Germany wants EU to relax its gas storage targets
The German ministry of economic affairs and climate said that they are concerned about the cost. In response to the disruption in supply caused by the Ukraine War, all EU countries must fill their storage caverns up to 90% capacity by November. Intermediate targets are February, May July and September. This week, benchmark European gas prices reached two-year highs. On Thursday, the issue was discussed at a meeting of EU member states and the Commission (the EU executive).
German spot contracts increase as imports are expected on Friday
The European power market split on Thursday, with Germany's contract for Friday increasing on the back of an anticipated drop in wind energy supply. Meanwhile, a French contract was expected to rise on a rising wind turbine power demand. As of 1059 GMT, the German baseload for Friday had increased 14.6% to 192.50 Euros per megawatt-hour (MWh). French baseload power for the day ahead was down 5.3% to 144.50 Euros.
Cristal Union reports that its sugar production for 2024/25 has increased to 1.5 million tonnes
The second largest sugar producer in France, Cristal Union, announced on Wednesday that it had produced 1.5 million metric tonnes of sugar in 2024/25. This is up from 1.3 millions tons in the previous season. This was primarily due to an increase in the area harvested in its cooperative members. It said that the total ethanol and alcoholic production in 2024/25 would rise to 2 million Hectolitres. This is up from more than 1.5 million Hectolitres produced in 2023/24.
Aker BP and Total are seeking to increase their stakes in the giant Equinor oilfield
Aker BP announced on Wednesday that TotalEnergies, Aker BP and Equinor are seeking a review of their shares in Equinor’s Johan Sverdrup field in order to increase their holdings. Sverdrup, which is built across several offshore oil-and-gas licences, is owned by Equinor 42.63%, Aker BP 31.57%, Norwegian oil company Petoro 17,36%, and France's TotalEnergies 8.44%. Owners of a field that began producing oil in 2019 have the right of requesting a review of their stakes…
Aker BP and Total are seeking to increase their stake in the giant Equinor oilfield
Aker BP announced on Wednesday that TotalEnergies, Aker BP and Equinor are seeking an independent assessment of their stakes within Equinor’s Johan Sverdrup field in order to increase their holdings. Sverdrup, which is built across a number of offshore oil and gas licenses, is owned by Equinor 42.63%, Aker BP 31.57%, Norwegian oil company Petoro 17.36%, and France's TotalEnergies 8.44%. Owners…
French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch
Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. Carrefour SA, a French grocer, has proposed that it take its Brazilian subsidiary Atacadao SA CRFB3.SA (also known as Carrefour Brasil) private, by offering 5.3 billion reais in cash or shares, for the one third stake that it does not currently own. In its monthly outlook, the central…
Tanzania hopes to complete talks on LNG project by June
Tanzania has begun discussions with investors about tax incentives for a project that is stalled to build a $42 billion plant of liquefied gas in the country. Energy Minister Doto Biteko announced this on Tuesday. He added the talks might be concluded by June. The mega-gas project in Tanzania is operated by Equinor, Shell, Pavilion Energy, Medco Energi, and Tanzania's National Oil Company TPDC.
German spot prices fall on increased wind power

European spot prices fell on Monday due to a higher average wind output, which is expected to exceed the increase in demand. LSEG data shows that the German day-ahead electricity price was 120.75 Euros ($124.77 per megawatt hour (MWh), down 9.7% on Friday's prices for Monday. LSEG data shows that the French baseload electricity for Tuesday was priced at 144.50 Euros/MWh. On Friday, the contract for Monday's delivery was not traded.
Prices fall quickly on the expected increase in German wind energy supply

The European spot electricity prices dropped on Thursday, as LSEG data predicted that German wind energy generation would triple in the next day. LSEG's analysis said that lower thermal availability was also bullish, but that the demand in the region is expected to decline day by day. French baseload for tomorrow's day fell 10.8%, to 130 euros ($134.75 per megawatt-hour (MWh) at 0905 GMT. The German equivalent fell by nearly 23% to 117.8 Euros.
German spot prices are affected by higher wind output

The spot electricity prices in Germany fell on Tuesday, as the wind power generation expected to increase. At 0902 GMT, the German power price for the day ahead was down 1.7% at 142.0 Euros per megawatt-hour. LSEG data shows that the French baseload rate for the day was 143.5 euros/MWh. This is a 0.4% decrease. On the supply-side, Germany's wind output was expected to increase by 3.9 gigawatts up to 16.2 GW. French wind power output is expected to drop by 230 megawatts per day to 2.8 GW.
French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. The European Union leaders decided on Monday that they would do more to strengthen their defences and capabilities against Russia and other potential threats. They will increase their spending and close gaps in their military capability. EUROPEAN UNION/UNITED NATIONS: After a meeting on Monday with other EU leaders…
Spot contracts are affected by the increase in wind power supply

European spot prices on Tuesday fell by a significant amount on Monday. The average wind output is expected to double across the region. LSEG data shows that the German day-ahead electricity price was 114.50 Euro per Megawatt Per Hour (MWh) as of 1029 GMT. This is down 36.4% compared to Friday's rate for Monday. LSEG data shows that the French baseload electricity for Tuesday was 144 euros/MWh. Friday, the contract for delivery on Monday was not traded.
Staatsolie will raise 250 mln dollars, 50 mln euro through bonds due in 2033
Suriname’s state-owned power company Staatsolie launched on Friday a new debt bond offer maturing in 2033. The company hopes to raise $250m and 50m euros ($52m) to finance its participation in an important project off the coast of the country, it said. To secure a 20% share in Block 58 being developed by France’s TotalEnergies, and U.S. company APA Corp, the company must raise $2.4 billion via different financing mechanisms. This includes up to $1.5billion in bank loans.
On Monday, there will be a decrease in the wind energy supply.
German power prices were not traded on Friday for the Monday. Wind power was forecast to decrease in all of the regions, while France was predicted to have a higher demand. LSEG data shows that the German and French baseload power prices for Monday were not traded by 1037 GMT. As consumption increases on a normal weekly cycle, residual load also increases. This level of price sensitivity can be quite high.
Germany builds up LNG import terminals

Germany is expanding its natural gas import options to replace Russian supply, a drive intensified by the latest suspension of Russian flows via Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump targeting Europe with liquefied natural gas exports.Plans also include shore-based regasification terminals and facilities to import and produce ammonia and green hydrogen under decarbonization strategies. A synopsis…
Germany builds LNG import terminals
Germany is increasing its natural gas imports to replace Russian supplies. This drive has been intensified due to the recent suspension of Russian gas flows via Ukraine, and U.S. president Donald Trump's targeting Europe with LNG exports. Here are some details about the terminals that will be developed to house floating storage regasification (FSRU) units for seaborne LNG. The plans also include facilities for importing and producing ammonia…
Falling temperatures and lower wind boost spot prices
The European spot electricity prices rose on Thursday due to lower wind production across wholesale markets in Europe and higher usage in France. This market is more exposed to the electric heating demand during winter. Guromarie Wyller, LSEG analyst, said: "France... The German baseload day-ahead at 0925 GMT increased 1.1% over the previous close, trading at 139.0 Euros ($144.63). The French equivalent for Friday delivery increased 16.4% to 128 Euros/MWh.
French spot prices increase on lower wind output
The French prompt electricity prices surged Tuesday due to a drop in supply of wind power and a slight increase in demand. At 1026 GMT on Tuesday, the French baseload power rose by 81.1% and was trading at 67 euros ($69.89). The German equivalent had yet to trade. LSEG data indicated that the German wind power production was expected to increase by 850 Megawatts (MW) to 30.7 gigawatts. In France, wind output is expected to drop 5.5 GW down to 11.7 GW.
French prompts on increasing demand as temperatures drop
The French spot electricity prices rose on February 2nd on the back of increased demand on the weather-exposed wholesale markets, as well as a reduction in wind generation and a tightening of nuclear supply in the country. LSEG data show that the French power price for the day ahead was 70.5 euros ($73.51 per megawatt-hour (MWh) as of 0855 GMT. This is up 90.5% compared to a day before. The German baseload was not traded for the next day…
Spot prices plunge on rising wind supply, lower demand
The European power price dropped by a quarter on Thursday, due to a combination of increased wind production and reduced demand as compared to the previous week. As of 1006 GMT, the German baseload for Friday had fallen by 24.6% to 83 euros per Megawatt Hour (MWh). French baseload power for the day ahead was down 35.1% to 78 euros. Riccardo Paraviero, LSEG analyst, says that wind power supply continues to increase in Germany and throughout the region.