Daily Energy News
Policy & Regulatory
Japan proposes to upgrade 2030 renewables target to 35-39% of power mix
17 May 2021
Japan is considering raising the share of renewables in its power mix to 35%-39% (including hydropower) in 2030. The country currently aims to raise the share of renewables in its power mix to 22-24% in 2030, with plans to make renewables its main power source by 2050 (18% in 2020). The contribution of nuclear would be maintained around 20-22% (5% in 2020), while the share of thermal would decrease to 40% (from 76% in 2020). The authorities are expected to unveil a proposal on revisions to its basic energy plan by June 2021.
Spain gives final nod to the Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition
17 May 2021
The Spanish Parliament, which comprises the Congress of Deputies and the Senate, has given its final nod to the Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition, which targets carbon neutrality by 2050. To reach this objective, intermediary targets are set, such as reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 23% in 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
The United Kingdom will start UK ETS auctions on 19 May 2021
14 May 2021
The United Kingdom plans to start UK ETS auctions on 19 May 2021. Following this date, auctions will be held every 2 weeks in 2021 on ICE Futures Europe. Around 83 million of allowances will be available for auction in 2021, which is more than half of the total UK ETS 2021 cap of around 156 million allowances. There will be approximately 40 million allowances allocated for free to stationary installations in 2021.
Lao PDR’s NDC targets 60% GHG emissions reduction vs BAU scenario
14 May 2021
Lao PDR has updated its nationally determined contribution (NDC). The country commits to unconditionally reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in 2030 by 60% compared to a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario.
Energy & Climate Markets
Turkey’s Karpowership stops 2 power barges (404 MW) in Lebanon
17 May 2021
The Turkish company Karpowership has stopped its two oil-fired power barges totalling 404 MW deployed in Lebanon, due to delayed payments and legal dispute with Lebanon. Karpowership has 18 months of overdue payments (over US$100m) and a Lebanese prosecutor recently decided to seize the ships pending an investigation into corruption allegation and fined them with US$25m.
Infrastructure & Investments
Zephyr plans a 1.4 GW offshore wind project in Sweden
17 May 2021
The Swedish subsidiary of the Norwegian wind power company Zephyr has launched a consultation on a 1,400 MW offshore wind project that would be located off the west coast of Sweden, about 40 km northwest of Gothenburg. The project, named Poseidon, will be split in two zones – north and south – and includes between 61 and 94 turbines with total heights of 260 metres to 340 metres. The company plans to seek approval for the project in 2022 and to commission it around 2031. The project would generate around 5.5 TWh/year.
Hydro-Québec plans a new 1.2 GW US-Canada power transmission line
17 May 2021
The Canadian power group Hydro-Québec and its US partner Transmission Developers will initiate a public consultation on the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project, which would stretch from the Hertel substation in La Prairie (Québec, Canada) and the Canadian-US border to New York City (United States). The interconnection line project will provide transmission capacity of 1,250 MW, comprising a 60 km-long underground line in Québec and a 545 km-long underground/underwater line in the State of New York (United States).
Slovakia allows SE to commission Mochovce-3 nuclear power plant
17 May 2021
The Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Slovakia (ÚJD) has issued a permit for the commissioning of Unit 3 (471 MW) of the Mochovce nuclear power plant. The national power utility Slovenské Elektrárne (SE) will start loading fuel into the reactor immediately after the permit comes into force.
The last section of SuedLink power line (Germany) enters approval process
17 May 2021
The transmission system operator TransnetBW has submitted the application for opening the plan approval procedure to the Federal Network Agency for the remaining section of the SuedLink power line in Lower Saxony between the border between the districts of Hanover and Hildesheim and Einbeck (district of Northeim) in Germany. Consequently, all SuedLink sections have entered the planning approval process.
Lightsource bp receives approval for a 400 MW solar project in Australia
17 May 2021
Lightsource bp has received approval for the 400 MW Wellington North solar project in New South Wales, Australia. The project is adjacent to Lightsource bp’s 200 MW Wellington solar power plant, which is currently under construction. Once operational, the 600 MW solar project will be one of the largest renewable power hub in New South Wales and will contribute to the State’s strategy to raise the share of renewables to over 60% by 2030.
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