In brief | 1 October ’26
Montel: German surplus green power scheme struggles to attract demand
A German scheme designed to use renewable power curtailed due to grid bottlenecks has “significant potential” but participation remains limited amid economic hurdles and strict eligibility requirements, TSOs and energy companies told Montel.
Bloomberg: Summer heat widened Swiss glacier loss to 20% over past five years
Unstable conditions make terrain unsafe for tourism that’s critical to Alpine communities.
Reuters: US tells France and Germany to release diesel stocks or face US export ban, sources say
The Trump administration has told Germany and France to draw down emergency diesel inventories to help to ease global fuel prices or face a potential US diesel export ban, said three people close to the discussions.
BMW: BMW Group to integrate Plant Leipzig into core hydrogen grid
Plant Leipzig set to be the first vehicle plant worldwide with a direct connection to a hydrogen grid.
Montel: 5-min trading “logical next step” despite “exponential costs”
Switching from 15-minute day-ahead power trading to 5-minute trading is a logical next step, European energy exchange Epex Spot said, although the reform would bring exponential costs.
Eurelectric: Electricity weathered energy shocks in 2026, but storage and flexibility must catch up
Amidst geopolitical tensions and extreme weather, Europe’s electricity system proved it can shield consumers and industry from fossil fuel volatility, shows Eurelectric’s Power Barometer 2026.
European Commission: New EU Critical Communication System for first responders
When wildfires, floods, hybrid threats or terrorist attacks occur, first responders need to communicate and coordinate quickly across borders. The European Commission proposed to establish a new EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS) to provide Europe’s first responders with secure and resilient communication channels in crisis situations.
The Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) initiative equips members to engage policymakers in their own sectors and countries, amplifies climate storytelling already being made, and champions decarbonization already under way in the sector.
European Commission: Commission report finds devastating shifts in the Arctic and record-breaking marine heatwaves
The ocean is changing at an alarming pace with direct consequences for marine life, coastlines and communities all across the world.