological involvement, reshaping the balance of interests between Moscow, Budapest and Washington.

Small EU states strengthen energy influence in Africa via Global Gateway

Finland, Estonia, Hungary and Czechia are multiplying bilateral initiatives in Africa to capture strategic energy and mining projects under the European Global Gateway programme.
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COP30 locks in adaptation, avoids fossil phase-out and opens a climate regulatory front

The Belém summit ends with a technical compromise prioritising forest investment and adaptation, while avoiding fossil fuel discussions and opening a climate–trade dialogue likely to trigger new regulatory disputes.

Asian Development Bank commits $700mn to support Kyrgyz Republic’s energy strategy

The Asian Development Bank and the Kyrgyz Republic have signed a financing agreement to strengthen energy infrastructure, climate resilience and regional connectivity, with over $700mn committed through 2027.

UK urged to choose between carbon capture and aviation fuels

A study from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies finds that energy-from-waste with carbon capture delivers nearly twice the climate benefit of converting waste into aviation fuel.
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Lula advocates for unconstrained fossil fuel phase-out amid tensions at COP30

The Brazilian president calls for a voluntary and non-binding energy transition during COP30 in Belém, avoiding direct confrontation with oil-producing countries.

Sipperec renews electricity concession contract with EDF and Enedis

Signed for 25 years, the new concession contract between Sipperec, EDF and Enedis covers 87 municipalities in the Île-de-France region and commits the parties to managing and developing the public electricity distribution network until 2051.

The CRE assesses the gradual restart of retail energy markets

The French Energy Regulatory Commission publishes its 2023–2024 report, detailing the crisis impact on gas and electricity markets and the measures deployed to support competition and rebuild consumer trust.
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Over 80 countries push for roadmap on fossil fuel phase-out at COP30

Gathered in Belém, states from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe support the adoption of a timeline for the gradual withdrawal from fossil fuels, despite expected resistance from several producer countries.

Europeans tighten the noose around Iran with targeted IAEA resolution

The E3 and the United States submit a resolution to the IAEA to formalise Iran's non-cooperation following the June strikes, consolidating the legal basis for tougher energy and financial sanctions.

UK creates taskforce to strengthen energy resilience after Heathrow outage

The United Kingdom launches a taskforce led by the Energy Minister to strengthen the security of the national power grid after a full shutdown at Heathrow Airport caused by a substation fire.
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India targets $68bn in Japanese investment to boost gas and hydrogen

New Delhi is seeking $68bn in Japanese investment to accelerate gas projects, develop hydrogen and expand LNG import capacity amid increased openness to foreign capital.

Sub-Saharan Africa captures 2.3% of global renewable investment in 2024

The region attracted only a small share of global capital allocated to renewables in 2024, despite high energy needs and ambitious development goals, according to a report published in November.

Washington strengthens nuclear deal with Seoul and grants enrichment access

The United States approves South Korea’s development of civilian uranium enrichment capabilities and supports a nuclear-powered submarine project, expanding a strategic partnership already linked to a major trade agreement.
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Berlin sets subsidised electricity price at €0.05/kWh for heavy industry until 2028

Germany will introduce a capped electricity rate for its most energy-intensive industries to preserve competitiveness amid high power costs.

EU finance ministers approve reparations loan based on frozen Russian assets

The EU member states agree to prioritise a loan mechanism backed by immobilised Russian assets to finance aid to Ukraine, reducing national budgetary impact while ensuring enhanced funding capacity.

France: Sylvain Waserman defends Ademe against criticism of its effectiveness and legitimacy

Under political pressure, Ademe faces proposals for its elimination. Its president reiterates the agency’s role and justifies the management of the €3.4bn operated in 2024.
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Solar and wind growth absorbs all global electricity demand increase

Solar and wind generation exceeded the increase in global electricity demand in the first three quarters of 2025, leading to a stagnation in fossil fuel production according to the latest available data.

Malaysia accelerates carbon taxation to safeguard industrial competitiveness

The Malaysian government plans to introduce a carbon tax and strengthen regional partnerships to stabilise its industry amid emerging international regulations.