Category: Energy

MIL-OSI Russia: Mauritania: IMF Staff Concludes 2024 Article IV Consultation Mission and Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on Third Review of Extended Fund and Extended Credit Facilities and the Second Review of Resilience and Sustainability Facility
Source: IMF – News in Russian

October 17, 2024
- Despite its resilience, the Mauritanian economy is expected to slow down in 2024 and in the medium term, in a context marked by the persistence of downside risks linked to an escalation of geopolitical tensions in the region, delays in the start of operation of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project, and weather shocks.
- A prudent rule-based fiscal policy would help preserve debt sustainability. Developing the banking sector and sustaining the implementation of the national governance action plan and the new investment code would foster the role of the private sector and enhance prospects for inclusive growth.
- IMF and Mauritania reached staff-level agreement on the Third Review of Mauritania’s economic program under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and the Second Review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF)”
Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Felix Fischer, visited Nouakchott during October 3–16, 2024 to conduct the 2024 Article IV consultation and to hold discussions on the Third Review of Mauritania’s ECF/EFF and the Second Review of the RSF arrangement, and at the end of the mission, Mr. Fischer issued the following statement:

“The Mauritanian economy is expected to slowdown in 2024 with a growth rate estimated at 4.6 percent (compared to 6.5 percent in 2023) reflecting sluggish extractive sector. The economic growth in 2025 is projected at 4.2 percent, reflecting a slowdown in the mining sector, moderated by the expected start of the GTA gas project. The growth outlook is subject to significant risks, including an escalation of geopolitical tensions in the region, additional delays in the start of operation of the GTA gas project, and the occurrence of weather shocks.

“Anchoring fiscal policy to the non-extractive primary balance would reduce the impact of fluctuations in commodity prices on the economy and maintain debt sustainability. After a tightening since 2022, conditions are favorable to shift towards monetary policy easing. The mission encourages the ongoing reforms aimed at financial sector development and stability, which would enhance financial sector contribution to economic development. The timely adoption and implementation of the new investment code will contribute to level the playing field among all market participants and foster private sector-led inclusive growth.

“IMF staff and Mauritanian authorities have reached a staff level agreement on policies to complete the Third Review of Mauritania’s blended ECF/EFF and the Second review of the RSF. Subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, Mauritania will receive a disbursement of SDR 6.4 million (about $ 8.6 million) under the ECF and EFF arrangements and SDR 29.72 million (about $ 39.7 million) under the RSF arrangement, bringing the total disbursement under the EFF/ECF and the RST to SDR 89.7 million (about $ 119.7 million).

“Performance under the program is robust — all quantitative targets for end-June 2024 have been met. Fiscal consolidation is proceeding in line with the fiscal rule aimed at converging in the medium term towards the fiscal anchor (defined by the non-extractive primary deficit) of 3.5 percent of GDP. Capitalizing on Mauritania’s substantial tax potential, better domestic revenue mobilization will help create fiscal space to meet Mauritania’s significant development needs while preserving the medium-term budgetary framework credibility.

“The structural reform program, integrating climate considerations, is advancing well. The mission noted the progress made in finalizing the draft laws on SOEs, asset declaration, and conflicts of interest, and encourages the authorities to finalize these important reforms in line with their Governance Action Plan.”

“The team met with His Excellency the President of the National Assembly Mohamed Ould Megett, His Excellency, the Prime Minister Moctar Ould Diay, the Governor of the Central Bank Mohamed Lemine Dhehby, the Minister of Economy and Finance Sid’Ahmed Bouh, and the Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget Codioro N’Guenor. The team held also meetings with the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Energy and Oil, the Minister of Mining and Industry, the Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, , other senior government officials, the civil society, the banking association and other representatives of the private sector, and donor community.

“The IMF team would like to thank the Mauritanian authorities and various stakeholders for the excellent hospitality and cooperation and candid discussions during the mission.”

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Mayada Ghazala

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/17/pr-24379-mauritania-imf-concl-art-iv-consult-mission-and-3rd-rev-ef-and-ecf-and-2nd-rev-rsf

MIL OSI
MIL OSI Russia News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Electric Power Annual 2023
Source: US Energy Information Administration
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MIL OSI USA News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: IronSight Accelerates Innovation in Field Operations with Strategic Support

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

EDMONTON, Alberta, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IronSight (Pack Energy Services Ltd.), a leader in real-time field service management solutions, is excited to announce that it is receiving advisory services and up to $2.64 million in funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). This vital support will accelerate IronSight’s research and development (R&D) initiatives, helping the company introduce new technologies, expand its workforce, and further position itself as a global leader in field operations software.

The advisory services and funding from NRC IRAP will enable IronSight to create new job opportunities in R&D and product development, contributing to the growth of the local economy. As IronSight expands, it is poised to add skilled professionals to its team, driving innovation and supporting the growing need for enhanced efficiency and sustainability in sectors such as energy production, utilities, and logistics.

In addition to job creation, IronSight will integrate advanced Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning capabilities into its platform. These technologies will provide real-time predictive analytics, resource optimization, and compliance automation, enabling clients to achieve unprecedented efficiency and safety in field operations. These innovations will help companies meet sustainability targets, reduce operational downtime, and minimize their environmental footprint.

“The support from NRC IRAP is instrumental not only in helping us accelerate technological advancements but also in creating new jobs and contributing to the economic growth of Alberta and Canada,” said Shawn Martens, President and Co-Founder of IronSight. “This support will allow us to accelerate the development of cutting-edge solutions, helping industries streamline operations, improve safety, and enhance profitability. We are excited to push the boundaries of what’s possible in field operations.”

IronSight’s enhanced platform, already equipped with real-time tracking, mobile access, and digital documentation, will now incorporate predictive maintenance, automated compliance tracking, and AI-powered operational insights. These advancements are expected to create a significant impact for clients, reducing energy consumption, optimizing resource use, and driving operational excellence across critical industries.

“This support helps us advance our development of innovative technologies in industrial field services, driving digital transformation and operational excellence,” Martens added. “We’re committed to driving innovation that improves operational efficiency while helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. Our solutions empower industries to perform better, safer, and more sustainably.”

About IronSight

IronSight is a real-time field operations platform designed to enhance operational performance, streamline workflows, and improve collaboration for industrial service providers, energy producers, and mining operations.

Founded by Shawn Martens and Adam Jessome, IronSight connects people, processes, and technology to create more efficient, intelligent workflows. By leveraging advanced technology and real-time data, IronSight empowers organizations to achieve operational excellence while promoting safety, sustainability, and productivity.

For more information, visit [http://www.ironsight.com].

Media Contact:

Taylor Loader

Marketing

IronSight

Taylor.loader@ironsight.app

http://www.ironsight.app

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: International Conference on Small Modular Reactors Next Week

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

More than 1000 participants from nearly 100 countries are set to attend the first IAEA International Conference on Small Modular Reactors and their Applications, from 21 to 25 October at the Agency’s headquarters in Vienna. The conference comes at a crucial time amid a new global consensus on the need to expand nuclear power to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are designed to produce typically no more than 300 MW(e), with their size making them a good option for deployment in remote areas and regions with smaller electric grids. The modularity of their design allows for their various components to be assembled in factories before transportation to deployment sites for installation, potentially reducing the time needed for construction. And with a growing number of prospective end users considering nuclear power to meet their needs, such as energy-intensive data centres, as well as the urgency to decarbonize a wide range of non-electric applications, SMRs may be in line to play a major role alongside their larger counterparts. Nuclear power generation is expected to expand significantly by mid-century, with versatile SMRs figuring to comprise a large share of the reactor fleet of the future, according to the IAEA.

“The high case scenario of the IAEA’s latest projections sees nuclear electrical generating capacity in 2050 being two and a half times bigger than today. A quarter of that new capacity is projected to come from SMRs,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “To meet the low carbon energy needs of countries and industries, we need to ensure the timely demonstration and deployment of safe and secure SMRs. For that, international cooperation and collaboration are essential.”

The conference will feature panel discussions and poster sessions covering areas within four primary topics: SMR design, technology and the fuel cycle; legislative and regulatory frameworks; safety, security and safeguards; and considerations to facilitate deployment of SMRs.

“There are around 70 active SMR designs at various stages of development worldwide, and many newcomer countries and industries are interested in SMRs,” said Aline des Cloizeaux, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Power. “This event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the latest developments in SMRs and ways to advance their deployment.”

In parallel with the conference, the Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI) will hold a plenary meeting prior to the conference opening. NHSI was launched in 2022 to facilitate the deployment of safe and secure SMRs and other advanced reactors by harmonizing regulatory approaches and standardizing industrial approaches. The initiative supports countries on two tracks. Through NHSI’s regulatory track, three technical documents have been drafted, focused on approaches for cooperation on regulatory reviews, including a multinational pre-licensing joint review process. NHSI’s industry track has produced several working papers on topics including how the production of long-lead items, such as pressure vessels, can be streamlined and how serial manufacturing of SMR components could facilitate quicker deployments. NHSI members will review work done and plan activities for the coming year.

“The broad participation in the conference highlights countries growing interest in SMRs and their applications,” said Anna Bradford, Director of the IAEA’s Division on Nuclear Installation Safety. “The IAEA remains fully committed to enabling the deployment of safe and secure advanced and innovative nuclear reactors, including SMRs.”

An ‘Industry Night’, co-organized with the World Nuclear Association (WNA), will be held on Tuesday, 22 October, and feature vendors from around the world presenting the latest reactor technology across four panel sessions. On Wednesday, a young generation event co-organized by the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC) and the IAEA will facilitate a discussion on how SMRs and microreactors can contribute to a sustainable and equitable future.

IAEA assistance through the SMR Platform

The IAEA supports countries in deploying SMRs through activities including technical assistance, capacity building, information sharing and coordination of research and development efforts. The IAEA Platform on Small Modular Reactors and their Applications serves as the focal point for the IAEA’s work in this area, providing coordinated support and expertise from across the Agency in all aspects relevant to the development, early deployment and oversight of SMRs. The SMR Platform is designed to facilitate cooperation and collaboration among Member States and other stakeholders, supporting the safe and secure deployment of SMRs worldwide.

MIL Security OSI –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – Luxon buys massive fight with public over Fast-track projects as Select Committee set to report back

Source: CAFT – Communities Against the Fast-track ( http://www.stopthefasttrack.com )

Community groups across the country are gearing up for a massive fight against the Government’s decision to ram through destructive projects via the Fast-track Approvals Bill, which the Environment Select Committee is due to report back to Parliament on today.

“Luxon’s Government has shown nothing but contempt for the public as it tries to force through projects rejected by our communities, our councils, and our courts,” says Communities Against the Fast-track (CAFT) spokesperson Augusta Macassey-Pickard.

“Luxon, and the commercial interests he’s backing over his own citizens, have bought themselves a massive fight.”

Communities Against the Fast-track says the response and concern to the Bill has been huge already. 27,000 submissions were made, 20,000 marched in Auckland against the Fast-track, and a hīkoi led by Ngāti Toa arrived at parliament in May to oppose the Bill.

“And that was before the Government even released the list of 149 projects. We know now that this is every bit as destructive as we feared,” says Macassey-Pickard.

The list of projects includes mining projects, some on conservation land and seabed mining, new motorways that lock communities into high emissions transport, more irrigation that will result in communities’ water being even more polluted, a large waste incinerator project in Waimate, new aquaculture farms that threaten marine species, and others.

“Thousands of New Zealanders around the country are gearing up for the fight to protect the communities and places we love from destructive, exploitative projects.”

“It’s truly sickening that our Government would hand over this much power to commercial interests, bringing in a process that strips communities, including mana whenua, of any say over their future.”

CAFT also expressed concern about the Environmental Protection Authority’s ability to apply any rigour to the fast-track process for 149 applications, and others to follow. The already-stretched agency has had funding cuts that would see the loss of one in five jobs, according to the trade union PSA.

“It’s a lot of work to service even one application: appointing the panel, coordinating hearings, notifications, transcripts, decisions and setting up monitoring programmes if a consent is granted. How can the EPA do anything to protect the public interest with this deluge, especially in light of its recent cuts? How can this be anything other than a rubber-stamping exercise?” asked Macassey-Pickard.

She says any changes to the Bill are likely to be cosmetic as the Government has demonstrated its determination to allow commercial interests to exploit the country’s environment and communities.

“Luxon and the National Party particularly have sought to distance themselves from the coal mining, seabed mining, a massive incinerator site, and other extremely destructive projects. They’ve used renewable energy and people’s need for safe, affordable housing as a smokescreen for a Bill that rots the very core of our democratic processes and the rights of the public to have a say.”

“Luxon has bought himself a massive fight.”

CAFT members:

Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki, 350 Aotearoa, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, Coal Action Network Aotearoa, Climate Justice Taranaki, Environment and Conservation Organisations of NZ (ECO), 350 Aotearoa, Taranaki Energy Watch, Extinction Rebellion Tāmaki Makaurau, All Aboard, Save the Basin Campaign, and individual grassroots community organisers from around the motu.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Argentina Country Analysis Brief

Source: US Energy Information Administration

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MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New critical minerals strategy to attract clean energy investment and create thousands of jobs
Source: New South Wales Premiere

Published: 18 October 2024

Released by: The Premier, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Natural Resources, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

The Minns Labor Government will create a $250 million royalty deferral initiative for critical minerals projects and will examine the implementation of a rapid assessment framework for minerals mining projects.
The initiatives are the first actions of the NSW Government’s new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy, which sets a vision for NSW to become a global leader in critical minerals.

Currently there are 12 critical minerals mining and processing projects in NSW that are ready for investment. They need around $7.6 billion in capital investment value and are expected to generate about 4,600 jobs during construction and 2,700 ongoing jobs.

High initial investment costs for critical minerals projects are a barrier for the industry. The royalty deferral scheme will assist new projects in the early stages of development, ease financial pressures, attract investment to NSW and enhance the economic viability of the sector.

Another immediate action from the strategy is a joint Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure and NSW Resources assessment to deliver greater certainty to the sector around the planning process for critical minerals projects.

NSW has globally significant resource deposits and 21 of the 31 nationally declared critical minerals. The strategy identifies priority minerals and metals for NSW – including rare earths, scandium, cobalt, copper and silver – which have important uses in the electrification of the economy and the manufacturing of clean energy products like solar panels and batteries.

The strategy outlines the vital role of critical minerals in supporting broader government priorities, including in the clean energy transition and driving domestic manufacturing.

The International Energy Agency estimates that over the next 20 years, the world will need six times the amount of critical minerals currently mined to reach global net-zero carbon emissions. The energy transition will need double today’s copper production, triple today’s rare earth elements and cobalt production, and thirty times more nickel – all these minerals can be found in NSW.

Fully realising the opportunity of the state’s critical minerals and high-tech metals deposits means moving further down the supply chain and beyond only extracting and exporting resources. Examples of this in the strategy include investigating opportunities to pilot common-user refineries and supporting investment in domestic manufacturing.

The new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy focuses on five key pillars:
- Encouraging exploration by minimising investment risk in greenfield exploration and promoting exploration in new areas,
- Incentivising production by creating an attractive investment environment and removing barriers to help projects move from exploration to production,
- Developing future-ready skills by providing training and education pathways to encourage careers in critical minerals mining,
- Establishing resilient supply chains by examining local processing facilities, driving research and development, and investigating critical minerals recycling, and
- Engaging local communities by ensuring responsible mining.
The royalty initiative will be an opt-in scheme where the first five years of royalties are deferred. It will apply to critical minerals projects which can start production between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2030, predominantly mine commodities listed on the Commonwealth Government’s Critical Minerals List and where the proponent has a market capitalisation under $5 billion.

The full Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy, and a two-page summary of the strategy, can be viewed on the NSW Resources website https://www.nsw.gov.au/criticalminerals.

Quotes attributable to NSW Premier Chris Minns:

“We’ve got the metals and minerals the world needs, and NSW is open for business.

“We are sending a clear message to Aussie and global miners: invest in NSW.

“This is about backing regional jobs and manufacturing jobs, and taking advantage of the critical minerals boom.

“We want to make sure we fully realise the opportunities that critical minerals and high-tech metals have for NSW.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“To be a global leader in critical minerals, it is vital that the NSW planning system operates efficiently and provides certainty and transparency to the critical minerals sector and communities.

“The strategy identifies a number of improvements we can make to help enhance the system. These will provide greater guidance to the industry and improve collaboration between government agencies and departments in project assessment.

“We’re also investigating further ways to improve decision-making to make sure we fully realise the opportunity before us.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“Our vision for NSW is to be a global leader in critical minerals and high-tech metals, generating economic prosperity through exploration, mining, processing and advanced manufacturing.

“NSW critical minerals projects typically have long lead times for development, and higher capital investment. The new royalty deferral scheme will assist mine proponents to attract investment and move faster to production.

“The new strategy sets out a clear vision for NSW to be a leader in critical minerals and high-tech metals, generating economic prosperity through responsible exploration, mining, processing, recycling and advanced manufacturing.

“We want NSW to be moving further down the supply chain. Extracting minerals is a critical first step, but we can generate strong economic returns and support more jobs by getting into processing and advanced manufacturing.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong:

“The new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy forms a key part of the NSW Government’s approach to Industry policy, which seeks to invest and promote home-grown products and services not only for NSW, but for export right around the world.

“This strategy provides a long-term vision and commitment to the critical minerals and high-tech metals mining industry so that businesses can feel confident to invest and grow in NSW, as we seize the investment opportunities of the renewable energy economy, both here and across the globe.”
MIL OSI News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Natural Gas Producer Agrees to Settlement to Reduce Emissions in New Mexico

Source: United States Attorneys General 7

Settlement Includes $9.4M Civil Penalty and Compliance Measures that Will Result in Reduction of Over 113,000 Tons’ Worth of CO2 Pollution

The Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) today announced a settlement with Hilcorp Energy Company resolving Clean Air Act and New Mexico state law violations at the company’s oil and gas production operations in New Mexico.

Under the settlement, Hilcorp agreed to pay a civil penalty of $9.4 million for violations resulting from Hilcorp’s failure to reduce emissions during well completion operations. The civil penalty will be split between the U.S. and the State of New Mexico. In addition, the company must employ an EPA-approved third-party auditor to ensure compliance with all applicable Clean Air Act and New Mexico Air Quality Control Act requirements.

Hilcorp is further directed to account for the excess volatile organic compound (VOC) and methane emissions released through improper well completions by replacing, on a faster timeline than federal regulations require, old process control equipment with equipment that does not emit air pollution. This mitigation project will occur on Tribal lands of the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation, in Rio Arriba County, and on Navajo Nation Off-Reservation Trust Land in San Juan and Sandoval counties; all of these areas have potential environmental justice concerns.

The work that Hilcorp will do under this agreement will result in the equivalent of over 113,000 tons of reduced carbon dioxide emissions over the next three years, similar to the number of reductions achieved by taking 24,000 cars off the road for one year. The settlement will also eliminate nearly 583 tons of VOC emissions annually.

The case is the first to address violations of the Clean Air Act New Source Performance Standards covering well completions following hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as “fracking.”

“Hilcorp is a large, sophisticated natural gas producer and should know better than to violate Clean Air Act requirements to capture and control gas produced as a result of fracking,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are committed to upholding the rule of law and holding industry accountable. Today’s settlement importantly includes commitments to make infrastructure upgrades that will result in significant reductions of methane and VOC emissions.”

“Oil and gas production results in significant air pollution, including emissions of methane that are one of the leading sources of near-term climate change, which makes today’s settlement with Hilcorp Energy a huge win for the environment and the planet,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA is requiring Hilcorp to pay a $9.4 million penalty and make substantial investments in Clean Air Act compliance, which will reduce climate damaging emissions and improve air quality for all New Mexico residents, including communities with environmental justice concerns.”

“This settlement holds one of the San Juan Basin’s largest polluters accountable for their contribution to climate change and ozone pollution,” said Secretary James Kenney of the New Mexico Environment Department. “If we want to make New Mexico’s air safe for future generations then Houston-based Hilcorp Energy Corporation executives need to step up their game and comply with federal and state rules.”

Federal Clean Air Act and New Mexico state air regulations require oil and gas producers to capture gas that flows back to the surface following fracking using equipment that can accommodate flowback and to implement a reduced emission completion control, commonly referred to as a green completion. Producers have several green completion options to choose from. If none are technically feasible, producers may route the captured gas to a pollution control device like a flare.

Based on EPA’s and NMED’s investigations, the U.S. and the state allege that Hilcorp conducted at least 192 well completion operations in Rio Arriba and San Juan counties from Aug. 2, 2017, through Aug. 1, 2019.

At 145 of these well completions, Hilcorp captured none of the gas and instead released into the atmosphere all gas that flowed back following fracking. At the remainder of well completions, Hilcorp captured a portion of the gas and directed it to a flare but did not demonstrate that all green completion options were infeasible. Hilcorp’s actions resulted in thousands of tons of harmful methane and VOC emissions being released into the environment. Methane is a climate super pollutant and potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, and VOCs adversely affect human health in multiple ways, including being involved in the formation of ground level ozone.

Hilcorp is one of the nation’s largest privately-owned oil and gas exploration and production companies, and a top producer of natural gas in New Mexico from 2018-2021. New Mexico is one of the top ten producing states for natural gas in the United States for 2018-2023. In 2022, on-shore oil and gas industry data reported to EPA showed that Hilcorp’s San Juan Basin operation emitted the most methane in the U.S. among all oil and gas operations.

The settlement is part of EPA’s Mitigating Climate Change National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, which focuses, in part, on reducing methane emissions from oil and gas and landfill sources. Like all EPA’s national enforcement initiatives, the Mitigating Climate Change initiative prioritizes communities already overburdened by pollution and other potential environmental justice concerns.

More information on the settlement agreement is available on EPA’s Hilcorp Energy Company webpage.

The consent decree was filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico and is subject to a 30-day comment period. Information on providing public comment and the complaint and proposed consent decree are available on the Justice Department’s website at http://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.

EPA and NMED investigated the case.

Attorneys of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section are handling the case.

MIL Security OSI –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: October 17th, 2024 JEC Chairman Martin Heinrich Hosts “Pro-Worker, Pro-Business Opportunities” Roundtable

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
PHOTOS & VIDEO
Heinrich highlights how federal legislation is expanding pathways to in-demand jobs in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Chairman of the U.S. Joint Economic Committee (JEC), hosted a “Pro-Worker, Pro-Business Opportunities” roundtable to talk directly with New Mexicans about how federal legislation he helped pass into law is creating careers in high-demand sectors and strengthening New Mexico’s health care, skilled trades, early childhood education, and union workforce.

Heinrich Hosts “Pro-Worker, Pro-Business Opportunities” Roundtable on October 17, 2024.
“The manufacturing and clean energy renaissance driven by historic investments from the Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act is creating career opportunities across New Mexico. We need to build on this momentum by expanding access to apprenticeships, supporting new, high-quality jobs in the building and skilled trades, growing pathways to health care careers, and strengthening our early childhood education workforce. I will continue fighting to address workforce shortages, build the middle class, grow our economy, and provide more New Mexicans with the careers they can build their families around in their home communities,” said Heinrich.
Thanks to recently enacted legislation that Heinrich helped pass into law, like the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Law, New Mexico is now at the center of a clean energy “manufacturing renaissance,” which is creating hundreds of jobs in New Mexico that people can build their families around.
Heinrich discussed his work with community leaders to create more pathways to in-demand careers, including through jobs training and registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. He also highlighted the success of the domestic manufacturing tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS and Science Act that have expanded clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing in New Mexico.
Through his role as Chairman of the U.S. Joint Economic Committee (JEC), Heinrich has held hearings on job training in the clean energy sector, the domestic boom in manufacturing, and investing in early childhood education. Heinrich has also released reports on growing registered apprenticeship programs, job training for the clean energy transition, the manufacturing renaissance, addressing rural health worker shortages, the economic benefits of early childhood education, employing women in the clean energy sector, and growing the labor force in New Mexico.
Heinrich has long been committed to creating new pathways to careers for New Mexicans in the communities where they grew up, while tackling shortages in in-demand sectors like health care and early childhood education.
Heinrich introduced the Apprenticeship Pathways Act, legislation to create pathways to careers for high school students by expanding access to apprenticeship programs for occupations with high need, including the building trades, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, and early childhood education.
Earlier this year, Heinrich introduced the Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats (PATH) Act, legislation to strengthen the pipeline for careers in New Mexico, address rising workforce shortages, and grow the state’s economy through quality pre-apprenticeship programs.
In March, Heinrich introduced the Providing Resources and Opportunities for Health Education and Learning (PRO-HEAL) Act, legislation that will tackle the health care provider shortage in New Mexico and nationwide by expanding pathways to high-quality, in-demand health care careers that medical professionals can access in their communities. Specifically, the PRO-HEAL Act addresses medical provider shortages by incentivizing states and institutions of higher education to expand or create health care provider pipeline programs, particularly in underserved and rural communities. The legislation is inspired by the success of the Combined BA/MD Degree Program at the University of New Mexico, where over 65% of students who have graduated from their program practice medicine in New Mexico.
Last year, Heinrich introduced the Pathways to Health Careers Act, legislation that reauthorizes and modernizes the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program to help address health care shortages in New Mexico and across the country and create pathways to high-quality, in-demand health care careers.
The HPOG program has a proven track record of successfully educating workers for jobs in the health care industry, while also providing career coaching, job placement, and a mix of other support services. The Pathways to Health Careers Act would restart and expand the HPOG Program, providing $425 million to make HPOG available nationwide from FY2024 through FY2028 and includes set asides for Tribes and U.S. Territories.
In 2021, Heinrich introduced the Championing Apprenticeships for New Careers and Employees in Technology (CHANCE in Tech) Act, legislation to create earlier pathways to high-paying careers in the information technology (IT) industry.
Investments in Clean Energy and Advanced Manufacturing:
Heinrich has been fighting hard to pass legislation and secure investments that are growing the state’s economy, building the middle class, and expanding high-quality jobs New Mexicans can build their families around.
In 2022, Heinrich helped author and pass into law the landmark Inflation Reduction Act,which has created a manufacturing renaissance in the state and established New Mexico at the center of the nation’s clean energy future. Heinrich marked the two-year anniversary of the legislation being signed into law in August, highlighting how its incentives have expanded and spurred a number of new clean energy projects across New Mexico.
Earlier this year, Heinrich highlighted $20 million from the Inflation Reduction Act for Pajarito Powder to scale production of components for electrolyzers and fuel cells. Heinrich invited the U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to tour the facilities of Pajarito Powder in Albuquerque, N.M.
In June, the N.M. Delegation welcomed $23.9 million from the CHIPS and Science Act for SolAero, an Albuquerque, N.M.-based manufacturing company, to increase its production of compound semiconductors for spacecraft and satellites, as part of an expansion and modernization of their facility. Heinrich, Luján, and Stansbury, along with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, welcomed U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves and White House CHIPS Coordinator Ryan Harper to New Mexico to highlight this investment.
In April, Heinrich and Luján welcomed Energy Secretary Granholm to break ground on a new 216,000-square-foot Array Technologies manufacturing campus — a $50+ million investment located on Albuquerque’s Westside — which will employ over 300 additional New Mexicans to facilitate the production, assembly, design, engineering, and customer service of solar tracking technology.
That same day, Heinrich, Granholm, and Vasquez participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the production of the first wind towers coming off the Arcosa Wind Towers manufacturing line. The ribbon-cutting ceremony came nearly nine months after Heinrich welcomed President Biden to the Belén manufacturing facility — a $60 million investment that will have a $314 million economic impact and create 250 jobs in the region.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Natural Gas Producer Agrees to Settlement to Reduce Emissions in New Mexico

Source: US State of California

Settlement Includes $9.4M Civil Penalty and Compliance Measures that Will Result in Reduction of Over 113,000 Tons’ Worth of CO2 Pollution

The Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) today announced a settlement with Hilcorp Energy Company resolving Clean Air Act and New Mexico state law violations at the company’s oil and gas production operations in New Mexico.

Under the settlement, Hilcorp agreed to pay a civil penalty of $9.4 million for violations resulting from Hilcorp’s failure to reduce emissions during well completion operations. The civil penalty will be split between the U.S. and the State of New Mexico. In addition, the company must employ an EPA-approved third-party auditor to ensure compliance with all applicable Clean Air Act and New Mexico Air Quality Control Act requirements.

Hilcorp is further directed to account for the excess volatile organic compound (VOC) and methane emissions released through improper well completions by replacing, on a faster timeline than federal regulations require, old process control equipment with equipment that does not emit air pollution. This mitigation project will occur on Tribal lands of the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation, in Rio Arriba County, and on Navajo Nation Off-Reservation Trust Land in San Juan and Sandoval counties; all of these areas have potential environmental justice concerns.

The work that Hilcorp will do under this agreement will result in the equivalent of over 113,000 tons of reduced carbon dioxide emissions over the next three years, similar to the number of reductions achieved by taking 24,000 cars off the road for one year. The settlement will also eliminate nearly 583 tons of VOC emissions annually.

The case is the first to address violations of the Clean Air Act New Source Performance Standards covering well completions following hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as “fracking.”

“Hilcorp is a large, sophisticated natural gas producer and should know better than to violate Clean Air Act requirements to capture and control gas produced as a result of fracking,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are committed to upholding the rule of law and holding industry accountable. Today’s settlement importantly includes commitments to make infrastructure upgrades that will result in significant reductions of methane and VOC emissions.”

“Oil and gas production results in significant air pollution, including emissions of methane that are one of the leading sources of near-term climate change, which makes today’s settlement with Hilcorp Energy a huge win for the environment and the planet,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA is requiring Hilcorp to pay a $9.4 million penalty and make substantial investments in Clean Air Act compliance, which will reduce climate damaging emissions and improve air quality for all New Mexico residents, including communities with environmental justice concerns.”

“This settlement holds one of the San Juan Basin’s largest polluters accountable for their contribution to climate change and ozone pollution,” said Secretary James Kenney of the New Mexico Environment Department. “If we want to make New Mexico’s air safe for future generations then Houston-based Hilcorp Energy Corporation executives need to step up their game and comply with federal and state rules.”

Federal Clean Air Act and New Mexico state air regulations require oil and gas producers to capture gas that flows back to the surface following fracking using equipment that can accommodate flowback and to implement a reduced emission completion control, commonly referred to as a green completion. Producers have several green completion options to choose from. If none are technically feasible, producers may route the captured gas to a pollution control device like a flare.

Based on EPA’s and NMED’s investigations, the U.S. and the state allege that Hilcorp conducted at least 192 well completion operations in Rio Arriba and San Juan counties from Aug. 2, 2017, through Aug. 1, 2019.

At 145 of these well completions, Hilcorp captured none of the gas and instead released into the atmosphere all gas that flowed back following fracking. At the remainder of well completions, Hilcorp captured a portion of the gas and directed it to a flare but did not demonstrate that all green completion options were infeasible. Hilcorp’s actions resulted in thousands of tons of harmful methane and VOC emissions being released into the environment. Methane is a climate super pollutant and potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, and VOCs adversely affect human health in multiple ways, including being involved in the formation of ground level ozone.

Hilcorp is one of the nation’s largest privately-owned oil and gas exploration and production companies, and a top producer of natural gas in New Mexico from 2018-2021. New Mexico is one of the top ten producing states for natural gas in the United States for 2018-2023. In 2022, on-shore oil and gas industry data reported to EPA showed that Hilcorp’s San Juan Basin operation emitted the most methane in the U.S. among all oil and gas operations.

The settlement is part of EPA’s Mitigating Climate Change National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, which focuses, in part, on reducing methane emissions from oil and gas and landfill sources. Like all EPA’s national enforcement initiatives, the Mitigating Climate Change initiative prioritizes communities already overburdened by pollution and other potential environmental justice concerns.

More information on the settlement agreement is available on EPA’s Hilcorp Energy Company webpage.

The consent decree was filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico and is subject to a 30-day comment period. Information on providing public comment and the complaint and proposed consent decree are available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.

EPA and NMED investigated the case.

Attorneys of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section are handling the case.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: How did public service leaders talk to staff about Robodebt? What they said – or didn’t – is revealing
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Casey, Lecturer, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University

In July 2023, after the release of the damning Robodebt Royal Commission report, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared:

it was wrong, it was illegal, it should never have happened and it should never happen again.

A major finding was some senior public servants were overly responsive to the wishes of ministers, to the detriment of the general public. The report describes an environment that was:

fraught […] characterised by a powerful drive for savings, strongly expressed ministerial policy positions […] and intense pressure experienced by public servants.

Investigating the scheme, which ran under the Morrison government, Commissioner Catherine Holmes was disturbed by “the lengths to which public servants were prepared to go to oblige ministers”, undermining the concept of impartiality and frank and fearless advice.

The release of Rick Morton’s new book Mean Streak brings a renewed focus on the lessons from Robodebt. To learn from such a serious crisis, organisations need to openly confront what happened, discuss and understand what the failure means. What were the systemic causes? What cultural failings did it expose? How can we ensure a similar disaster does not happen again?

Our research found little evidence these questions were being asked by many public service leaders immediately after the royal commission.

In the six months after the royal commission report’s release, almost half of the heads of Australian Public Service (APS) agencies apparently decided they didn’t need to communicate with their staff about Robodebt and explain what it meant for them.

What did department leaders do?

Learning from the failure of Robodebt will take time. In 2024, the public service is investigating and punishing some of those involved and implementing a new integrity plan.

Our research focuses on the six months after the release of the royal commission report: July to December 2023. Research shows the immediate post-crisis period is crucial to effective learning.

But before organisations can respond, they have to interpret and understand the meaning of the failure.

Just as the public turns to political leaders in a crisis, employees look to management. Leaders’ communication, whether by email, an all staff video, or a town hall meeting, is crucial.

These messages set the organisational narrative that explains what happened and why, what the repercussions are, how it can be resolved, and what lessons (if any) should be drawn from the crisis.

Three days after the royal commission report was released, the secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Glyn Davis, and Australian Public Service Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer, emailed all public service employees saying:

we are committed to working through the findings in an open and constructive way with you — the APS — and with the Australian public.

Our focus, however, is on how leaders of individual departments and agencies responded. Using Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, we asked how leaders communicated with staff in the crucial period straight after the commission reported.

Departments are where policy development occurs and they often work closely with ministers.

But only half of all public servants work for departments. The rest work across the 100 or so agencies.

While most department heads communicated with their staff about Robodebt, only 54% of agencies’ leaders did.

The 50 agencies that did not communicate with their staff about the meaning of Robodebt in the months following the report employ more than 45,000 people, more than 25% of the public service.

Not my problem mentality

Three large departments told us that “no documents were identified” or “the Department does not hold documents […] that meet the terms of the request”. This indicates they did not communicate with staff in the first six months after the Robodebt report was handed down. The departments were:
It is not clear why those secretaries decided not to write to their staff directly about Robodebt, but the absence of communication sends a message.

This was explicit in some responses. For example, in declining our request, we were told that the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority:

[…] is not an outwardly facing organisation and as such does not provide payments to individual recipients. Consequently, it is not required to respond to the Royal Commission and there are no documents that are relevant to your request.

Even when there was some communication, agencies were not necessarily addressing the cultural issues. For example, the Clean Energy Regulator was focused on public perception:

there is a heightened sense of scrutiny on regulators […] please be vigilant if you are approached by anybody working for a media outlet.

In such circumstances, it is unlikely cultural change will occur.

Some positive signs

On the positive side, there were examples of agencies that addressed the serious implications of Robodebt for their work, which is likely to improve their organisational culture.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) identified a number of recommendations “albeit directed at other agencies […] that ASIC should act on”. They noted that “given most of our people come from the private sector”, there was a need to improve training on “our obligations as public servants”.

Read more:
Two former federal departmental heads breached public service code 25 times in Robodebt scandal

Similarly, Australian statistician David Gruen emphasised creating a culture where “people feel supported if and when they seek to raise difficult issues with their colleagues or superiors”. Similar discussions were had at AUSTRAC.

Departments are closest to ministers, so we hoped their communications would address problems in the relationships between senior public servants and ministers, a key issue exposed in the Robodebt case.

Unfortunately, only four departments discussed over-responsiveness with their staff or in executive meetings, in the period studied.

The department of industry and science was the most comprehensive. Secretary Meghan Quinn wrote to staff several times, reflecting that the “findings go to the heart of leadership and culture and this should be our focus going forward”. The department’s integrity branch wrote to staff:

public servants [must] […] provide the government with advice that is frank and honest. If you ever feel pressured to do or sign something you are not comfortable with, it’s important you speak with your supervisors […] you have the Executive’s backing not to put your name to anything that is not true or not in the public interest.

However, this was one of the few departments where senior staff confronted these core issues directly in the early months after the royal commission reported. Most departments did not name or discuss the underlying cause of the failures: over-responsiveness to ministers at the expense of protecting the public.

While many of the errors of Robodebt can be solved through new procedures and rules, changing public service culture is a bigger learning project.

It requires a shift in norms and reweighting the competing duties of public servants. They must serve elected ministers, but equally, they must serve the public by ensuring probity, fairness and legality.

Robodebt illustrated the harm that occurs when the balance tips too far towards ministers and away from the public interest.

That this was rarely part of the communication from public service leaders to their staff in the immediate aftermath of the royal commission does not bode well for lessons being learnt from the crisis.

Daniel Casey worked in the Department of Social Services during the period of Robodebt, but did not work on the Robodebt program.

Maria Maley received funding from the Australian Research Council.

– ref. How did public service leaders talk to staff about Robodebt? What they said – or didn’t – is revealing – https://theconversation.com/how-did-public-service-leaders-talk-to-staff-about-robodebt-what-they-said-or-didnt-is-revealing-240015
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Germany, China seek broader opportunies for bilateral cooperation

Source: China State Council Information Office

Strong cooperation between Germany and China is vital for maintaining global economic stability, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions, according to Christian Scharpf, mayor of Ingolstadt in southern Bavaria.

Scharpf made the remarks during an interview with Xinhua at the “10th Bavarian China Day” here on Wednesday. The event, organized by the municipal government and the Chinese Consulate General in Munich, drew more than 120 officials and business leaders from both countries, underscoring the promising prospects for bilateral collaboration.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany, which has delivered significant progress in trade and economic cooperation, said Lin Kai, acting consul general at the Chinese consulate in Munich.

Highlighting the deep ties between China and the German state of Bavaria, Lin said that around 500 Chinese companies have established operations in Bavaria. Meanwhile, over 600 Bavarian enterprises, including Siemens, Audi, BMW, and Allianz, have set up branches and made investments in China.

Tobias Gotthardt, state secretary at the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, said that China has been Bavaria’s most important trading partner for years, with bilateral trade volume reaching 53 billion euros (57.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023. Bavaria’s exports to China have remained strong, while imports from China have nearly doubled over the past three years, he added.

Gotthardt stressed the importance of foreign trade for the state and Germany as a whole, noting that the Chinese market is indispensable.

“Cooperation in areas such as mechanical engineering, automotive, and energy and environmental technologies has been built on a foundation of trust over many years,” said Gotthardt.

He expressed optimism that this collaboration will continue to drive economic growth and address global challenges like sustainability. “We must remain focused on cooperation in areas where it is possible.”

Yu Guangsheng, deputy head of the investment promotion at China’s Ministry of Commerce, mentioned that German investments in China reached an all-time high in the first half of this year, while Chinese investments in Germany surged by 42 percent year-on-year in 2023. “Companies from both countries are demonstrating their confidence in bilateral economic relations and partnerships through tangible investments,” he said.

During the event, Ingolstadt and Changchun, a major city in northeast China, announced the establishment of a strategic economic partnership.

Scharpf underscored the longstanding relationship between Ingolstadt, home to Audi’s headquarters, and Changchun, where China’s automotive giant FAW Group is based. He noted that economic and cultural exchanges between the two cities have been active for years, and expressed hope for even deeper cooperation in the future.

The mayor voiced his belief that the two countries still have vast potential for collaboration, particularly in areas like climate protection, sustainable development, as well as education and cultural exchanges.

Regarding the European Union’s (EU) recent tariff policy on electric vehicles from China, experts at the event criticized protectionism, and advocated for the promotion of free trade and mutual development between the EU and China.

Gotthardt warned that the tariffs could escalate trade conflicts and undermine the principles of free trade. “A tariff-free alternative would undoubtedly be a better solution for all parties involved,” he said.

Georg Rosenfeld, an economic official from Ingolstadt, echoed this sentiment, saying that protectionism and trade barriers are detrimental. He called for open and fair competition, as well as mutual trust which is essential to fostering such competition. (1 euro = 1.08 U.S. dollar)

MIL OSI China News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Golden Highway a critical path to net zero ambitions

Source: New South Wales Government 2

Headline: Golden Highway a critical path to net zero ambitions

Published: 18 October 2024

Released by: Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

Detailed maps are now available to outline the 19 highway upgrades that will pave the way from the Port of Newcastle to the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

‘Port to REZ’ upgrades will be funded by the Australian and NSW governments, with $128.5 million announced towards 320 kilometres of road upgrades and ancillary works.

The upgrades will enable the transportation of wind turbines and other crucial components needed for wind and solar farms and the transmission network that connects them.

The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) and Transport for NSW are working together to deliver the improved roads, ensuring they can comfortably accommodate transportation of materials required, whilst also improving road safety for local communities.

The 19 specific locations identified as pinch points are on the Golden Highway between the Port of Newcastle and Elong Elong, as well as a section of the Castlereagh Highway.

The maps can be found here

Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“Transport for NSW is supporting the eight councils along the route with resources and information to help guide them in the rollout of the REZ in preparation for new wind and solar power operations.

“We are working closely with councils who are the local road authorities in their respective areas, responsible for the management of local road networks, including road safety, road funding, road maintenance and heavy vehicle access.

“Additionally, Transport for NSW and EnergyCo are currently carrying out a review of roads across the designated renewable energy corridors to determine if any roads should be reclassified as state roads.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe:

“As the Renewable Energy Zones progress, we’re working to ensure that local infrastructure such as roads, are in a good enough state to accommodate extra demands.

“This is part of our commitment to the long-term prosperity of communities hosting Renewable Energy Zones as we continue the transformation of our state’s energy system.”

MIL OSI News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: The U.S.-Germany Partnership
Source: The White House

On the occasion of President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s visit to Germany, the United States reaffirms its commitment to deepening the close and historic bond between the two nations as Allies and friends. For over 75 years, Germany has been a crucial partner in ensuring the stability, security, and prosperity of the transatlantic alliance. In October 2023, President Biden welcomed President Steinmeier to Washington during German-American Day, underscoring the enduring people-to-people ties between our two countries, including the over 40 million Americans who claim German heritage and strengthen the diverse fabric of the United States. In February 2024, President Biden welcomed Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the White House, where the two leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s war of aggression, discussed regional stability in the Middle East, and prepared for the NATO Summit in Washington.

During his visit to Germany, President Biden will underscore our mutual commitment to upholding democracy, combating antisemitism and hatred, and expanding collaboration to promote economic growth and technological innovation. In addition, he will express gratitude to Germany for its role in hosting approximately 39,000 U.S. service members and its vital contributions to the security of NATO and the broader transatlantic community.

The United States and Germany are partners in a wide range of new and continuing initiatives to address the most pressing challenges of our time, some of which are listed below.

# # #

SECURITY AND DEFENSE
- The United States and Germany cooperate through several multilateral institutions including NATO, the G7, the OSCE, and the UN, to advance security, democracy, and the rule of law globally.
- As host to the largest U.S. troop presence in Europe and second largest globally, Germany continues to play a critical role as a platform for U.S. military force projection, including support for NATO’s eastern flank and training for Ukrainian soldiers.
- Germany has been a key provider of military assistance to Ukraine in its defense against the Kremlin’s aggression. Contributions include advanced weaponry such as Leopard 2 tanks, air defense systems (such as IRIS-T), artillery, and ammunition. Germany also supplies medical aid, vehicles, and training for Ukrainian forces, continuously adapting its support to Ukraine’s evolving needs in coordination with NATO allies.
- As announced by President Biden and Chancellor Scholz on July 10, 2024, the United States looks forward to beginning the episodic deployments of its Multi-Domain Task Force in Germany in 2026, as part of planning for enduring stationing of these conventional long-range fire capabilities in the future.
- Germany plays a key role in the U.S-Italy co-led G7+ Coordination Group for Ukraine Energy Security Support. Germany has been a leading provider of financial assistance and critical components such as transformers and power generators to support the repair and strengthening of Ukraine’s energy sector in response to Russia’s continued brutal attacks on civilian infrastructure.
- Germany is a robust partner in the fight against terrorism and terrorism financing, in the Financial Action Task Force, and as part of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS). On September 30, State Secretary Tobias Lindner joined Secretary Blinken for the D-Isis Ministerial Meeting in Washington, D.C.
- Germany will accede to Operation Olympic Defender, a U.S.-led multinational effort intended to strengthen nations’ abilities to deter hostile acts in space, strengthen deterrence against hostile actors, and reduce the spread of debris orbiting the earth. International partners currently include the UK, Canada, and Australia.
DEFENDING DEMOCRACY
- As the second-largest provider of assistance to Ukraine after the United States, Germany has provided $37.2 billion (€34 billion) in bilateral assistance since February 2022. This includes humanitarian assistance, budgetary support, military equipment and training, and funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Germany hosted an international reconstruction conference for Ukraine in Berlin in June 2024 which generated over €60 billion in commitments to Ukraine and emphasized the human dimension of post-war recovery.
- At the September 2024 United Nations General Assembly, the United States, in partnership with Germany and other international allies, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting democratic transitions as part of the Democracy Delivers Initiative, launched by USAID. The initiative mobilized over $517 million to provide financial and technical assistance to countries undergoing democratic renewal, including Guatemala, Armenia, and Moldova, with the aim of strengthening global democratic resilience.
- Germany has increasingly recognized the importance of supporting Taiwan as a like-minded democratic partner. Education Minister Stark-Watzinger’s visit to Taiwan in 2023 marked the first visit by a German minister to Taiwan in 26 years. Two German warships recently transited the Taiwan Strait, a visible demonstration of Germany’s commitment to upholding international laws and norms and increasing engagement to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
- Germany was one of the first of twenty-one countries to endorse the U.S. government’s Framework to Counter Foreign State Information Manipulation, the U.S. Department of State’s key initiative to galvanize like-minded democracies to respond collectively to the threat posed by disinformation. 
ECONOMICS & TRADE
- Germany is the United States’ largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade reaching over $324 billion in goods and services in 2023. U.S. direct investment in Germany was $193.2 billion in 2023. In total, German firms employ an estimated 923,600 people in the United States. Germany is the fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States and the number one foreign investor in U.S. renewable energy projects. Germany is currently the third-largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States, with investments worth more than $660 billion based on 2023 data.
- On September 24, 2024, the United States and Germany held the third round of the U.S.-Germany Economic Dialogue, building on the framework established in the 2021 Washington Declaration. The talks focused on strengthening collaboration to increase economic security, including cooperation in sectors such as digital technologies and clean energy supply chains. Both countries committed to enhancing supply chain resilience and advancing sustainability goals.
- Germany and the United States partner on several initiatives to advance women’s economic security around the world, including bolstering women’s participation in climate sectors through the Women in the Sustainable Economy Initiative, closing the gender digital divide through the Women in the Digital Economy Initiative, and supporting women to join the workforce by investing in efforts to close the global childcare gap through the Invest in Childcare Initiative.
COMBATTING ANTISEMITISM:
- Germany is a global leader and vital partner in the fight against antisemitism and extremism. Senior officials are unequivocal in condemning antisemitism and federal and state governments have robust strategies for tackling the problem. In July 2024, Germany co-launched the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism in Buenos Aires, an initiative led by U.S. Special Envoy Deborah Lipstadt.
- Launched in 2021, The U.S.-Germany Dialogue on Holocaust Issues, plays an essential role in combatting Holocaust distortion online and promoting accurate Holocaust education and commemoration.
- Germany and the United States cooperate on improving resolution to Nazi-confiscated art to ensure just and fair solutions for survivors and heirs, and salute Germany’s new art restitution policy.
EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGES
- The German-American Fulbright program is one of the largest and most varied of the Fulbright Programs worldwide, sponsoring over 40,000 Germans and Americans since its inception in 1952.
- Established in 2016 as a public-private partnership, each year the USA For You program brings youth from underserved German communities to the United States for a two-week homestay and community service experience. The program promotes civic engagement and helps counter extremism and xenophobia by fostering cultural understanding. In 2023, the German government launched a reciprocal Germany for You program, allowing American high school students to visit Germany for a similar exchange, further strengthening transatlantic ties.
- The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), jointly funded by the United States and German governments, supports the transatlantic relationship by fostering year-long academic, homestay, and community service opportunities for 700 American and German youth annually. Since 1983, CBYX has promoted cross-cultural understanding, professional skills, and mutual awareness of each nation’s history, politics, and society. With around 15,000 German and 14,000 American participants to date, the program strengthens ties and deepens the transatlantic partnership between the next generation of leaders.
- The German Bundestag-Bundesrat exchange (CBBSX) program is an annual two-way exchange between German Bundestag and Bundesrat staff and U.S. Congressional staff members. It was initiated during the 1983 German-American Tricentennial celebration and first implemented in 1984. Participants focus on the U.S. legislative process and U.S.-German relations; examining U.S. Congress and the U.S. political system. In 2024 the IVLP brought 10 German Bundestag and Bundesrat staff members to the United States. For the first time, CBBSX participants also engaged with state and local government.
SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT, SPACE, & TECHNOLOGY
- On January 10, 2024, the United States and Germany held a U.S.-Germany Critical and Emerging Technology Track 1.5 Dialogue to share strategic objectives, outlooks, and lessons learned in technological innovation. The two countries agreed to convene the first of an ongoing AI Dialogue to discuss approaches to AI governance, infrastructure and innovation, and applications of AI for good. They intend to hold the first session of this dialogue in early 2025.
- Furthering their commitment to monitoring the effects of climate change, the United States and Germany have partnered on space collaboration through NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission, which monitors Earth’s water movement by tracking shifts in gravity. This mission provides critical data for managing water resources, monitoring sea levels, and understanding climate change impacts on a global scale.
- The U.S.-Germany scientific partnership was further strengthened throughfunding from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience (CRCNS) program, which advances cutting-edge research in brain function and computational neuroscience. This initiative supports interdisciplinary approaches to understanding neural systems.
- On September 14, 2023, the United States and Germany held the inaugural U.S.-Germany Space Dialogue, advancing collaboration in space exploration, satellite technology, and space security. This dialogue promotes joint efforts in planetary science, climate monitoring, and managing space debris, while advancing international norms for responsible space operations.
CLIMATE & ENERGY
- In July 2021, the United States and Germany launched the U.S.-Germany Climate and Energy Partnership to deepen collaboration on the policies and sustainable technologies needed to accelerate the global net-zero future. Notable outcomes of the Partnership include the first U.S.-Germany Climate and Energy Summit held in Pittsburgh September 2022, and the U.S.-German Clean Hydrogen Conference held in Berlin October 2023.
- Beyond our strong bilateral partnership, the United States and Germany are also intensifying our cooperation to accelerate the clean energy transition and promote clean economic growth in emerging and developing economies. This includes leveraging and scaling-up our collective technical, policy, and financial support to catalyze investments in clean energy manufacturing and industrial decarbonization in developing countries, leveraging key international platforms such as the Climate Club and Clean Technology Fund.
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
- The United States participated in the International Humanitarian Conference on Sudan, hosted by France, Germany, and the European Commission on April 15, 2024, to address the vital need for greater humanitarian assistance for the Sudanese people.
- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Germany’s Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) are strengthening their partnership through a Strategic Development Dialogue. This initiative focuses on joint efforts to tackle global challenges in climate change, food security, gender equality, health, and G7 development priorities.
- The United States and Germany have worked closely across multiple presidencies of the G7 Food Security Working Group to support efforts to achieve long-term food and nutrition security. As most recently affirmed in the Apulia G7 Leaders’ Communiqué, both countries have committed to promoting and supporting multi-stakeholder programs to build climate resilience in our food systems. These programs include the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils, launched by the United States in partnership with the African Union and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
###

MIL OSI USA News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SITI at InnoTech Forum 2024 (English only) (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the InnoTech Forum 2024 today (October 18):

Alpha (Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the InnoTech Forum 2024 organised by InvestHK. Themed “Pioneering in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and New Energy Era”, this full-day forum brings together experts from diverse fields to explore how Hong Kong can establish itself as a global leader in innovation and technology (I&T).

     Technological empowerment is the cornerstone of achieving high-quality economic development. It accelerates the emergence of new quality productive forces and enables industries to adapt and thrive in the increasingly competitive local, regional and global arenas. As we navigate in this new era, we must harness technology not just for individual success or lucrative business, but for collective growth that benefits our society.

     Just two days ago, our Chief Executive unveiled a range of initiatives in his third Policy Address, reinforcing Hong Kong’s commitment to becoming an international I&T centre. This year’s theme, “Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together”, emphasises the importance of collective growth. That means your success is our success, and together we can scale new heights and build a brighter future for Hong Kong.

     AI, as this year’s forum highlights, remains a key driver of I&T and business development. To support enterprises like yours in leveraging AI technologies, the Government has invested billions of dollars in cultivating an all-round AI ecosystem here in Hong Kong. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the exciting developments that are under way.

     Talking about AI development, computation facility is pivotal. Cyberport will soon put into operation its AI Supercomputing Centre (AISC) to support the strong computing demand from universities, research institutes and the industry. With its first-phase facility capable of providing at least 300 petaFLOPS and in a year or so, the computing power will be augmented to a level of 3 000 petaFLOPS; the AISC will offer top-notch, high-performance computing facilities and serve as a collaborative platform to foster AI-driven research and innovation. Apart from Cyberport, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation has officially launched the High-Performance Computing service last month, which is expected to support the growth of around 300 companies working on AI and data technology in Science Park’s ecosystem.

     To support the commissioning of the AISC, the Government has allocated $3 billion to launch a three-year AI Subsidy Scheme. This significant sum is aimed at subsidising eligible users of the AISC to leverage the computing power, by offering a subsidy of up to 70 per cent of the list price of the computing power or 90 per cent in exceptional cases. Cyberport has also been tasked to promote the AI ecosystem and enable AI enterprises and talent to land in Hong Kong through the scheme. I encourage you to tap into our latest technology infrastructure at Cyberport, where we hope to see even more scientific breakthroughs.

     AI has taken the world by storm, revolutionising not only industries but also the Government. The provision of public services must harness this powerful technology. The Policy Address announced that the Government will pilot the use of a generative AI document processing copilot application, developed on the basis of a locally trained large language model, within the Government to assist staff in writing, translating and summarising documents. This trial run will also lend support to Hong Kong’s exploration in generative AI technologies and enrich the use cases for better, accurate and localised outcomes.

     In fact, a number of the hundred digital government and smart city initiatives that the Government presses ahead for rollout this year and next will make use of AI technology. For instance, we have expanded the AI chatbot service for the 1823 enquiry service, making it much more adept at handling the public’s frequently asked questions within its scope of service. This improves user experience and allows our staff to focus on other complex tasks, thereby lifting the overall service quality. The judicious application of AI in the Government will advance our digital government and smart city development, benefitting both the people and businesses of Hong Kong, and bringing them closer to the fruition of I&T development.

     Ladies and gentleman, Hong Kong stands on the cusp of making ground-breaking strides by capitalising on the vast potential of AI and other cutting-edge technologies. We are partners in this journey to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. So let’s invest in technology, invest in innovation, and invest in Hong Kong. Together, we can push the boundaries of what is possible to make Hong Kong a truly international I&T centre.

     In closing, I would like to thank InvestHK for making this happen, and I hope you would leave this forum with mind-blowing takeaways. Thank you.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Legislation – No Meaningful Change Leaves Fast Track Approvals Bill Stinking

Source: Communities Against the Fast Track

Communities Against the Fast Track are disappointed and frustrated with the report of the Select Committee on the Fast Track Approvals Bill, released this afternoon. (ref. https://kasm.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=40fd433e2f2344060946f0bb8&id=18db05f6af&e=26e06db549 )

“The report makes it clear that, at least to the Committee’s ‘majority’, it’s more important to push through developments fast, than to get it right for Aotearoa and future generations,” says Augusta Macassey-Pickard, spokesperson for the group (see membership list below).

“This isn’t about speed, it’s a clear demonstration that the government simply wants to avoid any environmental regulation or community oversight.The Committee has ignored the thousands of submissions against this bill, along with its minority members.”

The group noted that of all consents notified at the moment, 93% or them are successful, making a mockery of the Government’s rationale that there is a desperate need for this extreme reform. And they question the determination to remove any avenue for public input.

“Intentionally excluding community voices, including those of tangata whenua, is actively ensuring that significant knowledge and understanding will be missed. The lack of adequate scrutiny by anyone but the applicant, the Ministers and their expert panels creates a risk that even the few projects that, at face value, could be beneficial, are likely to be sub-par as they have not been properly interrogated.”

CAFT members are also deeply concerned at the apparent comfort of the (majority) Select Committee with the lack of information they were provided around the implications for Aotearoa in the international trade space.

“The casual attitude taken to our trade situation is reflective of what this bill demonstrates – this Government’s apparent disrespect for our country, for our communities.”

“Considering that, and the zombie projects, the retention of aspects like overrides for prohibited activities and Council plans, and the sheer number of proposals on the list that are not relevant to our infrastructure, but, as with seabed mining, and coal and gold mining, are harmful to our environment, it is absolutely clear; the Fast Track Bill is about what’s good for the pockets and bottom lines of a few.

It is abundantly clear this is not about what’s good for Aotearoa.This bill stinks.”

Macassey-Pickard also says the group has serious concerns and doubts over the ability of the system to cope – 149 significant proposals at a time when the EPA has, like many other Government Departments, been significantly scaled back.

“It’s a lot of work to service even one application: appointing the panel, coordinating hearings, notifications, transcripts, decisions and setting up monitoring programmes if a consent is granted. How can the EPA do anything to protect the public interest with this deluge, especially in light of its recent cuts? How can this be anything other than a rubber-stamping exercise?” asked Macassey-Pickard.

Who is CAFT Communities Against the Fasttrack

We collectively represent thousands of volunteers who are actively out in communities around the country giving their time and energy, expertise and experience to help create the kind of communities we want to live in, sustainable, inclusive and forward thinking

CAFT members:

Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki, 350 Aotearoa, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, Coal Action Network Aotearoa, Climate Justice Taranaki, Environment and Conservation Organisations of NZ (ECO), 350 Aotearoa, Taranaki Energy Watch, Extinction Rebellion Tāmaki Makaurau, All Aboard, Save the Basin Campaign, and individual grassroots community organisers from around the motu.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: What is Air Quality?

Source: NASA

Clean air is essential for healthy living, but according to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 99% of the global population breathes air exceeding their guideline limits of air pollution. “Air quality is a measure of how much stuff is in the air, which includes particulates and gaseous pollutants,” said Kristina Pistone, a research scientist at NASA Ames Research Center. Pistone’s research covers both atmospheric and climate areas, with a focus on the effect of atmospheric particles on climate and clouds. “It’s important to understand air quality because it affects your health and how well you can live your life and go about your day,” Pistone said. We sat down with Pistone to learn more about air quality and how it can have a noticeable impact on human health and the environment.

There are six main air pollutants regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States: particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, and lead. These pollutants come from from natural sources, such as the particulate matter that rises into the atmosphere from fires and desert dust, or from human activity, such as the ozone generated from sunlight reacting to vehicle emissions.

Air quality influences health and quality of life. “Just like we need to ingest water, we need to breathe air,” Pistone said. “We have come to expect clean water because we understand that we need it to live and be healthy, and we should expect the same from our air.”
Poor air quality has been tied to cardiovascular and respiratory effects in humans. Short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), for example, can cause respiratory symptoms like coughing and wheezing, and long-term exposure increases the risk of developing respiratory diseases such as asthma or respiratory infections. Exposure to ozone can aggravate the lungs and damage the airways. Exposure to PM2.5 (particulates 2.5 micrometers or smaller) causes lung irritation and has been linked to heart and lung diseases.
In addition to its impacts on human health, poor air quality can damage the environment, polluting bodies of water through acidification and eutrophication. These processes kill plants, deplete soil nutrients, and harm animals.

Air quality is similar to the weather; it can change quickly, even within a matter of hours. To measure and report on air quality, the EPA uses the United States Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is calculated by measuring each of the six primary air pollutants on a scale from “Good” to “Hazardous,” to produce a combined AQI numeric value 0-500.
“Usually when we’re talking about air quality, we’re saying that there are things in the atmosphere that we know are not good for humans to be breathing all the time,” Pistone said. “So to have good air quality, you need to be below a certain threshold of pollution.” Localities around the world use different thresholds for “good” air quality, which is often dependent on which pollutants their system measures. In the EPA’s system, an AQI value of 50 or lower is considered good, while 51-100 is considered moderate. An AQI value between 100 and 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, and higher values are unhealthy to everyone; a health alert is issued when the AQI reaches 200. Any value over 300 is considered hazardous, and is frequently associated with particulate pollution from wildfires.

Air quality sensors are a valuable resource for capturing air quality data on a local level.In 2022, the Trace Gas GRoup (TGGR) at NASA Ames Research Center deployed Inexpensive Network Sensor Technology for Exploring Pollution, or INSTEP: a new network of low-cost air quality sensors that measures a variety of pollutants. These sensors are capturing air quality data in certain areas in California, Colorado, and Mongolia, and have proven advantageous for monitoring air quality during California’s fire season.
The 2024 Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ) mission integrated sensor data from aircraft, satellites, and ground-based platforms to evaluate air quality over several countries in Asia. The data captured from multiple instruments on these flights, such as the Meteorological Measurement System (MMS) from NASA Ames Atmospheric Science Branch, are used to refine air quality models to forecast and assess air quality conditions.
Agency-wide, NASA has a range of Earth-observing satellites and other technology to capture and report air quality data. In 2023, NASA launched the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) mission, which measures air quality and pollution over North America. NASA’s Land, Atmosphere Near real-time Capability for Earth Observations (LANCE) tool provides air quality forecasters with measurements compiled from a multitude of NASA instruments, within three hours of its observation.

In addition to the EPA’s website, which houses air-quality related sources, the EPA also has a platform called AirNow, which reports the local AQI across the United States and allows users to check air quality levels in their area. Pistone also recommends looking at Purple Air’s real-time map, which displays PM data taken from a crowd-sourced network of low-cost sensors and translates those measurements to estimate AQI. For those concerned about air quality, Pistone recommends checking out https://cleanaircrew.org/ for resources on indoor air quality, breathing safely with wildfire smoke, and even building your own box fan filter.
To learn more about air quality research applications, see NASA’s Applied Sciences Program’s Health & Air Quality program area, which details the use of Earth observations to assess and address air quality concerns at local, regional, and national levels. Additionally, the NASA Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team (HAQAST) helps connect NASA data and tools with stakeholders to better share and understand the effects of air quality on human health.
Written by Katera Lee, NASA Ames Research Center

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Innovative approach of Polytechnic scientists to increase the efficiency of thermal power plants

MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

A new approach to increasing the economic and energy efficiency of combined-cycle power units of Russian thermal power plants is being developed by a research group from the Institute of Power Engineering of SPbPU with the support of the strategic academic leadership program “Priority-2030”. Scientists have proven that changing the operating mode of combined-cycle units will increase the marginal income of thermal power plants without significantly changing the heating scheme. According to experts’ calculations, the approach will save several million cubic meters of natural gas per heating period.

Scientists from the Institute of Power Engineering of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University are developing new tools to improve economic and energy efficiency when converting combined-cycle power units to parameters traditional for the Russian energy sector using domestic gas turbine units. According to scientists, all combined-cycle units at Russian thermal power plants currently use low steam parameters in the utilization circuit. This is largely due to the imposed traditions of Western manufacturers of such devices. Analysis and revision of existing equipment operating parameters is the most important stage of systematic work to ensure import independence of the domestic energy sector.

With the support of the Priority-2030 strategic academic leadership program, a research group from SPbPU is working on optimization tools for the transition to domestic combined-cycle technologies. At the first stage of the work, scientists created digital models of units with combined-cycle plants for a comprehensive analysis of all factors affecting the operation of the CHPP. Then, specialists conducted a study of the influence of various parameters, including the pressure of steam generated in the waste heat boiler, on the economic efficiency of the CHPP.

Most Western power units operate in condensation mode, i.e. they produce only electrical energy. For Russia, it is typical to use power units with combined production of both heat and electrical energy. Combined-cycle power units with imported gas turbine units operated in our country have a fairly low pressure of 7.4 MPa at the input. But the strong point of the Russian energy industry is a wide range of steam turbines with initial pressures of 12.74 MPa, which are used in classic steam turbine power units, – noted Irina Anikina, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Nuclear and Thermal Energy of SPbPU.

Scientists have carried out complex calculations and proposed to increase the initial steam pressure in the utilization circuit of the combined-cycle power plant. Instead of using turbines with reduced operating parameters, scientists proposed to use existing Russian serial-produced steam turbines with minimal modernization, designed for a pressure of 12.74 MPa, during the planned modernization or construction of new combined-cycle power plants. This will significantly increase the availability of combined-cycle power units for the domestic energy sector, as well as the efficiency of the plant. According to scientists’ calculations, this approach will save 2-3 million cubic meters of natural gas in just one heating period.

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.

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

https://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/science_and_innovations/innovative-approach-of-Polytechnic-scientists-to-increasing-efficiency-of-CHP/

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Media registration now open for 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

The registration platform for media representatives of the 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE, hereinafter referred to as “Supply Chain Expo”) will be open to both domestic and international media from October 18th to November 10th, 2024.

Journalists can register through official platforms, such as the Media Registration Section of the Online Media Center on official website of the Supply Chain Expo (https://media.cisce.org.cn/register) and the WeChat mini program named “Supply Chain Media Home”.

For domestic media, it is necessary to submit their valid press cards issued by the General Administration of Press and Publication of China, screenshots of articles published within the last six months, or a certificate of employment issued by their media organizations. Foreign media are required to register using their permanent journalist permits or proof of their media organizations. Notifications will be dispatched via phone, SMS, or email. The details will be announced on official platforms of the Supply Chain Expo in a timely manner.

The 2nd CISCE is scheduled on November 26th-30th, 2024, at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing. With the theme of “Connecting the World for a Shared Future”, this year’s exhibition covers more than 100,000 square meters with 6 key industrial chains and 1 exhibition area: Advanced Manufacturing Chain, Clean Energy Chain, Smart Vehicle Chain, Digital Technology Chain, Healthy Life Chain, Green Agriculture Chain, and Supply Chain Service Area. It vertically showcases advanced concepts, products, and technologies of relevant industrial chains, and horizontally showcases supporting services such as finance and insurance, logistics and distribution, business consulting, legal services, etc.

Media Registration Entry for Supply Chain Expo

Access the Media Registration Area of the Online Media Center on the official website of the Supply Chain Expo (https://media.cisce.org.cn/register) or scan the QR of the “Supply Chain Media Home” WeChat mini-app to register.

Contact: FU Zhichen; HE Ming

Tel: 15589090767; 15601376301

Email: guoyan@ccpit.org

MIL OSI China News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: With the support of Rosneft, scientists studied the musk ox population in Taimyr

MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

Scientists from the Siberian Federal University, with the support of RN-Vankor (the operator of Rosneft’s flagship project Vostok Oil), conducted a comprehensive census of musk oxen in the western part of Taimyr. The research is being conducted within the framework of the enterprise’s grant program.

Preservation of the environment for future generations is an integral part of the corporate culture of Rosneft Oil Company. The Company’s subsidiaries implement comprehensive programs for the conservation and restoration of biological resources, including the use of advanced technological solutions.

For the survey work, the researchers used air and water transport. The total length of all routes exceeded 12 thousand km, of which more than 2.8 thousand km were water expeditions along the Pyasina River and its tributaries, Lake Pyasino.

Scientists have obtained up-to-date data on the number, age and sex structure, and distribution of the musk ox population in Western Taimyr. All encounters and tracks of animals were documented using photo and video equipment, GPS recorders, and coordinates were recorded on a cartographic basis. In addition, scientists conducted a survey of the indigenous population, including fishermen and hunters, about the places of encounters with musk oxen.

On the right bank of the Pyasina River, near the mouth of the Khanchecha River, scientists have noted for the first time a group of musk oxen: an adult male and female, a yearling bull and two yearlings (calves born this year). The data obtained indicate successful reproduction of mammals in the territory of Western Taimyr. In addition, according to scientists, it is possible to speak with a high degree of probability about the gradual dispersal of musk oxen in Western Taimyr.

In order to resettle the species in this territory, scientists from the Siberian Federal University will develop recommendations and measures for the conservation and further rational use of this biological resource in Taimyr as a whole. Let us recall that the musk ox population in Taimyr was revived by Soviet scientists during a unique project in 1974. By the mid-1990s, the number of musk oxen on the peninsula was about 1 thousand individuals, and in the early 2000s, more than 4 thousand.

Reference:

The implementation of environmental and social projects of practical importance for Taimyr and its population is carried out within the framework of the grant program “RN-Vankor”. This year, with the support of oil workers, projects are being implemented to assess the state of the populations of the main commercial fish of the reservoirs of Taimyr using express analysis technologies, and to create a textbook “Reindeer of Taimyr”.

In 2023, the winners of the grant competition were projects to assess the state of aquatic biological resources of the Yenisei Gulf of the Kara Sea, analyze the number and distribution of anseriformes in Western Taimyr, and assess the state and dynamics of vegetation in the western part of Taimyr based on remote sensing data.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft October 18, 2024

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.

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/220927/

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TUV seek to raise status of PIRA in Stormont

Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:

“Today’s statement by the PSNI broadcast on the Nolan Show that the security service assessment of the role and status of the PIRA and its Army Council hasn’t changed does not come as a surprise to TUV. However, it is worth remembering that the Ministerial Pledge of Office which all members of the Executive are required to take says they “commitment to non-violence and exclusively peaceful and democratic means…, to challenge paramilitary attempts to control communities [and] to support those who are determined to make the transition away from paramilitarism”.

“It is incompatible with democracy that a party controlled by the PIRA Army Council should be leading the government of Northern Ireland. Those who partner them should be ashamed. I think particularly of the DUP who, in 2007, signed up to Stormont on the basis of the pledge in their manifesto:

“The DUP holds to its long standing position that there can only be an agreement involving Sinn Fein when there has been delivery by the republican movement, tested and proved over a credible period, in terms of support for the PSNI, the Courts and the rule of law, a complete end to paramilitary and criminal activity and the removal of terrorist structures.”

“For most of the past 17 years the DUP have, as they do today, partnered Sinn Fein while the IRA Army Council continues to have a key role in the organisation.

“While others shrug their shoulders and claim there is nothing they can do about it, TUV is determined to make Stormont face up to these issues and hold those who, for the sake of office, choose to ignore the fact that their partners in government continue to be controlled by an illegal terrorist organisation responsible for the best part of 2,000 murders.

“To that end, I have tabled both an urgent oral question to the Justice Minister and a Matter of the Day for Monday. It is over to the speaker if time will be set aside for these matters. I trust he will regard them as sufficiently serious.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Launch of Pilot projects in Steel Sector under the National Green Hydrogen Mission

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 18 OCT 2024 11:21AM by PIB Delhi

As part of National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Union Government has sanctioned three pilot projects for use of Hydrogen in steel production. Earlier the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy had issued guidelines for Implementation of Pilot projects in Steel Sector under this Mission.

The objectives of the scheme were to identify advance technologies for utilizing green hydrogen in steelmaking, through pilot projects. These pilot projects can demonstrate safe and secure operations of green hydrogen-based steel making processes, validating technical feasibility and performance, evaluating their economic viability thereby leading to low-carbon iron and steel production. Accordingly, the proposals were invited for three components (i) Pilot project to produce DRI using 100 % Hydrogen using vertical shaft, (ii) Use of Hydrogen in Blast Furnace to reduce coal/ coke consumption and (iii) Injection of Hydrogen in vertical shaft based DRI making unit.

Based on the evaluations of the proposals received, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has sanctioned total three pilot projects in the steel sector, (a) Matrix Gas and Renewables Ltd (Consortium members: Gensol Engineering Ltd, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Metsol AB, Sweden) with pilot plant capacity 50 ton-per-day (TPD), (b) Simplex Castings Ltd (Consortium member: BSBK Pvt. Ltd., Ten Eight Investment, IIT Bhilai) with pilot plant capacity 40 TPD and (c) Steel Authority of India Ltd (Ranchi) with plant capacity 3200 TPD.

The total financial support made available will be Rs. 347 Crore from the Government of India. These pilot projects are likely to be commissioned in next 3 years, paving way to the scaleup of such technologies in India.

The Scheme Guidelines can be accessed here.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched on 04 ^th January 2023 with an outlay of Rs. 19,744 crores up to FY 2029-30. It will contribute to India’s goal to become Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) through clean energy and serve as an inspiration for the global Clean Energy Transition. The Mission will lead to significant decarbonization of the economy, reduced dependence on fossil fuel imports, and enable India to assume technology and market leadership in Green Hydrogen.

******

Navin Sreejith

RELATED:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1954950

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2002034

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt to provide full support to the private sector in taking lead in the field of defence & making India an innovation & technology hub: Raksha Mantri
Source: Government of India (2)

Govt to provide full support to the private sector in taking lead in the field of defence & making India an innovation & technology hub: Raksha Mantri

Shri Rajnath Singh launches ‘Dare to Dream 5.0’ for innovators to come forward with transformative ideas for defence applications

Deep-Tech challenges unveiled to drive major advancements in areas critical to defence infrastructure

“Need to achieve advancements in both incremental and disruptive tech through out-of-the-box thinking & latest innovations”

Cutting-edge indigenous technologies developed under TDF scheme handed over to users

Posted On: 18 OCT 2024 3:00PM by PIB Delhi

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon the private sector to move forward from ‘participation’ to ‘taking lead’ in the defence sector, assuring the Government’s full support to make India an innovation & technology hub and one of the strongest countries in the world. He was addressing scientists, industry leaders, academia, start-ups, MSMEs and young entrepreneurs during Twaral, a DRDO-Industry Workshop on Defence Technology Acceleration organised at DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi on October 18, 2024.

Sharing insights on the transformation of the defence sector in the recent past, Raksha Mantri stated that, today, technology has transformed conventional warfare into unconventional warfare. “New dimensions have been added to modern-day warfare such as drones, cyber warfare, bio-weapons and space defence. In this transformative phase, R&D in defence will definitely make the defence sector stronger. It is heartening to witness our scientists, industrialists, academia, start-ups, MSMEs and young entrepreneurs working together in this endeavour. It is time for the private sector to take lead as it has the ability to absorb rapid changes and create new innovations,” he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh termed the adoption of unconventional ideas, not yet known to the world, as the only way to progress in unconventional warfare. Acknowledging it as a tough task, he stated that the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will continue providing all necessary support to the youth, scientists, industrialists and MSMEs in this endeavour.

Raksha Mantri reiterated the Government’s commitment to make the defence sector more innovative and technology-oriented. Highlighting the consistent efforts being made by DRDO to strengthen the R&D environment and promote scientific temperament, he said: “Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme is providing up to 90% of the total project cost as grant support to eligible industries. The total support is up to Rs 50 crore, a good amount for any MSME and start-up to invest in defence R&D. Since its launch six years ago, 79 projects have been sanctioned, of which, technology has successfully been developed in 18 projects.”

As part of the event, Shri Rajnath Singh launched ‘Dare to Dream 5.0’ to encourage next generation of innovators & start-ups to come forward with transformative ideas for defence applications. The fifth edition of DRDO’s innovation contest aims to generate cutting-edge solutions for India to progress further in its pursuit to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence technologies.

Raksha Mantri also felicitated the winners of ‘Dare to Dream 4.0’, recognising individual innovators, start-ups and MSMEs for disruptive solutions and innovations in the fields of countermeasures for drones and swarm of drones; advanced acoustic system to locate gunfire, directed energy technologies, cognitive listening device, target seeking & proximity sensing, free-space laser communication system, multi-terrain multi-utility robot among others.

Shri Rajnath Singh described the challenges as a testament to the commitment of the industrial ecosystem of the country to protect the future of the defence sector. “Like our brave soldiers, scientists, industry leaders, academia, start-ups, MSMEs and entrepreneurs too are the warriors of the country, prepared to complete every assigned task,” he said.

Raksha Mantri laid emphasis on the need to achieve advancements in both incremental and disruptive technologies within the defence sector. The solutions to challenges obtained through initiatives such as ‘Dare to Dream’ bridge the critical gap between the two types of technologies, he said. He called upon the scientists, start-ups & young entrepreneurs to think out-of-the-box and come out with latest innovations as if it were their habit to accept & overcome challenges.

Shri Rajnath Singh exhorted the private sector to move in line with the unprecedented speed with which the technological changes are taking place across the globe. He urged them to ensure, through timely assessment, that a technology does not become outdated when it is rolled out. He also called for development of projects, under TDF, based on cutting edge tech, and devising a system of comprehensive scan within the scheme to avoid duplication of technologies.

Deep-Tech Challenges

Several challenges on Disruptive, Emerging, Enabling and Pioneering Technologies (Deep-Tech) were also launched to drive major advancements in areas critical to the country’s defence infrastructure. The focus on Deep-Tech emphasises the need for India to develop and harness breakthrough technologies to stay at the forefront of defence innovation. The challenges are:
- Compact Electromechanical Actuators;
- Development of indigenous thrusters for Yard Craft (Indian Navy);
- Development of High Purity Silicon Carbide source powder for the bulk growth of SiC single crystal;
- Deep-Tech for HPM Counter Measures and Protection;
- Development of a Digital Twin Framework for Aero Gas Turbine Engine Health & Usage Monitoring.
Tech handed over to end-users

Several cutting-edge indigenous technologies developed under the TDF scheme were also handed over to the users, including DRDO and Armed Forces, in the presence of Shri Rajnath Singh. These innovations, created by startups and MSMEs with DRDO, mark a significant step in the country’s journey towards self-reliance, enhancing national security. The technologies are:
- Autonomous Drone as first responder for search and report mission in enclosed/indoor environment by NewSpace Research and Technology Pvt Ltd. to CAIR, DRDO.
- Simulator for Unmanned Ground, Marine (Sea Surface and Underwater) and Aerial Vehicles by Combat Robotics India Pvt Ltd to CAIR, DRDO.
- Data Assessment Active Learning and Believability for Visual Data to CAIR, DRDO & Aero Gas Turbine Engine Health Monitoring System by Chistats Labs Pvt Ltd to GTRE, DRDO.
- Design and Development of Water Tight/Gas Tight and Fire Class EMI/EMC compliant doors and hatches for Naval Ships by Valdel Advanced Technologies Pvt Ltd. to Indian Navy.
- Fuel System Temperature Transducer for Aircraft Application by Tejase Aeroscience Private Ltd Mumbai to ADA.
Twaral

The DRDO-Industry Workshop on Defence Technology Acceleration brought together all the stakeholders of the innovation ecosystem to explore strategies for expediting the development of critical defence technologies. The discussions were centered on bridging the gap between research efforts and real-world application, with a strong focus on collaboration across sectors. Setting the foundation for future innovations, the workshop underscored the critical role of DeepTech (R&D) in advancing national security capabilities.

The Amended Standard Operating Procedures for TDF, aimed at simplifying the process for start-ups and MSMEs to collaborate with DRDO, was also released. These updated procedures are designed to foster a more transparent and streamlined approach for innovators, enabling easier access to opportunities for contributing to national defense projects.

Two in-depth panel discussions were also held. The first, on Critical and Emerging Tech Collaboration, explored the potential for international R&D partnerships and the sharing of Intellectual Property in military technology. The second discussion addressed the theme of self-reliance in defence technology and manufacturing, focusing on the need for innovation and strong R&D to build a sustainable and robust domestic ecosystem.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat praised the winners of ‘Dare to Dream 4.0’, emphasising the importance of fostering homegrown talent in building a stronger and self-reliant defence sector. The winners’ contributions serve as a testament to India’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem, he said.

Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Lt Gen JP Mathew and other senior civil & military officials of Ministry of Defence were present on the occasion.

******

VK/SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2066036) Visitor Counter : 25

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Solar Alliance announces the appointment of new CEO to lead company through next stage of growth

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO and KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (‘Solar Alliance’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX-V: SOLR, OTC: SAENF), a leading solar energy solutions provider focused on the commercial and utility solar sectors, announces the resignation of Michael Clark as CEO, President and Director, and the appointment of Brian Timmons as President and CEO, both effective October 18, 2024. Mr. Clark is leaving Solar Alliance to pursue other opportunities and will assist the Company to ensure a seamless transition.

Mr. Timmons is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, with over 30 years of experience in senior positions within companies across a range of industries, including fund management, investment banking, healthcare technology, bioscience, alternative energy and resource companies, telecoms and software IT. A number of these were entrepreneurial, early stage companies, in which he led the process of raising significant levels of finance to fund ambitious growth targets. Mr. Timmons has been the Chairman of the Solar Alliance Board of Directors since February, 2022 and has been integral to the Company’s recent growth and large project execution strategy.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to express our gratitude to Mr. Clark for his outstanding leadership and resilience during his time as President and CEO. Under his guidance, Solar Alliance has evolved into a leading commercial solar provider in the U.S. Southeast, experiencing revenue growth and achieving profitability for the first half of 2024. I look forward to growing Solar Alliance and building on the work he has done to date. The prospects for continued growth remain high and I am determined to accelerate that growth for the benefit of our customers, shareholders, and the planet,” said Chairman Brian Timmons.

“It has been an honour to work alongside a great team,” said Mr. Clark. “The appointment of Mr. Timmons as CEO brings significant financial and operational experience to the team. He has been integral to our growth and large project execution strategy and he now brings his expertise to Solar Alliance full time as CEO. Additionally, the financial experience he brings to Solar Alliance is ideally suited for this company at this time given our remarkable growth prospects. I will always remain a strong supporter of Solar Alliance. I look forward to seeing great things from the company as it continues to bring solar energy to the growing commercial solar market,” said Mr. Clark.

Anton Shihoff, Ken Stadlin and Bob Miller remain as members of the board of directors alongside Mr. Timmons, who remains as Chairman. In connection with this transition, the Company has agreed to issue Mr. Clark an aggregate of 1,000,000 common shares of the Company as part of his severance, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Brian Timmons, Chairman

About Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (http://www.solaralliance.com)

Solar Alliance is an energy solutions provider focused on the commercial, utility and community solar sectors. Our experienced team of solar professionals reduces or eliminates customers’ vulnerability to rising energy costs, offers an environmentally friendly source of electricity generation, and provides affordable, turnkey clean energy solutions. Solar Alliance’s strategy is to build, own and operate our own solar assets while also generating stable revenue through the sale and installation of solar projects to commercial and utility customers. The technical and operational synergies from this combined business model supports sustained growth across the solar project value chain from design, engineering, installation, ownership and operations/maintenance.

Statements in this news release, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company’s future plans and objectives or expected results, constitute Forward-looking statements. The words “would”, “will”, “expected” and “estimated” or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this press release include, but is not limited to focus on larger, higher margin commercial solar projects, the assessment of acquisition opportunities and pursuit of corporate opportunities, the ability to scale, increasing project margins, targeting profitability, the expectation that the completion of several larger projects post-quarter end will result in revenue to be recognized in future quarters and the Company offering a unique investment opportunity in the renewables sector space. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different than those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: uncertainties related to the ability to raise sufficient capital, changes in economic conditions or financial markets, litigation, legislative or other judicial, regulatory, legislative and political competitive developments, technological or operational difficulties, the ability to maintain revenue growth, the ability to execute on the Company’s strategies, the ability to complete the Company’s current and backlog of solar projects, the ability to grow the Company’s market share, the high growth US solar industry, the ability to convert the backlog of projects into revenue, the expected timing of the construction and completion of the Company’s solar projects, the targeting of larger customers, potential corporate growth opportunities and the ability to execute on the key objectives in 2024. Consequently, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

“Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.”

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Royale Energy Announces Plans to Accelerate Growth Transaction to Simplify Capital Structure

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Royale Energy Inc. (“Royale” or the “Company”), a Delaware-based corporation, is pleased to announce the successful completion of a series of strategic financial transactions aimed at simplifying its capital structure and more closely aligning the interests of its diverse stakeholders. This series of transactions better positions Royale to pursue future growth opportunities and continue on the path toward relisting on a major exchange.

As part of this comprehensive effort, Royale Energy Inc. has executed key agreements that include the issuance of common stock, stock options, and Series 2024 Senior Unsecured Promissory Notes in exchange for all of the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock. As a result, Royale now has one class of equity outstanding, its common stock. These transactions were conducted with former holders of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock and other long-term liability holders, effectively resolving over $24 million of Series B Preferred liquidation preference value and approximately $3 million of pre-merger liabilities.

The recapitalization initiative involved the issuance of common stock and promissory notes to settle outstanding claims, alongside stock options granted as part of an exchange agreement. These measures not only strengthen Royale’s financial position but also ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are more closely aligned with the Company’s long-term objectives.

“By simplifying our capital structure, we are positioning Royale to pursue new opportunities that align with our growth strategy and deliver enhanced value to our shareholders” said Chris Parada, Chairman of Royale Energy Inc. “This important step will enable the company to gain greater access to even more strategic opportunities as well as access to more traditional sources of capital. I would like to express my gratitude to the former preferred stockholders, other stakeholders, and the Royale Board for their efforts to conclude this transformational recapitalization.”

Johnny Jordan, CEO of Royale Energy Inc., added, “Consolidating all shareholders into a single class of stock demonstrates our commitment to building shareholder value for everyone. This move underscores our dedication to creating a unified and equitable structure that benefits all of our investors.”

Royale Energy Inc. remains committed to executing its strategic vision and delivering value through disciplined financial management and targeted growth initiatives. The successful completion of these transactions marks a significant step forward in the Company’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations and enhance shareholder value.

About Royale Energy Inc.: Royale Energy Inc. is a Delaware corporation engaged in the exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas. The Company is focused on creating long-term value through the efficient management of its assets and strategic partnerships.

Forward-Looking Statement
In addition to historical information contained herein, this news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those in the “forward-looking” statements. While the company believes its forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, there are factors that are difficult to predict and that are influenced by economic and other conditions beyond the company’s control. Investors are directed to consider such risks and other uncertainties discussed in documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information, please visit https://www.royl.com or contact Investor Relations at IR@royl.com.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Florida’s retail gasoline price stays stable after Hurricane Milton despite shortages
Source: US Energy Information Administration

In-brief analysis

October 18, 2024

Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s western coast on October 9 as a Category 3 hurricane. The hurricane and accompanying rain, winds, and flooding disrupted key gasoline supply chains to the state, leaving hundreds of retail gasoline stations without fuel. However, the average retail price of regular gasoline in Florida has remained relatively stable in the storm’s aftermath, remaining flat at $3.04 per gallon (gal) this week, as supply chains began to recover.

The Florida average price reflects an estimate for retail prices across the entire state of Florida, and prices may vary significantly across regions, particularly because of major disruptions such as Hurricane Milton.

Hurricanes can limit fuel supplies in Florida because Florida doesn’t have refineries or gasoline pipelines connecting it to other states with excess supply. Instead, Florida relies on gasoline delivered by ship from domestic and international sources. Because of the storm, several ports were temporarily closed, but others remained open with restrictions. Authorities at Port Tampa Bay, where nearly half of Florida’s petroleum product supply is brought in, reported no significant damage to docks, but they noted infrastructure damage, power outages, and road closures that could disrupt supply.

Shipments from domestic refineries along the Gulf Coast, supplemented with imports from abroad, supply most of Florida. Florida’s gasoline arrives through several large ports located along its coastlines, each transporting fuel to nearby markets by truck or short-distance pipeline. The regions and their respective mode of transporting gasoline is as follows:
- Western Florida: trucked from terminals in Port Tampa Bay
- Southern Florida: trucked from terminals in Port Everglades, just north of Fort Lauderdale
- Central Florida: transported by pipelines from Tampa, but some petroleum products trucked from Port Canaveral on the Atlantic Coast
- Northeastern Florida: trucked from terminals in the Port of Jacksonville
Some gasoline shipments arrive in Florida by both pipeline and truck. At a terminal in Bainbridge, Georgia, gasoline is transferred from the Colonial Pipeline system to a long-distance tanker truck for delivery to the Florida panhandle. Trucks and barges from nearby refineries in Alabama and Mississippi supply the rest of western Florida.

The average retail gasoline price in Florida was unchanged as of October 14 compared with October 7. In the United States overall, the average retail gasoline price was $3.17/gal, a 1% increase compared with last week.

Price spikes in response to shortages at individual stations contribute to sharp increases at specific locations, which are reflected in statewide average prices. To help address these shortages, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) procured and deployed emergency fuels. On October 15, the governor’s office reported that FDEM deployed 508,600 gallons of diesel and 686,200 gallons of gasoline and that public fuel distribution sites were open at several locations.

Principal contributors: Kevin Hack, Kimberly Peterson, Tara Bennett-Chirico

MIL OSI USA News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: SCO bolsters security cooperation, economic integration among members

Source: China State Council Information Office

Chinese Premier Li Qiang attends the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Islamabad, Pakistan, Oct. 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

At the just-concluded meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, government leaders from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members called for deepening cooperation in a range of areas including economy and trade, security, connectivity, energy, finance and green development.

Participants to the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the SCO agreed that in the face of a complex and volatile international environment, all parties need to actively implement the outcomes of the Astana Summit, work closely in solidarity and coordination.

Since its inception in 2001, the SCO has been committed to strengthening mutual trust, dialogue and cooperation, with its ever-increasing role in bolstering security cooperation and economic integration for its members.

ENHANCING SECURITY, STABILITY

“From the very beginning, the SCO Charter was signed based on the fundamental principle of cooperation in countering the types of threats that are still relevant today — terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as drug trafficking, transnational crime and illegal migration,” said Evgenia Makhmutova, associate professor at the department of political science of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation.

The member states work on the basis of a list of principles, among which are mutual respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs, the scholar told Xinhua.

With effective multilateral cooperation and coordination, the SCO has been playing a positive role in improving security situation of the region over the past more than two decades.

Through its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, SCO member countries have been able to enhance intelligence sharing and operational coordination, hence more effective efforts in combating terrorism.

Another important aspect of security cooperation is the exchange of experience and best practices in law enforcement, which encompasses training programs, staff exchanges and technical assistance among member states.

Energy security also holds an important place on the SCO agenda. In recent years, efforts have been directed toward creating a unified energy market and developing joint projects in the energy field.

Under evolving circumstances featuring new geopolitical factors and technological advancements, the SCO is also adapting its activities to new challenges, such as protectionism, cybersecurity and climate change, making the organization more flexible and capable of effectively responding to modern-day threats.

TOWARD ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

Over the years, the SCO has made remarkable achievements in boosting trade and facilitating economic integration among member states.

Sohail Mahmood, former foreign secretary of Pakistan and director general of think tank the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, said that trade among SCO members had grown significantly since its founding, reflecting the organization’s growing influence and global relevance.

As a member state, Pakistan values the SCO mechanism for securing economic cooperation. Amina Masood, professor of the faculty of social sciences of International Islamic University Islamabad, said it’s important to take advantage of the SCO meeting in Islamabad to increase the country’s trade and technical partnership with Central Asian and South Asian countries.

Economic cooperation has “not only greatly supported socio-economic development in the SCO community, but also contributed to regional and global economic growth and development,” the professor said.

The 10-member SCO, which covers over half of the Eurasian landmass, has maintained trade growth and closer economic interactions thanks to better connectivity provided by enhanced infrastructure.

In the region, landmark projects, notably the China-Central Asia Gas Pipeline, the Chinese-built new North-South highway in Kyrgyzstan, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor and the Eurasian transport corridor, have greatly facilitated economic exchanges.

At the same time, with a large combined population, the SCO represents vast market potential. Collective economic development of all members helps fuel demand for goods and services, which in turn drives vigorous growth of the region’s economies.

GROWING INFLUENCE, VITALITY

Over the past two decades, the SCO has maintained its vitality and become an influential regional and international organization in an international landscape fraught with changes and turbulence.

The Shanghai Spirit ensures that every member state has an equal voice, regardless of economic scale, military potential, or international influence, setting an example of multilateral cooperation.

“As the world today is going through a phase of disintegration of the Western-centred system of international security, and the countries of the Global South are striving for the status of equal and sovereign world players, the potential for the SCO to become a platform for the integration of non-Western forces is noticeably expanding,” Makhmutova told Xinhua.

“The growing number of countries interested in this format undoubtedly enhances the status and credibility of the organization,” said the Russian scholar.

As its influence grows, the scope of cooperation for SCO, which currently groups China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus, with two observer countries and 14 dialogue partners, is also expanding, thereby adding more vitality to the organization.

China, the SCO rotating presidency for 2024-2025, has put forward a central theme of “SCO Year of Sustainable Development.”

Under this theme, closer cooperation will be fostered in a wide range of areas, such as poverty alleviation, food security, public health, development financing, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy and connectivity.

MIL OSI China News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: To make nuclear fusion a reliable energy source one day, scientists will first need to design heat- and radiation-resilient materials

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sophie Blondel, Research Assistant Professor of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee

A fusion experiment ran so hot that the wall materials facing the plasma retained defects. Christophe Roux/CEA IRFM, CC BY

Fusion energy has the potential to be an effective clean energy source, as its reactions generate incredibly large amounts of energy. Fusion reactors aim to reproduce on Earth what happens in the core of the Sun, where very light elements merge and release energy in the process. Engineers can harness this energy to heat water and generate electricity through a steam turbine, but the path to fusion isn’t completely straightforward.

Controlled nuclear fusion has several advantages over other power sources for generating electricity. For one, the fusion reaction itself doesn’t produce any carbon dioxide. There is no risk of meltdown, and the reaction doesn’t generate any long-lived radioactive waste.

I’m a nuclear engineer who studies materials that scientists could use in fusion reactors. Fusion takes place at incredibly high temperatures. So to one day make fusion a feasible energy source, reactors will need to be built with materials that can survive the heat and irradiation generated by fusion reactions.

Fusion material challenges

Several types of elements can merge during a fusion reaction. The one most scientists prefer is deuterium plus tritium. These two elements have the highest likelihood of fusing at temperatures that a reactor can maintain. This reaction generates a helium atom and a neutron, which carries most of the energy from the reaction.

Humans have successfully generated fusion reactions on Earth since 1952 – some even in their garage. But the trick now is to make it worth it. You need to get more energy out of the process than you put in to initiate the reaction.

Fusion reactions happen in a very hot plasma, which is a state of matter similar to gas but made of charged particles. The plasma needs to stay extremely hot – over 100 million degrees Celsius – and condensed for the duration of the reaction.

To keep the plasma hot and condensed and create a reaction that can keep going, you need special materials making up the reactor walls. You also need a cheap and reliable source of fuel.

While deuterium is very common and obtained from water, tritium is very rare. A 1-gigawatt fusion reactor is expected to burn 56 kilograms of tritium annually. But the world has only about 25 kilograms of tritium commercially available.

Researchers need to find alternative sources for tritium before fusion energy can get off the ground. One option is to have each reactor generating its own tritium through a system called the breeding blanket.

The breeding blanket makes up the first layer of the plasma chamber walls and contains lithium that reacts with the neutrons generated in the fusion reaction to produce tritium. The blanket also converts the energy carried by these neutrons to heat.

The fusion reaction chamber at ITER will electrify the plasma.

Fusion devices also need a divertor, which extracts the heat and ash produced in the reaction. The divertor helps keep the reactions going for longer.

These materials will be exposed to unprecedented levels of heat and particle bombardment. And there aren’t currently any experimental facilities to reproduce these conditions and test materials in a real-world scenario. So, the focus of my research is to bridge this gap using models and computer simulations.

From the atom to full device

My colleagues and I work on producing tools that can predict how the materials in a fusion reactor erode, and how their properties change when they are exposed to extreme heat and lots of particle radiation.

As they get irradiated, defects can form and grow in these materials, which affect how well they react to heat and stress. In the future, we hope that government agencies and private companies can use these tools to design fusion power plants.

Our approach, called multiscale modeling, consists of looking at the physics in these materials over different time and length scales with a range of computational models.

We first study the phenomena happening in these materials at the atomic scale through accurate but expensive simulations. For instance, one simulation might examine how hydrogen moves within a material during irradiation.

From these simulations, we look at properties such as diffusivity, which tells us how much the hydrogen can spread throughout the material.

We can integrate the information from these atomic level simulations into less expensive simulations, which look at how the materials react at a larger scale. These larger-scale simulations are less expensive because they model the materials as a continuum instead of considering every single atom.

The atomic-scale simulations could take weeks to run on a supercomputer, while the continuum one will take only a few hours.

All this modeling work happening on computers is then compared with experimental results obtained in laboratories.

For example, if one side of the material has hydrogen gas, we want to know how much hydrogen leaks to the other side of the material. If the model and the experimental results match, we can have confidence in the model and use it to predict the behavior of the same material under the conditions we would expect in a fusion device.

If they don’t match, we go back to the atomic-scale simulations to investigate what we missed.

Additionally, we can couple the larger-scale material model to plasma models. These models can tell us which parts of a fusion reactor will be the hottest or have the most particle bombardment. From there, we can evaluate more scenarios.

For instance, if too much hydrogen leaks through the material during the operation of the fusion reactor, we could recommend making the material thicker in certain places, or adding something to trap the hydrogen.

Designing new materials

As the quest for commercial fusion energy continues, scientists will need to engineer more resilient materials. The field of possibilities is daunting – engineers can manufacture multiple elements together in many ways.

You could combine two elements to create a new material, but how do you know what the right proportion is of each element? And what if you want to try mixing five or more elements together? It would take way too long to try to run our simulations for all of these possibilities.

Thankfully, artificial intelligence is here to assist. By combining experimental and simulation results, analytical AI can recommend combinations that are most likely to have the properties we’re looking for, such as heat and stress resistance.

The aim is to reduce the number of materials that an engineer would have to produce and test experimentally to save time and money.

Sophie Blondel receives funding from the US Department of Energy.

– ref. To make nuclear fusion a reliable energy source one day, scientists will first need to design heat- and radiation-resilient materials – https://theconversation.com/to-make-nuclear-fusion-a-reliable-energy-source-one-day-scientists-will-first-need-to-design-heat-and-radiation-resilient-materials-238489

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Welsh Secretary hails new era for Wales office on 60th anniversary
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
English

Cymraeg

An event was held at Tŷ William Morgan in Cardiff to mark the 60 years of the creation of the Secretary of State for Wales in 1964.
From left to right: David TC Davies, Lord Hain, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, Alun Michael and Lord Murphy.

The Welsh Secretary has said the Wales Office will be a “dedicated champion for our nation at the Cabinet Table” as the department marked its 60th anniversary.

Jo Stevens said she aimed to reinvigorate the Wales Office on her appointment and had already “forged a new partnership” with Welsh Government as well as beginning to deliver some of the UK Government’s key priorities.

On Thursday 17 October, an event was held at Ty William Morgan in Cardiff, one of the Wales Office’s two bases along with Gwydyr House in London, to mark the 60th anniversary of the creation of the Secretary of State for Wales in 1964.

Speaking at the event, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said:

The Wales Office exists as a dedicated champion for our nation and I believe it is critical that Wales     has its voice at the Cabinet table, steadfastly advocating on behalf of our country. This is a legacy I will continue to champion and strengthen.

But I want to go further and faster in strengthening the voice and the impact of the Wales Office across government and in the experiences of people across Wales.

When I came into office in July, I set out my plans to reinvigorate the Wales Office and set a clear vision for its future.

The last decade has been characterised by a fractious relationship between Welsh and UK Governments and as a first act, we have fundamentally reset the relationship between the Welsh and UK governments.

The First Minister and I are forging a new partnership, based on trust, respect for devolution, cooperation, and delivery. That is the bedrock on which everything else is built.”

The Welsh Secretary added that as well as reforming the Wales Office she has begun to deliver on the priorities set out on her appointment to the post.

Since July in Wales, announcements have included:

A better deal with Tata Steel that secures the immediate future of Port Talbot steelworks, lays the foundations for future investment and enhances protections for the workforce in Port Talbot, Llanwern, Trostre and Shotton.

£13.5m released from the Port Talbot Transition Board to support the community and supply chain. 

Major inward investment successes with Eren Holdings and Kellanova making huge investments in North East Wales which will deliver hundreds of good jobs.

A boost to the number of trains running on the North Wales mainline by 50%, announced alongside the Welsh Government. 

Creation of the publicly-owned GB Energy, unleashing the potential we have for clean power in Wales from new nuclear in Ynys Mon, to floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.  Seven Welsh tidal stream, solar and offshore wind projects across the country were successful in securing contracts earlier this year.

A new partnership between the UK and Welsh governments to drive down NHS waiting lists on both sides of the border.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said:

Our new Wales Office will be bolder, more influential and set a positive vision for our nation, once again playing a central role in improving people’s day-to-day lives whatever their background and wherever they live.

We will work across the two governments to deliver economic stability and growth, clean power by 2030, border security and safer streets and public services fit for the future.

We will deliver on our missions for government, for and on behalf of the people of Wales.”

The post of Secretary of State for Wales came into existence on 17 October 1964 with Llanelli MP Jim Griffiths the first to hold the position.

When the National Assembly for Wales was established in 1999, the new Wales Office replaced the Welsh Office to carry out the remaining functions of the Secretary of State for Wales.

Jo Stevens MP was appointed the 22nd holder of the post following the 4 July General Election this year. She became the first woman from the Labour Party to hold the position.

Guests at Thursday’s 60th anniversary event included a number of previous Welsh Secretaries, members of public and uniformed services and figures from Welsh public life. Exhibits from the history of the department, provided by the National Library of Wales, were also on display.

ENDS

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Published 18 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: DIVIDEND 15 SPLIT CORP. II Monthly Dividend Declaration for Class A & Preferred Share

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, Oct. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dividend 15 Split Corp. II (“Dividend 15 II”) declares its monthly distribution of $0.10000 for each Class A share and $0.04792 for each Preferred share. Distributions are payable November 8, 2024 to shareholders on record as at October 31, 2024.

Since inception Class A shareholders have received a total of $15.30 per share and Preferred shareholders have received a total of $9.67 per share inclusive of this distribution, for a combined total of $24.97.

Dividend 15 II invests in a high quality portfolio of leading Canadian dividend-yielding stocks as follows: Bank of Montreal, Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto-Dominion Bank, National Bank of Canada, CI Financial Corp., BCE Inc., Manulife Financial, Enbridge, Sun Life Financial, TELUS Corporation, Thomson Reuters Corporation, TransAlta Corporation, TC Energy Corporation.

Distribution Details

Class A Share (DF) $0.10000

Preferred Share (DF.PR.A) $0.04792

Record Date: October 31, 2024

Payable Date: November 8, 2024

Investor Relations: 1-877-478-2372
Local: 416-304-4443
http://www.dividend15.com
info@quadravest.com

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

Distribution Details

Class A Share (DF)	$0.10000
Preferred Share (DF.PR.A)	$0.04792
Record Date:	October 31, 2024
Payable Date:	November 8, 2024

Category: Energy

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Govt to provide full support to the private sector in taking lead in the field of defence & making India an innovation & technology hub: Raksha MantriShri Rajnath Singh launches ‘Dare to Dream 5.0’ for innovators to come forward with transformative ideas for defence applications

Fusion material challenges

From the atom to full device

Designing new materials

ENDS

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Updates to this page

Govt to provide full support to the private sector in taking lead in the field of defence & making India an innovation & technology hub: Raksha Mantri

Shri Rajnath Singh launches ‘Dare to Dream 5.0’ for innovators to come forward with transformative ideas for defence applications