Topic
energy policy
Commodities Taiwan Charts Offshore Wind Growth to 18 GW by 2039 in New Energy Roadmap
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs released its 2026–2039 Offshore Wind Power Medium- and Long-Term Promotion Plan, targeting total installed capacity between 24.7 GW and 27.9 GW by 2039, up from around 4.9 GW today. The roadmap calls for adding 15-18 GW of new capacity through auctions held every four years, with around 8 GW per round. Installed capacity is projected to reach 18.3-19.9 GW by 2035 and a nearer-term goal of 10.9 GW by 2030. The expansion is driven by rising electricity demand from semiconductor and AI sectors and aims to cut exposure to volatile imported fuel prices.
Commodities India Says Premium Petrol to Stay Ethanol-Free, No Plan to Blend Beyond 20%
The Indian government has confirmed that premium petrol grades from state-run retailers will remain ethanol-free due to their niche performance-additive composition. Additionally, there is no current proposal to raise ethanol blending in regular petrol beyond the existing 20% or to reintroduce E0/E10 fuels, pending further scientific studies.
Commodities German Offshore Wind Adds 1.1GW in H1 2026 as Industry Demands Reform
Germany added 1.1GW of offshore wind capacity in the first half of 2026, bringing total installed capacity to 10.8GW. Industry associations, led by BWO, are urging the government to replace the negative bidding system with contracts for difference to improve bankability and attract investment for future projects.
Commodities EU Approves €63bn French Offshore Wind Support Scheme for 11 Farms
The European Commission has approved a €63bn ($72bn) French support scheme for offshore wind, backing the construction of 11 wind farms across the North Sea, Atlantic, and Mediterranean. The package will deliver up to 11.1GW of capacity and generate 47.8TWh annually, about 10.6% of France's power consumption.
Commodities E20 Controversy: Why India's Ethanol Blending Roadmap Is Back in Spotlight
India's nationwide rollout of mandatory 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) in April 2025 has triggered a political row, with opponents citing a 2021 NITI Aayog report that recommended a phased transition. The controversy intensified after Attorney General R Venkataramani called E20 an 'experiment' during a Supreme Court hearing, raising concerns over vehicle compatibility and fuel efficiency.
Trade New Zealand Opens Door to Offshore Wind Investment with New Permitting Law
New Zealand's parliament has passed the Offshore Renewable Energy Bill, creating a formal two-stage approval process for offshore wind development. The New Zealand Wind Energy Association says the law provides regulatory certainty and the confidence needed to attract investment into the country's world-class offshore wind resources, particularly in the South Taranaki Bight.
Commodities Swedish County Backs Offshore Wind at Sjollen After Policy Reversal on Energy Needs
The County Administrative Board of Skåne has reversed its position on the Sjollen offshore wind project in the Öresund Strait, now supporting its designation as a national interest area. The decision comes as electricity demand in southern Sweden increases. The project, which could produce 1.3 TWh annually, has been paused by the developer due to market conditions.
Commodities Trump Administration Buys Back Four Offshore Wind Leases from Invenergy for $765 Million
The US Department of the Interior has agreed to buy back four offshore wind leases from Invenergy for $765 million, with the company redirecting funds toward natural gas and geothermal projects. This brings total offshore wind buybacks to nearly $2.6 billion, following similar deals with TotalEnergies, Golden State Wind, and Bluepoint Wind.
Commodities Coal gasification can cut import dependence and strengthen energy security: Union minister
Union coal minister G Kishan Reddy said at a roadshow that accelerating coal gasification projects can significantly reduce India's import dependence and strengthen long-term energy security. The government has set a target of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030 under the National Coal Gasification Mission.
India restricts diesel and petrol sales at retail pumps for bulk users
India has restricted institutional and commercial customers from buying motor spirit and high-speed diesel at retail outlets, directing them to source from their own consumer pumps. The order also caps retail high-speed diesel sales at 200 litres per day per customer for up to 90 days.
India ethanol push needs uniform policies and consumer trust: AIDA
India's Ethanol Blending Programme requires standardised state-level taxes and consumer education to succeed, according to the All India Distillers’ Association. With installed capacity of 2,000 crore litres and demand at 1,434 crore litres, the industry holds a surplus of 566 crore litres. Excise duty exemptions on higher blends (E22 to E30) aim to curb crude oil imports, but consumer concerns over mileage persist.
Commodities India Exempts Higher Ethanol Blend Grades from Excise Duty
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued notifications exempting ethanol blended petrol grades E22, E25, E27, and E30 from central excise duties, provided excise duty has already been paid on petrol and GST on ethanol. The move mirrors existing treatment for lower blends and aims to avoid double taxation, according to officials. Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma stated it is a preliminary prerequisite for eventual introduction of higher blends after extensive testing.
Technology Grid Stability & Renewable Energy in Parl Panel
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Commodities India's Clean Energy Ambitions to Boost Job Market
India's ambitious target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 is set to generate over 44 lakh jobs, with rooftop solar being the largest contributor. The study by CEEW and NRDC India highlights the employment potential and gender imbalance in the sector.