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ADB approves USD 311 million loan for Nepal’s T&D infrastructure upgrade

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 311 million loan to upgrade electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure in Nepal under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Electricity T&D Strengthening Project.  Implemented by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the project will modernize energy infrastructure and add solar photovoltaic (PV) generation capacity.  Key initiatives include constructing 290 km of transmission lines across Dailekh–Jumla, New Butwal–Lamahi, Nijgadh–Ramauli, and Teenpiple–Okharpauwa, along with enhancing distribution infrastructure in Karnali and…

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ORLEN acquires 300MW renewable energy assets in Poland

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Orlen Group, through its subsidiary ORLEN Wind 3, has finalized the acquisition of two solar photovoltaic (PV) farms and a wind farm from EDP Renewables Polska, boosting its renewable energy generation capacity by more than 300 MW. The assets include solar PV farms in the Zielona Góra and Poznań provinces, and a wind farm in the Łódź province. This acquisition raises Orlen Group’s total installed capacity to 580 MW in onshore wind farms and over…

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Global energy system faces rising risks amid geopolitical strains: IEA

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The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlighted the vulnerabilities in the global energy system, exacerbated by regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions, in its World Energy Outlook 2024. The IEA underscored the need for stronger policies and investments to hasten the energy transition. Despite these challenges, the agency expects a relatively abundant supply of various fuels and technologies in the coming years, including oil, LNG, solar PV, and batteries. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol noted that an…

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World Bank approves USD 250 million for renewable energy in Lebanon

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The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a USD 250 million project to expand renewable energy sources (RES) in Lebanon and support ongoing electricity grid reforms. The initiative will strengthen Lebanon’s state-owned Electricité du Liban (EDL) operational and commercial systems, increase grid-connected RES supply, and reinforce the national power network.  Key components include developing a grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, rehabilitating the Litani River Authority (LRA) hydropower plant, and upgrading the EDL transmission…

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World likely to miss UN target to triple renewable capacity by 2030: IEA

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The world is expected to fall short of the UN’s target to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, despite many countries surpassing their national targets, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) latest report, Renewables 2024. The report forecasts the deployment of over 5.5 TW of renewable energy by 2030, a threefold increase compared to 2017-2023, equivalent to the combined current power capacity of China, India, the US, and the EU. Around 70 countries, representing…

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Smart Electrification: Key Insights and Benefits for Distribution Grids

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As energy systems transition towards electrification, there is a growing need for smarter solutions to manage increasing demand and renewable energy integration. A recent study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights how smart electrification—integrating assets like electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, and decentralized solar photovoltaics (PV)—can optimize distribution grids. This article summarizes the key findings and insights from the study. What Is Smart Electrification? Smart electrification refers to the efficient integration and operation…

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Global perspectives on rooftop solar energy: Leading economies and strategies

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The global energy transition is gaining momentum, and rooftop solar (RTS) systems are playing a significant role in addressing the world’s growing energy demand. With projections suggesting a 75% increase in global electricity demand by 2050 (IEA 2022), geopolitical disruptions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, have further underscored the need for a shift toward renewable energy (RE) sources. Solar photovoltaics (PV) in particular, including distributed solar technologies, are well-positioned to…