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September 5, 2025
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Romania begins overhaul to extend operating life of Cernavodă nuclear reactor by 30 years

An international consortium led by South Korean state-owned Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) has launched an overhaul of a reactor at Romania’s only nuclear power plant, Cernavodă. The refurbishment will extend the operating life of Cernavodă’s Unit 1 by 30 years.

The reactor, with a capacity of around 700 MW, has been in operation since 1996, and its 30-year license is set to expire in 2027. The reconstruction project is valued at about USD 2.01 billion, KHNP said following a groundbreaking ceremony.

Romania’s state-run Nuclearelectrica, the operator of the Cernavodă plant, signed an agreement with the consortium last December. The group of contractors includes KHNP, Canada’s AtkinsRealis, the Canadian Commercial Corporation, and Italy’s Ansaldo Nucleare, according to Romania-Insider.

The works, targeted for completion by 2030, include the complete replacement of the reactor systems and power-generating turbines, as well as the construction of new infrastructure, including radioactive waste storage facilities, said KHNP, a subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).

The overhaul is targeted for completion by 2030

KHNP said that four other South Korean firms – Kepco Plant Service & Engineering, Doosan Enerbility, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, and Samsung C&T- will participate as project partners.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Romanian Minister of Energy Bogdan Ivan said the project would ensure another 30 years of on-grid, environmentally friendly electricity. According to him, it represents the future of Romania’s energy security, accoridng to a report by Profit.ro.

The overhaul will ensure another 30 years of environmentally friendly electricity

Over the last 10 years, Romania has shut down about 56% of its coal- and natural gas-fired capacity, resulting in the country now importing 22% of the electricity it consumes. According to Ivan, this has led Romania to look for alternatives, one of which is nuclear energy.

He recalled that the country was preparing to invest EUR 11 billion in the construction of Units 3 and 4 at the Cernavodă nuclear power plant, adding that “certain phases have already begun.” Ivan also said he believed that in seven years’ time, Romania could become a net exporter of electricity.

The two new reactors would each have a capacity of around 700 MW, according to earlier reports. Cernavodă’s Unit 2, which has been in operation since 2007, also has a capacity of around 700 MW.

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September 5, 2025
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Record solar panel imports in Africa: a lifeline for a continent where 600 million people lack electricity

Half of Africa’s population still lacks access to electricity, but a record surge in solar panel imports could signal a turning point. A report by the Ember research center shows a 60% increase in solar panel imports from China to Africa. Although it is too early to make forecasts, the report suggests that the solar boom could positively impact the power systems of many African countries.

As many as 570 million people in Africa still lack reliable access to electricity, which is almost half of the continent’s population. According to data from the Energy Progress Report, in 2022, 685 million people worldwide did not have access to electricity, meaning that Africa accounts for 80% of the global population without access.

While North African nations and countries like Ghana, Gabon, and South Africa have made progress, major challenges remain in Central Africa and the Sahel region (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Guinea, Gambia, Senegal, Nigeria, Chad, and Mauritania), where entire communities remain off the grid.

Solar energy could be an opportunity for Africa to skip the phase of relying on fossil fuels and make a significant step toward an energy transition. It is still too early to say if this process is already underway, but the latest report by Ember shows that solar power is gaining serious momentum.

The total imported capacity reached 15,032 MW

According to their analysis, from June 2024 to June 2025, solar panel imports from China to Africa increased by 60%. The total imported capacity during these 12 months amounted to 15,032 MW. Ember used Chinese customs data in the report because China is the world’s largest producer and exporter of solar panels, accounting for around 80% of the global output in 2024.

The last significant increase in solar imports was recorded in 2023, when South Africa experienced a solar boom due to its energy crisis. However, new data shows that interest in solar energy is spreading to other countries as well. Solar panel imports outside South Africa nearly tripled in the last two years, rising from 3,734 MW to 11,248 MW.

The report shows that a record solar panel import was set in as many as 20 African countries, while 25 countries imported at least 100 MW of solar capacity from June 2024 to June 2025.

Increasing solar panel imports could reduce fuel imports

Ember’s analysis suggests that solar could significantly contribute to electricity production in many African countries. If Sierra Leone installed all the panels imported in the last 12 months, it could produce the equivalent of 61% of its total electricity output from 2023. Similar results are seen in Chad — 49%.

In five countries, newly imported solar panels could contribute more than 10% of total electricity production from 2023: Liberia (25%), Somalia (15%), Eritrea (15%), Togo (11%), and Benin (10%). Overall, 16 countries have the potential to increase electricity production by at least 5%, according to the report.

In addition, solar panel imports can significantly reduce fossil fuel imports, especially diesel, on which many African countries still rely. According to 2022 research by Wood Mackenzie, 17 African countries had more diesel generator capacity than grid-connected power plants.

In some countries, such as Nigeria, if diesel imports for electricity production were stopped, savings could cover the cost of solar panels in approximately six months or even less.

Although solar expansion in Africa is accelerating, experts emphasize that the process is still in its early stages and that more data and research are needed to fully understand its potential.

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September 5, 2025
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Deep Adriatic temperatures already hit end-of-century estimates

For centuries, the Adriatic Sea has cooled the Mediterranean, but today it is sending warmer waters down south as it heats up much faster than projected. Deep water temperatures forecast for the end of the century are already being recorded, threatening ecosystems, the climate, and coastal communities, according to a study by scientists from Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia.

Data collected in the South Adriatic Pit, the deepest part of the Adriatic Sea, suggest the seawater temperature at a depth of 1,000 meters has increased 0.8°C over the past decade, with salinity rising by 0.2 PSU (Practical Salinity Units), according to Croatia’s Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI).

This may signal a permanent shift in the region’s climate patterns, RBI said. Importantly, the trend is accelerating: deep-water warming rates were once around 0.2°C per century, but between 2012 and 2024 they jumped to 0.8°C per decade, it stressed.

The Adriatic drives currents that ensure stability and oxygen supply to the depths of the Mediterranean

RBI explains that the Adriatic Sea acts as a natural “thermostat,” regulating temperature patterns throughout the Mediterranean basin. In winter, cold, dense waters in the shallow northern Adriatic sink to the seafloor and then flow through the Strait of Otranto into the deep Mediterranean. This process drives currents that ensure stability and oxygen supply to the depths of the Mediterranean Sea.

Today, however, the traditionally cold water formed along the Croatian coast is becoming increasingly warm and salty before beginning its southward journey. Instead of cooling the deep Mediterranean, the Adriatic now sends warmer waters that further heat the entire system, RBI explains.

Warmer waters threaten deep-sea fish and attract species from the eastern Mediterranean

The changes are already affecting biodiversity, particularly species adapted to life in deep, cold waters. Unlike terrestrial animals that can migrate north as the climate warms, deep-sea species remain stuck on the seafloor, according to Dr. Ivica Vilibić, co-author of a study based on the international research project.

At the same time, the warmer waters are attracting tropical species from the eastern Mediterranean, altering the entire ecosystem, he warns.

The problem is not just local – it could affect all of Europe

Moreover, these changes are not just a local Adriatic issue. They could affect the entire European climate system while contributing an additional 3.3 millimeters of sea-level rise per year, scientists estimate.

“Nature is warning us that something significant is happening,” says Vilibić, adding that scientists’ task is to understand these processes and help society prepare for the changes ahead.

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September 5, 2025
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Global solar installations soar 64% in the first half of 2025

The world’s total capacity of solar power plants has increased by 380 MW in the first half of 2025. It is a 64% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Ember.

In the first six months of 2024 the world added 232 GW. It took until September that year for new solar capacity to surpass 350 GW – a result for the entire 2023. This year the milestone of 350 GW was reached in June, according to the energy think tank Ember.

The total global cumulative installed capacity reached 2.2 TW by the end of 2024.

The rapid expansion of solar capacity in recent years has made it the fastest growing source of new electricity generation. In 2024, global solar output rose by 28% (+469 TWh) compared to 2023, more than any other source, Ember noted.

China continues to lead the world in solar growth. Global Energy Monitor said in July that three quarters of global solar, wind capacity under construction is in China.

From January until the end of June, the country’s photovoltaic installations were more than 100% higher year-over-year.”

China accounted for 67% of the global new installations – up from 54% in the first half of 2024, according to the think tank.

The result was partly driven by the developers’ intention to finish projects before new rules on wind and solar compensation came into effect in June this year.

This situation could lead to lower installation in the rest of the year, however Ember stressed new clean power procurement requirements for industry and higher full-year deployment expectations from China’s solar PV association (CPIA) as evidence that a new record volume of solar power plants would be recorded in 2025.

India follows China

All other countries together installed an estimated 124 GW in the first half of 2025 – 15% higher than the first half of 2024.

India won second place with 24 GW, a 49% increase over the already strong 16 GW added in deployment in H1-2024. The United States ranked third with 21 GW, up 4% year-on-year, despite recent moves by the US government to restrict clean power deployment.

The remaining countries added 65 GW in H1-2025, 22% more than in H1-2024. Ember pointed out data for Africa in which imports from China rose 60% in the last 12 months. But, the effects on the ground are still not unknown.

2025 is on track to become another historic year for solar power

Solar became the EU’s largest source of electricity for the first time in June 2025. However, the EU is set to install less new solar capacity in 2025 than it did last year – the first annual drop in a decade.

Ember estimated that 2025 is on track to become another historic year for solar power.

“These latest numbers on solar deployment in 2025 defy gravity, with annual solar installations continuing their sharp rise. In a world of volatile energy markets, solar offers domestically produced power that can be rolled out at record speed to meet growing demand, independent of global fossil fuel supply chains,” Senior Energy Analyst of Ember Nicolas Fulghum noted.

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September 5, 2025
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Šahmanović: Masdar ready for new investments in Montenegro’s energy sector

Montenegrin Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović has met with Mohamed Jamel al-Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, a United Arab Emirates state-owned renewable energy company. During the meeting in Abu Dhabi, Šahmanović highlighted the energy sector as Montenegro’s biggest development opportunity, while Masdar’s top man confirmed the company’s readiness to expand its operations in Southeast Europe.

As part of his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Minister Admir Šahmanović held talks with representatives of Masdar, one of the global leaders in renewable energy.

“Montenegro undeniably has the potential and natural resources, but we are equally aware of our financial limitations. Investments in capital energy infrastructure projects are measured in hundreds of millions of euros, which requires strong partnerships and the pooling of resources,” Šahmanović said at the meeting.

Šahmanović: Energy is Montenegro’s greatest development opportunity

According to him, Montenegro sees the energy sector as the greatest development opportunity, which can trigger economic growth, create new jobs, and ensure long-term stability.

“To achieve this, we choose strategic partners carefully – those who share our vision and are ready to invest in a sustainable and strong energy sector,” he said.

The Montenegrin minister and Masdar representatives discussed opportunities to further strengthen cooperation and develop new projects. Šahmanović stressed that cooperation with Masdar so far – on the Krnovo wind farm – provides a solid foundation for even more ambitious projects.

Masdar is looking to expand its business in Eastern Europe

Masdar’s CEO confirmed that the company has the capital, know-how, and interest for significant business expansion in Eastern Europe, with Montenegro taking priority in its investment plans.

Šahmanović emphasized that the Government of Montenegro is committed to creating a favorable business environment – through clear procedures, a stable regulatory framework, and more efficient administration – to ensure security and predictability for investors.

That, he noted, is not only a prerequisite for attracting new investments but also a guarantee that the energy sector will become a pillar of the country’s economic growth and energy independence.

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September 4, 2025
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Serbia, South Korea’s KHNP to cooperate on nuclear energy, hydrogen

Serbia and South Korean company Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power have signed two memorandums of understanding on cooperation in the fields of nuclear energy and hydrogen.

The memorandums were signed by Sonja Vlahović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Mining and Energy, and Joo-ho Whang, President and CEO of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), a subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).

Notably, South Korean company Hyundai Engineering is part of Serbia’s largest renewable energy project—the deployment of 1,000 MW of solar power plants with battery storage.

The memorandums were signed during the Korea-Serbia Strategic Energy Development Forum, held in Belgrade and organized by the Ministry of Mining and Energy and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).

So far, Serbia has established contacts or started cooperation on nuclear energy with China, France, Russia, Slovenia, and the United States.

Vlahović: We’ll consider pilot hydrogen projects

The main goal of the nuclear energy memorandum is to help the ministry develop and train personnel in Serbia in the field of nuclear technologies, as well as to facilitate the exchange of technical information and expertise.

Photo: Balkan Green Energy News

The second memorandum, on hydrogen cooperation, will enable joint work to assess the potential for developing pilot green hydrogen projects in Serbia. It envisages technical exchanges and support for human resource development, as well as sharing know-how in the full hydrogen cycle and supply chain management.

State Secretary in the Ministry of Mining and Energy Sonja Vlahović noted that Serbia is considering nuclear energy as one of the potential energy sources that could help it achieve energy security while transitioning to clean energy sources.

Joo-ho Whang: Cooperation will enable sustainable growth for Serbia and the company

“For us, it is very important to develop cooperation with countries and companies that are global leaders in nuclear technologies, to exchange knowledge and experience, and to invest in the development of our experts. We are also very interested in the opportunities offered by hydrogen technologies and, together with partners from South Korea, we will explore potential pilot projects,” she said.

According to KHNP President and CEO Joo-ho Whang, the cooperation will enable sustainable growth for both Serbia and the company.

“We particularly expect that demonstration projects in the field of hydrogen will play a key role in developing the hydrogen industry in Serbia. Additionally, the agreement will open new opportunities for cooperation in the clean energy sector,” he added.

KHNP to assist with workforce training

The nuclear energy memorandum calls for KHNP to support the development of training programs for personnel in the ministry and other relevant government institutions, faculties, and companies. The support is expected to cover various aspects of nuclear technologies, safety, and the regulatory framework.

It also includes establishing a mechanism for regular exchange of technical information, research results, and best practices in nuclear energy, the ministry said.

Dimović: Serbia could have a nuclear power plant by 2040

Photo: Ministry of Mining and Energy/Nenad Kostić

The signing was followed by presentations delivered by KHNP, the ministry, state power utility Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS), the Vinča Institute for Nuclear Sciences, and KOTRA.

Park So-hyun, Senior Manager of Overseas SMR Project Section, presented nuclear power plant projects that the company is developing in South Korea and other parts of the world.

Hydrogen projects and cooperation with Serbia were the theme of a presentation by Kim Su-Jy, Senior Manager of Global KHNP Hydrogen & Energy Business Sector.

EPS is conducting a hydrogen study

Assistant Minister of Mining and Energy Radoš Popadić outlined the main goals and planned activities of Serbia’s Energy Development Strategy through 2040. Aleksandar Latinović, Head of Ancillary Services at EPS, presented the company’s development projects, recalling that EPS is currently conducting a study on possibilities for hydrogen utilization.

The Vinča Institute highlighted its rich history. CEO Slavko Dimović announced a public discussion aimed at explaining nuclear energy to all of Serbia, not just Belgrade. His optimistic yet realistic plan is for Serbia to have a nuclear power plant by 2040.

Milan Rajić, Senior Specialist at KOTRA, highlighted the agency’s results and invited Serbian entrepreneurs to collaborate with Korean companies.

The signing ceremony was also attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Kim Hyung Tae, Serbia’s Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation, Bela Balint, and the Director General for KOTRA Europe Headquarters, Kim Hyeon-cheol.

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