--The Netherlands launched the world's first "zero-subsidy" tender for wind power Friday, in which only companies that don't need any support will be allowed to participate, Reuters reports.

--Companies have until Dec. 21 to hand in bids for two North Sea slots, each representing a 350-megawatt project, though a Ministry of Economic Affairs official acknowledged that because this type of tender is unprecedented, it might not receive any bids at all, Reuters says.

--According to Reuters, Sweden's Vattenfall called the auction "big gamble," but on Friday said it will take part, while Dutch peer Eneco said it is too soon for zero-subsidy bids, but didn't rule out participating.

--Germany-based energy company EnBW is also eyeing the project, but its bidding intentions are unclear, reports Reuters.

Full story: http://reut.rs/2CheoLF

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 15, 2017 10:10 ET (15:10 GMT)