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September 26, 2025
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Croatia to get EUR 44 million in green transition grants

Under the European Economic Area and Norway Grants, Croatia is entitled to EUR 21.6 million from the Green Transition Programme and EUR 22 million from the Green and Blue Business Innovation Programme in the period until 2028. The funding is part of a EUR 111 million mechanism, which includes support for local development and the judiciary.

Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds Nataša Mikuš Žigman, Ambassador of Iceland Helga Hauksdóttir and Ambassador of Norway Arne Sannes Bjørnstad signed memoranda of understanding on the implementation of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Norway Grants for the period until 2028.

Croatia is entitled to EUR 111 million for investments in the green transition, local development, innovation in green and blue business, and the judiciary.

EEA Financial Mechanism to bolster transition to more sustainable society

It confirms the country’s continuous and successful cooperation with Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, Mikuš Žigman asserted.

“Through projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants, we are strengthening institutional capacities, supporting sustainable development, inclusiveness, and innovation, and contributing long-term to improving the quality of life of our citizens. These mechanisms also enable us to jointly develop solutions for key social and economic challenges and to build the foundations for further cooperation with partner countries,” she stated.

Projects worth more than EUR 103 million were implemented in Croatia in the previous funding period

In the new programming period, the EEA Financial Mechanism is set to fund projects worth EUR 21.6 million under the Green Transition Programme, aimed at accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable society. A further EUR 33 million would be invested through the Local Development Programme, including projects to improve access to STEM education in less developed regions. STEM is an acronym for integrated science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Hauksdóttir said the cooperation reflects solidarity and helps support equal opportunities and living standards across the EEA. She added that such projects strengthen public institutions, support vulnerable communities, encourage innovation, and establish lasting ties between researchers, local communities, civil society and artists across borders.

Norway Grants helping foster low-carbon circular economy

From the Norway Grants segment, EUR 22 million is earmarked for the Green and Blue Business Innovation Programme, fostering sustainable and competitive development of Croatia’s economy through green and blue innovation, including low-carbon circular economy models.

Through the Justice Programme, there is EUR 21.55 million for improving access to an independent, accountable and efficient judicial system, as well as to enhance correctional institutions in line with international and European standards.

“For many years, Croatia and Norway have been working side by side to build a stronger Europe – one that is more competitive, but also more inclusive and greener, and thus more technologically and economically efficient. In a world marked by uncertainties such as the war in Ukraine, climate change, and global instability, it is clear that European countries are stronger when we act together, in solidarity, defending shared interests and values,” Ambassador Bjørnstad stressed.

In the previous funding period, projects worth more than EUR 103 million were implemented in Croatia, including the establishment of four regional science centres and the construction of a major geothermal well in Bjelovar. The Energy and Climate Change Programme was for a cleaner environment, strengthening energy security and resilience, reducing costs in public institutions and buildings, and raising awareness of energy efficiency.

Norway Grants and EEA Grants are segments of the EEA Financial Mechanism. Its beneficiaries are in EU member states with a gross national income (GNI) per capita below 90% of the average. The current seven-year funding period began in May 2021 and it lasts until April 2028.

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September 26, 2025
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German startups want to seize historic opportunity: first commercial fusion power plant by end of 2030s

German nuclear fusion startups expect the first industrial pilot plants by 2030 and the first commercial one by the end of the 2030s. Leading European startups have called on the German government to provide support to seize the historic opportunity.

Nuclear fusion is seen as a silver bullet for the growing energy demand and energy transition. However, experts believe commercial power plants are still a long way away. But United States Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently said there is no reason to worry too much about emissions and claimed that within five years, artificial intelligence (AI) would enable harnessing nuclear fusion.

German startups Proxima Fusion, Marvel Fusion, and Focused Energy presented a joint roadmap on the development of Germany’s fusion industry – Drei Punkte für Deutschlands Chance auf die eigene Fusionsindustrie: Jetzt oder nie. It aims to help the country make the leap from research to industrial application. Complementing the High-Tech Agenda of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, the three companies are calling for concrete measures and appropriate funding instruments.

The US, UK, and China are creating a clear regulatory framework and attracting private capital

According to the document, Germany boasts a unique diversity in fusion technology.

Proxima Fusion relies on the latest stellarator technology, while Marvel Fusion and Focused Energy focus on the newest concepts for laser fusion. The diversity is highlighted as a strategic advantage that must be leveraged through consistent technology openness.

The group said the German fusion industry has set specific milestones aligned with the High-Tech Agenda. The first industrial pilot plants could be materialized by 2030, and the first commercial fusion power plant could be put into operation by the late 2030s, the firms claimed.

Three measures were proposed

With the agenda and one of the strongest fusion ecosystems worldwide, including three leading European fusion companies, Germany has a unique, historic opportunity to develop its own fusion energy industry and secure its long-term economic and technological sovereignty, the document reads. It adds that a political decision must be made in the coming months.

The startups noted that the global race for expertise in fusion is gaining momentum, with the US, the United Kingdom, and China establishing regulatory frameworks and attracting private capital.

The federal government is set to discuss fusion energy on October 1, so the three companies are calling for three key measures:

  • Implement the High-Tech Agenda, kicking off Germany’s fusion industry with clearly defined goals and a roadmap to demonstrator facilities in the 2030s.
  • Strengthen the industrial base: initial state funding of at least EUR 3 billion by 2029, opening the way for 20% to 50% more in private capital, and funding based on achieved goals through instruments such as SPRIND and KfW.
  • Create regulations: Clear distinction from nuclear fission, without applying the Atomic Energy Act, but instead a legal framework compatible with European standards.

Time to turn scientific excellence into commercial technological leadership

Francesco Sciortino, Proxima Fusion CEO, underlined that a relentless pioneering spirit, a decade of work, and billions in investments have brought Germany to the forefront of fusion science. Now is the time to translate this strength into commercial technological leadership, he added.

According to Moritz von der Linden, CEO of Marvel Fusion, his company is ready with scalable technology, a world-class team, and a clear plan for the first laser-based fusion power plant.

Günter Kraft, Chief Government Affairs and Communications Officer of Focused Energy, expressed the belief that Germany needs to create clear regulations and frameworks. It is the only way to turn scientific excellence into industrial reality, he pointed out.

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September 26, 2025
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Bulgaria to start talks with developers of small modular reactors

Bulgaria should discuss the possibility of installing small modular reactors on its territory with companies developing the technology, according to Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov. In his view, it is a logical step after the country signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States on nuclear energy and assistance in preliminary studies.

Minister of Energy of Bulgaria Zhecho Stankov said that during his forthcoming visit to Ontario, Canada, he is going to a site where the first four small modular reactors (SMRs) are being built. Last week, he signed a memorandum of understanding with United States Secretary of Energy Chris Wright reaffirming the objectives of the bilateral agreement to strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear energy use.

Bulgaria’s government considers the SMR technology a tool for long-term stability, predictability and affordable low-emission electricity production.

“After signing a joint statement last week with the US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on that country’s assistance for sites on Bulgarian territory for small modular reactors – it is a new, modern technology, very flexible, which attracts investments in data centers and artificial intelligence centers – the normal next step for the Bulgarian side is to start talks with potential companies that develop this type of technology,” Stankov told reporters in New York City.

US to assist Bulgaria in prefeasibility studies

The memorandum envisages cooperation in the development and deployment of innovative technologies for nuclear reactors, aimed at enhancing Bulgaria’s economic security and energy resilience with the support of the US Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy.

Minister Stankov called for regional cooperation to reduce vulnerabilities and form a sustainable energy market

The Balkan country would benefit from the expertise of US laboratories in conducting preliminary studies of the feasibility and suitability of potential sites for the deployment of small modular reactors. The US Trade and Development Agency has said it is prepared to fund the assessment of SMR technologies to identify the ones most adequate for Bulgaria, the ministry added.

Speaking in New York City, Stankov also outlined the priorities – new energy corridors, investments in green energy and balancing capacities including pumped storage hydropower plants and battery energy storage systems (BESS), the projects for units 7 and 8 at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, and regional cooperation for reducing vulnerabilities and forming a sustainable energy market.

Prime Minister Zhelyazkov endorses both rival projects for electricity corridors

Notably, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that he spoke with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev about the supply of green energy from the Caspian region to Europe. The plans involve 6 GW from Azerbaijan or, potentially, 10 GW if Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are involved, he added

The proposed subsea power interconnector under the Black Sea is increasingly realistic and so is an onshore corridor from Armenia and Georgia through Turkey, according to Zhelyazkov.

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September 26, 2025
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CMS committed to sustainability – first law firm in Belgrade with solar power plant on its rooftop

CMS is the first law firm in Belgrade to install a solar power plant on the roof of its own building. The plant has been in operation for nine months now.

Two months ago, it also obtained official status as a prosumer (buyer-producer) of electricity. It is an important milestone in CMS Belgrade’s transition to more sustainable energy use, according to the announcement.

Since reaching full operating capacity, the solar plant has covered around 50% of its total electricity consumption.

The long-term goal is ambitious yet achievable, according to CMS Belgrade: 70% of electricity consumption from solar by the end of 2025, and 100% within the next three years.

“Sustainability is not just a goal — it’s a responsibility, and one we are committed to integrating into every part of our business,” the announcement reads.

Radivoje Petrikić, the Managing Partner at CMS Belgrade (Petrikić & Partneri AOD in cooperation with CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz), said: “We are committed to integrating eco-friendly practices into every aspect of our business. By embracing sustainability in our daily operations, we are not only shaping a brighter future for our firm but also contributing to a greener planet for generations to come.”

The office is part of international law firm CMS CEE, based in Vienna.

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September 25, 2025
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Aurora: Romania’s third CfD auction is key for 2030 targets as solar outpaced wind

Aurora Energy Research expects strike prices at the additional renewable energy auction in Romania, for the remaining wind power quota, to land near the ceiling, set at EUR 80 per MWh. In the previous round, there was strong competition between the bidders for the photovoltaic segment, while developers of wind energy projects may have seen more value in PPAs and merchant options.

Increased costs and stricter eligibility rules constrained wind participation in Romania’s second contracts-for-difference (CfD) round in August, which fell short of the 2 GW wind target. Developers may have seen more value outside the CfD framework, according to Aurora experts, who stressed that power purchase agreements (PPAs) and merchant options offer higher returns than the capped CfD strike prices.

Solar projects showed stronger economics, with strike prices between EUR 35 per MWh and EUR 45 per MWh, compared to wind at EUR 65 per MWh to EUR 79.5 per MWh.

“Using the same commercial operation date for both PV and wind projects has disincentivised wind participation in CfD rounds, since wind developments are far more complex. Their permitting, grid connection, and EPC timelines are significantly longer than solar, making the uniform deadline misaligned with project realities,” said Project Leader at Research Associate at Aurora Energy Research Filippos Falieros.

Dedicated auctions can influence market dynamics

As wind is essential for achieving 2030 renewable targets, the Romanian Ministry of Energy invited developers to submit expressions of interest for mature wind projects only, with contracts expected to be signed by the end of 2025. The third auction will focus on wind energy solely, with a maximum strike price set at EUR 80 per MWh, and Aurora expects strike prices near the ceiling.

In the second auction, accepted wind power bids were between EUR 65 per MWh and EUR 79.5 per MWh

The move underscores the growing divergence in Romania between solar’s strong economics and wind’s slower progress, while also showing how policy adjustments – such as dedicated auctions – can influence market dynamics.

CfD state aid scheme was approved through Modernisation Fund

The overall CfD scheme is supported by EUR 3 billion in total state aid that the European Union approved through the Modernisation Fund, aiming to keep costs low for consumers.

Established in 2013, Aurora Energy Research provides power market forecasting and analytics for critical investment and financing decisions. Headquartered in Oxford, it operates out of 17 offices worldwide covering Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.

The firm’s comprehensive services include market outlook packages for energy industry participants, advisory support, and software solutions. Aurora fosters diversity with a team of one thousand experts with backgrounds in energy, finance, and consulting, offering expertise across power, renewables, storage, hydrogen, carbon, and fossil commodities.

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September 25, 2025
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Enery, Teva sign 15-year virtual PPA for solar, BESS in Bulgaria

Renewable energy firm Enery and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries have signed a 15-year hybrid power purchase agreement.

Under a financial or virtual power purchase agreement (PPA), a future solar power plant with two battery energy storage systems (BESS) will supply 60,000 MWh of electricity annually to Teva’s two plants in Bulgaria.

The landmark agreement is the first of its kind in the region to include green electricity supply from a newly built solar power plant with BESS and the longest one in Bulgaria so far, Enery said.

It is the Austrian company’s 15th PPA signed in the last four years across Central and Eastern Europe and the second one involving a Bulgaria-based offtaker.

The PPA sets a precedent for integrating storage within virtual PPA structures

Over the 15 years, the project is expected to avoid emissions of 15,840 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year, supporting Teva’s goal to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46.2% by 2030.

The hybrid PPA also sets a precedent for integrating energy storage within virtual PPA (vPPA) structures, enhancing grid resilience and the value of renewable energy procurement, Enery stressed.

According to the company, the agreement will facilitate the construction of a photovoltaic park of 122 MW in peak capacity, equipped with two BESS installations at the site — one with a capacity of 70 MWh and another of 130 MWh. Located on non-arable land in the villages of Knizhovnik and Dolno Voyvodino in the Haskovo municipality, south Bulgaria, the Knizhovnik solar park is projected to produce 200 GWh of clean electricity per year.

Decktor: Teva is not only securing clean energy but also enhancing grid resilience and flexibility

“This agreement represents another significant step forward in our decarbonization journey,” said Josh Decktor, Teva’s Vice President and Global Head of Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability.

By investing in a newly built solar asset with integrated storage, Teva is not only securing clean energy but also enhancing grid resilience and flexibility – key components of its strategy to meet its science-based targets, he added.

“We are proud that our projects are being realized thanks to an innovative partnership with companies that are proven leaders in their market niche, such as Teva, and demonstrate a strong commitment to the environment and society,” Enery’s Chief Commercial Officer Severin Vartigov stated.

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