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Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI Global: Dark energy: could the mysterious force we think of as constant actually vary over cosmic time?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Robert Nichol, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean, University of Surrey

    Globular cluster NGC 2005. ESA/Hubble & Nasa, F. Niederhofer, L. Girardi, CC BY-SA

    As I finished my PhD in 1992, the universe was full of mystery – we didn’t even know exactly what it is made of. One could argue that cosmologists had made little progress in our understanding of these basic facts since the discovery of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), the afterglow of the Big Bang, in the 1960s.

    I left the UK after my doctoral studies to begin a research career in the US, where I was lucky to be recruited to work on a new experiment called the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). This new survey embraced advances in digital technologies with the ambition of measuring the “redshifts” (how light becomes more red if a source appears to move away from you) of a million galaxies.

    These redshifts were then used to measure distances, and allowed cosmologists to map the three-dimensional structure of the universe.

    One cosmic puzzle in the 1980s, based on the pioneering CfA Redshift Survey of Margaret Geller and John Huchra, was the significant lumpiness of galaxies, and therefore matter, in our cosmic neighbourhood. Galaxies were clustered together across a wide range of scales, with evidence for coherent “superclusters” of galaxies spanning over 30 million light years in length.

    This article is part of our series Cosmology in crisis? which uncovers the greatest problems facing cosmologists today – and discusses the implications of solving them.

    It was important to know how such superclusters could have formed from the smooth CMB, as it would tell us the total amount of matter in the universe and, more intriguingly, what that matter was made of. That was assuming the only force in play was gravity.

    By the end of the first phase of the SDSS, we had achieved our goal of a million redshifts. This data was used to discover many superclusters across the universe, including the amazing “Sloan Great Wall”, which remains one of the largest known coherent structures in the universe, over a billion light years in length.

    Type 1A supernova remnant.
    Nasa/CXC/U.Texas

    I am lucky to have lived through this amazing era of cosmic discovery around the turn of the century. Surveys like SDSS, combined with new observations of the CMB and searches for distant exploding stars known as Type Ia Supernovae (SNeIa), coincided to deliver an emphatic answer to the question: “What is the universe made of?”

    The discovery of dark energy

    From 1999 to 2004, the cosmological community came together to agree that the universe was 5% normal (baryonic) matter, 25% dark matter (unknown, invisible matter), and 70% “dark energy” (an expansive force) – essentially a cosmological constant, which was first postulated by Einstein. The discovery that the universe was dominated by this constant energy shocked everyone, especially as Einstein had called the cosmological constant his “biggest blunder”.

    Today, cosmologists still agree this is the most likely make-up of our universe. But observational cosmologists like me have refined our measurements of these cosmic variables significantly – reducing the errors on these quantities.

    The latest numbers from the Dark Energy Survey (DES) indicate that 31.5% of the universe is matter (a combination of dark and normal), with the remainder being dark energy assuming a cosmological constant. The error on this measurement is just 3%.

    Knowing these numbers to higher precision will hopefully help cosmologists understand why the universe is like this. Why would we expect to have 70% of the universe today as “dark” (can’t be seen via electromagnetic radiation) and not associated with “matter” like everything else in the universe?

    The origin of this dark energy remains the biggest challenge to physics, even after 20 years of intense study.

    Intriguing measurements

    Like me, a few cosmologists have become distracted by other problems over the last two decades. However, 2024 could be the start of a new era of discovery. This year, cosmologists published new results based on two of our best cosmological probes.

    The first probe consists of exploding stars dubbed “SNeIa”. As these stars have a narrow range of masses, their explosions can be well calibrated, giving cosmologists a predictable brightness that can be seen far away. By comparing the known brightness of these SNeIa to their redshifts, we can determine the expansion history of the universe. These objects were, in fact, critical for discovering that the expansion of our universe is accelerating.

    The second probe works by looking at Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) – relics of predictable sound waves in the plasma (charged gas) of the early universe, before the CMB. These are now frozen into the large-scale structure of galaxies around us. Like SNeIa, their predictable size can be compared with their observed size today to measure the expansion history of the universe.

    Recently, DES reported its final SNeIa results from over a decade of work, detecting and characterising many thousands of supernova events. While these SNeIa results are consistent with the orthodox view that the universe is dominated by a cosmological constant, they do leave open the tantalising possibility of new physics – namely, that the dark energy could be varying with cosmic time.

    That said, scientists are trained to be sceptical, and there are many reasons to distrust a single experiment, single observation, or even a single set of cosmologists!

    Cosmologists now go to extraordinary lengths to “blind” their results from themselves during analysis of the data, only revealing the answer at the last moment. This blinding is done to avoid unconscious human biases affecting the work, which could possibly encourage people to get the answer they believe they should see.

    This is why repeatability of results is at the heart of all science. In cosmology, we cherish the need for multiple experiments checking and challenging each other.

    The second result to turn heads was the first BAO measurements from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), successor to the SDSS. The first DESI map of the cosmos is deeper and denser than the original SDSS. Its first BAO results are intriguing – the data alone is still consistent with a cosmological constant, but with hints of a possible time-varying dark energy when combined with other data sources.

    DESI in the dome of the Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory.
    wikipedia, CC BY-SA

    In particular, when DESI analyses the combination of its BAO results with the final DES SNeIa data, the significance of a time-varying dark energy increases to 3.9 sigma (a measure of how unusual a set of data is if a hypothesis is true) – only 0.6% chance of being a statistical fluke.

    Most of us would take such odds, but scientists have been hurt before by systematic errors within their data that can mimic such statistical certainty. Particle physicists therefore demand a discovery standard of 5 sigma for any claims of new physics – or less than a one in a million chance of being wrong!

    As scientists will say: “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”

    Mindboggling implications

    Are we entering a new era of cosmological discovery? If so, what would it mean?

    The answer to my first question is probably yes. The next few years will be fun for cosmologists, with new data and results due from the European Space Agency’s Euclid mission. Launched last year, it is already scanning the sky with unprecedented accuracy.

    Likewise, DESI will get more and better data, while the European Southern Observatory starts its own massive redshift survey in 2025. Then you have the Rubin Observatory in Chile coming online soon. Combining these datasets should prove beyond doubt if dark energy varies with cosmic time.

    If it does, it implies there is less dark energy now than in the past. This could be caused by many things but, interestingly, it could signify the end of a present, accelerated phase of the expansion of the universe.

    It also implies that dark energy is probably not a cosmological constant thought to be due to the background energy associated with empty space. According to quantum mechanics, empty space isn’t really empty, with particles popping in and out of existence creating something we call “vacuum energy”. Ironically, predictions of this vacuum energy do not agree with our cosmological observations by many orders of magnitude.

    So, if we did discover that dark energy varies over time, it might explain why observations are at odds with quantum mechanics, which is an extremely well-tested theory. This would suggest the assumption in the standard model of cosmology, that dark energy is constant, needs a rethink. Such a realisation may help solve other mysteries about the universe – or pose new ones.

    In short, the new cosmological observations coming this decade will stimulate a new era of physical thinking. Congratulations to my younger cosmologists: it is your era to have fun.



    Read more:
    The earliest galaxies formed amazingly fast after the Big Bang. Do they break the universe or change its age?



    Read more:
    Astronomers can’t agree on how fast the universe is expanding. New approaches are aiming to break the impasse



    Read more:
    The universe is smoother than the standard model of cosmology suggests – so is the theory broken?



    Read more:
    Cosmology is at a tipping point – we may be on the verge of discovering new physics

    Robert Nichol receives funding from STFC for work on 4MOST.

    – ref. Dark energy: could the mysterious force we think of as constant actually vary over cosmic time? – https://theconversation.com/dark-energy-could-the-mysterious-force-we-think-of-as-constant-actually-vary-over-cosmic-time-238247

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint Statement on Critical Minerals and Critical Raw Materials Cooperation

    Source: Government of Canada News

    On the margins of the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Industry and Technological Innovation, chaired by Minister Urso and attended virtually by Minister Champagne, Canada and Italy released the following Statement of Intent for Canada and Italy to deepen collaboration on critical minerals and critical raw materials:

    On the margins of the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Industry and Technological Innovation, chaired by Minister Urso and attended virtually by Minister Champagne, Canada and Italy released the following Statement of Intent for Canada and Italy to deepen collaboration on critical minerals and critical raw materials:

    With the adoption of the Italy-Canada Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation on the margins of the G7 Summit in June and Canada’s ongoing work under the 2022 Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, Italy and Canada agreed to strengthen collaboration on energy security and sustainability. We have committed to regular engagement on these issues in the form of an Energy Dialogue, focused on critical minerals, the energy transition, sustainable fuels, energy storage solutions and enabling technologies, and advanced nuclear reactors and fusion research.

    Canada and Italy recognize the importance of international partnerships to make critical minerals and critical raw materials supply chains more diversified, transparent, resilient, responsible, circular, resource efficient, and sustainable. Canada and Italy seek to enhance cooperation in this domain through the promotion of trade and investment, exchanges of policies, regulations, best practices, technical and ESG standards.

    Canada and Italy will advance this cooperation through the following areas of work:

    Strengthening Supply Chains: Promote critical mineral value chain trade and investment opportunities in Canada and Italy through government efforts to facilitate B2B matchmaking and Canada-Italy co-investments in projects.

    International Collaboration & Multilateral Engagement: Coordinate participation through leading international fora addressing critical mineral supply chains security and resiliency, including but not limited to the Minerals Security Partnership, the International Energy Agency, the G7, the Conference on Critical Materials and Minerals and through the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance.

    Research and Innovation: Discuss opportunities for joint research through Horizon Europe, which Canada joined in July 2024. Italy and Canada will work jointly to improve recycling of critical minerals and critical raw materials.

    Mapping and exploration: Share best practices on respective exploration plans and explore opportunities for collaboration between the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) and the Geological Survey of Canada.

    We have committed to regular engagement on these issues through the Energy Dialogue, to be launched by Canada’s Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson and Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin in the coming months. Our Statement of Intent today demonstrates Canada and Italy’s strong partnership, and we hope that it will bring many opportunities to continue building on our longstanding bilateral relationship. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Kuwait: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2024 Article IV Mission

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    October 10, 2024

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Washington, DC: Kuwait has a window of opportunity to implement needed fiscal and structural reforms to boost private sector-led inclusive growth and diversify its economy away from oil:

    • Gradual fiscal consolidation of about 12 percent of GDP is needed to reinforce intergenerational equity.
    • Structural reforms should focus on improving the business environment, attracting FDI, and unifying the labor market.
    • These reforms should be underpinned by continued prudent monetary and financial sector policies.
    • Economic statistics should be strengthened to support well-informed policymaking.

    Recent Developments, Outlook, and Risks

    1. Kuwait has a window of opportunity to implement needed fiscal and structural reforms. Political turmoil has gripped Kuwait in recent years, stalling reforms. The political gridlock was broken in May 2024, when H.H. the Amir Sheikh Meshaal al‑Ahmad al‑Jaber al‑Sabah dissolved the Parliament and suspended parts of the Constitution for up to 4 years, allowing reforms to be expedited.
    2. The economic recovery was disrupted in 2023, and inflation is moderating. Real GDP contracted by 3.6 percent in 2023. This economic downturn was concentrated in the oil sector, which contracted by 4.3 percent in 2023 due to an OPEC+ oil production cut. In addition, the non-oil sector is estimated to have contracted by 1.0 percent in 2023, primarily reflecting lower manufacturing activity in oil refining. Headline CPI inflation declined to 3.6 percent in 2023 reflecting lower core and food inflation. More recently, headline inflation moderated further to 2.9 percent (y-o-y) in August 2024, given lower housing and transport inflation.
    3. The external position remained strong in 2023. The current account surplus moderated to 31.4 percent of GDP in 2023, with a 10.3 percent of GDP reduction in the trade surplus from lower oil prices and production largely offset by a 7.4 percent of GDP increase in the income surplus. Official reserve assets amounted to a comfortable 9.0 months of projected imports at end-2023. However, the external position was substantially weaker than the level implied by fundamentals and desirable policies in 2023, partly reflecting inadequate public saving of oil revenue.
    4. The fiscal balance weakened in FY2023/24. The fiscal balance of the budgetary central government swung from a surplus of 11.7 percent of GDP in FY2022/23 to a deficit of 3.1 percent of GDP in FY2023/24. This mainly reflected a 5.8 percent of GDP reduction in oil revenue given lower oil prices and production, and a 9.7 percent of GDP increase in current spending, of which 5.7 percent of GDP went to the public sector wage bill while 3.4 percent of GDP went to subsidies. Nonetheless, the fiscal balance of the general government (which includes the income from SWF investments) was an estimated 26.0 percent of GDP in FY2023/24.
    5. Financial stability has been maintained. Banks have sustained strong capital and liquidity buffers to satisfy the CBK’s prudent regulatory requirements, while NPLs remain low given judicious lending practices and are well provisioned for.
    6. Under the baseline assuming current policies, the economy is projected to remain in recession in 2024, then to recover over the medium term:
    • Real GDP will contract by a further 3.2 percent in 2024 due to an additional OPEC+ oil production cut, then will expand by 2.8 percent in 2025 as the cuts get unwound, and will grow broadly in line with potential thereafter.
    • The incipient recovery of the non-oil sector will continue in 2024, with non-oil GDP expanding by 1.3 percent despite fiscal consolidation, after which it will gradually converge to its potential of 2.5 percent.
    • Headline CPI inflation will continue to moderate to 3.0 percent in 2024 as excess demand pressure dissipates and imported food prices fall, then will gradually converge to 2.0 percent as the non-oil output gap closes.
    • The current account surplus will moderate further to 28.4 percent of GDP in 2024 as lower oil prices and production reduce the trade surplus, then will gradually decline over the medium term alongside oil prices.
    • The fiscal deficit of the budgetary central government will increase to 5.1 percent of GDP in FY2024/25 as lower oil revenue more than offsets expenditure rationalization, then will steadily rise by about 1 percent of GDP per year over the medium term under current policies.
    1. The risks surrounding these baseline economic projections are skewed to the downside. The economy is highly exposed to a variety of global risks through its oil dependence, in particular to commodity price volatility, a global growth slowdown or acceleration, and the further intensification of regional conflicts. The materialization of these risks would be transmitted to Kuwait mainly via their impacts on oil prices and production. Domestic risks are primarily associated with the implementation of fiscal and structural reforms, which could get further delayed or accelerated. These reforms are needed to diversify the economy away from oil, which would enhance its resilience and stimulate private investment.

    Economic Reforms—Transitioning to a Dynamic and Diversified Economy

    1. The authorities aspire to implement reforms to support the transition to a dynamic and diversified economy. To achieve this goal, a well-sequenced package of fiscal and structural reforms is needed. Structural reforms to improve the business environment and attract foreign investment are needed to boost private sector-led inclusive growth. Meanwhile, fiscal reforms should be implemented to reinforce intergenerational equity while incentivizing Kuwaitis to pursue newly created job opportunities in the private sector, in particular gradual fiscal consolidation.

    Fiscal Policy—Reinforcing Intergenerational Equity

    1. The contractionary stance of fiscal policy is appropriate. Fiscal policy was strongly procyclical in FY2023/24, with a fiscal expansion of 6.9 percent of non-oil GDP contributing to excess demand pressure. Under the FY2024/25 Budget, the non-oil fiscal balance of the budgetary central government should increase by 4.7 percent of non-oil GDP relative to FY2023/24. This large fiscal consolidation will help close the non-oil output gap while reinforcing intergenerational equity. It is mainly driven by current expenditure rationalization, concentrated in planned subsidy cuts worth 4.3 percent of non-oil GDP.
    2. Substantial further fiscal consolidation is needed to ensure intergenerational equity. Under the baseline, the projected fiscal balance of the general government is far below the level needed to maintain the living standards of Kuwaitis for generations to come. A prudent approach calls for gradual fiscal consolidation of about 12 percent of GDP to reinforce intergenerational equity, alongside structural reforms to diversify the economy away from oil. These reforms would also reinforce external sustainability.
    3. Expenditure and tax policy reforms would be needed to support the transition to a dynamic and diversified economy:
    • Fiscal consolidation should be implemented at a pace of 1 to 2 percent of GDP per year until the PIH fiscal balance target is achieved. This would offset or reverse the projected roughly 1 percent of GDP per year increase in the fiscal deficit of the budgetary central government over the medium term, without reducing growth much.
    • Compensation of government employees surged over the past decade, to the top of the GCC. A public sector wage setting mechanism should be introduced to gradually reduce the 41 percent premium over the private sector, while a hiring cap should be used to steadily lower the public sector employment share, both towards high-income country levels.
    • Hydrocarbon consumption subsidies are the highest in the GCC. They should be phased out by gradually raising retail fuel and electricity prices to their cost-recovery levels while providing targeted transfers to vulnerable groups.
    • On-budget public investment plummeted over the past decade, to near the bottom of the GCC. It should be raised to build up the quantity and quality of infrastructure towards high-income country levels.
    • The hydrocarbon share of government revenue remains the highest in the GCC. In the context of the global minimum corporate tax agreement, the government’s plan to extend the CIT to all large domestic companies is welcome. To boost non-oil revenue mobilization, Kuwait should introduce the GCC-wide VAT and excise tax.
    1. The conduct of fiscal policy should be strengthened with Public Financial Management reforms. To align budget planning and execution with fiscal policy objectives, the Ministry of Finance should introduce a medium-term fiscal framework—including a fiscal rules framework with a public debt ceiling and non-oil fiscal balance target—underpinned by a medium-term macroeconomic framework. To inform fiscal policymaking and assess reform proposals, the capacity of the Macro-Fiscal Unit should be strengthened. To facilitate orderly fiscal financing, the Liquidity and Financing Law should be enacted expeditiously.

    Monetary and Financial Sector Policies—Maintaining Macrofinancial Stability

    1. The exchange rate peg to an undisclosed basket of currencies remains an appropriate nominal anchor for monetary policy. It has supported low and stable inflation for many years. Sustaining this successful monetary policy track record requires preserving the independence of the CBK. The monetary transmission mechanism should be strengthened by deepening the interbank and domestic sovereign debt markets, establishing an efficient capital market, and phasing out interest rate caps.
    2. The restrictive stance of monetary policy is appropriate. The exchange rate regime gives the CBK relative flexibility to conduct monetary policy. The policy rate is currently in line with controlling inflation and stabilizing non-oil output while supporting the exchange rate peg, and is above neutral. Under the baseline, monetary normalization is warranted, as inflation further moderates and the non-oil output gap closes.
    3. Systemic risk remains contained and prudently managed. The credit cycle downturn triggered by the pandemic has been gradually unwinding, with the credit gap estimated to be nearly closed. Under the CBK’s latest stress tests, the capitalization and liquidity of the banking system generally exceeded Basel III minimum requirements, while individual bank shortcomings were limited. The stance of macroprudential policy is appropriate given contained systemic risk and subdued credit growth. Given that capital requirements exceed Basel III minimum requirements, the CBK could consider reclassifying part of its country specific capital buffer as a positive neutral countercyclical capital buffer. It should also continue its practice of regularly reviewing the adequacy of its financial regulatory perimeter and macroprudential toolkit. Finally, the CBK should continue its risk-based supervisory approach to assessing banks and effectively addressing any vulnerabilities.
    4. Structural financial sector reforms are needed to enhance financial intermediation efficiency. The unlimited guarantee on bank deposits should be gradually replaced with a limited deposit insurance framework to address moral hazard, while the interest rate caps on loans should be phased out to support efficient risk pricing.

    Structural Reforms—Boosting Private Sector-Led Inclusive Growth

    1. A comprehensive and well-sequenced structural reform package is needed to increase non-oil potential growth. The initial priorities are to improve the business environment by enhancing transparency, raising efficiency, and further opening up the economy. Meanwhile, labor market reforms should be gradually phased in to incentivize private sector-led inclusive growth.
    2. The business environment should be further improved to raise economic competitiveness and promote private investment. To boost transparency, data disclosure on secondary market real estate transactions should be enhanced, while universal auditing standards for corporate balance sheets should be adopted. To raise efficiency, the government should improve public infrastructure, conduct regulatory impact assessments with public consultations, integrate digital public service delivery across ministries, and further streamline business establishment processes. To attract FDI, full foreign ownership of businesses should be permitted, while foreign ownership restrictions on land should be relaxed. Finally, public land sales for residential and commercial development should be scaled up.
    3. Major labor market reforms are needed to promote economic diversification. To incentivize Kuwaitis to seek employment in the private sector, compensation and working conditions should be better harmonized across the public and private sectors. Enhancing the quality of education and aligning it with private sector needs would raise productivity and support economic diversification. Employment of highly-skilled expatriate workers should be supported by introducing targeted visa programs and reforming job sponsorship frameworks, promoting knowledge transfer. Higher female labor force participation should be encouraged by further improving the working environment for women, including by fully implementing the legal requirements for childcare in the private sector.
    4. Reforms are needed to strengthen AML/CFT effectiveness. The AML/CFT framework should be strengthened expeditiously following a risk-based approach to protect its effectiveness.
    5. Progress with climate change adaptation and mitigation should be accelerated. The government has made progress with implementing the 2019 National Adaptation Plan, but is delayed in developing its mitigation plan.
    6. Data provision has some shortcomings that somewhat hamper surveillance, which the authorities should address within their legal constraints. An expenditure-side National Accounts decomposition remains unavailable for 2023, while multi-year delays in the publication of GDP data after the pandemic confounded surveillance and policymaking. The CSB urgently needs additional funding to boost its capacity and resume its annual Establishment Survey, which has not been conducted since 2019. The exclusion of government investment income and SOE profit transfers from the Government Finance statistics hampers fiscal policy analysis, while the omission of government foreign assets from the IIP statistics generates stock-flow inconsistencies with the BOP statistics.

    The mission thanks the authorities for their warm hospitality and constructive engagement.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kuwait: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2024 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 10, 2024

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Washington, DC: Kuwait has a window of opportunity to implement needed fiscal and structural reforms to boost private sector-led inclusive growth and diversify its economy away from oil:

    • Gradual fiscal consolidation of about 12 percent of GDP is needed to reinforce intergenerational equity.
    • Structural reforms should focus on improving the business environment, attracting FDI, and unifying the labor market.
    • These reforms should be underpinned by continued prudent monetary and financial sector policies.
    • Economic statistics should be strengthened to support well-informed policymaking.

    Recent Developments, Outlook, and Risks

    1. Kuwait has a window of opportunity to implement needed fiscal and structural reforms. Political turmoil has gripped Kuwait in recent years, stalling reforms. The political gridlock was broken in May 2024, when H.H. the Amir Sheikh Meshaal al‑Ahmad al‑Jaber al‑Sabah dissolved the Parliament and suspended parts of the Constitution for up to 4 years, allowing reforms to be expedited.
    2. The economic recovery was disrupted in 2023, and inflation is moderating. Real GDP contracted by 3.6 percent in 2023. This economic downturn was concentrated in the oil sector, which contracted by 4.3 percent in 2023 due to an OPEC+ oil production cut. In addition, the non-oil sector is estimated to have contracted by 1.0 percent in 2023, primarily reflecting lower manufacturing activity in oil refining. Headline CPI inflation declined to 3.6 percent in 2023 reflecting lower core and food inflation. More recently, headline inflation moderated further to 2.9 percent (y-o-y) in August 2024, given lower housing and transport inflation.
    3. The external position remained strong in 2023. The current account surplus moderated to 31.4 percent of GDP in 2023, with a 10.3 percent of GDP reduction in the trade surplus from lower oil prices and production largely offset by a 7.4 percent of GDP increase in the income surplus. Official reserve assets amounted to a comfortable 9.0 months of projected imports at end-2023. However, the external position was substantially weaker than the level implied by fundamentals and desirable policies in 2023, partly reflecting inadequate public saving of oil revenue.
    4. The fiscal balance weakened in FY2023/24. The fiscal balance of the budgetary central government swung from a surplus of 11.7 percent of GDP in FY2022/23 to a deficit of 3.1 percent of GDP in FY2023/24. This mainly reflected a 5.8 percent of GDP reduction in oil revenue given lower oil prices and production, and a 9.7 percent of GDP increase in current spending, of which 5.7 percent of GDP went to the public sector wage bill while 3.4 percent of GDP went to subsidies. Nonetheless, the fiscal balance of the general government (which includes the income from SWF investments) was an estimated 26.0 percent of GDP in FY2023/24.
    5. Financial stability has been maintained. Banks have sustained strong capital and liquidity buffers to satisfy the CBK’s prudent regulatory requirements, while NPLs remain low given judicious lending practices and are well provisioned for.
    6. Under the baseline assuming current policies, the economy is projected to remain in recession in 2024, then to recover over the medium term:
    • Real GDP will contract by a further 3.2 percent in 2024 due to an additional OPEC+ oil production cut, then will expand by 2.8 percent in 2025 as the cuts get unwound, and will grow broadly in line with potential thereafter.
    • The incipient recovery of the non-oil sector will continue in 2024, with non-oil GDP expanding by 1.3 percent despite fiscal consolidation, after which it will gradually converge to its potential of 2.5 percent.
    • Headline CPI inflation will continue to moderate to 3.0 percent in 2024 as excess demand pressure dissipates and imported food prices fall, then will gradually converge to 2.0 percent as the non-oil output gap closes.
    • The current account surplus will moderate further to 28.4 percent of GDP in 2024 as lower oil prices and production reduce the trade surplus, then will gradually decline over the medium term alongside oil prices.
    • The fiscal deficit of the budgetary central government will increase to 5.1 percent of GDP in FY2024/25 as lower oil revenue more than offsets expenditure rationalization, then will steadily rise by about 1 percent of GDP per year over the medium term under current policies.
    1. The risks surrounding these baseline economic projections are skewed to the downside. The economy is highly exposed to a variety of global risks through its oil dependence, in particular to commodity price volatility, a global growth slowdown or acceleration, and the further intensification of regional conflicts. The materialization of these risks would be transmitted to Kuwait mainly via their impacts on oil prices and production. Domestic risks are primarily associated with the implementation of fiscal and structural reforms, which could get further delayed or accelerated. These reforms are needed to diversify the economy away from oil, which would enhance its resilience and stimulate private investment.

    Economic Reforms—Transitioning to a Dynamic and Diversified Economy

    1. The authorities aspire to implement reforms to support the transition to a dynamic and diversified economy. To achieve this goal, a well-sequenced package of fiscal and structural reforms is needed. Structural reforms to improve the business environment and attract foreign investment are needed to boost private sector-led inclusive growth. Meanwhile, fiscal reforms should be implemented to reinforce intergenerational equity while incentivizing Kuwaitis to pursue newly created job opportunities in the private sector, in particular gradual fiscal consolidation.

    Fiscal Policy—Reinforcing Intergenerational Equity

    1. The contractionary stance of fiscal policy is appropriate. Fiscal policy was strongly procyclical in FY2023/24, with a fiscal expansion of 6.9 percent of non-oil GDP contributing to excess demand pressure. Under the FY2024/25 Budget, the non-oil fiscal balance of the budgetary central government should increase by 4.7 percent of non-oil GDP relative to FY2023/24. This large fiscal consolidation will help close the non-oil output gap while reinforcing intergenerational equity. It is mainly driven by current expenditure rationalization, concentrated in planned subsidy cuts worth 4.3 percent of non-oil GDP.
    2. Substantial further fiscal consolidation is needed to ensure intergenerational equity. Under the baseline, the projected fiscal balance of the general government is far below the level needed to maintain the living standards of Kuwaitis for generations to come. A prudent approach calls for gradual fiscal consolidation of about 12 percent of GDP to reinforce intergenerational equity, alongside structural reforms to diversify the economy away from oil. These reforms would also reinforce external sustainability.
    3. Expenditure and tax policy reforms would be needed to support the transition to a dynamic and diversified economy:
    • Fiscal consolidation should be implemented at a pace of 1 to 2 percent of GDP per year until the PIH fiscal balance target is achieved. This would offset or reverse the projected roughly 1 percent of GDP per year increase in the fiscal deficit of the budgetary central government over the medium term, without reducing growth much.
    • Compensation of government employees surged over the past decade, to the top of the GCC. A public sector wage setting mechanism should be introduced to gradually reduce the 41 percent premium over the private sector, while a hiring cap should be used to steadily lower the public sector employment share, both towards high-income country levels.
    • Hydrocarbon consumption subsidies are the highest in the GCC. They should be phased out by gradually raising retail fuel and electricity prices to their cost-recovery levels while providing targeted transfers to vulnerable groups.
    • On-budget public investment plummeted over the past decade, to near the bottom of the GCC. It should be raised to build up the quantity and quality of infrastructure towards high-income country levels.
    • The hydrocarbon share of government revenue remains the highest in the GCC. In the context of the global minimum corporate tax agreement, the government’s plan to extend the CIT to all large domestic companies is welcome. To boost non-oil revenue mobilization, Kuwait should introduce the GCC-wide VAT and excise tax.
    1. The conduct of fiscal policy should be strengthened with Public Financial Management reforms. To align budget planning and execution with fiscal policy objectives, the Ministry of Finance should introduce a medium-term fiscal framework—including a fiscal rules framework with a public debt ceiling and non-oil fiscal balance target—underpinned by a medium-term macroeconomic framework. To inform fiscal policymaking and assess reform proposals, the capacity of the Macro-Fiscal Unit should be strengthened. To facilitate orderly fiscal financing, the Liquidity and Financing Law should be enacted expeditiously.

    Monetary and Financial Sector Policies—Maintaining Macrofinancial Stability

    1. The exchange rate peg to an undisclosed basket of currencies remains an appropriate nominal anchor for monetary policy. It has supported low and stable inflation for many years. Sustaining this successful monetary policy track record requires preserving the independence of the CBK. The monetary transmission mechanism should be strengthened by deepening the interbank and domestic sovereign debt markets, establishing an efficient capital market, and phasing out interest rate caps.
    2. The restrictive stance of monetary policy is appropriate. The exchange rate regime gives the CBK relative flexibility to conduct monetary policy. The policy rate is currently in line with controlling inflation and stabilizing non-oil output while supporting the exchange rate peg, and is above neutral. Under the baseline, monetary normalization is warranted, as inflation further moderates and the non-oil output gap closes.
    3. Systemic risk remains contained and prudently managed. The credit cycle downturn triggered by the pandemic has been gradually unwinding, with the credit gap estimated to be nearly closed. Under the CBK’s latest stress tests, the capitalization and liquidity of the banking system generally exceeded Basel III minimum requirements, while individual bank shortcomings were limited. The stance of macroprudential policy is appropriate given contained systemic risk and subdued credit growth. Given that capital requirements exceed Basel III minimum requirements, the CBK could consider reclassifying part of its country specific capital buffer as a positive neutral countercyclical capital buffer. It should also continue its practice of regularly reviewing the adequacy of its financial regulatory perimeter and macroprudential toolkit. Finally, the CBK should continue its risk-based supervisory approach to assessing banks and effectively addressing any vulnerabilities.
    4. Structural financial sector reforms are needed to enhance financial intermediation efficiency. The unlimited guarantee on bank deposits should be gradually replaced with a limited deposit insurance framework to address moral hazard, while the interest rate caps on loans should be phased out to support efficient risk pricing.

    Structural Reforms—Boosting Private Sector-Led Inclusive Growth

    1. A comprehensive and well-sequenced structural reform package is needed to increase non-oil potential growth. The initial priorities are to improve the business environment by enhancing transparency, raising efficiency, and further opening up the economy. Meanwhile, labor market reforms should be gradually phased in to incentivize private sector-led inclusive growth.
    2. The business environment should be further improved to raise economic competitiveness and promote private investment. To boost transparency, data disclosure on secondary market real estate transactions should be enhanced, while universal auditing standards for corporate balance sheets should be adopted. To raise efficiency, the government should improve public infrastructure, conduct regulatory impact assessments with public consultations, integrate digital public service delivery across ministries, and further streamline business establishment processes. To attract FDI, full foreign ownership of businesses should be permitted, while foreign ownership restrictions on land should be relaxed. Finally, public land sales for residential and commercial development should be scaled up.
    3. Major labor market reforms are needed to promote economic diversification. To incentivize Kuwaitis to seek employment in the private sector, compensation and working conditions should be better harmonized across the public and private sectors. Enhancing the quality of education and aligning it with private sector needs would raise productivity and support economic diversification. Employment of highly-skilled expatriate workers should be supported by introducing targeted visa programs and reforming job sponsorship frameworks, promoting knowledge transfer. Higher female labor force participation should be encouraged by further improving the working environment for women, including by fully implementing the legal requirements for childcare in the private sector.
    4. Reforms are needed to strengthen AML/CFT effectiveness. The AML/CFT framework should be strengthened expeditiously following a risk-based approach to protect its effectiveness.
    5. Progress with climate change adaptation and mitigation should be accelerated. The government has made progress with implementing the 2019 National Adaptation Plan, but is delayed in developing its mitigation plan.
    6. Data provision has some shortcomings that somewhat hamper surveillance, which the authorities should address within their legal constraints. An expenditure-side National Accounts decomposition remains unavailable for 2023, while multi-year delays in the publication of GDP data after the pandemic confounded surveillance and policymaking. The CSB urgently needs additional funding to boost its capacity and resume its annual Establishment Survey, which has not been conducted since 2019. The exclusion of government investment income and SOE profit transfers from the Government Finance statistics hampers fiscal policy analysis, while the omission of government foreign assets from the IIP statistics generates stock-flow inconsistencies with the BOP statistics.

    The mission thanks the authorities for their warm hospitality and constructive engagement.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/10/mcs-101024-kuwait-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2024-aiv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: GAD supports the setting up of National Energy System Operator

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    We worked closely with the government on a purchase from National Grid to form the publicly owned National Energy System Operator.

    Credit: iStockPhoto

    We worked closely with the government on the purchase from National Grid of the Electricity System Operator to form the publicly owned National Energy System Operator (NESO).

    The Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) worked with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). DESNZ decided to set up NESO to drive progress towards net zero while maintaining energy security and minimising costs for consumers.

    Clean power

    The change means Britain’s energy system will be planned by a new publicly owned organisation as part of an overall plan to help deliver clean power by 2030.

    It will help connect new generation projects with the electricity grid, working alongside Great British Energy to deploy renewable energy. NESO launched on 1 October 2024.

    Credit: Shutterstock

    GAD’s expertise

    We worked to time-critical deadlines and provided substantial support around the specialist issue of pensions.

    Support and advice

    Our support for DESNZ involved collaborating with numerous parties inside and outside government, working closely with DESNZ’s legal advisers. We were pleased to receive feedback from DESNZ on our “excellent service, support and advice”.

    Claire King (Head of Implementation at DESNZ for this project) worked with the GAD team and said: “GAD approached this transaction with the utmost professionalism. The team dealt with the many stakeholders as our subject matter experts in pension transfers and managing investment risk. Their experience and enthusiasm helped us to drive the project forward and reach a solution that took account of all parties’ needs.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK climate finance helps reduce more than 105 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions globally

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) has helped 110 million people adapt to the effects of climate change.

    • Reduced or avoided over 105 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, and avoided 750,000 hectares of ecosystem loss, according to official analysis released today.

    • Climate finance has helped to mobilise £8.4 billion of public and £7.8 billion of private finance for climate change.

    The UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF), helps developing countries limit and manage the impacts of climate change, mitigate further global warming from emissions and avert, minimise and address loss and damage.

    The results published today demonstrate the transformational impact of the UK’s International Climate Finance from 2011, ensuring developing countries have access to clean energy and innovative technology to drive the global transition to net zero, while supporting the most vulnerable countries who are experiencing the worst impacts of the climate crisis. Over the last 12 years, the UK has:

    • Supported over 82 million people with improved access to clean energy.
    • Avoided or reduced 105 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to taking all UK cars off the road for approximately 1 year and 7 months.
    • Avoided 750,000 hectares of ecosystem loss, the equivalent to more than 1 million football pitches.

    Through UK International Climate Finance, UK aid is investing in innovative solutions to tackle climate change, such as energy efficiency and forestry across the Global South to demonstrate their commercial viabilities:

    • The Climate Public Partnership (CP3) programme has been addressing the dual challenge of both climate challenge and access to clean, affordable energy by building a public-private partnership to unlock private investments. By investing in private equity funds, including £50 million to the Catalyst Fund, over a portfolio of 124 projects, UK aid successfully mobilised over £86 million of private finance to date.

    • In Madagascar and Indonesia, UK aid is helping to protect, restore and sustainably manage mangrove forests while reducing the poverty of the coastal communities that rely on them. By working together with national governments, local communities and the private sector, the Blue Forests Programme developed green business opportunities based on sustainable mangrove forestry and fisheries management and helped protect around 58,000 hectares of mangrove forests and delivered around 660,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide savings. 

    These results come as the UK has taken swift action at home to tackle the climate crisis and provide energy security for British families and businesses. The UK is first major economy to set a landmark goal in delivering clean power by 2030. In the space of a few months the Government has already:

    • Lifted the ban on onshore wind in England to roll out a new supply of clean and cheap power.
    • Delivered the most successful renewables energy auction to date, securing enough clean power to supply the equivalent of 11 million homes.
    • Introduced Great British Energy, creating the next generation of skilled jobs and protecting family from volatile fossil fuel prices that helped drive the cost of living crisis.
    • Consented unprecedented amounts of nationally significant solar – 2GW – more than the last 14 years combined.

    The UK will use that strong action at home to accelerate global action at the COP29 summit in Baku, raising ambition to agree a new financial target to support developing countries in tackling climate change.

    Minister for International Development, Anneliese Dodds said:

    International climate finance is at the heart of our climate and development objectives and our Mission to be a clean energy superpower.

    Our work – and the billions in private finance it has unlocked – will help the most vulnerable who are experiencing the worst impacts of the climate crisis and enable partners to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement. 

    Our programmes are making a positive difference to people’s lives and helping to build a liveable planet for all, now and in the future.

    UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy said:

    The UK has played a key role in supporting the most vulnerable communities across the globe in tackling climate change while alleviating poverty and improving access to cleaner energy sources.

    But there is more work to do, and unlocking greater global climate finance is crucial in addressing the needs of developing countries who are on the frontline of the crisis.

    That’s why the UK will be pushing for an ambitious finance goal for climate aid at COP29. We will continue to champion the voices of those most affected and we will lead from the front in speeding up the global transition to net zero.

    UK Minister for Nature Mary Creagh said:

    We have a responsibility to tackle the biggest challenges facing our planet. This means putting nature loss and climate change at the forefront of the global agenda.

    We are seeing an unprecedented decline in species and the loss of some of the world’s richest and most diverse ecosystems. Our climate programmes play a vital role in protecting and restoring nature and supporting the communities most affected by this crisis.

    These results come ahead of this year’s UN climate summit COP29 in Baku, which will see countries come together to negotiate a new financial target for supporting developing countries in their climate actions, known as the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG).

    In addition to UK ICF, the UK’s world leading expertise on green finance and net zero industries is supporting developing countries achieve their own climate goals through leveraging private sector funds. Since 2011, the UK has helped mobile £7.8 billion of private finance for climate change purposes.

    The £11.6 billion commitment for the ICF remains the government’s intention as we undertake the spending review. Speaking at the UN General Assembly on 27 September the Prime Minister made clear the UK would continue to be a leading contributor to international climate finance.

    Background

    • The UK’s International Climate Finance is funded by Official Development Assistance (UK aid) from FCDO, DESNZ and DEFRA.
    • UK International Climate Finance (ICF) is a portfolio of investments with a goal to support international poverty eradication now and in the future, by helping developing countries manage risk and build resilience to the impacts of climate change, take up low-carbon development at scale and manage natural resources sustainably. Through annual publications the ICF sets out results from these investments against a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
    • To find out more about International Climate Finance
    • UK International Climate Finance results 2024

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Energy experts appointed to deliver clean power 2030 mission

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Government appoints leading industry and academic experts to the Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission to help accelerate UK’s mission to decarbonise the electricity grid.

    • Eight energy and nature experts have been appointed to accelerate UK’s mission for clean power by 2030
    • the 8 commissioners have almost 200 years’ worth of experience across energy policy, environment, industry and academia
    • experts will form new Advisory Commission for Mission Control, with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband attending their first meeting today

    Eight leading figures from across industry and academia have been appointed to help accelerate the government’s world leading target to deliver clean power by 2030.

    The Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission will support Chris Stark, Head of Mission Control, in developing a Clean Power 2030 system – providing expertise to deliver the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, expected later this year.

    The Action Plan will set out the path to decarbonise the electricity grid, helping protect billpayers from volatile gas prices and strengthening Britain’s energy security.

    The 8 commissioners come from across industry and academia with a wealth of expertise and experience to advise on specific aspects of developing a clean power system, including planning, infrastructure, nature, and supply chains.

    The full list of commissioners include:

    • Nick Winser: Over 30 years’ experience in the energy sector, including having been CEO of National Grid across UK and Europe, and President of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity.

    • Tim Pick: Over 25 years in the energy sector and is a passionate advocate for offshore wind having been the UK’s first Offshore Wind Champion.

    • Juliet Davenport: Founder of the Good Energy company and President of the Energy Institute. Juliet has been an innovator for over 20 years, working on ideas to fight climate change and transform the energy sector for the better.

    • Robert Gross: As well as being Director of the UK Energy Research Centre since 2020, Rob is Professor of Energy Policy and Technology at Imperial College.

    • Craig Bennett: Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trust and former CEO of Friends of the Earth, Craig has 20 years’ experience of designing and contributing to executive education and leadership programmes at numerous universities and business schools.

    • Jo Coleman: 35 years’ experience in the energy industry. Board member of several energy organisations, with a background in engineering and major project delivery in the oil and gas sector.

    • Lucy Yu: CEO and founder at Centre for Net Zero, Octopus Energy Group’s not-for-profit AI and data-driven research institute, which was set up to advance tech-driven energy systems that benefit humanity.

    • Dr Simon Harrison: A leading voice in public policy around the ways engineering can help with the energy transition and decarbonisation. Was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2023 – the highest accolade in the profession.

    The Energy Secretary chaired the first Advisory Commission meeting this afternoon, emphasising the importance of the new group for removing barriers and accelerating the energy system towards clean power by 2030.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    The best way to take back control of our energy security and create highly skilled jobs is to speed up the rollout of renewables and transition towards clean homegrown power.

    The Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission, benefiting from decades of experience across industry and academia, under Chris Stark’s leadership, will have a laser-like focus on delivering our mission for clean power by 2030.

    Head of Mission Control Chris Stark said:

    The Clean Power by 2030 is a statement of our ambition. This mission will unlock good jobs and protect the consumer, and it is key to our energy security.

    We will work closely with our partners in industry to deliver this mission at pace – these are 8 leading figures in their field to drive that partnership.

    I’m looking forward to working with all 8 commissioners to unblock barriers, spot the opportunities, and deliver a clean power system by 2030.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamalanomics Continues To Crush Americans

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    Kamalanomics Continues To Crush Americans

    Washington, October 10, 2024

    American families are having to choose between filling up their gas tanks, heating their homes, or putting food on the table because of failed Kamalanomics. In September, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed Kamalaflation remains a tax on all Americans, and it isn’t going away anytime soon. Since Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took office, inflation has risen by 20.5%. The failed economic policies of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden continue to put Americans last. 
     
    MAKE NO MISTAKE: We cannot afford another four years of failed Far Left Democrat policies. We must return to the successful economic agenda Republicans implemented under President Trump which created the strongest economy in history and put Americans first. 
     
    KAMALANOMICS BY THE NUMBERS:

    • Inflation is a tax on ALL Americans. 
    • When Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took office, inflation was at just 1.4%.
    • Since Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took office, inflation has risen by 20.5%.
    • Americans are paying more for just about everything because of inflation. Since Biden and Harris took office: 
      • Food at elementary and secondary schools 69.7%. 
      • Eggs are UP 69.2%. 
      • Motor vehicle insurance is UP 56.5%. 
      • Admission to sporting events is UP 46.4%.
      • Lodging away from home including hotels and motels is UP 42.4%.  
      • Gasoline (all types) is UP 38.4%.  
      • Baby food and formula are UP 31.0%. 
      • Veterinarian services are UP 29.9%. 
      • Cookies are UP 29.1%. 
      • Uncooked ground beef is UP 28.2%. 
      • Bakery products are UP 27.2%. 
      • Chicken is UP 25.0%. 
      • Airline fares are UP 24.5%. 
      • Bread is UP 23.9%. 
      • Pork chops are UP 23.0%. 
      • Lunchmeats are UP 22.3%.  
      • Milk is UP 16.2%.  
    • Americans are spending $13,300 more annually to buy the basics because of Kamalaflation, compared to three years ago.
    • Real wages remain lower than when Biden-Harris first took office.
    • Inflation-adjusted average weekly earnings were $397.90 when Biden-Harris took office and are now $384.29 – the Bureau of Labor Statistics adjusts to 1982-1984 dollars – meaning Americans have seen a 3.4% decrease under Biden-Harris.
    • Kamalaflation outpaced wages for a majority of Biden’s presidency – both year-over-year real average hourly earnings and real average weekly earnings were negative for 25 months.
    • Interest rates have remained at a 23-year high.   
    • Nearly half of Americans consider themselves “broke.” 
    • Two-thirds of Americans report living paycheck-to-paycheck.
    • Americans need a six-figure salary to afford a typical home in nearly half of U.S. states
    • In September, the unemployment rate remained high, at 4.1%.
    • Over the past 12 months, 825,000 native-born Americans lost employment, while 1.2 million foreign-born workers found jobs.
    • There are over 6.8 million Americans who are unemployed which is up from a year ago at 6.3 million.
      • The labor force participation rate remains well below pre-pandemic levels. 
    • In September, the labor force participation rates decreased for the following demographics:
      • Women, 16 years and over.
      • White women, 20 years and over.
      • Black or African American women, 20 years and over.
      • Asian Americans. 
      • Hispanic or Latino Americans.
      • Hispanic or Latino men, 20 years and over.
      • Hispanic or Latino women, 20 years and over.
    • Since July of 2023 versus July of 2024, there has been a net zero job growth. 
    • In August, it was announced that 818,000 jobs that the Harris-Biden Administration claimed to have created aren’t there.
      • The BLS revised down its total tally of jobs created from March 2023 through March 2024 by 818,000.
      • This included 115,000 manufacturing jobs. 
      • The revision is the largest in 15 years. 
      • In addition to these revisions, the August jobs report revealed the employment in June and July combined is 86,000 lower than previously reported.
    • The Biden-Harris Administration deserves no credit for economic growth. 
      • Republican-led states are leading the way creating jobs and leading economic growth.
      • The latest state jobs report shows that 16 of the top 20 states for  jobs recovered since the coronavirus pandemic began are led by Republican governors, and 16 of the states have Republican-controlled legislatures.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. releases National Spectrum Research and Development Plan to guide spectrum innovation

    Source: US Government research organizations

    The U.S. government has released the National Spectrum Research and Development Plan, a crucial step forward in maintaining America’s global leadership in wireless spectrum innovation. The Wireless Spectrum Research and Development Interagency Working Group of the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development program developed the plan on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

    The U.S. National Science Foundation was pivotal in creating the National Spectrum R&D Plan, co-chairing the working group with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and contributing expertise and guidance on key research areas.

    NSF’s involvement underscores its leadership in fostering interdisciplinary research, including critical innovations in agile antennas, spectrum sharing and interference resilience. The plan authoring team also included members from various U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, Federal Communications Commission and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

    The National Spectrum R&D Plan aligns with President Joe Biden’s memorandum on Modernizing United States Spectrum Policy, which called for a coordinated national strategy to address the increasing demand for spectrum access, further cementing spectrum’s role in driving U.S. economic growth, national security and technological advancement. It also responds to the National Spectrum Strategy, which emphasizes the need for innovation in spectrum management and sharing technologies.

    The innovation areas and organizational improvements detailed in the National Spectrum R&D Plan will offer research opportunities across multiple disciplines, from communications and networking to economics and policy. The cross-disciplinary nature of spectrum R&D will also pave the way for new commercialization pathways, offering industry leaders a blueprint to develop next-generation wireless technologies. Furthermore, the work described in the plan will improve data-driven decision-making and international cooperation to enhance U.S. competitiveness in the global spectrum landscape.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Go With the (Atmospheric) Flow: A Former NREL Wind Energy Intern Comes Full Circle

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    Kelly Huang, a Kalsi assistant professor at the University of Houston, reflects on her transformative journey from NREL wind energy intern at NREL to educator, inspiring the next generation of engineers with real-world research opportunities. Photo from Kelly Huang

    Kelly Huang was on the fence as she wrapped up her junior year as a mechanical engineering major at Cornell University. Senior year was fast approaching, and then graduation, and then the rest of her life. Should she seek a career in industry or academia? Should she pursue a master’s degree? A Ph.D.?

    Luckily, Huang had landed an internship with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) Program. For 10 weeks that summer, Huang supported NREL’s research on offshore wind energy, collaborating with leading researchers and gaining experience that shaped her future career.

    “I fell in love with atmospheric flows, fluid dynamics, and the hands-on aspects of fieldwork: going out, collecting data, and using instrumentation that we built ourselves,” Huang recalled. “Those 10 weeks showed me what research could really be like.”

    During her internship, Huang developed code for optimizing the dimensions of floating offshore wind turbine spar structures, which are long, vertical, floating components that extend deep into the water and allow the turbine to float without being anchored to the seabed. The team’s end goal was to integrate this code into NREL’s Wind Plant Integrated System Design and Engineering Model (WISDEM), which helps analyze how different parts of a wind energy system work together in order to find ways to improve performance and lower costs.

    “The coding part was helpful for gaining basic engineering skills,” Huang said. “But more importantly, the whole experience showed me that there’s a whole community of scientists working on similar problems. It gave me the courage to pursue a Ph.D., which had seemed like a very daunting task up to that point.”

    A Journey of Growth and Giving Back

    During their internship, Huang and fellow interns Caelan Lapointe (middle) and Julian Quick (right) conducted wind energy field research at NREL’s National Wind Technology Center. Photo from Kelly Huang

    Ten weeks passed, the internship concluded, and Huang completed her senior year, graduating with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. During her senior year, she applied and was accepted to Princeton University, where she earned a master of arts and a Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Today, Huang is a Kalsi assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Houston. Huang recently returned to NREL to participate in the Faculty-Applied Clean Energy Sciences (FACES) program—another 10-week program that gave her the opportunity to collaborate with researchers and enhance her research skills.

    The FACES program aims to bridge the gap between national laboratories and faculty at minority-serving institutions. Participants work with NREL researchers to enhance their expertise in clean energy science, develop scalable educational modules, and receive mentorship. Huang used field data from NREL’s AWAKEN campaign to build a curriculum for a class she is launching called “Introduction to Environmental Fluid Dynamics.”

    “Students will use open-source data, like the data from the AWAKEN campaign, for independent projects on environmental fluid mechanics,” Huang said. “This will expose students to real-world research so that they can gain experience with data analysis and scientific inquiry.”

    For Huang, participating in the FACES program brought her full circle in several ways.

    “I grew up in Houston and really appreciated the diverse, multicultural community there,” Huang said. “That was one reason why I accepted my position at the University of Houston. It inspired me to give back to that community. I was happy to see NREL also recognize the importance of supporting diverse communities through education and research communities.”

    Huang also reconnected with NREL researcher Senu Sirnivas, her supervisor from her SULI internship.

    “He told me that my code had been integrated into the WISDEM tool and that researchers still use it, which was really cool to learn,” Huang said. “He was already supportive during the internship, and this time, he was excited to catch up and went out of his way to advise me on navigating my role as a professor and the challenges that come with it.”

    Upon visiting the NREL campus again, Huang was pleased to see how the wind energy internship cohort has grown over the years.

    “When I started, there were only eight of us at the wind site,” Huang recalled. “Now, there are so many interns, they have to do separate cohorts because onboarding is taking so long. Which is a great problem to have—it means the program is thriving.”

    Huang’s internship also fostered lasting connections among its participants.

    “I still keep in contact with my internship cohort,” Huang said. “One of them is an assistant professor of mathematics at University of Seattle, one of them is a researcher at the Technical University of Denmark, and a few work in the clean energy industry.”

    Huang plans to encourage her colleagues in academia to apply for the FACES program and also to get her students involved with NREL through SULI and other internship programs.

    “Working with NREL as a SULI intern and later as a FACES partner were such valuable experiences,” Huang said. “They both changed the course of my career.”

    Visit NREL’s internships page to learn more about the wide variety of programs available to undergraduate and graduate students. Check out the FACES program page to learn how you can enhance your research skills with expertise in clean energy science.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. hourly electricity demand peaked in July with widespread heatwaves

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    October 10, 2024

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Hourly Electric Grid Monitor
    Note: Chart shows maximum electricity demand each day based on hourly data converted to Eastern Daylight Time.

    Last summer, U.S. electricity demand in the Lower 48 states was greatest at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on July 15, 2024, when it reached about 745 gigawatthours (GWh), based on data in our Hourly Electric Grid Monitor. In our analysis, we calculate each day’s peak according to the hour with the highest electricity demand. This year’s U.S. summer hourly peak (745 GWh) was essentially the same as in 2023 (742 GWh) and in 2022 (743 GWh). On the other hand, U.S. generation from January through July was about 2,500 terawatthours (TWh), 4% more than the 2,397 TWh generated in the same period last year, according to our Electricity Power Monthly.

    U.S. electricity demand tends to peak in July or August as air-conditioning use ramps up. Temperatures in July were above average for much of the United States, especially in parts of the West, Northeast, and Southeast, according to the Monthly National Climate Report for July 2024 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information.

    Although the peak hourly electric generation in the contiguous United States was mostly flat year on year, certain regions experienced higher year-over-year peak demand based on local weather, power grid conditions, and available electricity supply.

    The U.S. electricity system is composed of three major grids: the Eastern Interconnection, Western Interconnection, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Within each power grid are balancing authorities, which include utilities, cooperatives, and other entities, that ensure enough electricity is available to meet customer needs. If electricity supply and demand are imbalanced, local or widespread blackouts can occur.

    East
    Across the Eastern Interconnection, hourly electricity demand peaked on July 15 at about 549 GWh, as temperatures were well above average in several East Coast states that month, according to NOAA. Daily high temperatures stayed above triple digits for several consecutive days in some metropolitan areas. For instance, both Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, DC, experienced high temperatures of 100°F or above from July 14 to 17.

    Electricity demand in an hour on August 1 came close to July’s peak, reaching about 540 GWh, but demand was curbed by the rain and power outages due to Hurricane Debby, which moved up the East Coast from August 4 to 10.

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Hourly Electric Grid Monitor
    Note: Chart shows maximum electricity demand each day based on hourly data converted to Eastern Daylight Time and excludes electricity demand in Canadian provinces.

    Texas
    In Texas, hourly electricity demand peaked on August 20, reaching about 86 GWh, which is virtually the same as the previous all-time daily peak of 85 GWh reached in August 2023.

    Although electricity demand reached 81 GWh in an hour on July 1, demand fell by about a third to 55 GWh by July 8, when Hurricane Beryl reached the Texas coastline.

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Hourly Electric Grid Monitor
    Note: Chart shows maximum electricity demand each day based on hourly data converted to Central Daylight Time. ERCOT=Electric Reliability Council of Texas

    West
    In the Western Interconnection, hourly electricity demand peaked on July 10 at about 141 GWh. This amount excludes British Columbia and Alberta, which are part of the regional grid.

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Hourly Electric Grid Monitor
    Note: Chart shows maximum electricity demand each day based on hourly data converted to Pacific Daylight Time and excludes electricity demand in Canadian provinces.

    The California power grid operator, California Independent System Operator (CAISO), reported similar results for the full Western Interconnection including British Columbia and Alberta. With the two Canadian provinces, electricity demand reached about 168 GWh on July 10, setting a new record.

    Although California saw record-breaking temperatures this past summer, CAISO said electricity demand on its system, which also covers part of Nevada, peaked on July 24 at about 45 GWh, which was less than the record of 52 GWh that occurred on September 6, 2022.

    Principal contributors: Stephanie Tsao, Mark Morey

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hurricane Milton nears landfall on Florida’s west coast, disrupts energy infrastructure

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    October 9, 2024

    This TIE was updated with additional mapping.

    As of 8:00 a.m. eastern time on October 9, Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday as a major hurricane on the west coast of Florida with sustained winds of 160 miles per hour, creating the potential for significant disruptions to energy infrastructure.

    Utilities in Florida are preparing for high volumes of power outages. High winds, flooding, and storm surge from Hurricane Milton might affect energy infrastructure such as power plants, power transmission and distribution lines, and fuel terminals.

    Trade press reports state that some retail gasoline stations in Florida are without fuel as demand increased prior to the hurricane. In a press conference on Tuesday, Florida governor Ron DeSantis indicated that the state was dispatching and staging fuel as needed. However, Florida does not have any refineries or gasoline pipelines that connect it to states with excess supply. Florida’s gasoline and diesel are delivered by truck or ship from domestic and international sources.

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

    The U.S. Coast Guard reports several ports in Florida are closed. Inbound and outbound vessel traffic to Port Tampa Bay, where over 17 million tons of petroleum- and natural gas-related products move through in a typical year, has ceased. More than 43% of Florida’s petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel for the state’s major airports, moves through Port Tampa Bay. The duration of the port closures and impacts from Hurricane Milton on trade movements for petroleum and natural gas remain uncertain.

    Hurricane Milton follows Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall on the Florida Panhandle on September 26 and caused major power outages and damage to electricity infrastructure on its path from Florida to the Appalachian Mountains. Three other named storms have made landfall so far this hurricane season (Beryl, Debby, and Francine) as either Category 1 or 2 hurricanes.

    Much like Hurricane Helene, Milton’s forecasted path toward Florida’s west coast takes it away from the most prolific oil- and natural gas-producing areas near Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

    Press reports indicated earlier this week that Chevron closed its Blind Faith oil platform in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and evacuated all personnel from the facility in preparation for Hurricane Milton. The Blind Faith platform, which has a production capacity of 65,000 barrels per day, is approximately 160 miles southeast of New Orleans. However, as of Wednesday morning, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement had not reported that significant oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico had been shut in due to Hurricane Milton.

    To help analysts assess potential energy-related storm effects, EIA maintains energy disruption maps that display energy infrastructure and real-time storm information.

    Principal contributors: Matthew French, Paul Merolli

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Are you over 75? Here’s what you need to know about vitamin D

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elina Hypponen, Professor of Nutritional and Genetic Epidemiology, University of South Australia

    OPPO Find X5 Pro/Unsplash

    Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function and overall wellbeing. And it becomes even more crucial as we age.

    New guidelines from the international Endocrine Society recommend people aged 75 and over should consider taking vitamin D supplements.

    But why is vitamin D so important for older adults? And how much should they take?

    Young people get most vitamin D from the sun

    In Australia, it is possible for most people under 75 to get enough vitamin D from the sun throughout the year. For those who live in the top half of Australia – and for all of us during summer – we only need to have skin exposed to the sun for a few minutes on most days.

    The body can only produce a certain amount of vitamin D at a time. So staying in the sun any longer than needed is not going to help increase your vitamin D levels, while it will increase your risk of skin cancer.

    But it’s difficult for people aged over 75 to get enough vitamin D from a few minutes of sunshine, so the Endocrine Society recommends people get 800 IU (international units) of vitamin D a day from food or supplements.

    Why you need more as you age

    This is higher than the recommendation for younger adults, reflecting the increased needs and reduced ability of older bodies to produce and absorb vitamin D.

    Overall, older adults also tend to have less exposure to sunlight, which is the primary source of natural vitamin D production. Older adults may spend more time indoors and wear more clothing when outdoors.

    As we age, our skin also becomes less efficient at synthesising vitamin D from sunlight.

    The kidneys and the liver, which help convert vitamin D into its active form, also lose some of their efficiency with age. This makes it harder for the body to maintain adequate levels of the vitamin.

    All of this combined means older adults need more vitamin D.

    Deficiency is common in older adults

    Despite their higher needs for vitamin D, people over 75 may not get enough of it.

    Studies have shown one in five older adults in Australia have vitamin D deficiency.

    In higher-latitude parts of the world, such as the United Kingdom, almost half don’t reach sufficient levels.

    This increased risk of deficiency is partly due to lifestyle factors, such as spending less time outdoors and insufficient dietary intakes of vitamin D.

    It’s difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone. Oily fish, eggs and some mushrooms are good sources of vitamin D, but few other foods contain much of the vitamin. While foods can be fortified with the vitamin D (margarine, some milk and cereals), these may not be readily available or be consumed in sufficient amounts to make a difference.

    In some countries such as the United States, most of the dietary vitamin D comes from fortified products. However, in Australia, dietary intakes of vitamin D are typically very low because only a few foods are fortified with it.

    Why vitamin D is so important as we age

    Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for maintaining bone density and strength. As we age, our bones become more fragile, increasing the risk of fractures and conditions like osteoporosis.

    Keeping bones healthy is crucial. Studies have shown older people hospitalised with hip fractures are 3.5 times more likely to die in the next 12 months compared to people who aren’t injured.

    People over 75 often have less exposure to sunlight.
    Aila Images/Shutterstock

    Vitamin D may also help lower the risk of respiratory infections, which can be more serious in this age group.

    There is also emerging evidence for other potential benefits, including better brain health. However, this requires more research.

    According to the society’s systematic review, which summarises evidence from randomised controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation in humans, there is moderate evidence to suggest vitamin D supplementation can lower the risk of premature death.

    The society estimates supplements can prevent six deaths per 1,000 people. When considering the uncertainty in the available evidence, the actual number could range from as many as 11 fewer deaths to no benefit at all.

    Should we get our vitamin D levels tested?

    The Endocrine Society’s guidelines suggest routine blood tests to measure vitamin D levels are not necessary for most healthy people over 75.

    There is no clear evidence that regular testing provides significant benefits, unless the person has a specific medical condition that affects vitamin D metabolism, such as kidney disease or certain bone disorders.

    Routine testing can also be expensive and inconvenient.

    In most cases, the recommended approach to over-75s is to consider a daily supplement, without the need for testing.

    You can also try to boost your vitamin D by adding fortified foods to your diet, which might lower the dose you need from supplementation.

    Even if you’re getting a few minutes of sunlight a day, a daily vitamin D is still recommended.

    Elina Hypponen receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Foundation, Medical Research Future Fund, Australian Research Council, and Arthritis Australia.

    Joshua Sutherland’s studentship is funded by the Australian Research Training Program Scholarship, and he volunteers on the board for the Australasian Association and Register of Practicing Nutritionists.

    – ref. Are you over 75? Here’s what you need to know about vitamin D – https://theconversation.com/are-you-over-75-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-vitamin-d-231820

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: Delivering on Our Commitments, 12th U.S.-ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Lao  PDR

    Source: The White House

    The Biden-Harris Administration has worked to strengthen our ties with ASEAN and deliver on our commitments to the region. Over the past three and a half years, we have pursued an unprecedented expansion in the breadth and depth of U.S.-ASEAN relations, including upgrading our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and institutionalizing cooperation in five new areas—health, transportation, women’s empowerment, environment and climate, and energy—as well as deepening our cooperation in foreign affairs, economics, technology, and defense. To date, we have made significant progress in fulfilling 98.37 percent of our commitments in the ASEAN-U.S. Plan of Action (2022-2025) and its Annex. The United States will continue working with ASEAN, including through ASEAN-led mechanisms, to build an open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture in which ASEAN is its center.
     
    DELIVERING ON OUR COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

    This year, the United States and ASEAN are celebrating 47 years of U.S.-ASEAN relations. President Biden and Vice President Harris remain committed to ASEAN centrality and supporting the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, which shares fundamental principles with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. ASEAN is at the heart of the U.S. approach to the Indo-Pacific, as reflected in numerous U.S. initiatives to promote economic prosperity and regional stability. Through the U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the United States has demonstrated that we are a reliable and enduring partner for our combined one billion people. Key U.S.-ASEAN accomplishments under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership include:

    • The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) extended the U.S.-ASEAN Regional Development Cooperation Agreement to 2029 enabling the launch of the new five-year ASEAN USAID Partnership Program in March 2024. 
    • The United States plans to conduct a second U.S.-ASEAN maritime exercise in 2025, co-hosted by Indonesia. U.S. and ASEAN Member States’ navies will exercise communication, information sharing, and the implementation of maritime security protocols in accordance with international law.
    • In August 2024, the United States and ASEAN agreed to formalize U.S.-ASEAN health cooperation, elevating our engagement to a biennial U.S.-ASEAN Health Ministers Dialogue. USAID also officially launched the U.S.-ASEAN-Airborne Infection Defense Platform to bolster the region’s tuberculosis response capacity.
    • The United States is launching a cybersecurity training program for the ASEAN Secretariat that will enhance the cybersecurity awareness, knowledge, and skills of our partners who are the backbone of ASEAN institutions.  
    • At the third U.S.-ASEAN High-Level Dialogue on Environment and Climate this year, the United States unveiled the U.S.-ASEAN Climate Solutions Hub to help ASEAN members states develop and implement their contributions under the Paris Agreement.
    • In 2023, the United States and ASEAN held the inaugural Dialogue on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to advance human rights for persons with disabilities across Southeast Asia, including working with private sector to find ways to support accessibility across Southeast Asia.

    As a reflection of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reaching its full potential, the United States and ASEAN celebrated the launch of the U.S.-ASEAN Center in Washington, DC in December 2023. The Center has already hosted several high-profile ASEAN-related events and is on track to become the key hub for ASEAN’s engagement with the United States.

    • In June 2024, the Center hosted the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, for his first working visit to the United States, where he launched a speaker series.
    • In August 2024, the Center hosted an ASEAN Day celebration, showcasing a wide array of cultural activities from ASEAN Member States.
    • The Center is also partnering with the Antiquities Coalition to host a Cultural Property Agreement workshop.

    The U.S.-ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership (USASCP) is a key mechanism for our engagement on innovating sustainable cities of the future. Since it was launched in 2018, USASCP has invested more than $19 million in over 20 projects across urban sectors throughout the region. USASCP tackles the varied challenges of rapid urbanization, including accelerating climate action and promoting sustainable urban services.

    • In 2024, the USASCP Smart Cities Business Innovation Fund 2.0 will grant $3 million for net-zero urban innovation projects to strengthen private sector investment in sustainability and climate action across the ASEAN region.
    • In 2022, the Smart Cities Business Innovation Fund 1.0 granted a total of $1 million to six awardees across the region, including a solar panel recycling facility in Da Nang Vietnam and a seaweed/bioplastics manufacturer in Tangerang Indonesia.
    • The United States paired municipal water and wastewater facility operators from five cities across the United States and the ASEAN Smart Cities Network to share their expertise.

    This year marks the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative’s (YSEALI) second decade of building youth leadership capabilities across Southeast Asia to promote cross-border cooperation on regional and global challenges. YSEALI’s 160,000 strong digital network and 6,000 plus alumni community is creating new opportunities for its members to shape YSEALI’s next 10 years of impact. The State Department is well on its way to doubling the number of Southeast Asian youth participating in the YSEALI Academic and Professional Fellowships by 2025, in line with the commitments laid out by President Biden and Vice President Harris during the May 2022 U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit.

    • The United States has invested over $1.8 million to empower nearly 500 young women as part of the YSEALI Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA). In celebration of the WLA’s 10th anniversary, the U.S. Mission to ASEAN granted $44,000 to alumni groups to foster collaboration and find innovative ways to close the gender leadership gap.
    • The YSEALI Seeds for the Future Program—a grant program intended to support innovative initiatives in Southeast Asia—has provided nearly $3 million for more than 500 young leaders to carry out projects that improve their communities.
    • The Department of State’s YSEALI Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund supported 16 YSEALI alumni-led public service projects in 2024. 

    ENHANCING CONNECTIVITY AND RESILIENCE

    The Biden-Harris Administration continues to build greater connectivity with ASEAN and enhancing regional resilience to bolster economic development and integration. The United States is ASEAN’s number one source of foreign direct investment, and U.S. goods and services trade totaled an estimated $500 billion in 2023. Since 2002, the United States has provided more than $14.7 billion in economic, health, and security assistance to Southeast Asian allies and partners. During that same period, the United States provided nearly $1.9 billion in humanitarian assistance, including life-saving disaster assistance, emergency food aid, and support to refugees throughout the region. As a durable and reliable partner of ASEAN, the United States supports the governments and people of Southeast Asia in enhancing the region’s connectivity and resilience. In addition to U.S. companies’ substantial investments, the United States is cooperating with the private sector to equip the region’s workforce with the skills needed to succeed in Southeast Asia’s burgeoning digital economy. Other key U.S. initiatives supporting this effort include:

    • USAID announces $2 million of new funding to support the sustainable development of critical minerals, supporting ASEAN’s goal of raising environmental, social, and governance standards for mineral sector development. 
    • Through the Japan-U.S.-Mekong Power Partnership (JUMPP), the U.S. Department of State has implemented over 60 technical assistance activities to strengthen national power sectors and regional electricity market, enhancing the clean energy export potential of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam to the ASEAN market. 
    • The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is supporting a feasibility study to develop two cross-border interconnections, further expanding our longstanding support to connect the ASEAN Power Grid.
    • USAID is expanding cooperation with the ASEAN Center for Energy to support private sector and multilateral development bank investment to operationalize regional connectivity through the ASEAN Power Grid.
    • Through the ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting and Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting, we are intensifying our cooperation on trusted information and communications technology infrastructure – including undersea cables, cloud computing, and wireless networks, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and combatting online scams.
    • The United States supported development of the ASEAN Responsible AI Roadmap and provided AI technical assistance for the Digital Economy Framework Agreement. Our collective effort ensures ASEAN can foster an inclusive environment where affirmative, safe, secure, and trustworthy AI innovation can flourish.
    • Under the U.S.-ASEAN Connect framework, the U.S. Mission to ASEAN is leveraging the U.S. government and private sector expertise to advance economic engagement, including through workshops covering topics such as best practices to strengthen cybersecurity and how to harness digital technologies.

    Over the past three and a half years, the Biden-Harris Administration has also spurred investment and economic growth through the advancement of over $1.4 billion in private sector investments in the ASEAN region. This past year alone, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has invested over $341 million in ASEAN markets. To further our cooperation and support, DFC has announced that it will open new offices in Vietnam and the Philippines to source more opportunities and further advance private sector investment. DFC’s key initiatives and investments have included:

    • Loaning up to $126 million loan to power company PT Medco Cahaya Geothermal to strengthen Indonesia’s energy security.
    • Initiating DFC’s first investment in Lao PDR with a $4 million loan portfolio guarantee to Phongsavanh Bank, which will work with Village Funds to give farmers financing to scale their businesses, increase their incomes, and improve their livelihoods.
    • Initiating DFC’s first investment in East Timor with a $3 million loan to microfinance institution Kaebauk Investimentu No Finansas, which will provide financing to small businesses, especially rural and unbanked ones.

    We look forward to continue advancing our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN in 2025 by formulating a new plan of action to guide the next five years of our enduring partnership as we work to further the prosperity of our combined one billion people.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Evacuating in disasters like Hurricane Milton isn’t simple – there are reasons people stay in harm’s way, and it’s not just stubbornness

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Carson MacPherson-Krutsky, Research Associate, Natural Hazards Center, University of Colorado Boulder

    Evacuation is more difficult for people with health and mobility issues. Ted Richardson/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

    As Hurricane Milton roared ashore near Sarasota, Florida, tens of thousands of people were in evacuation shelters. Hundreds of thousands more had fled coastal regions ahead of the storm, crowding highways headed north and south as their counties issued evacuation orders.

    But not everyone left, despite dire warnings about a hurricane that had been one of the strongest on record two days earlier.

    As Milton’s rain and storm surge flooded neighborhoods late on Oct. 9, 2024, 911 calls poured in. In Tampa’s Hillsborough County, more than 500 people had to be rescued, including a dozen people trapped in a flooding home after a tree crashed though the roof at the height of the storm.

    In Plant City, 20 miles inland from Tampa, at least 35 people had been rescued by dawn, City Manager Bill McDaniel said. While the storm wasn’t as extreme as feared, McDaniel said his city had flooded in places and to levels he had never seen. Traffic signals were out. Power lines and trees were down. The sewage plant had been inundated, affecting the public water supply.

    Evacuating might seem like the obvious move when a major hurricane is bearing down on your region, but that choice is not always as easy as it may seem.

    Evacuating from a hurricane requires money, planning, the ability to leave and, importantly, a belief that evacuating is better than staying put.

    I recently examined years of research on what motivates people to leave or seek shelter during hurricanes as part of a project with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Natural Hazards Center. I found three main reasons that people didn’t leave.

    Evacuating can be expensive

    Evacuating requires transportation, money, a place to stay, the ability to take off work days ahead of a storm and other resources that many people do not have.

    With 1 in 9 Americans facing poverty today, many have limited evacuation options. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, for example, many residents did not own vehicles and couldn’t reach evacuation buses. That left them stranded in the face of a deadly hurricane. Nearly 1,400 people died in the storm, many of them in flooded homes.

    When millions of people are under evacuation orders, logistical issues also arise.

    Two days ahead of landfall, Milton was a Category 5 hurricane. About 5 million people were under evacuation orders, and highways were crowded.

    Gas shortages and traffic jams can leave people stranded on highways and unable to find shelter before the storm hits. This happened during Hurricane Floyd in 1999 as 2 million Floridians tried to evacuate.

    People who experienced past evacuations or saw news video of congested highways ahead of Hurricane Milton might not leave for fear of getting stuck.

    Health, pets and being physically able to leave

    The logistics of evacuating are even more challenging for people who are disabled or in nursing homes. Additionally, people who are incarcerated may have no choice in the matter – and the justice system may have few options for moving them.

    Evacuating nursing homes, people with disabilities or prison populations is complex. Many shelters are not set up to accommodate their needs. In one example during Hurricane Floyd, a disabled person arrived at a shelter, but the hallways were too narrow for their wheelchair, so they were restricted to a cot for the duration of their stay. Moving people whose health is fragile, and doing so under stressful conditions, can also worsen health problems, leaving nursing home staff to make difficult decisions.

    At least 700 people stayed in chairs or on air mattresses at River Ridge Middle/High School in New Port Richey, Fla., during Hurricane Milton.
    AP Photo/Mike Carlson

    But failing to evacuate can also be deadly. During Hurricane Irma in 2017, seven nursing home residents died in the rising heat after their facility lost power near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In some cases, public water systems are shut down or become contaminated. And flooding can create several health hazards, including the risk of infectious diseases.

    In a study of 291 long-term care facilities in Florida, 81% sheltered residents in place during the 2004 hurricane season because they had limited transportation options and faced issues finding places for residents to go.

    Some shelters allow small pets, but many don’t. This high school-turned-shelter in New Port Richey, Fla., had 283 registered pets.
    AP Photo/Mike Carlson

    People with pets face another difficult choice – some choose to stay at home for fear of leaving their pet behind. Studies have found that pet owners are significantly less likely to evacuate than others because of difficulties transporting pets and finding shelters that will take them. In destructive storms, it can be days to weeks before people can return home.

    Risk perception can also get in the way

    People’s perceptions of risk can also prevent them from leaving.

    A series of studies show that women and minorities take hurricane risks more seriously than other groups and are more likely to evacuate or go to shelters. One study found that women are almost twice as likely than men to evacuate when given a mandatory evacuation order.

    If people have experienced a hurricane before that didn’t do significant damage, they may perceive the risks of a coming storm to be lower and not leave.

    Video from across Florida after Hurricane Milton shows flooding around homes, trees down and other damage. At least five people died in the storm, and more than 3 million homes lost power.

    In my review of research, I found that many people who didn’t evacuate had reservations about going to shelters and preferred to stay home or with family or friends. Shelter conditions were sometimes poor, overcrowded or lacked privacy.

    People had fears about safety and whether shelter environments could meet their needs. For example, religious minorities were not sure whether shelters would be clean, safe, have private places for religious practice, and food options consistent with faith practices. Diabetics and people with young children also had concerns about finding appropriate food in shelters.

    How to improve evacuations for the future

    There are ways leaders can reduce the barriers to evacuation and shelter use. For example:

    • Building more shelters able to withstand hurricane force winds can create safe havens for people without transportation or who are unable to leave their jobs in time to evacuate.

    • Arranging more shelters and transportation able to accommodate people with disabilities and those with special needs, such as nursing home residents, can help protect vulnerable populations.

    • Opening shelters to accommodate pets with their owners can also increase the likelihood that pet owners will evacuate.

    • Public education can be improved so people know their options. Clearer risk communication on how these storms are different than past ones and what people are likely to experience can also help people make informed decisions.

    • Being prepared saves lives. Many areas would benefit from better advance planning that takes into account the needs of large, diverse populations and can ensure populations have ways to evacuate to safety.

    Carson MacPherson-Krutsky works for the Natural Hazards Center (NHC) at the University of Colorado Boulder. She receives grant and contract funding for her work at NHC through the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other funders.

    – ref. Evacuating in disasters like Hurricane Milton isn’t simple – there are reasons people stay in harm’s way, and it’s not just stubbornness – https://theconversation.com/evacuating-in-disasters-like-hurricane-milton-isnt-simple-there-are-reasons-people-stay-in-harms-way-and-its-not-just-stubbornness-240869

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Evacuating in disasters like Hurricane Milton isn’t simple – there are reasons people stay in harm’s way, and not just stubbornness

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Carson MacPherson-Krutsky, Research Associate, Natural Hazards Center, University of Colorado Boulder

    Evacuation is more difficult for people with health and mobility issues. Ted Richardson/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

    As Hurricane Milton roared ashore near Sarasota, Florida, tens of thousands of people were in evacuation shelters. Hundreds of thousands more had fled coastal regions ahead of the storm, crowding highways headed north and south as their counties issued evacuation orders.

    But not everyone left, despite dire warnings about a hurricane that had been one of the strongest on record two days earlier.

    As Milton’s rain and storm surge flooded neighborhoods late on Oct. 9, 2024, 911 calls poured in. More than 500 people were rescued in Tampa’s Hillsborough County. Tampa police helped more than a dozen adults and children from a flooding home after a tree crashed though the roof at the height of the storm.

    In Plant City, 20 miles inland from Tampa, at least 35 people had been rescued by dawn, City Manager Bill McDaniel said. While the storm wasn’t as extreme as feared, he said his city had flooded in places and to levels he had never seen. Traffic signals were out. Power lines and trees were down. The sewage plant had been inundated, affecting the public water supply.

    Evacuating might seem like the obvious move when a major hurricane is bearing down on your region, but that choice is not always as easy as it may seem.

    Evacuating from a hurricane requires money, planning, the ability to leave and, importantly, a belief that evacuating is better than staying put.

    I recently examined years of research on what motivates people to leave or seek shelter during hurricanes as part of a project with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Natural Hazards Center. I found three main reasons that people didn’t leave.

    Evacuating can be expensive

    Evacuating requires a car, gas money, a place to stay, the ability to take off work days ahead of a storm and other resources that many people do not have.

    With 1 in 9 Americans facing poverty today, many have limited evacuation options. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, for example, many residents did not own vehicles and couldn’t reach evacuation buses. That left them stranded in the face of a deadly hurricane. Nearly 1,400 people died in the storm, many of them in flooded homes.

    When millions of people are under evacuation orders, logistical issues also arise.

    Two days ahead of landfall, Milton was a Category 5 hurricane. About 5 million people were under evacuation orders, and highways were crowded.

    Gas shortages and traffic jams can leave people stranded on highways and unable to find shelter before the storm hits. This happened during Hurricane Floyd in 1999 as 2 million Floridians tried to evacuate.

    People who experienced past evacuations or saw news video of congested highways ahead of Hurricane Milton might not leave for fear of getting stuck.

    Health, pets and being physically able to leave

    The logistics of evacuating are even more challenging for people who are disabled or in nursing homes. Additionally, people who are incarcerated may have no choice in the matter – and the justice system may have few options for moving them.

    Evacuating nursing homes, people with disabilities or prison populations is complex. Many shelters are not set up to accommodate their needs. In one example during Hurricane Floyd, a disabled person arrived at a shelter, but the hallways were too narrow for their wheelchair, so they were restricted to a cot for the duration of their stay. Moving people whose health is fragile, and doing so under stressful conditions, can also worsen health problems, leaving nursing home staff to make difficult decisions.

    At least 700 people stayed in chairs or on air mattresses at River Ridge Middle/High School in New Port Richey, Fla., during Hurricane Milton.
    AP Photo/Mike Carlson

    But failing to evacuate can also be deadly. During Hurricane Irma in 2017, seven nursing home residents died in the rising heat after their facility lost power near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In some cases, public water systems are shut down or become contaminated. And flooding can create several health hazards, including the risk of infectious diseases.

    In a study of 291 long-term care facilities in Florida, 81% sheltered residents in place during the 2004 hurricane season because they had limited transportation options and faced issues finding places for residents to go.

    Some shelters allow small pets, but many don’t. This high school-turned-shelter in New Port Richey, Fla., had 283 registered pets.
    AP Photo/Mike Carlson

    People with pets face another difficult choice – some choose to stay at home for fear of leaving their pet behind. Studies have found that pet owners are significantly less likely to evacuate than others because of difficulties transporting pets and finding shelters that will take them. In destructive storms, it can be days to weeks before people can return home.

    Risk perception can also get in the way

    People’s perceptions of risk can also prevent them from leaving.

    A series of studies show that women and minorities take hurricane risks more seriously than other groups and are more likely to evacuate or go to shelters. One study found that women are almost twice as likely than men to evacuate when given a mandatory evacuation order.

    If people have experienced a hurricane before that didn’t do significant damage, they may perceive the risks of a coming storm to be lower and not leave.

    Video from across Florida after Hurricane Milton shows flooding around homes, trees down and other damage. At least five people died in the storm, and more than 3 million homes lost power.

    In my review of research, I found that many people who didn’t evacuate had reservations about going to shelters and preferred to stay home or with family or friends. Shelter conditions were sometimes poor, overcrowded or lacked privacy.

    People had fears about safety and whether shelter environments could meet their needs. For example, religious minorities were not sure whether shelters would be clean, safe, have private places for religious practice, and food options consistent with faith practices. Diabetics and people with young children also had concerns about finding appropriate food in shelters.

    How to improve evacuations for the future

    There are ways leaders can reduce the barriers to evacuation and shelter use. For example:

    • Building more shelters able to withstand hurricane force winds can create safe havens for people without transportation or who are unable to leave their jobs in time to evacuate.

    • Arranging more shelters and transportation able to accommodate people with disabilities and those with special needs, such as nursing home residents, can help protect vulnerable populations.

    • Opening shelters to accommodate pets with their owners can also increase the likelihood that pet owners will evacuate.

    • Public education can be improved so people know their options. Clearer risk communication on how these storms are different than past ones and what people are likely to experience can also help people make informed decisions.

    • Being prepared saves lives. Many areas would benefit from better advance planning that takes into account the needs of large, diverse populations and can ensure populations have ways to evacuate to safety.

    Carson MacPherson-Krutsky works for the Natural Hazards Center (NHC) at the University of Colorado Boulder. She receives grant and contract funding for her work at NHC through the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other funders.

    – ref. Evacuating in disasters like Hurricane Milton isn’t simple – there are reasons people stay in harm’s way, and not just stubbornness – https://theconversation.com/evacuating-in-disasters-like-hurricane-milton-isnt-simple-there-are-reasons-people-stay-in-harms-way-and-not-just-stubbornness-240869

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: DDG Ellard: Effective trade policies essential for clean energy transition

    Source: WTO

    Headline: DDG Ellard: Effective trade policies essential for clean energy transition

    DDG Ellard noted that trade policies can help lower clean energy costs, decarbonize supply chains, harmonize standards, redirect subsidies toward sustainability, and create new economic opportunities in emerging low-carbon markets, ultimately fostering sustainable development.
    Highlighting key challenges, DDG Ellard pointed to significant tariff disparities that currently favour high-carbon goods over renewable energy equipment. For instance, while crude oil and coal face minimal tariffs, renewable technologies can incur duties as high as 12%. Reassessing these tariffs could enhance the competitiveness of renewable energy and accelerate its adoption.
    DDG Ellard also highlighted the challenges arising from the 73 different carbon pricing schemes globally, which inflate compliance costs and threaten climate objectives. Trade policies can facilitate greater interoperability and collaboration on carbon pricing frameworks, helping to alleviate trade tensions and expedite the transition to sustainability, she added.
    Furthermore, DDG Ellard emphasized the importance of redirecting harmful subsidies toward more beneficial objectives, highlighting that government support for fossil fuels exceeded USD 1.4 trillion in 2022. “By reallocating these funds to nature-positive initiatives, we can stimulate innovation and significantly reduce emissions,” she said. She noted that the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted by WTO members in 2022, is a valuable blueprint for future efforts on environmental sustainability.  The Agreement demonstrates how economies can collaborate across geopolitical divides and eliminate environmentally harmful subsidies while redirecting resources toward more beneficial initiatives. DDG Ellard urged members that have yet to deposit their instruments of acceptance for this groundbreaking Agreement to do so promptly.
    DDG Ellard noted that the clean energy transition presents immense opportunities for developing economies rich in renewable energy resources and critical minerals. However, to fully harness this potential, targeted and effective trade policy actions are essential. These actions include aligning standards and implementing green procurement practices to establish stable frameworks that can reduce capital costs for large-scale renewable projects. WTO members are actively engaged in discussions aimed at supporting this process, exploring concrete pathways for trade-related climate actions, including promoting renewable technologies and addressing market distortions caused by fossil fuel subsidies.
    DDG Ellard also noted the importance of a solid investment climate in developing economies to build investor confidence and attract financing in ways to encourage environmental sustainability.  She highlighted that more than two-thirds of WTO members, including 89 developing members, of which 27 are least-developed countries (LDCs), concluded the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, designed to streamline investment procedures and encourage foreign direct investment in sustainable projects.
    Looking ahead to the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), DDG Ellard emphasized the significant opportunity for global leaders to integrate climate finance, investment, and trade, adding that the WTO Secretariat plans to co-host a Trade Day for the second year to highlight this intersection. She explained that in preparation for the last conference, the WTO Secretariat issued a 10-point set of “Trade Policy Tools for Climate Action “, launched at COP28. This publication explores how integrating trade policy options, such as reviewing import tariffs on low-carbon solutions, can help mitigate climate change impacts. The WTO Secretariat also presented a joint report with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on “International Trade in Green Hydrogen ,” providing insights into global hydrogen trade and scaling up production.
    Additionally, DDG Ellard said, the WTO Secretariat’s support for collaboration in the steel sector has led to the establishment of Steel Standards Principles, endorsed by over 40 organizations, aimed at promoting common methodologies for measuring greenhouse gas emissions. The WTO is also examining the role of trade in addressing the high demand for energy-related critical minerals to alleviate supply chain pressures. These initiatives reflect the diverse perspectives of WTO members, all sharing the common goal of harnessing trade to combat climate change while promoting sustainable development.
    DDG Ellard concluded by emphasizing that a sustainable clean energy transition is both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity, achievable only through collaboration. “The WTO Secretariat remains committed to supporting WTO members in creating a global trade environment that leverages trade tools to achieve sustainable environmental goals and bolster the resilience of renewable energy supply chains, all while ensuring that such efforts do not create barriers to trade”, she said.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Italy: InvestEU – EIB and Intesa Sanpaolo announce agreement to back wind industry investment of up to €8 billion

    Source: European Investment Bank

    ©maxpro/ Shutterstock

    • The operation includes a €500 million EIB counter-guarantee enabling Intesa Sanpaolo to create a portfolio of bank guarantees of up to €1 billion, helping to unlock €8 billion of investment in the real economy.
    • The agreement is part of the EIB’s €5 billion wind power package to accelerate Europe’s green energy transition.
    • The operation is backed by InvestEU, the EU programme aiming to mobilise investment of more than €372 billion by 2027.
    • The EIB has signed agreements totalling almost €5 billion with Intesa Sanpaolo over the last five years.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Intesa Sanpaolo (IMI CIB Division) have announced a new initiative helping to unlock investment of up to €8 billion for the European wind industry. It is the first agreement supported by InvestEU and the second overall under the EIB’s €5 billion wind power package, an investment plan announced by the EU bank at COP28 in Dubai. This programme aims to support the production of 32 GW of the 117 GW of wind capacity needed to enable the European Union to meet its goal of generating at least 45% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

    “Wind energy is central to European energy independence,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti. “Producers are facing challenges such as high costs, uncertain demand, slow permitting, supply chain bottlenecks and strong international competition. This agreement shows how the EIB’s risk-sharing instruments help overcome these difficulties and finance key projects for the green transition and the decarbonisation of the European economy.”

    In concrete terms, the EIB will provide a €500 million counter-guarantee to Intesa Sanpaolo, enabling the Italian bank to create a portfolio of bank guarantees of up to €1 billion. These will back the supply chain and power grid interconnection for new wind farms projects across the European Union. The high leverage effect of the EIB counter-guarantee will free up additional funding to support increasing production and accelerating wind energy development, helping to support an estimated €8 billion of investment in the real economy.

    European Commissioner for the Economy Paolo Gentiloni said: “This agreement marks another important step in Europe’s efforts to support the wind power manufacturing sector. Amid global uncertainty, the InvestEU programme is mobilising crucial investments where they are most needed. With €8 billion in investments flowing into the real economy, we are reinforcing our commitment to achieving the climate neutrality and energy independence, while contributing to economic growth and job creation.”

    Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate and Investment Banking Division will use the EIB funds to provide bank guarantees on advances received and plant performance to wind energy producers.

    Mauro Micillo, Chief of Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, commented: “The energy transition requires huge investments and virtuous collaboration between public and private sectors. In this context, the development of renewable energy is one of the fundamental objectives of strategies at national and European level. Thanks to its many years of collaboration with the EIB, the IMI CIB Division has developed an innovative tool aimed at supporting large international groups active in interconnection infrastructures with electricity grids, allowing the start of strategic works at a European level. The recently concluded transactions confirm our support for the entire wind energy supply chain and for ESG goals, in collaboration with our clients and European institutions. The Intesa Sanpaolo Group thus confirms its dual role as a driver of innovation and support of the productive and entrepreneurial companies for sustainable economic development”.

    Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson said: “Ensuring that the European wind manufacturing sector remains a strong power player is key to achieve our clean energy and climate goals and keep our industry competitive. I welcome this further initiative of the EIB with Intesa Sanpaolo. It will help deliver our European Wind Power Package by unlocking investments in this crucial sector for the green transition.”

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It provides long-term financing for sound investments that contribute to EU policy. The Bank finances projects in four priority areas: infrastructure, innovation, climate and environment, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Between 2019 and 2023, the EIB Group provided €58 billion in financing for projects in Italy.

    The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps to crowd in private investment for the European Union’s strategic priorities such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings all EU financial instruments previously available for supporting investments within the European Union together under one roof, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub, and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is deployed through implementing partners that will invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. The entire budget guarantee will back the investment projects of the implementing partners, increase their risk-bearing capacity and thus mobilise at least €372 billion in additional investment.

    Intesa Sanpaolo, with over €422 billion in loans and €1.35 trillion in customer financial assets at the end of June 2024, is the largest banking group in Italy, with a significant international presence. It is a European leader in wealth management, with a strong focus on digital and fintech. In the environmental, social and governance domain, it plans to make €115 billion in impact contributions to the community and green transition by 2025. Its programme to support people in need totals €1.5 billion (2023-2027). Intesa Sanpaolo’s Gallerie d’Italia museum network is an exhibition venue for its artistic heritage collection and cultural projects of recognised value.

    Smart Europe
    Wind Generator Turbines on Sunset – Green Renewable Energy
    Photographer: maxpro
    ©Shutterstock
    Download original
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    European Commission logo
    ©European Commission
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Italy: EIB and Intesa Sanpaolo announce agreement to stimulate up to €8 billion investment in the wind industry

    Source: European Investment Bank

    ©maxpro/ Shutterstock

    • The operation includes a €500 million EIB counter-guarantee enabling Intesa Sanpaolo to create a portfolio of bank guarantees of up to €1 billion, expected to unlock €8 billion of investment in the real economy.
    • The agreement is part of the EIB’s €5 billion wind power package to boost Europe’s wind power manufacturing sector.
    • The operation is backed by InvestEU, the EU programme aiming to mobilise investment of more than €372 billion by 2027.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Intesa Sanpaolo have agreed on a new initiative with the potential to unlock investment of up to €8 billion for the European wind industry. It forms part of the EIB’s €5 billion wind power package, an investment plan announced by the EU bank at COP28 in Dubai and activated in July, and it is the first agreement under this package supported by InvestEU. It follows a similar initiative between the EIB and Germany-based Deutsche Bank AG. The EIB wind-focused programme aims to support the production of 32 GW of the 117 GW of wind capacity needed to enable the European Union to meet its goal of generating at least 45% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. It is a key element of the European Wind Power Package, in particular its Action Plan, presented by the European Commission in October 2023.

    In concrete terms, the EIB will provide a €500 million counter-guarantee to Intesa Sanpaolo, enabling the Italian bank to create a portfolio of bank guarantees of up to €1 billion. These will back the supply chain and power grid interconnection for new wind farms projects across the European Union. The leverage effect of the EIB counter-guarantee is expected to mobilise additional funding from other investors to support increasing production and accelerating wind energy development, helping to stimulate an estimated €8 billion of investment in the real economy.

    “Wind energy is central to European energy independence,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti. “Producers are facing challenges such as high costs, uncertain demand, slow permitting, supply chain bottlenecks and strong international competition. This agreement shows how the EIB’s risk-sharing instruments help overcome these difficulties and finance key projects for the green transition and the decarbonisation of the European economy, while enhancing industrial competitiveness.”

    Mauro Micillo, Chief of Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, commented: “The energy transition requires significant investments and a virtuous collaboration between public and private stakeholders. In this context, the development of renewable energies is one of the key objectives of the green strategies at national and European level. Thanks to many years of collaboration with the EIB, the IMI CIB Division of Intesa Sanpaolo has developed innovative instruments aimed at supporting large international groups’ infrastructure investments, including interconnections and electricity grids, enabling strategic sustainable projects in Europe. The recent transactions enhance our support for the entire wind energy supply chain, with a focus on ESG goals, in collaboration with our clients and the European institutions. The Intesa Sanpaolo Group thus confirms its role as a driver of innovation and its support to corporates and institutions for a sustainable economic development.”

    European Commissioner for the Economy Paolo Gentiloni said: “This agreement marks another important step in Europe’s efforts to support the wind power manufacturing sector. Amid global uncertainty, the InvestEU programme is mobilising crucial investments where they are most needed. With €8 billion in investments flowing into the real economy, we are reinforcing our commitment to achieving the climate neutrality and energy independence, while contributing to economic growth and job creation.”

    Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson said: “Ensuring that the European wind manufacturing sector remains a strong power player is key to achieve our clean energy and climate goals and keep our industry competitive. I welcome this further initiative of the EIB with Intesa Sanpaolo. It will help deliver our European Wind Power Package by unlocking investments in this crucial sector for the green transition.”

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It provides long-term financing for sound investments that contribute to EU policy. The Bank finances projects in four priority areas: infrastructure, innovation, climate and environment, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Between 2019 and 2023, the EIB Group provided €58 billion in financing for projects in Italy.

    The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps to crowd in private investment for the European Union’s strategic priorities such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings all EU financial instruments previously available for supporting investments within the European Union together under one roof, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub, and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is deployed through implementing partners that will invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. The entire budget guarantee will back the investment projects of the implementing partners, increase their risk-bearing capacity and thus mobilise at least €372 billion in additional investment.

    The European Commission presented the European Wind Power Package in October 2023 to tackle the unique set of challenges faced by the wind sector, including insufficient and uncertain demand, slow and complex permitting, lack of access to raw materials and high inflation and commodity prices, among others. In a specific Action Plan, the Commission set out a set of initiatives concerning permitting, auction design, skills and access to finance to ensure that the clean energy transition goes hand-in-hand with industrial competitiveness and that wind power continues to be a European success story. As part of this plan, in July 2024, the European Investment Bank (EIB) activated a €5 billion initiative to support manufacturers of wind-energy equipment in Europe.

    Intesa Sanpaolo, with over €422 billion in loans and €1.35 trillion in customer financial assets at the end of June 2024, is the largest banking group in Italy, with a significant international presence. It is a European leader in wealth management, with a strong focus on digital and fintech. In the environmental, social and governance domain, it plans to make €115 billion in impact contributions to the community and green transition by 2025. Its programme to support people in need totals €1.5 billion (2023-2027). Intesa Sanpaolo’s Gallerie d’Italia museum network is an exhibition venue for its artistic heritage collection and cultural projects of recognised value. Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate and Investment Banking Division will use the EIB funds to provide bank guarantees on advances received and plant performance to wind energy producers. The EIB has signed agreements totalling almost €5 billion with Intesa Sanpaolo over the last five years.

    Smart Europe
    Wind Generator Turbines on Sunset – Green Renewable Energy
    Photographer: maxpro
    ©Shutterstock
    Download original
    European Commission logo EN
    European Commission logo
    ©European Commission
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: How catalysts remove dangerous nitrogen oxides (last modification, the 10.10.2024)

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Villigen, 10.10.2024 – Catalysts belonging to the zeolite family help to remove toxic nitrogen oxides from industrial emissions. Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have now discovered that their complex nano porous structure is crucial. Specifically, individual iron atoms sitting in certain neighbouring pores communicate with each other, thereby driving the desired reaction.

    Industry produces gases that are harmful to both humans and the environment and therefore must be prevented from escaping. These include nitric oxide and nitrous oxide, the latter also known as laughing gas. Both can be produced simultaneously when manufacturing fertilisers, for example. To remove them from the waste gases, companies use zeolite-based catalysts. Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, in collaboration with the Swiss chemical company CASALE SA, have now worked out the details of how these catalysts render the combination of these two nitrogen oxides harmless. The results of their research have been published in the journal Nature Catalysis and provide clues as to how the catalysts could be improved in the future.

    An entire zoo of iron species

    “The Lugano-based company CASALE contacted us because they wanted to develop a better understanding of how their catalysts used for the abatement of nitrogen oxide actually work,” says Davide Ferri, head of the Applied Catalysis and Spectroscopy research group at the PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences. The zeolites used for this are composed of aluminium, oxygen and silicon atoms forming a kind of framework. Zeolites occur naturally – as minerals in rock formations, for example – or they can be manufactured synthetically. Many catalysts used in the chemical industry are based on these compounds, with additional elements added to the basic structure depending on the specific application.

    When the zeolite framework also contains iron as an active substance, it enables the conversion of the two nitrogen oxides, nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide(N2O), into harmless molecules. “However, these iron atoms can be located in many different positions of the zeolite framework and can possess various forms,” says Filippo Buttignol, a member of Ferri’s group. He is the principal author of the new study, which he conducted as part of his doctoral thesis. “The iron can lodge in the small spaces of the zeolite in the form of single atoms, or else several iron atoms can bound together and with oxygen atoms in slightly larger spaces in the regular lattice as diatomic, multiatomic or polyatomic clusters.” In short, the catalyst contains an entire zoo of different iron species. “We wanted to know which of these iron species is actually responsible for the catalysis of nitrogen oxides.”

    The researchers, who specialise in spectroscopic analyses, knew exactly which three types of experiment they needed to carry out to answer this question. They performed these while the catalytic reaction was taking place in their zeolite sample. First they used the Swiss Light Source SLS at PSI to analyse the process using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. “This allowed us to look at all the iron species simultaneously,” explains Buttignol. Next, in collaboration with ETH Zurich, they used electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to identify the contribution of each species. And finally – again at PSI – the scientists used infrared spectroscopy to determine the molecular aspect of the different iron species.

    Catalysis happens at individual but communicating atoms

    Each of these three methods contributed a piece of the puzzle, eventually leading to the following overall picture: Catalysis takes place at single iron atoms which are located in two very specific, neighbouring sites of the zeolite lattice. During the process, these two iron atoms act in concert with each other. One of them, sitting at the centre of four oxygen atoms in the zeolite arranged in the form of a square and responsible specifically to convert nitrous oxide, communicates with a different iron atom, which is surrounded by oxygen atoms arranged in the form of a tetrahedron and at which the nitric oxide reacts.

    “Only where this precise arrangement is found do we see iron contributing to the catalysis of the simultaneous abatement of the two gases,” says Buttignol. Each of these iron atoms gave up an electron and took it back again, in other words the typical redox reaction of catalysis took place there over and over again.

    Removing hazardous nitrogen oxides more efficiently

    Ferri sums up the significance of the new study: “If you know exactly where the chemical reaction takes place, you can start adjusting the manufacture of catalysts accordingly.”

    The catalysis of nitric oxide and nitrous oxide and thus their removal from industrial waste gases is important because both are toxic to humans. Beyond this, both gases are also harmful to the environment: nitric oxide is one of the causes of acid rain, while nitrous oxide has such a strong impact on the climate that one molecule of it contributes almost 300 times more to the greenhouse effect than a molecule of carbon dioxide.

    Text: Paul Scherrer Institut PSI/Laura Hennemann

    Technical terms explained

    Catalyst: A material that enables a chemical reaction to take place which would otherwise be much more difficult to achieve. Individual atoms or agglomerates of atoms of the catalytic material can move to and from between different chemical states (see redox reaction), but always return to their original state. This means that a catalyst is neither consumed nor permanently altered during the process.

    Spectroscopy: Spectroscopic analyses use visible light or other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum (including ultraviolet and infrared radiation, as well as X-rays, microwaves and other spectral ranges, all of which are invisible to the human eye). Many different techniques exist, which differ in their details. What they all have in common is that the light interacts with the sample and the result reveals information about certain aspects or properties of the sample.

    X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS): This particular spectroscopic analysis uses X-rays. The sample absorbs individual parts of the X-ray spectrum, allowing researchers to deduce certain properties of the sample.

    Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy: This involves placing the sample in a magnetic field and simultaneously irradiating it with microwaves.

    Infrared spectroscopy: The infrared range of the spectrum can be used to excite vibrations or rotations of molecules. This means that infrared spectroscopy can be used to quantitatively characterise known substances or to determine the structure of unknown substances.

    Tetrahedron: A tetrahedron is a pyramid whose base is a triangle (as are all its sides).

    Redox reaction: The term redox reaction is a portmanteau for “reduction-oxidation” reaction. In a redox reaction, two chemical substances – a reducing agent or reductant and an oxidising agent or oxidant – exchange electrons. The former loses or donates electrons, while the latter gains or accepts them.

    About PSI

    The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI develops, builds and operates large, complex research facilities and makes them available to the national and international research community. The institute’s own key research priorities are in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether PSI employs 2300 people, thus being the largest research institute in Switzerland. The annual budget amounts to approximately CHF 460 million. PSI is part of the ETH Domain, with the other members being the two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, as well as Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) and WSL (Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research).

    Original publication

    F. Buttignol, J. W. A. Fischer, A. H. Clark, M. Elsener, A. Garbujo, P. Biasi, I. Czekaj, M. Nachtegaal, G. Jeschke, O. Kröcher and D. Ferri
    Iron-catalyzed cooperative red-ox mechanism for the simultaneous conversion of nitrous oxide and nitric oxide
    Nature Catalysis, 10.10.2024 (online)
    DOI: 10.1038/s41929-024-01231-3

    Address for enquiries

    Dr Davide Ferri
    PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences
    Paul Scherrer Institute PSI
    +41 56 310 27 81
    davide.ferri@psi.ch
    [German, English, French, Italian]

    Dr Filippo Buttignol
    PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences
    Paul Scherrer Institute PSI
    +41 56 310 37 58
    filippo.buttignol@psi.ch
    [English, Italian]

    Publisher

    Paul Scherrer Institut

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley, Salinas Announce $2 Million Federal Investment to Oregon Small Businesses to Lower Energy Costs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    October 10, 2024
    Seven small businesses in Marion and Jefferson counties to benefit
    Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley with U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas today announced a federal investment of more than $2 million to help lower energy costs for farmers and small businesses in Marion and Jefferson counties while reducing carbon emissions.
    “Rural Oregonians are often on the frontlines of the fight against the climate crisis, whether that is combating wildfires, drought, or other extreme weather events caused by climate change,” Wyden said. “I applaud this federal investment that addresses this issue by supporting small Oregon businesses investing in becoming more climate resilient and reducing carbon emissions.”
    “Oregon’s small farms, ranches, and businesses know that leaning into renewable energy sources can help them significantly lower their energy costs, increase profits, and improve sustainability over the long run,” said Merkley, who prioritized REAP funding when he previously served as the top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee that writes the agriculture funding bill. “Too often, the upfront costs of making that switch often leave rural businesses stuck with outdated energy infrastructure and higher monthly bills. This federal funding from REAP is critical to help rural Oregon businesses in Jefferson and Marion counties overcome financial hurdles and realize energy-efficient projects that are good for both their pocketbook and the planet.”  
    “I am proud to announce that five more rural businesses in Oregon’s Sixth District have been selected for USDA’s REAP program,” said Rep. Salinas. “Federal partnership—when combined with the relentless work ethic and ingenuity of rural Oregonians—can be an incredible resource for our local farmers and small businesses. This funding will allow awardees to switch to renewable energy, helping them save money on utility bills while transitioning to clean energy. That’s a win-win for both our economy and our climate.”
    The $2.08 million federal investment is through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America program, and will be distributed as follows:
    Hanson Pacific, Inc. – Aurora: $99,444
    Barnett Farms and Nursery – Aurora: $30,943
    Champoeg Nursery, Inc. – Aurora: $43,889
    Oregon Flowers Inc. – Aurora: $697,824
    Blazer Industries, Inc. – Aumsville: $345,627
    Hari Nursery – Salem: $45,663
    Haystack Farm & Feed, Inc. – Culver: $822,360

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks by President  Biden on the Initial Impacts of Hurricane Milton and the Federal Government’s Ongoing Support to State and Local  Officials

    Source: The White House

    South Court Auditorium
    Eisenhower Executive Office Building

    2:02 P.M. EDT

    THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon. 

    Q    Good afternoon.

    THE PRESIDENT:  I’ll be brief.  Last night, Hurricane Milton made landfall, as we all know, on the west coast of Florida.  It brought hurricane winds, heavy rains, including 10 to 20 inches of rain in the Tampa area overnight. 

    Storm surge measurements are still being taken, but 38 tornadoes ripped through 13 counties.  Four deaths have been reported thus far. 

    It’s too early to know the full account of the damage though, but we know lifesaving measures did make a difference.  More than 80,000 people followed orders to safety — to safely shelter last night.  And we’ve had search and rescue teams at the ready for any calls for help this morning. 

    There are still very dangerous conditions in the state, and people should wait to be given the all-clear by their leaders before they go out.  We know from previous hurricanes that it’s often the case that more lives are lost in the days following the storm than actually during the storm itself. 

    Vice President Harris and I have been in constant contact with the state and local officials.  And we’re offering everything they need.  I must have spoken to somewhere between 10 and 15 mayors and county executives and all the governors.

    And, in fact, starting this morning, we are getting direct assessments from the storm of FEMA and Director Criswell as well, also Florida Governor DeSantis, with whom I had a chance to speak. 

    And the vice president and I have just convened a meeting this morning with the leaders of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, including Northcom commander, who has responsibility for providing defense support to civilian authorities — and that, apparently, is going very well — as well as from the Coast Guard and FEMA, we’ve received reports. 

    We focused on what the American military can do like no one else can: provide emergency support for communities in need and we’re required by the governor in a federal — and — required by the governor in the affected states.  And I’ve spoken to all the governors — not today, all of them, but I’ve spoken to all of them thus far.  And how we can be ready to go in an instant when the call comes. 

    At my direction, Defense Secretary Austin has provided a range of capabilities both to Florida for Hurricane Milton as well as the states impacted by Hurricane Helene.  And the more capabilities are available, we assess the pressing needs, we can get whatever they need. 

    To the servicemen and women who are on the ground responding to this — these disasters: Thank you.  Thank you for pr- — your professionalism, your dedication to every mission you’re given.  And you’re repeating it again.

    This is a whole-of-government effort that also includes the Department of Energy and Department of Transportation, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which is providing mortgage relief for impacted homeowners. 

    As directed, FEMA is going to open disaster recovery centers all across the impacted communities right away so there’s one stop for the residents can go to to learn about the support they might need.  And that  — it’ll be advertised where those places are.

    Three million people are without power.  But more than 40 million [40,000] power work- — powerline workers have come from around the country, from Canada to Florida, to restore power across the state. 

    In addition, the Federal Aviation has authorized Florida Power and Light to fly large drones before other manned aircraft can get up in the sky to quickly assess the damage on the ground so ground crews can restore power as quickly as possible. 

    The Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers are assessing how fast they can reopen the Port of Tampa to get fuel, food, water, and other basic goods flowing into the area again and quickly. 

    Additionally, Vice President Harris and I said yesterday and we’ll say it again: To anyone who seeks to take advantage of our fellow Americans’ desperation, whether you’re a company engaging in price gouging or a citizen trying to scam your neighbors, we will go after you and we will hold you accountable. 

    Now, not only that.  Our fellow Americans are putting their lives on the line to do this dangerous work and received death thre- — some received death penalties [threats] yesterday as a result of reckless, irresponsible, and relentless disinformation and outright lies that continue to flow.  Those who engage in such lies are undermining the confidence in the rescue and recovery work that’s opening and ongoing.  As I speak, they’re continuing. 

    These lies are also harmful to those who most need help.  Lives are on the line.  People are in desperate situations.  Have the decency to tell them the truth.  

    So, let me say this.  To all the people impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, despite the misinformation and lies, the truth is we’re providing the resources needed to rescue, recover, and rebuild — and rebuild. 

    Let me close with this.  I know recovery and rebuilding projects can take a long and difficult time.  But as — long after the press and the cameras move on, I promise you — you have to pick up the pieces still.  I want you to know we’ll do everything in our power to help you put the pieces back together and get all that you need. 

    May God bless you.  And may God bless our troops and our first responders, who are — many — in some cases risking their lives to help. 

    Thank you very much.  I’ll be reporting again tomorrow.

    Thank you.

    Q    Mr. President, on FEMA funding.  On FEMA funding.  How much time does Congress have to act before FEMA or the SBA run out of money?

    THE PRESIDENT:  That’s in discussion now, and I don’t want to give you — mislead you.  I think in terms of the SBA, it’s pretty right at the edge right now.

    And I think the Congress should be coming back and moving on emergency needs immediately.  And they’re going to have to come back after the election as well, because this is going to be a long haul to- — for total rebuilding.  It’s going to take several billion dollars.  It’s not going to be a matter of just a little bit.

    But we’re providing now to make sure people have the emergency relief they need with dollars just to be able to get a prescription filled, to get a baby formula do- — all the thing- —

    That $750 that they’re talking about, Mr. Trump and every- — all those other people know it’s a lie to suggest that’s all they’re going to get.  That’s bizarre.  It’s bizarre.  They got to stop this.  It’s s- — I mean, they’re being so damn un-American with the way they’re talking about this stuff.

    But there’s going to be a need for significant amounts of money.  We’re already underway at trying to calculate what the cost will be because you don’t want to mislead anybody.  We want to make sure all the costs are able to be covered.

    Q    Have you spoken to Speaker Johnson about coming back before the election to vote?

    THE PRESIDENT:  No, I haven’t.

    Q    Mr. President, are you calling on Congress to come back early?

    THE PRESIDENT:  I think Congress should move as rapidly as they can, particularly on the most immediate need, which is small business.

    Q    Mr. President, the vice president said yesterday that — that FEMA has what it needs.  There’s enough resources.  They don’t need — that Congress does not need to come back right away.  Who’s right?

    THE PRESIDENT:  FEMA has what it needs.

    Q    Okay.

    THE PRESIDENT:  That’s different than SBA.

    Q    Okay.  So, it’s SBA that — they need to come back and do SBA?

    THE PRESIDENT:  Yeah, but they’re going to need a lot more.

    Q    Mr. President, wh- — what did you — what did Prime Minister Netanyahu tell you about his plans relating to retaliation against Iran?

    THE PRESIDENT:  He’s coming over to help with the storm.

    Q    Mr. President, have you spoken with former President Trump at all —

    THE PRESIDENT:  Are you kidding me?

    Q    — about the disinformation?

    THE PRESIDENT:  (Laughs.)  Mr. President Trump — former President Trump, get a life, man.  Help these people. 

    Q    Will you hold him accountable?  You said you were going to hold those accountable.

    THE PRESIDENT:  The public will hold him accountable. 

    Q    The —

    THE PRESIDENT:  You better, in the press, hold him accountable because you know the truth. 

    Q    Well, do you plan to speak with former President Trump?

    THE PRESIDENT:  No.

    2:10 P.M. EDT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Progress on Jasper recovery: Premier Smith and Minister McIver Joint Statement

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    “Our government has been steadfast in our support for Jasper’s recovery. The Jasper Re-Entry Cabinet Committee has been meeting on a weekly basis since August 22, 2024. Prior to that, the Emergency Management Cabinet Committee was meeting daily to respond to emerging issues related to the wildfire situation across the province, including the wildfire that devastated the Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park.

    “The mandate of Alberta’s Jasper Re-Entry Cabinet Committee is to provide oversight and support in the transition from emergency response to long-term recovery. The committee provides direction to provincial representatives on the Jasper Recovery Task Force, which is working closely with the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada to determine the best solutions to promote recovery in the area.

    “While the wildfire in Jasper originated within Jasper National Park, Alberta’s Jasper Re-Entry Cabinet Committee provided $7.5 million in emergency evacuation payments to support more than 6,500 evacuees from the town of Jasper, followed by a provincial Disaster Recovery Program with a budget of up to $149 million to support Jasper’s recovery. However, under the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program, only a portion of Alberta’s costs are eligible for reimbursement.

    “Now that the federal government has also established a working group for Jasper’s recovery, we are calling on the federal government to waive the DFAA cost-share formula, given that this fire originated from the national park, which is under federal jurisdiction. We encourage quick decisions to ensure plans that fit Jasper’s unique circumstances are in place before the snow flies.

    “Alberta’s government has a plan for interim housing to support Jasper residents while they rebuild their homes and community. To support this plan we have asked the federal government to partner with Alberta in sharing the costs of this project that would provide much needed interim housing in Jasper through the DFAA. With winter fast approaching, we hope that they will support this important work to provide interim housing in Jasper.

    “We’re glad to see that the federal government has now appointed a task force of ministers at the federal level. It is our hope that the task force will respond to these requests and work with us to continue supporting Jasper residents.”

    Key Facts:

    • Alberta’s government contributed more than $12 million in matching funds to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Wildfire Appeal for donations to help Jasper residents impacted by wildfires.
    • Residents affected by mandatory evacuation orders were provided emergency evacuation payments.
    • Weekly telephone townhalls were set up to provide information to Jasper residents.
    • Schools reopened in September after undergoing deep cleaning.
    • All services at the Seton-Jasper Healthcare Centre returned to normal on August 26.
    • Arrangements were made to safely relocate seniors from affected facilities.
    • The Canadian Red Cross launched its support program for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations with funds from the Alberta government.
    • Mental health supports were provided through reception centres and continue to be provided at the Re-Entry Centre in Jasper.
    • Together with the Municipality of Jasper, we have worked with the federal government to streamline processes for obtaining permits for demolition, remediation and debris removal at non-industrial sites.

    Membership of Alberta’s Jasper Re-entry Cabinet Committee (JRCC):

    • Danielle Smith, Premier (Chair)
    • Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs, (Vice-chair)
    • Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
    • Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance
    • Pete Guthrie, Minister of Infrastructure
    • Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks
    • Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
    • Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals
    • Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport
    • Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade
    • Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
    • Martin Long, parliamentary secretary for Rural Health, MLA for West Yellowhead

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The Government of Canada Announces New Intake for Clean Electricity Program With $500 Million in Additional Funding

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources announced up to $500 million in funding for the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways program (SREPs) Utility Support Stream. SREPs was recapitalized with nearly $2.9 billion in Budget 2023 and supports clean electricity infrastructure — such as renewable energy technologies, energy storage and grid modernization technologies — that strengthen the electricity grid. Through the program, the federal government will support even more clean electricity projects.

    October 10, 2024                                             Toronto, Ontario                          Natural Resources Canada

    The Government of Canada is supporting Canadian utilities and system operators that are working to clean their electricity, integrate clean solutions such as utility storage systems and micro grids, and meet the demands of increased electrification at the least cost to rate payers. These measures are enabling clean growth and ensuring a healthier environment for our communities. Canada’s electricity systems will be the backbone of Canada’s clean economy and central to our efforts to fight climate change and build a more prosperous economy for Canadian workers and businesses. 

    Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources announced up to $500 million in funding for the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways program (SREPs) Utility Support Stream. SREPs was recapitalized with nearly $2.9 billion in Budget 2023 and supports clean electricity infrastructure — such as renewable energy technologies, energy storage and grid modernization technologies — that strengthen the electricity grid. Through the program, the federal government will support even more clean electricity projects.

    This latest round of the SREPs program is launching its first of several intake processes today. The Request for Expressions of Interest for the Utility Support Stream (USS) is now open to utilities, system operators and industry organizations seeking to modernize to enable greater renewable energy integration or expand transmission and distribution systems while maintaining reliability and affordability. This represents an additional step in the Government of Canada’s work to support provinces and territories, as well as electricity operators, to achieve a clean grid in line with industry and government goals. This work — which reflects mutual objectives reached through the Regional Energy and Resources Tables — is injecting much-needed funds into the Canadian electricity sector to modernize and future-proof grids as they withstand growing populations, high demand and increasing extreme weather events.

     Projects funded under the USS will: 

    • improve the utilization and efficiency of existing assets;
    • increase the reliability, resiliency, and flexibility of the power system;
    • increase the integration and use of renewable resources and non-conventional infrastructure solutions;
    • generate economic and social benefits; and
    • help accommodate growing demand for clean and affordable electricity.

    More intake processes for other types of projects will be launched over the next few months.  

    Today’s announcement took place at the University of Toronto, host of Canada’s future first grid modernization centre that previously benefited from $10 million in federal government funding, where the Minister also took the opportunity to announce the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Energy and Climate Strategies Project, which previously received $768,750 in SREPs funding to complete studies and to explore renewable technologies, including geothermal, solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal, microgrid and battery storage. Investments like this lead to renewable energy projects that clean the air in our communities.

    The Government of Canada is taking every step to build a clean, reliable and affordable electricity system across the country. 

    “By making historic investments in clean electricity, this government is positioning Canadians to take advantage of the economic opportunities presented by the clean economy, now and into the future. The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways program is already providing Canadian communities across the country with affordable and clean power while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. I am pleased to celebrate the ongoing successes of this program and to announce the opening of the Utility Support Stream as of today. This next step will allow us to support even more projects as we work with provinces, territories, Indigenous governments and non-governmental partners as we work toward our common goal of an energy-efficient and money-saving clean grid. I look forward to seeing the results of this new funding as it improves energy infrastructure from coast to coast to coast.”

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson

    Minister of Energy and Natural Resources 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Company fined for workplace injury

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    O’Reilly Oilfield Services Ltd. pleaded guilty to one count under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for failing to take necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of workers under its supervision. The company was sentenced on Oct. 7 in the Grande Prairie Court of Justice. The Crown withdrew five other charges under OHS legislation against the company. The Crown withdrew 15 charges under OHS legislation against Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. related to the same incident.

    The charges stem from an incident on an oil and gas site near Valleyview on July 7, 2021. One worker was severely burned when liquid from a decommissioned pipeline ignited and overflowed from a portable flare stack.

    O’Reilly Oilfield Services Ltd. was fined $90,000 inclusive of the 20 per cent victim fine surcharge.

    Both the company and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalties.

    Alberta’s OHS laws set basic health and safety rules for workplaces across the province. They provide guidance for employers to help them ensure their workplaces are as healthy and safe as possible while providing rights and protections for workers. Charges under OHS laws may be laid when failing to follow the rules results in a workplace fatality or serious injury.

    Quick facts

    • Jobs, Economy and Trade does not provide sentence documents. These are available through the Grande Prairie Court of Justice.

    Related information

    • Convictions under OHS legislation
    • Charges under OHS legislation
    • OHS incident investigations

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 254 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has restored its connection to a 150 kilovolt (kV) power line that could be used as a back-up option for the plant, although the supplies of electricity needed for reactor cooling and other essential functions remain fragile, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

    The 150 kV line was reportedly damaged in shelling late last month, further limiting the potential availability of power supplies for the ZNPP as this line connects the site to the switchyard of the nearby Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant. However, the IAEA team stationed at the ZNPP was informed this week that the repairs had been completed and the line was once again available, if needed.

    During the military conflict, the ZNPP has been relying on two power lines – one 750 kV and one 330 kV – for off-site electricity but both have suffered repeated disconnections as a result of the fighting, underlining the potential importance of any additional source of electricity. Before the conflict, the ZNPP had ten power lines available.

    During the past week, the IAEA team has continued to hear explosions, including some blasts close to the ZNPP, although no damage to the plant was reported.

    The IAEA team conducted regular walkdowns across the ZNPP, including by the sprinkler ponds and in the turbine halls of two units, and observed ongoing maintenance activities of one main transformer as well as testing of one emergency diesel generator pertaining to part of the safety system.

    The IAEA teams present at the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl site reported that nuclear safety and security is being maintained despite the effects of the ongoing conflict, including air raid alarms for several days over the past week.

    At the Rivne NPP, reactor unit 2 has been reconnected to the grid following planned outage. Following an air raid alert, the IAEA team deployed at Khmelnytskyy NPP took shelter in the morning of 7 October.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Concludes Long Term Operation Safety Review at Sweden’s Oskarshamn Nuclear Power Plant

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts today completed a review of long term operational safety of the Oskarshamn Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) Unit 3 in Sweden.

    The Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation (SALTO) review mission was requested by the plant’s operator, OKG Aktiebolag. Oskarshamn Unit 3, situated roughly 300 kilometers south of Stockholm, was put into commercial operation in 1985 with a design life of 40 years. It is equipped with one boiling water reactor and has a net electrical output of 1400 MW(e). The plant operator is preparing to extend the operating lifetime to 60 years. Two other units at the power station are in permanent shutdown. Nuclear power accounts for more than a quarter of Sweden’s electricity production.

    During the ten-day mission from 1 to 10 October, the team reviewed the plant’s preparedness, organization and programmes for safe long term operation (LTO), which built upon an initial IAEA pre-SALTO mission held at the plant in 2022. The mission was conducted by an eleven-person team consisting of experts from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Pakistan, Spain, and the United States, as well as three observers from Hungary and the Netherlands, and two IAEA staff members. The team met and discussed topics in depth with staff from the Oskarshamn NPP and conducted site walkdowns during the review.    

    “The team observed that OKG is preparing for safe long term operation and the plant staff are cooperative, professional, and open to suggestions for improvement,” said team leader and IAEA Nuclear Safety Officer Bryce Lehman. “We encourage the plant to address the review findings and implement the remaining activities for safe long term operation as planned.”

    The team identified good performances that will be shared with the nuclear industry globally, including:

    • Reconstitution of design documentation in cooperation with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and securing access to the OEM archives for the period of long term operation.
    • Development of a user-friendly database that shows each user their assigned maintenance activities.
    • Regular meetings of experts from different plant departments to share experience, including international experience, and to discuss improvements to the plant for long term operation.

    The team also provided recommendations and suggestions to further improve safe LTO, the most significant are the following:

    • The plant should fully justify LTO through a periodic safety review, or alternative process.
    • The plant should fully establish a comprehensive programme to identify ageing management activities for long term operation.  
    • The plant should properly implement a comprehensive process to identify components requiring ageing management (a scoping process).

    The plant management expressed a determination to maintain the level of preparedness for safe LTO and further cooperate with the IAEA in this field.

    “We appreciate the IAEA’s support to our plant in ageing management and preparation for safe LTO,” said Johan Lundberg, President of OKG. “It is very important for us to get an external view on our business. The competencies and experience of the IAEA team enable it to effectively identify our areas for improvements.  The results of this mission will help us to improve our activities for safe LTO and to further align them with IAEA safety standards.”

    The team provided a draft report to the plant management and to the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM), the country’s nuclear regulatory authority, at the end of the mission. The plant management and SSM will have an opportunity to make factual comments on the draft. A final report will be submitted to the plant management, SSM and the Swedish Government within three months.

    Background

    General information about SALTO missions can be found on the IAEA Website. A SALTO peer review is a comprehensive safety review addressing strategy and key elements for the safe long term operation of nuclear power plants. They complement OSART missions, which are designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. Neither SALTO nor OSART reviews are regulatory inspections, nor are they design reviews or substitutes for an exhaustive assessment of a plant’s overall safety status.

    LTO of nuclear power plants is defined as operation beyond an established time frame determined by the license term, the original plant design, relevant standards, or national regulations. As stated in IAEA safety standards, to maintain a plant’s fitness for service, consideration should be given to life limiting processes and features of systems, structures, and components (SSC), as well as to reasonably practicable safety upgrades to enhance the safety of the plant to a level approaching that of modern plants.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Arrington Introduces Resolution Exposing Kamala Harris’ Disastrous Energy Policies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19)

    Washington, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) introduced a resolution “strongly condemning Vice President Kamala Harris for championing policies that would exacerbate the national debt and reduce energy independence.”

    “Issuing 250 anti-energy executive orders, the Biden-Harris Administration led a whole-of-government attack on the oil and gas industry – an industry that employs 10 million people and accounts for almost 10 percent of our total economy – which have resulted in higher gas prices, a weaker economy, and more dependence on foreign sources of fuel,” said Chairman Arrington. “A Kamala Harris presidency would be much worse. As Senator, she was an original cosponsor of the Green New Deal, which would cost the federal government $93 trillion over 10 years and increase annual household energy costs by 31%. As a presidential candidate, she advocated to ban fracking, and, as Vice President, supported an $800 billion dollar EV mandate. I introduced this legislation to remind the American people that Kamala Harris’ energy policies would be disastrous for the American economy, threaten our energy and national security, and significantly increase energy costs for American consumers.” 

    “From day one, the Biden–Harris administration has been obsessed with banning gas stoves, gas cars, and other sources of clean, affordable energy—no matter the cost for families,” said Ryan Walker, Executive Vice President, Heritage Action. “Americans shouldn’t forget: Vice President Kamala Harris is a vocal supporter of radical ‘Green New Deal’ policies that lower energy efficiency and drive up costs. Conservatives in Congress must follow Rep. Arrington’s lead and continue to call out Harris’s climate alarmist agenda and fight back against her war on American energy independence.”  

    Background:

    Chairman Arrington’s resolution lays out:

    • The Federal Government has a debt of $35 trillion, amounting to a 120 percent debt-to-gross domestic product ratio not seen since World War II;
    • Energy independence and security in the United States is critical to the national security of the United States;
    • In 2019, then-Senator from California, Kamala Harris, was an original cosponsor of S. Res. 59, a resolution recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal, a proposal which, if implemented in its entirety, would cost the Federal Government $93,000,000,000,000 over 10 years;
    • A July 2019 analysis found that through 2040, the Green New Deal would reduce the annual employment in the United States by 1,200,000, reduce average annual household incomes by $7,964, and increase annual household energy costs by 31-percent, while having a negligible effect on reducing global surface temperatures;
    • Then-Senator Harris, as a candidate for the 2020 Democratic Presidential nomination, proposed her own climate plan that would cost American taxpayers approximately $10,000,000,000,000 over 10 years; 
    • Then-Senator Harris’s climate plan called for a 100 percent electric vehicle mandate by the year 2035, banning combustion-engine vehicles, reducing automotive supply employment, and becoming more reliable on battery component and critical mineral imports from China;
    • Then-Senator Harris’s climate plan would significantly increase energy costs for consumers in the United States by banning extraction on Federal lands and phasing out all oil and natural gas production, even if renewable alternatives are not readily available to make up the energy demand needs of the United States;
    • Then-Senator Harris’s climate plan would double the financial contributions of the United States to the international Green Climate Fund;
    • Then-Senator Harris’s climate plan calls for the Federal Government to acquire millions of acres of private land in the United States; and
    • Then-Senator Harris said during a CNN town hall that she was ‘‘in favor of banning fracking.’’

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Justice thanks Commerce Secretary James Bailey for his tenure, announces Nick Preservati as acting replacement

    Source: US State of West Virginia

    CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice announced that Department of Commerce Secretary James Bailey, who has served in the position since 2022, will be stepping down from his role. The Governor expressed his gratitude for Sec. Bailey’s efforts and wished him well in his future endeavors.

    Nick Preservati has been appointed as the acting Secretary for the Department of Commerce. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the West Virginia Office of Energy.

    “I want to take a moment to t​hank Secretary Bailey for all of his hard work over the years,” Gov. Justice said. “I think of James as a good friend. He’s highly qualified and has done an excellent job at Commerce. I wish him nothing but the best. James will undoubtedly be very successful in the future, and I couldn’t be happier for him and his family. He’s done an outstanding job in his role as Secretary, leading some really big efforts.”

    “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the citizens of West Virginia as part of Governor Justice’s administration,” Sec. Bailey said. “With leadership and guidance from Governor Justice, I was empowered to work every day to make West Virginia a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I have no doubt that we have accomplished that, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that opportunity.”

    During his tenure, Sec. Bailey took the lead on many of Gov. Justice’s top initiatives, helping bring a record number of jobs and investments to West Virginia, expanding workforce development across the state, advancing large energy projects, and improving West Virginia State Parks with over $250 million in investments.

    Under Gov. Justice’s leadership, Sec. Bailey also led efforts to secure record funds for the Division of Forestry to improve wildfire prevention. He fought to protect natural resources and critical programs like trout stocking and the West Virginia Wildlife Center.

    Sec. Bailey’s last day serving the State of West Virginia will be October 18, 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cole Mourns the Passing of Chairman Dave Hobson of Ohio

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

    Washington, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole of Oklahoma released the following statement while mourning the passing of a former member of the Appropriations Committee and the one time subcommittee chair of Energy and Water, “Cardinal”, Dave Hobson of Ohio:

    “Dave Hobson was a legislator’s legislator and a master Appropriator. I first met him when he was a freshman Representative from his beloved Ohio and I was a young Executive Director of the NRCC. We struck up a friendship that spanned more than thirty years.

    “When I finally ran for Congress in 2002 Dave was one of the first Members of Congress to help me in the general election. And I recall him telling me, ‘Tom, when you get here I want you to think about joining the Appropriations Committee.’ I never forgot his wise advice.

    “Dave began educating me about the Appropriations process before I ever reached the committee. By happenstance we lived in the same building in Alexandria and we both generally left early and came home late, which gave us time to talk about the committee, how it worked and why I ought to try to get there. 

    “In the tough political year of 2008, Dave helped me while I chaired the NRCC. When he announced his intention to retire he told me, ‘Tom, don’t worry about my seat. I will make sure we have a candidate who will win it.’ He was as good as his word.

    “When I finally reached the Appropriations Committee Dave was gone, but he kept in touch and was an invaluable advisor, especially when I became Chairman of one of our most difficult subcommittees, “Labor H”. 

    “Dave Hobson was one of those old school legislators who the media and most Americans beyond his constituents never know. But he and Members like him make Congress work — reaching across the aisle, pushing for causes that matter to most Americans far more than the ideological slogans of the day and displaying personal decency and bipartisanship on a daily basis.

    “I extend my deepest sympathy to Dave’s beloved wife Carolyn and his extended family and many friends. We have lost a great public servant and a man of character, common sense and good humor. And, like all those who knew Dave, I have lost a good friend,” said Congressman Cole
     

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    MIL OSI USA News –