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.

Bayraktar announced plans to create an “electricity version of TANAP,” pointing to the successful Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline that facilitates the transit of Azerbaijani gas to Europe via Türkiye. He indicated that more details about this ambitious electricity corridor project, designed to carry electricity resources to Türkiye and onwards to Europe, would be unveiled in the coming weeks and months. The potential future extension of this corridor to Central Asia was also mentioned, underscoring its role in enhancing electricity trade and energy security on a regional scale.

To support this enhanced energy transit, Türkiye is preparing for a substantial upgrade of its electricity transmission and distribution systems. The nation plans to invest approximately $30 billion over the next decade to accommodate increased energy output from renewable sources and nuclear power. Furthermore, Ankara intends to bolster its electricity transmission connections with eastern neighbors, specifically Georgia and Azerbaijan, as well as with its European neighbor, Bulgaria, to facilitate the trade of surplus energy. This focus on infrastructure development is crucial for enabling a seamless electricity corridor.

Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in a message to the conference, emphasized the anticipated contribution of the proposed Green Electricity Transmission and Trade project linking Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Bulgaria to the overall energy security of the wider region. Minister Bayraktar lauded the “exemplary” energy cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, citing their track record of successful major energy infrastructure projects such as TANAP, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, and the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum natural gas pipeline. He reiterated that this collaboration significantly bolsters both Türkiye’s and Europe’s energy supply security.

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 Central Asian nation, which is the world’s largest producer of uranium, has been exploring the prospect of atomic energy for over two decades. A nationwide referendum conducted in 2024 overwhelmingly supported the construction of a nuclear power plant, with the village of Ulken on the shores of Lake Balkhash designated as the chosen site for this ambitious project.

“The agreement signed today on the construction of the Balkhash NPP has an important role,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan’s president, said before thanking Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was in Astana for talks, for his support.

“Putting the ⁠plant ⁠into operation will make a significant contribution to the energy supply of the Kazakh economy,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

An accompanying agreement was also executed to secure Russian export credit, which will finance the construction of the USD 16.5B nuclear power plant. Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, Rosatom, has been awarded the lead role in building the plant, having successfully outbid competitors including China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), French utility EDF, and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.

Almasadam Satkaliyev, head of Kazakhstan’s atomic energy agency, informed reporters that the total cost of the nuclear power plant, which will be equipped with two VVER-1200 III+ reactors, is estimated at approximately $16.5 billion. This figure includes an allocation of around $2 billion dedicated to security and necessary infrastructure development.

Construction of the USD 16.5B nuclear power plant is scheduled to commence in 2027, with the initial reactor expected to be commissioned by early 2034. The undertaking of the Kazakhstan nuclear power plant deal comes after decades of grappling with the legacy of Soviet nuclear weapons testing, which rendered substantial areas of land uninhabitable and led to various health issues in nearby populations, fostering a degree of public apprehension towards nuclear technology.

Despite possessing significant natural gas reserves, Kazakhstan, a nation of 20 million, currently relies heavily on coal-fired power plants for the majority of its electricity needs. While supplemented by hydroelectric power and a growing renewable energy sector, the country faces challenges in meeting its escalating energy demands. Kazakhstan imports electricity, primarily from Russia, as its aging power generation facilities struggle to keep pace with domestic consumption. In a separate development, Kazakhstan has also approved the construction of a second nuclear plant, with CNNC designated as the primary constructor for that facility.

This agreement marks one of the most considerable sovereign-backed renewable energy infrastructure concessions to be established in Nigeria in recent years. It represents a pivotal milestone in the ongoing evolution of public-private infrastructure delivery mechanisms across the African continent. The signing follows an extensive and multi-year approvals process, which included concession approval from the Federal Executive Council, certification from the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, and grid connection approval from the Transmission Company of Nigeria. This comprehensive process underscores an unusually advanced level of federal coordination and institutional alignment.

Beyond its immediate function as an energy project, the Grand Katsina-Ala Hydropower Project is strategically positioned as a long-term economic development platform. Its objectives include strengthening productivity, fostering industrialisation, and enhancing food security across the region. Benue State, widely recognised as Nigeria’s agricultural heartland, is integral to one of West Africa’s most productive agricultural corridors. The availability of reliable and affordable electricity is directly linked to the capacity for agro-processing, the development of irrigation infrastructure, the efficiency of cold-chain logistics, the expansion of manufacturing activities, and the overall resilience of supply chains throughout the region.

For Benue State, the Grand Katsina-Ala Hydropower Project signifies one of the most significant infrastructure initiatives in its recent history. Its implications extend far beyond the mere generation of electricity, promising to stimulate broader investment and economic activity. Reliable and affordable electricity remains a primary structural constraint hindering economic productivity in many parts of the continent. In regions endowed with substantial agricultural potential, stable energy infrastructure possesses the capacity to fortify value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and unlock extensive industrial activity.

Furthermore, the project aligns with wider continental priorities focused on regional integration, industrial development, and infrastructure expansion. As African economies increasingly seek to convert their resource and agricultural potential into sustained productive capacity, initiatives like the Grand Katsina-Ala Hydropower Project are crucial.

With an installed capacity of 460 MW and an anticipated annual generation of approximately 2,401 GWh, the Grand Katsina-Ala project is expected to supply critical baseload power to Nigeria’s national grid, while simultaneously supporting the growing demands of industrial and commercial sectors. Hydropower stands as one of the few renewable energy technologies capable of delivering stable, large-scale baseload capacity, positioning projects like the Grand Katsina-Ala Hydropower Project at the nexus of energy transition imperatives and long-term economic development goals.

The energy cooperation pact was formalized during a visit by a high-level Croatian delegation led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. North Macedonia’s Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Božinovska, and her Croatian counterpart, Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar, signed the memorandum in Ohrid. This strategic alignment underscores a mutual understanding of energy’s critical role in both economic stability and geopolitical security, particularly in light of recent global events.

“Energy today is one of the most important strategic areas for Europe and the entire region,” Božinovska stated during the forum.

“The war in Ukraine, as well as the developments in the Middle East, have clearly shown that energy security is no longer just an economic issue, but also a geopolitical and security issue,” she added.

The cornerstone of the North Macedonia-Croatia energy cooperation pact is the exchange of knowledge and collaborative efforts in several key areas. These include strengthening energy security, developing robust regional interconnections, promoting the uptake of renewable energy sources, and fostering a transition towards low-carbon systems. Furthermore, the memorandum facilitates the integration of the electricity market and encourages convergence with European Union energy legislation.

The signing of the energy cooperation pact is testament to the friendly relations and enduring cooperation between North Macedonia and Croatia. It aligns with North Macedonia’s strategic objective of European Union membership and its obligations under the Energy Community Treaty. The pact represents a crucial step in the country’s gradual alignment with the comprehensive body of EU energy legislation.

Croatian Prime Minister Plenković highlighted the significance of energy as a primary concern for the EU, especially following several major crises in recent years. He expressed confidence that the new memorandum will significantly enhance the energy connections between the two nations.

Šušnjar further elaborated on Croatia’s ambition to establish itself as a regional energy hub, offering its experience in EU energy market integration to actively support North Macedonia’s European aspirations.