After months of electricity shortages caused by Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukraine announced that it has regained sufficient power generation capacity to meet the shortages. However, repairs to damaged equipment will take many months and some areas may still experience power outages. The situation also remains complicated in eastern Ukraine, where fighting is the epicenter of the crisis.

According to the president of RTE, France is almost safe from power cuts this winter. However, there is no such thing as zero risk. The French have managed to reduce their electricity consumption, thus avoiding a more critical situation. The Minister of Energy Transition recalls that investments in renewable energy are planned for the coming years.

The EBRD is lowering its growth forecast for 2023 due to high inflation and continued fighting in Ukraine. The regions covered by the EBRD are expected to grow by 2.1% in 2023 compared to 3.0% in the previous projection in September. High gas prices and a mild winter have calmed prices, but inflation is eroding real wages and weighing on consumption.

France is going through an energy crisis unprecedented since the oil crisis of the 1970s, with electricity production at its lowest since 1992. Low nuclear and hydro generation, due to corroded pipes and the Covid-19 pandemic, forced the country to become a net importer of electricity for the first time since 1980. However, France has managed to maintain its security of supply thanks to a mild autumn and early winter, sobriety on the part of individuals and businesses, as well as the import of electricity and the return of nuclear power.

The French government has announced the merger of the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) and the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) to streamline the nuclear safety review process. However, this decision has raised concerns about France's nuclear safety.

The European Commission has sent reasoned opinions and letters of formal notice to several EU Member States for non-compliance with EU directives on energy, radiation protection, renewable energy, tires and drinking water. The Netherlands, Hungary and Portugal are among the countries that have been warned about not complying with the directives. The Commission may decide to refer the matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union if the Member States do not comply with the transposition obligations within the time limit set.

The two nations have taken a joint initiative to improve their commercial, political and cultural exchanges. Supported by mutual integration, the connection of power grids will provide Sri Lanka with access to renewable energy, while the borders will open the door to the Sri Lankan market for Indian companies.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that Russia had lost the energy war it had initiated, thanks to the EU's "smart" energy policy and its unity. EU member states have voluntarily reduced their demand for gas, but are also turning to alternative suppliers to quickly diversify their supply. In addition, the EU is considering for the first time joint gas purchases to cope with rising prices and strengthen its position in the energy market.

The Economic and Social Council argues that about 70 billion euros will have to be invested each year to achieve carbon neutrality in France by 2050. Proposals for financing this strategy are suggested, including a carbon price adjustment and an equity financing requirement for new fossil fuel investments. A multi-year programming of public finances is encouraged in order to meet this financing.

The French government plans to merge the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) with other organizations. This decision raises questions about the fate of French expertise in nuclear safety. IRSN employees will be divided between the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN), which is responsible for regulating the sector, and the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). However, this decision is causing concern and the IRSN staff unions are calling for a strike on February 20.

Iberdrola receives a €150 million green loan from the European Union to build wind and photovoltaic farms in Italy. The funding will include ancillary infrastructure and will produce green energy for the equivalent of 260,000 homes while creating 600 temporary jobs. The objective is to strengthen Europe's energy independence and contribute to the achievement of climate objectives.

Cuba is gradually regaining electricity in the center and east of the island after a blackout of nearly 5 hours, following a problem on the network that has been resolved. The 7 affected provinces should be restored by this evening, without impacting the capital Havana.

Russia plans to increase oil exports to countries not subject to Western sanctions in 2023, after announcing a significant crude oil production cut for March. This strategy aims to compensate for the loss of market share due to Western sanctions and to find new outlets for Russian oil.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announces the creation of the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI), the first agency-related foundation of its kind. FESI will help DOE achieve its mission of ensuring America's continued security and prosperity through science and technology solutions.

Spending to address the energy crisis has reached nearly €800 billion in Europe, but the measures taken lack focus and effectiveness, according to Bruegel analysis.

The Ambès solar park near Bordeaux, built on a former thermal power plant, is a concrete example of the French government's strategy to catch up in terms of renewable energy.

Turkmen President Serdar Berdymukhamedov has relieved the economy minister and two deputy ministers responsible for the energy and oil sector, which is crucial for the Central Asian country, whose economy depends on natural gas exports. The country is seeking to diversify its gas exports by delivering gas through the TAPI pipeline project. However, these projects suffer from recurring difficulties, particularly due to the return of the Taliban to power in Kabul.

The German government is currently discussing a possible takeover of the German operations of the Dutch state-owned power grid operator TenneT. The goal is to facilitate the country's energy transition to renewable and decarbonized energy sources.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released a report on the future of electricity generation. Renewable energy and nuclear power will be the basis for meeting the world's electricity demand, reducing carbon emissions from the power sector.

Enel released outstanding preliminary results for 2022 on Thursday, with a 63.9% jump in revenue. Revenues amounted to 140.5 billion euros, well above analysts' expectations. Gross operating income also increased by 9.3% to 18.8 billion euros, demonstrating the group's resilience in an unfavorable environment.

After the French National Assembly adopted on first reading, on Thursday, a socialist text that provides for the "nationalization" of EDF without the risk of "dismantling", this controversial measure is causing mixed reactions and remains subject to confirmation by the Senate.

President Ramaphosa's declaration of a state of national disaster in response to South Africa's power crisis shows the gravity of the situation for the country. This crisis comes on top of persistent economic challenges, such as corruption, the debt of Eskom, the state-owned power company, and weak economic growth.

The employees of the Golfech nuclear power plant, located in Tarn-et-Garonne, are calling on Luc Rémont, CEO of EDF. Complaints related to their retirement benefits and future employment, as well as lack of foresight regarding skills and attraction of new talent. Rémont committed to opening a discussion to find solutions at noon.

The construction of a thermal power plant at Larivot in French Guiana can now move forward after the validation of the environmental authorization by the administrative court of appeal of Bordeaux. The project carried out by EDF-PEI has attracted a lot of criticism from environmental associations, but the subsidiary of the energy company remains determined to strengthen the supply of electricity to French Guiana while aiming for a 100% RE electricity mix by 2030.