Andrei Krychun’s Post

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will unite energy systems. The implementation of this project will allow the three parties to cooperate in the production of "green" energy and organise its export through Azerbaijan to Europe, ensure the integration of energy systems and the effective use of renewable energy sources. The parties will study the possibility of connecting the energy systems by laying a high-voltage cable under the Caspian Sea. The prospect of exporting electricity from Central Asia to Europe through Azerbaijan represents a strategic initiative, leveraging the region's abundant renewable energy resources and Azerbaijan’s geographical position as a bridge between East and West. This initiative, involving key Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, aims to strengthen energy ties with Europe while diversifying Europe's energy sources away from traditional suppliers like Russia. Central Asia holds significant potential for the production of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, among the largest economies in Central Asia, have been active in developing green energy projects. Both countries have signed agreements to establish a joint venture aimed at exporting this green energy to Europe, facilitated by Azerbaijan's transit capabilities. Azerbaijan’s role is pivotal due to its strategic location and existing energy infrastructure which links it to European markets. The country's initiatives, such as the proposed high-voltage cable under the Caspian Sea, are part of broader efforts to export up to 5 gigawatts of electricity to Europe. This project aligns with the EU's goals to diversify energy sources and reduce dependency on Russian gas, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions that have underscored the vulnerability of European energy supplies. However, the implementation of these ambitious plans hinges on several factors. The legal and regulatory framework provided by the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea requires that any infrastructure projects such as undersea cables have the consent of all littoral states whose sectors they cross. This means that for the cable routes proposed under the Caspian Sea, any involvement of sectors controlled by Iran or Russia would necessitate obtaining permissions from these nations, potentially complicating project timelines and execution. Moreover, the economic viability of exporting electricity on such a scale involves significant logistical, technological, and financial challenges. The laying of undersea cables, the integration of energy grids across multiple countries, and the creation of consistent regulatory frameworks are substantial undertakings. Additionally, the variable nature of renewable energy introduces challenges in ensuring consistent and reliable energy supplies, necessitating investments in energy storage and grid modernization.

United States to promote Namibia’s energy security: The United States (US) says it will promote Namibia’s energy security and support the country in becoming a regional leader in clean energy solutions. This includes green hydrogen, solar energy and wind energy. During an agreement signing ceremony in Windhoek yesterday, US ambassador to Namibia Randy Berry said the US will share expertise and resources with Namibia. “We will share expertise and resources to promote Namibia’s energy security, expand and diversify energy sources, and support Namibia’s vision of becoming a net exporter of renewable energy and a regional leader in clean energy solutions,” he said. According to Berry, energy is a big component of sustainable development and economic growth, and the agreement will allow cooperation in this sector. “This agreement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen our bilateral relationship and enhance cooperation in the energy sector,” said Berry. He said the US shares Namibia’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and industrialisation. Minister of mines and energy Tom Alweendo says the agreement will be for five years, however, the details of what the collaboration will entail are yet to be discussed. Tom Alweendo “Through this partnership with the United States, we will explore innovative technologies and enhance our capacity in key areas such as solar and wind energy,” he says. Alweendo says the country is working towards becoming energy secure by expanding renewable energy generation and bridging the gap between domestic power generation and total consumption of renewable energy. “The government is pursuing regulatory reforms that promote transparency and attract institutional investors and is committed to making the country an attractive investment destination for renewable energy and reducing or eliminating barriers to investment,” says Alweendo. Speaking during the signing, US Energy Diplomacy in the Bureau of Energy Resources deputy assistant secretary Kimberly Harrington said the agreement is a commitment to partner with Namibia on energy issues. “This process took time, which reflects the vast number of players from the US government who are eager to partner with Namibia, including my agency, the Department of State,” said Harrington. She added that US private sector companies also want to operate in Namibia. “Namibia has tremendous potential in its energy sector, and we are excited to be actively working to achieve our shared objectives,” said Harrington. The post United States to promote Namibia’s energy security appeared first on The Namibian.

Background The ASEAN Member States (AMS), through the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), presented the 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO8). The AMS endorsed this report at 42nd ASEAN Ministers Energy Meeting (AMEM) on 26th September 2024, hosted by Lao PDR. The post-Covid-19 recovery presents a key opportunity to reshape ASEAN’s energy landscape. With nearly one-tenth of the world’s population and rapid urbanisation driving energy demand, the region saw a 15.2% annual rise in energy consumption in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Energy security remains a concern due to geopolitical tensions, market volatility, and the low-carbon transition. To strengthen energy resilience, ASEAN must prioritise optimising and decarbonising its energy sector, ensuring access, affordability, efficiency, and security, while contributing to economic growth and global climate goals. Scenario This 8th edition presents a comprehensive analysis of the current state of ASEAN’s energy landscape and offers projections for several plausible future scenarios. Drawing on historical data from 2005 to 2022, the report provides forward-looking insights into the evolution of the ASEAN energy landscape until 2050. Building from its predecessor, AEO8 serves a critical reference, gearing up towards the final year of ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025 Phase II (2021-2025), guiding the development of the new phase of APAEC 2026-2030, and monitoring the region’s energy ambitions. AEO8 retains two core scenarios: the Baseline Scenario (BAS) and the AMS Target Scenario (ATS). AEO8 introduces two new optimisation-based scenarios incorporating low-carbon and clean emerging technologies. The Regional Aspiration Scenario (RAS) integrates enhanced elements from the APAEC (Regional) Target Scenario (APS) and Least-Cost Optimisation (LCO) Scenario presented in the previous edition. RAS focuses on technology choices in the energy supply mix while adhering to ASEAN’s energy efficiency and renewable energy targets. The Carbon Neutrality Scenario (CNS) charts pathway to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, which serves as an alternative scenario that considers enhanced decarbonisation efforts using the LCO of net-zero technologies.

Accelerating the global energy transition Three factors can be cited to accelerate the energy transition. Firstly, an energy crisis occurred due to Ukraine being invaded, and the energy transition efforts, which were expected to slow down as a result, began accelerating particularly in Europe. Unlike fuels that rely on imports, renewable energy is an independent power source for each region, so there is a growing momentum for its active development. Secondly, in Forecast based on major reports*1 10 million tons/year of gray hydrogen to 10 million tons/year of clean hydrogen by 2030. Meanwhile, the EU aims to introduce at least 6GW of renewable water electrolysis equipment by 2024, and at least 40GW of renewable energy water electrolysis equipment by 2040. Furthermore, Singapore aims to be able to meet up to 50% of its domestic electricity demand through hydrogen power generation by 2050 and is moving forward with the introduction of low-carbon hydrogen and infrastructure development. In the Middle East, the UAE aims to strengthen its ability to supply clean and sustainable energy, investing 150 billion to 200 billion dirhams (approximately $40 billion to $54.5 billion) by 2030 to triple its renewable energy capacity. It also aims to raise the share of clean energy in the total energy mix to 30% by 2031. August 2022, the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) was enacted in the United States, guaranteeing many incentives for more than 10 years, and various projects became active. Thirdly, energy transition movement has also gained momentum in the Asia-Pacific region. Interest in our decarbonization technology is increasing in countries such as Singapore, which is promoting a decarbonization strategy, and Australia, which is aiming to become a clean energy exporter.

Will GB Energy find a warm welcome in Aberdeen? GB Energy’s decision to establish its headquarters in Aberdeen aligns with the city’s long-standing role as a key hub for the energy sector in the North Sea. According to DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook Report, the UK is currently on track to miss all net zero targets set for 2050. Therefore, this government commitment through this investment vehicle is a positive step. We view the establishment of GB Energy here as a significant opportunity, with several key benefits: - The investment will accelerate the growth of the renewable energy industry, enhancing its current capabilities and expanding capacity across all energy vectors. - Selecting Aberdeen signifies the UK Government’s commitment to a “Just Transition,” which includes ongoing domestic oil and gas production while reducing environmental impacts in line with the Net Zero Technology Centre’s expectations. - Our existing supply chain is well-integrated with the broader European energy industry. We are all on the same transition journey and must continue to collaborate across borders to maximize progress. All studies, including DNV’s, indicate that it is currently not feasible to meet all energy demands within the forecast period. Therefore, we anticipate that GB Energy will aim to improve all aspects of the energy trilemma: sustainability, security, and affordability. I look forward to see how GB Energy rise to the challenge of breaking the Granite City's famously hard-faced exterior! 😁

Europe’s New Gas Strategy 2024-2025: A Path to Energy Security and Sustainability The European Union has unveiled its ambitious gas strategy for 2024-2025, aiming to bolster energy security while advancing its climate goals. This strategy is a crucial step in reducing dependency on external suppliers and ensuring a stable energy supply for all EU member states. Key Highlights: 1. Diversification of Gas Supplies: The EU continues to diversify its gas imports, reducing reliance on a single supplier. This move is essential for mitigating risks associated with geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions. 2. Enhanced Energy Efficiency: The strategy emphasizes improving energy efficiency across various sectors. By reducing overall gas consumption, the EU aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions and move closer to its climate neutrality goal by 2050. 3. Investment in Renewable Energy: Significant investments are being made in renewable energy sources. The EU plans to replace imported fossil fuels with domestically produced renewable energy, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. 4. Joint Purchasing and Storage: The EU Energy Platform facilitates joint purchasing and storage of natural gas, ensuring a coordinated and secure supply across member states. This approach helps stabilize prices and guarantees availability during peak demand periods. 5. Support for Innovation: The strategy includes funding for innovative projects in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). These technologies are vital for reducing carbon emissions from natural gas and other fossil fuels. 6. Strengthening Infrastructure: Upgrading and expanding gas infrastructure is a priority. This includes enhancing pipeline networks and increasing LNG terminal capacities to accommodate diverse sources of gas. Looking Ahead: The EU’s new gas strategy is a balanced approach to addressing immediate energy needs while paving the way for a sustainable future. By focusing on diversification, efficiency, and innovation, Europe is set to achieve greater energy security and contribute to global climate goals.

UPCOMING POLICY DIALOGUE The Future of the Energy Sector in Ghana Ghana’s energy sector is a cornerstone of the nation’s industrial growth and socio-economic development. However, as the sector faces increasing financial pressures, evolving market demands, and the global shift towards sustainable energy, it is clear that the future of Ghana’s energy landscape needs urgent and comprehensive discussion. In response to these challenges and opportunities, the GIMPA-PURC Centre of Excellence in Public Utility Regulation will host a Policy Dialogue on “The Future of the Energy Sector in Ghana” on Tuesday, October 01, 2024. Why This Event Matters The dialogue will examine the current state of Ghana’s energy sector and explore pathways for its sustainable and resilient future. Critical issues such as energy policy reforms, investments in renewable energy, energy pricing, and the efficiency of state-owned enterprises will be addressed. Additionally, the dialogue will focus on how Ghana can align its energy strategy with global trends such as energy transition, climate change mitigation and clean energy development. Key Topics to be Addressed: Long-term sustainability of Ghana’s energy sector. The potential and investment opportunities in the Ghana energy sector. Challenges in pricing, energy access, and reliability. Role of state-owned enterprises and the possibility of public-private partnerships. The future of energy policy in the context of global climate goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Who Will Be Attending? This policy dialogue will feature representatives from political parties, energy sector professionals, regulatory authorities, academia, civil society, and the media. Their collective insights will provide a roadmap for navigating the challenges and shaping a sustainable future for Ghana’s energy sector. Stay tuned for more details, and join us for this essential dialogue on Ghana’s energy future. Date  : Tuesday, October 01, 2024 Venue : GIMPA Campus, Green Hill Time  : 9:00 am Prompt Be Part of the Solution! The future of Ghana’s energy sector depends on informed discussions and strategic decisions. Join the conversation and help shape the path forward!

Newsec Energy Transition participates at Government hearing to discuss the state’s role in Sweden’s transition toward a system with substantial electricity demand increase   Newsec Energy Transition's Managing Partner Omid Ashrafi was invited to a hearing at the Government Office of Sweden (Regeringskansliet) to discuss the state's role in sharing risk for enabling required investments in transforming the energy system meeting a significant expected increase in demand. The Swedish industry expects a doubling of electricity demand in the coming 20 years with substantial parts of that increase expected already by 2035. The role of the state in enabling such substantial growth, while reaching environmental targets, was discussed at a hearing managed by the Government's power market investigator Mr. Bo Diczfalusy and moderated by Mr. Niclas Sigholm. Based on its role in advising on more than 80 renewable energy transactions at a value of more than EUR 12 billion, Newsec Energy Transition brought insights to the discussion on equity investors, lenders and power purchasers’ requirements. The discussion with a broad set of participants representing energy intensive industry, developers, power producers and policy makers brought many interesting perspectives on the role that the state could and should take. Should the state take an active role in sharing risks through subsidies driving specific technologies based on a target energy mix, or should it rather enable such transformation through focus on a number of key capabilities/features sought in a future power system?   Omid Ashrafi commented: We are looking very much forward to the outcome of the work that Bo Diczfalusy and his team are undertaking. I believe that we should build on our strengths and that the state’s main role is to focus on key enablers rather than moving toward subsidies. It is very difficult to today forecast what a suitable energy mix should be in ten years. Beside simplified permitting, the big challenges of getting supply and demand increase to move at the same pace will be difficult. To mitigate volatile power prices, I believe that one of the key enablers for the transition is significantly accelerating grid investments further connecting Sweden and the Nordics to neighboring geographies, incentivizing and creating suitable market design for demand flexibility. The very rapid technology development within electricity storage is also offering interesting opportunities. These are also measures that would further reinforce the interest of equity investors, debt providers and power purchasers instead of risking to have a negative impact on their confidence for the Swedish market.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) report edition of the World Energy Investment provides a full update on the investment picture in 2023 and an initial reading of the emerging picture for 2024. The report provides a global benchmark for tracking capital flows in the energy sector and examines how investors are assessing risks and opportunities across all areas of fuel and electricity supply, critical minerals, efficiency, research and development and energy finance. The report highlights several key aspects of the current investment landscape, including persistent cost and interest rates pressures, the new industrial strategies being adopted by major economies to boost clean energy manufacturing, and the policies that support incentives for clean energy spending, notably from the increasingly important viewpoints of energy security and affordability. This year’s edition provides an expanded analysis on the sources of investment and sources of finance in the energy sector, including new insights on the role of development finance institutions in energy investments across emerging and developing economies. It will also look at how investment trends in clean energy compare with those in fossil fuels, as well as the geographic distribution of these investments. The report also includes a new regional section covering 10 major economies and regions. It also assesses additional efforts needed to meet the COP28 goals to transition away from fossil fuels, triple renewable capacity and double the rate of improvements in energy efficiency by 2030.

Half a Year of Green Energy: How “Berezan Solar” Supports Ukrainian Energetics ☀️ The ETG.UA team is pleased to announce that on August 1, it has been six months since the launch of our “Berezan Solar” Power Plant. The implementation of this project has become part of the program for the recovery of Ukraine's energy sector, which has suffered the most significant damage from the war. 🛠️ The construction of the solar power plant was completed in a record time of just three months. ⚡ “Berezan Solar” consists of 8 stations with a total capacity of 7.3 MW, generating 8,700 MWh of green energy annually. 🌱 The operation of "Berezan Solar" allows for a reduction in annual CO2 emissions by 5,195.4 tons. 🤝 The project was implemented in partnership with the Berezan City Council and co-financed by JSB “Ukrgasbank” within the framework of the state recovery program "Affordable Loans 5-7-9%." "ETG.UA is actively involved in restoring Ukraine's energy system and investing in the energy resilience of our country and businesses. Thanks to “Berezan Solar,” the city of Berezan and its agrarian, cement, and light industry enterprises are always supplied with green energy. In the current context of acute energy shortages, this option is especially relevant. It's also important to note that “Berezan Solar” is the first case in Ukraine's history where renewable energy, without the support of the green tariff, is supplied directly for the needs of the customer portfolio under the terms of a corporate PPA," – Volodymyr Shvedkyi, CEO of ETG.UA. We are rebuilding Ukraine's energy system on the principles of sustainable development 🇺🇦