Colombia announces auction for renewable energy
Edwin Palma, Colombia's Energy Minister, announced a upcoming renewable energy auction on Wednesday. He said he will travel to the United States to promote this. Palma stated during a conference in Cartagena that he would be in New York Monday and Tuesday to discuss energy,?and promote the renewable energy auction which he hoped would be available soon. Palma also proposed an open season auction for regasification projects, which, according to the?ministry, would be a transparent, competitive mechanism that would secure firm capacity in the gas sector…
Japan's greenhouse gases emissions dropped to a record low in FY2024
Government data released on Tuesday showed that Japan's greenhouse gases emissions decreased by 1.9% in fiscal 2024 (which ended March 2025). This is the third consecutive annual decline and the lowest since records began. The fall was attributed to lower manufacturing energy use and increased use of nuclear and renewable power. Data from the Environment Ministry showed that Japan's GHG emission totaled 1.046 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide in fiscal 2024. This is down from 1.067 million tons a year ago. This is the lowest figure since 1990/91, and it's also the third consecutive year of decline.
Botswana signs mineral and energy exploration deal with Oman
The presidency announced on Monday that a trip to Oman to strengthen economic relations led by the Botswana president resulted in multiple agreements, including those on mineral exploration, oil storage infrastructure, and renewable energy. Botswana is seeking to engage Gulf States as part of its strategy for diversification beyond diamond mining to include critical minerals like copper, gold graphite and iron ore. The presidency announced that President Duma Boko, who was 'on a 3-day visit', presided at the signing of agreements with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman.
South Africa signs new climate loan and critical minerals agreement on Germany's visit
South Africa's Foreign Minister said that Germany had agreed to give South Africa an additional 200 million euro concessional climate loan. The two countries would also deepen their cooperation in other fields, such as critical minerals. After a meeting with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul, Ronald Lamola announced that the?loan would support investments in South Africa's electricity grid and renewable energy capacity. The funding of the German and European Union for the green?hydrogen?and battery value -chain has also been increased by over 270 millions euros.
Vingroup Vietnam signss pact with Maharashtra India to explore $6.5 billion in investments
Vingroup, Vietnam's biggest conglomerate, signed on Friday a memorandum?of?understanding? with India's Maharashtra state government. The two parties agreed to explore $6.5 billion in investments that would help build a'multi-sector eco-system' in the financial capital. Vingroup will now have a stronger presence in India. Its electric vehicle unit VinFast has a manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu and plans to create a $3 billion eco-system in Telangana. Vingroup will invest in a variety of sectors, including urban development, electric mobility and renewable energy, as well as public infrastructure, under the agreement.
The Iranian ceasefire has eased fears, but the LNG sector is still scarred.
The Middle East ceasefire signaled a de-escalation. However, the conflict had a lasting impact on the global LNG industry. It has eroded the confidence of Gulf'suppliers' and raised doubts in Asian buyers about the fuels affordability and reliability. Since the U.S. launched its strikes against Iran on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz was closed to all ships. This narrow waterway normally transports about a fifth of the global LNG supply. This was not an supply crisis. Menelaos Idreos said that this was a crisis in the supply chain.
India is dependent on imported goods, whether it's oil, gas or green technology
India's goal is to??install 500 gigawatts (including solar, wind, and hydropower) of green energy by 2030. This will include expanding battery storage, and electric transportation. Last month, the country announced its latest climate goals. These include a goal of 60% non-fossil power by 2035. This could increase demand for essential minerals. India is a major importer of several green minerals, including lithium, cobalt, and nickel. A report from NITI Aayog (the government's premier think tank) found that demand for these minerals will likely rise dramatically by 2030 due to the demand for renewable energy and storage…
EIA: US power consumption will surpass previous records in 2026 and '27, as AI usage surges.
The Energy Information Administration's Short-Term Energy Outlook released on Tuesday predicted that U.S. power?consumption will continue to rise in 2026-2027. This is the second consecutive annual record set by 2025. The EIA projects that the power demand in 2025 will reach a record of 4,195 billion kilowatt hours (kWh), followed by 4,244 billion kWh, and then 4,381 billion in 2027. The demand for electricity is increasing as more homes and businesses are using less fossil fuels to heat and transport, and because of the data centers that focus on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.
Spanish wind industry warns EU Windfall Tax could harm investment
AEE, the Spanish wind industry association, warned on Monday that a proposed "windfall tax" on profits of energy companies could have a negative impact on investment in renewable energy at a time when Europe is trying to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Five EU countries, among them Spain, proposed to tax the excess profits made during the energy price?rises caused by the Iran War. Exclusively reported on Saturday that the Finance Ministers of Germany and Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Austria jointly requested an EU-wide Tax in a Letter to the European Commission.
Carol Howle named as BP's deputy CEO to oversee portfolio reviews and strategy
Carol Howle was named BP's 'deputy CEO' on Thursday. She will oversee the company’s ongoing portfolio re-evaluation and strategy developments. Howle will return to her previous role as head for supply, trading, and shipping. She was interim chief executive until Meg O'Neill took over the top position on Wednesday. BP is undergoing a major strategic shift, after pivoting to a focus 'on oil and natural gas a year back following an ill fated foray into'renewables. It has slashed billions from renewable energy projects and pledged to sell $20?billion worth of assets by the year 2027. They have also reduced debt?and cost.
Britain's greenhouse gases emissions dropped 2% in the last year
The government's preliminary data?on Thursday showed that Britain's greenhouse gases emissions dropped?by 2 percent last year as emissions from industry fell. Britain's goal is to achieve net zero emissions in 2050. This will require an increase in renewable energy and the switch to cleaner electric cars. Department for Energy Security and Net Zero estimated that greenhouse gas emissions would total 367 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2025. This is a 7 million ton decrease from 2024. DESNZ reported that the industrial sector saw the biggest drop in emissions…
Staff note: New BP CEO pledges consistency
BP's 'CEO' Meg O'Neill said on Wednesday that she would provide consistency and accelerate the performance of the group, a full year after BP refocused its strategy firmly to oil and natural gas. This was according to a note to staff seen by. O'Neill began her new job as BP's 4th CEO?since 2020, and the first external hire in the role for more than a hundred years. She is the first female to head a major oil company. O'Neill, formerly of Australia's Exxon Mobil and Woodside Energy?, joins BP as it seeks to get away from its ill-fated venture into renewables. 'CLEAR CONSISTENCY AND?DIRECTION' She said, in a staff note that was seen by the.
Solar boost has seen renewables reach almost 50% of global capacity by 2025.
Data from the International Renewable Energy Agency, which was shared with us exclusively on Tuesday, showed that renewable power accounted for almost half of 'world's electric capacity in 2013. This is due to a record-breaking increase in solar installations. Some industry leaders have called for increased investment in fossil fuels as the Middle East conflict has resulted in record monthly gains. However, analysts claim that countries with greater renewable energy capacity have been protected from the market shock.
Minister says India is boosting its renewable energy efforts amid disruptions in gas supplies
India's junior energy minister stated that the U.S. and Israel?war on Iran? has led to a "gas shortage". Gas accounts for just 2% of India’s total electricity generation. However, during heatwaves or peak demand periods the country consumes about 8 gigawatts (GW) of power from gas. The Middle East Crisis has caused a volatility in the price and availability of natural gas. The generators are looking for alternative sources, Shripad Naik, the junior power minister of India said. He said that the country also closely monitors the progress of coal and hydro plants, which are currently under construction.
Oil and gas exploration is back. Energy giants are hunting to replenish reserves
Executives at the CERAWeek Conference in Houston, Texas, this week declared that global energy companies have returned to the basics, focusing their efforts on finding?new oil and gas sources. This marks the end of years of underinvestment. The'shale revolution' in the U.S. in recent years promised a flexible, abundant supply. However, growth in renewable energy sources like wind and sun raised doubts over long-term demand for oil. Oil and gas drillers have chosen to 'flood profits into dividends and stock buybacks rather than exploration. Production?in the Permian Basin of the U.S. will plateau as energy demand continues to grow.
EU Ministers call for a united front on the energy crisis
The European Union Finance Ministers will coordinate their response on Friday to the energy price surge caused by the Iran 'war. They will ensure that the measures help the most vulnerable and?move Europe away from fossil fuels while keeping fiscal costs and demand under control. Since the U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran began on 28 February, oil and gas prices have risen dramatically. This is similar to the energy crises Europe experienced after Russia invaded Ukraine 2022. In a document preparing for the ministers' discussions, the European Commission stated that "EU-level cooperation is essential to avoid?market fragmentation?
Sources say that India is looking for raw materials to make steel from Argentina, Indonesia and Oman
Two sources with direct knowledge said that India would hold talks next month with Argentina, Indonesia, and 'Oman to increase supplies of steelmaking raw materials like coking coal and ore and access technology. The talks ?are ?expected to begin next month at a global steel summit, described by the Indian government as the country's largest international conference-cum-exhibition, said the sources who did not wish to be identified as the plan was not yet public. India, which is the second-largest crude steel producer in the world after China, imports ferronickel for the production of stainless steel.
Iran has been seen as focusing on renewable energy investments with a focus on security and not climate.
Executives at the CERAWeek Conference in Houston said that energy security concerns, which once limited investment into renewable energy, could now accelerate its growth more than climate change worries. This is because oil and gas supplies are facing a new wave of uncertainty due to the war against Iran. The U.S. and Israeli war against Iran has?removed a?million barrels of oil per day from the global markets, causing energy prices to reach multi-year-highs and causing shortages of fuel in countries that rely on oil and natural gas flowing through Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian market is a catalyst and a slowdown for the European green energy race
Investors are wary of the market volatility and interest rate hikes expected in the future, as well as the slow permitting process. The 'war in Iran' and its associated surge in fossil fuel prices has prompted some politicians to push for more renewable energy. Nearly a month after the conflict in the Middle East that caused the "largest energy market disruption ever", countries that rely on oil and gas imports are looking for alternatives and scaling up green energy. The longer-term changes are more obvious, but the short-term picture is still mixed.
Philippines suspends spot electricity sales due to Middle East conflict
The Philippines announced on Thursday that it had suspended the sale of electricity at spot prices until further notice due to fuel supply risks and price volatility caused by Iran's war. The suspension was ordered by a decree declaring a national energy emergency in order to deal with fallout of the war, including disruptions in fuel procurement. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of the country said that it expected to finalise its modified pricing scheme by April 1. This suspension is in line with plans announced by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin in an article published this month…
