Environmental authorities have intervened after elevated sulfur dioxide (SO₂) concentrations were recorded in Dimitrovgrad, prompting immediate action linked to the operation of the Maritsa 3 thermal power plant. The alert followed continuous monitoring that showed a steady rise in pollution levels on 26 January. The increase was detected by an automated air quality monitoring station, […]
Europe: EU approves phased ban on Russian gas imports under REPowerEU strategy Read More »
All 27 European Union member states have formally approved new legislation introducing a phased ban on Russian natural gas imports, covering both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The regulation also strengthens oversight mechanisms and promotes measures to expand alternative energy sources across the bloc. This decision marks a major milestone in the implementation
Slovenia: Electricity production drops in 2025 as hydropower and thermal output decline Read More »
Electricity production from Slovenia’s major river-based hydropower plants fell sharply in 2025, reflecting less favorable hydrological conditions compared to 2024. Plants on the Drava, Sava, and Soca rivers delivered just over 3.8 TWh to the transmission network, a decline of almost 25% from the previous year, which had been exceptionally strong. Despite the drop, actual
According to data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, the country’s net electricity generation in December 2025 increased by 1% compared to the same month last year. Total net generation reached 1,280 GWh, which is 3% lower than in November 2025. In December, thermal power plant production rose by 3% year-on-year, while
Serbia: MOL to acquire majority stake in NIS in €900M–€1B deal Read More »
Hungarian energy group MOL is set to acquire a majority stake in Serbian oil company NIS, with the transaction estimated at €900 million to €1 billion, according to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. The deal comes as US authorities temporarily extended special operating permissions for NIS, which remains under sanctions due to its Russian ownership structure.
Serbia is preparing to advance the long-planned Bistrica pump-storage hydropower project, with initial preparatory activities expected to begin later this year. Full construction will depend on the issuance of a building permit, which authorities anticipate obtaining in 2027, according to Energy and Mining Minister Dubravka Đedovic. The next phase of the project hinges on finalizing
Romania: Doicesti SMR project nears key shareholder vote amid cost uncertainties Read More »
Romania’s flagship small modular reactor (SMR) project is nearing a critical milestone as shareholders of Nuclearelectrica prepare to vote on the final investment decision for the NuScale-based SMR development at Doicesti. The extraordinary general meeting is scheduled for 12–13 February and was convened at the request of the Romanian state, the company’s majority shareholder. The
Romania: Vienna Energy Forta Naturala launches 45 MW solar project Read More »
A large-scale solar project is moving forward in central Romania after Vienna Energy Forta Naturala, a renewables company backed by Austria’s Wien Energie Group, committed to a major construction contract in Alba county. The company signed an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) agreement valued at around €25 million to deliver a 45 MW solar power
In November 2025, total electricity consumption in North Macedonia reached 602,989 MWh, while natural gas consumption amounted to 38.9 million cubic meters, coal consumption totaled 284,700 tons, and petroleum product consumption stood at 94,077 tons. According to the State Statistical Office, domestic production covered 85.4% of electricity demand, and 98.3% of coal consumption was used
A proposed wind power project in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina has entered a new phase after authorities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina received a request to initiate environmental screening procedures. The application was submitted by local developer Energy 3 for the Pločno wind farm, planned near the city of Mostar, which would add
