Category: Energy

MIL-Evening Report: As the Black Summer megafires neared, people rallied to save wildlife and domestic animals. But it came at a real cost

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danielle Celermajer, Professor of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Sydney

As the 2019-2020 megafires took hold across eastern Australia, many of us reeled at the sight of animals trying and often failing to flee. Our screens filled up with images of koalas with burned paws and possums in firefighter helmets.

The death toll was staggering, estimated at up to three billion wild animals killed or displaced. Millions more were severely injured. Tens of thousands of domesticated animals were killed or had to be euthanised.

In fighting these fires, authorities focused almost entirely on protecting human lives and property, other than targeted rescue efforts for the last remaining wild stand of Wollemi pine. The role of rescuing and caring for domesticated and wild animals fell almost entirely to community groups and individual carers, who stepped up to fill the gap at significant cost to themselves – financially, emotionally and sometimes even at a risk to their safety.

Our new research draws on more than 60 interviews with wildlife carers and groups in the Shoalhaven region south of Wollongong in New South Wales. These people spontaneously organised themselves to care for thousands of domesticated, farm and wild animals, from evacuating them from fire zones to giving them shelter, food, water and healthcare.

The lengths our interviewees went to were extraordinary. But these rescue efforts were largely invisible to authorities – and, as our interviewees told us, sometimes even condemned as irresponsible.

What did our interviews tell us?

The standard view in Australia is that only humans matter in the face of bushfires. But the way affected communities reached out to save as many animals as they could shows many people think we ought to be acting differently.

One interviewee told about screaming for “her babies” as Rural Fire Service firefighters evacuated her. In response, the firies searched the house for human babies to no avail. When they found out she meant her wombat joeys, they laughed in relief. But to our interviewee, the joeys were like her babies. The joeys were safe inside her house.

People cared for a wide range of species, from horses, chickens, bees and cows to native birds, possums, wombats and wallabies. Despite this, we found common themes.

Many people felt the system had let them down when it came to protecting animals. This is why many of them felt they had to take matters into their own hands to ensure that animals survived.

As one interviewee told us:

one thing that you have to realise, is people’s animals are their children, and they are their life. If you let someone think that their animal isn’t safe, they will put themselves in danger to try and get to that animal or save that animal […] That’s one thing the firies — you know, if they’re not an animal compassionate person, they don’t get that.

While some guidance on disaster preparation talks about how to protect pets such as cats and dogs, wildlife carers, farmers and horse owners often found themselves facing incoming fires with little or no information or support.

People also told us about a lack of information on how to care for different types of animals during disasters. Information was often nonexistent or hard to locate, making decision-making during the crisis very difficult.

As one farmer told us:

there’s not any information on realistically what you do with your animals in a case of […] a massive disaster. I mean, it’s like someone said about cutting the fences. But now you’ve got stocking cattle running through the bush and they don’t know where the fire’s going to turn or what’s going to happen.

The needs of animals differ significantly. It’s harder to find shelter for a horse than a smaller animal, for instance. Wildlife being cared for already need assistance, due to being orphaned, injured or ill. It’s harder to evacuate injured animals or joeys who need regular feeding than it is to evacuate healthy adult animals.

Our interviewees reported price spikes for transport, food, temporary fencing and medicines during the 2019-2020 emergency season. Caring for animals always comes with costs, but the cost burden intensified over the Black Summer and afterwards.

Caring for animals came with another cost too, to mental health. Many of our interviewees told us they still felt traumatised, even though our interviews were two or three years after the fires.

As one interviewee told us:

the people at Lake Conjola […] said it was like an apocalypse. They said there was dead birds dropping out of the sky. Kangaroos would come hopping out of the bush on fire […] I know it really heavily affected most people on the beach, the horrific things that they saw.

Despite facing a lack of formal support and with limited information, people organised themselves very quickly into networks to share access to safe land, transport, food, labour and information. Dedicated people set up social media groups to allocate tasks, call for help and so on. This unsung animal rescue effort was almost entirely driven by volunteers.

What should we do before the next megafires?

Australia will inevitably be hit by more megafires, as climate change brings more hot, dry fire weather and humidity falls over land.

What would it mean to include animals in our planning? To start with, more and better information for wildlife carers, farmers, pet owners and the wider community. It would mean directing more funds to animal care, both during and after disasters, and including animal care in local, state and federal disaster planning. It would mean improving communication networks so people know where to go.

To this end, we developed a new guide for communities wanting to be better prepared to help animals in the next disaster. We prototyped an app designed to help communities organise themselves in order to help animals during disasters.

The scale of the Black Summer fires found governments and communities largely
unprepared. But we are now in a position to learn from what happened.

As authorities prepare for the next fires, they should broaden how they think about disaster preparation. Our research suggests disaster planning needs to take place at a community level, rather than a focus on individual households. And vitally, authorities need to think of communities as made up of both humans and animals, rather than just humans.

This research project was funded by the Australian government via a Bushfire Recovery Grant from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. It was conducted in partnership with the Shoalhaven City Council. This article was prepared solely by the University of Sydney research team and reflects our research and analysis only.

This research project was funded by the Australian government via a Bushfire Recovery Grant from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. It was conducted in partnership with the Shoalhaven City Council.

– ref. As the Black Summer megafires neared, people rallied to save wildlife and domestic animals. But it came at a real cost – https://theconversation.com/as-the-black-summer-megafires-neared-people-rallied-to-save-wildlife-and-domestic-animals-but-it-came-at-a-real-cost-248432

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Board of Governors Elects New Chairperson for 2025

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Ambassador Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman. (Photo: D. Calma/IAEA)

In a special meeting today the IAEA Board of Governors elected Ambassador Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman of Ghana as its Chairperson for 2025. She will complete the remainder of the term of office of her predecessor, Ambassador Philbert Abaka Johnson of Ghana, who was elected in September 2024. Ambassador Osei-Agyeman’s term commences today and will end in September 2025.

Ambassador Osei-Agyeman is the Permanent Representative of Ghana to the IAEA, the United Nations Offices and other international organizations in Vienna. A career diplomat with over 25 years of experience, she has held various positions in Ghana and abroad covering both bilateral and multilateral issues.

Prior to her appointment in Vienna, Ambassador Osei-Agyeman served as Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Ambassador in the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana to Italy from 2023 to 2024. She has also served in diplomatic postings in the United Kingdom, Malta, the United States of America and at Ghana’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ambassador Osei-Agyeman has also held numerous posts in Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, including, most recently, serving as Director of the Europe Bureau from 2021 to 2023 and as the first Director of the Candidatures Portfolio in 2021, where she ensured effective advocacy resulting in Ghana’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2022 and 2023.

Ambassador Osei-Agyeman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Ghana and a Master of Arts in international affairs from the Legon Centre for International Affairs & Diplomacy in Ghana. She has also participated in various courses on leadership and diplomacy.

MIL Security OSI –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: The Canada-Poland Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement
Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

Canada and Poland’s relationship is steadfast, from our mutual commitment to transatlantic and energy security to our common pursuit of a more sustainable planet. Together, we stand united and determined to create a safer and more prosperous world today – and for generations to come.

Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, concluded his trip to Warsaw, Poland, where he signed the landmark Canada-Poland Nuclear Cooperation Agreement alongside the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk.

Once in force, the Agreement will deepen ties between Canadian and Polish energy sectors, enabling Canadian companies to apply their nuclear expertise to support Poland’s energy transition and enhance energy security for Poland and the region. It will create good well-paying jobs and opportunities for people on both sides of the Atlantic, while reinforcing Canada and Poland’s shared commitment to nuclear co-operation, non-proliferation, safety, and security. This collaboration will help Poland enhance its clean energy sector and accelerate its efforts to phase out coal from its energy mix.

This Agreement complements other initiatives to strengthen Canada and Poland’s bilateral relationship, including the General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA), which was signed earlier this month. Once implemented, the GSOIA will enhance information sharing between Canada and Poland and create business opportunities for companies in industries such as defence, security, aerospace, marine, and nuclear.

Prime Minister Trudeau also held bilateral meetings with his Polish counterparts, including Prime Minister Tusk, the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski. As the world marks 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, they agreed on the importance of combatting antisemitism and hate across the globe.

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to transatlantic security and underlined the importance of providing military, financial, humanitarian, and other support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression. Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized that supporting Ukraine will continue to be a priority for Canada, particularly in the context of its 2025 G7 Presidency.

Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his thanks to the people of Poland for their hospitality during his two-day visit to the country and reaffirmed Canada’s desire to continue deepening ties with Poland in the years to come.

Quote

“By working together to advance nuclear technology, Canada and Poland are pushing innovation forward and accelerating energy security. Once in force, the newly signed Canada-Poland Nuclear Cooperation Agreement will promote Canadian innovators, create good-paying jobs, and combine Polish and Canadian expertise in the sector. It’s a testament to Canada’s commitment to building a more secure future, alongside our closest Allies.”

Quick Facts
- In 2023, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the National Atomic Energy Agency of Poland signed a Memorandum of Understanding on small modular reactors (SMR), paving the way for increased exchanges on best practices and technical reviews related to SMR technology.
- Poland does not yet generate nuclear power commercially, but it has comprehensive plans to use both large-scale and SMR nuclear technology.
- Canada expects to be the first G7 country to have the first operational SMR, the GE-Hitachi BWRX-300, by 2029. It is under active development by Ontario Power Generation at its Darlington Nuclear Station, and Poland is watching developments at Darlington closely, as it plans to deploy the same SMR technology shortly thereafter.
- In 2023, on the margins of the 28th meeting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Poland, and over twenty other nations endorsed a statement calling for the tripling of nuclear energy capacity by 2050.
- Yesterday in Kraków, Poland, the Prime Minister announced $3.4 million in new funding to combat antisemitism, preserve Holocaust remembrance, and educate against Holocaust denial and distortion in Canada and around the world.
- Canada and Poland enjoy a close-knit and multifaceted defence partnership. Canada takes pride in being the first NATO country to have ratified Poland’s membership, in 1998. Polish troops are deployed to the Canada-led NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.
- Poland is Canada’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. In 2023, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries totalled $4.1 billion.
- The warm ties between our peoples serve as the foundation of our countries’ strong bilateral relationship. Close to one million Canadians of Polish descent call Canada home.
Associated Links

MIL OSI Canada News –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Revisiting the Africa-Paris Declaration: Progress, Challenges and the Road Ahead for African Energy

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

PARIS, France, January 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

The Africa-Paris Declaration, forged during the 2024 Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris, was a pivotal moment in Africa’s quest for sustainable energy solutions. Aimed at strengthening the continent’s energy transition while addressing the urgent issue of energy poverty, the declaration set ambitious targets for expanding access to clean, affordable and reliable energy. With the 2025 edition of the forum approaching, now is the time to reflect on the progress made since the Africa-Paris Declaration and assess how these initiatives are shaping Africa’s energy future.

Increased Engagement in Africa

In the months following the declaration, international investors, development banks and private equity firms have shown a steadfast interest in the African energy market. A key milestone was the launch of the Africa Energy Bank by the African Export-Import Bank and APPO, marking the creation of a first-of-its-kind institution designed to fund and facilitate energy initiatives across the continent. Several final investment decisions were successfully closed, including Shell’s $5.5 billion Bonga North deepwater project. Additionally, strategic partnerships, including new PSCs signed by Panoro Energy in Equatorial Guinea and BW Energy in Gabon, highlight how international collaborations are accelerating energy development and creating new opportunities for exploration and production. This increased engagement is key to addressing the financing gap that has long hindered the growth of Africa’s energy sector.

Natural gas continues to play a central role in Africa’s energy strategy as a transitional fuel. The Africa-Paris Declaration underscored its importance as a bridge between traditional energy sources and renewable energy. Over the past year, significant strides have been made in natural gas exploration and LNG exports. Notable developments include Senegal’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG reaching its first gas production, the Republic of Congo’s first LNG exports to Italy from the Congo LNG project, Nigeria’s UTM FLNG receiving its construction license, and Angola’s Sanha Lean Gas Connection project achieving first gas, among others. These initiatives are not only crucial for advancing Africa’s energy transition, but also serve as powerful drivers of economic growth by creating jobs and advancing infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, countries like South Africa, Egypt and Morocco are at the forefront of wind and solar energy development, with momentum expected to build as they meet renewable energy targets and explore new growth opportunities. These investments are driving a shift toward cleaner, more sustainable energy in Africa, though challenges remain. High costs of renewable technologies and insufficient grid infrastructure continue to hinder expansion, underscoring the need for more investment in off-grid and mini-grid solutions.

Investment Gaps Persist

Despite these advancements, Africa still faces significant investment challenges. The financing gap for large-scale energy projects remains substantial and while the private sector has become more engaged, many projects still struggle to secure the necessary capital. In particular, the cost of financing remains high due to the perceived risks associated with energy investments in Africa. This is where continued efforts to de-risk investments and foster public-private partnerships are critical to unlocking the continent’s full energy potential. Institutional capacity continues to be a challenge for many African countries. While progress has been made in improving regulatory frameworks, there is still a need for clearer policies, streamlined permitting processes and better enforcement of regulations. Governments must continue to strengthen their institutions to effectively implement energy projects and create an enabling environment for both local and international investors.

With the IAE 2025 forum just months away, industry stakeholders have an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since the Africa-Paris Declaration and determine next steps for the continent’s energy future. The forum serves as a platform for government officials, industry leaders and financial institutions to renew commitments, share success stories and address ongoing challenges. While the road to universal energy access and a sustainable energy future is long, the declaration has set the framework for a collective effort that can lead to meaningful change. With the right investments, regulatory frameworks and political will, Africa can emerge as a global leader in energy innovation and sustainability.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why not all plans for a four-day working week would be a win for health

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anne Skeldon, Professor of Mathematics, Head of School, School of Mathematics & Physics, University of Surrey

Dusan Petkovic/Shutterstock

The right to request a short working week, with four longer “shifts” and three days off is being proposed as part of new flexible working legislation in the UK. Also known as working “compressed hours”, this schedule can sound attractive, with reports claiming improved efficiency and productivity. And, of course, no pay cut for workers.

It could result in fewer commutes, which saves time for workers and can be more environmentally friendly. And it could provide more flexibility for workers with childcare or care for other dependants, for example.

But there could be negative consequences to squeezing typical workloads into fewer days. Under these plans, there is no suggestion that by compressing the working week, people will work fewer hours.

Compressed hours mean that, instead of working 7.5 hours a day for five days, you would work 9.4 hours per day for four days – putting in almost two hours more work every working day. There is strong evidence that longer work hours result in more errors and accidents. Long work hours are also linked to poorer decision-making and make it more likely people will have an accident on their drive home.

For example, it has long been understood that working longer shifts increases the risk of workplace accident and injuries. The risk of a workplace accident is on average 13% higher for a ten-hour shift than an eight-hour shift.

Accident risk remains more or less constant for the first eight or so hours of work but then rises rapidly, so that the risk of an accident in the tenth hour of work is 90% higher than in the first eight hours.

To function effectively and safely at work relies on sufficient sleep, ideally at the right time of day and in a regular pattern. This is based on fundamental physiological factors that cannot be changed by training, motivation or professionalism.

Getting into sleep debt

These factors that determine our ability to function are driven by time of day, how long we have been awake and accumulated sleep debt. For example, humans are sleepier during the night than the day, and it can take between two and four hours after waking to achieve full alertness.

What’s more, our ability to function decreases rapidly after we have been awake for 16 hours, and especially so at night.

But what are the health consequences of a compressed hours schedule? It is already commonplace for people to have shorter periods of sleep during the working week and then try to catch up with sleep at the weekend, with mixed results.

If people work compressed hours, then on working days they have to fit in two extra hours of work but still carry out all the other activities in their daily lives. They still need to wash, eat, communicate, provide care for children and others.

So there’s a real chance that compressed hours then also lead to “compressed sleep” and accentuate irregular patterns of rest or chronic sleep debt. Irregular or insufficient sleep is increasingly associated with a higher risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, certain cancers and dementia – the leading causes of mortality in wealthy nations. In 2017, the economic cost of insufficient sleep in the UK alone was estimated as US$50 billion (£40 billion), up to 1.86% of GDP.

Read more:
The science behind why you love a weekend lie-in

The negative effect of chronic sleep loss accumulates more rapidly than experts previously realised. This knock-on effect is most severe during night shifts, especially when those shifts are long. There are good reasons why the UK regulator, the Health and Safety Executive, supports the EU working time directive, which imposes constraints on the length, timing and number of shifts.

If the concept of fewer but longer work shifts is accepted, what happens next? Why not propose three 12.5-hour workdays a week, or two 18.75-hour workdays? Why not work 24 hours a day and then work only eight days a month?

And at the end of a long day, many workers have to get behind the wheel.
Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

This sounds fanciful, and yet it is happening. Several UK fire services have moved to 24-hour shifts, following the trend in North America where 24, 48 or even longer duty hours are common for firefighters. Also in North America, many physicians work 24-hour shifts or longer, with well-documented negative consequences including higher rates of serious medical errors and surgical complications, and increased accident risk on the drive home when compared to shorter shifts.

It’s certainly true that some workers prefer to work longer days, for example to have longer blocks of time off for childcare. But at what point do concerns over the safety of employees and the people they interact with – as well as the negative effects (and financial costs) on long-term health – outweigh employee preference?

Compressed hours of work may be effective in some scenarios for some people and businesses. But if compressed hours of work lead to compressed sleep, then we need to recognise the negative consequences.

New legislation should build in sufficient guidance and protections for both employers and employees, plus it should be evidence-based. With wearable tech like smartwatches to track behaviour, it should be feasible to collect information on sleep, health, near misses and accidents. Then mathematical models and AI could be used to design individualised work schedules that are healthy and productive for everyone.

Anne Skeldon has received funding from Transport for London and from Scotia Gas Network.

Derk-Jan Dijk received funding from AFOSR USA.

Steven W Lockley is a consultant to Timeshifter Inc, KBR Wyle Services, Apex 2100 Ltd and Illumalife Inc.

– ref. Why not all plans for a four-day working week would be a win for health – https://theconversation.com/why-not-all-plans-for-a-four-day-working-week-would-be-a-win-for-health-247839

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work poised to start on affordable extra care housing scheme in Leeds

Source: City of Leeds

Construction work is set to begin on an extra care housing scheme that will make a hugely-positive difference to life in a Leeds community.

Leeds City Council’s Middlecross development in Armley will be home to 65 high-quality, energy efficient and affordable apartments providing independent living opportunities for older people.

The three-storey complex – to be built on brownfield land between Armley Grove Place and Simpson Grove – will also have care facilities and communal spaces, including a 50-seat dining area.

It is anticipated that construction will get under way in March this year, with completion scheduled for early 2027.

The scheme – which is being delivered via Leeds’s Council Housing Growth Programme (CHGP) – will regenerate a two-acre site that has been unused following the demolition of Middlecross Day Centre in 2018.

Its transformation will also support Leeds’s net zero ambitions, with the apartments being built to energy efficient specifications and benefiting from high levels of insulation and the use of ground source heat pump technology.

And, by making the new homes available for affordable rent, the council has underlined its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of all local residents while tackling issues such as fuel poverty.

The bulk of the funding for the development is being provided by the council’s housing service via Right to Buy receipts and borrowing, with £1.3m of grant support due to come from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund.

The scheme is due to be delivered for the council by Morgan Sindall Construction and will benefit the wider community by creating employment, skills and apprenticeship opportunities.

Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said:

“We are committed to ensuring that Leeds is a city synonymous with safe, warm and good-quality homes, with the increased provision of affordable housing having a key role to play in that.

“It’s really encouraging news, therefore, that construction work on the Middlecross scheme is due to begin shortly.

“At a time when there is a well-documented shortage of affordable extra care housing in Leeds, this development will make a real difference to the lives of its residents.

“The start of construction will also be another notable milestone for our Council Housing Growth Programme, which is working – with the support of partners – to bring positive and lasting change to communities across Leeds.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“Our investment in this new site in Leeds will help build more much-needed, high-quality homes.

“I believe that having a safe and secure place to live is a fundamental right, so it’s only right that we invest vital funds to deliver thousands of homes across West Yorkshire.

“Together with our partners like Leeds City Council, we’re dedicated to building a greener, more secure region for future generations.”

More than 350 new homes have been built via the council’s CHGP since 2018. More than 340 homes have also been acquired as part of the programme, with these properties and the new-builds both playing a crucial role in efforts to ease local affordable housing pressures.

Furthermore, they have – by increasing the number of appropriate properties available to tenants looking to downsize – helped free up some homes that are best suited to larger families.

The provision of additional social housing stock is seen as a vital way of driving inclusive growth and improving the population’s general health and wellbeing.

Locations where new housing has recently been delivered by the CHGP include Barncroft Close in Seacroft and Scott Hall Drive in Chapel Allerton as well as a site in Middleton formerly occupied by Throstle Recreation Ground and Middleton Skills Centre.

The Middleton development includes Gascoigne House, an extra care scheme that won the best purpose-built accommodation prize at last week’s LABC Building Excellence Awards.

ENDS

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General Tells Africa Energy Summit Policy Coherence, Finance, Transparent Cooperation Key to ‘Illuminate the Lives of Millions’

Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks to the panel on “Policies and Reforms for Transforming African Energy” at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit, in Dar es Salaam today:

I want to start by thanking the Government of Tanzania and the African Union for its leadership, and the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the Mission 300 partners for convening this summit.

Mission 300 has undertaken an enormous task: to help close the energy access gap and unlock sustainable development across the continent by delivering electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030. As we have heard, we face a stark reality: 685 million people across the continent still lack access to electricity, with the gap widening as population growth outpaces new electricity connections.

And yet, Africa is richly endowed with natural resources vital for renewable energy technologies: it is home to 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources and possesses vast wind, hydro and geothermal potential. And critical minerals mined in Africa are powering the renewables revolution around the world.

Despite this abundance, and record global investments in renewable energies worldwide, Africa continues to be left behind and many Africans continue to lack access to clean, affordable energy. This injustice must be urgently resolved. Access to electricity is an essential development requirement, one that can also be the multiplier for acceleration in building a sustainable future for all.

Providing clean energy to local communities represents a unique opportunity to improve health, widen access to education and social protection, make food systems resilient and create green jobs, e-commerce and financial services, while at the same time protecting the environment and biodiversity.

We have heard our distinguished speakers discuss why companies and Governments should get involved. The business case is clear: the falling costs of renewables and storage offer a great opportunity to deliver access to energy, energy security and sovereignty and climate resilience.

With the new African Continental Free Trade Area, aiming at a trade zone without barriers to the transfer of goods and services, the business opportunities will further multiply if the right policy environments — coherent and predictable — are put in place.

As we move into discussing what policies and reforms for transforming African energy can enable millions to access energy, I would like to focus on three areas of urgent attention for policymakers.

First, fostering policy coherence. We are five years away from the target of our SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals], and we are not on track. Policymakers and the international institutions need to strive to ensure sector-wide plans are coherent and aligned with the achievement of the SDGs due in 2030, while investors need robust regulatory laws in place to ensure business can operate aligned with them.

At this Summit, Mission 300 target countries are presenting their first national energy strategies for achieving universal energy access. These strategies need to be part of a broader plan, one that — while achieving universal energy access — needs to be aligned with the new economy-wide national climate action plans, or NDCs, consistent with 1.5°C, well before COP 30 [the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference] in November.

NDCs represent a unique opportunity for all countries to align their new climate plans and energy strategies, together with addressing adaptation needs. NDCs must coordinate the transition from fossil fuels with scaling of renewables and grid modernization and expansion, ensuring energy security and affordability. And they must be anchored in justice — providing support for affected workers and communities.

If done right, climate plans align with national development priorities and double as investment plans — becoming blueprints for a more sustainable and prosperous future. The Secretary-General’s panel on critical energy transition minerals offers important principles and actionable recommendations to ensure this new era does not repeat historical patterns of exploitation. SEforALL [Sustainable Energy for All], UN Resident Coordinators and country teams will continue to support country-level policy reforms, integrate stakeholder innovations, build institutional capacities and boost infrastructure investments across the entire clean-energy supply chain.

Second, mobilizing finance and support. While private-sector investments and innovation are important, public financing remains vital — especially in modernizing grid infrastructure to expand access and integrate renewables. Blending concessional public funds with commercial funds can help multiply renewable-energy investments in developing countries. We must work to strengthen the health of Africa’s public finances and tackle unsustainable debt burdens that are crowding out essential public investments.

The fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, that will take place in July to underpin the needs for long-term concessional finance, and the 1.3 trillion roadmap, agreed in Baku, that needs to be delivered by COP 30 in Brazil, must provide investments to scale up, among others, the energy transition.

Third, enhancing transparent international cooperation. International investments and cross-border partnerships hold the key to delivering electricity projects at a massive scale. Institutions must be strengthened to operate in complex regulatory environments, with multiple actors across jurisdictions.

Public-private partnerships need to be subject to stable and transparent public procurement rules throughout the whole project cycle — rules that prioritize long-term sustainability and allow for mutually beneficial contractual relationships. Transparency and accountability should be a hallmark of Mission 300 and set a new standard for cooperation across the continent.

As we start the five-year countdown to delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals, and mark the ten-year anniversary of the Paris Agreement, let us work together to illuminate the lives of millions, power the industries of tomorrow and ensure that no one is left behind in the race to deliver universal clean energy, climate resilience and economic prosperity.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces Pratt & Whitney Will Expand Manufacturing Operations in Asheville

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governor Stein Announces Pratt & Whitney Will Expand Manufacturing Operations in Asheville

Governor Stein Announces Pratt & Whitney Will Expand Manufacturing Operations in Asheville
bwood
Tue, 01/28/2025 – 11:30

Raleigh, NC

Today, Governor Stein announced that Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business (NYSE: RTX), will expand its turbine airfoil manufacturing plant in Buncombe County, a significant vote of confidence in western North Carolina. The company’s expansion project will create 325 additional jobs and includes an additional investment of $285 million in Asheville.

“Western North Carolina’s economy took it on the chin after Hurricane Helene, yet still it remains an incredible place to work and do business,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Pratt & Whitney clearly sees the opportunities in North Carolina and the strength of our highly skilled workforce. We look forward to welcoming them here.”

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. More than 17,000 customers operating in more than 200 countries and territories use Pratt & Whitney engines, with more than 90,000 engines currently in service. The company’s Asheville facility, first announced in October 2020, produces high-tech turbine airfoils, an important component in aircraft jet engines. The company’s new project will expand its production capacity to meet growing customer demand.

“Pratt & Whitney’s continued investment in Asheville is critical to meet the growing demand for our products, such as the GTF for the A320family and the F135 for the F-35 Lightning II,” said Asheville General Manager for Pratt & Whitney Dan Field. “We would like to thank the state, Buncombe County and Governor Stein for their support on this project. This latest round of investment allows us to add critical process elements for the manufacture of turbine airfoils and increase the overall delivery output of this facility, enabling us to deliver on our customer commitments while creating hundreds of new jobs in the Asheville community.”

“The aviation industry is a key driver of North Carolina’s economic success and Pratt & Whitney’s decision strengthens our aerospace ecosystem substantially,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley.  “We will continue to invest in support systems, like our community colleges and universities, that help employers like Pratt & Whitney succeed in our state—and bolster Western NC’s economy.”

The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state’s support for the company during its site evaluation and decision-making process.

The average salary for the new positions will be $62,413, compared with an average wage in Buncombe County of $55,416. The new positions will bring an annual payroll impact to the community of more than $20 million per year.

The company’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by nearly $2.1 billion. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs and the capital investment, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $4,202,250, spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets.

The project’s projected return on investment of public dollars is 317 per cent, meaning for every dollar of potential cost, the state receives $4.17 in state revenue. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company.

Because Pratt & Whitney chose to expand in Buncombe County, classified by the state’s economic tier system as Tier 3, the company’s JDIG agreement also calls for moving $1,400,750 into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business. Even when new jobs are created in a Tier 3 county such as Buncombe, the new tax revenue generated through JDIG grants helps more economically challenged communities elsewhere in the state.

“Many local, regional, and state organizations have worked hard to bring this new economic development project to Buncombe County, all while working diligently through the many details of storm recovery,” said Representative Eric Ager. “We look forward to seeing Pratt & Whitney continue to thrive in our great community.”

Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Departments of Revenue and Transportation, N.C. Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, the Office of Congressman Chuck Edwards, the Golden LEAF Foundation, Duke Energy, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Biltmore Farms, Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, and the Economic Development Coalition of Asheville and Buncombe County.

Jan 28, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reappointment of Ofgem Chief Executive
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Jonathan Brearley reappointed as Chief Executive Officer of Ofgem.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has today (14 January 2025) confirmed the reappointment of Jonathan Brearley as Chief Executive Officer of Ofgem.

The reappointment will run from 1 February 2025 until 31 January 2030.

The Secretary of State has also extended the terms of 2 non-executive directors – Myriam Madden to 31 March 2025 and Barry Panayi to 16 March 2027.

Biographies

Jonathan Brearley – Chief Executive Officer

Jonathan Brearley was appointed as an executive member of the Ofgem Board in 2018. Jonathan became Ofgem’s Chief Executive Officer on 3 February 2020. This follows his previous appointment as Executive Director for Systems and Networks in April 2018.

He has wide-ranging energy sector experience, having led Electricity Market Reform as the Director for Energy Markets and Networks at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

Prior to this, he was Director of the Office of Climate Change, a cross-government strategy unit focussed on climate change and energy issues, where he led the development of the Climate Change Act. Earlier in his career, Jonathan was a senior adviser in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit.

Appointed: 3 February 2020
Reappointed: 1 February 2025
Term ends: 31 March 2025

Myriam Madden – Non-Executive Director

Myriam was appointed to the Ofgem Board in January 2020. She has held senior executive finance and operational positions in global technology companies, financial services in the UK, US and Europe, as well as the public sector. An experienced Executive Director, Myriam specialised in business transformation, operational restructuring and finance in both the private and public sectors.

Myriam is a chartered management accountant and a Board member of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA). She is a Board member of Home Group, chairman of their Scottish subsidiary, a board member of the Traverse Theatre and chairman of their Audit committee.

Myriam previously served as a non-executive member of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee of BEIS. She was also a Board member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and President of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, both global accounting bodies.

Appointed: 1 January 2020
Extended: 1 February 2025
Term ends: 31 January 2030

Barry Panayi Madden – Non-Executive Director

Barry was appointed to the Ofgem Board in March 2020. He specialises in data and digital transformation and has worked in data for the whole of his career. He is currently Chief Data and Insight Officer for John Lewis.

Prior to John Lewis, Barry spent the majority of his early career at Ernst & Young helping to lead the data and analytics practice and has subsequently headed up data and digital teams in organisations such as Bupa, Virgin and Lloyds Banking Group.

Appointed: 16 March 2020
Extended: 1 February 2025
Term ends: 16 March 2027

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Published 14 January 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Sonils Eyes Regional Growth, Steps Up as Champion Sponsor for Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), January 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

Angolan logistics provider Sonils has joined the upcoming Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025 – taking place in Brazzaville from March 24-26 – as a Champion Sponsor. The inaugural CEIF conference will convene industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and advancements within the Republic of Congo’s burgeoning energy sector.

Sonils, which serves as the integrated logistics and services arm of Angola’s state-owned Sonangol, supports the country’s primary onshore oil and gas supply bases. The company provides support to Angola’s oil and gas industry through the provision of facilities and areas allocated for the management of the country’s offshore operations.

The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

Sonils has a history of supporting regional oil production through services related to cargo handling, engineering and the development of specialized oil and gas facilities. By leveraging its established infrastructure and industry knowledge, the company is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in supporting the Congo’s energy sector growth.

Having exported its first LNG cargo in February 2024 and with aims to double its crude oil production within the next three years, the Congo is well-positioned to leverage Sonils’ expertise in logistics and infrastructure development. The company’s experience in managing large-scale logistics operations can assist the Congo in efficiently handling increased production volumes and expanding its export capabilities.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Innovation: Infomaniak inaugurates a data center that recycles 100% of its energy and will heat 6,000 households a year for at least 20 years
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Yesterday, the Swiss cloud provider Infomaniak officially inaugurated its new data center, which has been recovering 100% of the electricity it uses since 11 November. Located in a residential area of Geneva, on an underground site of the participatory and eco-responsible cooperative of la Bistoquette, the data center has no impact on the landscape and recycles 100% of the local renewable energy it consumes. At full capacity, it will feed 1.7 MW (or 14.9 GWh/year) into the region’s heating network, enabling 6,000 Minergie-A households to be heated a year or 20,000 people to take a 5-minute shower every day. This new generation of data centers, which has already received a number of awards, has been documented by students from EPFL, IMD and the University of Lausanne with a view to making it open source and enabling it to be reproduced on a large scale.

Inauguration of the D4, a data center that is revolutionising the cloud industry

Infomaniak’s new data center, a symbol of technological innovation and sustainability, was officially inaugurated yesterday, with the public authorities and key project stakeholders in attendance. Their collective commitment was essential in making this world first a reality. The project exceeds the standards of similar infrastructures in terms of environmental integration and energy recovery.

Since 2 p.m. on 11 November 2024, all the electricity consumed by this structure, in the form of heat, has already been fed back into the district heating network of the Canton of Geneva. This achievement marks a key stage in the region’s energy transition, transforming an energy-intensive facility into an active player in energy recovery.

Currently operating at 25% of its potential capacity, Infomaniak’s data center will gradually increase its output to reach full capacity by 2028, guaranteeing a sustainable contribution to society for at least 20 years.

The future of the cloud: circular energy with no impact on the landscape

Having already won several awards for the energy efficiency of its infrastructures, which have been operating without air conditioning since 2013, Infomaniak is addressing four major challenges facing the cloud industry with this new data center model:
1. 100% of the electricity used by the data center is reused to heat households via a district heating network.
2. The facility does not require additional water or air conditioning to be cooled.
3. It is built on an underground site in a residential area.
4. It has no impact on the landscape.
“In the real world, data centers convert electricity into heat. With the exponential growth of the cloud, this energy is currently being released into the atmosphere and wasted. There is an urgent need to upgrade this way of doing things, to connect these infrastructures to heating networks and adapt building standards,” explains Boris Siegenthaler, Infomaniak’s Founder and Chief Strategy Officer.

Nothing is wasted, everything is transformed

Unlike existing projects that recycle a fraction of the energy they consume, the system implemented by Infomaniak goes further.

All the electricity consumed (by servers, inverters, ventilation, etc.) is converted into heat at a temperature of 40 to 45°C. This heat is then transferred to an air/water exchanger, which integrates it into a hot water circuit. Heat pumps then raise its temperature to transfer the waste heat from the data center to the heating network.

The originality of the system lies in the use of both sides of the pump:
- The gas in the heat pumps expands by capturing the energy in the water, which drops from 45°C to 28°C. This cooled water is fed into the air/water exchanger to cool the servers, eliminating the need for traditional air conditioning.
- The gas in the pumps is then compressed to transmit energy to the district heating network, raising the water temperature to 67 °C in summer and 85 °C in winter to meet the needs of the district heating operator.
The recovery mechanism is therefore the same as the one that keeps the servers at an optimal operating temperature. The additional energy required to run the heat pumps is also recycled, and it is the cold released by this process that keeps the servers cool.

“Today, PUE, which measures the energy efficiency of data centers, is no longer sufficient in the face of the climate emergency. We also need to take ERE into account, which evaluates the energy actually consumed compared to the energy reused, as well as the ERF, which measures the proportion of the data center’s total energy that is reused for other purposes, such as district heating. Taken together, these three indicators provide a more complete picture of the energy impact of digital infrastructures,” explains Boris Siegenthaler, Infomaniak’s Founder and Chief Strategy Officer.

6,000 homes heated and 3,600 t CO₂e saved each year

At full capacity, the new data center will house some 10,000 servers in an underground area measuring 1,800 m². It will provide the heating network with 1.7 MW, equivalent to the energy needed to heat 6,000 Minergie-A households per year or allow 20,000 people to take a 5-minute shower every day.

Geneva will avoid having to burn 3,600 t CO₂e of natural gas per year or the equivalent of 5,500 t CO₂e of pellets per year, not to mention eliminate 211 lorries per year transporting 13 tonnes of material and the microparticles associated with pellet transport and combustion.

An economically neutral operation

In financial terms, recycling waste heat is a neutral operation for Infomaniak. Without the servers, this data center cost CHF 12 million, including a CHF 6 million advance from the cloud provider to adapt heat levels those required by heating network. Part of this CHF 6 million was provided by the Cantonal Energy Office of the Canton of Geneva (OCEN) and the heating network operator (SIG). The remainder will be gradually amortised by the heat produced by Infomaniak, at cost price.

From finding the site (June 2019) to commissioning the first servers (December 2023), the project took a total of four and a half years to complete, whereas Infomaniak would usually build a data center in two years. The main challenges involved were finding a location that was both secure and close to a district heating network capable of permanently absorbing the associated volume of heat, and negotiating a contract with the district heating network operator.

Good for Europe’s technological sovereignty

This data center strengthens Europe’s technological sovereignty and creates value for many local companies by relying on equipment manufactured exclusively in Europe, with the exception of the security cameras used:
- Trane heat pumps (France)
- Ebmpapst fans (Germany)
- Siemens power rails (Germany)
- Siemens switchboard (Germany)
- Minkels server racks (Netherlands)
- ABB inverters (Switzerland)
- Margen generator (Italy)
- Meyer-Burger solar panels (Switzerland/Germany)
The local economy will also benefit directly from the impact of this project.

A new generation of data centers that is open source

This innovation can be reproduced and the expertise gained during the course of the project has been made available free of charge. This model works, demonstrating to the cloud industry and policymakers that it is possible to double the value of energy from data centers. It also shows that the digital sector should no longer be seen as an end consumer of electricity, but as an actor in the energy transition.

Infomaniak’s new data center, which was awarded the Swiss Ethics Prize and the Sustainable Development Prize of the Canton of Geneva in 2023, has been documented by UNIL, IMD and EPFL as part of the e4s.center programme to illustrate its energy efficiency in real time and make it easier to reproduce. This work is available for free at https://d4project.org/ and includes:
- A technical guide explaining how to replicate this data center model.
- Real-time monitoring of data center operational performance
- A summary for policymakers with information to improve regulations on the design and sustainability of data centers
Two new similar data centers already planned

To support its growth, Infomaniak is actively looking for heating networks for its future data centers. “We already have 1.1 MW ready to be fed into a heating network, and by 2028, a new data center of at least 3.3 MW will be needed to meet demand. The principle is simple: we buy electricity locally and provide our carbon-free waste heat free of charge,” explains Boris Siegenthaler.

Key figures
- Average PUE: 1.09 (European average: 1.6)
- ERE and ERF: see online
- 2 1.7 MW heat pumps
- Total area: 1,800 m²
- Total budget (without servers): CHF 12 million
- Total energy recycled at full capacity: 1.7 MW
- Number of servers at full capacity: approximately 10,000 (200 47U racks)
- Capacity of the solar power plant linked to this data center: 130 kWp (364 modules)
- GPUs currently installed in this data center: Nvidia L4, A100 and H100
Resources

The MIL Network –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: Jeremy Michael Joins Guggenheim Securities to Expand Energy Investment Banking Practice

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Guggenheim Securities, the investment banking and capital markets division of Guggenheim Partners, announced today that Jeremy Michael has joined the firm’s Energy, Power & Energy Transition investment banking business as a Senior Managing Director.

Mr. Michael brings more than two decades of investment banking experience to Guggenheim with a focus on upstream, midstream, and downstream energy. He joins the firm from Barclays where he served as Global Head of Natural Resources Investment Banking advising industry-leading companies and leading sector-defining transactions.

“We are pleased to welcome Jeremy to Guggenheim,” said Mark Van Lith, CEO of Guggenheim Securities. “Jeremy is a leading advisor in the energy sector and will play an important role as we continue to build our energy and power franchises. We look forward to his success at the firm.”

Mr. Michael earned his B.A. from Vanderbilt University.

About Guggenheim Securities

Guggenheim Securities is the investment banking and capital markets business of Guggenheim Partners, a global investment and advisory firm. Guggenheim Securities offers services that fall into four broad categories: Advisory, Financing, Sales and Trading, and Research. Guggenheim Securities is headquartered in New York, with additional offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, London, Menlo Park, and San Francisco. For more information, please visit GuggenheimSecurities.com, follow us on LinkedIn or contact us at GSinfo@GuggenheimPartners.com or 212.518.9200.

About Guggenheim Partners

Guggenheim Partners is a diversified financial services firm that delivers value to its clients through two primary businesses: Guggenheim Investments, a premier global asset manager and investment advisor, and Guggenheim Securities, a leading investment banking and capital markets business. Guggenheim’s professionals are based in offices around the world, and our commitment is to deliver long-term results with excellence and integrity while advancing the strategic interests of our clients. Learn more at GuggenheimPartners.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @GuggenheimPtnrs.

Media Contact

Steven Lee
Guggenheim Securities
212.293.2811
Steven.Lee@guggenheimpartners.com

The MIL Network –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: IPAA Announces Michael Hillebrand as New Board Chairman

Source: Independent Petroleum Association of America

Headline: IPAA Announces Michael Hillebrand as New Board Chairman

Jan 28, 2025 IPAA Announces Michael Hillebrand as New Board Chairman

Posted at 09:53h in Press Releases by Jennifer Pett

IPAA Board Appoints Hillebrand, Huntley & Huntley CEO, as Chairman for 2024-2026 Term

WASHINGTON – The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) board of directors are pleased to announce Michael “Mike” A. Hillebrand, the chief executive officer of Pennsylvania-based Huntley & Huntley, as board chairman for a two-year term through 2026. IPAA advocates for thousands of oil and natural gas producers that develop 90 percent of wells nationwide. The IPAA board approved Hillebrand at the association’s annual meeting in late fall, and Hillebrand officially assumed the role this month.

“Mike brings fantastic business and technical expertise to the role of chairman, coupled with a passion for industry and association advocacy,” said Jeff Eshelman, IPAA president and chief executive officer. “Past-chairman Steve Pruett, the president and chief executive officer of Elevation Resources, has been invaluable in expanding IPAA’s reach in Texas and the Permian Basin. I look forward to working with Mike on deepening our roots and relationships in my home state of Pennsylvania and throughout the Appalachian Basin formations.”

Hillebrand is a principal shareholder and chief executive officer of one of the world’s oldest and continuously existing oil and gas companies, Huntley & Huntley (founded in 1912), the founder, shareholder, and board member of its institutional joint venture, Olympus Energy, the fifth largest shale producer in southwestern Pennsylvania. Mr. Hillebrand has thirty-nine years of combined experience in both vertical and horizontal well drilling, completions, and operations, as well as all operating and financial aspects of oil and natural gas business development, assembly and acquisition, and marketing.

He has played a key leadership role in securing over $1.1 billion of capital funding and/or commitments into several of Huntley’s affiliated companies. One of those companies, Olympus Energy, now operates nearly 100,000 acres and in one of SW Pennsylvania’s last undeveloped core Marcellus, deep Utica and Upper Devonian unconventional shale positions, now producing over 600 mmcf/d.

Mr. Hillebrand is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering. He is member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the current Chairman of the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association (PIOGA).

For the full IPAA Board of Directors, visit https://www.ipaa.org/board-of-directors/

###

MIL OSI Economics –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: International Winter Academy on Nuclear Energy for Students from China Concluded

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

The International Winter Academy on Energy has ended at the Institute of Energy. This project is aimed at developing international educational cooperation in energy with universities in different countries. This winter, the Nuclear Energy module was organized for Chinese students from Harbin Engineering University, Sichuan University, Shandong University, and Tsinghua University.

The staff of the Higher School of Nuclear and Thermal Energy of the Institute of Power Engineering have been conducting classes in a hybrid format since the pandemic. The transition to online classes was inevitable then, and now it has become a convenient option for students who, for various reasons, cannot come.

We will continue to accept students both online and in person, as there is demand for this. Our program is short-term, it covers both basic and special aspects of energy, so we provide some participants with the opportunity to study after their main classes and after finishing work, – said Ekaterina Sokolova, associate professor at HSE and founder of the academy.

The Winter Academy received the “status” of an academy when the organizers and founders of the project realized that education is not the only area of cooperation in which students, teachers from foreign universities and polytechnics are interested.

Now the program includes not only lectures and intensive courses, but also case studies and presentations of scientific research. The Academy participants presented projects on various topics: “Artificial Intelligence on the Path to Sustainable Energy”, “Small Modular Reactors”, “Nuclear Energy and Climate Change”, etc.

Students wrote review articles and provided examples of the latest developments in their country, Russia and the world, based on the knowledge they had gained during the program. They presented their research results on the final day at the energy forum.

The guys visited the laboratory of the Scientific and Educational Center “Thermal Physics in Power Engineering”, where Professor Vladimir Mityakov of the Higher School of Engineering and Technology gave a tour in English, showed the work of the wind tunnel and the results of experiments conducted with its help. Associate Professors of the Higher School of Engineering and Technology Khashayar Sadeghi and Hadi Seyed accompanied the students of the Academy, assistant Alexey Tarasenko gave a lecture on the basics of probabilistic safety analysis.

We would like our academy to be able to provide not only knowledge, but also the skills required for conducting scientific activities and writing articles. The guys get acquainted with the Polytechnic, with teachers and students. We hold events that teach them to work in a team, overcome the language barrier and develop the skill of communicating with future colleagues and scientists. The language of science is, first of all, the language of cooperation, both in education and in culture, – shared Ekaterina Andreyevna.

A cultural program was prepared for the Academy participants. The children visited the Hermitage and the Yusupov Palace. Senior lecturer of the Higher School of Architecture and Technical Ethics Natalia Donmez and specialist of the SPbPU History Museum Maria Zavyalova conducted a bilingual excursion dedicated to the history of the Polytechnic University.

The academy’s organizers plan to attract Russian students and students from international educational programs to obtain different opinions and come to new solutions.

In the near future, IE employees will begin preparing for the spring program on hydrogen energy, which is very popular. Scientists Competence Center for Advanced Nuclear Technologies in the Area of Sustainable Development and Decarbonization of Energy create a course taking into account the latest industry developments.

In the summer, the team is preparing for the arrival of several delegations from China and students from other countries for modules on electric power, oil and gas industry, nuclear power, and renewable energy sources.

Students can follow the updates and recruitment to the academy as tutors on the IE website.

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 –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI: Harel and Amitim to Acquire 44% of a Partnership Holding a Cluster of Enlight Projects Comprising 69 MW Solar Generation and 448 MWh of Energy Storage Capacity

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

The transaction is based on a valuation of $114 million for the entire Cluster, comprised of a $102 million base and an additional $12 million in deferred consideration upon fulfillment of the conditions of its payment

Enlight will recognize a profit of $94 million upon fulfillment of the conditions of the deferred consideration, and will continue to operate and develop projects in the Cluster

The partnership provides Harel and Amitim exposure to renewable energy infrastructure, with the potential for high returns and financial strength over time, while diversifying their investment portfolios and reinforcing their commitment to positive impacts on the Israeli economy and environment

TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enlight Renewable Energy (“Enlight”, or the “Company”, NASDAQ: ENLT, TASE: ENLT.TA), a leading renewable energy platform, announces the signing of an agreement to sell 44% of a partnership (the “Partnership”), which holds the Sunlight cluster of Israeli renewable energy projects to Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. and Amitim Senior Pension Funds (the “Investors”, “the Sale Agreement”), who will acquire a 25% and 19% stake respectively.

The Investors will purchase 44% of the Partnership for a total investment of $50 million¹ in cash, of which $45 million will be paid upfront, and $5 million will be deferred consideration to be paid by the Investors upon fulfillment of certain conditions set forth in the Sale Agreement. Upon completion of the transaction, which is expected to occur during the first quarter of 2025, the Company will cease to consolidate the financial results of the Partnership in its financial statements, and will accordingly recognize a profit of $94 million.

The Sunlight Cluster consists of operational and pre-construction projects totaling 69 MW of solar generation and 448 MWh of energy storage capacity, and accounts for 5% of the capacity of Enlight’s total portfolio in Israel and 1% of the capacity of Enlight’s total global portfolio². The Investors will acquire 44% of the Limited Partner rights in the Partnership and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company will act as the General Partner in the Partnership. Completion of the transaction is contingent upon obtaining approval of the Israeli Competition Authority.

In conjunction with the Sale Agreement, the parties have entered into a number of additional commercial arrangements:

1. The parties commit to future investments in projects under construction.

2. The Company will have the exclusive right to purchase all the electricity produced by the Cluster under a 20-year availability agreement whose commercial terms were set between the parties.

3. The Company’s commitment to the duration and minimal level of holdings in the Limited Partnership.

4. The right of the Investors to mandate the sale of 50% of the Company’s holdings in the General Partner to a third party and terminate the management agreements with the Company.

More financial information regarding the Sale Agreement can be found here.

The Herzog Fox & Neeman law firm and the Giza Singer Even consulting firm advised the Company on the transaction. The Piron law firm advised both Harel and Amitim, and the Escola consulting firm advised Amitim on the transaction.

¹ Amounts in U.S. dollars are calculated based on a U.S. dollar to Israeli Shekel conversion rate of 1 to 3.71, as reported in the Company’s financial statements for the period ending September 30, 2024.

² Enlight’s global projects consist of 19.2 GW of generation and 31.8 GWh of energy storage capacity, located in Israel, Europe, and the United States, and allocated into Mature, Advanced Development, and Development portfolios.

Itzik Tawill, Deputy Director of the Investment Department and Director of the credit and real estate division at Harel, commented, “Harel selects its investments with thoroughness and professionalism, and is proud to continue investing in green energy and infrastructure in Israel. Our cooperation with leading companies such as Enlight diversify our investment portfolio in a stable sector, providing our fund members with attractive and long-term financial performance along with a positive environmental impact.”

Nir Gavish, Head of Investments at Amitim Senior Pension Funds, commented, “The Sunlight transaction is a direct implementation of our strategy to invest in infrastructure assets in Israel, and in particular in renewable energy, with a commitment to delivering optimal returns for our fund members over time. Amitim has a long-standing relationship with Enlight, and we are pleased to deepen our collaboration with this investment.”

Gilad Yaavetz, CEO of Enlight, commented, “We are very proud to extend our long-standing partnership with Harel and Amitim, some of Israel’s leading institutional investors, in the innovative field of integrated solar generation and energy storage facilities. The projects generate clean electricity at a competitive price, and the production will be sold by Enlight Enterprise, the Company’s supplier unit, to some of the most prestigious consumers in Israel.

“We are proud of the asset value implied by the transaction, which reflects the quality of the projects and energy management system we have developed at Enlight. The transaction highlights the competitive advantage that the Company has in optimizing and establishing attractive funding sources to deliver on our significant growth plan.”

About Enlight Renewable Energy

Founded in 2008, Enlight is a global leader in initiating, developing, financing, setting up and operating renewable energy projects on a global scale. Enlight operates across the three largest renewable energy sectors today: solar, wind and energy storage. As a global company, Enlight operates in the United States, Israel and 9 countries throughout Europe. Enlight is currently a dual public company, with no controlling interest, that has been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since 2010 (TASE: ENLT).TA) and the U.S. Nasdaq Stock Exchange where it was successfully issued in 2023 (NASDAQ: ENLT).

About Harel

Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd is the largest insurance and finance group in Israel, operating in a variety of insurance, asset management and credit fields, with 90 years of experience. Assets under management amounted to approximately ILS 490 billion and premiums amounted to approximately NIS 31.2 billion in the first nine months of 2024. The transaction was led on behalf of Harel by Itzik Taweel, director of the credit and real estate division, and Inesa Laron, manager of the project and infrastructure financing department.

About Amitim Senior Pension Funds

Amitim Senior Pension Funds, managed by Ephi Senderov, is one of the largest institutional investors in Israel, managing approximately ILS 350 billion of assets in Israel and abroad through a variety of investment strategies. The transaction was led on behalf of Amitim by Ziv Frenkel, head of the credit division, and Roni Horvitz, credit manager. In recent years, Amitim’s credit division has led and participated in transactions worth billions of Shekels in the infrastructure sector in general and in the energy sector in particular.

Investor Contact

Yonah Weisz
Director IR
investors@enlightenergy.co.il

Erica Mannion or Mike Funari
Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC
+1 617 542 6180
investors@enlightenergy.co.il

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expectations relating to the Project, the PPA and the related interconnection agreement and lease option, and the completion timeline for the Project, are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “forecasts,” “aims” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to site suitable land for, and otherwise source, renewable energy projects and to successfully develop and convert them into Operational Projects; availability of, and access to, interconnection facilities and transmission systems; our ability to obtain and maintain governmental and other regulatory approvals and permits, including environmental approvals and permits; construction delays, operational delays and supply chain disruptions leading to increased cost of materials required for the construction of our projects, as well as cost overruns and delays related to disputes with contractors; our suppliers’ ability and willingness to perform both existing and future obligations; competition from traditional and renewable energy companies in developing renewable energy projects; potential slowed demand for renewable energy projects and our ability to enter into new offtake contracts on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake contracts expire; offtakers’ ability to terminate contracts or seek other remedies resulting from failure of our projects to meet development, operational or performance benchmarks; various technical and operational challenges leading to unplanned outages, reduced output, interconnection or termination issues; the dependence of our production and revenue on suitable meteorological and environmental conditions, and our ability to accurately predict such conditions; our ability to enforce warranties provided by our counterparties in the event that our projects do not perform as expected; government curtailment, energy price caps and other government actions that restrict or reduce the profitability of renewable energy production; electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including the effects of climate change, could adversely affect wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards; our dependence on certain operational projects for a substantial portion of our cash flows; our ability to continue to grow our portfolio of projects through successful acquisitions; changes and advances in technology that impair or eliminate the competitive advantage of our projects or upsets the expectations underlying investments in our technologies; our ability to effectively anticipate and manage cost inflation, interest rate risk, currency exchange fluctuations and other macroeconomic conditions that impact our business; our ability to retain and attract key personnel; our ability to manage legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risk across our global corporate structure; our ability to protect our business from, and manage the impact of, cyber-attacks, disruptions and security incidents, as well as acts of terrorism or war; changes to existing renewable energy industry policies and regulations that present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to renewable energy projects; the reduction, elimination or expiration of government incentives for, or regulations mandating the use of, renewable energy; our ability to effectively manage our supply chain and comply with applicable regulations with respect to international trade relations, tariffs, sanctions, export controls and anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; our ability to effectively comply with Environmental Health and Safety and other laws and regulations and receive and maintain all necessary licenses, permits and authorizations; our performance of various obligations under the terms of our indebtedness (and the indebtedness of our subsidiaries that we guarantee) and our ability to continue to secure project financing on attractive terms for our projects; limitations on our management rights and operational flexibility due to our use of tax equity arrangements; potential claims and disagreements with partners, investors and other counterparties that could reduce our right to cash flows generated by our projects; our ability to comply with tax laws of various jurisdictions in which we currently operate as well as the tax laws in jurisdictions in which we intend to operate in the future; the unknown effect of the dual listing of our ordinary shares on the price of our ordinary shares; various risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel; the costs and requirements of being a public company, including the diversion of management’s attention with respect to such requirements; certain provisions in our Articles of Association and certain applicable regulations that may delay or prevent a change of control; and other risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and our other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC.

These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The MIL Network –

January 29, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit: “Introduction to the Panel on “Policies and reforms for transforming African energy” [as prepared for delivery]

Source: United Nations secretary general

Your Excellency Mr. Doto Biteko, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy of the United Republic of Tanzani], Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I want to start by thanking the Government of Tanzania and the African Union for its leadership; and the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the Mission 300 partners for convening this Summit.

Mission 300’s has undertaken an enormous task: to help close the energy access gap and unlock sustainable development across the continent by delivering electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

As we have heard, we face a stark reality: 685 million people across the continent still lack access to electricity, with the gap widening as population growth outpaces new electricity connections.

And yet, Africa is richly endowed with natural resources vital for renewable energy technologies: it is home to 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources and possesses vast wind, hydro, and geothermal potential.

And critical minerals mined in Africa are powering the renewables revolution around the world.

Despite this abundance, and record global investments in renewable energies worldwide, Africa continues to be left behind and many Africans continue to lack access to clean, affordable energy.

This injustice must be urgently resolved.

Access to electricity is an essential development requirement, one that can also be the multiplier for acceleration in building a sustainable future for all

Providing clean energy to local communities, represents a unique opportunity to improve health, widen access to education and social protection, make food systems resilient, create green jobs and e-commerce and financial services while at the same time protecting the environment and the biodiversity.

We have heard our distinguished speakers discuss why companies and governments should get involved.

The business case is clear: the falling costs of renewables and storage offer a great opportunity to deliver access to energy, energy security and sovereignty, and climate resilience.

With the new African Continental Free Trade Area , aiming at a trade zone without barriers to the transfer of goods and services, the business opportunities will further multiply if the right policy environments, coherent and predictable, are put in place.

As we move into discussing what policies and reforms for transforming African Energy can enable millions to access to energy, I would like to focus on three areas of urgent attention for policy makers:

First, fostering policy coherence.

We are 5 years away from the target of our SDGs. And we are not on track.

Policy makers and the international institutions need to strive to ensure sector wide plans are coherent and aligned with the achievement of the SDGs due in 2030, while investors need robust regulatory laws in place to ensure business can operate aligned with them.

At this Summit, Mission 300 target countries are presenting their first national energy strategies for achieving universal energy access. These strategies need to be part of a broader plan, one that while achieving universal energy access need to be aligned with the new economy-wide national climate action plans – or NDCs – consistent with 1.5 degrees, well before COP 30 in November.

NDCs represent a unique opportunity for all countries to align their new climate plans and energy strategies, together with addressing adaptation needs.

NDCs must coordinate the transition from fossil fuels with scaling of renewables and grid modernization and expansion, ensuring energy security and affordability.

And they must be anchored in justice – providing support for affected workers and communities.

If done right, climate plans align with national development priorities and double as investment plans – becoming blueprints for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Excellencies,

The Secretary-General’s panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals offers important Principles and Actionable Recommendations to ensure this new era does not repeat historical patterns of exploitation.

SE4ALL, UN Resident Coordinators and Country Teams will continue to support country level policy reforms, integrate stakeholder innovations, build institutional capacities, and boost infrastructure investments across the entire clean energy supply chain.

Second, mobilizing finance and support.

While private sector investments and innovation are important, public financing, remains vital – especially in modernizing grid infrastructure to expand access and integrate renewables.

Blending concessional public funds with commercial funds can help multiply renewable energy investments in developing countries.

We must work to strengthen the health of Africa’s public finances, and tackle unsustainable debt burdens that are crowding out essential public investments.

The fourth conference on Finance for Development that will take place in July to underpin the needs for long-term concessional finance and the 1.3 trillion roadmap, agreed in Baku, that needs to be delivered by COP 30 in Brazil must provide investments to scale up, among others, the energy transition.

Third, enhancing transparent international cooperation.

International investments and cross-border partnerships hold the key to delivering electricity projects at a massive scale.

Institutions must be strengthened to operate in complex regulatory environments, with multiple actors across jurisdictions.

Public private partnerships need to be subject to stable and transparent public procurement rules throughout the whole project cycle, rules that prioritize long term sustainability and allow for mutually beneficial contractual relationships.

Transparency and accountability should be a hallmark of Mission 300, and set a new standard for cooperation across the continent.

Excellencies,

As we start the 5-year countdown to delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals, and mark the tenth-year anniversary of the Paris Agreement, let us work together to illuminate the lives of millions, power the industries of tomorrow, and ensure that no one is left behind in the race to deliver universal clean energy, climate resilience, and economic prosperity.

Thank you.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear Energy Expands Intellectual Property Portfolio with Acquisition of Key Worldwide Patents for Composite Moderator for Nuclear Reactor Systems
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York, N.Y., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today highlighted additional important patents recently acquired from Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC), which augment protections for NANO Nuclear’s modular microreactor technologies under development.

Patent No. US 11,264,141 B2, titled “Composite Moderator for Nuclear Reactor Systems,” relates to the design and construction of composite moderators with a view towards improving safety and waste management by addressing graphite oxidation found in conventional, individual moderator systems. Additionally, the patented advanced design reduces waste and structural deterioration, enabling the moderator to serve throughout the fuel’s lifecycle without requiring replacement in the reactor core. This intellectual property is expected to enhance the protections for NANO Nuclear’s own proprietary advanced portable ZEUS and ODIN microreactors, as well the KRONOS MMR^™ and LOKI MMR^™ reactors, all of which are currently in development.

The U.S. patent is accompanied by related patents issued in Canada, the Russian Federation, Japan, The People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea and by the European Patent Office. An application with the World Intellectual Property Organization is currently in progress. Today’s announcement follows last week’s announcement of NANO Nuclear’s acquisition of patents from USNC supporting modular transportable reactors with variable operations and multiple core configurations and applications, including the generation of electric power and process heat.

Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear expands intellectual property portfolio to protect proprietary advanced portable ZEUS and ODIN microreactors, as well the KRONOS MMR^™ and LOKI MMR^™ reactors, all of which are currently in development.

“As our technical teams continue their deeper exploration of the various nuclear technology patents we acquired from USNC, the benefits that these pivotal patents will provide to our development plans becomes more apparent,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Reactor Development of NANO Nuclear Energy. “Regarding the composite moderator patent highlighted today, this innovative design is expected to reduce the maintenance requirements of our modular, portable nuclear reactors while improving overall performance. We believe it will also play a key role in eliminating excess waste byproducts, enabling NANO Nuclear to build cleaner, more robust and cost-effective energy systems.”

“The addition of this world-class intellectual property to our portfolio is key in the development and eventual deployment of our innovative, portable and secure nuclear energy systems,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. “Improving the functionality of these critical parts enables us to cut down the waste produced during operation and create a safer and more efficient product. These important patents not only create the potential to improve performance but also underscores our commitment to sustainability and thoughtful design.”

About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

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

Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors. NANO Nuclear is also developing patented stationary KRONOS MMR^™ Energy System and space focused, portable LOKI MMR^™.

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

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

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

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

For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:
Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the recently acquired intellectual property described herein. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

Attachment
- NANO Nuclear Energy Inc.
The MIL Network –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Top Renewable Energy Projects Powering African Mining

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, January 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

As Africa’s mining industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonize, companies are turning to renewable energy solutions to meet environmental targets while ensuring reliable and affordable energy supplies. This shift is driven by the need to reduce operational costs, achieve sustainability goals and comply with evolving global regulations. From solar and wind to hydropower, renewables are becoming integral to mining operations across the continent. Initiatives across Angola, Zambia, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are setting a precedent for how renewables can transform the mining sector and contribute to Africa’s broader energy transition.

Trafigura’s 2,000 MW Green Energy Initiative

Global commodities trader Trafigura, engineering firm ProMarks and the Angolan government agreed to develop a 2,000 MW high-voltage electricity interconnector in July 2024. The project will transport renewable energy, primarily from hydropower projects in northern Angola, to meet growing demand from mining companies in Zambia and the DRC. The project will also supply the Southern Africa Power Pool regional grid.

First Quantum’s 430 MW Renewables Project in Zambia

Canadian mining firm First Quantum Minerals is investing $500 million in a 430 MW renewable energy project to power its Kansanshi and Sentinel mines in Zambia. Developed in partnership with Total Eren and Chariot, the project includes a 230 MW solar PV plant and a 200 MW wind farm. The facilities, set for completion in 2026 and 2027, respectively, aim to reduce First Quantum’s carbon footprint by 30% by 2025.

Tronox Holdings’ 400 MW Portfolio in South Africa

Mining and chemicals firm Tronox Holdings has signed agreements with clean energy firms NOA Group and Sola Group to secure over 400 MW of renewable energy for its mining and smelting operations in South Africa. Once commissioned from 2027, the projects will provide 70% of Tronox Holdings’ energy needs, reducing the firm’s carbon footprint by 25% compared to 2019 levels. The combined capacity includes a 200 MW solar power plant from Sola Group and additional capacity from NOA Group, delivering 497 GWh of electricity annually.

CMOC’s 200 MW Project in the DRC

Chinese mining firm CMOC closed a deal with green energy firm Lualaba Power in July 2024 to accelerate development of the 200 MW Nzilo II hydropower and floating solar project in the DRC. The project will provide CMOC with base load and peak power, supporting the firm’s target to produce 800,000 to 1 million tons of copper annually by 2028.

Northam’s 180 MW Solar Farm in South Africa

In August 2024, mining firm Northam Platinum Group Metals signed a power purchase agreement for a 180 MW solar farm to power its Zondereinde mine in South Africa. The solar plant will generate 220 GWh annually, meeting 15% of the mine’s energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: You don’t have to be a net zero hero – how focus on personal climate action can distract from systemic problems

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sam Illingworth, Professor of Creative Pedagogies, Edinburgh Napier University

Tint Media/Shutterstock

Campaigns and social media often encourage people to make eco-friendly choices like using less plastic or driving less. While these actions are important, focusing so much on what people do can distract from the much larger role that businesses and governments play in causing and solving environmental problems.

For example, some campaigns promote a “net zero hero” narrative that implies that people should take the lead in fighting climate change by changing their behaviour, recycling more, taking fewer flights or eating less meat.

While personal actions can help, there’s a danger this way of thinking can put too much responsibility on consumers. These individual actions are not enough to solve the problem.

By focusing so much on personal responsibility, we risk ignoring the systemic changes needed to address the climate crisis. These include switching to renewable energy on a large scale, enforcing strict industrial regulations and redesigning cities to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Without these bigger steps, taken by governments and large organisations, we can’t make real progress in tackling climate change.

Read more:
Quick climate dictionary: what actually is a carbon footprint?

Energy companies and trade groups have been particularly good at shifting blame to consumers. They promote products and habits that claim to lower personal carbon footprints while lobbying against strong environmental laws that would require real emission cuts from industries.

Fossil fuel companies have known about climate change science since the 1950s but funded misinformation campaigns to delay action and shift blame to individuals.

Indeed, the carbon footprint calculator itself was developed in 2004 by a public relations firm working for BP. The tool encouraged individuals to calculate their personal impact on the environment, focusing on activities like driving, energy use, and diet.

According to reports on the campaign’s origins, this approach was part of a deliberate strategy to shift public attention away from the significant environmental harm caused by corporations, particularly the fossil fuel industry.

Despite this narrative, many corporations have failed to address their own emissions. A recent study found that only 60% of companies met their 2020 emissions targets, and 31% failed to report any outcomes.

This lack of accountability highlights how many major companies neglect their responsibilities, raising serious concerns about their commitment to 2030 climate goals.

These tactics maintain the status quo and creates a cycle of guilt and failure for consumers. Many people feel overwhelmed, leading to demotivation and even climate anxiety.

Similar strategies have been used in other industries. For instance, the tobacco industry blamed smokers for health issues, focusing on personal choice while downplaying nicotine addiction and resisting health regulations.

The real meaning of a carbon footprint.

Shifting the focus

In my research into climate communication, I see how stories of guilt resonate with communities already facing misplaced blame. For example, in workshops with groups affected by austerity, people often felt guilty for not helping others more.

Over time, they realised this was due to failures in governance, not personal shortcomings. They saw a similar pattern in the climate crisis, learning to separate personal guilt from the larger roles of corporations and governments.

Collective action will drive systemic change.
John Gomez/Shutterstock

As a climate researcher and communicator, my job is to help move the conversation from personal guilt to shared responsibility and accountability. This shift empowers people as citizens, not just consumers, to demand action from leaders and industries.

Understanding that while personal responsibility is meaningful, the real power to create change lies with corporations and governments is vital. We need systemic change, not consumer guilt.

To tackle the climate crisis, we must make personal choices that reflect care for the environment. But we must also work together to demand that companies and governments adopt sustainable practices, for example through voting for leaders who prioritise environmental reform. The path to a sustainable future is collective action – not carrying the weight of guilt alone.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

Sam Illingworth does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. You don’t have to be a net zero hero – how focus on personal climate action can distract from systemic problems – https://theconversation.com/you-dont-have-to-be-a-net-zero-hero-how-focus-on-personal-climate-action-can-distract-from-systemic-problems-248073

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council motion supports extension to lifespan of power stations Lancaster City Council has welcomed the recent decision to extend the operating lifespan of Heysham’s two nuclear power stations.
Source: City of Lancaster

Lancaster City Council has welcomed the recent decision to extend the operating lifespan of Heysham’s two nuclear power stations.

Heysham One

At a recent meeting of Full Council, the following motion was passed:

This Council welcomes last month’s announcement that following a detailed technical review of the power stations, EDF’s licensee board has decided to extend generation dates for Heysham 1 by one year to 2027 and Heysham 2 by two years to 2030.

This decision is great news for Heysham and the wider local community. The power stations are a provider of high skill, high wage jobs, and the extension of the generating life of the power stations secures employment for more than 1,500 staff and contractors. The power stations are anchor institutions, with supply chains and spending power boosting the local economy. They are also a major source of business rate revenue for the Council, whose significant contributions help secure a higher standard of local services and protect more Council jobs than would otherwise be possible.

This decision is also excellent news nationally. Extending the generating lives of the Heysham stations will bolster the UK’s security of supply and support plans for the rapid expansion of renewables by helping to maintain grid stability. Nuclear power is a low carbon source of energy, and a key element of the Government’s strategy to provide clean power by 2030.   Ensuring the baseload with nuclear power also helps limit the UK’s dependence on imported gas, a regrettable situation which has caused an energy crisis and led to inflated household bills.

Council has confidence in the safety considerations underpinning this decision. We note that ongoing generation from the stations will ultimately depend not on decisions by EDF, but on the outcome of future inspections, the results of which are reviewed by the independent regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation.  

Looking to the future, Council notes that Heysham is a location earmarked by the Government for the potential siting of one or more Small Modular Reactors (SMR), that EDF is an approved development partner for these new technologies, and that the first reactors of this type are intended to be delivered by 2029. Council supports bringing ‘New Nuclear’ to Heysham and welcomes the continuation of the benefits this would bring to both our residents and the rest of the UK.

Council resolves that:
1. The Chief Executive will write to the Secretary” of State for Energy and Climate Change, Cat Smith MP and Lizzi Collinge MP, welcoming the generating life extensions to Heysham 1 & 2, and conveying our support for bringing New Nuclear to Heysham and a timeline for this project to achieve, so we can plan for the future engineers and the stability of the Council.
2. That we publicise these views via our various communications channels.
3. That a full response to any consultation on New Nuclear is prepared on behalf of the Council by Business Committee at the appropriate time.
Last updated: 28 January 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: CareCloud to Present at The Microcap Conference 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Somerset, NJ, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CareCloud, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CCLD, CCLDO, CCLDP), a leading provider of healthcare technology and generative AI solutions for medical practices and health systems nationwide, is pleased to announce its participation in The Microcap Conference 2025, the premier event for growth-focused companies and investors. The conference will take place January 28-30, 2025 at the Borgata Hotel Spa & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.

CareCloud’s management team will deliver a corporate presentation highlighting the Company’s recent developments, innovative solutions, and strategic growth initiatives. Additionally, the team will participate in one-on-one meetings with institutional and individual investors to explore opportunities and discuss CareCloud’s roadmap for continued growth and value creation.

“We are excited to discuss CareCloud’s many recent milestones, including the imminent resumption of our Preferred Stock dividends in February 2025, the overwhelming support we received from shareholders in our most recent proxy to increase our authorized common shares, and our strong profitability growth during 2024,” said Stephen Snyder, Co-CEO of CareCloud. “These achievements, together with our stock performance over the last year, reflect investor confidence in our strategy and execution.”

About The Microcap Conference 2025

The Microcap Conference is the largest independent microcap event in the U.S., bringing together top-tier investors and executives from growth-oriented companies. The event provides an unparalleled platform for companies to showcase their value propositions through corporate presentations, expert panels, and networking opportunities.

The 2025 conference highlights include:
- Keynote Speakers: Renowned industry leaders, including Jon Ledecky, Co-Owner of the New York Islanders, and Tom Gardner, CEO of Motley Fool, will share their insights on investing and market trends.
- Expert Panels and Presentations: Financial commentators Ron Insana (CNBC) and Charlie Gasparino (FOX Business) will cover pressing topics, including capital formation, regulatory updates, and equity market trends.
- Entertainment Headliner: Comedian and Netflix star Tom Papa will headline an evening performance, adding a touch of entertainment to the event.
Hosted by DealFlow Events, The Microcap Conference is celebrated for combining high-quality financial insights with engaging networking and entertainment experiences. For more information, visit The Microcap Conference.

About CareCloud

CareCloud brings disciplined innovation to the business of healthcare. Our suite of technology-enabled solutions helps clients increase financial and operational performance, streamline clinical workflows and improve the patient experience. More than 40,000 providers count on CareCloud to help them improve patient care, while reducing administrative burdens and operating costs. Learn more about our products and services, including revenue cycle management (RCM), practice management (PM), electronic health records (EHR), business intelligence, patient experience management (PXM) and digital health at www.carecloud.com.

To listen to video presentations by CareCloud’s management team, read recent press releases and view our latest investor presentation, please visit ir.carecloud.com.

Follow CareCloud on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to anticipated future events, future results of operations or future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “shall,” “should,” “could,” “intends,” “expects,” “plans,” “goals,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “predicts,” “possible,” “potential,” “target,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.

Our operations involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, and any one of which, or a combination of which, could materially affect our results of operations and whether the forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements reflecting management’s expectations for future financial performance and operating expenditures, expected growth, profitability and business outlook, the impact of pandemics on our financial performance and business activities, and the expected results from the integration of our acquisitions.

These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are only predictions, are uncertain and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our (or our industry’s) actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of the risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s ability to manage growth, migrate newly acquired customers and retain new and existing customers, maintain cost-effective global operations, increase operational efficiency and reduce operating costs, predict and properly adjust to changes in reimbursement and other industry regulations and trends, retain the services of key personnel, develop new technologies, upgrade and adapt legacy and acquired technologies to work with evolving industry standards, compete with other companies’ products and services competitive with ours, and other important risks and uncertainties referenced and discussed under the heading titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligations to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

SOURCE CareCloud

Company Contact:
Norman Roth
Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller
CareCloud, Inc.
nroth@carecloud.com

Investor Contact:
Stephen Snyder
Co-Chief Executive Officer
CareCloud, Inc.
ir@carecloud.com

The MIL Network –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Congo’s Strategy to Advance Local Content Hydrocarbon Sector

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), January 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

The Republic of Congo is prioritizing local content development within its hydrocarbon sector through a combination of government policy and private sector initiatives. The country’s approach aims to maximize domestic benefits from its vast energy resources, with a focus on job creation, technology transfer and building local expertise.

Regulatory Framework for Local Content

In line with its economic goals, the government has established policies to ensure that Congo’s energy sector benefits local businesses and workers. The Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua recently launched a registration campaign for subcontracting and service companies in the oil and gas industry. This initiative is designed to enhance transparency and improve the integration of local companies into the industry.

The government’s strategy is embodied in the Hydrocarbons Code, which mandates the prioritization of Congolese nationals in the workforce. The law encourages partnerships between foreign oil companies and local enterprises, with a focus on capacity building and knowledge sharing. This regulatory framework is supplemented by the development of a comprehensive law on local content, targeting multiple sectors, including hydrocarbons, mining and digital economy. The aim is to diversify the economy and foster the growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Private Sector Initiatives

While the government sets the framework, private sector companies are taking proactive steps to promote local content. Energy supermajor TotalEnergies employs around 600 local staff in Congo compared to just 40 expatriates, showcasing it commitment to workplace integration. The company also invests in training and development programs to equip Congolese employees with the skills needed for higher-level roles. In June 2024, TotalEnergies committed $600 million to expand production at the Moho Nord offshore field, with a focus on involving local subcontractors and training programs.

Similarly, Italian multinational energy company Eni is investing in local workforce development. As part of its efforts to prepare for the launch of LNG production last year, the company trained 40 Congolese employees in liquefaction technologies. This initiative helped to ensure that Congo has the skilled workforce its needs to manage LNG facilities and reduce reliance on foreign specialists.

To further drive local content development, the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum 2025, will be held in Brazzaville from March 24-26, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société National des Pétroles du Congo. The event will bring together government leaders, private sector companies and international investors to discuss progress in integrating local businesses into the energy sector. It will also provide a platform for Congolese companies to explore new opportunities and forge partnerships with global players.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two arrests following protest at central London theatre

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information after two protesters disrupted a theatre performance in central London last night (Monday, 27 January).

At around 20:00hrs two Just Stop Oil protesters entered the stage area at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, WC2. Police attended but both had left the venue.

Two people – a 42-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man – were subsequently arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass after attending a central London police station on Tuesday, 28 January. They remain in custody.

Anyone who was at the performance and witnessed this incident, or who has information that could assist this investigation, is asked to call officers on 101 quoting CAD 2453/28JAN. You can also ‘X’ @MetCC.

MIL Security OSI –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI: RecycLiCo Battery Materials Engages Carmot Strategic Group and Penney Capital for Grants and Cooperative Funding Consultation

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SURREY, British Columbia, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RecycLiCo Battery Materials Inc. (“RecycLiCo” or the “Company”), (TSX.V: AMY | OTCQB: AMYZF| FSE: ID4), a pioneer in the field of lithium-ion battery recycling technology, is pleased to announce that it has engaged Penney Capital and Carmot Strategic Group, Inc. to assist in the company’s efforts to identify, and qualify for, government funding opportunities that could be used to further RecycLiCo’s critical mineral recovery activities in the U.S. and Canada, including research to enhance and find new applications for its current intellectual property and know-how and the continued exploitation of its upcycling technology.

Carmot Strategic and Penney Capital advisory companies have won multiple federal grants to develop domestic sources of Critical Minerals, from mining and processing to advanced materials manufacturing, as well as developing innovative financial instruments to integrate these materials into U.S. supply chains.

“We are very pleased to have Carmot Strategic and Penney Capital working with us,” said Richard Sadowsky, RecycLiCo’s Interim Chief Executive Officer. “Critical mineral recovery and reuse are becoming increasingly important, especially in terms of national security. The RecycLiCo Board has mandated that we explore new ways to exploit our recovery expertise and, at the same time, continue to offer high-quality upcycling of battery materials. We hope, with Carmot and Penney’s assistance, to establish relationships with government agencies that will support increases in the pace of both R&D and deployment.”

About RecycLiCo

RecycLiCo Battery Materials Inc. is a battery materials company specializing in sustainable lithium-ion battery upcycling and materials production. RecycLiCo has developed advanced technologies that efficiently recover battery-grade materials from lithium-ion batteries, addressing the global demand for environmentally friendly solutions in energy storage. With minimal processing steps and up to 99% extraction of lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. RecycLiCo’s hydrometallurgical process turns lithium-ion battery waste into battery-grade cathode precursor, lithium hydroxide, and lithium carbonate for direct integration into the re- manufacturing of new lithium-ion batteries.

About Penney Capital

Founded in 2017 by President & CEO Clark Penney, Penney Capital excels at navigating, connecting, and expanding new development opportunities and large-investment infrastructure projects.

Prior to founding Penney Capital, Clark Penney began his career working on energy and defense committees with the U.S. Senate in Washington D.C. and with the president pro tempore. Later, he branched into the finance industry for over 10 years: co-founding Cypress Wealth Management, a private wealth management firm now with over $1 billion in assets under management and offices in Alaska and California, where he remains a partner.

Today, Penney Capital’s resume includes leading economic development with The State of Alaska, new development projects worth over $2 billion, and other areas of expertise including resource development, financial technology firms, cryptocurrency, campaigns, wireless technology, and manufacturing.

About Carmot Strategic Group

Established in 2008 by Daniel McGroarty, Carmot Strategic Group, Inc. is an issues management firm focused on Critical Mineral development, based in the Washington, D.C. area.

A recognized subject matter expert on Critical Minerals, Daniel McGroarty serves on the advisory boards of several companies developing U.S.-based Critical Mineral projects. He has testified on Critical Mineral issues before both U.S. Senate and House committees on energy and natural resources and served a term as Independent Advisory Board Member of the Critical Materials Institute, the Department of Energy’s Energy Innovation Hub. Prior to establishing his consulting practice, he served in senior positions in the U.S. Government, as special assistant at the White House and Presidential appointee at the Department of Defense.

For more information, please contact:
Teresa Piorun
Senior Corporate Secretary
Telephone: 778-574-4444
Email: InvestorServices@RecycLiCo.com

Neither the 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 news release may contain “forward-looking statements”, which are statements about the future based on current expectations or beliefs. For this purpose, statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward–looking statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate or true. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

The MIL Network –

January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coventry City Council Unveils its Green Skills Roadmap
Source: City of Coventry

Coventry Council has launched its Green Skills Roadmap.
The roadmap is a comprehensive guide designed to support educators, employers and investors in identifying, accessing, and embedding sustainable net-zero skills into their operations.

It provides a clear Action Plan which Coventry will address in partnership with a range of public, private and third sector partners.

Coventry is committed to building a robust green skills ecosystem, helping businesses transition to sustainable practices, and offering future generations the tools they need to succeed in green careers. This roadmap is a vital step towards achieving a sustainable, net-zero future for Coventry.

With the government’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, green careers, defined as roles that directly contribute to reducing emissions or addressing climate change through mitigation or adaptation, are set to play a critical role in the UK’s future economy.

Green skills encompass the technical knowledge and behaviours necessary to tackle environmental challenges, which are becoming essential across all industries to help businesses manage their environmental impact, promote sustainability and contribute to a greener economy. Green jobs include positions focused on environmental restoration, transitioning industries to sustainable practices, and adapting business models to reduce.

Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “Coventry is at the forefront of the transition to green employment and investment, seamlessly integrating sustainability skills into education while fostering a green workforce through reskilling and technological innovation.

“The Green Skills Roadmap provides valuable guidance to educators and businesses, inspiring a new generation to pursue green careers and equipping them with the skills necessary to build a more sustainable future.

“Driving growth in green employment requires a united effort from public agencies, businesses, and investors. This roadmap will not only attract green industry investment to the region but also establish a strong green skills ecosystem, creating meaningful job opportunities and paving the way for future developments in the city.”

The Green Skills Roadmap includes detailed Actions on the below:

Details On Improving Green Skills in Education: supporting teacher and careers advisors to aid student in finding green jobs, diversifying green skill pipeline subjects and partnering with adult education services to promote sustainability awareness programmes.

Implementation of Green Skills for Businesses: equipping business support advisors with green skills knowledge and collaborating with employers to align with green Apprenticeship Standards.

A Just Transition: for fossil fuel-dependent trades to reskill workforces with green skills, offering work experience and training programs.

Future Skills and skills for Investment: skills funding to support Greenpower park and electric vehicle development, encourage green skill training and apprenticeships and ensure the skills adapt to Coventry’s ‘Energy Plan’.

The Green Skills Roadmap has been developed in partnership with key contributions and support from: Business in Community (BiTC), Coventry College, Coventry University, CW Chamber of Commerce, Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), E.ON, The University of Warwick, Warwick manufacturing group (WMG) and others.

Access the full Green Skills Roadmap.

To keep up to date with the latest news, sign up for our Your Coventry email newsletter or follow the Council on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 29, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar

The programme showcases the state’s immense potential as a thriving hub for investment and business opportunities: PM

Eastern India is a growth engine in the development of the country, Odisha plays a key role in this: PM

Today, India is moving on a path of development driven by the aspirations of crores of people: PM

Odisha is truly Outstanding, Odisha symbolises the Optimism and Originality of New India, Odisha is a land of Opportunities, and the people here have always shown a passion to Outperform: PM

India is focusing on green future and green tech: PM

For 21st century India, this era is all about connected infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity: PM

Odisha holds immense potential for tourism: PM

With a vast pool of young talent and a massive audience for concerts, India has great possibilities for a thriving concert economy: PM

Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 1:33PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 and Make in Odisha Exhibition in Bhubaneswar, Odisha today. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said this was his second visit to Odisha in the month of January 2025, recalling his visit to inaugurate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 event. Noting that this was the biggest business Summit in Odisha till date, Shri Modi said that there were around 5-6 times more investors participating in Make in Odisha Conclave 2025. He also congratulated the people and the Government of Odisha for organising the grand event.

“Eastern India is a growth engine in the development of the country and Odisha plays a key role in this”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He added that historic data also reveals that the contributions of Eastern India were remarkable when India played a major role in global growth. Shri Modi noted that there were huge industrial hubs, ports, trade hubs in Eastern India and Odisha’s participation in this was remarkable. “Odisha used to be an important center in South Eastern Asian trade and the ports were a gateway to India”, said the Prime Minister. He added that Bali Yatra is celebrated even today in Odisha. Recalling the recent visit of the President of Indonesia to India, the Prime Minister said that the President’s words that there were probably traces of Odisha in his DNA.

The Prime Minister remarked that Odisha celebrates a legacy which connects it with South East Asia. He added that Odisha had now begun to revive the glorious heritage in the 21st century. He noted that the President of Singapore recently visited Odisha and Singapore was very enthusiastic about its relationship with Odisha. He highlighted that ASEAN countries have also shown interest in strengthening trade and traditional connections with Odisha. The Prime Minister emphasized that numerous opportunities were opening up in this region, more than ever before since independence. He called upon all the investors present, stating that now is the right time to invest in Odisha’s development journey and assured that their investment would lead to new heights of success.

“India is on a path of development driven by the aspirations of crores of people”, remarked Shri Modi and emphasized that AI stands for both Artificial Intelligence and Aspiration of India, which is the country’s strength. He said that aspirations grow when people’s needs are met, and the past decade has empowered crores of citizens, benefiting the nation. The Prime Minister highlighted that Odisha represents this aspiration. He described Odisha as outstanding, symbolizing the optimism and originality of New India. He added that Odisha had numerous opportunities, and its people have always shown a passion for outperforming. Sharing his personal experience of witnessing the skills, hard work, and honesty of people from Odisha in Gujarat, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that with new opportunities emerging in Odisha, the state will soon reach unprecedented heights of development. He praised Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi and his team for their efforts in accelerating Odisha’s development. The Prime Minister noted that Odisha is becoming one of India’s leading states in various industries, including food processing, petrochemicals, port-led development, fisheries, IT, edutech, textiles, tourism, mining, and green energy.

Underscoring that India was rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the Prime Minister said that the milestone of a five trillion-dollar economy was not far away. He added that over the past decade, India’s strength in manufacturing had also become evident. The Prime Minister highlighted that the expansion of India’s economy rests on two major pillars: the innovative service sector and quality products. He emphasized that the country’s rapid progress cannot rely solely on the export of raw materials and therefore, the entire ecosystem was being transformed with a new vision. The Prime Minister mentioned that India was changing the trend of extracting minerals and sending them abroad for product manufacturing and value addition, only to have those products return to India. Similarly, he added that the trend of exporting seafood for processing in other countries was also being changed. Shri Modi stated that the Government was working to ensure that industries related to the resources in Odisha are established within the state. He highlighted that Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025 was a means to realize this vision.

Remarking that the world was increasingly focusing on sustainable lifestyles and moving towards a green future, Shri Modi noted that the potential for green jobs is also growing significantly. He emphasized the need to adapt to the demands and requirements of the times. He highlighted that India was focusing on green technology and a green future, including solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen, which will power the energy security of a developed India. The Prime Minister mentioned that Odisha had immense potential in this regard and stated that the country had launched national-level Green Hydrogen and Solar Power Missions. Shri Modi noted that significant policy decisions were being made to promote renewable energy industries in Odisha, and several steps were being taken for hydrogen energy production.

Prime Minister remarked that alongside green energy, initiatives were being taken to expand the petro and petrochemical sector in Odisha. He highlighted that dedicated industrial parks and investment regions were being developed in Paradip and Gopalpur, indicating significant investment potential in this sector. Shri Modi congratulated the Odisha government for making swift decisions and developing a new ecosystem, considering the potential of different regions in the state.

“21st century is an era of connected infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity for India”, said Shri Modi and highlighted that the scale and speed at which specialized infrastructure was being developed in India was making the country an excellent investment destination. He noted that dedicated freight corridors were connecting the east and west coastlines, providing faster access to the sea for previously land-locked regions. He mentioned that dozens of industrial cities with plug-and-play facilities were being constructed across the country. Shri Modi emphasized that similar opportunities were being enhanced in Odisha and thousands of crores worth of projects related to railway and highway networks are underway in the state. He added that to reduce logistics costs for industries in Odisha, the Government was connecting ports with industrial clusters and mentioned that both the expansion of existing ports and the construction of new ports are taking place. He stressed that Odisha was set to become one of the top states in the country in terms of the blue economy.

Urging everyone to recognize the challenges of the global supply chain in a rapidly changing world, the Prime Minister emphasized that India cannot rely on fragmented and import-based supply chains. Instead, a robust supply and value chain must be built within India to minimize the impact of global fluctuations, he added. He highlighted that this responsibility lies with both the government and the industry. Shri Modi called on industries to support MSMEs and young startups, stressing the importance of research and innovation for growth. He added that theGovernment was creating a vibrant research ecosystem in the country, with a special fund and a package for internships and skill development. He encouraged industries to actively participate and collaborate with the Government. Emphasising that a strong research ecosystem and a skilled young workforce will directly benefit the industry, Shri Modi urged industry partners and the Odisha government to work together to build a modern ecosystem aligned with Odisha’s aspirations, providing new opportunities for the youth. This, he said, will create more job opportunities within Odisha, leading to prosperity, strength, and progress for the state.

The Prime Minister remarked that people around the world were eager to understand and learn about India. He highlighted that Odisha was an excellent destination to understand India, with its thousands of years of heritage and history. He added that the state offers a unique blend of faith, spirituality, forests, mountains, and the sea, all in one place. Shri Modi described Odisha as a model of development and heritage and mentioned that G-20 cultural events were held in Odisha, and the Konark Sun Temple’s wheel was made a part of the main event. He emphasized the need to explore Odisha’s tourism potential, with its 500-kilometer coastline, over 33% forest cover, and endless possibilities for eco-tourism and adventure tourism. Prime Minister noted that India’s focus was on “Wed in India” and “Heal in India,” and Odisha’s natural beauty and environment were very supportive of these initiatives.

Highlighting that India had significant potential for conference tourism, the Prime Minister said that venues like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in Delhi were becoming major centers for this sector. He also mentioned the emerging sector of the concert economy. He noted that India, with its rich heritage of music, dance, and storytelling, and a large pool of young concert-goers, has immense possibilities for the concert economy. He added that over the past decade, the trend and demand for live events have increased. Pointing out the recent Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad as evidence of the scope for live concerts in India, Shri Modi emphasized that major global artists were attracted to India, and the concert economy boosts tourism and creates numerous jobs. He urged states and the private sector to focus on the necessary infrastructure and skills for the concert economy. This includes event management, artist grooming, security, and other arrangements, where new opportunities are emerging.

Shri Modi remarked that next month, India will host the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) for the first time. He highlighted that this significant event will showcase India’s creative power to the world. He emphasized that such events generate revenue and shape perceptions, contributing to the economy’s growth. He noted that Odisha has immense potential for hosting such events.

“Odisha plays a significant role in building a developed India”, emphasized the Prime Minister. He highlighted that the people of Odisha have resolved to build a prosperous state, and the Union government was providing all possible support to achieve this goal. He expressed his affection for Odisha, noting that he had visited the state nearly 30 times as Prime Minister and has been to most of its districts. He emphasized his trust in Odisha’s potential and its people. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the investments made by all partners will elevate both their businesses and Odisha’s progress to new heights. He extended his best wishes to everyone involved.

The Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi, Union Ministers Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 is a flagship Global Investment Summit, being hosted by the Government of Odisha, which aims to position the state as the anchor of the Purvodaya vision as well as a leading investment destination and industrial hub in India.

Prime Minister also inaugurated the Make in Odisha Exhibition that highlights achievements of the state in developing a vibrant industrial ecosystem. The two day conclave will be held from 28th to 29th January. It will serve as a platform for industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to converge and discuss the opportunities Odisha offers as a preferred investment destination. The conclave will host CEOs and Leaders’ Roundtables, Sectoral Sessions, B2B meetings, and Policy Discussions, ensuring targeted engagement with investors across the globe.

Addressing the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave in Bhubaneswar. The programme showcases the state’s immense potential as a thriving hub for investment and business opportunities. https://t.co/Dli4XI90oD

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2025

Eastern India is a growth engine in the development of the country. Odisha plays a key role in this. pic.twitter.com/Wi8b4wQWhO

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 28, 2025

Today, India is moving on a path of development driven by the aspirations of crores of people. pic.twitter.com/X7W0tjEeL1

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 28, 2025

Odisha is truly Outstanding…

Odisha symbolises the Optimism and Originality of New India.

Odisha is a land of Opportunities…

And the people here have always shown a passion to Outperform. pic.twitter.com/x05dZ9f5my

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 28, 2025

India is focusing on green future and green tech. pic.twitter.com/y6CErQQAln

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 28, 2025

For 21st century India, this era is all about connected infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity. pic.twitter.com/sYhwc6g6Vu

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 28, 2025

Odisha holds immense potential for tourism. pic.twitter.com/6neuQPxzfx

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 28, 2025

With a vast pool of young talent and a massive audience for concerts, India has great possibilities for a thriving concert economy. pic.twitter.com/MsHUS8heox

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 28, 2025

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s oil, gas output exceeds 400M tonnes for 1st time

Source: China State Council Information Office

China’s crude oil and natural gas output exceeded 400 million tonnes of oil equivalent for the first time in 2024, according to the National Energy Administration.

The country’s crude oil and natural gas output has sustained a robust annual growth streak of over 10 million tonnes for the eighth consecutive year, the administration said.

Crude oil production reached 213 million tonnes in 2024, an increase of 24 million tonnes from 2018, while natural gas production reached 246.4 billion cubic meters, with an average annual growth of over 13 billion cubic meters in the past six years.

Offshore and unconventional reserves have become the primary contributors to production growth. For example, China’s shale oil output surged to 6 million tonnes in 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of over 30 percent.

Meanwhile, China’s shale gas production remained strong, exceeding 25 billion cubic meters, according to the administration.

MIL OSI China News –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish House Condition Survey: 2023 Key Findings
Source: Scottish Government

An Accredited Statistics Publication for Scotland

The Chief Statistician has released figures on fuel poverty, energy efficiency, the condition of housing and other key descriptors of the occupied housing stock in Scotland. This is the first release of information from the Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS) for 2023.

Fuel poverty

In 2023 an estimated 34% (around 861,000 households) of all households were in fuel poverty. This is higher than the 2022 fuel poverty rate of 31% (around 780,000 households).

19.4% (or 491,000 households of the 861,000 households in fuel poverty) were living in extreme fuel poverty in 2023 which is similar to the 18.5% (465,000 households) in 2022.

Energy Efficiency

In 2023, 56% of Scottish homes were rated as EPC band C or better under SAP 2012 . This is an increase of around 3 percentage points compared to 52% in 2022.

Under SAP 2009, which allows comparisons over a longer period, over half of dwellings (61%) were rated C or better, up 37 percentage points since 2010. In the same period, the proportion of properties in the lowest EPC bands (E, F or G) has reduced from 27% in 2010 to 8% in 2023.

Disrepair

In 2023, 27% of all dwellings failed the tolerable standard similar to 2022 (29%). The most common reason for failure of the tolerable standard was under the satisfactory equipment for detecting and warning in the event of fire criteria which 562,000 dwellings failed.

The Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) failure rate in the social sector was 38%. This has fallen from 60% in 2010. Failures of the Energy Efficient criterion were the biggest drivers of failures overall for the social sector. In 2023, 26% of social sector properties did not meet the Energy Efficient criterion

Disrepair to critical elements, which are central to weather-tightness, structural stability and preventing deterioration of the property, stood at 45% in 2023. Less than half of these (16% of all dwellings) required urgent disrepair to critical elements and just 2% had extensive disrepair (covering at least a fifth of the element area) to critical elements.

Overall, this is an improvement of 3 percentage points compared to 2022, when 49% of dwellings had disrepair to critical elements. The 2023 rate is the lowest since 2012.

Background
- The Scottish House Condition Survey is a sample survey, hence all figures are subject to a degree of uncertainty due to sampling variability. It is a two-part survey combining both an interview with occupants and a physical inspection of dwellings. The sample size in 2023 was 3,151 dwellings where both an interview and a physical survey were conducted.
Local authority estimates
- As previously advised, the enforced changes for the 2021 survey cause issues with the production of local authority estimates from the SHCS.
- Due to this we won’t be able to return to the usual approach for producing local authority estimates from the SHCS until the 2024 wave of the SHCS has completed. We will then be able to produce local authority estimates from the SHCS based on a three-year average for 2022 to 2024. We expect these estimates to be published in early 2026.
SHCS data on the UK data archive
- We will be depositing the microdata from the 2023 SHCS on the UK data archive and we will notify users when this is available.
Accessibility
- We have made changes to the key findings report to make it more accessible, particularly to the supporting tables.
- We would welcome feedback from users on these changes and any other aspects of outputs from the SHCS. We can be contacted by emailing shcs@gov.scot.
Accredited Official statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Strategic Investments: How Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Deals are Transforming Angola’s Oil & Gas Industry

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

LUANDA, Angola, January 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

Since its inception in 2019, Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) has evolved from an industry dialogue platform into the country’s premier forum for deal-signing and partnerships. Now recognized as Angola’s largest oil and gas gathering, the event has facilitated investments across the energy value chain while fostering public-private partnerships and cross-border collaboration.

The upcoming 2025 edition of AOG, set to be launched at a reception event in Luanda on January 28, aims to continue this trajectory of growth. With an intensified focus on deal-making, the event seeks to connect capital to projects, drive collaboration and catalyze a new era of industry expansion in Angola. Below is an overview of previous deals signed at the last five editions of the AOG conference:

AOG 2024: Coordinating Cross-Border Development

The latest edition of the AOG conference – held in Luanda in 2024 – featured five deals, signed by a suite of private companies and regional governments. Angola’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas signed new terms for the development of Block 14 with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Ministry of Hydrocarbons; the respective finance ministries of Angola and the DRC signed a cooperation agreement; while Angola’s upstream regulator the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) and its Mozambican counterpart the National Petroleum Institute signed a deal for the development of joint projects. Sonangol, Conjuncta, CWP and Gauff signed a green hydrogen deal, while Famar and Angobetumes signed an MoU for fuel storage management.

AOG 2023: Advancing Industry Cooperation

A record seven deals were signed during AOG 2023, improving collaboration across the upstream, downstream and knowledge sharing segments. Azule Energy and Sonangol signed a deal to collaborate on decarbonizing the oil and gas sector; Ambipar and Kini Energias signed a partnership agreement for the installation of an industrial unit for the assembly and testing of waste suction equipment; Etu Energias signed a Technical Services Agreement with SLB for works related to Block 2/5; and an MoU was signed between Protteja Seguros and Petromar, outlining a business partnership. Additionally, the ANPG signed agreements with three Angolan universities – Universidade Agostinho Neto, the Catholic University of Angola and Instituto Superior Pliténico de Tecnologias e Ciências – to establish a cooperation program to provide technical support for energy development in Angola.

AOG 2022: Boosting Regional Ties

Three deals were signed during the 2022 edition of AOG, all of which centered on strengthening regional collaboration in the oil and gas industry. Angola’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas signed an MoU with Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy to enhance bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector; an agreement was signed between Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons and the DRC’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons to strengthen existing synergies across the energy value chain; while the ANPG signed a deal with Sierra Leone’s Petroleum Directorate to establish a shared commitment to promoting and intensifying collaboration across the oil and gas industry. These agreements highlight AOG’s role as a platform for regional actors to bolster cooperation and cross-border ties.

AOG 2021: Attracting Investment in Exploration

Angola’s upstream regulator the ANPG launched the country’s 2021 Bid Round during the AOG event, incentivizing exploration in deepwater Angola. This followed the closing of the 2020 tender for onshore blocks in the Lower Congo and Kwanza basins. The launch also coincided with the announcement of a new open-door mechanism to deal with prospective investors. This system allows for direct negotiation between oil and gas operators and the ANPG, enabling investment outside of the confines of a traditional licensing structure.

AOG 2019: Supporting Infrastructure Development

Five deals were signed during the inaugural AOG conference in 2019, underscoring the event’s role as a platform for collaboration. United Shine and Sonangol signed a partnership agreement for the construction of the Cabinda Refinery; an MoU was signed between NFE International, Angola’s Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas and Ministry of Finance for the development of an LNG import and regasification terminal; a Commitment Agreement was signed between the ANPG and ExxonMobil for Block 15; while a Heads of Agreement was signed between Sonangol and Eni. Additionally, Sonangol E.P announced Kinetics Technology as the winner of a contract covering the construction of the Gasoline Production Unit for the Luanda Refinery.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 28, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: OMV Discusses Exploration Efforts in Libya’s Sirte Basin, Eyes Strategic Growth

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

In an exclusive interview with Energy Capital & Power (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com), Berislav Gašo, Member of the Executive Board and Executive Vice President of Energy at OMV, discusses the company’s exploration efforts in the Sirte Basin and shares an optimistic perspective on Libya’s oil and gas sector.

OMV has resumed exploration activities in Libya’s Sirte Basin after a 13-year hiatus, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s oil and gas sector. What key factors led to the decision to resume exploration activities, and what role do you see Libya playing in OMV’s overall upstream strategy moving forward?

Indeed, OMV was among the first international companies to resume exploration activities in the region. Libya plays an important role in OMV’s Energy portfolio with successful exploration efforts being crucial for adding value and bringing in new volumes. A testament to these strong bonds with the country is the spudding of the Essar well in the C103 license within the Sirte Basin, which was the first OMV-operated exploration well drilled in Libya since the 1990s. OMV’s ongoing exploration efforts will be pivotal in generating growth and solidifying our energy business in Libya.

The ESSAR Prospect is a key focus of OMV’s exploration efforts in Libya. What are the main objectives of this campaign, and how do you assess the potential for additional discoveries in the Sirte Basin?

Today, our exploration activities in Libya are mainly focused on the Sirte Basin, where we are an operator, and the Murzuq Basin, where we are a partner. We are currently drilling the Essar well, which will be followed by the Alhilal well within the same license. This infrastructure-led approach leverages the proximity of these wells to existing producing fields, enabling efficient tie-ins to nearby production facilities for rapid additional output. Beside our drilling activities in C103, OMV is also working diligently on maturing leads in our other exploration licenses within the Sirte Basin.

OMV is collaborating with Zueitina Oil Company (ZOC) on the drilling of the B1-106/4 well. Can you discuss the importance of this partnership and how OMV plans to integrate local expertise and resources in the execution of its exploration projects in Libya?

Synergies between ZOC and OMV are a crucial backbone of our drilling activities. OMV’s exploration is carried out by ZOC, as our integrated service provider. By working with a local operator, we can efficiently share drilling rigs between OMV-operated exploration and ZOC-operated development projects in our licenses, resulting in more effective use of the rig utilization. Through this collaboration, OMV benefits from local expertise and fosters a culture of open communication and knowledge transfer. Furthermore, we transmit drilling data to our headquarters in Vienna via real-time data streaming services, where it is processed to ensure safe and efficient operations.

What are your expectations for the broader outlook of Libya’s oil and gas sector over the next few years?

The outlook for the Libyan oil and gas sector in the coming years is promising, driven by the National Oil Corporation’s strategy to increase production. An upcoming bidding round is expected to attract interest and open up new opportunities for exploration and production. Libya’s vast untapped reserves and strategic location make it a major player in the global energy market, but sustained progress will depend on ensuring security, regulatory reforms and investment in infrastructure. Tackling these challenges could spur growth in the sector and increase its contributions to the national economy.

MIL OSI Africa –

January 28, 2025

Category: Energy

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