Nickel has been classified as a critical mineral in Australia allowing the nickel sector to unlock bns of USD in government funds, Reuters reported on Friday. The country’s Critical Minerals Facility is offering AUD 4 bn (USD 2.6 bn) in grants and low-interest loans, and the government is preparing policies to further support the green energy sector. Nickel is used in several types of green tech including the production of EV batteries.

Romania raised EUR 2 bn from its inaugural green bond which launched at 300 basis points over mid-swaps, some 45 basis points tighter than initial guidance, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing news and market analysis service IFR. Bids for the green bond were over EUR 10 bn. With plans for frequent annual green issuances, Romania intends to funnel the funds from its green debt framework to finance projects including green transport, energy-efficient buildings and reforestation.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

  • Norway selects bidders for first offshore wind farm auction: Norway has chosen energy giants Equinor, BP, and Shell, Norway’s Norseman Wind and Statkraft, Germany’s RWE, Belgium’s Parkwind, and Netherlands-based Ingka to take part in its first auction for an offshore wind farm on 18 March. . (Bloomberg)
  • Zesco + Power China partner on solar plants: Zambia’s state-owned electricity company has signed contracts with Power China to develop three solar power plants in Zambia. The projects will have a total capacity of 600 MW and cost USD 548 mn. (Reuters)
  • IEA establishes first office outside of Paris: The International Energy Agency (IEA) will open a Regional Cooperation Center in Singapore later this year, the organization’s first office outside of its headquarters in Paris. The new office will become a regional hub focused on boosting energy security and the clean energy transition. (Statement)
  • Volkswagen to supply India’s Mahindra Group with EV components: Indian auto manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra, a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group, inked an agreement with German carmaker Volkswagen for the supply of key EV components, including Volkswagen’s unified battery cell. The new technology is expected to cut costs in half and will be used for Mahindra & Mahindra’s electric platform INGLO. (Reuters)
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