Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI Global: How the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ positions US energy to be more costly for consumers and the climate

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel Cohan, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University

    Proposed revisions to U.S. energy policy would likely raise consumer prices and climate-warming emissions. zpagistock/Moment via Getty Images

    When it comes to energy policy, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” – the official name of a massive federal tax-cut and spending bill that House Republicans passed in May 2025 – risks raising Americans’ energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

    The 1,100-page bill would slash incentives for green technologies such as solar, wind, batteries, electric cars and heat pumps while subsidizing existing nuclear power plants and biofuels. That would leave the country and its people burning more fossil fuels despite strong popular and scientific support for a rapid shift to renewable energy.

    The bill may still be revised by the Senate before it moves to a final vote. But it is a picture of how President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans want to reshape U.S. energy policy.

    As an environmental engineering professor who studies ways to confront climate change, I think it is important to distinguish which technologies could rapidly cut emissions or are on the verge of becoming viable from those that do little to fight climate change. Unfortunately, the House bill favors the latter while nixing support for the former.

    Renewable energy

    Wind and solar power, often paired with batteries, are providing over 90% of the new electricity currently being added to the grid nationally and around the world. Geothermal power is undergoing technological breakthroughs. With natural gas turbines in short supply and long lead times to build other resources, renewables and batteries offer the fastest way to satisfy growing demand for power.

    However, the House bill rescinds billions of dollars that the Inflation Reduction Act, enacted in 2022, devoted to boosting domestic manufacturing and deployments of renewable energy and batteries.

    It would terminate tax credits for manufacturing for the wind industry in 2028 and for solar and batteries in 2032. That would disrupt the boom in domestic manufacturing projects that was being stimulated by the Inflation Reduction Act.

    Deployments would be hit even harder. Wind, solar, geothermal and battery projects would need to commence construction within 60 days of passage of the bill to receive tax credits.

    In addition, the bill would deny tax credits to projects that use Chinese-made components. Financial analysts have called those provisions “unworkable,” since some Chinese materials may be necessary even for projects built with as much domestic content as possible.

    Analysts warn that the House bill would cut new wind, solar and battery installations by 20% compared with the growth that had been expected without the bill. That’s why BloombergNEF, an energy research firm, called the bill a “nightmare scenario” for clean energy proponents.

    However, one person’s nightmare may be another man’s dream. “We’re constraining the hell out of wind and solar, which is good,” said Rep. Chip Roy, a Texas Republican backed by the oil and gas industry.

    Wind turbines and solar panels generate renewable energy side by side near Palm Springs, Calif.
    Mario Tama/Getty Images

    Efficiency and electric cars

    Cuts fall even harder on Americans who are trying to reduce their carbon footprints and energy costs. The bill repeals aid for home efficiency improvements such as heat pumps, efficient windows and energy audits. Homeowners would also lose tax credits for installing solar panels and batteries.

    For vehicles, the bill would not only repeal tax credits for electric cars, trucks and chargers, but it also would impose a federal $250 annual fee on vehicles, on top of fees that some states charge electric-car owners. The federal fee is more than the gas taxes paid by other drivers to fund highways and ignores air-quality and climate effects.

    Combined, the lost credits and increased fees could cut projected U.S. sales of electric vehicles by 40% in 2030, according to modeling by Jesse Jenkins of Princeton University.

    Nuclear power

    Meanwhile, the bill partially retains a tax credit for electricity from existing nuclear power plants. Those plants may not need the help: Electricity demand is surging, and companies like Meta are signing long-term deals for nuclear energy to power data centers. Nuclear plants are also paid to manage their radioactive waste, since the country lacks a permanent place to store it.

    For new nuclear plants, the bill would move up the deadline to 2028 to begin construction. That deadline is too soon for some new reactor designs and would rush the vetting of others. Nuclear safety regulators are awaiting a study from the National Academies on the weapons proliferation risks of the type of uranium fuel that some developers hope to use in newer designs.

    The House-passed bill would protect government subsidies for existing nuclear power plants, like the one in the background, while limiting support for wind turbines.
    Scott Olson/Getty Images

    Biofuels

    While cutting funding for electric vehicles, the bill would spend $45 billion to extend tax credits for biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.

    Food-based biofuels do little good for the climate because growing, harvesting and processing crops requires fertilizers, pesticides and fuel. The bill would allow forests to be cut to make room for crops because it directs agencies to ignore the impacts of biofuels on land use.

    Hydrogen

    The bill would end tax credits for hydrogen production. Without that support, companies will be unlikely to invest in the seven so-called “hydrogen hubs” that were allocated a combined $8 billion under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021. Those hubs aim to attract $40 billion in private investments and create tens of thousands of jobs while developing cleaner ways to make hydrogen.

    The repealed tax credits would have subsidized hydrogen made emissions-free by using renewable or nuclear electricity to split water molecules. They also would have subsidized hydrogen made from natural gas with carbon capture, whose benefits are impaired by methane emissions from natural gas systems and incomplete carbon capture.

    However it’s made, hydrogen is no panacea. As the world’s smallest molecule, hydrogen is prone to leaking, which can pose safety challenges and indirectly warm the climate. And while hydrogen is essential for making fertilizers and potentially useful for making steel or aviation fuels, vehicles and heating are more efficiently powered by electricity than by hydrogen.

    Still, European governments and China are investing heavily in hydrogen production.

    As Congress deliberates on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the nation’s energy agenda is one of many issues being hotly debated.
    Kevin Carter/Getty Images

    Summing it up

    The conservative Tax Foundation estimates that the House bill would cut the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits by about half, saving the government $50 billion a year. But with fewer efficiency improvements, fewer electric vehicles and less clean power on the grid, Princeton’s Jenkins projects American households would pay up to $415 more per year for energy by 2035 than if the bill’s provisions were not enacted. If the bill’s provisions make it into law, the extra fossil fuel-burning would leave annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions 1 billion tons higher by then.

    No one expected former President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to escape unscathed with Republicans in the White House and dominating both houses of Congress. Still, the proposed cuts target the technologies Americans count on to protect the climate and save consumers money.

    Daniel Cohan receives funding from the Carbon Hub at Rice University.

    ref. How the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ positions US energy to be more costly for consumers and the climate – https://theconversation.com/how-the-big-beautiful-bill-positions-us-energy-to-be-more-costly-for-consumers-and-the-climate-257783

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to news about Sizewell C nuclear plant, and small modular reactors

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on news that the UK government is investing in a nuclear plant at the Sizewell C site and a small modular reactor programme. 

    Prof Patrick Regan, Professor of Nuclear Metrology, University of Surrey, said:

    “The announcement that the UK government has committed £14.2bn of investment to build European Pressurized Reactors (EPRs) at the Sizewell C site will contribute to the UK tackling the delicate balance between ever-increasing secure energy requirements and our commitment to achieving net-zero. The EPRs planned at Sizewell C represent Generation 3+ technology and build on more than 70 years of operational reactor experience worldwide to provide the cleanest, safest and most efficient form of nuclear power yet.

    “This large investment, however, brings with it the obvious need to produce and maintain a highly skilled, expert workforce related to all phases of the Sizewell C project. Science and Engineering Apprentice, Graduate and Post-Graduate training in areas such as chemical engineering, material science, nuclear physics & radiochemistry, environmental monitoring,  radiation measurement and health physics will be key in enabling ‘life-long’ UK-based careers in this industry, in line with such a far horizon project. This is a long-term investment in the UK’s national infrastructure, and it needs a skilled workforce to ensure its ultimate success.”

     

    Dr Phil Johnstone, Principal Research Fellow, University of Sussex Science Policy Research Unit, Patron of Nuclear Information Service, Member of Sussex Energy Group, and Member of Nuclear Consultation Group:

    Is this a good move? 

    “The decision on Sizewell C is a bad move. It will likely lead to increasing costs for UK electricity consumers and represents a significantly slower means of combatting climate change than alternative options. The announcement comes alongside the decision to select submarine reactor manufacturer Rolls Royce as the winning bidder to develop Small Modular Reactors. These are part of the same underlying goal: to sustain the UK military nuclear industrial base via subsidies from civil nuclear power, with democratic scrutiny of this strategy almost entirely absent.”

    Prof Andy Stirling, professor of science and technology policy at the University of Sussex Science Policy Research Unit:

    Is this a good move (or not) when it comes to energy and fossil fuels?

    “It is well acknowledged behind the scenes (but denied in public), that this move is more intended to support the kind of nuclear industrial base needed for military than for climate reasons. Nuclear power stations like Sizewell C are so slow and expensive compared to renewables and storage strategies, that they erode rather than enhance climate action.”

    What does this mean for UK energy production?  Is there overspeculation?

    “This will make UK energy production needlessly more expensive, less secure and less effective in climate terms, than if the same money had been spent on renewables and energy storage.”

    What does the science say?

    “On this as on many other policy issues, what counts as ‘the science’ is more uncertain and context-dependent than any side typically implies. If either nuclear advocates or critics claim their arguments to be uniquely or unequivocally science-based then that is a sign that they are seeking to mislead.”

     

    Dr Sarah Darby, Emerita Research Fellow, Energy Programme, Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, said:

    “The argument that building Sizewell C will be markedly cheaper and quicker than Hinkley C is weak. Hinkley C is ‘first of a kind’ in the UK but has the same design as Olkiluoto in Finland and Flamanville in France. These two have been, respectively, over 10 years late and almost four times over budget [1] and over 12 years late and over four times over budget in real terms [2,3]. Neither is yet working reliably [4,5].

    “The unfinished Hinkley C was reported by EdF last year as already 90% over budget and 7 years late – and EdF do not expect it to be finished before 2029-31.

    “In the light of these figures from three power plants of the same design as SZC, Ed Miliband’s forecast of a 10-year build time looks wildly optimistic. Where cost and complexity are concerned, there is the additional concern about the SZC site being on a flood-prone and eroding coastline, with sea levels on the rise.

    “EdF are now wholly owned by the French government, following their extreme financial difficulties, and it is unclear whether they will take any stake at all in SZC. This is hardly a vote of confidence in the prospects of their own design.

    “The argument that nuclear build helps with climate goals is similarly weak. New nuclear would arrive too late to assist – renewables already supply over half of UK generation [6] –  and are on the rise. The massive sums involved are money not spent on quicker and more effective moves towards energy transition. Bloomberg NEF’s latest assessment of energy transition investment trends* refers to renewables, energy storage, electric vehicles, and power grids as ‘proven, commercially scalable [and with] established business models’, yet categorises nuclear power as an ‘emerging’ technology, with investment held back by lack of affordability and technology maturity [7].

    “Nuclear is being presented by the Government as complementary to renewables, for ‘when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow’. But what we need for these times – and for times of abundant renewable supply – is flexibility from storage and demand-side response, not large-scale inflexible power plants that cannot easily be turned down or up and that can be shut down at a moment’s notice [5,8].

    “As so often, the debate is focused on supply rather than demand – what we use energy for. The government are citing figures of a doubling of demand by 2050 that are certainly not set in stone and likely to be exaggerated. AI demands are the new kid on the block but, as DeepSeek has shown, they need not be nearly as high as is often made out. There is still plenty of scope to improve energy security through energy efficiency, allied with storage and demand-side response, without compromising quality of life [9].

    “Successive governments have already sunk £6.4bn of taxpayers’ money into Sizewell C, but this is no reason to compound the error. A further £14.2bn is substantial but falls a long way short of the £40bn ‘overnight’ cost estimated by the FT [10]. Further, this £40bn estimate does not take into account the costs of capital, decommissioning and disposal of waste. The last of these is itself a topic of major concern to the Public Accounts Committee [11].

    “It is not too late to avoid a FID for Sizewell C and to steer funding in more productive directions, including modernisation of the electricity grid, energy efficient buildings and transport systems, and storage. Such investment could create jobs and improve living conditions around the country.”

    References

    1 – https://reneweconomy.com.au/big-batteries-and-evs-to-the-rescue-again-as-faults-with-new-nuclear-plant-cause-chaos-on-nordic-grids/

    2 – https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/delays-debts-and-false-promises-inside-frances-nuclear-nightmare-h2wpfhx0w

    3 – https://www.edf.fr/sites/groupe/files/2023-04/edf-urd-annual-financial-report-2022-en.pdf

    4 – https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/newest-french-reactor-faces-further-delays-due-new-issues-2025-04-11/

    5 – https://eandt.theiet.org/2025/03/12/radioactive-coolant-leak-europes-largest-nuclear-reactor

    6 – https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/total-energy-section-1-energy-trends

    7 – https://about.bnef.com/insights/finance/global-investment-in-the-energy-transition-exceeded-2-trillion-for-the-first-time-in-2024-according-to-bloombergnef-report/

    8 – https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsta.2016.0462

    9 – https://www.creds.ac.uk/publications/strategy-and-policy-statement-for-energy-policy-in-great-britain-creds-response/

    10 – https://www.ft.com/content/0b483728-de5b-4f2e-8d00-c49885c572c9)

    11 – https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/127/public-accounts-committee/news/207132/sellafields-race-against-time-nuclear-waste-cleanup-not-going-quickly-enough-pac-warns/

     

    Stephanie Baxter, Head of Policy, Institution of Engineering and Technology, said:

    “The £14.2 billion of funding announced today for the development of Sizewell C, alongside selecting Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred bidder to develop the UK’s first small modular reactors, marks an important step forward towards nuclear playing a significant role in the UK’s energy mix.

    “Nuclear infrastructure, both large and small, will be needed in our energy system if the UK is to have a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system for 2030 and beyond. However, the Government must also take a whole system view of the wider energy system to ensure new nuclear infrastructure compliments other energy generation and distribution resources currently deployed and being developed.

    “Significant infrastructure projects such as these rely on long-term stability – in the supply chain, regulations and the skills pipeline. That is why today’s announcements must be backed up by clear plans for delivery, including engagement with local communities.

    “These ambitions will also not be met without the skilled engineering and technician workforce that will be critical to delivering and maintaining new nuclear infrastructure.

    “Great British Energy must work closely with Skills England to ensure that these plans are backed by a long-term workforce strategy to deliver skilled job opportunities across the country – both by training up new workers in schools and colleges, and upskilling/reskilling the existing workforce through flexible funding in the Growth and Skills Levy.”

    Will Davis, Nuclear Expert and a Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Sustainability and Net Zero Policy Centre, said:

    “Today’s announcements are a clear demonstration of the government’s long-term commitment to low-carbon energy security, extending beyond the 2030 clean power target and taking concrete steps toward achieving net zero by 2050.

    “To meet our net zero ambitions, we must significantly scale up electricity generation – by two to three times current levels – and this will only be possible through large-scale projects like Sizewell C and the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme.

    “While these developments are both welcome and necessary, the UK nuclear industry must address its ongoing credibility challenges around delivering projects on time and within budget. Unlike the UK’s Hinkley Point C, nuclear projects in countries like China and the UAE have avoided major delays. Learning from these international examples is essential if we are to attract private investment and reduce reliance on gas-fired power stations.

    “The selection of a preferred bidder for the SMR fleet is a long-awaited milestone – over a decade in the making – and we’re pleased to see it finally progressing.

    “The clarification of roles between Great British Energy and Great British Energy – Nuclear, with NESO overseeing the critical upgrades to our national electricity infrastructure is welcomed. These upgrades are vital and must be properly funded, not treated as an afterthought.

    “With the announcements on Sizewell C and SMRs, we urge the government to clarify its position on future gigawatt-scale nuclear projects, such as the previously proposed development at Wylfa.

    “New nuclear power stations require a high-tech supply chain and a highly skilled workforce. Investment in key manufacturers like Sheffield Forgemasters is encouraging, but broader supply chain investment hinges on project certainty – contracts must be signed.

    “The IET continues to support the sector through initiatives like the Nuclear Skills Taskforce. We’re also pleased to see continued investment in STEP, the UK’s prototype fusion power plant. A £2.5 billion commitment is significant and deserves more visibility.

    “However, we note the absence of updates on advanced nuclear technologies, which could play a crucial role in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as steelmaking and hydrogen production. We hope to see further clarity on this soon.”

    Dr Lewis Blackburn, Lecturer in Nuclear Materials, University of Sheffield, said: 

    “Today the UK government demonstrated a clear and renewed commitment to nuclear fission as a means to achieve Net Zero, a key goal that was outlined in the 2024 White Paper “Civil Nuclear: Roadmap to 2050”. This comes in the form of an approximately £14B commitment to the Sizewell C project, comprising two EPR (European Pressurised Reactors) delivering a total of 3.2 GWe. The project is forecast to support 70k jobs and produce enough energy to power 6M UK homes. Today’s news also comes alongside an announcement that Rolls-Royce have been identified as the preferred bidder to construct the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors (SMR) – a fleet of smaller fission reactors designed to be built ‘modular’ on a production line, prior to shipping and assembly on-site. 

    “The UK faces a potential skills challenge in the field of nuclear engineering and projects like Sizewell C and Rolls-Royce SMR offer an exciting opportunity to build a skills pipeline, increasing the number and diversity of people entering the nuclear workforce, and bolstering the supply chain.

    “In order for the UK to maintain its international reputation as a leader in civil nuclear, it must continue to invest heavily in new infrastructure, the wider industrial supply chain and R&D. Thus, producing the next generation of nuclear expertise in both the industrial and academic sectors, equipping them with the skills required for the UK to continue to utilise nuclear fission, safely, for generations to come. 

    “An important aspect of this is ensuring that highly radioactive waste, generated as a by-product of nuclear fission, is not passed onto future generations and is permanently disposed of. In this area, the UK is in the process of siting a geological disposal facility – a dedicated site wherein intermediate and high-level radioactive waste will be isolated from the wider environment permanently. The international consensus in the wider scientific and technical community is that this is the only feasible way to safely manage such wastes, ensuring passive safety. This is the focus of significant R&D in both the technical and academic space.”

    Dr Mark Foreman, Associate professor of Nuclear Chemistry / Industrial Materials Recycling, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, said:

    “Building a new power plant based on light water reactors at Sizewell is a good idea, it will provide a reliable supply of electric power which will help society reduce its dependency on fossil fuels. I hold the view that it will be a safe means of providing for the energy needs of society. Many critics of nuclear power use the example of the Chornobyl accident to argue that all nuclear power plants are unsafe. This is unreasonable, operating the Chornobyl reactor in the same way as it was just before the accident can be thought of as like roller blading along the M1. While running modern (or even a 1980s era) light water reactor is like calmly driving a Volvo equipped with all the latest safety features along the M1.”

     

    Prof Robin Grimes FRS FREng, Professor of materials physics, Imperial College London, said:

    “Large plants such as Hinckley, currently under construction and this announced plant at Sizewell are very good at providing constant base load electricity capacity. They are also good for supporting grid stability and providing inertia. Of course they offer generation diversity and energy security. They will offer these benefits for many decades. As we turn to more electricity use to reduce carbon emissions we will need more nuclear electrify. However, large plant are less good at helping with the inherent intermittency of renewables. For this we need the greater flexibility as provided by small modular reactors or the higher temperatures of advanced modular reactors which offer access to more technology options for decarbonisation. I therefore see this announcement as part of the systems approach by which we progress to greater energy security and decarbonisation.”

    Prof David Armstrong, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering (Department of Materials), University of Oxford, said:

    “This is excellent news for the UK energy landscape. As the UKs aging AGR fleet retires new baseload energy is required. Sizewell C will sit alongside Hinkley Point B to provide sustainable emission free baseload energy complementing the growing wind and solar power and making a significant contribution to UK energy security.”

    Dr Iain Staffell, Associate Professor of Sustainable Energy at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, said:

    “Today’s decision is an important one, but even with Hinkley C and Sizewell C, the UK’s nuclear capacity in the 2030s will still be below its 1990s peak.

    “After a decade of dithering, Sizewell C is a litmus test of the UK’s ability to deliver complex infrastructure on schedule.

    “This deal lives or dies on its delivery.  Sizewell C must be built on time and on budget, learning from the (many) mistakes from Hinkley Point C and other UK mega-projects.

    “Nuclear power offers a strong energy security hedge.  Fuel and key parts can be stockpiled, insulating consumers from foreign instability and gas price spikes.

    “Sizewell C won’t start generating for nearly a decade if it is built on time, so it only just contributes towards the Government’s 2035 clean-power goal.  But, it is building for the long-term, and will deliver carbon-free electricity well into the 2080s.

    “People are rightly concerned by the environmental impacts and emissions from the enormous construction project, but compared to the scale of energy production over the next six decades, nuclear remains one of the cleanest power sources we have.

    “The upfront cost is undoubtedly high.  £14 billion could fund around 10 GW of offshore wind versus just 3.2 GW of nuclear.  But, these reactors will run day and night, especially valuable when the wind is not blowing.”

    Louis Barson, the Institute of Physics Director of Science, Innovation and Skills said:  

    “It is good to see this decision made about developing Sizewell C. New nuclear will play a vital role in bringing reliable, secure and affordable power to new markets, decarbonising industry and helping countries meet their net zero commitments – as part of our future low-carbon energy mix.

    “But we need to make sure we also pay attention to the desperate need for hundreds of thousands of skilled workers to support both this project and the development of smaller, modular, nuclear reactors. 

    “Signing off on Sizewell C is only half the picture, we need the nuclear-ready scientific workforce to make it a reality: that means more physics teachers, well-funded physics departments in universities and a healthy pipeline of physics talent.” 

    Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive, Nuclear Industry Association, said:

    On Sizewell C Given Go-Ahead from Government

    “This is a momentous day for Sizewell C and for the British nuclear programme. Sizewell C is one of Britain’s most important clean power projects, and will give the country the jobs, the economic growth and the energy security we need to ensure a secure and reliable power supply for the future. This record investment confirms the government is serious about building new nuclear and all the economic benefits that come with it, and will be welcomed in communities the length and breadth of Britain.”

    On Rolls-Royce SMR Winning the UK SMR Competition

    “This is a hugely significant moment for Rolls-Royce SMR and for the British nuclear programme. These SMRs will provide essential energy security and clean power alongside large scale reactors, all the while creating thousands of well-paid, skilled jobs, opportunities for growth right across the country and significant export potential. We look forward to working with Rolls-Royce SMR and all other potential SMR vendors, including those not successful today, on making Britain the best place to build new nuclear anywhere in the world.”

     

    Prof Mark Wenman, Professor in Nuclear Materials, Imperial College London, said:

    “This is a big step forward.  Since the 1990s the amount of nuclear energy the UK produces has been steadily declining from around 12 to 4.5 GWe today.  Sizewell C will help reverse this trend and  further provide the UK with energy security. It will help balance the grid with the increase of renewables, replace fossil fuel plants and protect us against potential blackouts, as recently seen in Spain.  Whilst the costs may seem high initially, this needs to be balanced against the fact that these reactors will produce low carbon electricity  for 80 or possibly 100 years, 24/7, providing around a tenth of the current  UK electricity needs.  Once paid for, nuclear reactors produce the cheapest  electricity of any kind, so this investment should be seen as future proofing the UK electricity system.”

     

    Prof Adrian Bull, Chair in Nuclear Energy and Society, Dalton Nuclear Institute, University of Manchester, said:

    “It’s very welcome news to see the announcements today of Government support for a new wave of nuclear power in this country.  We’ve known for decades that reliance on imported gas could ruin the environment – but recent years showed us that it can ruin the economy too.  Nuclear gives much-needed resilience against global fossil fuel prices, without emitting the gases that cause climate change, so it’s excellent news that we are going to see new plants – both large and small – built.

    “I’m especially pleased that we have finally got over our national phobia of replicating a previous project.  We’ve never done that in our UK nuclear fleet before, but the rest of the world learned ages ago that series construction is the route to certainty over the time and budget for such projects.  Doing the same things at Sizewell which we have already done at Hinkley Point is much easier than starting from scratch to build a massively complex plant for the first time.

    “The announcement of Rolls Royce as the winner of the SMR competition is a welcome sign of progress, but it’s disappointing to see only one winner selected, when we had all anticipated more.  Government has long been supporting the Rolls Royce SMR project – with over £200m of public funds provided already – so it was inconceivable they would not be on the podium at the end of the race.  Seeing them there alone makes the two years spent by Great British Nuclear on running a competition look like time and effort that could have been better spent.

    “Overall though, these nuclear plants – whilst not cheap – will produce reliable, low carbon electricity around the clock and will most likely do so for the best part of a century.  This is an investment in our grandchildren’s future as well as helping towards our 2050 climate goal.”

    Prof Dame Sue Ion GBE FREng FRS, a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said:

    “It’s really good news that the Government is finally taking steps to ensure that nuclear energy plays the vital role it should in achieving significant quantities of stable low carbon electricity.  Perhaps as importantly, if not more so, is the news that Rolls Royce’s Small Modular Reactor has been selected as the technology of choice to progress the opportunity presented by SMRs.  These systems are designed from the outset to be modular, with modern construction techniques using much more factory fabrication, so they will be faster and easier to build.”

    Prof Tom Scott, Professor in Materials, University of Bristol, said:

    “This is an extremely important strategic step for the UK towards achieving net zero carbon emissions.  Nuclear energy is a safe, secure and reliable form of electricity generation.  With the lessons learnt from the Hinkley Point C project, and with the experienced workforce and supply chain that has been established because of it, my expectations are high for the delivery of Sizewell C at a much lower cost and shorter timescale.

    “The announcement about Government investment in Sizewell C and more excitingly, about the investment in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), really shows the Government’s understanding and commitment towards nuclear as a key part of the solution towards achieving zero carbon emissions in the UK.

    “SMRs offer the potential for providing new nuclear power stations much faster and more cheaply than conventional large-scale light water reactors like Hinkley Point C.  Ultimately, the roll-out of SMRs delivered by British companies like Rolls-Royce will help to keep our electricity prices low whilst also generating high-value jobs across the U.K.  This is a smart investment for the UK.”

    Dr Mark Foreman, Associate professor of Nuclear Chemistry / Industrial Materials Recycling, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, said:

    “Building a new power plant based on light water reactors at Sizewell is a good idea, it will provide a reliable supply of electric power which will help society reduce its dependency on fossil fuels.  I hold the view that it will be a safe means of providing for the energy needs of society.  Many critics of nuclear power use the example of the Chornobyl accident to argue that all nuclear power plants are unsafe.  This is unreasonable, operating the Chornobyl reactor in the same way as it was just before the accident can be thought of as like roller blading along the M1.  While running modern (or even a 1980s era) light water reactor is like calmly driving a Volvo equipped with all the latest safety features along the M1.”

    **https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gr3nd5zy6o

    Declared interests

    Prof Adrian Bull: “I am a (paid) part time Professor at the Dalton Nuclear Institute, part of the University of Manchester; I am a (paid) consultant for US nuclear communications consultancy Full On Communications; I am an (unpaid) Board member of the Northern Nuclear Alliance; I am an (unpaid) Trustee of the Nuclear Institute; and am also the President-Elect, taking over in Jan 2026.”

    Prof Dame Sue Ion: “Sue is Honorary President of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear.” “Sue is also a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Task Force.”

    Prof Tom Scott: “In terms of interests, I am Director of the Spur West Nuclear Hub and Professor of Nuclear Materials at the University of Bristol sponsored by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

    The nuclear hub is a consortium of academic, industrial and governmental partners coalescing around the requirement for research, skills and innovation in the UK nuclear sector.”

    Dr Mark Foreman: “I have worked on advanced nuclear reprocessing for years and have also have worked on nuclear reactor safety issues.  I have done and supervised research on the chemistry of nuclear accidents.”

    Prof Mark Wenman “I have previously received funding for research from EDF Energy, Rolls-Royce, the UK National Nuclear Lab”

    Tom Greatrex “The NIA is funded by its 320 member companies from across the civil nuclear industry.”

    Dr Iain Staffell “I receive industry funding from a several companies in the UK and European energy sector, I try to keep this balanced so as not to over-represent any one technology or organization.  Recent funding sources include: Drax, Octopus, SSE, HM Government, NESO (National Grid), EWE, Aurora, Baringa, Shell, Uniper, SLB, and the World Bank.”

    Prof David Armstrong “I’ve had funding from UKAEA, Rolls Royce and EdF for research and students over the last 20 years.”

    Prof Robin Grimes “I am a non-executive director of UKAEA and receive research funding from the UK national nuclear laboratory.”

    Dr Mark Foreman “I do not currently get any money from the nuclear industry, I do not stand to make any money from the sales of nuclear products / technology. I have not been employed by the nuclear industry. I think that in terms of conflicts of interest I have none.”

    Dr Lewis Blackburn He receives funding from industry via Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, National Nuclear Laboratory, and Nuclear Waste Services”

    Stephanie Baxter “No conflicts of interest.”

    Will Davis “No conflicts of interest.”

    Prof Andy Stirling “no conflicts of interest to declare.”

    Dr Phil Johnstone “no conflicts of interest to declare.”

    Dr Sarah Darby “I have no conflicts of interest to declare.”

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Director General Briefs Board on Iran Developments, Syria, Ukraine and More

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The IAEA’s Annual Report and the Technical Cooperation Report for 2024 were presented to the Board, showcasing the Agency’s work in science, international cooperation and innovation. 

    In his address, Mr Grossi highlighted the IAEA’s flagship initiatives: Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All, Atoms4Food and NUTEC Plastics.

    The 2025 Rays of Hope Forum will be held in Ethiopia at the end of June and provides an opportunity to take stock of what has been achieved over the past three years, as well as to foster collaboration and further mobilize resources. Rays of Hope aims to expand access to affordable cancer care where it is needed most; supporting countries in providing life-saving radiotherapy and building the capacities of radiation medicine professionals. More than 90 countries have requested support under the initiative.

    The IAEA will continue to work with partners on Atoms4Food, its joint initiative with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to fight world hunger, Mr Grossi said. Part of the initiative, the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture supports the use of nuclear technologies to boost global food security and sustainable agricultural development.

    Speaking about NUTEC Plastics, the IAEA initiative to combat plastic pollution, Mr Grossi said: “At this week’s UN Ocean Conference, we are showing what we are doing in very concrete terms to fight plastic pollution through new technology.”

    The IAEA is harnessing the power of nuclear technologies involving radiation to improve recycling and create bio-based plastics, which offer a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastic products.

     With support from the NUTEC Plastics initiative, 104 Member States now use nuclear technologies to monitor microplastics, while 52 are collaborating with the IAEA on upcycling efforts.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Agilitas Energy Commissions Energy Storage System in Houston

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WAKEFIELD, Mass., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Agilitas Energy, a leading developer and operator of renewable energy and energy storage systems, today announced the commissioning of a 9.96 megawatt (MW) / 22.4 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) in Houston, Texas. This project marks the first distributed generation BESS interconnected to CenterPoint Energy’s distribution system and participating in Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)’s wholesale delivery market.

    A leading independent power producer (IPP), Agilitas Energy, will leverage its expertise in energy storage to operate the BESS to provide essential services to ERCOT. The newly operational BESS will strengthen grid resiliency during peak events and will lower electric system costs by participating in the ERCOT energy and ancillary services markets.

    By providing diverse and reliable energy reserves, the BESS supports ERCOT’s efforts to maintain a stable and resilient power grid and provide options to the peaker and fossil-fuel-based plants that grid operators traditionally call upon during peak demand periods.

    “This project underscores our confidence that ERCOT—long recognized as one of the premier energy markets in the U.S.—will increasingly value the unique benefits that only energy storage can provide,” said Barrett Bilotta, President, CEO and Co-founder of Agilitas Energy. “This project not only underscores our commitment to improving grid reliability with cost-effective energy but is also a significant step in our continued national expansion.”

    ​“CenterPoint Energy is happy to serve Agilitas Energy as a customer, helping to support a diverse and reliable portfolio of generation available to our customers,” said Tony Gardner, SVP and Chief Customer Officer at CenterPoint Energy.

    Looking ahead, Agilitas Energy is on track to commission a similar project, scheduled for commercial operation later this year. This project will add another 9.96 MW and 22.4 MWh of energy storage capacity to the grid, further expanding the Agilitas Energy footprint in Texas and fulfilling its commitment to delivering distributed energy solutions to the region.

    For more information about Agilitas Energy and its projects, please visit https://agilitasenergy.com/.

    About Agilitas Energy

    Agilitas Energy is a leading independent power producer (IPP) in renewables and energy storage with a mission to propagate clean energy on a national scale. As the largest integrated developer, builder, owner and operator of energy storage and solar PV systems in the northeastern U.S., Agilitas Energy specializes in distributed energy solutions, and manages the entire end-to-end lifecycle of the projects that deliver predictable, cost-efficient, clean energy for off-takers, utilities and municipalities. The company has more than one gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy and energy storage projects in its pipeline across the U.S. To learn more, please visit: https://agilitasenergy.com/.

    About CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
    CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is a multi-state electric and natural gas delivery company serving approximately 7 million metered customers across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The company is headquartered in Houston and is the only Texas-domiciled investor-owned utility. As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately $44 billion in assets. With approximately 8,300 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been serving customers for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.

    Contact

    Alex Banat
    agilitas@v2comms.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18db521a-55fe-4779-bd22-06338f2c03e3

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear Appoints Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and 47th Governor of Texas Rick Perry as Chairman of its Executive Advisory Board

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, N.Y., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced that it has appointed Rick Perry, former Governor of Texas and the United States Secretary of Energy from 2017 to 2019, as the Chairman of its Executive Advisory Board.

    NANO Nuclear has assembled a distinguished Executive Advisory Board comprised of high-level military, scientific and governmental experts, including former generals, members of Congress, and other U.S. and international figures. These leaders provide deep industry knowledge and important contacts to NANO Nuclear’s senior management. While each member of the Board covers a particular expertise mandate, Gov. Perry will serve as Chair of the Executive Advisory Board and lead its overall efforts to assist NANO Nuclear.

    “The United States has a distinguished legacy of nuclear‑energy innovation, and I’m confident NANO Nuclear will play an essential role in the next chapter,” said Rick Perry, Chairman of NANO Nuclear’s Executive Advisory Board. “As Secretary of Energy, I advocated for nuclear power because it offers an amazing prospect for a stable, safe, and efficient source of clean power. NANO Nuclear in particular is driving advancements in nuclear energy technology with its cutting edge microreactor designs and overall commercial strategy. I’m honored to join and lead NANO’s Executive Advisory Board, and I look forward to contributing my experience as this exciting company advances its vision to become a vertically integrated leader in the nuclear power sector.”

    “It is an incredible honor to welcome Governor Perry as Chairman of our Executive Advisory Board,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear. “He is a thoughtful and experienced leader, with an in-depth knowledge of U.S. energy infrastructure and a great understanding of America’s energy needs. His leadership will help guide our efforts to put the U.S. at the forefront of nuclear technology and drive the next wave of innovation, which is sorely needed as the energy demands continue to rise in support of cutting-edge artificial intelligence, datacenters and other energy intensive advancements. I am confident that his expertise will be instrumental in the near- and long-term success of our mission.”

    “Governor Perry’s record of public service and advocacy for nuclear energy align perfectly with our mission,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. “The relationships he built during his decades in public service, including his tenure as U.S. Secretary of Energy, will be invaluable as we make progress towards the demonstration, construction, and licensing phases of our reactor programs and other nuclear technology. His acceptance of this position affirms the progress we’ve made and reinforces our position at the forefront of advanced reactor technology.”

    John Vonglis, NANO Nuclear’s Executive Director of Global Government Affairs, who served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and acting Director of ARPA-E under Gov. Perry when he was Secretary of Energy, added “I know first-hand the importance Secretary Perry places on endeavors focused on retaining America’s primacy in all sectors, but especially energy. His extensive wealth of experience will most certainly help propel NANO Nuclear to the next level, and I welcome the opportunity to again serve with this great leader.”

    Rick Perry has led a life of public service, starting in the United States Air Force and continuing over two decades in elected office. He served as the 14th Secretary of Energy from 2017 to 2019 in the first Trump administration. As Secretary of Energy, Perry worked to advance energy policies to promote American energy independence, notably backing nuclear power.

    Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear Appoints Former Secretary of Energy Rick Perry as Chairman of its Executive Advisory Board.

    Prior to his service as Secretary of Energy, Perry served as the 47th governor of the State of Texas. His political career began in 1985 as a representative for a rural West Texas district in the state House of Representatives, and beginning in 1990, he served two terms as Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. Perry twice sought the Republican nomination for president, running in 2012 and again in 2016.

    He attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1972. Between 1972 and 1977, Perry served in the United States Air Force, flying C‑130 tactical airlift aircraft in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East; by the time of his discharge, he had attained the rank of captain.

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include patented KRONOS MMR Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
    Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

    PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:

    NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN
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    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements relate to the anticipated benefits to NANO Nuclear of Gov. Perry joining as Chairman of the Company’s Executive Advisory Board. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the enacted ADVANCE Act and the May 23, 2025 presidential executive orders seeking to support nuclear energy, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Canadian Utilities Limited to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Canadian Utilities Limited (TSX: CU; OTCQX: CDUAF), a diversified global energy infrastructure corporation, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Canadian Utilities Limited upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    Canadian Utilities Limited begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “CDUAF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    About Canadian Utilities Limited
    Canadian Utilities Limited and its subsidiary and affiliate companies have approximately 9,100 employees and assets of $24 billion. Canadian Utilities, an ATCO company, is a diversified global energy infrastructure corporation delivering essential services and innovative business solutions. ATCO Energy Systems delivers energy for an evolving world through its electricity and natural gas transmission and distribution, and international electricity operations segments. ATCO EnPower creates sustainable energy solutions in the areas of electricity generation, energy storage, industrial water and cleaner fuels. ATCO Australia develops, builds, owns and operates energy and infrastructure assets.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATSTM are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes ATCO Ltd. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced ATCO Ltd. (TSX: ACO.X; OTCQX: ACLLF), a global enterprise provider of essential services in the energy, logistics and transportation, shelter, and real estate industries, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. ATCO Ltd. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    ATCO Ltd. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “ACLLF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    About ATCO Ltd.
    As a global enterprise, ATCO Ltd. and its subsidiary and affiliate companies have approximately 21,000 employees and assets of $27 billion. ATCO is committed to future prosperity by working to meet the world’s essential energy, housing, security and transportation challenges. ATCO Structures designs, builds and delivers products to service the essential need for housing and shelter around the globe. ATCO Frontec provides operational support services to government, defence and commercial clients. ATCO Energy Systems delivers essential energy for an evolving world through its electricity and natural gas transmission and distribution, and international electricity operations. ATCO EnPower creates sustainable energy solutions in the areas of electricity generation, energy storage, industrial water and cleaner fuels. ATCO Australia develops, builds, owns and operates energy and infrastructure assets. ATCO Energy provides retail electricity and natural gas services, home maintenance services and professional home advice that bring exceptional comfort, peace of mind and freedom to homeowners and customers. ATCO also has investments in ports and transportation logistics, the processing and marketing of ash, retail food services and commercial real estate.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATS™ are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Amalgamated Bank Advances Climate Leadership with C-PACE Financing for 205kW Solar Energy and Roofing Project in New Bedford

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW BEDFORD, Mass., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amalgamated Bank, a subsidiary of Amalgamated Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: AMAL), today announced the successful closing of a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (“C-PACE”) financing under the PACE Massachusetts Program using Allectrify’s FASTPACE Platform.

    The C-PACE financing will fund a 205kW (kilowatts) DC (Direct current) solar PV (PhotoVoltaic) installation and associated roofing upgrades at an industrial building located in the Port of New Bedford. The property is owned and operated by Marder Seafood; a trusted leader in premium, sustainably sourced seafood in the area for more than 50 years.

    Amalgamated Bank, which opened its downtown Boston Commercial Banking office in 2020, invests nearly 40% of its total lending portfolio in climate protection solutions. This financing further reflects the Bank’s climate leadership and focus on decarbonization and renewable energy.

    The C-PACE closing showcases how clean energy and C-PACE financing can support key regional industries, drive investments in New England commercial building stock, and lower energy costs for industrial end-users. The project will drive over $1.9 million in lifetime energy cost savings at the property.

    C-PACE financing supports long-term, competitive financing for commercial property improvements for energy efficiency, renewable energy, resiliency, and water conservation. The project represents the fourth financing closed to date under the Massachusetts C-PACE Program since its launch in 2020. Amalgamated Bank is a leader in deploying C-PACE capital, and its partnership with Allectrify enables efficient closing for projects of all sizes.

    “With more than $1.2 billion in PACE assets in our investment portfolio, we are proud to lead the industry in providing solutions that empower borrowers to implement proven energy-savings strategies in commercial properties,” said Mark Walsh, New England Regional Manager & Senior Vice President at Amalgamated Bank. “Through our ongoing partnership with Allectrify, we look forward to executing even more C-PACE deals that drive sustainable progress in Boston and beyond.”

    This $1.3 million C-PACE financing represents an innovative approach to green capital deployment. C-PACE makes capital available to a broader set of property owners who seek to make energy efficiency and other building energy improvements.

    “This transaction is a prime example of Amalgamated Bank’s commitment to putting climate solutions into practice, in this case supporting a commercial solar project at an industrial property serving a classic New England industry,” said Colin Bishopp, Chief Executive Officer of Allectrify. “We are pleased to see this project closed on Allectrify’s FASTPACE platform which enables efficient C-PACE execution in programs across the country.”

    About Amalgamated Bank:

    Amalgamated Bank, the wholly owned banking subsidiary of Amalgamated Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: AMAL), is a mission-driven full-service commercial bank and a chartered trust company with a combined network branches in New York City, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Boston. Amalgamated Bank provides commercial and retail banking products, investment management and trust and custody services, and lending services. Since their founding in 1923, Amalgamated Bank is diligent in fulfilling their mission to be America’s socially responsible bank, empowering organizations and individuals to advance positive change. The businesses that Amalgamated Bank focuses on are generally mission aligned with our core values, including sustainable companies, clean energy, nonprofits, and B Corporations. www.amalgamatedbank.com.

    About Allectrify, PBC:

    C-PACE made simple for lenders and borrowers. Allectrify’s FASTPACE platform enables banks, credit unions, CDFIs and non-bank lenders to offer C-PACE financing quickly and easily, at no cost to the lender and with reduced transaction costs for borrowers. Through Allectrify’s network of FASTPACE lenders, borrowers can access C-PACE financing for projects of all sizes. https://allectrify.com/.

    Media Contacts

    Ayele Ajavon
    Head of Communications
    Amalgamated Bank
    929-979-5811
    media@amalgamatedbank.com

    Lainie Rowland
    Allectrify
    973-908-9304
    lainie@allectrify.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on announcement of District Heat Network Funding 

    Source: City of Oxford

    Statement on announcement of 1Energy’s district heat network funding

    “I am delighted that 1energy has been successfully awarded £21m from Green Heat Network Fund. This funding will enable us to explore the potential to develop Oxford’s first District Heat Network (DNC). 

    “This exciting project will explore the merits and opportunities to develop a heat network across Oxford, helping reduce carbon emissions from buildings. With buildings responsible for 60% of Oxford’s carbon emissions, a heat network like this has been identified as one of the key pathways to achieve a net zero carbon city by 2040.” 

    “As well as reducing city-wide emissions, we hope this funding will help to support other organisations and businesses in their efforts to save energy and access affordable heating through establishing low carbon infrastructure. 

    “This is a brilliant opportunity for Oxford, and together with our partners Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford University, and Oxford Brookes University we are looking forward to working with 1Energy on this project.”

    Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council  

    “This is an exciting first step in establishing a heat network for Oxford. We look forward to working with our partners across the city to explore options for heat decarbonisation. The potential benefits of a wider heat network are huge, both for the University – the project could help us achieve our ambitious target of reaching net zero by 2035 – and for the community as a whole, supporting Oxford’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon energy system.” 

    Trevor Payne, Director of Estates, University of Oxford

    “Heat networks are one of the most efficient ways of providing reliable, clean, competitively priced heat to very large areas, especially for old buildings which are difficult to retrofit with heat pumps. As well as supplying reliable decarbonised heat, heat networks deliver positive impacts for air quality.” 

    Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, Oxfordshire County Council

    “We are engaging with 1Energy who are bringing forward this proposal particularly in our role of seeking to manage the impact of the proposed development on the highway network, and our interest in maximising community value of the scheme.” 

    Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, Oxfordshire County Council

    “Oxford Brookes University looks forward to working collaboratively with 1Energy and our city wide partners to explore the case for participation in an Oxford heat network. This supports our aims as a member of the Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership in Oxford becoming a Net Zero City by 2040 and also supports the university in reaching its Net Zero carbon goals potentially faster and at lower cost than possible to do alone.” 

    Jerry Woods, Director of Estates & Campus Services, Oxford Brookes University

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin appointed Vasily Kupyzin as CEO of the Territorial Development Fund

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Document

    Order dated June 9, 2025 No. 1510-r

    Vasily Kupyzin has been appointed the new CEO of the Territorial Development Fund (TDF). The order to this effect was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Ilshat Shagiakhmetov’s powers in this post have been terminated at his own request.

    Vasily Kupyzin was born in 1983. In 2005, he graduated with honors from the Academy of Economic Security of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

    He worked in various positions at the Federal Antimonopoly Service, the Ministry of Energy, and Rosneft and Transneft. Since October 2022, he has held the position of Deputy Head of the Secretariat of Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    Vasily Kupyzin’s term of office as the fund’s general director will be three years.

    The Territorial Development Fund was created in 2022. It combined the functions of two institutions: the Fund for the Protection of the Rights of Citizens – Participants in Shared Construction and the Fund for Assistance to the Reform of Housing and Public Utilities. The main areas of work of the FRT include the elimination of dilapidated housing, the protection of the rights of participants in shared construction, the development of the utilities sector, the restoration and renewal of the infrastructure of new regions.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP expands footprint in Khartoum as families starts to return to devastated capital

    Source: World Food Programme

    This is a summary of what was said by Laurent Bukera, WFP Sudan Representative and Country Director (speaking from Port Sudan via Zoom) – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

    GENEVA – I’ve just returned from Khartoum State, where WFP opened a new office in Omdurman – Khartoum’s twin city. This marks a key milestone in re-establishing our presence closer to the communities we serve and reaffirms WFP’s commitment to deliver.

    The needs are immense. We saw widespread destruction, limited access to water, healthcare, and electricity, and a cholera outbreak. In parts of the city, life is returning – but many neighbourhoods remain abandoned, like a ghost city. 

     

    Over the past six months, WFP has reached nearly 1 million Sudanese in Khartoum with food and nutrition support. This momentum must continue – several areas in the south of the city are at high risk of famine. 

    Sudanese communities have been on the frontlines, hosting the displaced, but they are now at a breaking point. With returns expected to heavily damaged areas like Khartoum, pressure on overstretched resources will intensify. WFP is deeply concerned and meeting basic needs, especially food, is critical and urgent.

    Urgent action is needed to restore basic services and accelerate recovery – through coordinated efforts with local authorities, national NGOs, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners. 

    At the same time, funding shortfalls are already disrupting assistance in Khartoum, Blue Nile, Al Jazira and Sennar states. Oil and pulses have been removed from the food basket due to a lack of resources. Without new funding in the coming months, further cuts in assistance will have to be implemented. 

    In Khartoum, life-saving nutritional supplements for young children and pregnant or nursing mothers are out of reach – not because of access constraints, but due to a lack of resources. Without urgent support, we cannot deliver the full package that people need as they return to Khartoum. 

    WFP has a longstanding presence and deep expertise in Sudan, built over six decades of operations. As we scale up efforts to address urgent food needs, we are also laying the foundation for a long-term recovery – expanding cash assistance to revitalize local markets and supporting bakeries and small businesses in their reopening. There’s much we can do – and are doing – right now. 

    WFP is now reaching 4 million people a month across Sudan. This is nearly four times more than at the start of 2024. As access has expanded, including to previously unreachable areas like Khartoum, we’ve rapidly scaled up operations to meet increasing needs. We are aiming to reach 7 million people monthly, prioritizing those facing famine or other areas at extreme risk across Darfur, Kordofan, Al Jazira, and Khartoum states. With sustained support, we can do even more. 

    Progress remains fragile. The rainy season is now starting, compounding an already dire situation. At the same time, indiscriminate and unacceptable attacks on humanitarian personnel and operations are escalating – including last week’s strike on a WFP-UNICEF convoy when it was just hours from reaching besieged El Fasher in North Darfur. The convoy was about 80 km from the city. The convoy came under attack in Al Kuma, resulting in the tragic loss of five humanitarian personnel and injuries to others. In April, aid workers were killed during a major escalation of fighting in Zamzam camp also near El Fasher.

    These attacks must stop immediately. 

    While we can’t thank donor partners enough for their support to humanitarian and resilience activities, needs are at the moment outpacing the funding we have received. Despite generous contributions from our donor partners, we are running short of over $500 million for emergency food and cash assistance alone for the coming six months. 

    The international community must act now— by stepping up funding to stop famine in the hardest-hit areas and to invest in Sudan’s recovery. We must also demand respect for the safety and protection of the Sudanese people and aid workers. This is the moment to stand with the Sudanese people as they rebuild their lives, communities, and hope after two years of devastating conflict. 

    We demand respect and safety for civilians and humanitarian workers. Above all, the only solution is peace. 

                                             #                           #                            #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.  We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media 

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI: BEN Secures $3.5 Million Line of Credit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Del., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brand Engagement Network Inc. (BEN) (NASDAQ: BNAI), an innovator in AI-driven customer engagement solutions, today announced it has entered into a $3.5 million line of credit agreement with Corps Capital Advisors, LLC, a Texas-based investment firm.

    Under the terms of the agreement, BEN may draw up to $3.5 million in revolving credit until the facility’s maturity on December 5, 2025. The line of credit accrues interest at a fixed rate of 10.0% per annum and may be prepaid at any time without penalty. As of the date of this announcement, no amounts have been drawn under the facility.

    “This flexible credit facility strengthens our liquidity as we continue scaling our operations and executing our long-term growth strategy,” said Walid Khiari, CFO and COO of Brand Engagement Network. “We appreciate the support from Corps Capital Advisors and the availability of additional financial resources as we pursue key strategic initiatives.”

    The agreement includes customary terms and conditions, including events of default related to nonpayment, insolvency, and other standard financial and non-financial covenants. A copy of the agreement has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    About Brand Engagement Network (BEN)
    Brand Engagement Network Inc. (NASDAQ: BNAI) innovates in AI-powered customer engagement, delivering safe, intelligent, and scalable solutions. Its proprietary Engagement Language Model (ELM™) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architecture enable highly personalized interactions supported by customers’ curated data in closed-loop environments. BEN develops AI-driven engagement solutions for the life sciences, automotive, and retail industries, featuring AI-powered avatars for outbound campaigns, inbound customer service, and real-time recommendations. With a global AI research and development team, BEN provides secure cloud-based or on-premises deployments, granting complete control of the technology stack and ensuring compliance with GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and SOC 2 Type 1 standards. The company holds 21 patents, with 28 pending, demonstrating its commitment to advancing AI-driven consumer engagement. For more information, visit www.beninc.ai.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this communication are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws. They are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect, among other things, BEN’s current expectations, assumptions, plans, strategies, and anticipated results. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, which are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance.

    There are a number of risks, uncertainties and conditions that may cause BEN’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the risk factors described in Part I, Item 1A of Risk Factors in BEN’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the other risk factors identified from time to time in the BEN’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Filings with the SEC are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

    Many of these circumstances are beyond BEN’s ability to control or predict. These forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions on BEN’s part. These forward-looking statements may include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “should,” “may,” “will,” “might,” “could,” “would,” or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on BEN’s behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements that appear throughout this communication. Furthermore, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which are based on the information currently available to the Company and speak only as of the date they are made. BEN disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements.

    Media Contact 
    Amy Rouyer
    P: 503-367-7596
    E: amy@beninc.ai

    Investor Relations
    Susan Xu
    P: 778-323-0959
    E: sxu@allianceadvisors.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New carbon footprint estimates for key agricultural enterprises

    Source: Scottish Government

    An official statistics in development publication for Scotland

    New average carbon footprint estimates for beef, sheep, milk and cereal production in Scotland have been released. These are average emission intensity estimates for enterprises (activities) on farms in the Farm Business Survey.

    In 2023-24 the average beef emission intensity for livestock farm types in the Farm Business Survey ranged from 30.9 to 32.8 kgCO2e/kg dwt. Average sheep emission intensity was higher on Less Favoured Area sheep farms (35.5 kgCO2e/kg dwt) than on lowland cattle and  sheep farms (25.2 kgCO2e/kg dwt). On dairy farms, the average emission intensity for milk production was 1.3 kgCO2e/kg FPC milk in 2023-24. This is an increase of 2% from the previous year, as average milk yields fell. Lower productivity is associated with higher emission intensities.

    Emission intensity for cereals production in 2023-24 increased on cereal (by 14% to 258 kgCO2e/tonne crop) and general cropping farms (by 7% to 241 kgCO2e/tonne crop), compared with the previous year. The rise was mostly driven by increased emissions from fertiliser and manure. Fertiliser usage rates rose in 2023-24 as prices fell from their peak in 2022-23.

    The report includes estimates of total emissions for agricultural sub-sectors. While total agriculture emissions continued at their lowest levels in 2023 at around 7.5 MtCO­2e, arable farming saw the largest increase in emissions (by 5% to 1.5 MtCO2e). Emissions for suckler beef, dairy, sheep and dairy beef sub-sectors fell by 1% each, compared with the previous year.

    Estimates of nitrogen use at farm level show an increase in nitrogen balance (input minus output) and a decrease in nitrogen use efficiency on the average farm compared to the previous year. Similar results are seen for most farm types and generally driven by increased fertiliser and high energy feed inputs. Falling cereal outputs, where lower yields can lead to nitrogen accumulation in the soil, also drove increases in nitrogen balance.

     

    Background

    The full statistical publication with supporting data tables is available at:

    Scottish agriculture greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen use: 2023-24

    Results for the agriculture sector, along with national greenhouse gas emissions, were released in the publication. The report includes new subsector analysis based on methodology developed by SRUC . Subsector analysis allocates total Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics emissions from agriculture to subsectors that align more closely with agricultural enterprises.

    Farm level results are calculated from the 2023-24 Farm Business Survey, which covered the 2023 cropping year and the 2023-24 financial year. The Farm Business Survey is an annual survey of approximately 400 commercial farms with economic activity of at least approximately £20,000. Farms which do not receive support payments, such as pigs, poultry and horticulture, are not included in the survey. On-farm emissions are estimated using a life cycle assessment (LCA) based carbon calculator (Agrecalc). Enterprise estimates are not weighted to the 2023 June Agricultural Census and represent sample averages of farms in Farm Business Survey. Nitrogen estimates are based on standard estimates of nitrogen content in all farm inputs and outputs where possible.

    More information is available at: Methodology

    The data are designated as official statistics in development. They are being released to involve users in our assessment of the suitability and quality of the data.

    We would like to hear about your use of this data, please get in touch with us at agric.stats@gov.scot.

    For the latest statistics news follow us on Twitter @SGRESAS.

    Official statistics are produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens react to plans for new nuclear plant at Sizewell

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Responding to news that EDF will build a new nuclear power plant at Sizewell at an estimated cost of over £14bn, co-leader of the Green Party, Adrian Ramsay MP, said: 

     “Nuclear power is hugely expensive and far too slow to come on line. The only thing delivered by EDF so far at Hinkley Point in Somerset is overspend and delay. Electricity was promised by 2017 with a price tag of £22bn but this has mushroomed to 40bn and Hinkley is still producing no power.  

    “The money being spent on this nuclear gamble would be far better spent on insulating and retrofitting millions of homes, bringing down energy bills and keeping people warmer and more comfortable. We should also be investing in genuinely green power such as fitting millions of solar panels to roofs and in innovative technologies like tidal power. All this would create many more jobs than nuclear ever will.”   

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thousands of jobs to be created as government announces multi-billion-pound investment to build Sizewell C

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Thousands of jobs to be created as government announces multi-billion-pound investment to build Sizewell C

    10,000 jobs, including 1,500 apprenticeships, to be created as the government announces multi-billion investment to build Sizewell C.

    • Chancellor to confirm funding at the GMB Congress ahead of Spending Review, as Energy Secretary vows ‘golden age’ of nuclear.
    • Investment to deliver clean power to millions of homes, cut energy bills and boost energy security.
    • Government commits over £6 billion of investment to nuclear submarine industrial base to deliver on Strategic Defence Review.

    Ten thousand jobs will be created as the government announces a £14.2 billion investment to build Sizewell C nuclear plant as part of the Spending Review, ending years of delay and uncertainty. 

    The Chancellor is set to confirm the funding at the GMB Congress later today ahead of the government’s Spending Review, as the Energy Secretary vows a ‘golden age’ of nuclear to boost the UK’s energy security. 

    The government’s investment will go towards creating 10,000 jobs, including 1,500 apprenticeships, and support thousands more jobs across the UK. 

    The company has already signed £330 million in contracts with local companies and will boost supply chains across the UK with 70% of contracts predicted to go to 3,500 British suppliers – supporting new jobs in construction, welding, and hospitality.   

    The equivalent of around six million of today’s homes will be powered with clean homegrown energy from Sizewell C. The investment in clean, homegrown power brings to an end decades of dithering and delay, with the government backing the builders in the drive for energy security and kick-starting economic growth.  

    The announcement comes as the government is set to confirm one of Europe’s first Small Modular Reactor programmes. This comes alongside record investment in R&D for fusion energy, worth over £2.5 billion over five years. Taken together with Sizewell C, this delivers the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation.

    Clean, home-grown power at Sizewell C will help drive the UK’s energy security, as part of the government’s mission to protect family finances by replacing the UK’s dependency on fossil fuel markets controlled by dictators with homegrown power that we control.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    Today we are once again investing in Britian’s renewal, with the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation. This landmark decision is our Plan for Change in action.  

    We are creating thousands of jobs, kickstarting economic growth and putting more money people’s pockets.

    Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband said:

    We will not accept the status quo of failing to invest in the future and energy insecurity for our country.  

    We need new nuclear to deliver a golden age of clean energy abundance, because that is the only way to protect family finances, take back control of our energy, and tackle the climate crisis. 

    This is the government’s clean energy mission in action- investing in lower bills and good jobs for energy security.

    Sizewell C

    Sizewell C will provide 10,000 people with employment at peak construction and support thousands more jobs across the UK, including 1,500 apprenticeships. The company has already signed £330 million in contracts with local companies and will boost supply chains across the UK with 70% of contracts predicted to go to 3,500 British suppliers – supporting new jobs in construction, welding, and hospitality. Jobs in the nuclear industry pay well above national averages and the government is committed to working with nuclear trade unions such as the GMB, Unite, and Prospect, who will continue to play a pivotal role in building the industry.   

    Despite the UK’s strong nuclear legacy, opening the world’s first commercial nuclear power station in the 1950s, no new nuclear plant has opened in the UK since 1995, with all of the existing fleet except Sizewell B likely to be phased out by the early 2030s.  

    Sizewell C was one of eight sites identified in 2009 by then-Energy Secretary Ed Miliband as a potential site for new nuclear. However, the project was not fully funded in the 14 years that followed under subsequent governments.  

    The government’s nuclear programme is now the most ambitious for a generation – once small modular reactors and Sizewell C come online in the 2030s, combined with Hinkley Point C, this will deliver more new nuclear to grid than over the previous half century combined.

    Small Modular Reactors

    Great British Nuclear is expected to announce the outcome of its small modular reactor competition imminently, the first step towards the goal of driving down costs and unlocking private finance with a long-term ambition to bring forward one of the first SMR fleets in Europe.  

    The government’s nuclear resurgence will support the UK’s long-term energy security, with small modular reactors expected to power millions of homes with clean energy and help fuel power-hungry industries like AI data centres.   

    This follows reforms to planning rules announced by the Prime Minister in February 2025 to make it easier to build nuclear across the country – changing the rules to back the builders of this nation, and saying no to the blockers who have strangled our chances of cheaper energy, growth and jobs for far too long.   

    The government is also looking to provide a route for private sector-led advanced nuclear projects to be deployed in the UK, alongside investing £300m in developing the world’s first non-Russian supply of the advanced fuels needed to run them.   

    Companies will be able to work with the government to continue their development with potential investment from the National Wealth Fund.

    Fusion Energy

    The government is also making a record investment in R&D for fusion energy, investing over £2.5 billion over 5 years. This includes progressing the STEP programme (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), the world-leading fusion plant in Nottinghamshire, creating thousands of new jobs and with the potential to unlock limitless clean power.  

    This builds on the UK’s global leadership to turbocharge economic growth in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, while helping deliver the UK’s flagship programme to design and build a prototype fusion power station on the site of a former coal-fired plant.

    Defence

    To secure the UK as a leader in both civil and defence nuclear, the government will also be investing £4 billion over the next decade in the Plymouth naval base as well as continued long-term investment in our Defence Nuclear Enterprise and its industrial base, as this is critical for our national security while also being a significant generator of economic opportunities, jobs and growth across the entire country. Further investments in the defence nuclear sector include over £6 billion over the Spending Review period to enable a transformation in the capacity, capability and productivity of the UK’s submarine industrial base, including at BAE Systems in Barrow and Rolls-Royce Submarines in Derby – to deliver the increase in the submarine production rate announced in the Strategic Defence Review. 

    In addition, we will embark on a multi-decade, multi-billion redevelopment of HMNB Clyde, with an initial £250 million of funding over 3 years, supporting jobs, skills and growth across the West of Scotland. 

    The government will also invest over £420 million of additional funding in Sheffield Forgemasters, securing 700 existing skilled jobs and creating over 900 new construction roles.


    Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, Joint-Managing Directors of Sizewell C said:

    Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Sizewell C, the UK’s first British-owned nuclear power plant in over 30 years. It’s a privilege to be leading a project that will create over 10,000 jobs, secure Britain’s energy future and revitalise the UK’s nuclear industry.

    We aim to showcase British infrastructure at its best – delivering a cleaner, more secure energy future for generations to come.

    Warren Kenny, GMB Regional Secretary, said:

    Sizewell C is absolutely vital if the UK is to hit net zero.

    Nuclear power is essential for clean, affordable, and reliable energy – without new nuclear there can be no net zero.

    Sizewell C will provide thousands of good, skilled, unionised jobs and we look forward to working closely with the government and Sizewell C to help secure a greener future for this country’s energy sector.

    Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, said:

    Delivering this funding for Sizewell C is a vital step forward, this project is critical to securing the future of the nuclear industry in the UK.

    New nuclear is essential to achieving net zero, providing a baseload of clean and secure energy, as well as supporting good, unionised jobs.

    Further investment in SMRs and fusion research shows we are finally serious about developing a 21st century nuclear industry. All funding must be backed up by a whole-industry plan to ensure we have the workforce and skills we need for these plans to succeed.

    Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said:

    This new nuclear programme will give the country the jobs, the economic growth and the energy security we need to ensure a secure and reliable power supply for the future. This announcement shows the government is serious about new nuclear, and realising the economic benefits that come with it, and will be welcomed in communities the length and breadth of Britain.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Professor Mohammed Ali Beravi became an Honorary Doctor of SPbPU

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On June 9, a solemn ceremony of presenting the mantle and diploma of Honorary Doctor of SPbPU to Professor Mohammed Ali Beravi took place at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

    In accordance with the official regulations, the title of “Honorary Doctor of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University” is awarded to outstanding figures in science and technology, education and culture, as well as leading specialists from Russia and foreign countries for significant contribution to the development of advanced areas of knowledge and science, whose activities contribute to strategic development, expansion of areas of cooperation and increasing the authority of the university at the international level. The decision to award the title of Honorary Doctor of SPbPU to Mohammed Ali Beravi was unanimously adopted by the members of the SPbPU Academic Council on September 27, 2024. The University’s Scientific Secretary Dmitry Karpov introduced the new Honorary Doctor.

    Mohamed Ali Berawi is a Professor of Engineering, M.Eng., Ph.D., and Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, and Executive Director of the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure Development, University of Indonesia. He is the Chairman of the Indonesian Faculty Association and the Advisory Board of the Forum of Professional Organizations in Science and Technology, Director of the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure Development, Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network for Sustainable Cities and Urbanization, and the Leader of the Smart Cities Working Group of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities Sustainable Cities and Landscapes. Mohamed Ali Berawi was ranked in the top 2% of scientists in the world by Elsevier and Stanford University from 2021 to 2024.

    Professor Berawi has served as a leading advisor to the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Indonesia, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Strategic Infrastructure Policy of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, and Member Secretary of the Presidential Advisory Council of the Republic of Indonesia. Since 2022, he has served as the Deputy for Green and Digital Transformation at Nusantara Metropolitan Office in Indonesia.

    Students in the uniform of the Polytechnic University of the early 20th century brought in the doctoral mantle, the Polyhymnia choir performed the Gaudeamus anthem. Rector of SPbPU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy presented a book about honorary doctors of the Polytechnic University, which has a page dedicated to Mohammed Ali Beravi.

    Awarding the title of Honorary Doctor of SPbPU to Professor Beravi is a recognition of his outstanding achievements in science and practical activities aimed at sustainable development and the implementation of advanced technologies. His work is ideally in line with the spirit and strategic goals of our university. His many years of work at the Polytechnic contributed to the development of the master’s programs “Bioeconomics” and “Energy Economics”, where he shared his competencies in the field of sustainable development of territories using the city of Nusantara as an example. In particular, Professor Beravi taught courses and supervised, together with Polytechnic teachers, students’ research work in English. Together with Professor Beravi and his Indonesian colleagues, the Polytechnic hopes to implement a joint project on modeling the development of smart cities, – Andrey Rudskoy emphasized.

    It is a great honour for me to receive the title of Honorary Doctor of the Polytechnic University. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to the development of knowledge, innovation and international cooperation. I hope that this achievement will inspire our joint initiatives in the field of science and technology development. I believe that science and technology should serve higher purposes, offering real solutions that improve the quality of life, support sustainability and ensure a better future for the next generations, – thanked Professor Mohamed Ali Berawi.

    The ceremony was also attended by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in St. Petersburg, President of the Association of Industrial Enterprises of St. Petersburg Valery Radchenko, a graduate of the Polytechnic University. He congratulated Professor Mohammed Ali Berawi on receiving the honorary title. In addition, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus Jose Tavares sent his congratulations in the form of a video message.

    After the ceremony, Mohammed Ali Berawi met with Indonesian students who performed the national dance Ratoh Jaroe.

    We are immensely proud that Professor Mohammed Ali Berawi is part of the Polytechnic family. It is a great honor for us that a world-class scientist, whose projects change the future of cities, has been making a significant contribution to the development of our university for many years. It is especially inspiring that he is our fellow countryman, glorifying Indonesia and Polytech on the global stage. We say with all our hearts: Welcome home, Professor, Selamat datang di Polytech! — shared the chairman of the Indonesian community at SPbPU, a postgraduate student of IMMiT Tegu Imanullah.

    Professor Mohammed Ali Beravi gave a lecture to students and staff of the university at the Technopolis Polytech research complex. Before that, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov awarded Professor Beravi with gratitude and a commemorative medal of SPbPU for assisting in the development of the University Endowment Fund.

    The lecture was dedicated to the creation of a smart sustainable city Nusantara — the new capital of Indonesia, where environmental responsibility and digital innovations are combined. The concept is based on the triad of Nature 5.0, Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0, which ensures the restoration of nature through technological progress, innovations for sustainable development and a human-oriented society. Nusantara is designed as the world’s first carbon-neutral city by 2045. To achieve this, 65% of its territory will be occupied by restored tropical forests — natural absorbers of CO₂. Among the innovations are autonomous transport and “smart buildings”. Professor Berawi presented the national project being implemented, which will become a global example of the balance between technology, ecology and the quality of life of people.

    During the visit, Mohammed Ali Beravi was given a tour of the Main Academic Building. He visited the SPbPU History Museum, the White Hall, the Reading Room, and looked at the gallery of outstanding polytechnic scientists. Professor Beravi was also told about the Polytechnic Supercomputer Center and the MetaCampus Polytech project of the Civil Engineering Institute.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Free use of leisure and cultural facilities on July 1 in celebration of 28th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         To celebrate the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a number of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)’s fee-charging leisure and cultural facilities will open for use by members of the public free of charge on July 1 (Tuesday), which include:
     

    • Indoor leisure facilities: badminton courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, netball courts, volleyball courts, squash courts, table tennis tables, American pool tables, billiard tables, sport climbing walls*, bowling greens, golf facilities, fitness rooms*, activity rooms, dance rooms and a cycling track*; 
    • Outdoor leisure facilities: tennis courts, tennis practice courts, bowling greens, batting cages, archery ranges* and golf facilities (excluding camp facilities, sports grounds as well as artificial and natural turf pitches); 
    • Public swimming pools (excluding Wan Chai Swimming Pool, and Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool which is temporarily closed for redevelopment);
    • Craft at water sports centres* (recreational kayaks, pedal-driven boats, sampans and colour boats at Chong Hing Water Sports Centre are available for free use by campers only); and
    • Permanent exhibitions of the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Space Museum (excluding the shows at Space Theatre)

    (* Users are required to possess the relevant qualification certificates.)

         The free-of-charge sessions on July 1 will be allocated through balloting. During the period June 14 to 20, members of the public can make ballot applications via SmartPLAY as individual users. Each application can cover a maximum of three balloting choices. For applications made, each applicant can revise the choices before the closing of the application period at 11.59pm on June 20. The computer balloting results will be announced on June 23. Successful applicants will be notified by the SmartPLAY system. For members of the public not having been allocated any balloted free session or made any application, they can book the remaining free sessions, if any, via SmartPLAY on a first-come, first-served basis from June 25. Each successful applicant will be allocated one free session, whether through balloting or first-come, first-served booking. 

         The LCSD appeals to successful applicants to arrive on time and make the best use of the booked facilities. If a successful applicant fails to take up a booked session 10 minutes after the starting time, the facility will be reallocated to walk-in participants on a first-come, first-served basis for use as the same purpose as that for which it has been booked. The facility should be returned to the original successful applicant if he/she shows up later. All users should observe the Conditions of Use of LCSD Recreation and Sports Facilities as shown on the LCSD website www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/condition/index.html (including the “no-show/not present during the use of the booked sessions” penalty). Please call 2414 5555 for enquiry or visit the thematic website at www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/freeuseday/index.html.

         No prior booking is required for public swimming pool facilities. Members of the public may line up at the entrances of swimming pools before the start of a session. Free admission is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

         Admission will continue to be free at the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, the Hong Kong Railway Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence, the Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery, the Law Uk Folk Museum, the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum, the Sheung Yiu Folk Museum, the Hong Kong Film Archive, the Sam Tung Uk Museum and the Oil Street Art Space (Oi!). (The Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum is temporarily closed for upgrading works. The Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre is closed on Tuesdays (including July 1).)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rolls-Royce SMR selected to build small modular nuclear reactors

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Rolls-Royce SMR selected to build small modular nuclear reactors

    Rolls-Royce SMR selected as preferred bidder to build country’s first small modular reactors

    • New era for nuclear power as Rolls-Royce SMR selected as preferred bidder to build country’s first small modular reactors 

    • Follows rigorous two-year competition to select nuclear technology for UK deployment, building clean power for the country through publicly-owned company

    • Project could support up to 3,000 jobs at peak construction and power the equivalent of around 3 million of today’s homes as part of government’s Plan for Change to make the UK a clean energy superpower

    Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected as the preferred bidder to partner with Great British Energy – Nuclear to develop small modular reactors, subject to final government approvals and contract signature – marking a new golden age of nuclear in the UK. 

    Today (Tuesday 10 June) Great British Energy – Nuclear is taking on a new name from Great British Nuclear, reflecting its joint mission with Great British Energy to rollout clean homegrown power as two publicly-owned energy companies.

    As part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy to revive Britain’s industrial heartlands, the government is pledging over £2.5 billion for the overall small modular reactor programme in this Spending Review period – with this project potentially supporting up to 3,000 new skilled jobs and powering the equivalent of around 3 million homes with clean, secure homegrown energy.

    The biggest nuclear rollout for a generation will support the clean power mission – boosting energy security and protecting families’ finances. Great British Energy – Nuclear is aiming to sign contracts with Rolls-Royce SMR later this year and will form a development company.

    Great British Energy – Nuclear will also aim to allocate a site later this year and connect projects to the grid in the mid-2030s. Once small modular reactors and Sizewell C come online in the 2030s, combined with the new station at Hinkley Point C, this will deliver more nuclear to the grid than over the previous half century.

    “SMRs” are smaller and quicker to build than traditional nuclear plants, with costs likely to come down as units are rolled out. The outcome of this competition is the first step towards reducing costs and unlocking private finance, enabling the UK to realise its long-term ambition of delivering one of Europe’s first small modular reactor fleets. It comes after the government announced plans to shake up the planning rules to make it easier to build nuclear, including small modular reactors across the country.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

    We are ending the no-nuclear status quo as part of our Plan for Change and are entering a golden age of nuclear with the biggest building programme in a generation. 

    Great British Energy – Nuclear has run a rigorous competition and will now work with the preferred bidder Rolls-Royce SMR to build the country’s first ever small modular reactors – creating thousands of jobs and growing our regional economies while strengthening our energy security.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    The UK is back where it belongs, taking the lead in the technologies of tomorrow with Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred partner for this journey.

    We’re backing Britain with Great British Energy – Nuclear’s ambition to ensure 70% of supply chain products are British built, delivering our Plan for Change through more jobs and putting more money in people’s pockets.

    Simon Bowen, Chairman of Great British Energy – Nuclear said: 

    This announcement is a defining moment for the UK’s energy and industrial future. 

    By selecting a preferred bidder, we are taking a decisive step toward delivering clean, secure, and sovereign power. This is about more than energy—it’s about revitalising British industry, creating thousands of skilled jobs, and building a platform for long-term economic growth.

    Gwen Parry-Jones, CEO of Great British Energy – Nuclear, said:  

    We are proud to lead this national mission. Nuclear is the cornerstone of the UK’s energy strategy, and today’s announcement will accelerate deployment.  

    Together with Rolls-Royce SMR, our selected preferred bidder, and subject to government approvals and contract signature, we will deliver a programme that is technically world-class and delivers real value to the British people—through energy security, economic opportunity, and environmental leadership.

    The global SMR market is, according to the International Energy Agency, projected to reach up to nearly £500 billion by 2050, and today’s announcement puts Britain at a competitive advantage as a frontrunner in the global race to build new nuclear technology. 

    The selection follows a rigorous and transparent procurement process over two years, with the competition having launched in July 2023. Subject to final approvals and contract signature, Rolls-Royce SMR Ltd will enter a strategic technology development partnership with Great British Energy – Nuclear – a fully publicly-owned company. 

    Rolls-Royce SMR is progressing through the final stage of the assessment by the UK nuclear industry’s independent regulators.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI China: Youth leaders gather for World Youth Energy Partner Dialogue

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    International youth leaders and experts gathered for the World Youth Energy Partner Dialogue on June 8 as part of the World Youth Energy Tour (WYET) 2025, exchanging views on critical topics like energy transition and international cooperation in renewable energy. 

    The event, co-hosted by China International Communications Group (CICG) and CHN Energy Investment Corporation (CHN Energy), brought together 14 youth leaders from eight countries to discuss cross-cultural perspectives and innovative solutions for building a multilateral, collaborative and tech-driven paradigm for sustainable energy development.

    Participants in the World Youth Energy Tour (WYET) 2025 pose for a group picture, June 8, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    “Youth are the architects, not just beneficiaries, of the energy transition,” said Kevin Tu, managing director of Agora Energy China and leading spokesperson of the event. “China’s experience proves young innovators drive breakthroughs, from AI-powered grids to offshore wind megaprojects.”

    The attending youth leaders also shared their insights on the event and energy issues through engaging picture stories, highlighting their unique experiences and innovative ideas.

    Participants in the World Youth Energy Tour (WYET) 2025 watch a presentation, June 8, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    “Crisis cannot be overcome alone. Crisis needs teamwork,” noted Jose Renato Peneluppi, a Brazilian lawyer specializing in development policies and energy transition. He spoke highly of China’s energy progress in recent years and expressed hope for future energy collaboration between China and Brazil.

    Kaldybayev Dastan, a PhD student from Kazakhstan at Tsinghua University, praised China’s efforts in green infrastructure and its wind and solar power capacity. “The future of energy is green, smart and global. Together through collaboration and innovation, we can build the future,” he added.

    “I’m so grateful that China has supported us like our older brother. I’m so amazed and happy to see China is working very hard, leading globally in green initiatives,” said Umer Farooq Sansi, CEO of the Hunan Sansi Group and a contributor to China-Pakistan relations.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: Russia to build 8 nuclear plants in Iran: atomic chief

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    People work at the construction site of the second phase of Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Bushehr, southern Iran, on Nov. 10, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Iranian atomic chief has announced that Russia will construct eight nuclear power plants in Iran under a previously signed contract between the two countries, the official news agency IRNA reported.

    President of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami made the remarks on Monday during a visit by members of the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy committee to the AEOI headquarters in Tehran.

    Eslami stated that four of the eight planned nuclear reactors would be constructed in the southern province of Bushehr.

    He also updated lawmakers on the ongoing construction of units 2 and 3 at the existing Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, emphasizing that those units are being built by Iranian companies.

    Speaking to reporters after the parliamentary delegation’s visit, Eslami added that the AEOI has plans to triple Iran’s nuclear power generation capacity, as part of the country’s broader energy development strategy.

    Completed by Russia in May 2011, the Bushehr plant, Iran’s first and only operational nuclear power facility, has been central to the country’s civilian nuclear energy program and has long involved cooperation with Russia’s state nuclear agency, Rosatom. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Electronics Maintains No. 1 Position in European Microwave Market for 10 Consecutive Years

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung Electronics today announced that it achieved the highest market share in the European microwave segment in 2024, maintaining its No. 1 position for the tenth consecutive year.1
     
    According to data analytics company Euromonitor International, Samsung was ranked as Europe’s No. 1 selling microwave brand based on microwave sales volume in 2024. With this result, Samsung has held the top spot every year since 2015.
     
    “Samsung’s success in the European microwave market comes from our ability to align with what consumers value — a balance of design and intuitive usability,” said Taehwan Hwang, EVP and Head of the Sales & Marketing Team for the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to lead the market by leveraging our strengths in smart connectivity and premium design.”
     

    Making Design and Innovation Central to the Kitchen
    Samsung has targeted the European market with products offering premium design, reflecting the interest of local consumers in kitchen interiors. Since 2019, the company has offered its Bespoke Microwave lineup, which features seven colors2 options and a glass finish, a combination that quickly gained popularity across the region.
     
    To further enhance everyday convenience, Samsung introduced the MW7300B All-in-one Microwave Oven in 2024. Thanks to its SmartThings3 compatibility, users can monitor and control the microwave remotely4 with their smartphones, even when they are not in the kitchen. It can also be operated using voice assistants5 such as Bixby,6 for a seamless, connected cooking experience.

     
    To find out more about Samsung’s microwave products, visit Samsung.com.
     
     
    1 Source Euromonitor International Limited; Consumer Appliances 2025ed, “microwaves” as per Passport definitions; Retail Volume Sales in Units, 2024 data
    2 The available colors may differ by country. Once the color of the panels has been selected it cannot be changed again.
    3 Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. The SmartThings Energy and SmartThings Home Care services are only available in certain countries.
    4 Only available when the Smart Control button on the microwave oven is turned on with hands.
    5 A Wi-Fi connection is required
    6 Bixby is Samsung’s Internet of Things (IoT) voice assistant. Bixby service availability may vary depending on the country. Bixby recognizes certain accents/dialects of English (US, UK, Indian), Chinese, Korean, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. A Samsung account log-in and Wi-Fi connection are required.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Orenburgneft’s Environment-Oriented Investments Exceed 3 Billion Roubles in 2024

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: Orenburgneft’s Environment-Oriented Investments Exceed 3 Billion Roubles in 2024

    Orenburgneft (part of Rosneft’s oil production complex) allocated more than 3 billion roubles to environmental protection activities in 2024, almost 13% more than in the previous year. Funds have been invested in implementing the gas programme, improving pipeline reliability, land remediation, improving the efficiency of industrial waste management, resource conservation, reforestation and water biodiversity conservation.

    As part of the targeted gas programme, in 2024 the main technological equipment was installed at the gas compressor station of the Donetsk-Syrtsky field and the construction of gas pipelines for the Eastern group of fields is being completed. These measures will enable additional volumes of associated gas to be routed to the Buzuluk gas processing plant, where the gas is processed to commercial quality and a large fraction of the hydrocarbons — a valuable raw material for the petrochemical industry — is removed.

    Investments in the implementation of the pipeline reliability improvement programme ensured the planned replacement of pipeline sections, repairs and pipe blocking. The stable operation of the industrial infrastructure is ensured, among other things, by diagnostics using modern equipment.

    The enterprise uses technologies that conserve resources. Last year, Orenburgneft reduced its energy consumption by 6.8 million tonnes of fuel equivalent, helping to improve the environmental performance of its production. Key initiatives included optimising the operation of pumping equipment in reservoir pressure maintenance systems, upgrading downhole oil production equipment and redesigning onshore infrastructure.

    The enterprise provides environmental monitoring of natural components. Air, water and soil are regularly sampled in areas where production activities take place. Methane emissions are monitored using advanced technology.

    Orenburgneft uses modern technologies to dispose of production waste. The by-products obtained are reused in industrial applications. The enterprise’s volunteers help protect the environment. For several years, employees have organised the collection of used plastic and paper. Local students take part in environmental campaigns organised by oil companies. In 2024, more than 12 tonnes of secondary raw materials were sent for recycling through joint efforts.

    Employees carry out voluntary clean-ups in the towns and cities where they work, along the banks of waterways, and organise community clean-up days. Over the past three years, oil workers have planted around 3,000 young pine, fir, lime and birch trees. Together with activists from the Movement of the Firsts, oil workers cleaned up the dendrological garden in the Buzuluk Forest National Park. Previously, with the help of the enterprise’s employees, a tourist trail was created in the reserve, which is integrated into the National Park’s network of ecological trails.

    The enterprise’s environmental efforts have been repeatedly recognised at various levels. In the regional competition Economy Leader, Orenburgneft has been recognised as the winner in the category Environmental Responsibility Leader for over 10 years.

    For reference:

    Orenburgneft, a subsidiary of Rosneft Oil Company, is engaged in production operations in Orenburg, Samara and Saratov regions. Cumulative oil production of the enterprise exceeds 470 million tonnes of oil.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft
    April 9, 2025

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Rosneft holds the first open academic competition for schoolchildren in Bashkiria

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: Rosneft holds the first open academic competition for schoolchildren in Bashkiria

    Bashneft (Rosneft subsidiary) held the first open academic competition for schoolchildren at the Ufa State Petroleum Technical University (USPTU). The winners will receive additional points to the Unified State Examination when entering USPTU.

    More than 100 schoolchildren from Ufa and other cities and districts of Bashkortostan took part in the academic competition. Students of 10-11 grades could test their knowledge in mathematical chemistry and mathematical physics.

    The winners of the competition will be awarded at the All-Russian Employment Fair to be held in Ufa on 18 April 2025. Bashneft will also offer the winners an opportunity to go on an “oil quest” at the fair, which is dedicated to the profession of an oil worker. The Rosneft academic competition in USPTU is planned to be held on an annual basis with an increase in the number of participants.

    As a part of the corporate program of continuous education “school – college/university – enterprise”, Rosneft implements projects to attract talented young people and form an external talent pool. The program has been implemented in the Republic of Bashkortostan for several years already. 49 schoolchildren were enrolled in the 10th grade “Rosneft Classes” in 2024. In addition, 25 9th grade students were enrolled in the Rosneft Class in Ufa on a pilot basis. The Ufa Fuel and Energy College (UFEC) became a partner.

    USPTU and UFEC have six corporate groups of Bashneft in various training areas, including: solid fuel, oil and gas processing technology, design and operation of oil and gas processing equipment, oil and gas geology and geophysics, etc. In profile groups, students combine work at the production site with individualized training. Training in specialized subjects is conducted with the involvement of expert teachers among Bashneft’s employees.

    In partnership with Bashneft’s enterprises, USPTU has established basic departments: Petrochemical Process Technology, Welding of Oil and Gas Structures, Bashneft Refining and Bashneft Environmental Engineering.

    For reference:

    Basheft is one of the oldest oil and gas enterprises in the country engaged in oil extraction and processing. The key assets of Bashneft, including the refinery and petrochemical complex, are located in the Republic of Bashkortostan.Oil and gas exploration and production are also carried out in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area–Yugra, Nenets Autonomous Area, Orenburg Region and the Republic of Bashkortostan.

    USPTU is Bashneft’s key partner in personnel training. More than 50% of Bashneft’s employees are graduates of this university.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft
    April 11, 2025

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-Evening Report: 9 myths about electric vehicles have taken hold. A new study shows how many people fall for them

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christian Bretter, Senior Research Fellow in Environmental Psychology, The University of Queensland

    More people believe misinformation about electric vehicles than disagree with it and even EV owners tend to believe the myths, our new research shows.

    We investigated the prevalence of misinformation about EVs in four countries – Australia, the United States, Germany and Austria. Unfortunately, we found substantial agreement with misinformation across all countries.

    People who endorsed false claims about EVs were, not surprisingly, significantly less likely to consider buying one.

    Electric vehicles are vital in the fight against climate change. But pervasive misinformation is a significant challenge to the technology’s uptake and has serious implications for the shift away from fossil fuels.

    Widespread agreement with false EV claims

    We conducted a survey of 4,200 people across the four countries who did not own an electric vehicle. We measured the extent to which they agreed with these nine misleading claims about electric vehicles:

    What we found

    The most widely believed myth was that electric vehicles are more likely to catch fire than petrol cars. Some 43–56% of people agreed with the statement, depending on the country.

    To tally the results, we looked at participants’ responses for all nine misinformation statements – more than 36,000 responses in all. We then calculated how many of these responses indicated agreement or disagreement.

    Of the 36,000 responses, 36% were in agreement with a statement and 23% were in disagreement. A further 24% were undecided and 17% did not know.

    Misinformation agreement was highest in Germany and lowest in the US, but the differences between nations were small.

    Agreement with misinformation was strongly correlated with a lack of support for electric vehicle policies and a lack of intention to buy an EV in future.

    A separate part of the research involved 2,100 people in the US, about half of whom owned an electric vehicle. Surprisingly, EV owners did not significantly differ in their agreement with misinformation compared to non-owners. This underscores how embedded the problem has become.

    Agreement with misinformation was strongly correlated with a lack of buying intention.
    Photo by Sebastian Ng/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    It’s not about education

    We also examined the factors that make individuals more susceptible to EV misinformation.

    The strongest predictor was people who scored highly on a “conspiracy mentality” – in other words, they believed conspiracies were common in society, they saw the world through a lens of corruption and secret agendas, and distrusted institutions.

    People with progressive political and environmental views were less likely to endorse misinformation about EVs.

    A person’s scientific knowledge or level of education was not a predictor. This finding aligns with previous research, and suggests the pervasive endorsement of misinformation stems from distrust in institutions and expertise rather than from a lack of education.

    People with progressive political views were less likely to endorse EV misinformation.
    Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Grounds for optimism

    We tested whether misinformation could be reduced with two interventions among a different sample of US participants. One group was asked to converse with ChatGPT about their views on EV misinformation. The second was asked to read a traditional EV fact sheet from the US Department of Energy. On a third “control” group, no intervention was tested.

    Participants who engaged with either ChatGPT or the fact sheet before we surveyed them showed significantly lower endorsement of EV misinformation compared to the control group. This persisted at a follow-up session ten days after the survey.

    Notably, ChatGPT did not produce any misinformation about EVs. These results build upon existing research demonstrating ChatGPT’s potential to reduce endorsement of conspiracy theories.

    Misinformation about EVs poses significant challenges to uptake of the technology.
    Florian Wiegand/Getty Images

    How to tackle EV misinformation

    Our findings show misinformation about electric vehicles has a substantial foothold in Western nations. Susceptibility is not a matter of education or knowledge, but rather stems from distrust of established institutions and expertise.

    We also found people who engage with facts about electric vehicles are less likely to endorse misinformation.

    This suggests a dual strategy is needed to reduce misinformation about EVs. First, those who deliberately spread misinformation should be held accountable. And second, evidence-based information, including accessible AI tools, can be used to build public resilience against false claims.

    Matthew Hornsey receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Christian Bretter and Samuel Pearson do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. 9 myths about electric vehicles have taken hold. A new study shows how many people fall for them – https://theconversation.com/9-myths-about-electric-vehicles-have-taken-hold-a-new-study-shows-how-many-people-fall-for-them-257557

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech: APAC energy capital assembly, Singapore

    Source: New Zealand Government

    I am delighted to be here in Singapore once again, to speak to you in my capacity as New Zealand’s Minister for Resources and Associate Minister for Energy.

    If you haven’t heard of me before today, I’m proud to declare myself the champion of New Zealand’s petroleum and minerals sector. 

    I want to thank the Energy Council for asking me to speak with you today on the significant changes that have happened in my country and what is still changing now. 

    I’d also like to take a moment to acknowledge some of our growing oil and gas producers here today, such as Wai-Lid Wong from Matahio, who can attest to the positive changes I’m going to talk to you about this morning. And we also have Richard Beament from Horizon Oil here with long-term joint venture investments in our gas fields. 

    Thank you gentlemen for the part you are playing in continuing to grow this sector in New Zealand.

    The coalition Government I am a part of is injecting life back into New Zealand’s economy through increased foreign investment, trade, regional development, and energy security.

    The strategic and responsible development of New Zealand’s oil and gas resources presents us with a significant opportunity.

    A productive oil and gas sector is critical to ensuring enough gas to keep our lights on, the economy growing, and keep de-industrialisation at bay. As a food bowl for Asia, I believe we need to keep investing in gas for all its uses.

    New Zealand has a well-established, innovative and highly skilled oil and gas sector on the West of our North Island in the Taranaki region and we wish to keep it that way. 

    Our Government sees reliable ongoing gas production contributing to our national self-sufficiency and domestic resilience and a critical part of our export-led recovery. 

    Our gas reserves data tells us a concerning story, but introduces opportunity for the sector. I intend to leave no stone unturned to ensure all our current and future energy sector participants have the confidence and see the right market incentives to keep our businesses operating and growing.

    I’ll be the first to reflect and acknowledge that confidence in our gas sector took a significant hit when the petroleum exploration ban was introduced in 2018. The ban impacted investment in our producing fields and barred new exploration. 

    As a country we have seen the impact of this. We have listened, we have heard, and we are changing it now.

    This is why I am advancing two critical policies in legislation right now – to help secure our short and mid-term energy future as we transition towards more renewable energy forms.

    I am reversing the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration, and changing settings to make sure we are balancing Crown risk in decommissioning, while not disincentivising ongoing investment in our existing fields.

    As part of this we are giving the oil and gas exploration market a new Open Market Application process meaning all acreage is open for application, and you’re not restricted to block offers.

    I am pleased to tell you today that the Government has set aside $NZ200 million to become a cornerstone investor in new gas projects. These will be business case-based with a likely government stake of up to 15 per cent for each successful project.

    This will make our Government a contracted partner in the project. 

    Having skin in the game as a cornerstone investor demonstrates our own commitment to meeting our future gas needs. If we really want to address the current reality that we rely on imported coal, not domestic gas, to get through winter, we must be prepared to stand alongside our petroleum sector as a co-investor.

    We see this as a strong signal to make it clear to foreign investors, explorers, and producers, that New Zealand is leaving the past behind and wants investment in new petroleum opportunities. 

    But, although there is still much to do on the West Coast, we don’t want you to constrain your thinking to just that part of our beautiful country. New Zealand has frontier offshore basins off the east coast of both Islands. We have the East Coast basin, Canterbury basin, and the Great South Basin. For these there are existing open geodata sets with our regulators and companies such as SLB, here with us, who have still confidential commercial exploration data available to you.

    As well as the $NZ200m, the Government has announced a raft of other changes that will get New Zealand back on track and open for business.

    What we have seen peak interest around the world is our innovative Fast-track Approvals Act passed last year. This provides an approvals pathway for cutting red tape, but not cutting corners, and projects of regional or national significance to be approved in months, not years.

    In our recent Budget, we announced Investment Boost – a 20 percent first-year capital depreciation policy, this is in addition to normal accounting depreciation standards and is in effect now. 

    This supports our already attractive tax expense claim, depreciation, and royalty rebate regime settings supporting you run your business, and contributing to the cost of decommissioning at project end of life.

    We are overhauling our Overseas Investment Act. The reforms shift the Act’s focus to emphasise economic benefits, replacing the presumption that foreign investment is a privilege. Most applications—excluding residential land, farmland, and fishing quota—will now be processed within 15 days.

    We are in the process of entirely rewriting our Resource Management legislation. Introduced in 1991 it was world-leading for the time in managing our natural and physical resources and replaced over 50 previous pieces of legislation. However, after 34 years this legislation is no longer fit for purpose and we appreciate how it’s holding back investment and development in every sector, including residential building. We will see this reform completed in this term of government, and until then the Fast Track Approvals Act supports projects get started today. 

    I am also interested in maximising the potential of our geothermal and natural hydrogen resources.

    New Zealand has long been a user of geothermal energy. It currently makes up nearly 20 percent of our electricity generation. But we see so much more potential with new technology in super-critical and other next-generation geothermal.  

    We have ringfenced $NZ60 million for pre-feasibility of next generation geothermal and we expect to see exploratory drilling next year.

    Unlike many renewable energy sources, geothermal energy provides critical continuous baseload energy and electricity generation. This is particularly important in the context of our energy security challenges.

    We will have a geothermal strategy completed by the end of this year.

    We are blessed with a geology permissive to the production of induced Orange Hydrogen, as well as natural ‘White’ Hydrogen prospects. Right now, regulators are undertaking public consultation on our country’s hydrogen policy settings, and we expect to see considerations for Cabinet later this year.

    So, as you’ve heard the changes our Government has introduced or that are passing through Parliament right now will: 

    • reverse the oil and gas exploration ban entirely
    • start a new open market application process for any acreage you see as prospective
    • address petroleum decommissioning requirements to align us with best practice
    • share risk through government co-investment through our $NZ200m fund
    • make for fast project consent approvals through our Fast-track Approvals process
    • give overseas investors certainty, whenever there is an investment that invokes the Overseas Investment Act, a decision being made in weeks.

    Travelling with me I have officials from New Zealand and our chief exploration and production geologist, and for those of you I’m not already scheduled to see I’d encourage you to introduce yourselves or talk with my team.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: MediPharm Labs’ Founder-CEO Pat McCutcheon Throws his Support behind Apollo Capital as Dissident

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    McCutcheon Agrees with Apollo that Urgent Change is Needed, including Complete Turnover at the Board Level after Years of Value-Destruction

    Apollo Capital Announces Filing of Circular Addendum to
    Reflect McCutcheon’s Endorsement

    SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO VOTE THE GOLD CARD “FOR” APOLLO CAPITAL’S SIX DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND NOT VOTE MEDIPHARM’s GREEN CARD

    TORONTO, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Technology Capital Corporation (“Apollo Capital”), one of MediPharm Lab Corp’s (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) (“MediPharm”, or the “Company”) largest investors, is very pleased to announce that Pat McCutcheon, a founder, former CEO, director and Chairman of MediPharm, has joined Apollo Capital as a co-dissident in its battle to bring integrity, transparency and prosperity back to MediPharm’s long-suffering shareholders.

    Pat McCutcheon stated: “I have been observing Apollo’s activist campaign from the sidelines, and I can no longer just sit by and watch. I still feel a deep responsibility to the Company, its employees and the shareholders who have invested millions into the vision of MediPharm being the global leader in medical cannabis and cannabis derived pharmaceutical products. Over the past three years, the share price has collapsed while the senior management team has been paid over $10,000,000, a compensation program that should never have been approved by the independent Directors. Management has failed to capitalize on the medical cannabis opportunity and taken the Company away from its founding vision by entering the recreational market, taking on dilutive M&A transactions and recently announcing a return to cultivating cannabis. This is not the MediPharm investors have supported.

    I have gotten to know Regan McGee & his team of proposed directors. The directors have a broad range of relevant experience including medical cannabis experience, turn-around experience, and extensive capital markets experience. Regan has demonstrated himself to be a skilled investor who has been successful in both start-ups and turn-around projects. He’s also overcome great personal adversity, showing that he never backs down from a fight. In terms of the negative statements from MediPharm about Regan, the ones that I have been able to independently verify have turned out to be simply fabrications that appear to be part of MediPharm’s campaign to discredit and defame Regan. I believe the attacks on Regan & his business record are not factual and more importantly hide the real issues that shareholders should be considering such as compensation, dilution & the share price. On each of these fronts, I believe the Apollo directors are a better choice than the directors put forward by the current Board.

    We need to focus on the real issues – who is going to drive the stock price higher. Apollo only makes money when the stock price goes up, as all the shareholders do together. This is why I support the Apollo team. I’m asking shareholders to vote GOLD at this year’s AGM. We do not have time to wait.”

    Apollo notes that its business model with MediPharm is highly aligned with shareholders. As an activist investor, it looks to make investments in poorly managed companies where new governance and management can work to improve the share price for Apollo and all other investors. Apollo’s business model is to buy stock in target companies and work with frustrated shareholders to secure the majority of votes needed to replace board members and executives with ones focused on share value growth. Apollo does not “take over” or otherwise control its target companies, rather it appoints directors who recognize their legal fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of all common shareholders.

    Regan McGee of Apollo Capital commented: “We are immensely proud to welcome Pat McCutcheon as a co-dissident. Pat is responsible for helping to build MediPharm into an absolute powerhouse in the cannabis industry, and I can only imagine how difficult it has been for him to watch the Company he loves so much be mismanaged virtually to the point of insolvency.

    Pat and I want exactly the same thing – to restore value to MediPharm shareholders and to usher in a new era of profitability, good governance and most importantly, accountability. We both believe that if we all come together and take urgent action, the future for the MediPharm will be bright.”

    In connection with the addition of Mr. McCutcheon as a “dissident” within the meaning of applicable corporate laws, an addendum dated June 4, 2025 (the “Addendum”) to the dissident information circular dated May 15, 2025 (the “Circular”) has been filed on www.SEDARPLUS.ca under MediPharm’s profile. Shareholders are encouraged to read the Circular, as supplemented and amended by the Addendum.

    Apollo Capital’s strategic five-pillar plan for MediPharm has been made available in detail at www.curemedipharm.com. With shareholder support, we can turn MediPharm around and transform it into the world’s leading medical cannabis company.

    Apollo Capital urges shareholders to vote for change by voting the GOLD CARD by June 12, 2025. Shareholders are urged NOT to sign or return the green proxy cards sent by the Company.

    Contacts

    For Shareholders:
    Carson Proxy
    North American Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189
    Local or Text Message: 416-751-2066 (collect calls accepted)
    E: info@carsonproxy.com

    For Media:
    media@curemedipharm.com

    This solicitation is being made by and on behalf of the Concerned Shareholder, who, as of the date of this Circular, beneficially owns or controls, directly and indirectly through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nobul Technologies Inc., 12,491,500 common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”), representing approximately 3% of the total Common Shares issued and outstanding, and not by the management of the Company (“Management”).

    Legal Disclosures

    Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption under Canadian Law

    In connection with the annual general and special meeting (the “Annual Meeting”) of shareholders of MediPharm, Apollo Capital has filed an amended and restated dissident information circular dated May 15, 2025 (the “Circular”), as amended and supplemented by an addendum to the Circular subsequently filed by Apollo Capital and Patrick McCutcheon (together, the “Concerned Stakeholder”) dated June 4, 2025 (the “Addendum” and together with the Circular, the “Amended Circular”), each in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. The Concerned Stakeholder has provided in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”) and the corresponding exemption under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and has filed the Amended Circular, available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Amended Circular contains disclosure prescribed by applicable corporate law and disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of the Concerned Stakeholder’s director nominees, in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Amended Circular is hereby incorporated by reference into this press release and is available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The registered office of the Company is 151 John Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 2L1.

    SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDIPHARM ARE URGED TO READ THE AMENDED CIRCULAR CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders are able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto and further proxy circulars at no charge under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, shareholders are also able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and other relevant documents by contacting the Concerned Stakeholder’s proxy solicitor, Carson Proxy Advisors Ltd. (“Carson Proxy”) at 1-800-530-5189, local (collect outside North America): 416-751-2066 or by email at info@carsonproxy.com.

    Proxies may be revoked in accordance with subsection 110(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by a registered shareholder of Company shares: (a) by completing and signing a valid proxy bearing a later date and returning it in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying form of proxy; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by the shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing; (c) by transmitting by telephonic or electronic means a revocation that is signed by electronic signature in accordance with applicable law, as the case may be: (i) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting is to be held, or (ii) with the chair of the Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting; or (d) in any other manner permitted by law. In addition, proxies may be revoked by a non-registered holder of Company shares at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline prescribed in the form of proxy or voting instruction form to ensure it is given effect in respect of the Annual Meeting.

    The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of any circular or proxy solicitation by the Concerned Stakeholder and any other participants named herein will be borne directly and indirectly by Apollo Capital. However, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Apollo Capital intends to seek reimbursement from the Company of all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting.

    This press release and any solicitation made by the Concerned Stakeholder is, or will be, as applicable, made by such parties, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by proxy circular, mail, telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of the Concerned Stakeholder who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, the Concerned Stakeholder may solicit proxies by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication and any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws, and may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist it in soliciting proxies on their behalf.

    Apollo Capital has entered into an agreement with Carson Proxy for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Concerned Stakeholder for the Annual Meeting, for which Carson Proxy will receive a fee from Apollo Capital not to exceed $250,000, together with reimbursement for reasonable and out-of-pocket expenses. Apollo Capital has also engaged Gasthalter & Co. LP (“G&Co”) to act as communications consultant to provide the Concerned Stakeholder with certain communications, public relations and related services, for which G&Co will receive, from Apollo Capital, a minimum fee of US$75,000 in addition to a performance fee of US$250,000 in the event that the Concerned Stakeholder’s nominees make up a majority of the board of directors of MediPharm (the “Board”) following the Annual Meeting, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses.

    No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Company’s last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will or would materially affect the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates. No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than setting the number of directors and the election of directors to the Board.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward‐looking statements. All statements contained in this filing that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward‐looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward‐looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of the Concerned Stakeholder and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof and the Concerned Stakeholder disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which the Concerned Stakeholder hereafter becomes aware, except as required by applicable law.

    Hashtags: #ShareholderActivism #CorporateGovernance #InvestorProtection #Investor Alert #Investor Fraud #FinancialRegulation #CorporateCrime #FinancialCrime #HomelandSecurity #DHS #OpioidCrisis #OpioidEpidemic #OpioidLitigation #OpioidVictims #BMO #DEA #ONDCP

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: A 10-fold increase in rocket launches would start harming the ozone layer – new research

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Revell, Associate Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry, University of Canterbury

    Han Jiajun/VCG via Getty Images

    The international space industry is on a growth trajectory, but new research shows a rapid increase in rocket launches would damage the ozone layer.

    Several hundred rockets are launched globally each year by a mix of commercial companies and nation-state space programmes. These take place at around 20 sites, almost all in the northern hemisphere, with the most prolific launch rates currently from the United States, China, New Zealand and Russia.

    Our latest research explores the tipping point when launching more rockets will begin to cause problems. Our findings show that once rates reach 2,000 launches a year – about a ten-fold increase on last year – the current healing of the ozone layer slows down.

    We argue that with care, we can avoid this future. The economic benefits of industry growth can be realised, but it will take a collaborative effort.

    Rocket launches thin the ozone layer

    The ozone layer protects life on Earth from harmful solar ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is slowly healing from the effects of chlorofluorocarbons and other damaging chemicals emitted last century, thanks to global cooperative agreements under the Montreal Protocol.

    Gases and particulates emitted by rockets as they punch through the atmosphere are known to thin the ozone layer. So far, they don’t cause appreciable ozone depletion, as relatively few launches take place each year.

    However, launches are steadily increasing. In 2019, there were 102 launches. By 2024, that increased to 258 worldwide. There are expected to be even more in 2025. At multiple sites worldwide, the launch industry projects impressive levels of future growth.

    For US-based launches, a three-fold increase in the number of rockets launched in 2023 is expected as soon as 2028.

    One driver of this growth is the effort to build out satellite constellations to tens of thousands of units, positioned low in Earth’s orbit. These require many launches to create and are happening in several nations, run by a number of companies.

    Once in place, these constellations require ongoing launches to keep them supplied with active satellites.

    Potential delay in ozone recovery

    To figure out how future launches could affect the ozone layer, we first built a database of ozone-depleting chemicals emitted by rockets currently in use. We then fed this database into a model of Earth’s atmosphere and climate, and simulated atmospheric composition under several scenarios of higher rates of rocket launches.

    We found that with around 2,000 launches worldwide each year, the ozone layer thins by up to 3%. Due to atmospheric transport of rocket-emitted chemicals, we saw the largest ozone losses over Antarctica, even though most launches are taking place in the northern hemisphere.

    Fortunately, the ozone losses are small. We wouldn’t expect to see catastrophic damage to humans or ecosystems. However, the losses are significant given global efforts underway to heal the ozone layer. The global abundance of ozone is still around 2% lower than before the onset of losses caused by chlorofluorocarbons.

    Future ozone losses are not locked in

    Encouragingly, we found no significant ozone loss in a scenario of more modest rates of around 900 launches per year. However, this is for the types of rockets that are in use right now around the world.

    We focus on current launch vehicles because it is uncertain when the new and massive rockets currently in development will enter use. But these larger rockets often require far more fuel, which creates more emissions at each launch.

    Rocket propellant choices make a big difference to the atmosphere. We found fuels emitting chlorine-containing chemicals or black carbon particulates have the largest effects on the ozone layer. Reducing use of these fuels as launch rates increase is key to supporting an ongoing recovery of the ozone layer.

    Re-entering spacecraft and satellite debris can also cause damage. However, the global scientific community doesn’t yet fully understand the chemistry around re-entry. Our work provides a realistic “floor” for the lowest level of damage that will occur.

    But it is important to remember that these effects are not locked in. It is entirely possible to create a launch industry where we avoid harmful effects, but that would require reducing use of chlorine-containing fuels, minimising black carbon emissions by new rockets and monitoring emissions.

    It will take keen effort and enthusiasm from industry and regulators, working together with scientists. But this needs to start now, not after the damage is done.

    Laura Revell is a member of the International Ozone Commission and the UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, which assesses the effects of ozone depletion on life on Earth. She is a Rutherford Discovery Fellow, funded by the Royal Society of NZ Te Apārangi.

    Michele Bannister is the NZ delegate for the International Astronomical Union, serves on the COSPAR-NZ national committee, is a voting member of Aerospace New Zealand, and has research collaborations with the IAU Centre for Protection of the Dark & Quiet Sky. She is a Rutherford Discovery Fellow, funded by the Royal Society of NZ Te Apārangi.

    ref. A 10-fold increase in rocket launches would start harming the ozone layer – new research – https://theconversation.com/a-10-fold-increase-in-rocket-launches-would-start-harming-the-ozone-layer-new-research-257480

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 9th, 2025 N.M. Delegation Urges Interior Secretary Burgum to Protect Chaco Canyon, Demand Trump Administration Respect Tribal Sovereignty and Consult Tribal Nations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    In a letter to Secretary Burgum, the N.M. Delegation expressed deep concern at the DOI’s efforts to revoke protections around Chaco Canyon

    The Delegation’s letter comes on the heels of their reintroduction of the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, legislation to permanently protect Chaco Canyon

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the House Indian and Insular Affairs Natural Resources Subcommittee, Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), Member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum expressing deep concern over the Department’s actions to begin the process of revoking protections around Chaco Canyon in Public Land Order No. 7923.

    Located in northwestern New Mexico, the Greater Chaco landscape is a region of great cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to many Pueblos and Tribes, and contains the most sweeping collection of Native American cultural sites in the United States. Chaco was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is one of only 24 such sites in the United States.

    In 2023, the Biden Administration announced Public Land Order No. 7923, a 20-year Administrative Withdrawal of non-Indian federal lands within a 10-mile buffer zone that surrounds Chaco Canyon. That order has been successful but is now under threat from the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress. The existing protections for Chaco Canyon are widely supported and are based on robust, extensive consultation with Tribal Nations.

    “To be clear, we firmly support the protections provided by this Public Land Order. Pursuing increased development on BLM lands within the ten-mile area that surrounds Chaco Canyon — so rich in cultural, spiritual, and historical significance — is misguided and risks permanent damage to one of the most sacred landscapes in North America. Additionally, it is unacceptable to push forward without full and robust Tribal consultation,” the N.M. Congressional Delegation wrote in a letter to Secretary Burgum.

    In the letter, the Delegation underscored the importance of consultation that honors our nation’s commitment to tribal sovereignty and government-to-government relations. 

    “Each of these Tribes is a sovereign government with its own unique history, traditions, and relationship to the Chacoan landscape. These voices are not interchangeable. They must be consulted independently, sincerely, and with the full weight of government-to-government respect. To date, the Department has failed to appropriately consult with Tribal Nations regarding protections for Chaco Canyon,” the lawmakers stated.

    Additionally, the lawmakers warned that, “If the Trump Administration diminishes these protections, it will face widespread public opposition and yield minimal benefits in terms of expanded oil and gas development.”

    The Delegation concluded the letter by urging Secretary Burgum to visit Chaco Canyon and engage directly with Tribal leaders and local communities to hear firsthand about the profound cultural and spiritual significance of this sacred landscape.

    The Delegation’s letter comes on the heels of their reintroduction of the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, legislation to permanently protect Chaco Canyon and the greater sacred landscape surrounding the Chaco Culture National Historical Park. For more information on the bill, click here.

    The full text of the letter is here and below:

    Dear Secretary Burgum,

    We write to express deep concern regarding the recent actions by the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to begin the process of revoking Public Land Order No. 7923, which currently safeguards the cultural landscape surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park. To be clear, we firmly support the protections provided by this Public Land Order. Pursuing increased development on BLM lands within the ten-mile area that surrounds Chaco Canyon—so rich in cultural, spiritual, and historical significance—is misguided and risks permanent damage to one of the most sacred landscapes in North America.

    Additionally, it is unacceptable to push forward without full and robust Tribal consultation.

    Chaco Canyon contains the most sweeping collection of Native American cultural sites in the United States. It is a living, sacred space woven into the cultural and spiritual identity of numerous Tribal Nations. Each of these Tribes is a sovereign government with its own unique history, traditions, and relationship to the Chacoan landscape. These voices are not interchangeable. They must be consulted independently, sincerely, and with the full weight of government-to-government respect. 

    To date, the Department has failed to appropriately consult with Tribal Nations regarding protections for Chaco Canyon. First, BLM sent a May 9 letter announcing a general Tribal consultation scheduled for May 28, 2025, which was less than 30 days in advance. This short notice is a demonstration that the Department is failing to adhere to its own policies and standards for meaningful Tribal consultation. Moreover, many affected Pueblos did not receive notice directly from DOI. During the meeting, the BLM’s informal presentation of the proposed revocation alternatives did not provide Tribal participants with sufficient information to respond and the virtual nature of the meeting did not facilitate a meaningful exchange of information.

    As the Department considers future protections for Chaco Canyon, it is critical to appropriately consult with interested Tribes. Specifically, we urge the Administration to provide each interested Tribe an opportunity for individual consultation in-person, and in a manner that conforms with the Department’s established standards for Tribal consultation. We also urge the Administration to be as clear and transparent as possible with Tribes regarding the BLM’s proposed alternatives for Chaco Canyon and provide a timeline for any decision making.

    While oil and gas development is important to this state, we should also recognize that there are many other areas for development in San Juan County and New Mexico, it should not occur in a place like this. The existing protections for Chaco Canyon under Public Land Order No. 7923 are critical, widely supported, and are based on robust and extensive consultation. The area surrounding Chaco Canyon is interwoven with the cultural significance and experience of visiting Chaco Cultural Historic Park. It is a thoughtfully crafted and time-tested protection that safeguards a small portion of the Greater Chaco Landscape from the impacts of extractive industries that would disturb and alter the area negatively. It is also the product of compromise that respects the sovereignty and rights of Navajo allottees living in the area. The buffer from development has endured informally for nearly two decades across both Democratic and Republican administrations, with bipartisan support in Congress, and with past support from the affected Tribes and Nations, reflecting a strong recognition of Chaco’s extraordinary value.

    If the Trump Administration diminishes these protections, it will face widespread public opposition and yield minimal benefits in terms of expanded oil and gas development. According to the BLM’s own estimates, the ten-mile withdrawal area protects approximately 4,730 documented archaeological sites while oil and gas operators forgo development of only a few dozen wells.

    We end by noting that Secretary David Bernhardt, the previous Interior Secretary under President Trump, traveled to Chaco Canyon in 2019 to witness its profound significance firsthand. After hearing directly from the President of the Navajo Nation and numerous Pueblo Governors, Secretary Bernhardt decided to defer leasing within the ten-mile buffer, stating, “I walked away with a greater sense of appreciation of the magnificent site managed by the National Park Service and a better understanding of Tribal leaders’ views of its cultural significance.”

    We respectfully urge you to visit Chaco Canyon and engage directly with Tribal leaders and local communities to hear firsthand about the profound cultural and spiritual significance of this sacred landscape. The grandeur of Chacoan culture is unmistakable— etched into monumental architecture that rises from a sweeping expanse of mountains and mesas. Chaco is truly a place that must be experienced to be fully understood.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Joins Colleagues in Introducing Energy Choice Act of 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, helped introduce the Energy Choice Act of 2025, legislation led by U.S. Senator Jim Justice (R-W.Va.).

    “America needs more energy, and our state and local governments shouldn’t discriminate against baseload energy generation that increases security, affordability, and creates good paying across the country, simply because it doesn’t align with their political agendas. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to prohibit restrictions on reliable energy that American families need,” Senator Capito said.

    “I am an energy guy from an energy-rich state. I know how important freedom of energy production is – which is why I’m proud to introduce Energy Choice Act of 2025. President Trump has stated the need to unleash American energy, and this bill helps facilitate just that. We have too great an energy crisis in this country, and we don’t have the luxury of picking the winners and losers when it comes to energy production. Americans ought to have the right to choose what is best for their energy needs,” Senator Justice said.

    BACKGROUND:

    • West Virginia has a storied history of energy production.
    • The Energy Choice Act would prohibit states and local governments from restricting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of a source of energy that is sold in interstate commerce to be delivered to an end-user of such services.
    • Representative Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.-23) leads the House version of this bill, along with 37 cosponsors.

    Read more about the bill in Fox News.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Investigates the Merger of Heliogen, Inc. (OTCQX: HLGN)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde with Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating Heliogen, Inc. (OTCQX: HLGN) related to its sale to Zeo Energy Corp. Upon closing of the proposed transaction, Heliogen’s securityholders will receive shares of Zeo’s Class A common stock valued at approximately $10 million in the aggregate, based on a Zeo Class A common stock price of $1.5859 per share, and subject to an adjustment mechanism based on Heliogen’s net cash at the closing.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/heliogen-inc/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network