New South Wales is set to receive a boost in renewable power as the 25-megawatt Mulwala Solar Farm, a collaborative initiative involving Google, AirTrunk, and European Energy Australia, nears its operational launch. The project, first announced in 2023, is in its final stages of completion and is preparing to integrate with the national grid. Upon commencement, it will contribute fresh clean energy capacity to Australia’s National Electricity Market. This advancement arrives at a time when the surge in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data storage is increasing electricity consumption across the region.

For Google, this solar farm is an integral component of its Digital Future Initiative. This program strategically aligns the company’s technological expansion within Australia with investments in infrastructure, skill development, and energy solutions. The Mulwala Solar Farm is designed to synchronize the growth of digital operations with the development of new renewable energy generation, rather than solely depending on existing grid infrastructure. Google stated, “Today, alongside AirTrunk and European Energy Australia, we announced that the 25-megawatt Mulwala Solar Farm in New South Wales is nearing completion and preparing to join the grid.”

This project represents a convergence of critical elements within the energy and technology sectors. Google is actively working to mitigate the environmental impact of its operations. AirTrunk stands as a prominent data centre operator across the Asia-Pacific region. European Energy Australia contributes its specialized expertise in renewable energy development. Together, these partners are positioning the solar farm as a key contributor to a wider transformation in how digital infrastructure is constructed and powered. Data centres are increasingly recognized as vital economic assets, underpinning cloud services, AI workloads, financial systems, public sector modernization, and enterprise operations. Simultaneously, they face mounting scrutiny from investors, regulators, and consumers who seek clarity on their electricity consumption, grid impact, and emissions. The announcement highlighted, “First announced in 2023, this project will add new clean energy capacity to Australia’s National Electricity Market.”

This aspect is crucial for executives. The procurement of renewable energy by corporations gains greater significance when it directly supports the establishment of new generation capacity. Such initiatives can effectively reduce operational emissions while simultaneously aiding the broader decarbonization of the grid. The Mulwala Solar Farm exemplifies this, demonstrating how a corporate Australia solar farm can contribute to national energy goals.

Australia’s energy market is navigating a complex transition away from fossil fuels, with new solar, wind, storage, and transmission capacity remaining central to this shift. Projects backed by corporations can accelerate investment, particularly when substantial energy consumers commit to their demand. The Mulwala Solar Farm also addresses a governance challenge for technology companies. While digital services are expanding rapidly, current climate commitments necessitate tangible evidence of energy sourcing. In many cases, purchasing renewable energy certificates alone is no longer sufficient for stakeholders. Google has set a clear objective to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy, a more rigorous standard than annual offsets, focusing on continuous clean electricity utilization.

Initiatives like the Mulwala Solar Farm play a vital role in bridging the gap between climate aspirations and operational realities. Google further commented, “As part of our Digital Future Initiative, this solar farm helps match growing digital needs with new renewable energy, supporting Australia’s broader grid decarbonization. It also brings us closer to our aim of operating on 24/7 carbon-free energy.”

The initiative is anticipated to introduce substantial capacity in wind power, solar energy, and energy storage. This development is poised to establish Southeast Asia’s most extensive Future Energy System, an AI-driven infrastructure designed to seamlessly integrate various energy systems with intelligent operational capabilities. Consequently, the project is expected to considerably augment the region’s integrated clean energy capacity.

The official signing ceremony saw the attendance of notable figures including Malaythong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) of Lao PDR, Edward Hou, Senior Vice President & President of Asia-Pacific Region at Envision Energy, and Peck Khamkanist, Executive Chairman of Impact Electrons Siam. This partnership signifies a crucial advancement in Laos’ ongoing efforts to transition from a hydro-dominant power exporting nation towards becoming a diversified clean energy development center. It establishes a new benchmark for integrated renewable energy development throughout the ASEAN region.

Leveraging its extensive global experience in pioneering future energy systems and net-zero industrial parks, Envision Energy will deploy its advanced AI-powered future energy system. This technology will facilitate intelligent coordination and optimization across the project’s wind, solar, and storage operations. The generated green power is intended to not only satisfy the escalating local electricity demand but also to provide essential support for next-generation sustainable infrastructure and industries. These include smart cities, green data centers, green mining, and advanced manufacturing, thereby accelerating Laos’ energy transition.

Furthermore, the collaborating parties will explore the potential contribution of green hydrogen to enhancing energy stability and supporting the development of future green industrial parks within Laos. The project is expected to serve as a demonstration of how system-level integration and intelligent operational strategies can lead to improved reliability, efficiency, and long-term resilience in renewable energy systems. This could establish a scalable model for clean energy development across Southeast Asia.

Edward Hou, Senior Vice President & President of Asia-Pacific Region at Envision Energy, said: “By integrating wind, solar, and energy storage at scale, this project will further optimize Laos’ energy mix, enhance grid stability and flexibility, and improve the cost competitiveness of clean electricity.”

“In partnership with Envision Energy, the project brings together global expertise in integrated energy systems to support more advanced and efficient clean power development in the region,” added Peck Khamkanist, Executive Chairman of Impact Electrons Siam.

Positioned as a leading industry platform, the forum focuses on investment, modernization, and strategic development of thermal power infrastructure in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

A Market Entering a New Investment Cycle

Central Asia is undergoing a significant transformation of its energy sector, driven by aging infrastructure, rising electricity demand and the need for efficiency and decarbonisation.

The forum will showcase 30+ large-scale investment projects in:

• Construction of new thermal power plants
• Modernisation and expansion of existing facilities
• Gasification of coal-fired assets
• Development of combined-cycle power plants (CCGT)
• Implementation of digital and AI-driven technologies

These projects represent substantial opportunities for European technology providers, EPC contractors, and investors seeking entry into high-growth energy markets.

Download the analytical report on the Thermal Power Industry

Key Forum Figures:

• 200+ participants from 15+ countries
• 40+ speakers, including industry leaders and policymakers
• 30+ investment projects presented
• 2 days of high-level discussions and B2B meetings

The forum is designed as a deal-making platform, enabling direct dialogue between project initiators, operators and solution providers.

Confirmed Participants:

• Eurasian Resources Group
• Turkestan CCGT Project
• Almaty Electric Stations (AES)
• INTER RAO Export
• Ust-Kamenogorsk TPP
• Ekibastuz TPP
• Kazakhmys Energy
• Ekibastuz GRES-1 named after Bulat Nurzhanov

Distinguished Speakers:

Among confirmed speakers and industry experts:

• Arman Kashkinbekov, Board Member, Samruk-Energo; ERG
• Saifulla Shaismatov, CEO, Teploelektroproekt
• Evgeny Nikitin, Director of Energy Department, Eurasian Resources Group
• Daniyar Nugumanov, CEO, Ust-Kamenogorsk TPP
• Nurlan Ramazanov, Director, Sogrinskaya TPP
• Aibek Kozhabekov, Chief Engineer, KuatZhyluOrtalyk-3

Strategic Agenda Highlights:

• Plenary session: Thermal Power Industry Outlook to 2035
• AI in energy: practical applications in power generation
• Energy transition in Central Asia: challenges and realistic pathways
• Financing thermal power projects: engaging banks and investors
• Asset management strategies: modernisation vs decommissioning
• Technical roundtable: safety and operational efficiency at TPPs

Download the analytical report on the Thermal Power Industry

Forum Partners:

• General Sponsor — Gazprombank (Joint Stock Company)
• Bronze Sponsor — INNIO Jenbacher
• Logistics Partner — DBF Lojistik A.Ş.

About the Forum:

“Thermal Power Plants Central Asia” is an annual international forum organized by Vostock Capital, dedicated to the development of thermal power generation in Central Asia. The platform connects industry leaders, investors, and technology providers to accelerate project implementation and foster international cooperation.

The formal application for the 1.5 GW offshore wind farm, situated off the coast of Normandy, was filed by Centre Manche Energies, a wholly-owned project company of TotalEnergies. This submission follows the French government’s initial award of the project to TotalEnergies eight months prior. The comprehensive application includes detailed technical and environmental surveys, a preliminary design for the wind farm’s infrastructure, and the proposed installation program.

Upon completion, the 1.5 GW offshore wind farm in Normandy is anticipated to produce approximately 6 terawatt-hours of green electricity each year. This output is substantial enough to meet the electricity needs of more than one million French households. TotalEnergies has projected the investment required for this venture to be approximately 4.5 billion euros, equating to roughly $5.2 billion.

The planned construction phase for the project is expected to span three years and will support employment for up to 2,500 individuals, thereby delivering economic benefits to the Normandy region. In line with evolving European energy policies, TotalEnergies intends to prioritize sourcing materials and components from European suppliers. This includes a focus on wind turbines and electric cables, reflecting an increasing effort within the European Union to safeguard its domestic clean energy sector from international competition. The development of this Normandy wind project is a key part of their strategy.

The 1.5 GW offshore wind farm will now proceed through a crucial permitting process, involving a thorough government review of the submitted assessments and application. Concurrently, Centre Manche Energies will engage in consultations with local authorities, environmental organizations, maritime stakeholders, and the wider public. These dialogues are intended to ensure the seamless integration of the new renewable energy projects into the regional economy and community fabric.

The event convened a diverse group of stakeholders from the renewable energy sector, including domestic and international financial institutions, project developers, and equipment suppliers. KOSPO outlined its intention to incrementally add 3.4 GW of renewable energy capacity within the next five years, projecting a total expansion to 11.2 GW renewable energy by 2040. This forward-looking KOSPO renewable energy strategy underscores a commitment to sustainable energy growth.

The initial phase of investment will target solar power projects. KOSPO plans to leverage idle land at existing power plant sites and areas affected by saltwater damage on farmland for solar installations. Furthermore, the company intends to assume a leading shareholder role in publicly initiated offshore wind projects.

Korea Southern Power highlighted its established presence in the renewable energy landscape. This includes the successful installation of 115 domestically manufactured wind turbines, a leading position in battery energy storage systems (ESS), and advancements in floating solar projects. The company has also been actively involved in demonstration work for next-generation building-integrated photovoltaics.

In the realm of offshore wind, KOSPO plans a phased expansion, beginning with 200-megawatt pilot projects in Yeonggwang’s Yawol area and Busan’s Dadaepo area. The company is committed to ensuring a high operational efficiency, targeting a 97% operating rate. Development of floating offshore wind power on the east coast is slated for completion by 2030. KOSPO also aims for the early integration of individually permitted offshore wind projects into designated development zones under the Special Act on Offshore Wind Power.

Further strengthening its renewable energy portfolio under the 11.2 GW renewable energy, KOSPO is scheduled to commence construction on two onshore wind farms, Yukbaeksan and Gangneung, in 2027. The company will also undertake timely repowering initiatives for aging wind farms, including Hankyong, Taebaek, and Changjuk, to enhance their efficiency and output.

KOSPO is actively engaging with the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and local communities to advance large-scale solar projects on salt-damaged farmland in regions such as Jangheung. To bolster the renewable energy industry ecosystem, KOSPO has formalized collaborations through memorandums of understanding with 11 partner institutions across five key areas: financial institutions, project developers, and technology companies.

Specific agreements include a project financing arrangement with KB Kookmin Bank and other financial entities, an investment advisory partnership with Koramco and Alpha Asset Management, and an equipment supply contract with Doosan Enerbility for the Yeonggwang Yawol and Busan Dadaepo offshore wind projects. Additionally, a solar technology demonstration agreement has been established with the Korea Institute of Materials Science and Solis Jangheung. KOSPO has also partnered with Bright Energy Partners to jointly participate in the central contract market for energy storage systems, a crucial component of the renewable energy infrastructure.

“Korea Southern Power is taking the lead in renewable energy projects aligned with the government’s decarbonization policy, from solar power and offshore wind to battery energy storage systems,” President Kim Jun-dong said, highlighting the plans for 11.2 GW renewable energy.

A central event of the visit was a meeting between Director General Grossi and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana. The discussions focused on Kazakhstan’s strategic priorities in nuclear power, the advancement of the nation’s civilian nuclear power program, and the broader geopolitical landscape. President Tokayev awarded Director General Grossi the First-Degree Dostyk (Friendship) Order, an esteemed recognition symbolizing the robust partnership between Kazakhstan and the IAEA.

Furthering the nuclear energy cooperation, Director General Grossi met with Kazakhstan’s Almassadam Satkaliyev, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Agency. A pivotal outcome of this meeting was the signing of a roadmap for cooperation between Kazakhstan and the IAEA for the period of 2026-2036. This long-term vision outlines joint initiatives in nuclear infrastructure development, capacity building, and technical cooperation. The roadmap is set to bolster collaboration in scientific research and education.

Additionally, an agreement was signed between the IAEA and the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan to enhance nuclear science and research. This arrangement will facilitate knowledge exchange, joint research activities, and scientific capacity building.

IAEA Director General Grossi also delivered a lecture at Nazarbayev University, where he discussed the IAEA’s global efforts in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. He highlighted the Agency’s support to Kazakhstan in areas such as nuclear power and more, noting the strong interest shown by students in science and the future of nuclear energy.

Kazakhstan and the IAEA share a long history of nuclear energy cooperation. The country also hosts the IAEA Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) Bank, an essential facility that contributes to global nuclear fuel supply assurance.

The capital raised through the Eesti Energia first green bond is specifically earmarked to advance the company’s long-term strategy, which prioritizes a decisive shift towards cleaner energy solutions and the reinforcement of regional energy security. The allocation of funds will be channeled into a diverse portfolio of green projects, each designed to foster a more resilient and environmentally conscious energy landscape.

Among the key initiatives benefiting from this financing are new renewable electricity generation facilities, vital upgrades to existing electricity distribution networks that will facilitate greater integration of renewable power sources, advanced battery energy storage systems, and the crucial expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. These transformative projects are set to be implemented across Eesti Energia’s primary operational markets: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, underscoring a broad regional impact.

The Eesti Energia first green bond arrives at a pivotal juncture for the Baltic region. The recent synchronisation of the Baltic electricity system with the continental European network has elevated energy security to an even more critical strategic imperative. As the region vigorously pursues its energy transition goals, there is an urgent and ongoing requirement for stronger infrastructure, enhanced system flexibility, and sustained investment in renewable energy capacity, all of which this green bond aims to address.

The EBRD’s involvement extends beyond mere capital provision. Its engagement is poised to significantly support improvements in Eesti Energia’s overall governance and operational practices. This comprehensive approach includes strengthening robust cybersecurity standards, promoting the adoption of more sustainable procurement processes throughout the supply chain, and actively fostering equality within the energy sector workforce crucial elements for long-term corporate responsibility and societal benefit.

Grzegorz Zielinski, the EBRD’s Head of Energy Europe, observed that the investment is being made during a period marked by instability across both energy and capital markets. He emphasized that the Eesti Energia first green bond would serve a dual purpose. It will not only reinforce vital energy security but also playing a pivotal role in advancing the movement toward low-carbon solutions through the expansion of renewable energy capacity, the enhancement of distribution networks, and the improvement of energy storage capabilities.

Eesti Energia stands as one of the largest and most influential energy companies operating within the Baltic region, with extensive operations spanning Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. The company is currently navigating a profound and significant transition as it endeavors to construct a more integrated energy system, one that seamlessly brings together renewable generation, advanced energy storage solutions, and essential system services to meet evolving energy demands.

The EBRD maintains a long-standing and committed presence as an institutional investor in Estonia and the broader Baltic region. To date, the bank has invested approximately €1.35 billion across 133 distinct projects within Estonia alone. This impressive track record clearly demonstrates the EBRD’s unwavering commitment to supporting sustainable development, facilitating crucial energy transformation, and advancing the cleaner energy transition across the region for years to come.

Under the terms of the agreement, Doosan Enerbility will undertake comprehensive manufacturability reviews for major reactor components, a crucial step in ensuring the efficient and reliable production of these advanced systems. The centerpiece of this partnership involves the manufacturing of reactor vessels, a critical element for the planned Rolls-Royce SMR developments. These projects, specifically the Wylfa site in Britain and the Temelín site in the Czech Republic, are considered pivotal initiatives for the widespread adoption of SMR technology in Europe.

Rolls-Royce SMR, established in 2021, is developing a 470-megawatt small modular reactor designed to deliver stable baseload electricity for a operational lifespan of at least 60 years. The company has been making substantial progress in advancing its projects. In April, a contract was signed with Great British Energy-Nuclear, the UK’s state-backed nuclear entity, initiating site-specific design work for three reactors planned at Wylfa. Furthermore, Rolls-Royce SMR has entered into a construction preparation agreement with the Czech energy company ČEZ, advancing licensing procedures and preliminary design work for the Temelín project.

Kim Jong-doo, head of Doosan Enerbility’s Nuclear Business Group, emphasized the significance of this partnership, viewing it as a crucial milestone in broadening the company’s role within the global SMR supply chain. Doosan Enerbility plans to leverage its extensive expertise in manufacturing nuclear power plant equipment to support the successful realization of Rolls-Royce SMR projects.

To strengthen its competitive edge in the SMR sector, Doosan Enerbility has been actively enhancing its production capabilities. The company is proceeding with plans to establish a dedicated SMR factory at its Changwon headquarters. This facility will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies, including powder metallurgy hot isostatic pressing, aimed at improving the efficiency of producing critical reactor components.

Market dynamics show a clear divergence in fossil fuel spending. While crude oil investment is anticipated to decline for the third consecutive year, dropping to $500 billion despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, natural gas remains a critical priority. Investment in natural gas is projected to surge to $330 billion, marking the highest annual total in a decade.

Simultaneously, the transition toward cleaner energy continues to gain momentum under the jump in global energy investment. Renewable power investments are expected to reach $665 billion, with solar power spending alone forecasted to hit $365 billion by 2026. This transition highlights a structural move toward diversifying energy sources to ensure long-term stability.

“We are in the midst of the largest energy security crisis the world has ever faced – and I believe this will reshape investment strategies globally, with parallels to the major changes the energy world witnessed after the oil shocks of the 1970s,” said IEA’s secretary-general Fatih Birol.

“We are already seeing intensified efforts by both producer and consumer countries to diversify trade routes and energy sources – such as advancing new pipelines and other supply infrastructure, on the one hand, and turning more to domestically available resources, on the other,” Birol added.

Examples of this strategic pivot include the growing interest in Canadian energy assets and infrastructure projects in the United Arab Emirates. The national oil company, ADNOC, has initiated plans to double the capacity of its oil pipeline to Fujairah, a move designed to enhance supply chain resilience by bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. These developments underscore the ongoing commitment to securing energy flows amidst an increasingly volatile global landscape, with global energy investments to increase for energy security.

The meeting in Hanoi saw EVN deputy general director Nguyen Tai Anh engage with a delegation from Novatek. Leading the Russian contingent was Sergey G. Soloviev, vice chairman of the board and director of prospective projects. Novatek expressed its keen interest in contributing to Vietnam’s evolving energy market, emphasizing an integrated approach that encompasses the entire LNG-to-power value chain.

Nguyen Tai Anh provided the Novatek delegation with an overview of Vietnam’s recently revised Power Development Plan VIII. This strategic document identifies LNG-fired generation as an essential element in the nation’s ongoing energy transition. EVN underscored the complex, yet vital, nature of these projects, noting the necessity for coordinated development across LNG receiving terminals, storage and regasification facilities, robust grid connections, and specific site implementation considerations.

Particular attention was given to the planning of LNG infrastructure for northern Vietnam. This planning phase must meticulously consider geological conditions, existing port capabilities, potential locations for LNG receiving hubs, and viable gas supply options to support future power clusters in the region. The discussions also delved into international best practices in LNG development, various gas-to-power value chain models, and the specific technical requirements for power projects intended to utilize LNG.

Novatek indicated its readiness to continue these dialogues with EVN and other relevant Vietnamese stakeholders. The company is prepared to explore technical solutions, potential cooperation models, and opportunities for participation in energy projects that align with Vietnam’s national development objectives.

The engagement on LNG-to-power projects extended beyond EVN, with Novatek representatives also meeting with officials from Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade. Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long led the discussions for the ministry, joined by representatives from the Electricity Authority, the Oil, Gas and Coal Department, and the Foreign Market Development Department. Trinh Minh Hoang, deputy chairman of Khanh Hoa province’s People’s Committee, also participated in these proceedings.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade highlighted Novatek’s prior engagements with both EVN and Petrovietnam, noting that these earlier meetings also focused on LNG development, gas-to-power value chains, and the technical specifications for gas-fired power projects. These initiatives are particularly pertinent as Vietnam seeks to enhance the flexibility, stability, and load-response capabilities of its national power system.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long welcomed Novatek’s expressed interest in Vietnam’s energy sector. He conveyed the ministry’s willingness to support the company as it investigates investment and business cooperation prospects and establishes connections with Vietnamese partners. Vietnam’s Power Development Plan VIII explicitly includes provisions for LNG-to-power projects in key locations such as Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, and Ho Chi Minh City.