Cillian O'Donoghue

This week, Energy Ministers from the 27 EU Member States came together in Brussels for an informal meeting hosted by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The European Commission was represented by its Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič, who is in charge of coordinating the implementation of the #EUGreenDeal. The Energy Ministers discussed challenges relating to Europe's energy infrastructure, including: the need for a better coordinated and integrated European electricity grid; the financial and risk-reduction aspects of cross-border investments in electricity infrastructure; and how to ensure grid resilience during the transition to an energy system with a greater reliance on #renewables and #netzero greenhouse gas emissions. "We are very pleased to see that Energy Ministers are focusing their attention on the need to develop and improve Europe's energy infrastructure," says COGEN Europe's Managing Director Hans Korteweg. "In order to meet its energy and climate ambitions, the EU must take an integrated approach to energy systems, fostering energy efficiency and renewable energy across electricity, heat and gas grids." "Smart #cogeneration solutions are embedded in Europe’s cities and industries, efficiently linking energy grids at local level. Delivering the cost-effective potential for cogeneration must be prioritised in order to foster energy efficiency and resilience, whilst enabling a greater integration of renewables and supporting electrification."

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Support the financial power market or the green transition? Big question! TSOs can't do both if some of the craziness in this consultation is implemented. In particular, Virtual Hubs driven by regulation—not by market needs—which will make TSOs start acting like exchanges. Make your voice heard before 30 September! https://lnkd.in/dGCQjP9g

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Great to see again former Italian Prime Minister and Delors Institute President Enrico Letta in Athens at the Greek Prime Minister’s Opening Gala Dinner after a panel discussion with Kyriakos Mitsotakis focusing on European politics, and #EnergyTransition & security, including Trans-Atlantic relations. The former Italian premier said Europe needs to have all 27 onboard, adding that the single market is the biggest achievement of the EU highlighting the importance of #Innovation. Letta also called for the creation of a strong #EU structure to implement the #GreenDeal in order to accompany these financial changes, proposing to the EU leaders to combine private and public market to support the most vulnerable citizens and small businesses with the green transition.

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📣Last 26th June both the 🇪🇺Directive 2024/1711 and the Regulation 2024/1747 as regards improving the Union’s electricity market design #EMD were published in the official Journal of the EU 📑. 👇Just in case you are asked about the key elements of the #Directive or you need a 2-minute summary, I would like to share with you the following: ✅In legislative terms: 🇪🇺It amends the Directives (EU) 2018/2001 and (EU) 2019/944 🏁It will enter into force next 16 July. 🗓️Member States must transpose it by 17 January 2025. By way of derogation, new art. 4 and 15a by 17 July 2026. ✅I leave you below 🖐️five points I consider #NEW ones: 1️⃣ #EnergySharing is now part of the EU energy legislation and this Directive makes clear that active consumers (of any kind) have the right to energy sharing in a non-discriminatory manner. 2️⃣ #ProtectionFromDisconnections becomes a firm right for vulnerable customers and customers affected by energy poverty. Under this Directive, regulated prices are possible as well for vulnerable customers and customers affected by energy poverty. 3️⃣ #ElectricityPricesCrises is well defined in the Directive through concrete price conditions. If these conditions are met, under the proposal by the EC, the Council can declare a regional or Union-wide electricity price crisis and trigger certain public interventions in price setting for electricity supply. 4️⃣ #SupplierRiskManagement must be regularly assessed by national competent authorities. Stress tests and reporting requirements on suppliers could be tools by which to assess supplier hedging strategies. 5️⃣ #FlexibleConnectionAgreements should have a proper regulatory framework in which transmission system operators and distribution system operators offer this connection possibility in areas where there is limited or no network capacity availability for new connections. #MoreEurope #MoreMarkets

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It is with pride that I present Belgium’s Electricity System Blueprint for 2035-2050. It provides insights into the country’s options regarding its future energy mix and evaluates their technological and economic impacts. The goal of this blueprint is to assist policymakers as they make decisions about Belgium's future energy mix and the path it will follow in the lead-up to 2050. Deciding what energy sources Belgium will rely on in the future is crucial for the timely development of low-carbon technologies and grid infrastructure. Though 2040-2050 may seem distant, when it comes to infrastructure, we must start planning for it soon.   In developing this report, we were able to count on the support of partners such as the Elia think tank, EnergyVille, Fluxys, our Academic Board, the Belgian system operators, and ENTSO-E. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to them for the interesting discussions as well as their great teamwork and valued feedback. Many congratulations to the Elia experts who, once again, gave their utmost.   Rafael Feito Kiczak,James Matthys-Donnadieu, Kristof Sleurs, Helen Burgess (she/her/hers), Marleen Vanhecke, Pascale Fonck, Damon Coates, Sander Willems, Elise Meersseman, Hannes Degraeve, Hugo Di Giugno, Maud Perilleux, Sander Claes, Louis Magein, Louis Hubert, François De Hoe, Maarten Konings, Joachim Goovaerts, Thomas V., Marie-Noëlle Rasson, Tom Demeyer, Mathieu Raedts, Simon Hardy, Daniel Huertas Hernando https://lnkd.in/eYpp_QXp

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Belgium: Wallonia and European Investment Bank (EIB) signed an MOU to develop a #hydrogen industry. Minister-President Elio Di Rupo and other key ministers joined EIB VP Kris Peeters in this significant step for #energy innovation-- https://shorturl.at/Qz3vW #HydrogenNow #CleanEnergy #H2 #HydrogenEconomy

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No doubt🕴️ TSOs make considerable progress in the implementation of the 70% requirement across Europe. Most of the European countries are on their way to offering the minimum capacity of 70% by end of 2025. European countries that are currently applying an action plan pursuant to Article 15 of the EU Electricity Regulation is indicated in the figure below. Those countries will have to offer the minimum capacity of 70% by 2026 at the latest. Until then, they incrementally increase capacity based on a linear trajectory. The full ENTSO-E Market Report 2024 is available here 👉 https://lnkd.in/e33zx6xQ #MCSC #SDAC #SIDC #TSOs #NEMOs #sustainability #energytransition

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Today Port of Antwerp-Bruges signed the Oslo Declaration, together with representatives from Air Liquide, Carmeuse, Fluxys, ENGIE, Lhoist, Equinor, INEOS, North Sea Port, TotalEnergies, Heidelberg Materials, ArcelorMittal, Holcim, ExxonMobil, BASF, Flemish Minister-president Jan Jambon, Walloon Minister Philippe Henry and Federal Ministers Tinne Van der Straeten & Paul Van Tigchelt. This declaration represents a unified commitment by key stakeholders to advance Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies, essential tools in our transition to a more sustainable future. CCUS is crucial for the decarbonization of the Belgian economy, providing secure low-carbon energy sources like 'blue' hydrogen and enabling low-carbon power supply even during periods of low renewable energy generation. Significant policy steps have already been taken in Belgium, with regulatory frameworks for CO2 transport and bilateral agreements for cross-border CO2 storage under the London Protocol. However, to overcome investment barriers and timing uncertainties in infrastructure development, all stakeholders must cooperate and act swiftly. The Oslo Declaration outlines clear strategies to address the technical and financial challenges associated with CCUS. It is not just a statement of intent, but a robust action plan requiring 5 key actions: 📌 An Intra-Belgian Industrial Deal: Comprehensive plans from the next federal and regional governments to improve competitiveness & legal certainty and reduce legislative complexity 📌 A New Spirit of Law-Making: Regulatory frameworks that allow industry to choose their decarbonization pathways. 📌 De-Risking Mechanisms: Support mechanisms to help early movers in the CCUS value chain. 📌 Role of Molecules in Energy Systems: Ensure flexible, low-carbon energy availability to complement renewable energy. 📌 North Sea Cooperation: Structural coordination and cooperation among countries around the North Sea is crucial to untap the full potential of CCUS. At Port of Antwerp-Bruges, we are proud to be at the forefront of pioneering projects like Antwerp@C and NextGen District. These initiatives embody our commitment to driving forward CCUS technologies and circular economy practices. We are actively seeking partnerships with CCU players who can join us in transforming captured carbon into valuable products, closing the carbon loop, and contributing to a circular economy. To all signatories: let's harness our collective expertise and resources to turn the vision of the Oslo Declaration into a reality! 💚🌱 #OsloDeclaration #CCUS #Sustainability #ClimateAction #Collaboration

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👍As you know, one of the core legislative instruments of the #EUElectricityMarketReform is the new Regulation 2024/1747 to improve the Union’s electricity market design (published in the Official Journal of the EU on 26th June🗓️).   ✅In this context, much has been commented about the pros & cons of this Regulation, but... you know what… 🎬the true #EUElectricityMarketReform #EMD will start next 🗓️16th July with the enter into force of this key legislative text and consequently with its #Implementation phase.   ✅The current electricity prices scenario in Europe has nothing to do with the one that triggered the political negotiation about the new electricity market design #EMD in late 2022 and 2023, and this better “energy atmosphere” is precisely what should facilitate the proper #Implementation of this Regulation with regard to both #Timing and #Impact.   ✅I leave you below a #timeline with some milestones that might help you follow up and navigate the implementation of the long-debated #LongTerm market instruments as key componentes of the #EUElectricityMarketReform   🤞Intense months and years are coming to implement many things … but motivating ones towards #MoreEurope #MoreMarkets and #MoreDecarbonization.

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Some interesting findings from electricity markets analysts, just for fun 🤩: - revenues from energy sector decreased by 20% in Q1 2024 first half compared to 2023 due to lower electricity prices - the decline in revenues was partially offset by higher electricity sales (product is cheaper, it gets sold more) More interesting: - net profit margins are on the rise thanks to even greater drop in the costs of producing electricity from RES (IRENA recent report helps us there) - net profit margins increased of 3% thanks to higher volumes and better wind conditions But even more so: - high electricity prices do not automatically mean that utility companies can achieve higher profit margins… it is actually the opposite as represented in the graph 📈 When wholesale prices where at a low in 1H2024 the net profit margins went up to 12% (300bn) while when prices where at their highest, net profit margins in 2H22, the adjust net margins were at its lowest with 2% I guess a good question to asks to policymakers very very very soon 🔜 👁️ Who gets what here?

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📢Speakers Announced! Hydrogen: Market Overview and Challenges in Belgium With the EU targeting carbon neutrality by 2050, transitioning from existing energy infrastructure to sustainable solutions is urgent. Sustainable fuels and hydrogen in particular could play an important role for energy storage. Questions are however raised on hydrogen projects and their bankability. In order to facilitate and accelerate the energy transition, what can be done to help overcome these challenges and make projects viable? Moderator: Katrien Antonis, NautaDutilh Keynote speakers: Presentation 1: Belgian Market Overview Jesse Hettema, Aurora Energy Research Presentation 2: Bankability of Hydrogen Projects in Belgium and Europe To be confirmed Roundtable discussions: Table 1: The Hydrogen Backbone Erik Rakhou, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Table 2: The Upstream of Hydrogen Power Vic Peeters, HINICIO Table 3: The Legal Challenges for Hydrogen Projects Jens Mosselmans, NautaDutilh 📅 – Thursday 13 June 2024 🌏 – NautaDutilh Offices, Ch. de la Hulpe 120, 1000 Brussels, Belgium 🕓 – 5:00pm Register now: https://lnkd.in/eWHYgWPr Not an IPFA Member? Join us - https://lnkd.in/eHw9Mfq3 This in-person event is kindly hosted by NautaDutilh. #IPFA #GlobalNetwork #Connecting #FutureLeadersNetwork #Brussels #Hydrogen

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Key takeaways from yesterday's State of Energy Union 2024 publication: - steady growth in wind & PV capacity, translating in significant shares of RES in electricity production - modest growth in RES shares in heating & cooling - sustained primary and final energy savings in 2022, making up for the post-pandemic demand rebound A scale-up in national commitments and implementation efforts is needed to close the gap to EU's decarbonisation ambition by 2030 and beyond!

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COGEN Europe's members are ready to help meet Ukraine's energy needs (Press Release - 24 September 2024) On 19 September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol held a joint press conference in Brussels to address Ukraine's energy security for the upcoming winter. A day later, on 20 September in Kyiv, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a plan to provide up to €35 billion as an EU loan to Ukraine, to be directed towards Ukraine’s recovery.    Marking 1000 days since the launch of Russia's full-scale military aggression against #Ukraine, the press conference addressed the immediate energy needs of the Ukrainian population, while also working towards making Ukraine's energy system more resilient in the long term. Due to the continuing and intensified attacks carried out by the Russian military forces, half of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been destroyed.   The EU has already mobilised resources to address the situation over the past years and months, sending equipment to affected regions in Ukraine. This includes a Lithuanian #cogeneration plant that is being dismantled and sent to Ukraine.    Over the coming months, the EU and IEA have announced that they will work together to ensure winter preparedness for Ukraine, focusing on: ✅ Efforts to restore gigawatts of power for the winter, covering 25% of Ukraine's needs ('Repair'); ✅ Synchronization of Ukraine's grid with the European grid, covering 12% of Ukraine's winter energy needs ('Connect'); ✅ Boosting decentralized production and sharing expertise in cyber awareness and security ('Stabilize'). Responding to these developments, COGEN Europe’s Managing Director, Hans Korteweg, says: “We welcome the EU’s announcement to support Ukraine on ensuring security of energy supply through the upcoming winter. In view of Russia’s continuing military aggression against Ukraine, damage to energy infrastructure risks leaving people without access to basic utilities, including heating and electricity. COGEN Europe and its members are committed to contributing their expertise and know-how, notably regarding the deployment of distributed cogeneration systems, which save energy and enhance resilience. We are willing to collaborate with the European Commission and with the competent Ukrainian authorities, in order to provide solutions both for the coming winter and also for rebuilding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in a way that strengthens resilience and energy independence, alongside sustainability.”

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Nuclear Power's Green Financing Milestone: EDF Secures €5.8 Billion for Plant Upgrades Key Points: ·      €5.8 billion in green financing: EDF has secured significant funding to support the life extension of its nuclear power plants. ·      Alignment with EU taxonomy: The financing demonstrates the growing market for nuclear investments that meet the EU's green standards. ·      Safety-focused upgrades: The funds will support crucial safety improvements in response to the Fukushima-Daiichi accident. ·      Controversy and potential: While nuclear power's green classification is debated, EDF's deal highlights its potential role in a low-carbon future with the right frameworks in place. In a significant development for the future of nuclear energy, French utility company EDF has obtained €5.8 billion in green loans to fund the life extension of its nuclear power plants across France. This financing, arranged with major banks including BNP Paribas and Société Générale, underscores the growing financial market for nuclear investments aligned with the EU's green taxonomy. The funds will support EDF's "Grand Carénage" program, launched in 2011, which aims to spend €55 billion by 2025 on upgrading its plants to improve performance and enable continued operation beyond 40 years. The program includes crucial safety upgrades in response to the Fukushima-Daiichi accident. While the green classification of nuclear power remains controversial, EDF's successful securing of green loans demonstrates that with the right financing and regulatory frameworks, nuclear could play a larger part in Europe's low-carbon future. As the energy transition accelerates, the role of nuclear power will undoubtedly remain a point of contention. However, EDF's deal serves as a powerful signal of the potential for nuclear to contribute to our shared climate goals when paired with stringent safety standards and responsible waste management. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gWXhWdGZ https://lnkd.in/eb8mpp2E Questions for Discussion: How do you think nuclear power should be balanced in our transition to a low-carbon economy? What conditions should be in place for nuclear to be considered a "green" investment? Let's discuss in the comments!

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Did you know we also have experience in system implementation projects? And then in a multi-complex stakeholder environment!!! Our expert Mark Klein Entink is happy to share his thoughts in below blog post. Here to guide you! #systemimplementation #testing #complexprogrammanagement #systemintegration #consulting

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Belgium aims to cut carbon emissions by 55% by 2030 to meet the European Union standards. This goal is to reduce dependence on old nuclear reactors and gas generators and increase renewable energy use. For this project, Elia Group, a Belgian power transmission operator, focused on transitioning their legacy drawing file management system and engineering processes to a centralized digital platform and smart digital workflows. The team used Bentley software to optimize accessibility and traceability for more efficient planning management. This enabled them to handle over two million documents over 2TB used by more than 700 users. This technology also helped the team create a 3D model of the substation layout. Using digital technology enables efficient substation design, lightning protection and controls, clash detection, visualization, and digital analysis via hybrid modeling and digital twin simulation. The project expects to save 30,000 hours and up to EUR 150,000 per year. #digitaltwin #energy #assetmanagement #3Dmodeling #infrastructure #engineering

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As part of the Belgian Council Presidency, Minister Tinne Van der Straeten invited leading industry representatives together with the DGs of the 27 national energy ministries of the Member States to Bruges yesterday, where we discussed the next steps in advancing sustainable #energy #infrastructure, facilitating the international #Hydrogen trade and delivering #offshore renewable energy to all. The #TSOs of the 9 #NorthSea countries are supporting these ambitious goals and are working closely together on concrete implementation proposals to support the delivery of the future offshore #grid infrastructure, which we presented in our latest expert paper 'Unlocking the Potential of the North Seas'.   https://lnkd.in/eZ6gzsvP   #LightingTheWayAheadTogether TenneT, 50Hertz Transmission GmbH, Amprion GmbH, Creos Luxembourg, EirGrid Group, Elia Group, Energinet, Gasunie, National Grid, Réseau de Transport d'Électricité, Statnett SF

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A great example of how collaboration can be a key catalyst to enhancing greater adoption of hydrogen across sectors. This MOU between the Belgian Hydrogen Council, NLHydrogen, and the German National Hydrogen Council aims to establish a platform for collaboration between various stakeholders, including civil society, to enhance innovation in the hydrogen sector, especially hydrogen technologies.  Apart from supporting the integration of hydrogen into the RE landscape, other benefits include knowledge sharing, workshops, collaborations, and a more unified communication. A great step forward in Europe’s energy transition journey. https://lnkd.in/gNycRp9Z #GreenH #GreenHydrogen #Collaboration #RenewableEnergy #KnowledgeSharing #Innovation #Sustainability Pic credit: Hydrogen Central

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Are the recent elections in the EU, with significant gains by far-right parties, going to dilute climate policies? This question has emerged after the recent European elections. This article explains that we should not interpret the results as a rejection of green policies. Despite the gains by far-right parties, the majority of Europeans still support climate action. The article also highlights that it's crucial to communicate the broader benefits of a green transition and address social inequalities to maintain European commitment to a greener future. It is evident that this recent electoral process has introduced a new layers of complexity and uncertainty to European climate and energy policy. #EuropeanParliament #ClimateAction #GreenPolicies #EuropeanParliament #ClimateAction #GreenPolicies

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