Ukraine

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.
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.

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Swiss trader Gunvor has withdrawn its $22bn offer to acquire Lukoil’s international assets after the US Treasury announced it would block any related operating licence.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

Gunvor rules out resale of Lukoil assets to Russia after acquisition

Commodities trader Gunvor confirmed that the assets acquired from Lukoil will not return under Russian control, despite potential sanction relief, amid growing regulatory pressure.
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Sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the U.K. are paralyzing Lukoil's operations in Iraq, Finland, and Switzerland, putting its foreign businesses and local partners at risk.
Aramco reported a 2.3% decrease in its net profit for the third quarter, amid global economic uncertainties and an oversupply of oil, although its adjusted earnings showed a slight increase.

EU bans Russian LNG, Arctic bottlenecks and clauses under strain

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. —
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Poland’s gas market remains highly concentrated around Orlen, which controls imports, production, and distribution, while Warsaw targets internal and regional expansion backed by new infrastructure capacity and demand from heat and power.
Sofia temporarily restricts diesel and jet fuel exports to safeguard domestic supply following US sanctions targeting Lukoil, the country’s leading oil operator.

Lukoil sells its African oil assets to Gunvor under pressure from US sanctions

Swiss trader Gunvor will acquire Lukoil’s African stakes as the Russian company retreats in response to new US sanctions targeting its overseas operations.
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The United States has issued a general license allowing transactions with two German subsidiaries of Rosneft, giving Berlin until April 2026 to resolve their ownership status.
Botaş lines up a series of liquefied natural gas (LNG, liquefied natural gas) contracts that narrow the space for Russian and Iranian flows, as domestic production and import capacity strengthen its bargaining position. —

Lukoil begins sale of international assets after new US sanctions

Lukoil has started divesting its foreign assets following new US oil sanctions, a move that could reshape its overseas presence and impact supply in key European markets.
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Kazakhstan is reviewing Lukoil's stakes in major oil projects after the Russian group announced plans to divest its international assets following new US sanctions.
Le Premier ministre hongrois se rendra à Washington pour discuter avec Donald Trump des sanctions américaines contre le pétrole russe, dans un contexte de guerre en Ukraine et de dépendance persistante de la Hongrie aux hydrocarbures russes.
The Trump administration plans to support nuclear energy and domestic uranium production. However, questions remain about future budgets and priorities amid competing spending demands.
Hungary proposes a budget increase for its Paks II nuclear project, a strategic initiative funded by Russia but facing technical, economic, and geopolitical challenges.

Mukran LNG Terminal: An Immediate Response to the Suspension of Russian Deliveries to Austria

Following the suspension of Russian gas deliveries to OMV, the Mukran LNG terminal offers exceptional backup capacity to cover Austria’s annual energy demand.
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A massive attack with drones and missiles targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing two deaths and major power outages. Kyiv denounces the intensification of strikes as winter approaches.
Following a contractual dispute with Gazprom, Austria, which relied on 90% of Russian gas this summer, faces a supply halt. Despite the crisis, the country claims to have secured its energy supply.

Orano temporarily suspends uranium extraction activities in Niger

Orano temporarily suspends uranium extraction activities in Niger
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During COP29 in Baku, Al Gore criticized the organization of climate conferences in petro-states and called for a reform of the selection process for host countries and participants, accusing these nations of conflicts of interest.
North Macedonia strengthens its energy security with an agreement with SOCAR, aiming at the diversification of natural gas supplies and innovative projects like gas cogeneration.

Russia and Cuba: Strengthening Energy Cooperation Amid Hurricanes and Crises

Cuba, hit by two hurricanes and an acute energy crisis, receives enhanced support from Russia, including financial aid, equipment, and an educational partnership to develop its energy sector.
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Vietnam plans to reactivate its nuclear program, halted in 2016, to support rapid industrialization and meet increasing energy demands while aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
G7-linked tankers are returning to Russian routes, reaching a seven-month high as they seize opportunities presented by the weakness of Russian crude prices under the $60/barrel cap.

Niger invites Russian companies to exploit its natural resources

Niger opens its doors to Russian companies for the exploration of its natural wealth, marking a strategic shift as tensions persist with French companies, particularly over uranium.
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OPEC+ recorded an increase of 30,000 barrels per day in October, marked by Libya’s production surge and Kazakhstan’s reduction. Compliance remains a key challenge for the group.
Despite escalating tensions and the preparation of a Russian counteroffensive in the Kursk region, Russian gas flows to Europe via Ukraine continue as usual, according to data from GTSOU.

Analysis of Fukushima radioactive debris: a key step in decommissioning

A sample of radioactive debris from the Fukushima power plant has been secretly transported to a laboratory near Tokyo. This crucial step is part of the lengthy decommissioning process, which is expected to take several more decades.
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Venezuela and Russia signed several military and oil agreements aimed at strengthening their cooperation, solidifying a strategic alliance extending until 2030 and beyond.
In response to trade tensions with the United States, Ursula von der Leyen proposed increasing imports of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) to replace Russian gas in Europe.

Rwanda relies on Russia to train its nuclear energy specialists

Rwanda relies on Russia to train its nuclear energy specialists
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As Russian and Kazakh refineries resume operations following maintenance periods, the energy market anticipates potential effects on fuel supply. Uncertainty remains around gasoline exports in Russia.
The transit of Russian gas through Ukraine may end in late 2024 if no agreement is reached between European buyers and Kyiv. This decision could increase pressure on the European energy market.