TotalEnergies signs MoU for Syria Block 3
TotalEnergies together with its partners QatarEnergy and ConocoPhillips, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) relating to the exploration of Block 3 offshore Syria in the Mediterranean Sea.
The MoU covers a technical review by the partners of the offshore Block 3 area and establishes a framework for technical and commercial discussions related to exploration activities on this block.
Turkiye launches HA power plant
ENKA and GE Vernova have commenced commercial operations at the 852 MW Kırklareli power plant, Turkiye’s first HA-powered facility.
The plant features a 9HA.02 gas turbine, steam turbine, and triple pressure HRSG, achieving over 63 per cent net efficiency.
GE Vernova will provide long term maintenance services.
The project, executed by ENKA over 36 months, supports Turkiye’s efforts to modernise its power generation fleet and meet rising electricity demand efficiently.
STATS expands solutions in Europe
STATS Group has partnered with Patriot International to supply mechanical pipe connectors and hydrostatic weld testing tools across six European markets, inlcuding the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Spain.
Patriot will stock tools locally, reducing costs and delivery times.
STATS’ solutions streamline pipeline maintenance by cutting welding needs, minimising downtime, and enhancing safety through dual use weld test tools that verify vapour barriers and perform leak tests efficiently.
OEG to service Bass Strait CCUs
OEG has signed a multi-million-dollar contract extension with a global operator to support offshore drilling in Australia’s Bass Strait until field life ends in 2036.
The deal includes supplying 200 DNV-certified Cargo Carrying Units (CCUs) from OEG’s Barry Beach facility and providing inspection, maintenance, and lifting services.
Total CCUs under OEG’s management will reach approximately 700, reinforcing its long-standing regional partnership and support for Australia’s offshore energy operations.
ABB invests $200m in Europe
ABB Group announced a $200 million investment in its European medium-voltage electrical equipment manufacturing operations over the next three years to support rising electricity demand from data centres and grid expansion.
The investment includes a new $100 million air-insulated switchgear factory in Dalmine, Italy, alongside capacity upgrades at facilities in Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Norway and Poland.
The expansion follows ABB’s earlier $120 million investment in US manufacturing operations, including new and expanded factories in Tennessee and Mississippi expected to create 250 jobs.
APAC dominates solar PV
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has become the world’s largest solar PV market, accounting for an estimated 68 per cent of global solar deployment by the mid-2020s, according to GlobalData. China led growth with 278.9 GW of new solar capacity added in 2025, followed by India with 31GW. Japan and Australia also recorded strong installations.
The report highlighted APAC’s manufacturing strength, lower project costs and growing investor confidence as key drivers of continued solar expansion.
Hafnium demand to surge by 2030
Critical Metals said global hafnium demand could rise nearly 70 per cent by 2030, driven by growing use in semiconductors, AI data centres, aerospace alloys and nuclear technologies.
The company expects its Tanbreez Project in Greenland to produce at least 130,000 tonnes of concentrate annually by 2030, with a planned refinery in Romania projected to supply 120-150 tonnes of hafnium per year.
The market remains supply constrained, with China currently accounting for around 75 per cent of global hafnium production.
DOE backs energy skills training
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced up to $11.3 million in funding to support workforce training programmes for the energy sector, including $2.3 million dedicated to Tribal Colleges and Universities.
Through the Partnerships for Academic-Industry Career Training (PACT) Initiative, regional academic-industry consortia will develop hands-on training and credentialling programmes for oil, gas, coal and geothermal industries.
The initiative will also support skills development in AI, machine learning, carbon management and infrastructure construction.
Carbon pricing revenues hit $107bn
Global carbon pricing revenues exceeded $107 billion in 2025, more than triple 2016 levels, according to the World Bank Group latest report.
Its State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2026 report found the number of carbon pricing policies rose to 87 worldwide, with India and Vietnam making notable progress.
Average carbon prices increased 7 per cent year-on-year to nearly $21 per tonne, while direct carbon pricing now covers around 29 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
OECD renewables rise
Electricity generation across the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries rose 0.8 per cent year-on-year to 920.8 TWh in February 2026, according to the International Energy Agency.
Renewable power generation increased 10.1 per cent, led by strong growth in wind and solar output, while fossil fuel generation fell 4.7 per cent due to lower coal and natural gas use.
Nuclear generation declined 3.4 per cent, mainly because of reduced output in South Korea and Belgium.