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Rosatom confirms HTGR fuel resilience under extreme temperature conditions

Rosatom successfully completed a series of tests on its high-temperature gas-cooled reactor fuel, validating its performance at up to 1,700 °C under prolonged irradiation conditions.

Iraq demands foreign companies in Kurdistan hand over their crude oil

Baghdad states that all international companies operating in Kurdistan’s oil fields must transfer their production to state marketer SOMO, under the agreement signed with Erbil in September.

SOCAR delivers 22 fuel wagons to Armenia via Georgia in unprecedented logistical test

A train carrying over 1,200 tonnes of gasoline produced in Azerbaijan entered Armenia on December 19, marking the first commercial operation since recent conflicts, with concrete implications for regional transit.
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Solarpro inaugurates 450 MW solar power plant with LONGi modules in Hungary

Solarpro commissions Hungary’s largest photovoltaic plant using 700,000 advanced modules supplied by LONGi, with an expected annual output of 470 GWh.

Newcleo launches European safeguards process for lead-cooled modular reactor

French nuclear reactor developer Newcleo has submitted its lead-cooled small modular reactor design to Euratom, initiating the first regulatory phase to integrate nuclear non-proliferation safeguards at the European level.

Holtec and MVM join forces to deploy small nuclear reactors in Hungary

US-based Holtec has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary’s energy group MVM to assess the deployment of its SMR-300 technology, strengthening bilateral nuclear cooperation and opening prospects for a new market in Central Europe.
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Sofia activates emergency plan as US sanctions on Lukoil approach

With only 35 days of gasoline left, Bulgaria is accelerating measures to secure supply before US sanctions on Lukoil take effect on November 21.

Westinghouse secures $114mn contract to supply fuel to Paks nuclear plant

MVM Group has signed an agreement with Westinghouse to secure VVER-440 fuel supplies from 2028, reducing its reliance on Russia and strengthening nuclear cooperation between Budapest and Washington.

Russia begins withdrawal from NIS to circumvent US sanctions

Russia is negotiating the sale of its stake in Serbian oil company NIS as US sanctions threaten the operations of the company, which plays a key role in Serbia’s economy.
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Newcleo considers shifting €16bn nuclear projects from the UK to the United States

Faced with shorter approval timelines, several European nuclear firms, including Newcleo, Orano and Urenco, are considering relocating key industrial investments to the United States.

Sofia secures Lukoil refinery ahead of planned state takeover

The Bulgarian government has increased security around Lukoil’s Burgas refinery ahead of a state-led takeover enabled by new legislation designed to circumvent international sanctions.

India and Russia strengthen nuclear cooperation with new projects

Russia and India are preparing an expanded agreement for the construction of VVER-1200 reactors and modular nuclear power plants, while accelerating work at the strategic Kudankulam site.
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The “Belém 4x” pledge targets global sustainable fuels surge by 2035

Nineteen countries, led by Brazil, Italy, Japan and India, aim to quadruple sustainable fuel production by 2035, marking a major industrial and regulatory challenge for global energy and transport supply chains.

Three U.S. gas basins reshape prices, flows and contracts

Appalachia, Permian and Haynesville each reach the scale of a national producer, anchor the United States’ exportable supply and set regional differentials, LNG arbitrage and compliance constraints across the chain, amid capacity ramp-ups and reinforced sanctions.

Bulgaria passes law to take control of Lukoil refinery

Faced with US sanctions targeting Lukoil, Bulgaria adopts emergency legislation allowing direct control over the Balkans’ largest refinery to secure its energy supply.
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BW Ideol secures up to €74mn for concrete floater plant in Fos-sur-Mer

The European Commission has selected BW Ideol’s Fos3F project for a grant of up to €74mn, targeting the construction of a concrete floater plant for floating wind turbines at the industrial site of Fos-sur-Mer.

Gunvor drops $22bn bid for Lukoil assets under US pressure

Swiss trader Gunvor has withdrawn its $22bn offer to acquire Lukoil’s international assets after the US Treasury announced it would block any related operating licence.

INNIO and KMW build 54 MW gas-fired power plant to secure data centres

INNIO and KMW partner to construct a 54 MW modular gas power plant in Mainz, designed to stabilise the grid and ensure supply to the future Green Rocks data centre.
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Trump grants Orban oil exemption in exchange for US gas deal

The United States grants Hungary a one-year waiver on sanctions targeting Russian oil, in return for a commitment to purchase US liquefied natural gas worth $600mn.

Engie maintains its 2025 targets despite pressure on energy prices

Engie maintains its 2025 earnings guidance despite falling energy prices and weaker hydro output, relying on its performance plan and a stronger expected fourth quarter.

Nigeria: a green hydrogen project to boost the West African market

A partnership between LONGi and APPL Hydrogen Limited in Nigeria marks a significant step for the development of green hydrogen in West Africa, with export prospects to Europe.

Wood Mackenzie forecasts Brent crude to average $73/barrel in 2025

According to Wood Mackenzie's forecast, the average Brent crude price in 2025 will be $73/barrel, influenced by complex geopolitical and economic factors, including the war in Ukraine and sanctions against Iran.

The European Commission accelerates Ukraine’s energy integration

The European Commission announces a support plan to strengthen Ukraine’s energy security and fully integrate its electricity and gas markets with the European Union by 2027, in cooperation with Moldova.
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EU Nuclear Alliance calls for nuclear energy inclusion in Europe’s affordable energy plan

Eleven European countries urge the European Commission to include nuclear energy in the Affordable Energy Action Plan, aimed at reducing energy costs and enhancing the continent's energy security.

Eni, Iren, and MAIRE Start Authorization Process for Innovative Circular Methanol and Hydrogen Plant in Italy

MAIRE, in partnership with Eni and Iren, has begun the permitting process for the construction of a circular methanol and hydrogen production plant in Sannazzaro de' Burgondi, Italy, using Nextchem’s NX CircularTM technology.

European Partnerships: Hexana, Tractebel, Blykalla, and Newcleo Accelerate Next-Generation Nuclear Reactor Development

Hexana and Tractebel form a strategic alliance to support the development of a sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor. Meanwhile, Blykalla and Newcleo collaborate on material research for lead-cooled reactors.
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The UK and Norway Strengthen Cooperation to Protect Submarine Infrastructure

Amid rising Russian threats, Norway and the UK will enhance their collaboration to safeguard their vital underwater infrastructure.

Rosatom begins discussions on cooperation with Egypt in quantum technology

The Russian public company Rosatom begins talks with Egypt to explore joint projects in quantum technology, with concrete proposals in several high-tech sectors.

Putin Asks Kazakhstan’s Partners to Fund CPC Pipeline Repairs After Drone Attack

A drone attack on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) threatens to disrupt Kazakhstan's oil exports. Vladimir Putin urges foreign partners, including Chevron, to fund the necessary repairs.
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KKR increases its stake in Enilive to 30% for €587.5 million

The American investment fund KKR acquires an additional 5% stake in Enilive, Eni's bio-refining subsidiary, for €587.5 million. This transaction values the entire subsidiary at €11.75 billion and aligns with the Italian group's development strategy.

France Becomes Europe’s Leading Hub for Russian LNG Despite Restrictions

France’s imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia surged by 81% between 2023 and 2024, reaching €2.68 billion. With its extensive port infrastructure, France has become the primary entry point for Russian LNG into Europe, marking a shift in the market landscape.

TotalEnergies and ENI Secure a Strategic Gas Agreement Between Cyprus and Egypt

TotalEnergies and ENI have reached an agreement with Cyprus and Egypt to develop the Cronos gas field. This initiative aims to convert the resources of Block 6 into liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the European market, utilizing existing Egyptian infrastructure.
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Inspection by the IAEA at Fukushima: Progress of the Decommissioning and Strategic Issues

The Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, visited Fukushima to oversee the soil decontamination efforts and the decommissioning of the nuclear plant. This visit comes as Japan intensifies its efforts to manage radioactive waste and increase the transparency of its nuclear program.

Kazakhstan and Hungary Agree on Oil Exports via Druzhba Pipeline

An agreement was signed in February 2025 between Kazakhstan and Hungary to enhance oil exports from Kazakhstan via the Druzhba pipeline. This development could change the energy dynamics in Central Europe.

Iraq Prepares to Resume Kurdish Oil Exports via Turkey

Baghdad announces an agreement with Erbil to restart the export of 300,000 barrels per day via the Turkish port of Ceyhan. A government delegation will travel to Iraqi Kurdistan to finalize the export mechanism after two years of suspension.
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Europe Faces the Challenge of Energy Security: Three Pillars to Stabilize Its Power Grid, According to Eurelectric

Europe's energy transition is driving a structural transformation of the electricity grid, exposing the market to new vulnerabilities. A study by Compass Lexecon highlights three strategic levers to ensure supply stability amid geopolitical pressures and market volatility.

Drone Attack in Russia Disrupts Caspian Pipeline Consortium Pipeline

A drone strike in Russia has forced the shutdown of a key pumping station on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) pipeline, temporarily reducing its capacity to transport Kazakh oil to Europe. The incident comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions surrounding the Ukraine conflict.

Newcleo initiates land acquisition for its SMR reactor in France

Newcleo has started the land acquisition process for its LFR-AS-30 small modular reactor in western France. The Italian company continues its regulatory procedures and plans to commission its first reactor in France by 2031.
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Eni extends Zohr gas field exploration in Egypt by two years

Italian oil company Eni plans to continue its exploration activities at the Zohr gas field in Egypt for an additional two years. This decision comes as the site’s production has declined in recent years, impacting the country’s energy supply.

Algeria: Sonatrach Partially Restarts Alrar Gas Complex

After a fire in November 2024, the Alrar gas complex in Illizi has resumed part of its operations. Three out of four production trains are now operational, while the rehabilitation of the last one is still underway.