The move comes as data centers continue to drive electricity consumption to unprecedented levels, creating challenges for power systems in multiple regions. According to FERC, the objective is to establish clearer procedures for connecting major energy users and ensuring that the infrastructure required to serve them is funded appropriately. The regulator said the review is intended to support faster deployment of facilities tied to artificial intelligence development while reducing risks to grid stability. FERC Chairman Laura Swett described the issue as a national priority, stating, “This is the biggest priority our country is facing at the moment.” Referring to efforts to expand AI-related infrastructure, she added, “This is a race against time, and we are going to win.”

Under the orders, grid operators and transmission owners have 60 days to explain why their current approaches remain appropriate or outline potential revisions across five key areas. These include creating transparent procedures for connecting large electricity users and determining how infrastructure expenses should be allocated. The review of Data Center Power Rules also encourages grid operators to consider frameworks that allow large customers to develop dedicated power sources, including their own generation facilities, and to deploy advanced technologies that improve the efficiency of existing networks.

Industry stakeholders broadly welcomed the initiative. Robert Montejo, a partner at Duane Morris representing data center developers and power companies, said, “The grid and ⁠prior policy were not built for the pace and scale of demand we’re seeing from AI infrastructure, and FERC is signaling that standing still is no longer an option.” Environmental groups also responded positively. The Sierra Club stated, “We are energized that there is a clear path forward to adopt responsible large load interconnection policies that safeguard reliability, improve transparency, and embed affordability and ratepayer protections for American households.” Alongside the review of Data Center Power Rules, FERC said it would no longer automatically assess cumulative environmental impacts in rulemaking conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act. Swett said, “We are no longer going to waste valuable staff and applicant time and money doing an analysis that is not necessary under the law.”

The financing structure includes support from the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), with the EBRD benefiting from a first-loss guarantee and the EIB receiving backing through the Connectivity Component of the EFSD+ Open Architecture Guarantee Agreement. In addition, €5.5 million in grant funding from the EU’s Neighbourhood Investment Platform (NIP) will help finance associated transmission infrastructure. This contribution forms part of a wider €35.8 million EU Global Gateway package aimed at accelerating renewable energy investment in Tunisia. The development is linked to Tunisia’s 1.7 GW renewable energy concession programme launched in 2022, which supports the country’s goal of sourcing 35 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2030.

Harry Boyd-Carpenter, Managing Director of the EBRD’s Sustainable Infrastructure Group, said: “We are delighted to be partnering once again with Scatec and Aeolus, two of the most dynamic and rigorous investors in this sector, to finance this important project. This is also a great Team Europe effort, where we are partnering with our co-lender, the EIB, and benefiting from generous donor support from the European Union to support the development of clean and very low-cost energy in Tunisia. These benefits are even more important in the current circumstances, where we are seeing challenges to energy security. The success of this project is also a tribute to the Tunisian government’s determined efforts to push forward with an ambitious energy reform and transition agenda.” EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris stated: “This project marks an important step in supporting Tunisia’s efforts to deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy to its citizens, in line with the country’s national objectives. Through EIB Global and the Team Europe approach, we are working with our partners to scale up renewable energy investment and strengthen the infrastructure needed for a more secure and resilient energy system.” Giuseppe Perrone, EU Ambassador to Tunisia, added: “In the spirit of the EU-Tunisia memorandum of understanding on energy of June 2024, the European Union is taking concrete action in the renewable energy sector to ensure Tunisia’s energy security and decarbonisation, in line with the T MED programme launched by Commissioner Suica on 9 June 2026 during European Sustainable Energy Week.”

Alongside financing, the project will receive technical cooperation support from the EBRD’s Shareholder Special Fund. Programmes will focus on workforce capacity building in the Sidi Bouzid and Gabès regions to address emerging skills needs in Tunisia’s energy sector. Community initiatives in Khobna and Mezzouna will also promote awareness of gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) and care-related benefits, with the aim of encouraging greater female participation in the workforce. Established in June 2021, EFSD+ provides grants and guarantees to mobilise investment across partner countries and has a global guarantee capacity of €39.8 billion for the 2021–2027 period, including €22.5 billion dedicated to enlargement and neighbourhood regions. Since 2012, the EBRD has invested more than €3 billion in Tunisia through 90 projects while supporting nearly 2,000 local small and medium-sized enterprises through EU-funded technical assistance programmes. The Tunisia Solar Project Expansion further strengthens cooperation between European institutions and Tunisia in advancing renewable energy and decarbonisation objectives.

The offshore wind partnership is set to encompass shared business opportunities, knowledge exchange, and coordinated supply chain growth spanning both countries. Norwegian Offshore Wind, which represents approximately 300 member companies, operates 15 working groups across the offshore wind value chain and counts more than 80 businesses within its dedicated UK working group alone an organisation with an explicit mandate to build globally competitive supply chains. Humber Marine and Renewables, for its part, was established in 2022 following the merger of Team Humber Marine Renewables and the Grimsby Renewables Partnership, consolidating the Humber region’s industry voice into a single body with more than 80 members active across what is commonly referred to as the UK’s Energy Estuary.

Tor Arne Johnsen, business development manager at Norwegian Offshore Wind, underlined why the Humber was an attractive counterpart: “The Humber combines gigawatt-scale operational capacity, a multi-GW project pipeline, and strong offshore wind supply chains. With Humber Marine and Renewables, we have an ideal partner for creating opportunities for our members and building partnerships across the North Sea. This MoU cements a stronger cooperation and a platform for further cooperation in the years to come.” Camilla Carlbom Flinn, vice chair of Humber Marine and Renewables, echoed that sentiment, pointing to two decades of world-leading offshore wind activity in the Humber before adding: “Norway has been a friend through fishing and seafood supply, and now we’re harnessing the power from our expansive coastlines too. Humber Marine and Renewables is proud to officially partner with Norwegian Offshore Wind. We aren’t just connecting two regions; we are bridging the North Sea in the true spirit of innovation and shared delivery. Together, our respective members will unlock new opportunities, drive technological advancements, and accelerate the growth of the offshore wind industry.”

Practically, the MoU will see both organisations collaborate on industry events, trade delegations, and supply chain engagement, including joint participation at conferences such as Offshore Wind Connections and Floating Wind Days, as well as shared bootcamps and supplier-focused networking events held across the UK and Norway.

Located near Volvo Penta’s headquarters, Gothenburg RoRo Terminal has become a natural environment for long-term collaboration and field testing under real operating conditions. “Our partnership with Volvo Penta has been ongoing since 2014,” says Göran Dittmer, Technical manager at the terminal. “We provide the machines and operational environment and run as many hours as possible, while Volvo Penta uses this to test and validate driveline solutions and collect data that supports future development.”

Field testing has been at the core of the collaboration from the start. The terminal machines serve as real-world testbeds for activities such as engine data logging for electric driveline development, hydrogen injector trials, turbo testing and component validation. “The value of piloting these technologies is enormous,” says Göran. “It gives both the port and Volvo Penta practical experience before products reach the market and helps plan for future infrastructure and regulatory requirements.” In parallel, early discussions are taking place around possible retrofits aimed at extending machine lifespan, as a cost-efficient and necessary way to meet evolving sustainability requirements.

Driving sustainability with HVO

The terminal led the transition to HVO fuel, starting with a 40% blend in 2018 to meet EU density regulations. In 2019, the entire fleet, including engines dating back to 1999, operated on 100% HVO. “CO₂ emissions per unit have decreased to about one third of the previous level,” says Göran. Reducing CO₂ emissions per unit has allowed the terminal to grow production while staying within environmental limits: “The only way to increase production is to reduce CO₂ per unit,” explains Göran.

Switching to HVO allowed the terminal to improve existing machines to meet strict environmental standards without immediate investment in electrification.

Operational insights and future opportunities

Operating in a harsh terminal environment constant exposure to salt, moisture, and heavy use accelerates wear and corrosion. While these challenges remain, collaboration with Volvo Penta provides valuable insight into engine and driveline performance over time. Meanwhile, the terminal continues to explore cost-effective and sustainable ways to extend machine life, including potential repowering and retrofits, though these are not yet implemented.

Preparing for the next phase of the energy transition

Looking ahead, Göran emphasizes the need for curiosity and proactive action. “Don’t wait for someone else to do it. Explore different solutions, compare options, and stay open to innovation. Battery technology and energy solutions will evolve rapidly, and partnerships like ours with Volvo Penta are crucial for navigating that change.”

While HVO has been a key enabler in meeting current sustainability targets, regulatory expectations for emissions reduction will continue to evolve and tighten over time, making electrification and other zero emission technologies increasingly important. Here, Volvo Penta’s role in early collaboration and field testing helps bridge today’s operations with tomorrow’s technologies.

A milestone today, a foundation for tomorrow

Reaching one million operating hours on HVO demonstrates what is possible through careful planning, technical expertise, and close collaboration. “We haven’t seen any fuel-related problems. The engines perform as reliably as on conventional diesel, with even fewer maintenance issues related to fuel and aftertreatment than our sister port,” Göran concludes. “It’s a strong foundation for future sustainable solutions, including electrification and hydrogen.”

All four projects are currently in the development stage. The first among them are expected to reach ready-to-build status in 2028, contingent upon obtaining all necessary permits. Should the entire portfolio be fully developed and constructed, it is projected to represent an investment volume exceeding €700 million. Once operational, the projects are expected to deliver approximately 900 GWh of renewable electricity annually to the Norwegian power system, bolstering renewable generation capacity within the NO1 price area. The sheer scale of this solar storage partnership underscores both parties’ commitment to advancing clean energy infrastructure across the Nordic region.

Through this expanded collaboration, Landinfra and Eiffel intend to combine their complementary strengths. Landinfra brings deep project origination and development capabilities across the Nordics, while Eiffel contributes its extensive track record in financing and supporting renewable energy infrastructure development throughout Europe. The partnership leverages these combined resources to address growing demand for new sources of renewable energy in Norway.

Marcus Landelin, CEO and Co-Founder of Landinfra, commented: “We are pleased to expand our partnership with Eiffel to include a portfolio of large scale solar power projects with co-located battery energy storage in Norway. Eiffel is a leading European asset manager with extensive experience from development partnerships and infrastructure financing. Together, we bring the capabilities, experience, and financial strength required to develop new and much-needed renewable electricity generation in NO1.”

Laurent Coubret, Investment Director and Fund Manager at Eiffel, added: “Norway represents a compelling opportunity for renewable energy development, and this portfolio is a strong addition to our growing Nordic presence. We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Landinfra, which has proven being an ideal partner in the Nordics. Expanding our collaboration with them into Norway is a natural next step. This transaction reflects Eiffel’s conviction in the long-term value of utility scale solar and battery storage across Europe, and our commitment to supporting the energy transition with both capital and operational know-how.”

The agreement positions both Landinfra and Eiffel as key contributors to Norway’s evolving renewable energy landscape. With nearly 900 GWh of projected annual clean electricity output, the portfolio would make a meaningful contribution to the country’s solar power capacity. The focus on co-located battery storage also reflects a broader industry trend toward pairing generation assets with storage solutions to enhance grid stability and energy dispatch flexibility. As the energy transition gains momentum across Europe, this expanded Nordic partnership between Landinfra and Eiffel signals a strong and growing appetite for utility scale solar and battery storage development in the region.

The discussion comes as Brazil continues to rely heavily on renewable power, with around 90% of its electricity generated from renewable sources following decades of investment in hydropower infrastructure. While the growth of wind and solar capacity has strengthened the country’s clean energy profile, it has also introduced new operational challenges for the power system. These include rising levels of renewable energy curtailment, greater risks to grid stability and an increasing requirement for long-duration storage solutions capable of balancing supply and demand over extended periods. Recent estimates indicate that losses associated with renewable curtailment reached $1.1bn in 2025.

Industry representatives highlighted Pumped Storage Hydropower as an established technology capable of addressing these challenges. They noted that, unlike battery storage systems, pumped storage facilities do not depend on critical minerals and can deliver large-scale storage capacity while also providing important grid balancing services. The sector further pointed to the long operational lifespan of such facilities, which can function for more than 100 years while requiring relatively limited maintenance.

At the Brasília roundtable, industry participants presented five recommendations aimed at creating a more favourable investment environment. The proposals include establishing a clear regulatory framework for pumped storage developments, creating long-term auction pipelines, introducing 30-year capacity contracts, streamlining environmental licensing procedures and improving coordination among government agencies. Sector leaders argue that implementing these measures would help unlock large-scale storage investment and strengthen the resilience of Brazil’s electricity system as renewable generation continues to expand.

The programme involves the construction of state-of-the-art substations and the installation of advanced transmission lines designed to channel solar and wind power generated in the Red Sea and Gulf of Suez regions into the national grid. These upgrades to electricity infrastructure are expected to reduce transmission losses, improve reliability and bolster energy security across the country. The clean energy grid investment also supports Egypt’s broader strategic goal of becoming a regional clean-energy hub and advancing sustainable economic development.

This initiative represents one of the first concrete operations under the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean-Tech Cooperation Initiative, known as the T-MED initiative, a flagship programme within the Pact for the Mediterranean. The T-MED initiative is designed to strengthen renewable energy and clean-technology cooperation between the European Union and its southern Mediterranean partners, contributing to the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

H.E. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates, said: “This agreement reflects the strength of the partnership between Egypt and the European Union and our shared determination to advance the green transition. Together with the EIB and the EU, we are taking an important step to modernise our electricity network, strengthen energy security and create new opportunities for sustainable growth. This is the kind of practical cooperation that brings real benefits to our economy and our people.”

European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica stated: “The Pact for the Mediterranean keeps delivering. Under its newly launched flagship initiative, T-MED, today we presented a major EU-supported project to strengthen and expand Egypt’s electricity infrastructure. This will reinforce Egypt’s role in the regional energy markets and create major business opportunities for local and European companies. It is another testimony of our shared commitment to sustainable growth, energy security and long-term prosperity in the Mediterranean.”

EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti added: “This project is a very concrete example of what the partnership between Egypt and the European Union can achieve. By working together, Egypt, the EU and the EIB are supporting the expansion and modernisation of the electricity network, unlocking more renewable energy and strengthening the country’s role as a regional energy hub. For the EIB, this is about backing sustainable growth, greater energy resilience and better opportunities for people and businesses across the country.”

The EU financing package covers 44% of the total programme cost, with the remaining share funded through EETC’s own resources. This shared financing structure underscores the joint commitment of Egypt and its European partners to deliver long-term investment in clean, reliable and resilient energy infrastructure. The EIB Global-supported phase of the programme is scheduled for implementation between 2027 and 2030. The government of Egypt will serve as borrower through the Central Bank of Egypt, while EETC will lead the execution of the project as part of wider efforts to modernise the national electricity system. The investments will also contribute to regional electricity cooperation and future clean-energy trade and integration across the Mediterranean, reinforcing Egypt’s position in regional renewable energy markets.

Announced during European Sustainable Energy Week by Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica and Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, the T-MED clean energy programme is backed by more than €5 billion in guarantee capacity made available by the European Commission under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus. This guarantee capacity is intended to help unlock both public and private investment in the sectors covered by the initiative. By 2035, the programme is expected to contribute to the development of 15 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity, drive regulatory reforms in partner countries, and help generate more than 100,000 jobs across clean energy sectors.

The T-MED clean energy initiative will be delivered through five coordinated actions. The first centres on investment mobilisation, bringing together the Commission, European and international financial institutions, and the private sector to reduce investment risks, attract funding and support renewable energy and clean technology projects across the region.

The second action focuses on regulatory cooperation, helping partner countries improve the investment climate by simplifying permitting procedures, aligning regulations and reducing barriers to investment. Third, a dedicated T-MED Skills Agenda will align vocational training with the needs of the clean energy sector, ensuring local workforces can benefit from new job opportunities arising from the energy transition. This Skills Agenda will include support for modernised technical and vocational education and training systems, strengthen university partnerships, and promote excellence in engineering, digital technologies and green finance.

Fourth, T-MED will support infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy trading by mobilising investments to modernise electricity grids, promote cross-border energy trade and encourage the deployment of smart technologies to better integrate Mediterranean renewables into power systems. The fifth action involves clean tech industrial cooperation, supporting local manufacturing and more resilient supply chains while fostering innovation and industrial partnerships across the region.

Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, commented: “The current energy crisis underscores how energy security cannot only rely on diversifying fossil fuel imports. We must move towards electrified energy systems based on clean energy, strong interconnections and efficient networks. This initiative will be key to unlock the untapped clean energy potential of the Southern Mediterranean region and foster investments in clean tech. It will serve both Europe’s and the region’s interest in lowering exposure to fossil fuel price shocks.”

Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica added: “At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, growing energy demand and increasing climate pressures, unlocking this potential is in the shared interest of both the EU and its southern Mediterranean partners.”

The Commission has launched dedicated platforms for investors to participate. Private investors including commercial banks, asset managers and impact funds were invited to express their interest by 15 June, while project promoters can register interest until 15 August. By October 2026, the European Commission will chair the first operational meeting of the T-MED Investment Platform. The first EU-Mediterranean clean tech industrial collaborations are expected to take shape by 2027, bringing together companies from both sides of the Mediterranean.

The programme represents a significant effort to harness the region’s hydrogen and renewable energy potential, bolster energy security for both Europe and its southern neighbours, and build a clean technology manufacturing base capable of generating substantial employment across the Mediterranean.

The agreements are intended to support research activities, fuel qualification programmes and manufacturing capabilities needed for the future deployment of advanced modular reactors. AMRs are being developed to provide low-carbon heat and power for industrial, defence and off-grid applications. The technology is aimed at delivering a compact and adaptable energy solution while contributing to decarbonisation efforts and strengthening energy security. Through the UK Japan Nuclear Agreements, the three organisations will combine expertise and technical resources to address key development challenges associated with advanced reactor systems and fuel technologies.

Chris Cholerton, Group President, Rolls-Royce, said: “Our two agreements with UKNNL and JAEA are a milestone moment for the UK’s nuclear sector. Strengthening existing relationships between our nations and combining our broad nuclear capability, they will enable us to jointly address technical challenges and accelerate the development of Advanced Modular Reactors and their advanced coated particle fuel, to deliver industrial growth, skilled jobs and energy security for our nations.”

In addition to technology development, the organisations will collaborate on innovation initiatives, workforce skills programmes and access to specialist facilities to reinforce the UK’s advanced nuclear supply chain and technical capabilities. The UK Japan Nuclear Agreements also align with Rolls-Royce’s broader strategy to expand its nuclear activities beyond small modular reactors while exploring opportunities within the emerging AMR market.

The dispute centered on a presidential memorandum issued on January 20, 2025, titled “Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from Offshore Wind Leasing and Review of the Federal Government’s Leasing and Permitting Practices for Wind Projects.” Section 2 of the memorandum, widely referred to as the offshore wind ban, directed federal agencies to halt all processing and issuance of permits, approvals, and other authorizations for offshore wind projects. This freeze applied even to areas already under active leases and was tied to an indefinite comprehensive review of offshore wind activities. It also instructed the Department of Interior to assess offshore wind leasing and permitting practices, including environmental review processes under the National Environmental Policy Act.

A coalition of 17 states and the District of Columbia, led by New York, filed a legal challenge on May 5, 2025, in NY et al. v. Trump. The plaintiffs argued that the halt to permitting and leasing harmed the economic and environmental interests of the states and DC, overstepped executive authority in managing federal waters for clean energy development, and violated established legal procedures.

Ten days after the lawsuit was filed, the National Wildlife Federation and nine other environmental non-profits submitted an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs. The brief stated that “the Agencies simultaneously are seeking to gut the federal wildlife protection that permitting processes are intended to safeguard, and to fast-track non-wind projects that kill and harm species.”

Amber Hewett, senior director of offshore wind energy at the National Wildlife Federation, emphasized that the court’s decision affirmed what advocates had long maintained. “Arbitrary halts to responsible offshore wind development interfere with efforts to protect wildlife, reduce carbon emissions, and address the rising demand for affordable and reliable energy,” Hewett said. “Offshore wind leasing and development is subject to rigorous review and public comment processes to ensure wildlife and communities are protected. The Court’s decision upholds what we have known: that this ban was a baseless overstep of authority impeding responsible offshore wind development, a critical solution to safeguard wildlife and people from the effects of climate change.”

On December 8, 2025, Judge Patti B. Saris issued her decision in the case, ruling that the implementation of the offshore wind ban under Section 2 was unlawful and vacated it in its entirety. The federal government filed notice of appeal on February 17, 2026. However, upon consideration of the appellants’ agreement, the First Circuit Court entered a judgment ordering that the government’s appeal be voluntarily dismissed. The judgment is now final.

New York Attorney General Letitia James released a statement following the resolution. “New York’s wind projects will create jobs, strengthen our economy, and bring down New Yorkers’ electric bills. My office will continue to fight any attempt to undermine that progress,” James said.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell noted that her state has directed hundreds of millions of dollars into offshore wind development, “and the court correctly protected those critical investments from the Trump administration’s unlawful order.” Campbell added that the administration’s decision to drop the appeal and the court’s formal dismissal “will preserve well-paying clean energy jobs and ensure access to reliable, affordable energy as Massachusetts continues to advance its climate goals.”

The conclusion of this case secures the legal standing of existing offshore wind leasing and permitting activities, removing the federal court challenge that had cast uncertainty over the sector’s future along the Outer Continental Shelf.