The amount of future new wind capacity in Europe financed last year rose to a record high, industry group WindEurope said on Thursday, as falling costs and increased competition made it possible for investors to fund more for less cash.

In total, 16.7 gigawatts (GW) of projects reached a final investment decision – 12.5 GW onshore and 4.2 GW offshore – 45 percent more than in 2017, WindEurope said in its annual report.

Funding for the new investments rose to 26.7 billion euros ($30.3 billion).

Record Amount of New Wind Capacity Financed in Europe Last Year | Devamı>>>

France and Germany are pooling efforts to kick-start battery cell production in Europe aiming to take on rivals from Asia which dominate the global market, top officials from both nations said.

Germany will put up 1 billion euros ($1.13 billion) and France 750 million euros in subsidies to co-finance building factories in their respective countries, said Economy and Energy Minister Peter Altmaier and Bruno Le Maire, who is France’s economy and finance minister.

The joint initiative brings Europe a step closer in creating a new industry from scratch, Le Maire told reporters in Berlin after a meeting on Tuesday.

Germany and France Launch $2 Billion Kick-Start for Battery Cells | Devamı>>>

The European Parliament has called for the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to be cancelled. This is according to the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on Wednesday following the report on the Implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. The Strasbourg meeting of the plenary session of the European Parliament was broadcast on the EP’s website.

“MEPs praise Ukraine for good cooperation in the energy sector and its achievements in the areas of energy efficiency and renewables, while pointing out the need to continue to reform, particularly in the gas and electricity market.

European Parliament Calls for Nord Stream 2 Construction to be Cancelled | Devamı>>>