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Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI: Aemetis Biogas Monthly RNG Production Increased by 55% in March

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CUPERTINO, Calif., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a renewable natural gas and renewable fuels company focused on low and negative carbon intensity renewable fuels, announced today that its production of renewable natural gas (RNG) increased 55% in March compared to February. RNG production from anaerobic dairy digesters increases during periods of warmer weather due to improved temperatures for microbial activity that converts organic material into biomethane and the higher production quantity is expected to continue through the summer.

    Aemetis Biogas also completed a sale of LCFS and D3 RINs at the end of Q1. The LCFS credits were generated from RNG dispensed as transportation fuel in Q4 2024 and were booked under the California Air Resource Board (CARB) reporting process at the end of the first quarter this year. The D3 RINs were from production and dispensing of RNG in February 2025.

    “Aemetis Biogas uses animal waste feedstock to produce domestic energy which is not directly impacted by import/export tariffs. The significant 55% increase in monthly RNG production in March compared to February is on track with our 2025 production plan and generates proportionally larger LCFS and D3 RIN revenues, as well as Section 45Z sellable tax credits,” stated Eric McAfee, chairman and CEO of Aemetis. “We are now completing construction of digesters that will process waste from four additional dairies that are expected to be operational in the next few months, supporting the sale of another round of investment tax credits and further increasing RNG production and associated revenues.”

    Aemetis Biogas is in the final phase of Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) pathway approvals for seven dairy digesters by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which is expected to be received before the end of Q2, which should generate about $6 million per year of increased revenues from LCFS credits at current prices.

    CARB is also in the process of finalizing its November 2024 LCFS amendments that are expected to significantly increase the mandated demand for LCFS credits, and CARB just published its final proposed regulations for a fifteen-day comment period last Friday. The higher LCFS credit prices expected to be created by these regulations will further increase Aemetis Biogas LCFS revenue proportionally to the LCFS credit price increase, potentially generating up to 300% more total LCFS revenue per MMBtu of RNG.

    Aemetis Biogas continues to grow production and revenues as it builds digesters and biogas pipelines to capture methane from 50 dairies that have signed agreements to supply the Central Dairy Digester Project near Modesto, California. When completed, the Aemetis Biogas Central Dairy Digester Project is expected to generate 1.65 million MMBtu of dairy RNG each year. Since California imports more than 75% of the crude oil used to produce diesel, the Aemetis RNG project is planned to replace the primarily imported diesel consumed by trucks that drive 77 million miles per year with low emission, local RNG biofuel produced from American domestic waste sources.

    About Aemetis

    Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Aemetis is a renewable natural gas and renewable fuel company focused on the operation, acquisition, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies that replace petroleum products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Founded in 2006, Aemetis is operating and actively expanding a California biogas digester network and pipeline system to convert dairy waste gas into Renewable Natural Gas. Aemetis owns and operates a 65 million gallon per year ethanol production facility in California’s Central Valley near Modesto that supplies about 80 dairies with animal feed. Aemetis owns and operates an 80 million gallon per year production facility on the East Coast of India producing high quality distilled biodiesel and refined glycerin. Aemetis is developing a sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel fuel biorefinery in California, renewable hydrogen, and hydroelectric power to produce low carbon intensity renewable jet and diesel fuel. For additional information about Aemetis, please visit www.aemetis.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events or other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections of financial results in 2025 and future years; statements relating to the development, engineering, financing, construction and operation of the Aemetis ethanol, biogas, SAF and renewable diesel, and carbon sequestration facilities; our ability to promote, develop, finance, and construct facilities to produce biogas, renewable fuels, and biochemicals; and statements about future market prices and results of government actions. Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “showing signs,” “targets,” “view,” “will likely result,” “will continue” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and predictions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual results or events could differ materially from those set forth or implied by such forward-looking statements and related assumptions due to certain factors, including, without limitation, competition in the ethanol, biodiesel and other industries in which we operate, commodity market risks including those that may result from current weather conditions, financial market risks, customer adoption, counter-party risks, risks associated with changes to federal policy or regulation, and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, and in our other filings with the SEC. We are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of these forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws.

    Company Investor Relations
    Media Contact:
    Todd Waltz
    (408) 213-0940
    investors@aemetis.com

    External Investor Relations
    Contact:
    Kirin Smith
    PCG Advisory Group
    (646) 863-6519
    ksmith@pcgadvisory.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Jennifer Hua Brings Deep Transaction Expertise to Monarch Private Capital’s #BestInClass Renewable Energy Team

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Monarch Private Capital (Monarch), a nationally recognized impact investment firm that develops, finances, and manages a diversified portfolio of projects generating both federal and state tax credits, is pleased to welcome Jennifer Hua as Manager, Renewable Energy.

    In this role, Hua will be responsible for identifying and executing on renewable energy opportunities that generate solid and de-risked returns for Monarch’s investors. Her focus includes sourcing, negotiating, structuring, and executing complex tax equity and credit transfer transactions across a diverse portfolio of renewable energy assets.

    Hua brings a decade of energy sector experience to Monarch. Most recently, she served as Associate Vice President at Foss & Company, where she led due diligence and underwriting for a wide range of projects including solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), renewable natural gas (RNG), fuel cells, and advanced manufacturing. Prior to that, Hua spent seven years at Williams Companies, where she held various roles, culminating in Business Development within the company’s New Energy Ventures division. Her experience includes behind-the-meter solar and storage development, M&A support, and counterparty risk management.

    “Jennifer brings the right mix of experience, leadership, and creativity to help further develop Monarch’s #bestinclass processes,” said Bryan Didier, Partner and Managing Director at Monarch Private Capital. “We are building a team that’s not only highly skilled, but collaborative and forward-thinking—and Jennifer is exactly the kind of leader who will elevate the work we’re doing and help us scale with excellence.”

    In addition to her transaction responsibilities, Hua will contribute to the #everbetter of Monarch’s #bestinclass processes, supporting efforts to ensure the highest quality in underwriting, risk analysis, and investor outcomes. As part of the Renewable Energy leadership team, she will collaborate on key initiatives to strengthen internal systems, improve cross-functional coordination, and advance consistency and quality for Monach’s clients across the transaction lifecycle.

    “Monarch is doing the kind of work that moves the needle in clean energy, and I’m excited to join a team so committed to excellence and impact,” said Hua. “I look forward to contributing to a strong culture of collaboration and continuous improvement—particularly in how we close transactions, support investor outcomes, and scale through smart, standardized processes.”

    Hua holds an MBA from the University of Tulsa and a BBA in Finance and International Business from the University of Oklahoma. She is an active member of Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE) and the Junior League of Denver. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, skiing, cycling, and yoga.

    For more information about Monarch Private Capital, visit www.monarchprivate.com.

    About Monarch Private Capital

    Monarch Private Capital manages impact investment funds that positively impact communities by creating clean power, jobs, and homes. The funds provide predictable returns through the generation of federal and state tax credits. The Company offers innovative tax credit equity investments for affordable housing, historic rehabilitations, renewable energy, film, and other qualified projects. Monarch Private Capital has long-term relationships with institutional and individual investors, developers, and lenders participating in these federal and state programs. Headquartered in Atlanta, Monarch has offices and professionals located throughout the United States.

    CONTACT
    Jane Rafeedie
    Monarch Private Capital
    Jrafeedie@monarchprivate.com
    470-283-8431

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/828d8460-ce11-479a-b849-62ffdd26215b

    The MIL Network –

    April 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Enphase Energy Expands in Europe with IQ Battery 5P with FlexPhase, Delivering Three-Phase Backup Power in Luxembourg

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, today announced the launch of its most powerful and versatile battery yet, the IQ® Battery 5P with FlexPhase, for customers in Luxembourg. The IQ Battery 5P with FlexPhase is an all-in-one AC-coupled system that is designed to deliver reliable backup power and supports three-phase electrical system applications, which is the predominant configuration for homes in Luxembourg. Enphase recently launched the FlexPhase battery in Germany, Austria, Switzerland.

    The IQ Battery 5P starts at 5 kWh of capacity and multiple units can be configured to provide up to 70 kWh. Each 5 kWh battery is designed to deliver continuous power of up to 3.84 kW in single-phase configuration and 1.28 kW per phase in three-phase configuration. The new batteries can be configured to meet the needs of each homeowner, offering grid-tied support or backup power. The batteries are designed to discharge up to two times the maximum continuous power for three seconds, enabling the start-up of high-power devices without the grid when paired with the IQ® System Controller 3 INT. The IQ Battery 5P with FlexPhase comes with an industry-leading 15-year warranty in Luxembourg.

    “Many Luxembourg homeowners appreciate flexible backup power solutions, and the IQ Battery 5P with FlexPhase delivers exactly that,” said Cristian Hotescu, CEO of ENR LUX, an installer of Enphase products in Luxembourg. “The scalable capacity and support for three-phase systems make it the perfect fit for our customer base with diverse home energy needs.”

    “Backup power solutions that are not only reliable but also adaptable to their unique energy needs are popular among many Luxembourg homeowners,” said Amine M’ghari, CEO of Bauer Energie, an installer of Enphase products in Luxembourg. “Whether for self-consumption, grid support, or full backup power, the IQ Battery 5P delivers outstanding performance, backed by Enphase’s reputation for quality and reliability.”

    “Enphase has once again set the bar high with the IQ Battery 5P with FlexPhase,” said Michelangelo Di Lorenzo, CEO of Ecosphere Home, an installer of Enphase products in Luxembourg. “The ability to scale from 5 kWh to 70 kWh while supporting three-phase configurations makes it one of the most versatile storage solutions on the market. Many of our customers appreciate this level of customization, especially given the increasing focus on energy resilience.”

    “The continued expansion of the IQ Battery 5P with FlexPhase in Europe is a major step forward for Enphase,” said Sabbas Daniel, senior vice president of sales at Enphase Energy. “Luxembourg is an important and growing market for solar and batteries, with most homes built on three-phase power. Our FlexPhase technology delivers a solution that not only adapts seamlessly to both single-phase and three-phase systems, but also offers powerful backup and enhanced self-consumption — all in one streamlined product. This is about giving homeowners and installers more flexibility, more resilience, and more value, without compromise.”

    For more information about the IQ Battery 5P with FlexPhase in Luxembourg, please visit the Enphase website.

    About Enphase Energy, Inc.

    Enphase Energy, a global energy technology company based in Fremont, CA, is the world’s leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems that enable people to harness the sun to make, use, save, and sell their own power — and control it all with a smart mobile app. The company revolutionized the solar industry with its microinverter-based technology and builds all-in-one solar, battery, and software solutions. Enphase has shipped approximately 80.0 million microinverters, and approximately 4.7 million Enphase-based systems have been deployed in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit https://enphase.com/.

    ©2025 Enphase Energy, Inc. All rights reserved. Enphase Energy, Enphase, the “e” logo, IQ, and certain other marks listed at https://enphase.com/trademark-usage-guidelines are trademarks or service marks of Enphase Energy, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Other names are for informational purposes and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements related to the expected capabilities and performance of Enphase Energy’s technology and products, including safety, quality, and reliability; and statements regarding the timing and availability Enphase Energy’s products in Luxembourg. These forward-looking statements are based on Enphase Energy’s current expectations and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties including those risks described in more detail in Enphase Energy’s most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other documents filed by Enphase Energy from time to time with the SEC. Enphase Energy undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations, except as required by law.

    Contact:

    Enphase Energy

    press@enphaseenergy.com

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

    April 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The economic effect of RN-Uvatneftegaz from the implementation of innovations exceeded 3.6 billion rubles

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In 2024, the RN-Uvatneftegaz company (part of the Rosneft oil production complex) received an economic effect of more than 3.6 billion rubles thanks to the developed projects to improve production efficiency, 47% of this effect was provided by new projects.

    In 2024, RN-Uvatneftegaz specialists developed and implemented 29 innovative solutions. The greatest effect was achieved by installing mobile modular substations at autonomous fields, which reduced the time it took to connect well pads to the power transmission network, as well as capital expenditures on the construction of energy facilities. The economic effect of the project exceeded 181 million rubles.

    A significant economic effect was also brought by the reduction in well recovery time due to the improvement of the drill string design. The solution allowed to optimize the drilling of the inclined part of the well, as well as to increase the drilling speed of extended lateral horizontal trunks. At the same time, the well recovery period was reduced almost by half, to 59 hours. The economic effect from the implementation of the project exceeded 91 million rubles.

    Over the 6 years of operation of the production efficiency improvement system, RN-Uvatneftegaz specialists have developed 140 production efficiency improvement projects. The total economic effect from the implemented solutions exceeded 18.6 billion rubles.

    Systematic work to improve production efficiency is one of the key elements of the Rosneft 2030 strategy. The company is carrying out large-scale work to reduce operating costs at production facilities and optimize capital investments, including through the introduction of advanced technological solutions.

    Reference:

    RN-Uvatneftegaz, a subsidiary of Rosneft Oil Company, is engaged in exploration and development of fields located in the Uvatsky District of the Tyumen Region and the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra. The Uvatsky project includes 19 licensed areas. The total area is more than 25 thousand km2. At the beginning of 2025, the accumulated production of RN-Uvatneftegaz reached 145 million tons of oil.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft April 8, 2025

    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 –

    April 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Questor Announces Award of $2.4MM Contract

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Questor Technology Inc. (“Questor”, the “Company”), listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker QST, has secured a $2.4 million contract to supply clean combustion solutions in Iraq. This Middle East and North Africa (MENA) initiative aims to significantly reduce flaring and methane emissions. Notably, this is the second unit being supplied in the MENA region for the same client, a leading global exploration and production company renowned for its efforts in minimizing flaring and methane emissions associated with energy production.

    Iraq is the second-largest crude oil producer in OPEC and the sixth-largest total petroleum liquids producer globally, with production exceeding 4.4 million barrels per day. Questor’s clean combustion solution will be integrated into the Al Ratawi site to reduce emissions in line with Iraq’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) guidelines. Questor’s ISO 14034-certified clean combustion units are engineered to meet the highest global emissions standards, ensuring 99.99% combustion efficiency. These units are designed to handle complex pollutants, including sour gas, making them ideal for large-scale oil and gas processing facilities and refineries. Manufactured in Canada, Questor’s technology not only delivers significant cost savings in capital, fuel, and operations but also supports sustainable energy production. This latest contract underscores Questor’s expanding presence in the MENA region and its commitment to advancing environmental goals through innovative solutions.

    Questor is proud to partner with its clients to responsibly and sustainably produce energy globally. This purchase order highlights Questor’s reputation for delivering cost-effective, high-performance technology and highlights its expanding presence in global markets. As the company continues to grow, it remains dedicated to advancing sustainable energy infrastructure and supporting its clients in achieving their environmental goals.

    ABOUT QUESTOR TECHNOLOGY INC.

    Questor Technology Inc., incorporated in Canada under the Business Companies Act (Alberta) is an environmental emissions reduction technology company founded in 1994, with global operations. The Company is focused on clean air technologies that safely and cost effectively improve air quality, support energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reductions. The Company designs, manufactures and services high efficiency clean combustion systems that destroy harmful pollutants, including Methane, Hydrogen Sulfide gas, Volatile Organic Hydrocarbons, Hazardous Air Pollutants and BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene) gases within waste gas streams at 99.99 percent efficiency per its ISO 14034 Certification. This enables its clients to meet emission regulations, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address community concerns and improve safety at industrial sites.

    The Company also has proprietary heat to power generation technology and is currently targeting new markets including landfill biogas, syngas, waste engine exhaust, geothermal and solar, cement plant waste heat in addition to a wide variety of oil and gas projects. The combination of Questor’s clean combustion and power generation technologies can help clients achieve net zero emission targets for minimal cost. The Company is also doing research and development on data solutions to deliver an integrated system that amalgamates all the emission detection data available to demonstrate a clear picture of the site’s emission profile.

    The Company’s common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “QST”. The address of the Company’s corporate and registered office is #1920, 707 – 8th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2P 1H5.

    QUESTOR TRADES ON THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE UNDER THE SYMBOL ‘QST’

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This document is not intended for dissemination or distribution in the United States.

    The MIL Network –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scotland’s Carbon Footprint: 1998-2021

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

    This publication provides estimates of Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions on a consumption basis; that is emissions that are associated with the spending of Scottish residents on goods and services, wherever in the world these emissions arise, together with emissions directly generated by Scottish households.

    Key points

    • Between 2020 and 2021, Scotland’s carbon footprint (emissions from all greenhouse gases) increased by 14.6 per cent from 51.6 to 59.2 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2021.
    • Between 1998 and 2021, Scotland’s carbon footprint fell by 19.9 per cent from 73.9 MtCO2e in 1998 to 59.2 MtCO2e in 2021

    Scotland’s carbon footprint rose continuously from 2001 to a peak of 81.7 MtCO2e in 2007 before falling sharply after 2007 (coinciding with the recession) and, with the exception of 2012, 2018, and 2021, has fallen each subsequent year. However, the 2021 value is highest seen since 2015. The overall reduction between the 2007 peak and 2021 is 27.6 per cent.

    NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS

    1. The full statistical publication can be accessed at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-carbon-footprint-1998-2021
    2.  The data cover the period up to 2021 and show increased emissions compared to 2020.  Emissions in 2020 were supressed by the effect of the national lockdowns and travel restrictions associated with COVID-19 pandemic.

      3. This statistical report meets the requirements under Section 37 of the Climate Change      (Scotland) Act 2009 and the updated requirements under Section 21 of the Climate   Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) Act 2019.  The data contained within this report are also used to inform National Indicator 47: “Carbon Footprint”.

      4. Published territorial emissions are available in the Official Statistics publication Section B. Results – Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics 2022 – gov.scot

      5. Official statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff –  more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/About     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University held an international conference on construction

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The Civil Engineering Institute of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University held the II International Scientific Conference “Civil, Industrial and Urban Construction – 2025” as part of the All-Russian Scientific Conference “Science Week of the Civil Engineering Institute 2025”. The conference was held in person with the possibility of remote connection for foreign participants.

    The event was attended by the Director of the Civil Engineering Institute Marina Petrochenko, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Water Management and Engineering and Communication Systems of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Civil Engineering Elgiz Hasanov, Rector of Segu University Yizhai Dau, Rector of Tahri University Mohammed Bujema Bezzazi, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Urban Development and Modern Transport of Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology Li Xiaolong, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Belarusian-Russian University Olga Golushkova, heads and faculty of the ICI, as well as researchers, design engineers and representatives of design and construction organizations from Russia and foreign countries, including Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Cuba, China, Mali, Guinea, Niger, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and other countries. The conference became a significant platform for exchanging experiences and discussing current issues in the development of modern construction, engineering technologies and sustainable development of the industry.

    The opening of the conference began with a welcoming speech by the Director of the Institute of Civil Engineering Marina Petrochenko, who emphasized the importance of organizing such events: The Institute of Civil Engineering has been organizing the international conference “Civil, Industrial and Urban Construction — 2025” for the second year in a row. We are very pleased that representatives from 12 countries are taking part in the conference today. I hope that this event will become a platform for exchanging professional and scientific results and, of course, a way to expand your professional contacts.

    The conference featured 27 reports on such topical issues as:

    digital transformation of the construction industry; innovative construction materials and technologies; problems of integrating natural elements into the urban environment in accordance with the principles of sustainable development; ways to improve the quality of construction documentation and the level of training of specialists.

    Participants also discussed such important issues as reservoir management and wastewater treatment, extreme precipitation modeling, development of new building materials and technologies, including concrete with modifier additives for 3D printing, and the use of secondary materials to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Particular attention was paid to the safety of hydraulic structures, seismic resistance of bridges, autonomous life support systems and innovative waterproofing solutions. Participants presented research on the use of renewable energy sources, environmental modeling, bioclimatic analysis of premises and the implementation of modern irrigation systems.

    The conference became a unique international platform for the presentation of advanced research and technologies from around the world. Among the reports presented, research related to the use of modern materials and technologies attracted special attention. Elgiz Hasanov (Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction) presented a report on new materials for creating the stability and durability of reinforced concrete structures used in coastal marine defense structures. Scientists study the features of using these structures in difficult operating conditions, which is key to ensuring the safety and reliability of hydraulic structures. Also of considerable interest was the report by Nabil Bella (Tahri Mohamed University), dedicated to geotechnical and environmental modeling of the use of coal waste in road construction. The author explores the possibilities of using these materials to improve construction efficiency and reduce the negative impact on the environment. Luo Pingping (School of Water Resources and Environmental Management, Chang’an University) presented a paper on GPU-based urban 2D hydrodynamic modeling of extreme precipitation events. This approach can help to more accurately predict the impact of natural disasters and develop effective environmental protection measures.

    Conference participants noted that such events not only facilitate the exchange of experience, but also the development of new approaches to solving current problems in the construction industry.

    Today’s conference touches upon truly important and topical issues that will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the development of the construction industry and scientific research in general. Our cooperation with the Civil Engineering Institute is of particular joy. This partnership opens up new horizons and opportunities for all participants, Elgiz Gasanov emphasized.

    At the end of the conference, guests were given a tour of the campus of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

    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 –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: In Samarkand UNECE Executive Secretary calls for decisive action and financing for climate adaptation and mitigation

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Attending the recent Samarkand International Climate Forum, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean highlighted the need for strong political will, effective partnerships, and scaled up financing to avoid irreversible climate repercussions. All three traits were evident in Central Asia.  

    This was embodied by the host of the Forum President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, the presence of the Presidents of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and of the European Council, Antonio Costa, the participation of the Presidents of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow, as well as of multilateral development banks, namely the European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and of UN high-level officials.  

    “Many of UNECE’s norms, standards and conventions provide practical tools to support Central Asian countries’ climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, to leverage financing, and to strengthen collaboration. In particular, UNECE’s cross-cutting theme for 2025-2027 – climate action and resilient infrastructure for a sustainable future – supports not only connectivity, infrastructure development, and economic growth, but ensures that they all fit hand in hand with strong, smart, and economically viable climate action,” Ms. Molcean noted.     

    This goal can be achieved across a variety of sectors by harmonizing the existing work of Central Asian countries and UNECE – such as in transportation where the States participating in the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) adopted the roadmap for digitalization of the Trans-Caspian Corridor, which can be streamlined with the UNECE decarbonization strategy for inland transport to ensure transit time and emissions are simultaneously reduced, the Executive Secretary explained.  

    Likewise, in the field of energy, UNECE’s latest report on Modelling a Resilient and Integrated Energy System for Central Asia demonstrates the savings and decarbonization potential of fully interconnecting the region. The most ambitious scenario provides for annual savings in electricity of up to USD 1.4 billion by 2050, which is a substantial amount for decarbonization efforts.  

    Finally, the UNECE-hosted Aarhus Convention empowers the public to participate in environmental decision-making and access information and justice in environmental matters. The recent accession of Uzbekistan makes all five Central Asian nations party to the treaty. It will help Uzbekistan to strengthen environmental governance, build resilience to disasters, facilitate the transition towards a green, digital and circular economy, and fulfill many other international commitments.  

    Furthermore, this milestone builds on other areas of Uzbekistan’s leadership in the region and beyond, such as the recent co-chairmanship of the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development for the UNECE region (2-3 April 2025). 

    These issues, especially the implementation of regional and national projects, and advancing SPECA initiatives, were in the focus of the Executive Secretary’s meeting with President Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, which took place on the margins of the Forum.  

    While in Uzbekistan the Executive Secretary also attended the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Tashkent, where she stressed UNECE’s policies and partnerships to advance social development and justice, namely inclusive and equitable economic policies, social inclusion, energy transition, and digital transformation. 

    Photo credit: Press-service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Multiple central SOEs announce share purchase plans amid confidence in China’s capital market

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Several Chinese central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have rolled out share purchase initiatives, underscoring their robust confidence in the long-term prospects of the country’s economy and capital market.

    China National Petroleum Corporation on Tuesday disclosed that it will buy A-shares and H-shares over the next 12 months, with a total investment of up to 5.6 billion yuan (about 777.37 million U.S. dollars), while China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation announced a similar 12-month purchase plan worth up to 3 billion yuan targeting shares listed in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

    China Electronics Technology Group Corporation said it had already completed over 2 billion yuan in buybacks for its listed subsidiaries and pledged to accelerate further acquisitions to strengthen sci-tech innovation synergy and safeguard shareholder interests.

    Also on Tuesday, China Electronics Corporation expressed firm confidence in China’s capital market, pledging to advance high-level technological self-reliance amid long-term optimism about the country’s economic outlook.

    The company, a key player in China’s cyberspace and information technology sector, said it would bolster market value management for its listed units through share purchases, increased holdings, and mergers and acquisitions.

    Emphasizing its commitment to driving the green transition and pledging active share purchases, China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd. said that its subsidiary Inner Mongolia MengDian HuaNeng Thermal Power Corp., Ltd. had already initiated share purchases.

    China National Coal Group detailed a multi-tiered investment strategy that included respective injections of up to 80 million yuan and 50 million yuan into its subsidiaries China Energy and Shanghai Energy, while it planned to advance ongoing repurchases for Xinji Energy.

    Reaffirming their patient capital approaches, central state-owned investment firms, including China Chengtong Holdings Group Ltd. and China Reform Holdings Corporation Ltd., also increased their stock holdings or disclosed plans to accelerate share purchases on Monday. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stormont spending £1,000 a week on photographers

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston:

    “Some weeks ago, I exposed the fact that Stormont departments were spending over £35,600 a week on hospitality.

    “Due to a more recent set of questions, I have established that since the restoration of the Executive £60,675.40  has been spent on photographers by government departments.

    “Importantly, this figure does not represent the entire spend as one Department particularly fond of photographs – that of the First and deputy First Minister – has failed to respond. The Executive Office was required by Assembly standing orders to respond a month ago. However, as so often happens with the Executive Office Ms O’Neill and Ms Pengelly have simply ignored their duty to respond to the question within the required time frame. This lack of response shows contempt for the people of North Antrim who I represent in the Assembly and it is a common occurrence when it comes to the Executive Office.

    “In terms of the departments which did reply it is noteworthy that while some of the figures spent by departments are relatively modest, there are other Ministers who appear to be very fond of photographers. Agriculture, for example, has spent just £5,211 with the majority of that (£2,903) going on “publicity material essential for the promotion and marketing of a variety of events including Careers Fairs and Open Days to encourage student enrolment and courses for the wider community and industries.”

    “Minister Mur’s party colleague Mrs Long, however, heads a department which spent £11,311 with no such explanation offered for a much larger sum.

    “The full breakdown of answers by Departments can be accessed here.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic Energy Enters into Off-site Corporate PPA for Geothermal Power Generation

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic Energy Enters into Off-site Corporate PPA for Geothermal Power Generation

    Osaka, Japan – April 8, 2025 Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. (“Panasonic Energy”) (https://www.panasonic.com/global/energy/), a Panasonic Group Company, commenced the use of renewable energy power from geothermal power generation on April 1, 2025, having concluded an off-site corporate PPA1 with Kyuden Mirai Energy Co. Through retail electricity supplier Panasonic Operational Excellence Co., Ltd. Panasonic Energy expects to receive approximately 50 GWh of electricity per year, which will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 22,000 tons per year.
    Since its establishment in 2022, Panasonic Energy has actively promoted its decarbonization efforts in line with its mission of “Achieving a society in which the pursuit of happiness and a sustainable environment are harmonized free of conflict.” Accordingly, by September 2024, all nine of its sites in Japan achieved zero-CO2 factories2 through efforts such as the use of non-fossil fuel energy certificates. At the same time, Panasonic Energy has also been striving to improve its Corporate Renewable Energy Self-sufficiency Rate,3 and in addition to solar power generation (including on-site PPAs) at its sites, it has introduced off-site corporate PPAs for solar power and onshore wind power. By introducing geothermal power generation, which allows for stable power generation unaffected by weather conditions, Panasonic Energy will be able to increase its renewable energy self-sufficiency rate for its electricity consumption in Japan from the current approximately 15% to approximately 30%,4 and the total CO2 emission reduction effect will be approximately 50,000 tons per year. This is equivalent to the annual CO2 absorption of approximately 56 square kilometers of forest. 5
    Panasonic Energy has set the target of a 50% reduction in its carbon footprint6 by fiscal 20317 compared to fiscal 2022 and is promoting the reduction of CO2 emissions throughout its entire supply chain. In particular, it aims to achieve zero CO2 emissions at all of its global factories by fiscal 2029 and will continue to accelerate decarbonization, including by expanding the introduction of renewable energy, in order to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

    1: Off-site corporate PPAA contract method in which a power generation company (or a developer, investor, or the like) who owns renewable energy sources and a power purchaser (e.g., consumer) enter into a purchase and sale contract for renewable energy power at a pre-agreed price and period, and renewable energy power generated by the renewable energy source installed off-site, not in the demand area, is supplied to the power purchaser via the general power grid. (Source: Ministry of the Environment/Mizuho Research & Technologies, About Off-site Corporate PPA)
    2: Zero-CO2 factoryFactories that have achieved virtually zero CO2 emissions by conserving energy, introducing renewable energy, and using carbon credits, etc.
    3: Corporate Renewable Energy Self-sufficiency RateAn indicator showing the proportion of renewable energy supplied from a company’s own dedicated power generation facilities. This rate does not take certificate-only procurement into account.
    4: Basis of calculationCalculations based on actual electricity consumption at all of the company’s sites in Japan in 2024.
    5: Basis of calculationWell-maintained 36 to 40-year-old artificial cedar forests. (Data source: Forestry Agency of Japan’s website)
    6: Carbon footprintThe amount of greenhouse gas emissions in terms of CO2 equivalent throughout the entire life cycle, from raw material procurement to disposal and recycling.
    7: Fiscal XXXXThe fiscal year ending in that specific year. For example, fiscal 2031 refers to the fiscal year ending in March 2031.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: TGS Q1 2025 Operational Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OSLO, Norway (8 April 2025) – TGS ASA (“TGS”), a leading global provider of energy data and intelligence routinely publishes a quarterly operational update six working days after quarter-end.

    The table below shows TGS’ normalized Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) crew count:  

      Q1 2025 Q1 2024
    Normalized crew count Contract1 2.8 1.9
    Normalized crew count Multi-client1 0.2 0.0

    1) The table shows the average number of crews in operation when assuming a normalized crew size.
      
    The table below shows TGS’ allocation of active seismic streamer 3D vessel capacity2: 

      Q1 2025 Q1 2024
    Contract 37% 36%
    Multi-client 36% 30%
    Steaming 11% 7%
    Yard 3% 6%
    Stacked/Standby 13% 21%
    Number of vessels 6 7

    2) The statistics include only active seismic 3D streamer vessels (capacity working on New Energy Solutions projects are excluded). The Ramform Vanguard was converted into a dual-purpose seismic and offshore wind vessel in Q2 2024. Cold -stacked vessels are excluded from the statistics.

    Based on a preliminary financial review, TGS expects Q1 2025 multi-client investment to be approximately USD 130 million.

    Kristian Johansen, CEO at TGS, commented: “We are pleased with the Q1 2025 asset utilization, showing significant year-on-year improvement. Additionally, we saw healthy multi-client activity levels, particularly in frontier areas, and higher-than-expected investments in new data this quarter. Despite short term uncertainty in geopolitics, TGS is well positioned to help our clients realize exploration ambitions from a combination of a strong balance sheet, leading assets and technologies and the world’s largest multi-client data library.” 

     TGS will release its Q1 2025 results at 07:00 a.m. CEST on 9 May 2025. CEO Kristian Johansen and CFO Sven Børre Larsen will present the results at 09:00 a.m. CEST during a live presentation and webcast. The presentation will take place at House of Oslo, Ruseløkkveien 34, 0251 Oslo and is open to the public.

    The webcast can be followed live via this link:
    https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20250509_2/

    For more information, visit TGS.com (http://www.tgs.com) or contact:

    Bård Stenberg, VP IR & Communication
    Tel.: +47 992 45 235
    E-mail: investor@tgs.com

    About TGS
    TGS provides advanced data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. With leading-edge technology and solutions spanning the entire energy value chain, TGS offers a comprehensive range of insights to help clients make better decisions. Our broad range of products and advanced data technologies, coupled with a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, make TGS a trusted partner in supporting the exploration and production of energy resources worldwide. For further information, please visit www.tgs.com (https://www.tgs.com/).

    Forward Looking Statement
    All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include volatile market conditions, investment opportunities in new and existing markets, demand for licensing of data within the energy industry, operational challenges, and reliance on a cyclical industry and principal customers. Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the forward- looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements for any reason.

    The MIL Network –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic Group provides monetary and in-kind donations to support earthquake victims in Myanmar

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic Group provides monetary and in-kind donations to support earthquake victims in Myanmar

    Osaka, Japan, April 8, 2025 － The Panasonic Group would like to express its heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in the earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, and extends its deepest sympathies to everyone who has been affected by it.
    The Panasonic Group has decided to donate a total of approximately 12 million yen (approximately US$80,000) to Japan Platform, a specified nonprofit corporation, and the Myanmar Red Cross Society to aid the relief efforts for the victims.
    Additionally, the Panasonic Group has provided emergency support to Myanmar, which continues to suffer from severe power outages, by supplying essential items such as approximately 900 LED lights and lanterns, as well as about 5,800 dry batteries produced by Panasonic Group companies.
    The above donations and contributions are provided by Panasonic Holdings Corporation Co., Ltd., Panasonic Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Panasonic Singapore, and Panasonic Energy Thailand Co., Ltd.
    The Panasonic Group sincerely prays for the swift recovery of the affected areas.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: If Australia switched to EVs, we’d be more reliant on China’s car factories – but wean ourselves off foreign oil

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hussein Dia, Professor of Future Urban Mobility, Swinburne University of Technology

    Prapat Aowsakorn/Shutterstock

    Australia has huge reserves of coal and gas – but very little oil. Before the 20th century, this didn’t matter – trains ran on local coal. But as cars and trucks have come to dominate, Australia has become more and more reliant on imported oil.

    Imports now account for around 80% of total refined fuel consumption, the highest level on record.

    If the flow of oil stopped due to war or economic instability, Australia would have about 54 days worth in storage before we ran out. That would be a huge problem.

    But as more drivers switch from petrol and diesel to electric cars, this equation will change. We can already see this in China, where a rapid uptake of electric vehicles has seen oil demand begin to fall.

    On one level, ending Australia’s dependence on foreign oil makes sense at a time of great geopolitical uncertainty. But on the other, going electric would lead to more reliance on China, now the world’s largest manufacturer of EVs.

    Reducing reliance on oil makes clear sense for climate and national security reasons. But going electric has to be done carefully, to ensure Australia isn’t reliant on just one country.

    If the oil tankers stopped, Australia would have just one month of fuel.
    Ryan Fletcher/Shutterstock

    Importing oil makes us vulnerable

    In recent years, almost all of Australia’s refineries have closed. The government spent billions keeping the Geelong and Brisbane refineries open, as well as other fuel security measures, such as boosting domestic fuel reserves and building more storage.

    The last two refineries rely on imported crude oil, as Australian oil from the North-West Shelf largely isn’t suitable for local refining.

    As a result, Australia is more reliant than ever on importing fuels from large refineries in Asia such as South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia. In 2023, around 45,000 megalitres of fuel were imported from these nations.

    Almost three-quarters (74%) of these liquid fuels are used in transport, across road, rail, shipping and air transport. But road transport is the big one – our cars, trucks and other road vehicles use more than half (54%) of all liquid fuels.

    This reliance presents clear energy security risks. If war, geopolitical tension, economic turmoil or price volatility slows or stops the flow of oil, Australia’s cities and towns would grind to a halt.

    In January, Australia had 30 days worth of petrol. Our stores of all types of oil are a bit higher, at 54 days worth. But that’s still well short of the 90 days the International Energy Agency (IEA) requires of member nations.

    Electricity made locally

    Shifting to electric vehicles promises cleaner air and far lower ongoing costs for drivers, as electricity is much cheaper than petrol or diesel and maintenance is far less.

    But there’s another factor – the energy source. Australia’s electricity is all produced and consumed inside its borders, using local resources (sun, wind, water, coal and gas).

    In this respect, electric vehicles offer much greater energy security. A war in the Middle East or a trade war over tariffs would not bring Australia to a halt. This is one reason why China has so aggressively gone electric – to end its soaring dependence on foreign oil.

    Mainstreaming EVs in Australia will mean accelerating production of renewable electricity further so we can power not just homes and industry but charge cars, trucks and buses, too.

    Doing this would boost our energy security, break our dependency on imported oil and drive down emissions.

    EV manufacturing is expanding rapidly with more models, lower purchase prices, improved battery charging times and increasing consumer adoption.

    Globally, over 17 million EVs (battery and plug-in hybrids) were sold in 2024, including 91,000 battery and 23,000 plug-in hybrids in Australia.

    IEA data shows electric vehicles are already reducing oil demand globally, as are electric bikes and mopeds.

    Ending our dependence on oil will be slow. Australia Institute research estimates 8% of imported fuels could be replaced by local electricity once EVs make up 25% of the passenger car fleet. At 100% EVs, we would reduce oil demand by 33%.

    The other two-thirds of demand is largely from trucks, planes and ships. Electric trucks are coming, but the sector isn’t as mature as electric cars. It’s a similar story for planes and cargo ships.

    All electricity in Australia is produced locally. For transport, that’s a boon to energy security.
    Marian Weyo

    Energy security and EVs

    Australia doesn’t manufacture EVs at scale. As a result, we import EVs from the top manufacturing nations. China is far and away the leader, building 80% of Australia’s new EVs.

    Australia is a major producer of critical minerals essential to the manufacture of EVs, as well as other green technologies such as lithium, cobalt and nickel. But China dominates much of the global supply chain for refining these minerals and manufacturing batteries.

    There’s a risk in relying largely on one country for EVs, especially given the present geopolitical instability.

    Australia’s EVs are imported from the top EV nation China and other suppliers.
    Rangsarit Chaiyakun/Shutterstock

    Balancing security and sustainability

    EVs unquestionably offer large benefits for Australia’s energy security by steadily reducing our reliance on imports from volatile global oil markets.

    But this has to be balanced with other security concerns, such as a heightened reliance on China, as well as the privacy and security risks linked to data collection from digitally connected EVs.

    A balanced approach would see authorities emphasise energy independence through renewables and strong support for vehicle electrification through legislative and regulatory frameworks.

    Under this approach, policymakers would work to diversify supply chains, strengthen cybersecurity and encourage local manufacturing of EV components.

    This approach would reduce new security risks while unlocking the environmental and economic benefits of widespread EV adoption.

    Hussein Dia receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the iMOVE Australia Cooperative Research Centre, Transport for New South Wales, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

    – ref. If Australia switched to EVs, we’d be more reliant on China’s car factories – but wean ourselves off foreign oil – https://theconversation.com/if-australia-switched-to-evs-wed-be-more-reliant-on-chinas-car-factories-but-wean-ourselves-off-foreign-oil-252388

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace Statement: Greenpeace corrects Federated Farmers’ impotent attack

    Source: Greenpeace

    In response to the “desperate bid” by Federated Farmers to curtail Greenpeace, the environmental heavyweight has issued a correction to the agri-industry lobby group’s “scurrilous complaint” made to the Charities Commission yesterday.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Niamh O’Flynn says, “It’s just another attempt to shut down dissent by Federated Farmers. The Feds are a lobby group for New Zealand’s biggest polluters, and this crack at peaceful protest is part of a global trend that we must not stand for.
    Greenpeace has faced polluters trying to shut us down for decades. Just like the French bombed the Rainbow Warrior 40 years ago to try to stop our opposition to nuclear testing in the Pacific, and the oil industry is currently trying to eliminate Greenpeace in the US, this is another, albeit impotent, attempt to curtail legitimate peaceful protest.”
    Greenpeace says that the Federated Farmers list of Greenpeace protests is far from comprehensive and omits dozens of examples of direct action that have played a key role in bringing about positive change in Aotearoa and beyond.
    O’Flynn says, “Greenpeace has a long history of taking direct action to highlight environmental injustices and stop polluting industries like Fonterra from harming the environment. Federated Farmers have curated a list of some of our most impactful actions – but they’ve left quite a few out and we want to set the record straight.”
    “Since the 1970s, Greenpeace has campaigned in Aotearoa and the Pacific to ensure that the environment is protected from harm by industries like nuclear weapons, fossil fuels, intensive dairy and commercial fishing that cause significant harm to our collective home. That means that sometimes we will put our bodies on the line to stop corporations from harming the planet.”
    “Importantly, many of our actions to highlight environmental injustice have led to changes that we pride ourselves on as a nation. The nuclear free campaigns of the 1970s and 80s led to New Zealand declaring itself nuclear free, and to the end of nuclear testing in the Pacific. The GE-free campaign led to New Zealand imposing a moratorium on GE crops. The campaign to end oil and gas exploration led to a ban on new offshore oil and gas exploration in Aotearoa. The campaign to stop the Ruataniwha Dam protected the rivers of the Hawke’s Bay from pollution from intensive dairy expansion, and prevented conservation land from being flooded to build a dam.
    “New Zealanders care deeply about nature and history shows that Greenpeace protests have protected that.. Our actions sit alongside long-fought legal battles, petitions, and mass protests and marches in the streets of New Zealand’s biggest cities.
    “We wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on our long history of actions that have succeeded in protecting nature from industries that seek to destroy it.”
    An expanded (but not comprehensive), list of key Greenpeace Aotearoa actions dating back to the 1970s is below.
    1970s:
    • In 1972, the Nuclear Campaign started with the first protest flotilla mobilisation to oppose and disrupt the French Government’s atmospheric nuclear weapons testing programme at Moruroa Atoll in Te Ao Maohi/French Polynesia. This was led by the boat (SV) Greenpeace III, previously named the Vega.
    • In 1973, a second, larger flotilla sailed to the Moruroa Atoll including the Vega. Sailing into the nuclear testing zone prevented the French from being able to detonate bombs.
    1980s:
    • In July 1985, the Greenpeace boat Rainbow Warrior was bombed in the Auckland Harbour following direct actions in the Pacific to oppose nuclear testing – including the evacuation of the people of Rongelap.
    • In September 1985, Greenpeace sent MV Greenpeace to protest against the French Government’s nuclear testing programme at Moruroa Atoll alongside a flotilla of New Zealand protest boats including SV Vega, SV Alliance, SV Varangian, and SV Breeze.
    1990s:
    • In 1995 Greenpeace once again sailed the Rainbow Warrior II into nuclear testing zones in Moruroa and Tahiti to protest the resumption of French nuclear testing.
    • In 1995, Greenpeace protested against CHOGM in Auckland over the impending execution of Ogoni environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa by the military regime that ruled Nigeria.
    • In 1997, Greenpeace activists blocked the Stratford gas-fired power station’s generators being unloaded in the Port of Taranaki
    • In 1998, during the SV Rainbow Warrior II tour, Greenpeace ‘unplugged’ Fletcher Challenge Energy’s seismic testing cabling in Taranaki.
    • During the 1990s, Greenpeace championed the creation of a 50 million square kilometre Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary around the Antarctic continent and launched a series of anti-whaling expeditions into the Southern Ocean to expose and confront the Japanese Government’s bogus ‘scientific’ whaling fleet operating there.
    2000s:
    • In December 2000, Greenpeace activists stopped the production of genetically engineered feed at a Tegel plant in Takanini.
    • In 2002, activists in Auckland scaled a waste incineration facility chimney, capped it, and locked on to highlight dioxin pollution.
    • In August 2003, Greenpeace activists boarded a coal ship in Tauranga in opposition to coal mining.
    • In 2004, the SV Rainbow Warrior II‘s crew used inflatable boats to disrupt the NZ bottom trawler, Ocean Reward, to stop it destroying deep-sea life while fishing in international waters in the Tasman Sea. They delayed the fishing vessel from deploying its trawl net by attaching an inflatable life-raft to it, running the gauntlet of being shot at with compressed air guns and sprayed with high pressure fire hoses by the Ocean Reward’s crew.
    • In May 2004, Greenpeace activists locked on to the Auckland McDonalds distribution centre gates over McDonalds’ use of GE feed.
    • In February 2005, Greenpeace activists occupied the roof of the Marsden B power station.
    • In July 2006, Greenpeace activists locked on to a Chinese bottom trawling ship in the Port of Nelson to prevent the destruction caused by the bottom trawling industry to the seafloor.
    • In October 2008, Greenpeace activists in Tokoroa locked on to logging equipment to stop conversion to pasture for intensive agriculture.
    • In October 2009, Greenpeace activists locked on to a palm kernel shipment in Taranaki to protest links to rainforest destruction and climate change.
    • In November 2009, Greenpeace activists shut down a pit of a New Vale lignite coal mine, used by Fonterra to help fuel operations at its nearby Edendale dairy factory.
    2010s
    • In May 2010, Greenpeace activists locked on to a Fonterra coal power plant in Clandeboye
    • In February 2011, Greenpeace activists locked on to a ship carrying palm kernel in New Plymouth to protest the links to rainforest destruction and climate change.
    • Also in 2011, a flotilla of boats from around the North Island, including the Te Whanau a Apanui fishing vessel San Pietro, began a landmark at-sea protest against offshore oil surveying by oil giant Petrobras that lasted 42 days.
    • In 2012, Greenpeace activists occupied the oil drilling ship The Noble Discoverer in Port Taranaki and camped on its tower for 77 hours, to protest the environmental destruction caused by oil drilling.
    • In 2013, as part of the Oil Free Seas Flotilla, Greenpeace activists broke the newly introduced Anadarko Amendment by sailing into the exclusion zone to confront oil giant Anadarko at sea.
    • In September 2016, Greenpeace ‘returned to sender’ the site office at the Ruataniwha Dam construction site. The activists removed the site office from its location near the Makaroro River, and returned it to the regional council who were promoting the dam’s construction. After a long campaign to prevent this dam from being built, the Council pulled its funding for the dam and the land exchange required to construct it was declared unlawful by the Supreme Court.
    • In 2016, Greenpeace and people from around the country blockaded Sky City which was hosting the annual oil industry conference.
    • In 2016 Greenpeace activists locked on board the NIWA taxpayer-funded climate and ocean research boat which had been chartered by petroleum giant Chevron to survey for oil in New Zealand waters
    • In August 2017, Greenpeace protestors spent 12 hours locked inside irrigation pipes in a bid to slow the construction of the Central Plains Water Scheme
    • In September 2017, Greenpeace activists staged a ‘lightning’ occupation of a dam construction site in Canterbury after facing legal threats from a big irrigation company.
    • The Amazon Warrior Sea Protest in 2017, where Greenpeace’s Executive Director Russel Norman and two others jumped into the ocean in front of the Amazon Warrior to prevent seismic drilling.
    • In July 2018, Greenpeace protestors occupied the site of a proposed dairy expansion in Mackenzie Country and refused to leave.
    • The occupation of oil drilling support vessel the Skandi Atlantic at the port of Timaru in 2019, to prevent it from supporting oil giant OMV to search for oil off the coast of Taranaki
    • In 2019, Greenpeace activists alongside youth climate movement School Strike 4 Climate occupied the headquarters of OMV in Taranaki for several days over the role of the fossil fuel industry in fuelling the climate crisis.
    2020s:
    • In 2020, Greenpeace activists climbed the Fertiliser Association building and unfurled a giant banner calling for an end to the use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. Subsequently, the government introduced a cap on the amount of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser used on farms.
    • In 2021, Greenpeace activists took action against fishing company Talleys in Nelson, painting a message on the side of the ship to protest bottom trawling.
    • In 2022, Greenpeace activists deployed a 1500 square metre banner at the Kapuni Fertiliser factory, labelling synthetic nitrogen fertiliser ‘cancer fertiliser’.
    • In 2023, Greenpeace activists dropped banners inside the Parliament gallery to protest inaction on climate change.
    • In 2024, Greenpeace activists scaled Fonterra’s Te Rapa dairy factory in Hamilton and dropped a giant banner reading ‘Fonterra’s methane cooks the climate’, to protest the superheating methane gas produced by Fonterra’s oversized dairy herd.
    • Also in 2024, Greenpeace shut down the offices of Straterra – a mining lobbying firm who are working to advance seabed mining off the coast of Taranaki despite widespread community opposition. Two Greenpeace activists scaled the building while three others locked themselves inside the offices.
    • In November 2024, Greenpeace activists interrupted the AGM of Manuka Resources – the parent company of seabed mining company Trans-Tasman Resources who are attempting to mine the seabed off the coast of Taranaki.
    • In April 2025, Greenpeace activists shut down operations at a palm kernel storage facility in Port Taranaki for several hours, preventing a ship from offloading thirty thousand tonnes of palm kernel connected to the destruction of Indonesian rainforests.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China to keep monitoring Japan’s Fukushima water release

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China said on Monday that it found no abnormality in the activity concentration of hazardous elements such as tritium, cesium-134, cesium-137 and strontium-90 in seawater and marine life samples the country independently collected from waters nearby the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station.

    The samples were collected by domestic laboratories in late February under the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency, according to a statement released by the China Atomic Energy Authority.

    “As China has repeatedly pointed out, a single test result showing no abnormalities does not guarantee that future tests will also be problem-free,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday, noting that China’s stance against Japan’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated water has never changed.

    “We will continue to work with the international community and relevant professional organizations, such as the IAEA, to urge Japan to earnestly fulfill its commitments and ensure that the ocean discharge is under international supervision,” Lin told reporters at a regular news briefing in Beijing.

    According to Lin, during the sixth China-Japan High-Level Economic Dialogue held in Tokyo last month, the Japanese side reaffirmed that it will accept long-term international monitoring of its discharge of nuclear-contaminated water and Beijing’s independent sampling and monitoring.

    It was based on Japan’s fulfillment of its commitment and the fact that no abnormality was found in the analysis that China’s General Administration of Customs held a technical exchange with the Japanese side in Beijing on March 12 regarding the safety of Japanese seafood, the spokesman said.

    “The Chinese government always puts its people above all else and is firmly committed to safeguarding the food safety of its people,” Lin said.

    China independently collected the samples in October last year and February, after the Japanese government unilaterally started discharging nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean on Aug 24, 2023.

    MIL OSI China News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Cross-party delegation to visit Pacific

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A high-level delegation from across New Zealand’s Parliament will visit the Pacific over the coming week, led by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.

    “New Zealand’s commitment to the Pacific is long-term and endures through successive governments and across the political spectrum,” Mr Peters says. “That’s why we are visiting the region with a senior delegation from across our Parliament to listen to our partners and learn more about the Pacific’s priorities.”     

    “The Pacific is grappling with a complex, challenging geostrategic and economic environment, and New Zealand is committed to doing its part to help,” Mr Peters says. 

    “New Zealand has deep connections in the Pacific, befitting our close historical, strategic, economic, and people-to-people links, and reflecting our place in the Pacific Islands Forum family. 

    “It is incumbent on us to regularly spend quality time in the Pacific to renew relationships and ensure that we are working with our partners towards mutually-beneficial cooperation. The upcoming Pacific tour is part of this ongoing process.”      

    Alongside Mr Peters, the delegation comprises: 

    • Pacific Peoples and Universities Minister, Dr Shane Reti;
    • Climate Change and Energy Minister, Simon Watts;
    • Courts Minister, Nicole McKee;
    • Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Vice Chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Executive Committee, Carmel Sepuloni;
    • Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, Tim van de Molen;
    • Assistant Speaker, Green Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, and Co-Chair of the NZ-Pacific Interparliamentary Friendship Group, Teanau Tuiono;
    • Co-Chair of the NZ-Pacific Interparliamentary Friendship Group, Jenny Salesa; and
    • Chair of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee, Andy Foster.   

    The delegation leaves New Zealand on Thursday (10 April), and includes time in Tonga, Hawai’i and Vanuatu. It returns to New Zealand on 17 April.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: David Parker to step down from Parliament

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Long-serving Labour MP and former Minister David Parker has today announced his intention to leave Parliament.

    “It has been a privilege to be elected by the people of New Zealand to represent their interests in Parliament for the last 23 years,” David Parker said.

    “I have served to the best of my ability as Attorney General and Minister of Trade, Revenue, Economic Development, Associate Finance, Climate Change, Energy, Environment, State Services, Transport and Land Information.

    “In Opposition my roles have included Finance, Foreign Affairs, Treaty Settlements, Conservation and Deputy Leader.

    “I leave enthusiastic for New Zealand and for the New Zealand Labour Party. I want to thank my Parliamentary colleagues and wish them well for the hard work ahead.

    “I was a serial entrepreneur before coming to Parliament and have been an agent for change while here. I will return to the private sector and continue building a prosperous and egalitarian nation,” David Parker said. 

    David Parker will deliver a valedictory speech in early May. A date will be confirmed once agreed with the Business Committee.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran seeks to negotiate only if US proves it wants to

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Iran seeks to negotiate only if the United States stops being “dishonorable” and proves that it also wants to negotiate, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said recently.

    Commenting on the possibility of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States on the nuclear issue, Pezeshkian said Sunday night that Iran believes in negotiations, but not with one that is as “dishonorable” as the United States, which has placed Iran “under all-out pressure” and is threatening Iran every day, according to a statement published by Pezeshkian’s office on Monday.

    “We will negotiate with the entire world and do not want to fight with anybody. However, we will not acquiesce to being dishonored and will not negotiate at any price,” he said. “They (the United States) should also prove they want to negotiate.”

    Iran does not want to make “unpeaceful” uses of its nuclear capabilities, he noted.

    Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said here Monday that Iran is ready for any event to unfold and is militarily capable enough to stand against any “aggression or attack.”

    Answering a question about Iran’s scenarios facing a potential U.S. attack, Baghaei said Iran will definitely give a “decisive, immediate, and all-out response” if threats against Iran were carried out.

    He also called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to fulfill its responsibilities regarding the constant threats uttered by the United States and Israel against Iran’s “peaceful” nuclear facilities.

    The issue will be discussed during an upcoming visit by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to Tehran, he added.

    U.S. President Donald Trump said in early March that he had sent a letter to Iranian leaders via the United Arab Emirates, proposing direct negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear activities.

    Pezeshkian later confirmed that in response to the letter, Tehran rejected the proposed face-to-face talks but was open to possible indirect talks.

    Trump, in an interview with NBC News late last month, threatened to launch “unprecedented military strikes” on Iran if it refused to negotiate over its nuclear program.

    Iran signed a nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with six major countries — Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States — in July 2015, accepting restrictions on its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.

    However, the United States withdrew from the deal in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back some of its nuclear commitments. Efforts to revive the nuclear deal have not achieved substantial progress. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Southeast Asia Poised to Become a Global Hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

    Source: ASEAN

    JAKARTA, 8 April 2025 — Southeast Asia’s abundant agricultural feedstocks offer potential for the region to become a global hub for SAF, according to a joint Canadian-ASEAN research project.

    The “Promoting the Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) from Agricultural Waste in the ASEAN Region” project marks a significant step towards a more sustainable aviation future in Southeast Asia. It was carried out by the ASEAN Secretariat, GHD, Boeing, Canadian Trade and Investment Facility for Development (CTIF), funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and implemented by Cowater International, the Institute of Public Administrators of Canada (IPAC).

    SAF is a renewable or waste-derived aviation fuel that meets sustainability criteria, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and is compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure, as a “drop-in” fuel.  Aviation engines can currently run on a mix of 50% SAF and 50% conventional aviation fuel, but the industry is working towards a 100% SAF mix. SAF lowers carbon emissions over the fuel’s life cycle by up to 80%, depending on the feedstock, with the potential to reduce even more in the future. SAF can be made from a wide variety of sources: cover crops and other nonedible plants, agricultural and forestry waste, non-recyclable municipal waste, industrial plant off-gassing and other feedstocks.

    As part of the project, a techno-economic assessment was conducted in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, focusing on feedstock availability, technology pathways, carbon intensity, logistics, environmental and social aspects, institutional frameworks, and financial assessment.

    With improvements in economic feasibility, SAF production in ASEAN could surpass regional demand, enabling exports both within and beyond ASEAN.

    The expansion of SAF feedstock supply is expected to stem from enhanced farming practices and large-scale biomass utilisation rather than land expansion. The report emphasised that mechanisation, improved irrigation, and R&D in crop optimisation could boost feedstock availability without increasing deforestation or land conversion.

    Beyond environmental benefits, the project highlighted SAF’s role in fostering gender equality and economic development. The SAF sector offers opportunities for job creation, upskilling, and workforce diversification, with a strong emphasis on inclusive participation of women and marginalised communities.

    Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Economic Community, Satvinder Singh, commended the initiative, stating: “This initiative marks a significant step in advancing ASEAN’s commitment to sustainable aviation. By leveraging regional resources and innovation, we are not only addressing environmental challenges but also driving economic growth and enhancing energy security. The successful completion of this project underscores ASEAN’s capacity for effective collaboration in tackling climate challenges while creating new opportunities for our communities.”

    CTIF Project Manager Hendry Predy also commented on the initiative stating “CTIF technical assistance supported Southeast Asia countries with a project to improve the ability of the energy sector to assess the reliability of the upstream feedstock supply and the potential for sustained use and production within the region. The recommendations from the proposed project informed on the future development and operation of the pilot areas in selected member countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) to convert agricultural waste and residues to SAF. The project and recommendations supported the ASEAN Secretariat in ascertaining the reliability of feedstock supply for renewable fuels.”

    Sharmine Tan, Boeing’s regional sustainability lead for Southeast Asia said “SAF is the biggest opportunity to cut aviation emissions over the next 30 years. This research highlights Southeast Asia’s rich SAF feedstock potential, positioning the region as a key player in meeting global SAF demand. To unlock this potential, governments and industry must act decisively, harmonise sustainability policies, invest in infrastructure, and scale local production to build a robust regional SAF ecosystem. Southeast Asia has a unique opportunity to lead sustainable aviation while driving economic growth and environmental stewardship.”

    Sachin Narang, GHD’s Executive Advisor – Energy and Infrastructure, said, “The successful completion of this project represents a major milestone in ASEAN’s journey toward sustainable aviation. The insights gained will serve as a foundation for future SAF initiatives, investments, and policy development across the region.”

    The ASEAN Secretariat, together with its partners, invites continued collaboration with governments, industry leaders, research institutions, and investors to support the regional transition to SAF. Building on the findings of this project, the next phase will focus on areas such as enabling policy development, strengthening technical capacity, and mobilising investment to support SAF deployment, among other collaborative efforts. Together, ASEAN governments, businesses and communities can help shape a sustainable aviation future that contributes meaningfully to regional and global sustainability goals.

    The full Techno-Economic Assessment Report for the project can be referred to here: https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/12634962-RPT-6-Techno-Economic-Assessment-Final-Report_April-2025.pdf

    Media contacts:

    ASEAN Secretariat

    Mustika L. Hapsoro Media Officer, mustika.hapsoro@asean.org

    Image Credit: ASEAN Secretariat
    The post Southeast Asia Poised to Become a Global Hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2024-25 ACT Budget: Investing in health, housing and cost of living relief

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Budget includes further cuts to stamp duty to help more Canberrans buy a home.

    Health, housing and cost of living are at the forefront of the 2024-25 ACT Budget.

    This year’s Budget delivers more public health services – from new health centres in the suburbs to more elective surgeries across Canberra’s public hospitals.

    There is cost of living support for those who need it most, and further cuts to stamp duty to help more Canberrans buy a home.

    The Budget also provides more funding for city services and local infrastructure projects across the city.

    Health

    The Budget is investing in a stronger health care system that is more efficient, with lower rates of avoidable hospital admissions, reduced health inequalities, and improved health outcomes.

    This includes funding for work to complement the construction of the new North Canberra Hospital, as well as the second phase of the Canberra Hospital Master Plan.

    Funding in the 2024-25 Budget includes:

    Housing

    Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government aims to increase housing access, choice and affordability.

    This includes expanding the Home Buyer Concession Scheme from 1 July, so more people are eligible for a full stamp duty concession on the first $1 million of property value.

    The Government has also temporarily expanded the stamp duty concession for off-the-plan unit-titled apartments and townhouses to include properties valued up to $1 million in 2024–25. This is an increase from the previous value of $800,000.

    Other initiatives funded in the Budget include:

    • expanding the Affordable Housing Project Fund to $80 million to grow the number of affordable rental properties
    • $108 million in extra funding for new public housing, and to improve existing public housing
    • a taskforce to improve repairs and maintenance of public housing and oversee a pilot for insourcing maintenance of two large multi-unit properties.

    Cost of living

    Following support for all households in the Commonwealth Budget, the ACT Government is offering targeted assistance for those in the community who need it most.

    This includes increasing the Electricity, Water and Gas Rebate (formerly, the Utilities Concession) for 2024-25 by $50. The increase will provide eligible households with a total rebate of $800 on their electricity bills.

    The Budget also includes a $250 one-off payment for ACT apprentices and trainees to help complete their training. The payment will support about 5700 local apprentices and trainees.

    The Future of Education Equity Fund has been boosted to ensure more families can access support in the 2024 school year. The Fund provides low-income families and independent students with a one-off payment to help with education costs such as music lessons or sporting equipment.

    Other cost of living initiatives include:

    • rebates of up to 50 per cent for pensioners on their general rates (capped at $750) and a $98 rebate for the Police, Fire and Emergency Services Levy
    • full motor vehicle registration concessions for all eligible recipients
    • extending the Rental Relief Fund to assist those experiencing rental stress or financial hardship
    • increasing the value of vouchers available through the Utilities Hardship Fund.

    Infrastructure

    This year’s Budget invests in recreation spaces for the community and ensures Canberra is a more attractive tour option for live music and entertainment.

    The 2024-25 Budget includes:

    • further support for upgrades to the Phillip District Enclosed Oval
    • commencement of construction of Stage 1 of the Stromlo Forest Park District Playing Fields
    • early design works for a new or expanded Canberra Stadium, a new Convention and Entertainment Centre, a reopened Telstra Tower, a new Manuka Oval Eastern Grandstand Project, EPIC and Canberra City Pool
    • continuation of design works for the expansion of the Belconnen Basketball Stadium and redevelopment of the Canberra Theatre Centre
    • upgrades to community arts, cultural and heritage facilities.

    Education

    The Government is committed to ensuring that children and young people have access to a quality education close to their homes.

    The 2024–25 ACT Budget funds a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives – called Strong Foundations.

    This approach will ensure all students at ACT public schools have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.

    The 2024-25 ACT Budget also includes funding to support:

    For more on the 2024-25 ACT Budget, visit the Treasury website.

    What’s in it for your region?

    Click on the map below to find out what’s been funded in the 2024-25 ACT Budget for your region.

    MIL OSI News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed & Community Action Leaders Discuss Trump Administration Cuts Targeting Vulnerable RIers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WARWICK, RI – Following a roundtable discussion with the leadership of Rhode Island’s seven community action programs (CAPs), U.S. Senator Jack Reed today addressed the Trump Administration’s mass-layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other cuts that will impact Rhode Island and put at risk child care and preschool programs, home heating assistance, and other essential services.

    Rhode Island’s seven CAPs collectively serve more than 190,000 Rhode Islanders and help connect low-income individuals and families to health care, job training and skills building, energy assistance, affordable housing, and much more.

    Senator Reed joined Paul Salera, President & CEO of Westbay Community Action, at Westbay’s location in Warwick to detail how these cuts could decimate services and support for vulnerable Rhode Islanders and how uncertainty stemming from Trump Administration actions is impacting community organizations across the state.

    “As the Trump Administration plows ahead with erratic, misguided cuts and no analysis whatsoever on impacts to our communities, I met with leaders on the ground here in Rhode Island to get their feedback, hear their concerns, and discuss how we can work together to continue uplifting our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Senator Reed.  “The leaders I met with today know better than almost anyone how programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Head Start, the Administration for Community Living, and other critical supports strengthen our communities and help Rhode Islanders stay healthy, safe, and productive.  Eliminating the key staff who help Rhode Islanders and slashing funding just to give massive tax giveaways to a small group of billionaires will likely end up costing taxpayers much more in the long run and shifts increasing tax burdens onto our state and local communities.”

    Paul Salera, President & CEO of Westbay Community Action, said, “The Rhode Island Community Action Agencies are grateful to Senator Reed and his team for this opportunity to shed some light on all the Administration’s proposed cuts and what this will mean to the more than 190,000 Rhode Islanders we all serve.  It is a breath of fresh air knowing that Senator Reed is fighting for all of us to ensure that the much needed Safety Net programs stay intact for the most vulnerable in Rhode Island.”

    Last week, the Trump Administration moved forward with its plans to cut 20,000 federal employees at HHS. According to CBS News, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. estimated that about 1 in every 5 of the employees who were fired at HHS were mistakenly let go.

    Rhode Island’s seven community action programs are: Westbay Community Action; Community Action Partnership of Providence; Tri-County Community Action; Blackstone Valley Community Action; Community Care Alliance; East Bay Community Action; and Comprehensive Community Action.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AI Energy Council to ensure UK’s energy infrastructure ready for AI revolution

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    AI Energy Council to ensure UK’s energy infrastructure ready for AI revolution

    Industry heavyweights from the energy and technology sectors will descend on Whitehall today (8 April) for the first meeting of the UK’s new AI Energy Council.

    AI Energy Council launched to support the use of sustainable energy to power AI.

    • New AI Energy Council holds first round of talks on delivering the power which will drive the UK’s AI ambitions.
    • Technology and Energy Secretaries chair first round of talks on driving forward power and AI goals – central to delivering growth, jobs and opportunity through government’s Plan for Change. 
    • Energy representatives such as NESO, EDF, Scottish Power, Ofgem, and National Grid to join tech heavyweights Microsoft, ARM, Google and Amazon in sharing expert insights. 

    Co-chaired by the Technology and Energy Secretaries, today’s inaugural meeting will see members agree the council’s objectives with a key aim focused on how the government’s clean energy superpower mission, and its commitment to advancing AI and compute infrastructure, can work together to deliver economic growth.

    It’s expected the Council will also look at clean energy, like renewables and nuclear – advising on improving energy efficiency and sustainability in AI and data centre infrastructure, such as the use of water. The council will also take steps to ensure the secure adoption of AI across the UK’s energy network itself.

    Unveiled in January as part of the government’s response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the Council will bring together expert insights on the energy demands of AI, as the UK puts the technology front and centre of its plans to drive economic growth and deliver its Plan for Change. 

    Concerns over the energy demands needed to power AI data centres is an issue faced by countries the world over. One of the ways the UK is already rising to meet this challenge is by focussing its new AI Growth Zones – dedicated hotbeds of AI development – in areas which can access at least 500MW of power. Representing the equivalent of enough energy to power roughly two million homes, this will help to spark significant private investment from companies looking to set up shop in Britain – creating local jobs which will put more money in people’s pockets.

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle said: 

    The work of the AI Energy Council will ensure we aren’t just powering our AI needs to deliver new waves of opportunity in all parts of the country, but can do so in a way which is responsible and sustainable. 

    This requires a broad range of expertise from industry and regulators as we fire up the UK’s economic engine to make it fit for the age of AI – meaning we can deliver the growth which is the beating heart of our Plan for Change.

    Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband said:

    We are making the UK a clean energy superpower, building the homegrown energy this country needs to protect consumers and businesses, and drive economic growth, as part of our Plan for Change.

    AI can play an important role in building a new era of clean electricity for our country and as we unlock AI’s potential, this Council will help secure a sustainable scale up to benefit businesses and communities across the UK.

    The UK government has also been working closely with both Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator to deliver fundamental reforms to the UK’s connections process. Subject to final signoffs from Ofgem, this could release more than 400GW of capacity from the connection queue – accelerating projects vital to economic growth such as the delivery of new large scale AI data centres. 

    Joining the council are 14 organisations – including regulators and companies drawn from the energy and tech sectors – who will support its work by sharing expert insights.

    Among these organisations are: EDF, Ofgem, National Energy System Operator (NESO), Scottish Power, National Grid, Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and chip designer ARM, and infrastructure investment firm Brookfield. 

    This collaborative approach which brings together the energy and technology sectors will make sure there is join up across the board to speed up energy projects getting connected to the grid – especially with a growing pipeline of tech companies announcing plans to build datacentres across the UK.

    Alison Kay, Vice President, UK and Ireland, at Amazon Web Services (AWS), said:

    At Amazon, we’re working to meet the future energy needs of our customers, while remaining committed to powering our operations in a more sustainable way, and progressing toward our Climate Pledge commitment to become net-zero carbon by 2040.

    As the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy for the fifth year in a row, we share the government’s goal to ensure the UK has sufficient access to carbon-free energy to support its AI ambitions and to help drive economic growth.

    Jonathan Brearley, CEO of Ofgem, said:

    AI will play an increasingly important role in transforming our energy system to be cleaner, more efficient, and more cost-effective for consumers, but only if used in a fair, secure, sustainable and safe way.

    Working alongside other members of this Council, Ofgem will ensure AI implementation puts consumer interests first – from customer service to infrastructure planning and operation – so that everyone feels the benefits of this technological innovation in energy.

    As part of our Clean Power Action Plan, the government is getting more homegrown clean power connected to the grid by building the necessary infrastructure, prioritising the projects needed for 2030 to connect as much clean power as possible. We will clean up the grid connection queue, meaning crucial infrastructure from housing to gigafactories and data centres can get a connection to the grid, helping to unlock billions of investment and grow the economy. 

    Bolstered by accelerated planning approvals which will mean spades in the ground at a fraction of the time it currently takes, AI innovators will be able to call on cutting-edge infrastructure and ready access to power to drive forward the next wave of AI opportunity.

    Further information 

    Attendees to the first meeting of the AI Energy Council will include representatives of: 

    • Ofgem 
    • NESO 
    • Energy Networks Association 
    • Nuclear Industry Association 
    • ScottishPower 
    • National Grid 
    • EDF 
    • Google 
    • Microsoft 
    • Amazon Web Services 
    • Equinix 
    • Brookfield 
    • ARM 
    • ARIA

    The council will meet on a quarterly basis, with the next meeting scheduled for this summer.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

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    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Powerful new tool promises major advances in cancer treatment

    Source:

    08 April 2025

    Dr Aidan Cousins, Dr Nicole Dmochowska and Professor Benjamin Thierry with the probe.

    New Australian technology is set to transform the way that gastrointestinal cancers are detected and treated with precise, minimally invasive surgery.

    Backed by the Federal Government’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite Grant, researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) are using quantum technology to develop a first-of-its-kind laparoscopic probe that will allow surgeons to accurately map the spread of tumours.

    The technology has the potential to improve cancer survival rates and patient quality of life worldwide.

    Led by Dr Nicole Dmochowska from UniSA’s Future Industries Institute, the $405,050 project is being undertaken in partnership with precision cancer surgery company Ferronova.

    The probe will work alongside Ferronova’s iron-oxide nanoparticle formulation (FerroTrace) to improve the detection of cancerous lymph nodes during surgery, reducing the need for extensive procedures that often lead to life-threatening complications and life-long side-effects for survivors.

    Gastrointestinal cancers are among the deadliest, often spreading through the lymphatic system to distant lymph nodes before diagnosis. Traditional surgical methods involve removing large sections of tissue, increasing the risk of infections and long-term digestive issues.

    “By integrating state-of-the-art quantum sensors into a minimally invasive laparoscopic probe, we aim to give surgeons a powerful new tool to precisely locate affected lymph nodes,” Dr Dmochowska says.

    “This will potentially enable more targeted surgery, reducing the need for extensive tissue removal and improving post-surgical recovery.”

    The UniSA research team has already demonstrated the feasibility of the quantum sensor-based magnetometer probes in a successful phase-1 clinical trial for oral cancer.

    This new project will take this technology further by miniaturising the probe for use in laparoscopic – or keyhole – surgery, allowing for more precise and less invasive cancer treatments.

    Researchers have spent more than eight years developing the magnetometer probes for cancer surgery. The AEA Ignite grant will fund the next crucial step: developing a fully functional, preclinically validated prototype that can be trialled in large animal models before progressing to human clinical trials.

    “This research aligns with Australia’s national priority areas in both medical science and quantum technology,” according to UniSA researcher Professor Benjamin Thierry.

    “The commercial potential is immense, with an anticipated global market exceeding $2 billion annually,” Prof Thierry says.

    Unlike existing lymphatic mapping techniques that rely on radioactive tracers, the quantum probe and FerroTrace combination provide a safer and more effective combination, according to Ferronova senior researcher and development engineer Dr Aidan Cousins.

    “This technology is particularly promising for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy before surgery, where conventional lymphatic mapping methods have limited effectiveness,” Dr Cousins says.

    “This could be a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, enhancing the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.”

    Preclinical trials are expected to start within the next year.

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
    Researcher contact: Dr Nicole Dmochowska E: nicole.dmochowska@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Sounds Alarm on Inexperienced Trump Nominee to Run Nuclear Arsenal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    April 07, 2025

    “I am concerned that a leader without strong technical expertise and extensive experience could put our nuclear deterrent at risk and waste billions of dollars.” 

    “The person confirmed to lead the NNSA…must also make it abundantly clear that they would not share information with companies that might support China’s own nuclear modernization efforts, further jeopardizing American national security.”

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote to Mr. Brandon Williams, nominee for Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), with concerns over his lack of experience and potential ties to the Chinese government through his business. Mr. Williams’ nomination will be considered by the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 8, 2025. 

    The NNSA is tasked with the design, production, and maintenance of the nation’s nuclear arsenal, along with ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of the country’s nuclear weapons. By law, anyone nominated for the position must “have extensive background in national security” and be “well qualified to manage nuclear weapons.” Each of the six previous Under Secretaries for Nuclear Security and NNSA Administrators had strong backgrounds in fields related to nuclear technology or national security. William’s two most recent predecessors each worked for more than 30 years in nuclear security before taking on the role. 

    Mr. Williams lacks any of the extensive technical experience of his predecessors. He completed a training at the Naval Nuclear Power School and served as a junior officer on a nuclear submarine, but does not possess any advanced degree in physics or engineering. The NNSA is in the middle of a $200 billion nuclear modernization project, which the Government Accountability Office has found already exceeded initial cost estimates by more than $2 billion and is behind by almost 10 years. Williams’ lack of experience raises concerns about his ability to effectively manage the nuclear arsenal.  

    “I am concerned that a leader without strong technical expertise and extensive experience could put our nuclear deterrent at risk and waste billions of dollars,” said Senator Warren.

    Senator Warren also called out Mr. Williams’ ties to the Chinese government through his software cloud computing company, CPLANE.ai. In 2013, after founding the company, Mr. Williams partnered with PCCW Global, which was partially controlled by the Chinese government through China Unicom, a company banned from U.S. markets in 2018 due to “spying concerns.” 

    “The person confirmed to lead the NNSA…must also make it abundantly clear that they would not share information with companies that might support China’s own nuclear modernization efforts, further jeopardizing American national security,” concluded Senator Warren. 

    Senator Warren asked Mr. Williams to explain whether he supports DOGE’s mass firings at NNSA, how he plans to address his experience shortfalls, asked him to commit to not share information that would compromise national security interests, and more, by April 14, 2025. 

    Senator Warren has long worked to ensure the stability and safety of the United States nuclear arsenal: 

    • In March 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren slammed Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) reckless firings of federal employees, including at the NNSA, where workers who ensure the safety and security of the country’s nuclear stockpile were fired and had to be rehired. 
    • In January 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Elon Musk with recommendations that would cut at least $2 trillion in government waste, including cutting nearly $2 billion in NNSA yearly spending on plutonium pit production at the Savannah River Site. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CanREA’s 2025 “Go Solar Guide” helps Canadians navigate residential installations

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: CanREA’s 2025 “Go Solar Guide” helps Canadians navigate residential installations

    As it continues to encourage Canadians to consider residential solar installations, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association published the 2025 edition of its annual “Go Solar Guide”. Read more.
    The post CanREA’s 2025 “Go Solar Guide” helps Canadians navigate residential installations appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Signs Letter to USDA Requesting Removal of Soda & Energy Drinks from SNAP Purchases

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    .powell@nebraska.gov”>jeff.powell@nebraska.gov

    Gov. Pillen Signs Letter to USDA Requesting Removal of Soda & Energy Drinks from SNAP Purchases

     

    LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen signed a letter of intent to Secretary Brooke Rollins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), notifying her of Nebraska’s intent to pursue a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waiver, removing soda and energy drinks from SNAP allowable purchases. Nebraska is the second state to submit such a waiver. 

    Gov. Pillen was joined by leadership from the Department of Health and Human Services; Dr. Eric Sherman, chief medical officer at the Charles Drew Health Center; Director of the Department of Agriculture Sherry Vinton; and Senator Brian Hardin, chairman of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee. 

    “We are starving in the midst of plenty,” said Gov. Pillen. “We are surrounded by an endless number of food and beverage choices that contain numerous preservatives, carbohydrates and sugars, which can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and other chronic diseases.”

    The SNAP program supports individuals and families with access to nutritious options to improve their health and well-being. However, SNAP currently allows the purchase of any food or beverage that has a nutritional label, regardless of its nutritional value. According to the USDA, soft drinks or soda are the most common SNAP purchase. Approximately 75,000 households or 152,000 individuals receive SNAP benefits in Nebraska. It is estimated 67,690 are youth. 

    Studies have shown children who drink high levels of soda are more likely to exhibit withdrawn behavior and attention problems. High levels of sugar can also lead to long-term effects such as type 2 diabetes, tooth decay, heart disease, and poor bone health. Caffeine found in energy drinks also has negative effects in children and youth, including increases in stress, anxiety, agitation, sleep disturbance, and high blood pressure, often leading to difficulties in learning and academic performance. 

    “Unfortunately, the obesity epidemic is only getting worse in the United States. The key to making health improvements is to encourage physical activity, healthy food and drink choices, and healthy eating behaviors,” said pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Eric Sherman, Chief Medical Officer of the Charles Drew Health Center in Omaha. “I appreciate Governor Pillen for his willingness to take this important step to promote health and wellness in Nebraska.” 

    “Protecting Nebraska’s children is a top priority for Governor Pillen,” said DHHS CEO Steve Corsi. “The decision to omit harmful drinks from SNAP purchases is an important step that will help children and families live healthy lives and have bright futures.”

    Once approved by the USDA, DHHS will partner with grocers and other stakeholders to implement a waiver that will ensure Nebraskans are able to maximize their SNAP dollars while accessing healthy options.

    “My team and I are ready to hit the ground running and collaborate with our partners as we develop the waiver and implementation plan that expands outreach efforts and supports participants in accessing tools and resources to make informed and healthy choices,” said Shannon Grotrian, director of the DHHS Office of Economic Assistance. 

    Speaking about soda in particular, Sen. Hardin noted that while enjoyable, it was questionable that soda could be characterized as a healthy product. 

    “We’re going to do something about that here in Nebraska and other states will be following us in that endeavor,” said Sen. Hardin. “It’s exciting to be part of something that helps people to live better and feel better.”

    (Left to right: Dr. Sherman, Director Vinton, CEO Corsi, Gov. Pillen, Sen. Hardin, Director Grotrian)

    Dr. Sherman, Charles Drew Health Center

    Senator Brian Hardin

    Gov. Pillen signs waiver letter request

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ACP Statement: MISO’s Proposal Threatens Reliability and Affordability for Millions of Americans

    Source: American Clean Power Association (ACP)

    Headline: ACP Statement: MISO’s Proposal Threatens Reliability and Affordability for Millions of Americans

    WASHINGTON, D.C. April 7, 2025 —The American Clean Power Association (ACP) released the following statement from ACP Vice President of Markets & Transmission Carrie Zalewski related to ACP’s protest to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), opposing the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) proposed Expedited Resource Addition Study (ERAS):  
    “At a time of skyrocketing energy demand, MISO is headed down a concerning path of sidelining critical resources rather than diversifying its generation mix—a grid 45 million Americans rely on to be increasingly reliable and affordable. This proposal sets a dangerous precedent that could cause significant and lasting damage, injecting massive disruption to MISO’s already overburdened queue process. 
    “MISO must prioritize solutions that can swiftly address reliability needs — not burden consumers with expensive and unreliable outcomes. ACP urges FERC to reject the ERAS proposal.” 
    MISO ERAS is not a one-time emergency request, and lacks guardrails on timing, scope, and implementation. 
    The proposal does not address resolutions for existing concerns regarding systemic issues causing interconnection delays and readiness constraints, such as permitting, supply chain issues, and financing. 
    Further, MISO has not accounted for potential cost shifts to projects already in the queue, and in addition, has not demonstrated its ability to adequately implement the mechanism without shifting significant internal resources.   
    With a 15-state footprint, MISO’s proposed mechanism for accelerated interconnection would harm customers in the existing interconnection queue, create unfair grid access by excluding independent power producers, hinder competition, and increase costs for consumers.  
    MISO does not use objective metrics tied to its own stated resource adequacy concerns to select eligible projects and makes no attempt to limit the size of the program or penalize speculative projects to limit impacts to the existing queue. 
    ### 

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Ruiz, Foushee, Cleaver, Introduce the Cool Roof Rebate Act to Lower Costs for Reflective Roofing Installation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

    WASHINGTON, DC (April 7, 2025) — Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), and introduced the Cool Roof Rebate Act, legislation to create a rebate program for reflective roofing products to lower home temperatures and reduce energy consumption and costs.

    “Just last month, parts of California’s 25th District hit triple-digit heat, the earliest it has exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit in over a decade. Our region includes California’s desert communities, where summer temperatures can soar well above 110 degrees. It’s one of the hottest areas in the country, and that comes with serious health risks,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25). “The Cool Roof Rebate Act creates the first federal rebate program of its kind to help underserved communities afford reflective roofing, reducing energy consumption, improving efficiency, and protecting families from extreme heat.”

    “As communities across the country continue to experience extreme weather events and record-breaking heat due to climate change, it is critical that Congress take steps to provide communities with the support they need to mitigate the effects,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “The Cool Roof Rebate Act will help vulnerable households purchase reflective roofing products through a first of its kind federal rebate program, thereby lowering energy costs and increasing energy efficiency. I am proud to reintroduce this critical piece of legislation with Congressman Cleaver and Congressman Ruiz, and I look forward to working to pass it through the House and onward.”

    “As global temperatures continue to rise to record-breaking levels and at a record-breaking pace, it’s imperative that Congress provide families with new and innovative ways to beat the heat and lower energy costs,” saidCongressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05). “I’m proud to introduce the Cool Roof Rebate Act with Congresswoman Foushee and Congressman Ruiz to create a new program dedicated to helping working class families in Missouri and across the country afford reflective roofing products that will keep their homes cool, costs low, and extreme heat at bay.”

    Specifically, the Cool Roof Rebate Act will:

    • Provide a rebate to eligible households for the purchase and installation of eligible cool roof products to mitigate extreme heat
      • Eligible households determined by two metrics measuring exposure to extreme heat and median income of the residence’s zip code
      • Eligible cool roof products are ones that have been tested and verified by the Cool Roof Ratings Council
    • Authorize up to $25,000,000 in household rebates annually across all 50 states and U.S. territories between FY25-FY29
    • Require the U.S. Department of Energy to submit a report to Congress six months after the program’s termination to evaluate the program’s efficacy and impact

    The Cool Roof Rebate Act is endorsed by the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, Federation of American Scientists and Smart Surfaces Coalition.

    “We are proud to support the Cool Roof Rebate Act which will help many hard-working families living under extreme heat to improve their living conditions by providing a rebate for the installation of eligible cool roof products. Our Coachella Valley families in California experience extreme heat for five to six months of the year and this program will allow them to retrofit their roofs to provide a much cooler environment that will improve their quality of live.” – Pedro S. G. Rodriguez, Executive Director / CEO, Coachella Valley Housing Coalition.

    “To prepare for future extreme heat events, we need to be developing and deploying innovative adaptation solutions at scale. The Cool Roof Rebate Act will make cool roofing technology affordable to more Americans to lower their home cooling costs and provide the incentives necessary to grow and diversify the cool roofing market.” – Daniel Correa, CEO of the Federation of American Scientists.

    “Yet another year of record-breaking extreme heat underscores the urgency of the Cool Roof Rebate Act, which tackles the urban heat island effect while delivering lower energy bills, safer work environments for outdoor workers and improved health outcomes for vulnerable communities. Our current benefit-cost modeling with 10 major U.S. metro areas with whom we are working demonstrates that an 80% deployment of cool roofs across those areas (representing more than 35 million people) would produce a net financial benefit of $34.7 billion, with an average benefit cost ratio of 9:1. Extreme heat is the leading weather-related killer, and this bill will be a literal lifesaver, as well as saving citizens substantial amounts of money.” – Greg Kats, CEO of the Smart Surfaces Coalition.

    The Cool Roof Rebate Act is cosponsored by: Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13).

    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACT Budget: What’s in it for the Inner North, Inner South and City

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Budget will fund path improvements across the Inner North, Inner South and City.

    2024–25 ACT Budget snapshot – Inner North, Inner South and City

    • A new Inner South Health Centre
    • More housing for the region
    • Path improvements across the region
    • The electrification of Alfred Deakin High School
    • More funding for mowing and horticulture

    With the ACT’s population set to reach 500,000 people by the end of 2027, the 2024–25 ACT Budget is funding the services and infrastructure this growing city needs.

    Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government is delivering more public health services, providing cost of living relief for those who need it most, and improving housing choice, access and affordability.

    Some of the projects funded in the Inner North, Inner South and City include:

    A new Inner South Health Centre

    The 2024–25 ACT Budget is investing in health programs and infrastructure throughout the city.

    This includes funding to build the new Inner South Health Centre in Griffith. This will help provide the right services closer to where people live.

    More housing for the region

    The ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program for 2024–25 to 2028–29 will help cater to the ACT’s growing population.

    As part of the program, 4,587 new homes are planned for the Inner North, Inner South and City region.

    Road and path improvements across the region

    Funding received through the 2024–25 ACT Budget will see improvements made to paths across the Inner North, Inner South and City.

    Walkers, cyclists and those riding scooters can expect to see better line marking, completed missing links and more lighting as they exercise or head to and from work.

    Other investments across the region include:

    • progressing Light Rail Stage 2A, which includes design and construction of an extension from the existing Light Rail Stage 1 terminus at Alinga Street to a new stop at Commonwealth Park
    • road improvements along Beltana Road in Pialligo
    • construction of the Garden City Cycle Route.

    The electrification of Alfred Deakin High School

    The Electrification of Gas Assets Program is a 17-year commitment by the ACT Government to replace all gas-powered assets used within Government owned and operated buildings.

    The program will abolish and electrify over 1,000 gas assets and will contribute to the goal of net zero emissions from Government operations by 2040.

    Funding in the 2024–25 ACT Budget will allow for cooling upgrades at Alfred Deakin High School as part of the program.

    New and upgraded community facilities

    The 2024–25 ACT Budget will support new and upgraded community facilities and infrastructure across the region.

    This includes responding to community feedback regarding resources at ACT libraries. There will be new portable phone chargers and more power boards and charging stations, in addition to improving building security.

    This Budget will also provide support for:

    • finalising construction of the new Acton Emergency Services Station to house ACT Ambulance Service and ACT Fire & Rescue staff
    • undertaking capital upgrades at the City Police Station and planning for future accommodation requirements
    • improving local shops at Narrabundah.

    More funding for mowing and horticulture

    The combination of unpredictable weather and a growing city have increased demands on those taking care of Canberra’s grass, trees, weeds and gardens.

    The Budget will include funding for 10 full-time positions and eight additional mowers to deliver an expanded baseline capacity in our mowing teams.

    In the low season, mowing crews will assist with horticultural work across the city, including weeding, road edging and maintenance.

    Support for education

    The region will benefit from a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives, called Strong Foundations, being rolled out across ACT public schools. The program will ensure all students have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.

    There will also be a range of school upgrades across Canberra as part of the ACT Government’s annual Asset Renewal Program.

    This includes:

    • the refurbishment of the existing Lyneham High School gymnasium
    • roof replacement work at Dickson College
    • continuing the modernisation and expansion of Majura Primary School, Telopea Park High School and Narrabundah College
    • progressing the UNSW Canberra City Campus project.

    Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget here.

    Canberra’s mowing teams and resources have been expanded.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

    April 8, 2025
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