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Zhangzhou Nuclear Plant Unit 1 begins commercial operations in China

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China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has launched commercial operations of Unit 1 at the Zhangzhou nuclear power project in Fujian Province, contributing to China’s energy diversification and carbon neutrality goals. The 1.12GW Unit 1, connected to the grid in November 2024, adheres to advanced technical and safety standards. Managed by China National Nuclear Power, a CNNC subsidiary, the project uses the Hualong One reactor, a domestically developed third-generation pressurised water reactor technology. Hualong One can…

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India and Pakistan exchange nuclear installation lists

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India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of their nuclear installations under a 1988 bilateral pact prohibiting attacks on each other’s atomic facilities.  The exchange, facilitated through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, follows the provisions of the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attacks Against Nuclear Installations and Facilities. This marks the 34th annual exchange since the agreement’s implementation in 1991, with the first exchange occurring on January 1, 1992. Despite ongoing tensions over issues…

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ContourGlobal acquires hybrid solar plus storage project in US

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ContourGlobal has acquired a solar plus storage project in the US with a total hybrid capacity of 888 MW. The project, in its advanced stage, will be developed in two phases, combining 567 MWp of solar photovoltaic (PV) and 321 MW/1.3 GWh of battery energy storage (BESS). Connected to Arizona’s WAPA grid, the project secures firm transmission rights to deliver power to the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). Equipped with long-duration batteries offering 4-hour storage,…

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Welsh Government grants £10m to 32 local green energy projects

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The Welsh Government has awarded £10m in grants to 32 local green energy projects as part of the Ynni Cymru (Energy Wales) scheme. The funding supports community-owned renewable energy and smart local energy systems (SLES), which integrate various energy assets to enhance efficiency. The selected projects include solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging points. The funding aims to promote smarter energy usage across schools, leisure centres, care homes, business parks, and…

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US NRC approves licence extension for Xcel Energy’s Monticello nuclear plant

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The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved the renewal of Xcel Energy’s Monticello nuclear plant operating licence, extending its operations until 2050, pending state regulator approval. The plant is a key component of Xcel Energy’s strategy to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity. It currently powers over 500,000 homes annually in the Upper Midwest. Xcel Energy CEO Bob Frenzel highlighted that nuclear energy will be crucial for meeting growing electricity demand while advancing clean energy goals….

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Equinor secures $3bn financing for Empire Wind 1 offshore project

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Equinor has secured over $3bn in financing for its Empire Wind 1 offshore wind project, set to be the first to connect to the New York City grid.  The project, which will power 500,000 homes in New York, is scheduled to begin operations in 2027. Empire Wind 1, with a capacity of 810 MW, is part of a larger development that includes Empire Wind 2, which could add up to 1.2 GW. The project is…

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Constellation awarded over $1bn in contracts by US GSA

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Constellation has secured contracts worth more than $1bn from the US General Services Administration (GSA) to supply nuclear and other energy sources to multiple government agencies and implement energy-saving initiatives. The ten-year contract, valued at $840m, will supply one million megawatt-hours of energy annually from 2025 to 13 government agencies, including the Architect of the Capitol, GSA, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Energy will be provided to facilities across five states, including Illinois and…

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ACWA Power secures financing for 1.1GW Suez wind farm in Egypt

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ACWA Power, in partnership with HAU Energy, has achieved financial close for the 1.1GW Suez wind farm in Egypt’s Gulf of Suez region.  The financing includes a $703.6m senior debt facility from a consortium of international banks and financial institutions, with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development leading the deal. The $1.2bn project aims to support Egypt’s goal of sourcing 42% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2040. ACWA Power holds a 70%…

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EETC invests to upgrade Egypt’s power transmission network

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The Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) has allocated EGP 7.6 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24, focusing on upgrading, modernizing, and expanding its high-voltage and ultra-high voltage systems.  This investment covers the development of new stations, cables, transmission lines, and upgrades to regional control centres, including Cairo’s and the newly operational National Control Center in the New Administrative Capital. The company aims to complete ongoing projects, enhance network facilities, and integrate renewable energy sources into…

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AES Andes submits EIA for industrial-scale green hydrogen project in Chile

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AES Andes has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to Chilean authorities for its proposed Inna green hydrogen project, which is aligned with Chile’s National Green Hydrogen Strategy.  The project is in its early stages of development and focuses on producing green hydrogen for both export and domestic use. In addition, AES Andes has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Samsung C&T to jointly evaluate the development of the Inna project. The partnership will…