Topic
renewable
Commodities Zanskar Revives Failing Geothermal Well, Sets US Productivity Record
Geothermal company Zanskar has turned around the failing Lightning Dock power plant in New Mexico by drilling a new 8,000-foot well, making it the most productive pumped geothermal well in the US. The achievement, reported exclusively to WIRED, was enabled by AI modeling and oil-and-gas drilling technology, and it challenges assumptions about declining geothermal fields.
Commodities Grain-based ethanol gains momentum: What it means for India's blending programme
India's ethanol blending programme has crossed 717 crore litres cumulative supplies by June 2026, with grain-based ethanol contributing nearly 480 crore litres. The shift to maize and surplus grains provides resilience against crop failures, supports rural industry, and advances energy security.
Commodities After cars, now ethanol may make its way to your kitchen: Plans in the works to introduce it as mainstream cooking fuel alongside LPG
India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is developing a policy framework to introduce ethanol as a mainstream household cooking fuel alongside LPG. The initiative aims to utilize the country's surplus ethanol production capacity of over 20 billion litres annually, reduce LPG import dependence, and strengthen energy security.
Commodities Trump Administration Adds Duke Energy to Offshore Wind Buyout Campaign With $129M Settlement
The US Department of the Interior has reached a settlement agreement with Duke Energy to terminate its offshore wind lease in the Carolina Long Bay area for $129 million, as part of the Trump administration's broader campaign to halt offshore wind projects. Duke will reinvest the funds in new nuclear, natural gas, and grid enhancements. The administration has now spent over $2.6 billion to terminate nine offshore wind leases.
Commodities Distilleries Supply 68% of Contracted 1,048 Crore Litres Ethanol in Eight Months
As of June 2026, Indian distilleries have supplied 717 crore litres of ethanol, fulfilling 68% of the 1,048 crore litres contracted by oil marketing companies for the Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26. Maize-based ethanol dominates at 36%, followed by FCI rice and sugarcane juice. Grain-based distilleries account for 67% of supplies, while sugar-based units have achieved 82% fulfilment of their contracts.
Commodities Kent appointed as owner’s engineer for Buchan floating wind farm in Scotland
Kent has been selected as the owner's engineer for the Buchan floating wind farm in Scotland, a nearly 1GW project located 75 km off Fraserburgh. The appointment includes support from Vekta Group and New Power Partners as the project progresses towards a final investment decision and construction by the end of the decade.
Commodities Ørsted Hornsea 3 Survey Discovers Centuries-Old Lead Ingots in North Sea
Survey work on Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm in the North Sea revealed three historic lead ingots alongside the remains of a wooden shipwreck. The ingots, dating to the late 17th or early 18th century, weigh about 70 kg each and will be housed at the Peak District Lead Mining Museum. The discovery provides a glimpse into historic trade routes and England's once-thriving lead industry.
Commodities Geothermal Energy Investment Needed to Develop Next-Generation Technologies
The BBC reports bipartisan US political support for geothermal energy, with new technologies like enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and millimetre-wave drilling aiming to access deeper, hotter resources. Investment is critical to commercialize these next-generation systems, which could expand geothermal power beyond traditional hotspots.
Commodities India launches 2% isobutanol-diesel trials, paving way for first diesel biofuel programme
India has initiated trials of a 2% isobutanol-diesel blend in commercial vehicles, marking the first step toward a diesel biofuel programme. The government-backed initiative involves HPCL, ARAI, Praj Industries, and automakers like Tata Motors. The move follows failed ethanol-diesel blends and leverages isobutanol's compatibility with diesel.
Commodities Germany Rejects TotalEnergies Request to Surrender Offshore Wind Site, Minister Says Concession Binding
Germany has rejected TotalEnergies' request to surrender its NordseeEnergies 2 (NSE2) offshore wind site in the North Sea, with Economy Minister Katherina Reiche stating that concession awards are binding. TotalEnergies had sought to exit the 1.5GW project amid grid connection delays. In contrast, the US has spent nearly $2.6bn on offshore wind license buybacks, including nearly $1bn for TotalEnergies' two leases.
Commodities India's Power Generation Capacity Crosses 530 GW, Set to Hit 600 GW Next Year
India's power generation capacity has crossed 530 GW and is expected to reach nearly 600 GW next year, driven by rapid additions in renewable energy, thermal power, and battery storage. A senior Power Ministry official highlighted record peak demand of 270 GW and outlined plans for 97 GW of thermal, 100 GW of nuclear, and over 44 GW of battery storage capacity, along with a Rs 20,000 crore CCUS support package.
Commodities Shell Weighs $1bn Offshore Wind Sell-Off as It Shifts Focus Back to Oil and Gas
Shell is reportedly preparing to launch a sale of its offshore wind farms worth over $1bn, advised by Rothschild & Co and PJT Partners. The move is part of CEO Wael Sawan's strategy to cut costs and focus on higher-returning oil and gas assets, following the divestment of European onshore renewables and Indian renewable firm Sprng Energy.
Commodities Global Offshore Wind Capacity on Track to Quadruple to 420 GW by 2035
A new report from the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) forecasts that global offshore wind capacity will quadruple to 420 GW by 2035, driven by a 24% CAGR between 2026 and 2030. In 2025, over 9 GW were added, bringing cumulative capacity to 92.5 GW. China led with 6.6 GW of new installations, while Europe added 2 GW.
Logistics TGS Wins European Offshore Wind Site Characterisation Contract
TGS has secured a contract for offshore wind site characterisation in Europe, set to begin in August. The project will utilize TGS's Ultra High Resolution 3D streamer technology for detailed subsurface imaging.
Commodities India's Ethanol Push: E85 Fuel Price Drops by Rs 20/Litre
India is set to reduce the price of E85 fuel by Rs 20 per litre as part of its ethanol adoption strategy. This move aims to compensate for the lower energy content of ethanol and reduce fossil fuel imports.
Technology India's Rooftop Solar Surge: 75 Lakh Homes by December
India aims to power 75 lakh households with rooftop solar systems by December under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The initiative, launched in 2024, has already solarized 40 lakh homes, with significant government subsidies driving adoption.