Southeast Europe / bneGREEN
Spanish blackout caused by extreme weather and a major renewables failure for the first time
A widespread blackout that plunged Spain, Portugal, Andorra and parts of southern France into darkness this week was caused by extreme weather events that saw the renewable power system collapse, as now the third disaster starts.
Incoming German government compromises on carbon offsets to boost flagging economy
Germany’s incoming government has conditionally endorsed the European Union’s proposed 2040 climate goal and backed the EC's recommended 90% emissions reduction target but only if international carbon offsets and carbon removals are permitted.
Croatia to enter wildfire season without full fleet of firefighting aircraft
Croatia is bracing for another potentially intense fire season, with military support playing an important role in suppressing blazes across the Adriatic coast and inland regions.
Turkish government accused of exploiting jailing of Imamoglu to speed up "crazy" Canal Istanbul megaproject
Everyone should understand that Istanbul does not have a single drop of water it can sacrifice, warns city mayor.
Romania braces for Easter electricity oversupply driven by prosumers and renewables
If Easter Sunday is sunny, Romania will experience very high production of solar energy and extremely low electricity consumption.
Bulgaria’s Biomyc to grow Kia car components from mushrooms
Biomyc is developing bio-produced materials to produce plastics in car interiors.
China’s BYD ships thousands of EVs to Turkey on giant vehicle carrier
Company also pushing forward with production plant investment in return for which it won Turkish tariff exemptions.
Bosnia hit by flooding after heavy rains
Authorities in Banda Luka and Prijedor declared a state of emergency as they tackle the impact of floods and landslides.
Toxic mine spill in North Macedonia threatens health, food safety
An accident at the Toranica lead-zinc mine leaked heavy metals and cyanide into the Kriva River.
Ukraine and Balkans ravaged by wildfires in 2024
Wildfires ravaged large swathes of land across Ukraine and the Balkans, with Ukraine suffering the highest recorded damage of any country in the region, said the EU's European Forest Fire Information System.
Bulgaria to build €15mn H2START hydrogen valley
Bulgaria's Stara Zagora to become one of only two hydrogen valleys in Europe, producing 500 tonnes of hydrogen annually.
Turkey’s investment flows boost Romania’s solar power potential
Turkey has emerged as a strong actor in Romania’s renewable energy sector through recent investments and joint ventures.
Hyundai to launch electric vehicle production at Turkey plant in 2026
Korean giant plans to move to a zero-tailpipe emissions portfolio of vehicles in Europe by 2035.
Serbia’s second renewables auction attracts global investment
Serbia successfully allocated its full 424.8-MW quota in the second round of its renewable energy auction, supported by the EBRD.
Turkey completes tenders for 800 MW of solar
Half a billion dollars will be invested in building the plants. Sixty-seven companies placed 146 initial bids.