Monday, May 30, 2016

UPDATE 3-Libyan oil guard says captures coastal town from Islamic State after clashes

* West hopes unity government can resolve political crisis

(Updates number of dead and wounded, adds description of PFG)

Read more

REUTERS SUMMIT-Poland aims to end long-term gas supplies from Russia after 2022

WARSAW, May 30 (Reuters) - Poland does not plan to renew a

long-term gas supply contract with Russia when its current deal

with Gazprom expires in 2022, a government official

responsible for gas and power infrastructure told Reuters on

Monday.

Read more

UPDATE 2-Pilots, oil workers strike as France seeks way out of crisis

PARIS, May 30 (Reuters) - Air France pilots voted on Monday to go on strike and oil storage workers extended a job walkout, compounding the French government's woes as it scrambled to calm rolling protests against labour reforms ahead of the Euro soccer tournament.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Germany to shut nuclear liability loophole -sources

* Govt wants to ensure utilities liable for nuclear shutdown

costs

Read more

Peugeot family to meet French govt over stake in carmaker - source

PARIS, May 30 (Reuters) - The Peugeot family plans to hold

informal talks with the government on Tuesday to discuss the

future of its stake in the French carmaker Peugeot PSA Citroen

, a source familiar with plans for the discussions said

on Monday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Workers at French oil port terminal extend strike - union

PARIS, May 30 (Reuters) - Workers at the CIM oil terminal

that handles about 40 percent of French crude imports have voted

to extend their strike at the Le Havre oil port hub until 1000

GMT on Wednesday, a CGT union official told Reuters.

Read more

Germany plans draft law on nuclear storage costs in August

BERLIN, May 30 (Reuters) - The German cabinet plans to

approve a draft law on August 3 that will require its utilities

to pay billions of euros into a state fund to help cover the

cost of nuclear storage, according to an Economy Ministry

timetable seen by Reuters on Monday.

Read more

Traffic at France's Le Havre oil terminal -port authority

PARIS, May 30 (Reuters) - Two oil tankers had unloaded their

cargo by Monday at Le Havre oil port in northern France, cutting

the number of ships held up there by a rolling nationwide strike

to nine from 11 on Friday, a port authority spokeswoman said.

Read more

UPDATE 2-Philippines' PLDT, Globe buy $1.5 bln San Miguel telecoms assets to rev up internet

* Some assets to be returned to govt for sale to future

rival

Read more

As much as 35 percent of northern and central Great Barrier Reef dead or dying - scientists

SYDNEY, May 30 (Reuters) - Mass bleaching has destroyed as

much as 35 percent of the coral on the northern and central

Great Barrier Reef, Australian scientists said on Monday, a

major blow to the World Heritage Site that attracts about A$5

billion ($3.59 billion) in tourism each year.

Read more

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Xi says China should invest more in the elderly

SHANGHAI, May 28 (Reuters) - China should increase

investment in care for the elderly, President Xi Jinping told a

meeting of the country's top leaders on its ageing population,

official Xinhua news agency reported.

Read more

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Lebanese Hezbollah ministers, MPs could be hit by U.S. law -U.S. official

BEIRUT, May 28 (Reuters) - Ministers and members of

parliament belonging to Lebanon's Hezbollah could be sanctioned

under a new U.S. law targeting the group's finances, a U.S.

Treasury official said on Friday.

Read more

Friday, May 27, 2016

U.S. natgas speculators switch from net long to net short -CFTC

May 27 (Reuters) - U.S. natural gas speculators switched

their positions to net short after being net long since the

start of April, betting prices will have to remain low to

encourage generators to burn more of the fuel left in

inventories after a warm winter.

Read more

UPDATE 1-U.N. urges Greece to improve conditions for transferred refugees

GENEVA, May 27 (Reuters) - Refugees removed from a makeshift

Greek camp near the Macedonian border have been taken to sites

with "sub-standard conditions" in derelict buildings with

insufficient food, water, toilets and showers, the United

Nations refugee agency said on Friday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Finland's Fortum buys waste treatment firm Ekokem for $525 mln

* Fortum looking for M&A following power grid divestments

(Adds CEO, analyst comments, Fortum M&A drive)

Read more

UPDATE 2-Managers take over operations, reopen pipes at French oil hub

* Union members to meet on Monday to decide next step

(Recast with managers taking over operations)

Read more

Italians need convincing as well as connecting to join digital drive

* But weak demand puts returns for network investments at

risk

Read more

Strike holds up 38 oil tankers at France's biggest oil port

PARIS, May 27 (Reuters) - Some 38 oil tankers have been held

up at the Fos-Lavera oil port in southern France, the country's

biggest, including 25 at harbour, up from 12 the previous day, a

port authority spokeswoman said on Friday.

Read more

Weaker U.S. dollar rate allows Serbian gas price cut from June

BELGRADE, May 27 (Reuters) - Serbia will cut wholesale

prices of natural gas for households and industry from June by

3.6 percent and 4 percent, respectively, mainly to reflect a

weaker U.S. dollar exchange rate, energy regulator AERS said on

Friday.

Read more

Nearly 3 mln people need food aid in drought-hit Central America - UN

BOGOTA, May 27 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Around 2.8

million people in three Central American countries need food aid

after two consecutive years of severe drought decimated crops

and exacerbated hunger among the poor, the U.N. Food and

Agriculture Organization (FAO) said.

Read more

U.N. urges Greece to improve poor living conditions for refugees

GENEVA, May 27 (Reuters) - Refugees in some sites in Greece

are cramped in "sub-standard conditions" in poorly ventilated

"derelict warehouses and factories", with insufficient food,

water, toilets and showers, the United Nations refugee agency

said on Friday.

Read more

India Inc shows growth spreading by end of Modi's sophomore year

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI, May 27 (Reuters) - Indian companies are

posting their best earnings results since Prime Minister

Narendra Modi swept to power two years ago, giving the clearest

sign yet that India's fast, but patchy, economic growth is

becoming more broad-based.

Read more

Japan to cut emphasis on nuclear in next energy plan -sources

TOKYO, May 27 (Reuters) - Japan will cut reliance on nuclear

power when it releases an updated energy plan as early as next

year, reflecting public opposition and a recognition that

current policy is unrealistic, three sources familiar with

official thinking told Reuters.

Read more

Thursday, May 26, 2016

UPDATE 2-Finland's TVO says Areva ended talks on delayed reactor project

HELSINKI, May 26 (Reuters) - French nuclear group Areva

has broken off talks with Finnish utility

Teollisuuden Voima (TVO) over the delayed Olkiluoto 3 nuclear

reactor, TVO said on Thursday.

Read more

UPDATE 2-DONG Energy listing to value group at up to $16 billion

* Additional overallotment of up to 2.6 pct of the shares

(Recasts, adds DONG and analyst comments)

Read more

UPDATE 1-Russia's Gazprom sees record 2016 gas exports to Europe

ST PETERSBURG, Russia, May 26 (Reuters) - Russia's Gazprom

plans to export a record 165 billion cubic metres

(bcm) of gas to Europe this year, the company's deputy chief

executive Alexander Medvedev told reporters on Thursday.

Read more

UPDATE 2-France strike hits nuclear plants sending output lower

* EDF says 10 percent of staff participating

(Recasts, adds EDF comment, power imports)

Read more

African Union insurance arm to boost disaster cover to $1.5 bln

LUSAKA, May 26 (Reuters) - The African Union's insurance arm

will increase its disaster cover to $1.5 billion by 2020 from

$179 million currently following one of the continent's worst

droughts in decades, a senior executive said on Thursday.

Read more

Oil tankers backed up at southern French port due to strike

PARIS, May 26 (Reuters) - Nearly two dozen vessels were

queued outside the French oil import terminal in Fos, southern

France on Thursday, held up by a strike organised by the

hardline CGT and FO unions over planned labour reforms.

Read more

RPT-COLUMN-LNG industry tension to rise as price breaks link to crude oil: Russell

LAUNCESTON, Australia, May 26 (Reuters) - The price of spot

cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Asia has broken its

long-standing link to crude oil this year, a development likely

to fuel tensions in an already unsettled market.

Read more

UPDATE 1-French union leads new anti-reform protests, seeks to maintain momentum

* SNCF reports less train disruption than before (updates throughout)

Read more

UPDATE 1-France's power output drops as workers join strike

PARIS, May 26 (Reuters) - Power output in France fell by at

least 5 gigawatts on Thursday after members of the CGT union at

utility EDF joined a rolling nationwide strike against

planned government reforms, a union official said.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Lower oil price helps lift profits at Greece's power utility

* Sales drop 8.8 pct, hurt by softer demand, tariff

discounts

(Adds details, background)

Read more

DONG Energy IPO pricing indicates market value of up to $16 bln

COPENHAGEN, May 26 (Reuters) - Denmark's DONG Energy

on Thursday set an indicative price range for its

planned initial public offering (IPO) implying a market value of

83.5 billion to 106.5 billion Danish crowns ($12.6-16.0

billion).

Read more

RPT-DONG Energy IPO pricing indicates market value of up to $16 bln

COPENHAGEN, May 26 (Reuters) - Denmark's DONG Energy

on Thursday set an indicative price range for its

planned initial public offering (IPO) implying a market value of

83.5 billion to 106.5 billion Danish crowns ($12.6-16.0

billion).

Read more

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

UPDATE 1-Engie mulls closing Australia's Hazelwood coal-fired power plant

* Engie aims to gradually close, sell or convert all coal

plants

Read more

COLUMN-LNG industry tension to rise as price breaks link to crude oil: Russell

LAUNCESTON, Australia, May 26 (Reuters) - The price of spot

cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Asia has broken its

long-standing link to crude oil this year, a development likely

to fuel tensions in an already unsettled market.

Read more

UPDATE 1-French nuclear plant workers to go on strike Thursday - CGT union

* Unions have cut off power to targeted areas before

(Adds union comment, background on strikes)

Read more

German power firms to partner carmakers in electric future -RWE

FRANKFURT, May 25 (Reuters) - German utilities are likely to

partner with automakers to tap into a 1 billion euro ($1.1

billion) government incentive scheme for electric cars, an RWE

executive said.

Read more

Sri Lankan flood-hit families left with nothing, Red Cross says in emergency appeal

LONDON, May 25 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Floods in Sri

Lanka which have forced more than 350,000 people from their

homes have left some families with nothing, the Red Cross said

on Wednesday as it launched an emergency appeal to deliver

relief to tens of thousands of people in the country.

Read more

UPDATE 1-French police break fuel depot blockade, nuclear plant strike looms

PARIS, May 25 (Reuters) - Police broke up a fuel depot

blockade in France on Wednesday and the hardline CGT union

called a strike at a nuclear plant in an escalation of a

standoff over proposed new labour laws.

Read more

Slovakia says Mochovce nuclear plant to cost more than expected

BRATISLAVA, May 25 (Reuters) - Construction costs for

Slovakia's Mochovce nuclear plant, due to be completed by 2018,

will be higher than the 4.6 billion euros ($5 bln) approved by

the government, its economy minister said on Wednesday.

Read more

Engie considering closure or sale of Australian coal plant

PARIS, May 25 (Reuters) - French gas and power group Engie

said it is considering the closure or sale of its

Hazelwood coal-fired plant in Australia as part of its strategy

to exit the fossil fuel.

Read more

French police break fuel depot blockade, nuclear plant strike looms

PARIS, May 25 (Reuters) - Police broke up a fuel depot

blockade in France on Wednesday and France's hardline CGT union

prepared for a strike at a nuclear plant, escalating a standoff

over proposed new labour laws.

Read more

Florence road collapses, burying cars and cutting water supply

FLORENCE, Italy, May 25 (Reuters) - A stretch of street

collapsed in central Florence early Wednesday, dropping a row of

parked cars into an underground pipeline and cutting water

supplies to part of the ancient city.

Read more

Water utility Pennon's full-year pretax profit rises

May 25 (Reuters) - British water utility Pennon Group Plc

said its full year pretax profit grew marginally, as

strength in its energy recovery unit offset lower water prices

set by Britain's regulator.

Read more

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

UPDATE 1-Enel expected to get nod to buy Metroweb on Wednesday-sources

MILAN, May 24 (Reuters) - Italian state lender Cassa

Depositi e Prestiti is set to pick Enel as the buyer

of fibre-optic group Metroweb at a board meeting scheduled on

Wednesday, three sources familiar with the matter said on

Tuesday.

Read more

Workers vote 24-hour strike at France's Nogent nuclear plant - CGT spokesman

PARIS, May 25 (Reuters) - Workers at France's hardline CGT

union have voted for a 24-hour strike at Nogent-sur-Seine

nuclear plant starting Wednesday at 1900 GMT, extending a

standoff with the government over labour laws that is also

affecting oil refineries.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Total says strikes could jeopardise its investments in France

* CEO promised to invest, make refineries profitable by

end-2016

Read more

UPDATE 1-Areva says talks with Finland's TVO are "difficult"

PARIS, May 24 (Reuters) - French state-controlled nuclear

group Areva said on Tuesday that talks with its

Finnish customer TVO about the long-delayed Olkiluoto 3 reactor

were "difficult".

Read more

UPDATE 1-Shell CEO warns renewables shift could spell end if too swift

* Shareholders reject resolution to become renewables firm

(Recasts, updates throughout)

Read more

Total CEO says will "seriously reconsider" investments in France due to strikes - iTele

PARIS, May 24 (Reuters) - French oil and gas company Total

will "seriously reconsider" its investment plans in

France due to strikes in the oil sector that forced the company

to shut down refineries, iTele television reported Total's chief

executive as saying on Tuesday.

Read more

Greens urge halt to G7 nations' funding for overseas coal

BONN, Germany, May 24 (Reuters) - Environmental groups urged

Group of Seven (G7) nations led by Japan and Germany to stop

financing coal projects abroad, which they said amounted to $42

billion since 2007.

Read more

Shell says oil sector needs to invest trillions even within climate limits

THE HAGUE, May 24 (Reuters) - The oil and gas industry will

need to invest up to $1 trillion per year even within the limits

of the U.N.-backed goal of curbing global warming to 2 degrees,

Royal Dutch Shell's chief executive said on Tuesday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-EDF says cannot give timing for UK nuclear investment decision

LONDON, May 24 (Reuters) - EDF cannot give a

definitive time for when the French utility will make an

investment decision regarding the Hinkley C nuclear project in

Britain, EDF Energy CEO Vincent de Rivaz told British lawmakers

on Tuesday.

Read more

UPDATE 2-French police break up refinery blockade in anti-reform showdown

* Rail, commuter train strikes planned as Euro soccer cup

looms

(Updates throughout)

Read more

Cambodia takes solace from plough ceremony amid worst drought in 50 yrs

PHNOM PENH, May 24 (Reuters) - As the worst drought in half

a century delays rice planting in Cambodia, a pair of oxen on

Tuesday delved into rice, corn and bean bowls at an annual

ploughing ceremony in an omen for good harvests for those crops

in the year ahead.

Read more

Water utility Severn Trent ups savings forecast, FY profit falls

May 24 (Reuters) - British water utility Severn Trent Plc

said on Tuesday it expected to save about 670 million

pounds ($970 million) in total expenditure between April 2015

and March 2020, as it locked in further efficiencies.

Read more

Monday, May 23, 2016

UPDATE 1-French oil and port workers vote to begin new strikes

PARIS, May 23 (Reuters) - Oil sector workers of French CGT

and FO unions voted on Monday to begin a strike at Exxon Mobil's

240,000 barrels-per-day Port Jerome refinery in northern

France, the unions said in a joint statement.

Read more

French unions to strike at Exxon Mobil's Port Jerome refinery

PARIS, May 23 (Reuters) - Oil sector workers of French

hardline CGT and FO unions voted on Monday to start a strike at

Exxon Mobil's 240,000 barrel-per-day Port Jerome

refinery in northern France on Tuesday morning, a statement

said.

Read more

NEWSMAKER-Brazil minister faces uphill fight to fix battered energy sector

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 23 (Reuters) - Interim President Michel

Temer has given one of the biggest jobs of his administration to

the youngest and least known of his cabinet members: Mines and

Energy Minister Fernando Coelho Filho, 32.

Read more

Could UAE solar push lead a trend for the Gulf?

DUBAI, May 23 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - As the Gulf

states take steps to expand their use of clean energy, a bold

plan by the United Arab Emirates to boost its use of renewable

electricity from less than 1 percent to 24 percent in the next

five years could be a game-changer for the region, experts say.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Unions dig in heels to disrupt fuel supply in France

* Total shutting down three of five refineries

(Adds details, quotes, background)

Read more

REFILE-Union workers vote to shut down Total's Grandpuits refinery -union official

PARIS, May 23 (Reuters) - Union members at Total

101,000 barrels-per-day Grandpuits refinery have voted on Monday

to shut down production as part of an ongoing protest over

labour reform laws, an FO union official told Reuters.

Read more

French CGT union launches 24-hour strike at Fos-Lavera oil terminals - official

PARIS, May 23 (Reuters) - France's hardline CGT union has

launched a 24-hour strike at the Fos-Lavera oil terminals in the

southern port city of Marseille as the union toughens its stance

against the government over a labour reform law.

Read more

The power cutters shaking up Britain's energy market

* National Grid pays 'aggregators' to cut industrial power

use

Read more

Sunday, May 22, 2016

UK advisers struggling with Chinese stock listings - survey

LONDON, May 23 (Reuters) - Almost two-thirds of the advisory

firms who assist in stock exchange listings in London say they

are struggling to guide Chinese firms through the process, a

survey showed, in the latest sign of problems with such initial

public offerings.

Read more

REFILE-UPDATE 1-Nigerian ex-militants call for end to Niger Delta pipeline attacks

YENAGOA, Nigeria May 21 (Reuters) - Former militants have

called for a halt to a resurgence of attacks on oil and gas

facilities in Nigeria's Niger Delta, saying it is an unnecessary

distraction for President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.

Read more

Saturday, May 21, 2016

UPDATE 3-Nigeria's Buhari orders heightened military presence in restive Niger Delta

ABUJA/ONITSHA, Nigeria, May 20 (Reuters) - Nigeria's

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said he ordered a

heightened military presence in the restive Niger Delta region

to deal with a resurgence of attacks on oil and gas facilities,

a day after yet another pipeline explosion.

Read more

Nigerian ex-militants call for end to Niger Delta pipeline attacks

YENAGOA, Nigeria May 21 (Reuters) - Former militants called

for a halt to a resurgence of attacks on oil and gas facilities

in Nigeria's southern Niger Delta, saying it is an unnecessary

distraction for President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.

Read more

Friday, May 20, 2016

Canada's aboriginals tell Trudeau they can block pipelines

VANCOUVER, May 20 (Reuters) - Canadian aboriginal groups and

their allies said on Friday they have the power to block

proposed oil pipelines on land where they have proven title,

dismissing comments by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said no

community has a veto.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Speculators cut U.S. natgas net longs -CFTC

May 20 (Reuters) - U.S. natural gas speculators cut net long

positions for a third week in four, betting prices would remain

low in future months to encourage power generators to burn more

of the record high inventory of fuel left after a warm winter.

Read more

SunEdison agrees to withdraw request for independent examiner

NEW YORK, May 20 (Reuters) - SunEdison Inc has

tentatively agreed to withdraw a request for an independent

examiner for the renewable energy company's bankruptcy, its

attorneys said in court on Friday, enabling its creditors to

pursue their own investigation.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Eurotunnel to build France-UK power link via Channel Tunnel

* 1000 MW HVDC line to run through channel tunnel

(Adds financial detail, other interconnector plans)

Read more

Romania pledges to examine fate of villagers threatened by coal mine

LONDON, May 20 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Senior

government ministers in Romania have agreed to examine the fate

of the people of the village of Runcurel who face losing their

homes to make way for a coal mine, a charity helping the

villagers said on Friday.

Read more

Eurotunnel buys out Channel Tunnel power link developer

PARIS, May 20 (Reuters) - Channel Tunnel operator Eurotunnel

said on Friday it had agreed to buy Star Capital's 51 percent

stake in their joint venture ElecLink, which is developing an

electricity transmission line between Britain and France via the

undersea tunnel.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Gas pipeline in Niger Delta operated by Nigeria's NNPC attacked - community group

YENAGOA, Nigeria May 20 (Reuters) - A gas pipeline in

Nigeria's restive Niger Delta region operated by the state

energy company was attacked late on Thursday, a spokesman for a

local community group and a witness said on Friday.

Read more

From rape to disasters, climate change a threat to women - funders

COPENHAGEN, May 20 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Carla

Lopez remembers the first time she heard a suggestion that

climate change was a factor leading to the rape of young girls.

Read more

Gas pipeline in Niger Delta operated by Nigeria's NNPC attacked - community group

YENAGOA, Nigeria May 20 (Reuters) - A gas pipeline in

Nigeria's restive Niger Delta region operated by the state

energy company was attacked late on Thursday, a spokesman for a

local community group said on Friday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Tanzania to start building $3 bln fertiliser plant this year

DAR ES SALAAM, May 20 (Reuters) - Tanzania plans to start

work this year on a $3 billion fertiliser plant, which it said

on Friday will be Africa's largest, as part of an effort to

increase its agricultural production.

Read more

EU's Vestager to meet Gazprom's Medvedev over competition concerns

COPENHAGEN, May 20 (Reuters) - European Competition

Commissioner Margrethe Vestager has plans to meet Gazprom's

Deputy Chief Executive Alexander Medvedev for talks

over antitrust charges against the Russian company, she said on

Friday.

Read more

Pakistan city readies graves, hospitals, in case heat wave hits again

* Current forecasts do not point to such severe weather in

2016

Read more

Australia shares rebound, set for weekly gain; NZ more subdued

SYDNEY/WELLINGTON, May 20 (Reuters) - Australian shares

staged a modest rebound on Friday after two sessions of declines

led by gains in the mining sector and some of the major banks,

setting the market on track to end the week a touch higher.

Read more

Thursday, May 19, 2016

UPDATE 1-Brazil eyes fiscal gap of 150 bln reais without Eletrobras -sources

BRASILIA, May 19 (Reuters) - The Brazilian government will

likely announce a budget deficit of just over 150 billion reais

($42.13 billion)in 2016 after it decided to remove from its

accounts a possible capitalization of state power holding

Eletrobras, two officials told Reuters on Thursday.

Read more

UPDATE 2-Canada regulator approves Kinder Morgan pipeline with conditions

VANCOUVER, May 19 (Reuters) - Canada's energy regulator on

Thursday recommended the approval of Kinder Morgan Inc's

plan to expand the Trans Mountain oil pipeline, subject to 157

conditions, clearing a major hurdle for the proposed trebling of

capacity to serve lucrative Asian markets.

Read more

Renewables cannot replace nuclear in France yet-EDF exec

PARIS, May 19 (Reuters) - Renewable energy is far from being

able to replace nuclear energy in France's electricity mix,

utility EDF's head of nuclear said on Thursday.

Read more

UPDATE 2-Proposed Gazprom dividend would cut Russian state's income

* Gazprom gets waiver from government order boosting

dividends

Read more

FEATURE-In the Philippines, faith becomes a driving force against coal

BATANGAS, Philippines, May 19 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) -

T he Muslim cleric from the city of Batangas walked up to

Archbishop Ramon Arguelles and held out his hand. "I am Imam

Abdul Karim," he said, introducing himself. "I want to join you

in your fight against coal."

Read more

EDF sees French energy plan shaping nuclear depreciation schedule

PARIS, May 19 (Reuters) - The French government's energy

investment plan due in July will be a key indicator for whether

and for how long EDF will extend the depreciation

period of its nuclear plants, an executive said on Thursday.

Read more

Widening U.S. money fund spread sets stage for $400 bln shift

BOSTON, May 19 (Reuters) - The difference in yield between

prime and government money market funds has widened by 6 basis

points since January, according to data released on Wednesday,

in a trend expected to accelerate as investors prepare for new

rules being rolled out this autumn.

Read more

Russia to lend Egypt $25 billion to build nuclear power plant

CAIRO, May 19 (Reuters) - Russia will loan Egypt $25 billion

to finance building and operating a nuclear power plant in

Egypt, the official gazette said on Thursday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Russia's Gazprom expects 2016 rebound in output

* To build 400 km of Power of Siberia pipeline this year

(Adds detail, quotes)

Read more

National Grid's pretax profit rises 15 pct

May 19 (Reuters) - Britain's National Grid Plc said

its full-year pretax profit rose 15 percent, aided by strong

growth in its interconnectors and property businesses.

Read more

UPDATE 1-National Grid profits rise, expects lower revenue from interconnectors

* Gas distribution sales process to start end June/early

July

(Adds CEO quote, background, share movement)

Read more

UPDATE 1-California ends mandatory water conservation rules as drought eases

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 18 (Reuters) - California moved on

Wednesday to dramatically roll back strict mandatory water

conservation rules imposed at the height of the state's

multi-year drought, after a wet winter eased conditions in parts

of the state.

Read more

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

California ends mandatory water conservation rules as drought eases

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 18 (Reuters) - California moved on

Wednesday to dramatically roll back strict mandatory water

conservation rules imposed at the height of the state's

multi-year drought, after a wet winter eased conditions in parts

of the state.

Read more

NAACP sues Michigan, governor over Flint's lead-contaminated water

DETROIT, May 18 (Reuters) - The NAACP has filed a federal

lawsuit against Michigan and its governor on behalf of the

residents and businesses in Flint, where high levels of lead in

the drinking water has created a health crisis.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Brazil's primary deficit could reach 150 bln reais -minister

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 18 (Reuters) - Brazil's fiscal deficit

prior to debt interest payments could reach 150 billion reais

($42.10 billion) this year as revenues collapse amid a crippling

recession economy, Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles said on

Wednesday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Natgas shortages threaten Southern California summer power reliability

May 18 (Reuters) - The operator of the California power grid

said on Wednesday that natural gas shortages related to a

leak at the giant Aliso Canyon storage facility will threaten

electric reliability in the southern part of the state this

summer.

Read more

Natgas shortages threaten Southern California summer power reliability

May 18 (Reuters) - The operator of the California power grid

said on Wednesday that natural gas shortages related to a

leak at the giant Aliso Canyon storage facility will threaten

electric reliability in the southern part of the state this

summer.

Read more

Kayakers want Albania to keep wild river free of dams

TOC, Albania, May 18 (Reuters) - Environmentalists,

kayakers, villagers and politicians called on the Albanian

government on Wednesday not to spoil one of the last wild rivers

in Europe by building hydroelectric dams.

Read more

UPDATE 2-Israel says reaches deal with energy firms on Leviathan gas plan

JERUSALEM, May 18 (Reuters) - Israel has reached a new deal

with Texas-based Noble Energy and Israel's Delek Group

that will allow the firms to move forward with

development of the huge Leviathan natural gas field, Israel's

finance minister said on Wednesday.

Read more

Volvo rolls out cars of future built on common Geely platform

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, May 18 (Reuters) - Volvo showed off its

first two concept cars based on a new common platform with

Chinese owner Geely on Wednesday, a small car and an SUV it

hopes will help secure a firm premium market foothold.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Norway awards 10 new oil licences for exploration in Arctic

* Greenpeace criticises awards

(Adds details of awards, minister's comments, Greenpeace

comments)

Read more

UPDATE 1-German cabinet gives green light to electric car incentives

* Electric cars to be exempt from vehicle tax for 10 years

(Adds details on tax breaks, quote)

Read more

Total CEO: oil demand strong, year end too early for rebalancing

PARIS, May 18 (Reuters) - Oil demand in 2016 will stay

strong, supporting prices, but the market is unlikely to

rebalance by the year end, the Chief Executive of French oil and

gas major Total, said on Wednesday.

Read more

WRAPUP 1-China says to support steel exports as U.S. imposes hefty tariffs

SHANGHAI/WASHINGTON, May 18 (Reuters) - China said it would

persist with controversial tax rebates to steel exporters to

support the sector's painful restructuring programme, defying a

United States move to impose punitive import duties on Chinese

steel products.

Read more

BUZZ-Marston's: 2nd top midcap gainer after strong H1

** Pubs group Marston's +4% & 2nd top FTSE midcap

gainer after solid H1

Read more

UPDATE 1-SSE looks to sell stake in regional gas distribution network

* SGN stake sale could fetch around 1 billion pounds -

Jefferies

Read more

Australia, New Zealand shares edge lower

SYDNEY/WELLINGTON, May 18 (Reuters) - Australian shares

dipped on Wednesday, falling for the first time in three

sessions as revived expectations of an U.S. interest rate hike

weighed, though stronger commodities prices offset some of the

losses.

Read more

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

China April power consumption up 1.9 pct on year -energy regulator

BEIJING, May 18 (Reuters) - China consumed 456.9 kilowatt

hours of power in April, up 1.9 percent compared to the same

month of last year, the country's energy regulator said on

Wednesday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Venezuela leader sees 'disappearance' of opposition legislature

CARACAS, May 17 (Reuters) - President Nicolas Maduro

predicted on Wednesday the imminent demise of Venezuela's

opposition-led parliament, amid an acrimonious conflict of

powers that is delaying solutions to its economic crisis.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Petrobras to tap Parente as CEO this week, sources say

SAO PAULO/BRASILIA, May 17 (Reuters) - State-controlled

Petróleo Brasileiro SA will appoint former

presidential chief of staff Pedro Parente as chief executive

officer, as Brazil's new interim government seeks to stamp its

authority on the debt-laden oil producer, two sources with

knowledge of the decision said on Tuesday.

Read more

French parliament adopts bill to ratify Paris climate agreement

PARIS, May 17 (Reuters) - French parliamentarians in a near

unanimous vote on Tuesday adopted a bill authorising the

government to ratify the landmark climate agreement reached by

195 nations in Paris in December.

Read more

UPDATE 1-U.S. sets steep duties on imports of Chinese cold-rolled steel

WASHINGTON, May 17 (Reuters) - The United States slapped

Chinese steelmakers with final import duties of 522 percent on

cold-rolled flat steel on Tuesday after finding that their

products were being sold in the U.S. market below cost and with

unfair subsidies.

Read more

Red Cross has greater access in Syria, stepping up aid -official

GENEVA, May 17 (Reuters) - The Red Cross is delivering

assistance to greater numbers of Syrian civilians and visiting

more detainees in government prisons but the situation remains

"dramatic" in besieged areas, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Read more

EIB sees no risk to its lending in Poland

WARSAW, May 17 (Reuters) - European Investment Bank (EIB)

plans to maintain its 2016 lending for Poland at last year's

level of 5.5 billion euros ($6.2 billion), despite Moody's

decision to cut its rating outlook last Friday, the EIB's Polish

representative said.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Canada oil sands producers disrupted anew as wildfire shifts north

CALGARY, Alberta, May 17 (Reuters) - Canadian energy

producers were hit with fresh disruptions on Tuesday after a

massive wildfire burning around the oil sands hub of Fort

McMurray, Alberta, shifted north, forcing the evacuation of

about 4,000 people from work camps.

Read more

TerraForm Global delays first-quarter report

May 17 (Reuters) - TerraForm Global Inc, a unit of

bankrupt U.S. solar energy company SunEdison Inc,

said it could not file its report for the quarter ended March

31.

Read more

U.S. appeals court delays action on Obama's carbon emissions plan

WASHINGTON, May 16 (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on

Monday delayed consideration of a challenge by 27 states to

President Barack Obama's federal regulations to curb carbon

dioxide emissions mainly from coal-fired plants, meaning a

decision will not come until after the November presidential

election.

Read more

Canada oil sands producers disrupted anew as wildfire shifts north

May 17 (Reuters) - Canadian energy producers were hit with

fresh disruptions on Tuesday after a massive wildfire burning

around the oil sands hub of Fort McMurray, Alberta, shifted

north, forcing the evacuation of about 4,000 people from work

camps.

Read more

U.S. factory output boosted by machinery, auto production

WASHINGTON, May 17 (Reuters) - U.S. factory output expanded

in April as makers of machinery and cars posted solid increases

in production, a sign that the country's manufacturing sector

was resisting the downward pull from sputtering global growth.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Red Cross targets $110 million for drought relief in Southern Africa

JOHANNESBURG, May 17 (Reuters) - The International

Federation of Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

has launched an appeal for $110 million to a new initiative to

help drought-stricken southern African countries.

Read more

Monday, May 16, 2016

Algeria orders $40 mln LPG vessel from China -Sonatrach document

ALGIERS, May 16 (Reuters) - A subsidiary of Algerian state

energy company Sonatrach has awarded two Chinese firms a $40

million deal to deliver a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier

and an option to provide a second vessel, according to a

Sonatrach document seen by Reuters.

Read more

Brazil's Eletrobras says high risk of missing SEC filing deadline

SAO PAULO, May 16 (Reuters) - Brazil's state-controlled

electricity holding company Eletrobras said on Monday

it has a high risk of missing the U.S. Securities and Exchange

Commission deadline of May 18 for turning in regulatory filings

and could see its shares delisted in New York as a result.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Eletrobras says has no early repayment clauses linked to U.S. filings

SAO PAULO, May 16 (Reuters) - Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras

SA, Brazil's state-controlled electricity holding company, said

on Monday it has no clauses requiring early debt repayment in

case of failure to comply with

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings.

Read more

European shares steady as miners rise but Eutelsat slumps

* Morgan Stanley raises "defensive" stocks to overweight

(ADVISORY- Reuters plans to replace intra-day European and UK

stock market reports with a Live Markets blog on Eikon (see cpurl://apps.cp./cms/?pageId=livemarkets

for site in development). Adds details, updates prices)

Read more

UPDATE 3-Range Resources buying Memorial in rare energy merger

* Memorial's shares up 9 pct premarket

(Adds comments, details throughout)

Read more

Rwanda inaugurates 26 MW plant using methane from Lake Kivu

KIGALI, May 16 (Reuters) - Rwanda inaugurated a power plant

on Monday which uses methane gas from Lake Kivu, officials said,

adding 26 megawatts (MW) to the grid in a country where only a

quarter of the population is connected to an electricity supply.

Read more

Ontario to spend $5.4 bln to cut carbon footprint-Globe and Mail

May 16 (Reuters) - The government of the Canadian province

of Ontario plans to spend more than C$7 billion ($5.41 billion)

over four years from 2017 in a bid to cut the province's carbon

footprint, the Globe and Mail reported on Monday.

Read more

UPDATE 3-Thousands of Afghan Hazaras join power line protest in Kabul

* Protest ends peacefully

(Updates with commission reviewing plan)

Read more

Kabul locked down as Afghan authorities face power line protest

KABUL, May 16 (Reuters) - Stacked-up shipping containers

blocked the streets leading to Kabul's government and diplomatic

area on Monday as Afghan authorities prepared for a rally by

thousands of members of the Hazara minority over a multi-million

dollar power line project.

Read more

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Cash-starved Brazil considers selling off public assets -paper

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 15 (Reuters) - Brazil's government is

considering selling stakes in state-controlled assets including

its postal company as well as holdings in transport, power and

insurance firms in a bid to raise capital and streamline the

public sector, a newspaper reported on Sunday.

Read more

India's monsoon rains expected a week late, weather office says

MUMBAI, May 15 (Reuters) - Monsoon rains are expected to

arrive on India's southern Kerala coast by June 7, about a week

later than usual, the country's weather office said on Sunday.

Read more

Moody's cuts RWE debt to one notch above junk

FRANKFURT, May 14 (Reuters) - RWE is just one

notch above junk status after Moody's downgraded the Germany

utility's debt to Baa3 from Baa2, citing weak power prices,

Germany's nuclear exit and the company's exposure to coal.

Read more

Saturday, May 14, 2016

China April natural gas output up 5.6 pct on year - stats bureau

BEIJING, May 14 (Reuters) - China's April natural gas

production rose 5.6 percent over the same year-ago level to 10.6

billion cubic metres, according to data released by the National

Bureau of Statistics on Saturday.

Read more

Friday, May 13, 2016

UPDATE 1-Speculators boost U.S. natgas net longs -CFTC

May 13 (Reuters) - U.S. natural gas speculators boosted net

long positions for the first week in three, betting prices will

rise as production eases and demand picks up, absorbing some of

the record amount of fuel left in inventories after a warm

winter.

Read more

China April power output -1.7 pct on yr at 444.4 bln kWh - stats bureau

BEIJING, May 14 (Reuters) - China generated 444.4 billion

kilowatt-hours of power in April, down 1.7 percent compared with

the same period of last year, figures from the National Bureau

of Statistics showed on Saturday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-S&P downgrades EDF hybrids to junk status

* CEO called hybrid debt EDF's Achilles heel

(Adds S&P downgrade on Friday)

Read more

Speculators boost U.S. natgas net longs -CFTC

May 13 (Reuters) - U.S. natural gas speculators boosted net

long positions for the first week in three, betting prices will

rise as production eases and demand picks up, absorbing some of

the record amount of fuel left in inventories after a warm

winter.

Read more

Moody's downgrade brings EDF hybrids uncomfortably close to junk status

* 10 bln euros of hybrid debt would be hard to refinance as

junk

Read more

Tanzania says Japan's Koyo Corp plans to build $1 bln power plant

DAR ES SALAAM, May 13 (Reuters) - Japan's Koyo Corporation

plans to invest $1 billion in a gas-fired power plant in

Tanzania, which has made huge natural gas discoveries, the

office of Tanzania's prime minister said on Friday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Dutch offshore wind tender attracts bids from Shell, RWE and Vattenfall

LONDON, May 13 (Reuters) - Some of Europe's biggest energy

companies, including Shell, RWE and

Vattenfall, are competing in a Dutch offshore wind

tender seen as one of the biggest green energy projects on offer

in Europe this year.

Read more

RWE, Macquarie Capital in joint bid for Dutch offshore wind farm

LONDON, May 13 (Reuters) - German utility RWE and

Australia's Macquarie Capital have made a joint bid to

the Dutch government to build two 350 megawatt offshore wind

farms, a spokesman for RWE Innogy, its renewable energy

division, said on Friday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Indonesia to review ambitious power plant programme

* Flagship project delayed since 2011

(Adds details of context, programme progress)

Read more

IPO banks value DONG Energy at more than $15 bln -newspaper

COPENHAGEN, May 13 (Reuters) - Denmark's DONG Energy

could be valued at more than $15 billion,

according to two of the banks involved in the company's planned

initial public offering (IPO), Danish newspaper Berlingske

reported on Friday.

Read more

Indonesia to review 35 GW power program amid investor doubts

JAKARTA, May 13 (Reuters) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo

has called for a review of the country's ambitious program to

develop 35 gigawatts of new power stations by 2019, the energy

minister said on Friday.

Read more

Thursday, May 12, 2016

China to boost energy storage 10-fold to cut power waste -industry

BEIJING, May 13 (Reuters) - China is expected to raise its

power storage capacity by ten-fold to 14.5 gigawatts by 2020, as

the world's second-biggest economy tries to cut massive waste

from renewable energy projects, an industry association said.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Japan April spot LNG import prices fall to lowest in more than 2 yrs

(Adds detail, table)

TOKYO, May 13 (Reuters) - Prices of imported liquefied

natural gas (LNG) spot cargoes in April fell to their lowest

since Japan's trade ministry started publishing figures more

than two years ago, official data showed on Friday.

The average price of arriving LNG cargoes to the world's

biggest importer fell by $1 from a month earlier to $5.80 per

million British thermal units (mmBtu) in April, according to the

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

Th

Read more

UPDATE 1-Brazil's Petrobras, Brookfield enter talks over pipeline unit

SAO PAULO, May 12 (Reuters) - State-controlled Petróleo

Brasileiro SA has entered exclusive talks with Brookfield Asset

Management Inc over the sale of natural gas pipeline

unit Nova Transportadora do Sudeste SA, as part of a plan to

dispose of $15 billion of non-essential assets by year-end.

Read more

Japan April spot LNG prices fall to lowest in more than 2 yrs

TOKYO, May 13 (Reuters) - Prices for liquefied natural gas

(LNG) spot cargoes arriving in Japan in April fell to the lowest

since the trade ministry started publishing figures more than

two years ago, official data showed on Friday.

Read more

Argentina's Pampa Energia aims to invest $400 mln in renewable energy

BUENOS AIRES, May 12 (Reuters) - Argentina's Pampa Energia

SA said on Thursday it planned to invest $400 million

in thermal and wind energy projects if it wins a tender process

for renewable power projects that the government will hold next

week.

Read more

After Canada wildfire, a silver lining for businesses

TORONTO/VANCOUVER, May 12 (Reuters) - As the Canadian city

of Fort McMurray prepares to rebuild after a wildfire reduced

parts of it to ash, businesses from 'man camp' suppliers to

pizza parlors are preparing for a spike in demand as clean-up

crews, builders and oil sands workers pour into the region.

Read more

UPDATE 3-Enbridge says slowly resumes operations after Canadian wildfire

VANCOUVER, May 12 (Reuters) - Enbridge Inc

said on Thursday it was steadily resuming service on its

pipeline network through Canada's energy heartland about a week

after a massive wildfire spread through the Fort McMurray,

Alberta, area, forcing a shutdown.

Read more

UPDATE 1-At least six bids for Lyon airport, three for Nice - sources

PARIS, May 12 (Reuters) - At least six offers have been

submitted for France's 60 percent stake in Lyon-Saint-Exupery

airport along with three bids for a similar stake in Nice Cote

d'Azur airport, sources close to the matter told Reuters.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Shell participates in bid for Dutch offshore wind farm

AMSTERDAM, May 12 (Reuters) - Royal Dutch Shell is

in a consortium bidding to build two 350 megawatt wind farms off

the coast of the Netherlands, the oil company said on Thursday,

delivering on a promise to invest more in wind energy.

Read more

UPDATE 3-Top oil explorer Eni embarks on green energy quest

* Does not intend to compete with Enel's green business

(Adds CEO comments from AGM)

Read more

Shell participates in bid for Dutch offshore wind farm

AMSTERDAM, May 12 (Reuters) - Royal Dutch Shell is

participating in a consortium bidding in a Dutch government

tender to build two 350 megawatt wind farms off the Netherlands'

southern coast.

Read more

UPDATE 1-South Africa's Eskom sees no power cuts this year

* Says could start exporting excess power capacity by 2021

(Adds new CEO quote, coal contracts, nuclear power)

Read more

Investors boost bets on post-Rousseff Brazil, long-term doubts persist

May 12 (Reuters) - BlackRock Inc is among major

asset managers that had been raising their bets on Brazil even

before President Dilma Rousseff was suspended from office on

Thursday, but many investors are wary about the long-term

recovery prospects of Latin America's largest economy.

Read more

EDF to propose deal for 6 nuclear reactors in India by year-end

PARIS, May 12 (Reuters) - EDF will deliver a

proposal to the Indian government by year's end to build six

nuclear reactors, an executive at the French utility said on

Thursday, in what could be the world's biggest nuclear deal.

Read more

RPT-Get your 5-cent natural gas, right here in Canada

May 12 (Reuters) - For a brief moment this week, Canadian

natural gas was basically free.

Read more

UPDATE 1-UK watchdog to review some gas and electricity transmission projects

LONDON, May 12 (Reuters) - Britain's electricity regulator

has launched a review into some electricity and gas transmission

projects planned by grid operator National Grid.

Read more

U.S. high court could spur Congress on Puerto Rico debt crisis

WASHINGTON/SAN JUAN, May 12 (Reuters) - As the U.S. Congress

drags its feet on a bill to address Puerto Rico's $70 billion

debt crisis, it could get kicked into high gear by an unlikely

source: the Supreme Court.

Read more

UPDATE 1-EDF says Hinkley Point equity cost could rise to 21 billion pounds

PARIS, May 12 (Reuters) - French utility EDF said

on Thursday the contingency needs of its project to build two

nuclear reactors in Britain could increase the cost by about

three billion pounds to nearly 21 billion pounds ($30.29

billion) (26.5 billion euros).

Read more

UK watchdog to review gas and electricity transmission price controls

LONDON, May 12 (Reuters) - Britain's electricity regulator

has launched a review into the price controls set for

electricity and gas transmission by grid operator National Grid

.

Read more

EDF says Hinkley Point equity cost could rise to 21 billion pounds

PARIS, May 12 (Reuters) - French utility EDF said

on Thursday that contingency margins on its project to build two

nuclear reactors in Hinkley Point, Britain could increase the

cost by about three billion pounds to nearly 21 billion pounds

($30.27 billion).

Read more

UPDATE 1-DONG Energy says to list in Copenhagen this summer

* DONG will be valued at around $12 bln - analysts

(Recasts, adds details, background)

Read more

Get your 5-cent natural gas, right here in Canada

May 11 (Reuters) - For a brief moment this week, Canadian

natural gas was basically free.

Read more

RWE sells power for coming years at above-market prices

FRANKFURT, May 12 (Reuters) - German utility RWE

has sold 90 percent of its 2016 power production, 90 percent of

2017 output, and 70 percent of 2018 production at above-market

prices, it said on Thursday.

Read more

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Australia shares drop, led by financials, NZ flat

SYDNEY/WELLINGTON, May 12 (Reuters) - Australian shares ran

out of steam on Thursday to drop 0.6 percent after five straight

days of gains, with financials weighing down the index following

Wall Street's weak lead.

Read more

UPDATE 3-Canadian oilfield workers readying return after wildfire

* Fort McMurray still closed to residents

(Adds details from police briefing, vehicles moving north

toward oil sands plants)

Read more

UPDATE 1-Putin says Crimea now free of reliance on Kiev for its power

SOCHI, Russia May 11 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir

Putin oversaw the launch of a fourth and final line supplying

electricity from Russia to Crimea on Wednesday, saying the

project had broken an energy blockage he accused Kiev of

imposing on the peninsula.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Enel seen winning over Telecom in battle for Metroweb - sources

* High-speed Internet network is key plank of Renzi's agenda

(Adds details, comments)

Read more

German govt proposes cutting support for onshore wind energy starting 2017

BERLIN, May 11 (Reuters) - The German government has

proposed reducing support for onshore wind energy by 7.5 percent

for two years from January 2017, according to a draft proposal

for a meeting on renewable energy between the federal government

and Germany's 16 states.

Read more

UPDATE 2-Spain's Gas Natural to invest in grids, renewables to boost profit

* To distribute 7 bln euros in dividends in 2016-2020

(Adds new details on 2016, 2017, dividend)

Read more

Oil sands restarts in focus as Canada wildfire threat eases

EDMONTON, Alberta, May 11 (Reuters) - Market participants

are closely watching on Wednesday for the prospect of further

restarts by Canadian oil sands producers near wildfire-ravaged

Fort McMurray as some companies began slowly bringing operations

back online.

Read more

France's Engie eyes $500 mln from Asia oil and gas assets sales

LONDON, May 11 (Reuters) - French utility Engie

is looking to offload its oil and gas assets in Indonesia and

Malaysia as a package in a sale process being run by Bank of

America Merrill Lynch, according to a document seen by Reuters.

Read more

First Korea, now Japan: Colombian coal exports to Asia spread

* Cheap freight, low cost drive Colombian coal exports to

Asia

Read more

E.ON sells central European power forward at above-market prices

FRANKFURT, May 11 (Reuters) - German utility E.ON

has made forward sales of its central European power production

at above-market prices for most of the next two years, but it

faces power generation losses once the contracts expire, slides

showed on Wednesday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-E.ON posts higher first quarter profit after Gazprom deal

FRANKFURT, May 11 (Reuters) - E.ON, Germany's

largest utility, reported an eight percent rise in first-quarter

core earnings on Wednesday, citing a one-off price-cutting deal

for gas purchases and saying the split-up of the group remained

top of the agenda.

Read more

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

SunEdison "yieldcos" extend date to file financial reports

May 10 (Reuters) - Bankrupt solar company SunEdison's

"yieldcos" - TerraForm Global Inc and Terraform Power

Inc - said their units had amended credit agreements to

extend the date for filing financial reports.

Read more

Husky Energy to sell some Saskatchewan assets for C$595 mln

May 10 (Reuters) - Husky Energy said it would sell

some assets in southwest Saskatchewan for C$595 million ($461

million) to fellow oil and gas producer Whitecap Resources Inc

as it looks to raise cash.

Read more

UPDATE 5-Canadian oil production trickles back as wildfire threat eases

EDMONTON, Alberta, May 10 (Reuters) - Oil sands companies

around the Canadian energy center of Fort McMurray began to

restart operations on Tuesday after an out-of-control wildfire

forced a week-long shutdown.

Read more

Solar shares sell off after SolarCity forecast

NEW YORK, May 10 (Reuters) - After their hot rally at the

end of last year, shares of solar energy firms have turned ice

cold as concerns about slower growth and regulatory

uncertainties plague the group.

Read more

Engie buys an 80 percent stake in battery storage company Green Charge

PARIS, May 10 (Reuters) - French energy company Engie

said on Tuesday it had bought an 80 percent stake in

California-based battery power storage company Green Charge

Networks.

Read more

Nissan's electric cars in UK trial to sell surplus power

LONDON, May 10 (Reuters) - Nissan is to launch a

trial this year to allow electric car owners in Britain to sell

electricity back to the National Grid and potentially make money

in the process.

Read more

EDF Q1 sales down 7 pct on competition, low power prices

PARIS, May 10 (Reuters) - French state-controlled utility

EDF first-quarter sales fell 6.7 percent to 21.44

billion euros due to increasing competition, record low

wholesale power prices and mild winter weather, the company said

in a statement on Tuesday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-America's infrastructure $1.44 trln short through 2025 -report

May 10 (Reuters) - America will fall $1.44 trillion short of

what it needs to spend on infrastructure through the next

decade, a gap that could strip 2.5 million jobs and $4 trillion

of gross domestic product from the economy, a report from a

society of professional engineers said on Tuesday.

Read more

America's infrastructure $1.44 trln short through 2025 -report

May 10 (Reuters) - America will fall $1.44 trillion short of

what it needs to spend on infrastructure through the next

decade, a gap that could strip 2.5 million jobs and $4 trillion

of gross domestic product from the economy, a report showed on

Tuesday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Nigerian union says oil firms should evacuate Niger Delta staff

YENAGOA, Nigeria, May 10 (Reuters) - Oil companies operating

in Nigeria should evacuate staff from the southern Niger Delta

following several attacks on oil facilities, a senior oil

workers' union official said on Tuesday.

Read more

UPDATE 2-Shipper Golar LNG brings back ex-CEO amid push into power market

* Shares rise as much as 3 pct

(Adds background, details, shares)

Read more

Vivint Solar to take part in SunEdison's bankruptcy case

May 10 (Reuters) - Solar panel installer Vivint Solar Inc

said it would participate in SunEdison Inc's

bankruptcy case to maximize its recovery from claims against

SunEdison, which terminated its agreement to buy Vivint in

March.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Enel aims for 1 bln euros in asset sales in 2016

MILAN, May 10 (Reuters) - Italy's biggest utility Enel

expects to complete asset sales this year worth around

one billion euros ($1.1 billion), a sixth of its four-year

disposal target, CFO Alberto De Paoli said on Tuesday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Czech power firm CEZ tops forecast with Q1 profit surge

PRAGUE, May 10 (Reuters) - Czech electricity producer CEZ

reported a 32 percent rise in first-quarter adjusted

net profit on Tuesday, lifted by higher trading income, currency

gains and a boost from renewable sources in Romania that

compensated for falling power prices.

Read more

Huadian Fuxin says landslide death toll at 26, hydropower plant unaffected

HONG KONG, May 10 (Reuters) - Huadian Fuxin Energy Corp Ltd

said on Tuesday that 26 people had died after a

landslide hit sections of a hydroelectric power project in

China's southeastern Fujian province.

Read more

Monday, May 9, 2016

Venezuela extends two-day workweek for state employees to save energy

CARACAS, May 9 (Reuters) - Venezuela's socialist government

has extended a two-day workweek for public sector employees for

another two weeks because of a drought that has sapped

hydroelectric power generation in the OPEC country.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Telecom Italia makes all-cash bid for Italy's Metroweb - source

ROME, May 9 (Reuters) - Telecom Italia has made a

formal all-cash offer to buy fibre network company Metroweb,

valuing it at more than 820 million euros ($933 million), a

source close to the matter said on Monday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Total plans to sell specialty chemicals subsidiary Atotech -Le Figaro

PARIS, May 9 (Reuters) - French oil and gas producer Total

plans to sell its specialty chemicals and equipment

division Atotech, its chief executive told Le Figaro newspaper

after the company announced on Monday it would buy battery maker

Saft.

Read more

EDF works council votes for independent study on Hinkley point

PARIS, May 9 (Reuters) - EDF's works council said

on Monday it had voted to order an external study into the

French utility's project to build two nuclear reactors at

Hinkley Point in Britain.

Read more

Total plans to sell specialty chemicals subsidiary Atotech - Le Figaro

PARIS, May 9 (Reuters) - Total plans to sell its

specialty chemicals and equipment division Atotech, the chief

executive of the French oil and gas major told French daily Le

Figaro after the company announced on Monday it planned to buy

battery maker Saft.

Read more

SE Asia Stocks-S'pore snaps 10-day losing streak, Indonesia hits over 2-month low

May 9 (Reuters) - Singapore shares rose on Monday, snapping

a 10-session losing streak, helped by a rally in U.S. stocks

late last week, while most other Southeast Asian markets

suffered losses led by Indonesia, which fell to its lowest in

over two months.

U.S. stocks bounced back on Friday from early losses to

close higher as investors viewed the day's jobs data as less

disappointing than first thought.

"Singapore stock market opened higher as positive sentiments

spilled over from the

Read more

Pakistan must speed up reform, employ more women for growth - World Bank

ISLAMABAD, May 9 (Reuters) - Pakistan must speed up reform

of the energy sector and bring more women into the labour force

if it wants to quicken economic growth that lags far behind

regional peers, the World Bank's country representative said on

Monday.

Read more

Saturday, May 7, 2016

GLOBAL LNG-Pick-up in import demand anticipated after price slip

LONDON, May 6 (Reuters) - Traders anticipate more buying

interest for liquefied natural gas (LNG) from importers

including Japan and Argentina next week after Asian spot prices

eased due to weak demand.

Read more

Enbridge requests regulator extend Northern Gateway permit

May 6 (Reuters) - Enbridge Inc filed a request on

Friday with Canada's national energy regulator for an extension

of its Northern Gateway project permit to continue talks with

communities in northwest British Columbia.

Read more

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Croatia interested in role in Hungary's disputed nuclear project

SARAJEVO, May 5 (Reuters) - Croatia is interested in taking

part in a disputed project to expand the Paks nuclear power

plant its neighbour Hungary has awarded to Russia's Rosatom,

Croatia's Entrepreneurship and Crafts Minister Darko Horvat said

on Thursday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Shares in Spain's Repsol rise after solid start of the year

MADRID, May 5 (Reuters) - Spanish oil company Repsol

reported better than expected first-quarter net profit

on Thursday helped by lower exploration and production costs and

a solid performance at its refining business despite lower oil

prices.

Read more

EDP sees sound medium-term profit rise, stocks jump

LISBON, May 5 (Reuters) - EDP-Energias de Portugal

expects its net profit to grow by 4 percent a year through 2020

thanks to capacity additions at its wind energy division and a

gentle market recovery, the company said on Thursday.

Read more

UPDATE 1-Centrica looks to raise funds to cut debt; shares fall

May 5 (Reuters) - Britain's largest energy supplier Centrica

said on Thursday it intended to raise funds equal to

nearly 7 percent of its share capital, partly to cut debt,

sending its shares down as much as 8 percent.

Read more

BUZZ-Centrica: bottom of Stoxx on equity issuance

** Utility group Centrica -c.7%, top loser on Stoxx

600 & on track for worst day in >1 yr on surprise

equity issuance

Read more

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

India eyes cleanup of bad debt mountain as wary state banks hesitate

* India's state banks hold over $100 billion in stressed

debts

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Germany may recommend minimum carbon price for Europe -draft

FRANKFURT, May 4 (Reuters) - Germany is considering lobbying

for a minimum price to be set on Europe-wide avoidance of carbon

dioxide emissions to boost the effectiveness of carbon schemes

that have so far failed to cut CO2 and battle climate change, a

draft document outlining the nation's energy and climate policy

shows.

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UK's Cameron says British exit from EU would hurt steel industry

LONDON, May 4 (Reuters) - Britain's steel industry would

face severe challenges if the country was not a member of the

European Union, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Wednesday

ahead of a June 23 referendum on whether to stay in the bloc.

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UPDATE 2-Former CFO wanted EDF to delay Hinkley Point project

* Says EPR reactor involves major construction risk

(Adds Piquemal quotes on danger to EDF)

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UPDATE 1-Montenegro's economy expected to grow 4 pct in 2016 - minister

SARAJEVO, May 4 (Reuters) - Montenegro's economy is expected

to grow four percent this year, after 3.2 percent in 2015,

driven by big projects in infrastructure and tourism, the

economy minister said on Wednesday.

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UPDATE 1-Former CFO wanted EDF to delay Hinkley Point decision, warns on rating

PARIS, May 4 (Reuters) - EDF's former chief

financial officer urged to utility to delay a final investment

decision on building Britain's Hinkley Point nuclear plant by at

least three years, he told France's parliament on Wednesday.

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Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Chile proposes $9 billion infrastructure fund

SANTIAGO, May 3 (Reuters) - Chile on Tuesday unveiled plans

to create an infrastructure fund to spur public works investment

and spark the sluggish economy, and will send legislation on the

fund to Congress as early as next week, officials said.

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UPDATE 1-Irregularities found in Areva-made components in French nuclear plants -ASN

PARIS, May 3 (Reuters) - Irregularities have been found in

around 50 Areva-made components installed in French nuclear

reactors, nuclear regulator ASN said on Tuesday.

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UPDATE 1-Tough oil and gas markets hit Vallourec's first-quarter sales

PARIS, May 3 (Reuters) - Vallourec on Tuesday

reported a first-quarter net loss and a drop in sales volumes to

record lows, but the steel pipe maker said its results would

improve in the second quarter.

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UPDATE 1-Engie says Mestrallet's chairman salary will go to charity

PARIS, May 3 (Reuters) - French utility Engie

board chairman Gerard Mestrallet's 350,000 euro ($404,000)

salary will go to the Engie Foundation charity and Mestrallet

will carry out his new job for free, the company said.

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Irregularities found in Areva-made components in French nuclear plants -ASN

PARIS, May 3 (Reuters) - Irregularities have been found in

some 50 Areva-made components installed in French nuclear

reactors, nuclear regulator ASN said in a statement on Tuesday.

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Bribery for services rampant in Mideast, North Africa, research finds

NEW YORK, May 3 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Roughly one

in three people in the Middle East and North Africa has recently

paid bribes to public officials and for services such as medical

care and electricity, and most people say corruption is growing,

a watchdog group said on Tuesday.

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Monday, May 2, 2016

Siemens to pay Israel $43 mln to settle bribery case -Israel

JERUSALEM, May 2 (Reuters) - Siemens AG will pay

Israel 160 million shekels ($43 million) to settle a decade-old

corruption case in which the German group was accused of bribing

executives at a state-owned utility to win contracts, Israeli

authorities said on Monday.

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UPDATE 1-French regulator says Engie's corporate gas prices harm competition

* Competition body says Engie prices don't reflect real

costs

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RPT-Australia coal mines brace for floods as La Nina looms

SYDNEY, April 29 (Reuters) - Five years ago floods linked to

a La Nina weather pattern nearly brought Australia's coal

industry to a standstill. With another of the sea-cooling events

now forming and the risk of heavy rains returning, mining

companies say they are ready.

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