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PG&E secures $15bn loan guarantee for Project Polaris

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Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) has secured a record $15 billion loan guarantee from the US Department of Energy (DOE).  The loan guarantee, the largest in the history of the DOE’s Loan Programs Office, will enable PG&E to expand hydropower generation, battery storage, upgrade transmission capacity with reconductoring and grid-enhancing technologies, and establish virtual power plants across Northern and Central California. These investments aim to meet growing power demand, increase electric reliability, and reduce costs…

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US DoE offers $15 billion loan commitment to PG&E

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The US Department of Energy (DoE) has provided a conditional commitment for a $15 billion loan to California-based electric utility PG&E.  If finalized by the DoE’s Loan Programs Office (LPO), the loan will support multiple energy projects in California and strengthen the state’s energy infrastructure, helping achieve both federal and state climate goals. The upgrades will include advanced sensors, telemetry, and controls to support two-way power flow, enhancing grid resilience during extreme weather events like…

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Angola ends state monopoly on electricity transmission

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The Angolan government has amended the General Electricity Law, officially ending the state’s monopoly on electricity transmission.  This will enable private sector participation through public service concession agreements, aiming to accelerate electrification, attract private investment, and strengthen regional energy interconnections. The reform removes legal barriers that previously restricted private involvement, facilitating investments essential for expanding electricity access.  The government aims to provide electricity to at least half the population by 2027 as part of its…

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Advait Energy wins contract for 400 KV transmission line project

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Advait Energy Transitions has secured an order for the supply of 24 F optical ground wire (OPGW) cables on a turnkey basis for the 400 KV Kurukshetra-Malerkotla transmission line.  The contract, awarded by NRSS XXXI (B) Transmission, includes both supply and installation under a build, own, and operate model. The project is scheduled to be completed within seven months.

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Strike Energy approves South Erregulla gas power plant project

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Strike Energy has announced a final investment decision (FID) to proceed with the South Erregulla gas power plant in Western Australia.  The 85 MW facility will supply firming power to the South West Interconnected System through the existing 132 kVa transmission line between Geraldton and Three Springs. The project’s FID was bolstered by improved economics due to increased projected plant utilization and high future capacity credit prices.  Utilization is expected to rise from 18.8% to…

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Madhya Pradesh secures coal allocation for 4,100 MW thermal power plants

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The Union government approved coal allocation for Madhya Pradesh on 28 November 2024 to establish thermal power plants with a combined capacity of 4,100 MW. This was the first approval for coal allocation in five years, with the last granted in 2019 for plants totaling 1,360 MW. The new power plants are expected to attract investments of Rs 250 billion and create significant direct and indirect employment opportunities, according to Neeraj Mandloi, Additional Chief Secretary…

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Ofgem proposes £5-8 billion fund to accelerate UK energy transmission projects

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Ofgem has launched a consultation on a proposed Advanced Procurement Mechanism (APM) that aims to invest between £5 billion and £8 billion to help Britain’s energy transmission owners reduce delays, control costs, and attract global investment in the transition to net zero. The consultation runs until December 18, 2024. The APM will allow transmission owners to procure essential equipment such as switchgear, cables, and steel years in advance, often before project finalization. This approach aims…

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NSW approves A$4.8bn Humelink transmission project

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The Minns Labor Government in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has approved the A$4.8 billion ($3.12 billion) Humelink transmission project, a 365 km infrastructure line designed to deliver renewable energy across southern NSW.  Pending final approval from the Commonwealth Government, construction is set to commence this year, with completion targeted by 2027. The Humelink project is expected to create 1,600 construction jobs and contribute A$6.3 billion in direct and indirect investment to the regional economy. …

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UK and Scottish governments plan clean energy consent reforms

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The UK and Scottish governments have announced a collaborative proposal to reform the consent process for clean energy projects in Scotland. The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero has outlined plans to modernize outdated legislation, aiming to reduce the approval time for large electricity infrastructure projects, which currently can extend up to four years. This initiative seeks to bring Scotland’s approval timeline in line with recent legislative changes in England and Wales, which have…

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Adani Group signs pact for key electricity transmission lines in Kenya

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Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL) has signed an agreement with the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (Ketraco) to build, finance, and operate key transmission lines in Kenya for 30 years. This initiative aims to upgrade Kenya’s transmission infrastructure to ensure a more reliable power supply amid persistent blackouts. The project, estimated at KSh 95.68 billion (USD 736 million), will be funded through a combination of debt and equity raised by AESL. The Kenyan government will…