Energiewende in Germany

The government has approved an updated national energy end climate plan which brings more ambitious goals in key segments such as emission growth and the pace of transition towards renewables.

The European Commission said on Tuesday it had approved discounts granted to energy-intensive companies on a surcharge used to support renewable electricity production in Greece.

Athens imposes a surcharge on electricity consumers based on consumption to support both renewable electricity and high-efficiency cogeneration.

Europe eyes energy from Balkans

The Western Balkans may provide a remedy to energy-starved Europe by exporting power across the Adriatic.

Hydropower plants, such as this one in Vrutok, Macedonia, are a way for Balkan states to secure energy independence. [Tomislav Georgiev/SETimes]