Total and Shell back out of carbon storage project in the Netherlands
AMSTERDAM (25 April) - After TotalEnergies & Shell retracted part of their planned investment, the Dutch government announced on Friday that it would invest 639 million euro ($726 millions) in the construction of the largest carbon capture and storing project of the Netherlands. The two major oil companies have decided not to invest in the infrastructure needed to connect the industries with the storage sites under the North Sea in gas fields that are depleted. The government stepped in to minimize risks for two remaining investors: the Dutch Gas Grid Operator Gasunie and the Dutch government-owned EBN.
Thyssenkrupp Steel unit to terminate supply contract with HKM - union
The IG Metall union, which represents the largest German steelmaker T hyssenkrupp Steel Europe, announced on Thursday that it intends to end a contract of supply with HKM. This has fueled uncertainty about the future of this joint venture. HKM, a joint venture of TKSE, Salzgitter, and Vallourec that is a 50-30-20, faces closure following a recent failure to find a buyer. This would be a huge blow for the approximately 3,000 employees. The union stated in a document seen by that TKSE supervisory board would meet on Friday. HKM workers will also protest at TKSE headquarters the same day.
German energy transition could cost 300 billion euros less with greater efficiency, according to a study
According to a report released by the Boston Consulting Group on Thursday, Germany could save over 300 billion euros (326.49 billion dollars) by 2035 if it implements the energy transition in a more efficient manner. Germany will spend hundreds of millions of euros in the next few years to transition towards cleaner energy sources, with a goal of being carbon neutral by 2045. Berlin is also under pressure from the industry to reduce energy costs that are stubbornly high. The BDI report calculated the savings based upon current plans.
RWE and TotalEnergies sign long-term agreement for green hydrogen supply
RWE, Germany's largest utility, announced on Wednesday that it had agreed to supply French oil giant TotalEnergies, with approximately 30,000 tonnes green hydrogen per year, starting in 2030. This is one of the biggest deals ever made by this sector. RWE stated that the agreement would last until 2044. It also said it was the largest amount of carbon neutral hydrogen ever purchased from a German facility. RWE will supply TotalEnergies Leuna refinery in eastern Germany via its 300 megawatt electrolysis plant located in Lingen, west of Berlin, that is expected to begin operation in 2027. No financial terms have been disclosed.
EU energy plan could save 45 billion Euros on fossil fuel import bill
According to an analysis by the EU executive, plans due to be released on Wednesday by the European Commission could save 45 billion euros (47.3 billion dollars) from the EU's import bill for fossil fuels this year. The Commission will propose a number of measures that aim to help European industries who are struggling to cope with a weak demand, low-cost imports and energy costs higher than in the U.S. or China. The draft EU energy measures that was previously reported on included proposals for speeding up permits for renewable projects…
Berlin is urged to act quickly by corporate bosses on the weak economy
German business leaders called for Berlin to quickly form a new Government on Monday, warning that Europe's largest economy cannot afford to waste time while companies are suffering from high costs and red tape, as well as increased competition from abroad. The CDU/CSU won the Sunday national elections, clearing the way for a new coalition government with the Social Democrats. This eased concerns about a potentially more fractured three-way system and prompted the corporate call to the parties to act quickly. Even so, the opposition still holds a majority in parliament that prevents them from making more radical decisions.
Berlin must act quickly to fix the economy
German business leaders called for Berlin to form a new cabinet quickly on Monday, warning that Europe's largest economy cannot afford to waste time while companies are suffering from high costs, bureaucracy and increasing competition from abroad. The CDU/CSU won the Sunday national elections, clearing the way for a new coalition government with the Social Democrats. This eased concerns about a potentially more fractured three-way system and prompted the corporate call to the parties to act quickly. Germany's leading companies have been criticizing the government for years over the lack of action on energy costs.
German business leaders react to the election results
The conservative CDU/CSU group won the most votes at Sunday's election. They could form a coalition with the Social Democrats, easing market concerns that Europe's largest economy would be run by a three-way alliance. "We do not need to discuss the issues anymore, they are already well-known. We need action now." We must act now because the rest of world isn't waiting. And the pressure on Germany to be competitive is immense. "Germany needs to quickly regain its competiveness." Energy policy is crucial. It is essential to expand gas-fired plants…
German business leaders react to the election results
The conservative CDU/CSU group won the most votes at Sunday's election. They could form a coalition with the Social Democrats, easing market concerns that Europe's largest economy would be run by a three-way alliance. "Germany needs to quickly regain its competiveness." Energy policy is crucial. It is essential to expand gas-fired plants, strengthen wind energy and modernize electricity grids, as well as ensure a reliable supply of raw materials. "Germany needs a government who is willing and able to act quickly. Our country faces enormous challenges: our economy needs to be given a new start through fundamental reforms.
Trump's complaint about the trade deficit with EU and what could come next
Donald Trump, President of the United StatesTrump has pledged to reduce a long-standing trade deficit between the United States and the European Union. He says he will do this by imposing tariffs, or forcing the EU to buy more U.S. gas and oil. In a memo entitled "America First Trade Policy", issued by Trump on his first day in the White House, he directed the Commerce and Treasury Departments and the U.S. Trade Rep to investigate the goods trade deficit and recommend measures before April. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said that the EU is willing to engage in negotiations with the United States.
Beware of Egypt's smokestack reshoring as Cement Exports Soar: Maguire
North Africa's second largest natural gas producer and its largest economy have increased the production and exports of several energy-intensive commodities in an effort to boost the growth of their industrial sector. Egypt's exports of chemicals, fertilizers, and cement doubled from 2022 to 2024. They have also grown by 350% in the last year thanks to government initiatives aimed at promoting rapid industrial growth. The increased output in Egypt coincides with a decrease in production in Europe of the same commodities.
Beware of Egypt's smokestack reshoring as Cement Exports Soar: Maguire
North Africa's second largest natural gas producer and its largest economy have increased the production and exports of several energy-intensive commodities in an effort to boost the growth of their industrial sector. Egypt's exports of chemicals, fertilizers, and cement doubled from 2022 to 2024. They have also grown by 350% in the last year thanks to government initiatives aimed at promoting rapid industrial growth. The increased output in Egypt coincides with a decrease in production in Europe of the same commodities. This trend highlights the growing re-shoring away from areas of high energy costs and pollution control.
Sources say that EU plans to allow gas price cap to expire
EU diplomats have said that the European Union will let its gas cap expire at the scheduled time of the month. This is a sign that the worst of Europe’s energy crisis, which began in 2022, has passed. After months of high energy costs caused by Russia's slashing of gas supplies after its invasion of Ukraine, Brussels introduced the first price limit in December of 2022. The measure that was supposed to kick in if the price reached 180 euros per megawatt-hour (eur/MWh), has never been implemented. On Monday, the benchmark front-month contract for gas at the Dutch TTF Hub was trading around 49 euros per megawatt hour (eur/MWh).
Equinor, BP and TotalEnergies invest in Britain's carbon-capture projects
They announced on Tuesday that Equinor, BP, and TotalEnergies have made the final investment decisions for two of Britain's first projects to capture and store carbon in the north. The Northern Endurance Partnership Project, which is a joint venture between the three companies, will store carbon dioxide permanently for an initial amount of 4 million tonnes per year. Equinor holds 45% of NEP. BP has 45%, and TotalEnergies 10%. Equinor, BP and BP are also partners on the Net Zero Teeside Power Project. This project is a 742 megawatts (MW), gas-fired plant with carbon capture. BP owns 75% of this project and Equinor 25%.
Document shows EU is looking to geothermal energy in its drive for energy security
A draft EU document revealed that the European Union plans to promote geothermal power as it searches for ways to replace Russian natural gas and lower energy prices. According to a draft document, the 27 EU member states will endorse geothermal power for the first-time at the meeting of EU energy Ministers in Brussels, next week. They will also ask the European Commission to develop a plan that will be adopted by the entire bloc to kickstart projects. The draft calls for an EU strategy on reducing emissions from heating and cooling, as well as specific EU measures that will accelerate geothermal projects.
German Cabinet approves $1.4 billion subsidy to reduce 2025 electricity network fees
The German cabinet approved a proposal to provide a subsidy of 1.3 billion euros ($1.37 billion) for electricity network fees that consumers will pay next year. This was announced by the Economy Ministry on Tuesday. High energy prices are straining household budgets in Europe's largest economy and affecting industrial production. The ministry stated that the subsidy would be funded by federal funds. It is expected to reduce the network charges, which make up approximately 20% of the electricity bill. The network…
German rates drop, while French prices increase amid weather changes
On Wednesday, the European power prices showed divergent trends. Germany's fell on account of higher wind generation, while France's went up due to colder weather forecasts, which will increase electric heating demand. LSEG's analysis cited the wind power supply in Germany as the guiding force that will lead to net exports from the country for the next day. LSEG noted a decrease in lignite and natural gas availability among other factors. LSEG data shows that German baseload power for the day ahead was down 21.8% at 97 Euros ($102.00 per megawatt-hour (MWh) as of 0940 GMT. The price of the MWh was up 28.4% from its previous close.
German Minister proposes subsidies for stabilizing electricity network fees
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck proposed Tuesday subsidies to stabilize fluctuations of electricity network fees. Consumers and businesses are bearing the brunt due to high energy costs, which have hindered investment and production. Habeck, speaking at a Berlin industry conference, said that the subsidies would be "a short-term measure" for 2025. They could be technically implemented by a 2024 supplementary budget. In Germany, the cost of using the electricity network accounts for around 20%. High energy prices are also affecting the production and competitiveness of German companies, resulting in a negative impact on the economy.
Germany's chemical lobby calls for regulatory reform and growth agenda
VCI, the industry lobby group in Germany, said that to achieve climate neutrality while remaining competitive and improving its performance it is necessary for regulation changes. VCI, which published two of its own studies, said that the crises in the last few years had left a mark on the balance sheet of chemical and pharmaceutical firms. Boston Consulting Group, in a study on the mood of the industry, found that nearly three-quarters of respondents are not likely to invest in new sites and plants in Germany. They cited bureaucracy and high energy costs, as well as long approval processes.
SABIC, a petrochemicals company, makes a profit in the third quarter but fails to meet market expectations
Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC), a major petrochemicals company in the world, reported a net profit of $1.5 million for the third-quarter, compared to a loss the previous year. This was due to higher revenues and core profits. In a press release, the company reported that its net profit for three months ended September 30 was 1 billion riyals (266.27 millions dollars), compared to a loss last year of 2.87 billions riyals. LSEG data shows that the third-quarter profits missed analysts' expectations by 1.6 billion riyals. The net income for the quarter reported fell from 2.18 billion riyals to just 1 billion riyals ($266.27 millions).
