The latest renewable energy news includes announcements on Kawasaki and Transgaz, New England Wind offshore project, Archer, and others.
Kawasaki and Transgaz Sign Agreement to Test Hydrogen Pipeline Compression Technology in Romania
Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Romanian gas transmission operator Transgaz have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop hydrogen pipeline transportation technology. Announced October 23, the agreement covers a proposed demonstration of Kawasaki’s KM Comp-H2 centrifugal hydrogen compressor in Romania. The technology is designed for large-scale transportation of pure hydrogen through onshore pipelines. The planned demonstration will also involve electrolyser infrastructure associated with Transgaz’s ROHYD research programme. The initiative has been selected for support under a Japanese government programme promoting industrial cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe. The partners will negotiate a subsequent project agreement specifying the demonstration location, technical responsibilities and implementation timetable. Commercial pipeline deployment has not yet been approved.
US Government Seeks Review of Approval for 1.87 GW New England Offshore Wind Development
The US government has asked a federal court to return the construction and operations approval for the New England Wind offshore project to the Department of the Interior for reconsideration. The latest development was reported October 23. The project, developed by Avangrid, is planned off Massachusetts and comprises 791 MW New England Wind 1 and the proposed New England Wind 2 development, bringing combined capacity to approximately 1,870 MW. New England Wind 1 was selected through Massachusetts’ offshore wind procurement programme, but electricity contracts remain unsigned. The government’s request introduces additional regulatory uncertainty. It does not constitute a final court ruling or cancellation of the project’s existing approvals.
Archer Exits Offshore Wind EPC Market Following 3 MW Culzean Floating Wind Project Challenges
Norwegian energy services company Archer has decided to stop pursuing offshore wind engineering, procurement and construction contracts. Announced during its October trading update and reported October 23, the decision follows commercial challenges involving the 3 MW Culzean floating wind project offshore Scotland. Archer completed the principal project deliveries, while offshore commissioning remains underway. The company is negotiating additional compensation for project variations and pursuing a claim against a subcontractor. Archer reported net interest-bearing debt of approximately $525 million and has temporarily suspended shareholder distributions. Management will evaluate strategic options for Archer Wind, including a partial or complete sale. The company expects to reassess shareholder distributions during early 2027.
