Critical Six Months: Priorities of the Polish Presidency in the EU Council
During discussions on the future of the European Union, Witold Literacki, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and First Deputy President of Orlen, highlighted the difficulties in implementing changes in EU regulations, which must be agreed upon with other member states. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers both the needs of citizens and the competitiveness of firms, noting that overly ambitious climate goals could threaten the profitability of enterprises, especially given rising energy prices in Europe, which could weaken the region's competitiveness against markets like China or India. Literacki stressed that while EU climate goals are ambitious, their implementation should be realistic and tailored to the capabilities of individual countries. One of the key challenges is the planned phase-out of fossil fuels, including gas, which presents Europe with enormous challenges, particularly in terms of energy availability and cost.
China to Build Giant Hydroelectric Plant
Chinese authorities have approved the construction of the world's largest hydroelectric plant on the Tibetan Plateau, which will generate twice the annual energy consumption of Poland.
Damaged EstLink 2 Cable. Detained Tanker May Belong to Russian Shadow Fleet
After the Estonian-Finnish Balticconnector pipeline was likely damaged by a Chinese freighter's anchor last autumn, concerns about sabotage, vandalism, or terrorism resurface with each critical infrastructure incident.
Polish Energy Updates in 2024
In the first half of 2024, Poland extended its 2023 energy price freeze system. Households paid 412 PLN/MWh, others paid 693 PLN/MWh. The maximum gas price remained at 200.17 PLN/MWh.
World Bank Foresees Higher GDP for China
The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil for February delivery rose by 0.3% to $69.82 USD on the NYMEX in New York.
Renewable Energy Sources Generate 24% of U.S. Energy in First 10 Months of 2024
A review by the SUN DAY Campaign of data from FERC and EIA reports shows that renewable energy sources now account for over 30% of total U.S. utility-scale energy production.
Is the EstLink 2 Damage Russia's 'Farewell Gift'? A Surprising Timeline
The damage to EstLink 2 will not prevent the disconnection from the post-Soviet BRELL structure and synchronization with the Continental European synchronous area, Elering reported on Friday. The Estonian operator emphasized that the Baltic countries have sufficient controllable power and interconnectors to achieve synchronization even without EstLink 2.
Sabotage in the Baltic: NATO Secretary General Calls for Increased Alliance Presence
Dutch PM Mark Rutte expressed solidarity with Finland over alleged sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic. NATO chief calls for stronger Alliance presence in the region.
Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum: Protecting Underwater Cables is Impossible
In an interview with 'Expressen,' Skoog Haslum emphasized that laying more cables, even exceeding 10, is one of the best ways to secure underwater power cables. 'If two are cut, eight remain functional, so you are not left defenseless,' she noted.
Turning Point Ahead: European Industry on the Frontline
Predicting the future is challenging. While tempting, it risks turning one into a celebrity pundit with rarely accurate opinions. Cautiously, I present information that may indicate an impending crisis in European energy. However, this is not guaranteed due to numerous variables. Tracking European economic reports, especially energy-related, suggests an upcoming turning point.
Solar Panels Face Steep Price Declines
Amidst ongoing price declines for several quarters, even the largest Chinese producers are losing profitability. Meanwhile, solar panels continue to become cheaper, with significant price drops in the European market last month, affecting even the most efficient products.
Steel Giant to Power Plant with Solar Energy
The world's leading steel producer is building a photovoltaic farm in Poland to power its Silesian plant's production lines.
Creotech Secures Funding for Satellite Solar Panels
Polish manufacturer of satellite systems and advanced electronics for quantum computing, among other applications, has signed an agreement with the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) to implement the 'Efficient Satellite Solar Panels System' project.
R.Power Secures Over 600 Million PLN from Green Bonds
R.Power has raised additional funds through green bonds, bringing the total to over 610 million PLN, one of the highest amounts in Polish renewable energy market history.
Government's Current Agenda Includes Energy Market Bill
Before the government meeting, Prime Minister Donald Tusk extended wishes to Poles; ministers also sang a carol.
Final Investment Decision for Harmony Link Approved
The Final Investment Decision (FID) for Harmony Link has been approved, confirming the project's realization. Lithuanian electricity transmission operator Litgrid made a similar decision earlier this year.
Asia's Emerging Automotive Giant: A Challenge in the Electric Market
The merger of Honda and Nissan creates the world's largest automotive conglomerate since 2021, aiming to compete in the electric vehicle market.
How Orlen is Shaping the Future: Electric Mobility and Gas Take Center Stage
Grzegorz Woliński, Executive Director of Electromobility at Orlen, discussed key issues related to the development of the global, European, and Polish electric vehicle markets. Woliński emphasized that support mechanisms for purchasing electric cars are practically essential in the initial phase of market development. He noted that 'without a pool of incentives, support systems, and assistance mechanisms, it will be significantly harder to convince Poles to purchase electric vehicles, considering their still higher price compared to conventional cars.'
Oil Markets Eye Trump, Prices Rise
The price of West Texas Intermediate oil for January delivery is $69.55 USD on NYMEX in New York, up 0.45%.
Challenges Faced by a PV Market Developer in Poland
Better Energy, a company investing in photovoltaics, including the Polish market, is facing financial difficulties and must undergo restructuring for protection.
The first reading of the so-called Biomass Package, which aims to amend the Renewable Energy Act, took place in the Bundestag on Friday.
BayWa re Restructuring: At Least 350 Jobs to be Cut by End of 2027
BayWa re aims to refocus on project development, cutting 350 jobs in core business. Future uncertain for 2,400 employees in other areas.
TU Darmstadt Explores Organic Waste for Biomethanol Production
In the 'Bio-MeGaFuel' research project, TU Darmstadt is developing a new method to produce biomethanol from organic waste.
Overview of Geothermal Projects in Bavaria for 2025
By the end of the year, the Praxisforum Geothermie Bayern provides an overview of projects planned for 2025. Amidst political uncertainty, the industry emphasizes positive signs for the new year.