Belgium

Pakistan cancels 21 planned LNG cargoes from Eni due to a gas surplus and negotiates with Qatar for potential deferment or resale of shipments.
China's decision to cancel the 13% VAT rebate on photovoltaic module exports triggers a sharp price adjustment and reshapes a market under pressure for the past two years.

Qatar threatens to suspend LNG exports to Europe over CSDDD directive

Qatar warns it could halt its liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries to the European Union if the CSDDD directive is not softened, a move that reignites tensions surrounding Brussels' new sustainability regulations.
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QatarEnergy has awarded Samsung C&T Corporation an EPC contract for a 4.1 MTPA carbon capture project, supporting its expansion into low-carbon energy at Ras Laffan.
The gradual ban on Russian cargoes reshapes European flows, increases winter detours via the Northern Sea Route and shifts risk toward force majeure and “change of law,” despite rising global capacity. —

Framatome to upgrade Tihange 3 reactor as part of Belgian extension plan

Electrabel has entrusted Framatome with upgrading the control system of the Tihange 3 reactor, reinforcing Belgium’s nuclear extension strategy launched in 2023.
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A record expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG, gaz naturel liquéfié — GNL) capacity is reshaping global supply, with expected effects on prices, contractual flexibility and demand trajectories in importing regions.
QatarEnergy has acquired a 40% stake in the North Rafah offshore exploration block, located off Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, strengthening its presence in the region in partnership with Italian group Eni.

COOEC wins $4bn QatarEnergy offshore field development contract

COOEC has signed a $4bn EPC contract with QatarEnergy to develop the offshore Bul Hanine oil field, marking the largest order ever secured by a Chinese company in the Gulf.
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Eni's net profit rose to €803mn in the third quarter, supported by a 6% increase in production despite falling crude prices.
The European Commission is reviving efforts to abolish daylight saving time, supported by several member states, as the energy savings from the practice are now considered negligible.

Qatar and the United States call on the European Union to ease sustainability rules

Doha and Washington warn Brussels about the consequences of EU sustainability requirements on liquefied natural gas exports, as the continent’s energy security remains under pressure.
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Rising terminal capacity and sustained global demand, notably from China and Europe, are driving U.S. ethane exports despite new regulatory uncertainties.
A report highlights the financial burden of fossil imports during the energy crisis and points to electrification as key to European energy security.

John Cockerill and Axens deploy NesaBTF to industrialise residue torrefaction

John Cockerill and Axens launch NesaBTF, an industrial torrefaction technology designed to optimise biomass supply, with targeted ambitions in the growing sustainable aviation fuel market.
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Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund has raised its stake to approximately 15% in ISAGEN, one of Colombia’s leading power producers, through a $535mn investment alongside Brookfield.
The Vilvoorde site in Belgium now hosts 400 MWh of operational capacity on a total 800 MWh project, marking a key milestone for electricity storage on the continent.

Europe’s gas: summer storage sets a floor under TTF

European inventories curbed price declines as liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply expands and demand stays weak. Cargo arbitrage favours Europe, but winter will determine the equilibrium level. —
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Google has signed a power purchase agreement with Eneco to supply its Belgian data centre with wind energy from three wind farms totalling 54 MW.
The main European automotive lobby is calling for looser 2030 and 2035 emission targets, promoting hybrids and carbon-neutral fuels.
Physical and derivatives trading of liquefied natural gas in Asia reached unprecedented levels during the June pricing period, with a significant increase in bids and transactions amid the shoulder season.
The European Commission has published its opinion on ENNOH’s founding documents, paving the way for the organisation of hydrogen network operators across Europe.

The European Union plans to ban all Russian gas imports by the end of 2027

Brussels announces a full exit from Russian gas by the end of 2027, despite a remaining 9% dependency and pressure on the global liquefied natural gas market.
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The Princess Elisabeth energy island project advances with the placement of two caissons, launching a key phase of marine civil engineering off the Belgian coast.
Qatar inaugurated two photovoltaic plants totalling 875 MW, doubling its solar capacity and strengthening its energy goals for 2030.

Tesla sales drop by 36% in the EU in March

Tesla sales saw a significant drop in March, with a 36% decrease compared to the previous year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. The brand faces increased competition and the consequences of its image.
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TotalEnergies’ Antwerp platform plans to end operations of one steam cracker by late 2027, while continuing investments in green hydrogen and sustainable fuels.
Norway’s hydropower pumped storage capacities, amounting to 83 TWh, are increasingly being leveraged to regulate renewable energy surpluses in Europe and stabilize electricity prices.

DEME acquires Havfram for €900 mn to strengthen its offshore wind position

Belgian group DEME has signed an agreement to acquire Norway’s Havfram for €900 mn, consolidating its fleet and global presence in the offshore wind market.
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Chantiers de l’Atlantique invests €100 mn to expand its production capacity in offshore wind, a strategic segment now central to its industrial recovery.
TSG has completed the acquisition of Leirivolt in Portugal and Kronenburg Techniek in the Netherlands, consolidating its expansion strategy in intelligent energy services across Europe.

Brussels unlocks €600mn to accelerate cross-border energy projects

The European Commission is launching a large-scale call for projects to finance priority energy infrastructure between Member States and neighbouring countries, with a maximum budget of €600mn from the CEF Energy programme.
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During a visit to Guyana, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that any Venezuelan attack on the territory or oil infrastructure of Guyana would trigger a military response, heightening regional tensions.
Cut off from Iranian energy imports by Washington, Iraq accelerates commercial efforts in Africa while resuming oil exports through Turkey to quickly secure new economic and energy markets.

Grid bottlenecks slow energy security efforts in the Netherlands

The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
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Engie has finalized a ten-year extension agreement with the Belgian state for the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors, including a financial responsibility transfer related to spent fuel, following recent approval by the European Commission.
On Monday, President Emmanuel Macron will chair a Nuclear Policy Council focused on small modular reactors (SMRs) and uranium supply, within a global context of renewed interest in nuclear energy.

Iraq diversifies its energy sources in response to US sanctions

Under pressure from US sanctions, Iraq explores alternatives to Iranian gas to secure its electricity supply, notably turning to Qatar and Oman, while considering the installation of floating LNG terminals.
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Qatar has started supplying natural gas to Syria via Jordan in order to alleviate electricity shortages and support the rebuilding of the country's energy infrastructure.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has ordered an investigation into alleged price speculation by local gas suppliers in response to price spikes reaching up to 36%, and announced a new import agreement with Qatar.