The latest renewable energy news includes announcements from TotalEnergies, Wind Turbine Distance in Netherlands, and others.
TotalEnergies-TES Live Oak E-Methane Project Enters FEED With 250 MW Electrolyser Plan
The Live Oak e-methane project in Nebraska has entered front-end engineering and design, representing a material development milestone for the TotalEnergies- and TES-led project. KBR and Técnicas Reunidas will conduct parallel FEED studies before one design is selected for execution. Live Oak targets approximately 250 MW of electrolysis capacity and 75,000 tonnes per year of e-methane production. TotalEnergies and TES each hold 33.35 percent, while Osaka Gas, Toho Gas and ITOCHU jointly own 33.3 percent. The partners aim to complete FEED and begin project execution in 2027, subject to final investment approval, with commercial operations targeted by 2030. Osaka Gas and Toho Gas are expected to be the principal Japanese offtakers.
Netherlands Sets Minimum Wind Turbine Distance at Twice Tip Height to Restart Onshore Development
The Netherlands is introducing a national minimum-distance standard for new onshore wind turbines, requiring projects to locate turbines at least twice their total tip height from homes. A 200-metre turbine would therefore need to be at least 400 metres from the nearest residence. The government also plans national rules covering noise, shadow flicker and light reflection. The move addresses regulatory uncertainty that has slowed wind permitting since earlier national standards were struck down in 2021. The Netherlands is targeting additional onshore wind development alongside an offshore wind programme aiming for 23 GW, with 5.5 GW already permitted and under construction, and 30–40 GW of offshore capacity targeted by 2040. The new onshore regulations are expected to reach parliament before the end of 2026.