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.
The European Commission opens an in-depth investigation into Prague's public funding of a major nuclear project, which could reach €30bn ($32.88bn), with guaranteed revenues over forty years.

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.
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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.
The new Czech Minister of Industry wants to block the upcoming European emissions trading system, arguing that it harms competitiveness and threatens national industry against global powers.

Czech government prepares CEZ buyout in $9.6bn deal

Several scenarios are under review to regain control of CEZ, a key electricity provider in Czechia, through a transaction estimated at over CZK200bn ($9.6bn), according to the Minister of Industry.
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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.
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.

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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Gotion inaugurates its Gigafactory in Slovakia, marking a significant advancement in electric vehicle battery production in Europe. This site, scheduled for 2027, strengthens the continent’s green industrial chain.
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’s net profit drops for the eleventh consecutive quarter

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.
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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. —
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.
Qatar will supply China with 3 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually starting in 2025, under a long-term agreement with Shell, reinforcing its position in the Asian and global LNG market.
Gazprom sets its 2025 investment budget at 1.52 trillion rubles, marking a notable reduction. The focus remains on China with the expansion of the "Power of Siberia" pipeline to meet growing demand.

HSFO Margins Narrow in Singapore Despite Stable Supply

HSFO premiums in Singapore fall in December as geopolitical tensions and limited demand from Chinese refineries signal persistent volatility in marine fuel markets.
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Elengy, a leading French LNG terminal operator, has implemented measures to comply with European sanctions banning the transshipment of Russian LNG starting March 2025.
For the week ending December 8, the United States is expected to become Brazil’s leading diesel supplier, delivering 6% more than Russia, according to preliminary data from S&P Global.

OPEC+ faces strategic choices to stabilize the oil market in 2024

Amid weakened global demand, the rise of U.S. shale oil, and internal divisions, OPEC+ seeks to preserve its influence on prices while adapting its production strategy.
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The new HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Ltd. integrated refinery is set to transform India's petrochemical sector. With an annual capacity of 9 million tons, it aims to reduce petrochemical imports and increase refining margins.
The American bank anticipates a decline in Brent crude oil prices to $76 per barrel in 2025, driven by an oversupply in the global oil market, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

OPEC+ faces strategic challenges ahead of a decisive meeting on oil production

OPEC+ members meet amidst tensions over production targets, global economic uncertainties, and weak demand, particularly in China.
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Offshore wind farm projects in the Baltic Sea are deemed incompatible with Sweden's national defense due to the disruptions they would cause to critical military sensors.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is welcomed in Kazakhstan to discuss major energy projects amidst international rivalries with China and the West.

Bolivia signs a historic agreement with a Chinese company to exploit lithium

A major contract has been signed between Bolivia and Hong Kong CBC Investment for the construction of two lithium carbonate plants, strengthening the country's strategic position in the renewable energy sector.
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Turkey seeks a waiver from U.S. sanctions to continue paying for its gas imports via Gazprombank, which is critical to its energy security, according to Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.
Saudi, Russian, and Iraqi ministers met in Baghdad to discuss production quotas and oil market stability ahead of the crucial OPEC+ meeting scheduled for December 1.

Appointment of European Commissioners: A Contrasted Vision on Nuclear Energy

The European Commission welcomes a new team of commissioners tasked with shaping energy policy. However, the absence of strong nuclear advocates in key positions raises questions about the future of this energy source in the Union.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Guyana paves the way for long-term crude oil import agreements, strengthening India’s energy ambitions amidst fierce European competition.
Despite commitments to OPEC+ to limit production, the United Arab Emirates shows oil export volumes well above quotas. This situation raises questions and rekindles tensions within the cartel.

Kogas and Japanese Buyers: No Use of Gazprombank for Sakhalin 2 LNG Imports

Kogas and several Japanese LNG buyers confirmed they do not use the Russian bank Gazprombank, sanctioned by the United States, for transactions related to the Sakhalin 2 project, ensuring no impact on their imports.
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Natural gas prices are soaring, reaching a record high in the United States and Europe for the past year, driven by weather forecasts for one and geopolitical tensions for the other.
In response to IAEA criticism, Iran has activated new advanced centrifuges, escalating its nuclear program and heightening tensions with Western powers.