[SMM Flash News] Indonesia Allows Only Limited Nickel Quota Additions

SolarPower Europe has urged the European Commission to clarify its decision to restrict EU funding for solar and battery storage projects using inverters from high-risk countries. The association said the lack of written guidance on the scope and implementation of the measure has created deep uncertainty, delayed projects and complicated procurement decisions, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. It called for transition periods, national impact assessments, harmonised network codes and stronger support for European inverter manufacturing to avoid deployment delays and protect energy security.

Indonesia has officially launched its B50 biodiesel mandate, increasing the biodiesel blending ratio to 50% as part of its strategy to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on imported fuels. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) estimates the program will save around IDR170 trillion in foreign exchange, increase the palm oil industry's added value to IDR23.49 trillion, create approximately 2.1 million jobs, and reduce CO₂ emissions by 44.46 million mt compared with conventional diesel. Annual biodiesel demand is projected at 16.7–18 million kL, requiring 15.2–16.3 million mt of crude palm oil (CPO). ESDM added that B50 has passed technical tests across multiple transport and industrial sectors and is ready for nationwide implementation.

Germany’s Bundestag has approved an amended electricity security law enabling tenders for 11 GW of backup generation capacity. Two auctions for 4.5 GW each are scheduled for September and December 2026, followed by a 2-GW auction in May 2027 that will also admit battery storage. Supported facilities must remain available for 15 years, be hydrogen-ready and operate climate-neutrally from 2045. The amended law also raises the maximum payment to EUR 244,000/MW and allocates one-third of capacity to northern Germany and two-thirds to the south.