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Category: Energy

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Green maritime fuel supply chain set

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan today attended the Mainland-Hong Kong Green Energy Matchmaking Event, which aims to provide a collaborative platform for relevant suppliers and companies with demand, to catalyse a comprehensive green maritime fuel supply chain and trade.

    The event was organised by the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and co-organised by the Transport & Logistics Bureau (TLB) and the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province.

    It was held simultaneously in Hong Kong and Shenzhen today. 

    More than 200 representatives from various enterprises gathered to exchange views and discuss collaborations in relation to fuel off-take and to sign relevant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

    Speaking at the Hong Kong venue, Ms Chan said Hong Kong and the Mainland have strong complementarity in the development of green maritime fuels.

    “The Mainland’s core strength lies in the production of green fuels, while Hong Kong, as the southern gate of Mainland China and an international financial, trading and maritime centre, is not only home to a large number of international shipping enterprises, but also enjoys advantages such as free flow of capital, a financial and legal system that is in line with the rest of the world, and a trade settlement mechanism that allows immediate payment settlements.”

    She added that Hong Kong is the top bunkering centre in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the second largest in the whole of China and ranks seventh globally.

    “By adopting the ‘north-to-south sales’ model, under which the high-quality green maritime fuels produced on the Mainland can be exported to the world through Hong Kong’s international trading gateway, we will open up new ‘blue ocean’ opportunities for enterprises from the two places.”

    The transport chief also pointed out the event materialised the target of the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering promulgated by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in November last year, which said the Government will develop Hong Kong into the preferred green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre in the region. 

    Furthermore, Ms Chan witnessed the signing of MoUs between the TLB and various parties to collaborate on promoting the development of green maritime fuel-related businesses and establishing a market for the trade of green maritime fuels.

    Meanwhile, Commissioner for Maritime & Port Development Amy Chan attended the event at the Shenzhen venue, where she announced that the Marine Department will gazette the Code of Practice for Methanol Bunkering within this month, and launch the Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 25 June 2025 Joint News Release Energy Access Has Improved, Yet International Financial Support Still Needed to Boost Progress and Address Disparities

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2025 finds that almost 92% of the world’s population now has basic access to electricity Although this is an improvement since 2022, which saw the number of people without basic access decrease for the first time in a decade, over 666 million people remain without access, indicating that the current rate is insufficient to reach universal access by 2030. Clean cooking access is progressing but below the rates of progress seen in the 2010s, as efforts remain hobbled by setbacks during the Covid-19 pandemic, following energy price shocks, and debt crises.

    Released today, the latest edition of the annual report that tracks progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 highlights the role of distributed renewable energy (a combination of mini-grid and off-grid solar systems) to accelerate access, since the population remaining unconnected lives mostly in remote, lower-income, and fragile areas. Cost-effective and rapidly scalable, decentralised solutions are able to reach communities in such rural areas.

    Decentralised solutions are also needed to increase access to clean cooking. With an estimated 1.5 billion people residing in rural areas still lacking access to clean cooking, the use of off-grid clean technologies, such as household biogas plants and mini-grids that facilitate electric cooking, can provide solutions that reduce health impacts caused by household air pollution. Over 670 million people remain without electricity access, and over 2 billion people remain dependent on polluting and hazardous fuels such as firewood and charcoal for their cooking needs.

    Notable progress was made in different indicators. The international financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy grew for the third year in a row to reach USD 21.6 billion in 2023.  Installed renewables capacity per capita continued to increase year-on-year to reach a new high of 341 watts per capita in developing countries, up from 155 watts in 2015.

    Yet regional disparities persist, indicating that particular support is needed for developing regions. In sub-Saharan Africa – which lags behind across most indicators – renewables deployment has rapidly expanded but remains limited to 40 watts of installed capacity per capita on average which is only one-eighth of the average of other developing countries. Eighty-five percent of the global population without electricity access reside in the region, while four in five families are without access to clean cooking. And the number of people without clean cooking access in the region continues to grow at a rate of 14 million people yearly.

    The report identified the lack of sufficient and affordable financing as a key reason for regional inequalities and slow progress. To build on the achievements to date and avoid any further regressions on access to electricity and clean cooking due to looming risks in global markets, the report calls for strengthened international cooperation of public and private sectors, to scale up financial support for developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Urgent actions include reforms in multilateral and bilateral lending to expand the availability of public capital; more concessional finance mobilisation, grants, and risk mitigation instruments; improvement in risk tolerance among donors; as well as appropriate national energy planning and regulations.

    Key findings across primary indicators

    • Almost 92% of the world’s population now has access to electricity, leaving over 666 million people without electricity in 2023, with around 310 million people gaining access since 2015. Eighteen of the 20 countries with the largest electricity access deficits in 2023 were in sub-Saharan Africa. The greatest growth in access between 2020 and 2023 occurred in Central and Southern Asia, with both regions making significant strides towards universal electricity access, reducing their basic access gap from 414 million in 2010 to just 27 million in 2023.
    • Little to no change was observed in access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking between 2022 and 2023. Although the number of the world’s population with access to clean cooking fuels and technologies increased from 64% in 2015 to 74% in 2023, around 2.1 billion people remain dependent on polluting fuels and technologies. If current trends continue, only 78% of the global population will have access to clean cooking by 2030.
    • In 2022, the global share of renewable energy sources in total final energy consumption (TFEC) was 17.9% as TFEC continued to increase gradually, while installed renewable energy capacity reached 478 watts per capita in 2023, indicating almost 13% growth from 2022. But progress is not sufficient to meet international climate and sustainable development goals. In addition, global efforts must address significant disparities. Despite progress in expanding renewable capacity, least developed countries and sub-Saharan Africa had only 40 watts per capita in installed renewables capacity, compared to developed countries which had over 1,100 watts installed.
    • Global energy efficiency experienced sluggish progress in recent years. The global trend shows that primary energy intensity, defined as the ratio of total energy supply to gross domestic product, declined by 2.1% in 2022. Although it is an improvement of more than four times the weak 0.5% improvement rate of 2021, it is insufficient to meet the original SDG 7.3 target. Going forward, energy intensity needs to improve by 4% per year on average. 
    • International public financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy increased by 27% from 2022, reaching USD 21.6 billion in 2023.  However, the report reveals that the developing world received fewer flows in 2023 than in 2016, when commitments peaked at USD 28.4 billion. Despite gradual diversification, funding remained concentrated, with only two sub-Saharan African countries in the top five recipients. Debt-based instruments drove most of the increase in international public flows in 2023, accounting for 83% in 2023, while grants made up only 9.8% of flows.

    The report will be presented to decision-makers at a special launch event on 16 July 2025 at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, which oversees progress on the SDGs.

    Quotes

    Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency

    “Despite progress in some parts of the world, the expansion of electricity and clean cooking access remains disappointingly slow, especially in Africa. This is contributing to millions of premature deaths each year linked to smoke inhalation, and is holding back development and education opportunities. Greater investment in clean cooking and electricity supply is urgently required, including support to reduce the cost of capital for projects.”

    Francesco La Camera, Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency

    “Renewables have seen record growth in recent years, reminding the world of its affordability, scalability, and its role in further reducing energy poverty. But we must accelerate progress at this crunch time. This means overcoming challenges, which include infrastructure gaps. The lack of progress, especially on infrastructure, is a reflection of limited access to financing. Although international financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy grew to USD 21.6 billion in 2023, only two regions in the world have seen real progress in the financial flows. To close the access and infrastructure gaps, we need strengthened international cooperation to scale up affordable financing and impact–driven capital for the least developed and developing countries.”

    Stefan Schweinfest, Director, United Nations Statistics Division

    “This year’s report shows that now is the time to come together to build on existing achievements and scale up our efforts. Despite advancements in increasing renewables-based electricity, which now makes up almost 30 percent of global electricity consumption, the use of renewables for other energy-related purposes remains stagnant. While energy intensity improved in 2022, overall progress remains weak, threatening economic growth and the energy efficiency goals agreed upon at COP28. The clock is ticking. The findings of this year’s report should serve as a rallying point, to rapidly mobilize efforts and investments, so that together, we ensure sustainable energy for all by 2030.”

    Guangzhe Chen, Vice President for Infrastructure, World Bank

    “As we approach the five-year mark to achieve the SDG7 targets, it is imperative to accelerate the deployment of electricity connections, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where half of the 666 million people lacking access reside. As part of the Mission 300 movement, 12 African nations have launched national energy compacts, in which they commit to substantial reforms to lower costs of generation and transmission, and scale up distributed renewable energy solutions. Initiatives such as this unite governments, the private sector, and development partners in a collaborative effort.

    Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, World Health Organization

    “The same pollutants that are poisoning our planet are also poisoning people, contributing to millions of deaths each year from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, particularly among the most vulnerable, including women and children,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We urgently need scaled-up action and investment in clean cooking solutions to protect the health of both people and planet—now and in the future.”

    About the report

    This report is published by the SDG 7 custodian agencies, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the World Bank, and the World Health Organization (WHO) and aims to provide the international community with a global dashboard to register progress on energy access, energy efficiency, renewable energy and international cooperation to advance SDG 7.

    This year’s edition was chaired by IRENA.  

    The report can be downloaded at https://trackingsdg7.esmap.org/

    Funding for the report was provided by the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Iran’s history has been blighted by interference from foreign powers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simin Fadaee, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, University of Manchester

    Iranians commemorate the 1979 revolution in Qom, central Iran. Mostafameraji via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-NC-SA

    Israel’s recent surprise attack on Iran was ostensibly aimed at neutralising Iran’s nuclear programme, but it didn’t just damage nuclear installations. It killed scientists, engineers and senior military personnel.

    Meanwhile, citizens with no ties to the government or military, became “collateral damage”. For 11 days, Israel’s attacks intensified across Tehran and other major cities.

    When the US joined the attack, dropping its bunker-buster bombs on sites in central Iran on June 21, it threatened to push the region closer to large-scale conflict. Israel’s calls for regime change in Iran were joined by the US president, Donald Trump, who took to social media on June 22 with the message: “if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”

    Trump’s remarks are reminders of past US interventions. The threat of regime change by the most powerful state in the world carries particular weight in Iran, where memories of foreign-imposed coups and covert operations remain vivid and painful.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    In the early 1890s, Iran was rocked by a popular uprising after the shah granted a British company exclusive rights to the country’s tobacco industry. The decision was greeted with anger and in 1891 the country’s senior cleric, Grand Ayatollah Mirza Shirazi, issued a fatwa against tobacco use.

    A mass boycott ensued – even the shah’s wives reportedly gave up the habit. When it became clear that the boycott was going to hold, the shah cancelled the concession in January 1892. It was a clear demonstration of people power.

    This event is thought to have played a significant role in the development of the revolutionary movement that led to the Constitutional Revolution that took place between 1905 and 1911 and the establishment of a constitution and parliament in Iran.

    Rise of the Pahlavis

    Reza Shah, who founded the Pahlavi dynasty – which would be overthrown in the 1979 revolution and replaced by the Islamic Republic – rose to power following a British-supported coup in 1921.

    Autocrat: Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

    During the first world war, foreign interference weakened Iran and the ruling Qajar dynasty. In 1921, with British support, army officer Reza Khan and politician Seyyed Ziaeddin Tabatabaee led a coup in Tehran. Claiming to be acting to save the monarchy, they arrested key opponents. By 1923, Reza Khan had become prime minister.

    In 1925, Reza Khan unseated the Qajars and founded the Pahlavi dynasty, becoming Reza Shah Pahlavi. This was a turning point in Iran’s history, marking the start of British dominance. The shah’s authoritarian rule focused on centralisation, modernisation and secularisation. It set the stage for the factors that would that eventually lead to the 1979 Revolution.

    In 1941, concerned at the close relationship Pahlavi had developed with Nazi Germany, Britain and its allies once again intervened in Iranian politics, forcing Pahlavi to abdicate. He was exiled to South Africa and his 22-year-old son, Mohammad Reza, was named shah in his place.

    The 1953 coup

    Mohammad Mosaddegh became Iran’s first democratically elected prime minister in 1951. He quickly began to introduce reforms and challenge the authority of the shah. Despite a sustained campaign of destabilisation, Mossadegh retained a high level of popular support, which he used to push through his radical programme. This included the nationalisation of Iran’s oil industry, which was effectively controlled by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company – later British Petroleum (BP).

    Mohammad Mosaddegh in court martial by Ebrahim Golestan.
    Ebrahim Golestan via Wikimedia Commons

    In 1953, he was ousted in a CIA and MI6-backed coup and placed under house arrest. The shah, who had fled to Italy during the unrest, returned to power with western support.

    Within a short time, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi established an authoritarian regime that governed through repression and intimidation. He outlawed all opposition parties, and numerous activists involved in the oil nationalisation movement were either imprisoned or forced into exile.



    Read more:
    Iran’s long history of revolution, defiance and outside interference – and why its future is so uncertain

    The 1979 revolution: the oppression continues

    The shah’s rule became increasingly authoritarian and was also marked by the lavish lifestyles of the ruling elite and increasing poverty of the mass of the Iranian people. Pahlavi increasingly relied on his secret police, the Bureau for Intelligence and Security of the State.

    Meanwhile, a scholar and Islamic cleric named Ruhollah Khomeini, had been rising in prominence especially after 1963, when Pahlavi’s unpopular land reforms mobilised a large section of society against his rule. His growing prominence brought him into confrontation with the government and in 1964 he was sent into exile. He remained abroad, living in Turkey, Iraq and France.

    By 1964 cleric Ruhollah Khomeini had become the focus for some anti-government protests in Iran.
    emam.com via Wikimedia Commons

    By 1978 a diverse alliance primarily made up of urban working and middle-class citizens had paralysed the country. While united in their resistance to the monarchy, participants were driven by a variety of ideological beliefs, including socialism, communism, liberalism, secularism, Islamism and nationalism. The shah fled into exile on January 16 1979 and Khomeini returned to Iran, which in March became an Islamic Republic with Khomeini at its head.

    But the US was not finished in its attempts to destabilise Iran. In 1980, Washington backed Saddam Hussein in initiating a brutal eight-year war, which claimed hundreds of thousands of Iranian lives and severely disrupted the country’s efforts at political and economic reconstruction.

    Iran and the US have remained bitter foes. Over the years ordinary Iranians have suffered tremendously under rounds of US-imposed sanctions, which have all but destroyed the economy in recent years.

    This new wave of foreign aggression has arrived at a time of significant domestic unrest within Iran. Since the Woman, Life, Freedom protests, which began in September 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of the morality police, there has been a general groundswell of demand for social justice and democracy.

    But the convergence of external aggression and internal demands has brought national sovereignty and self-determination to the forefront, as it did during previous major struggles. While world powers gamble with Iran’s future, it is the Iranian people through their struggles and unwavering push for justice and democracy who must determine the country’s future.

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

    – ref. Iran’s history has been blighted by interference from foreign powers – https://theconversation.com/irans-history-has-been-blighted-by-interference-from-foreign-powers-259700

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Powering African Economies: African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 to Host Program Track on Power, Infrastructure Sectors

    African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – will feature a Power Africa Track as part of its main conference program. The track, dedicated to addressing emerging opportunities across the continent’s power and infrastructure sectors, will examine the state of play of Africa’s power market. Government representatives, private sector investors, independent power producers and public utilities will come together to discuss Africa’s future power systems – laying the foundation for new deals to be signed. 

    While many developed nations prioritize renewable energy developments, African nations continue to face significant energy access challenges. Approximately 43% of the continent’s population lives without access to electricity, with rural and remote communities struggling to gain access to national grid networks. At the same time, Africa is also the continent most-effected by climate change impacts globally. This highlights a need – and emerging opportunity – for a coordinated approach by both the private and public sectors to develop infrastructure that meets the demands of both urbanized and rural communities. The AEW: Invest in African Energies Powering Africa Track offers a platform to discuss strategies for expanding energy access across the continent. Sessions will explore the role public-private collaboration plays, how market liberalization can bolster investments and the impact of integrated power pools. Panel discussions include: Energy Leaders Dialogue: Strengthening Public & Private Collaborations for Increased Energy Access; Empowering Africa’s Energy Future: Market Liberalization and Private Sector Leadership; Scaling Renewable Innovation: Bridging the Energy Access Gap with Off-Grid and Smart Technologies; and Connecting Africa: Advancing Regional Trade Through Integrated Power Pools.

    Many countries in Africa are pursuing investment to support sustainable energy developments, seeking to both strengthen and expand power systems. Challenges related to inadequate generating capacity, transmission disruptions and maintenance have plagued many countries, resulting in unreliable power supply that hinders economic growth. South Africa, for example, Africa’s largest economy, struggles with intermittent power, largely due to an ageing coal fleet. To address this, the country is leveraging policy such as the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer program and Integrated Resource Plan to incentivize private sector investment in alternative energy sources. To date, the country has introduced 6.4 GW of renewable energy capacity to the grid through 122 independent power producers. AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 sessions on Balancing Investment Strategies and the Integration of Renewable into the Energy Mix and The Role of African Energy in a World Where Climate is No Longer the First Priority will explore the role of renewable energy in Africa’s power systems and how Africa’s priorities have shifted to power expansion.

    Beyond renewables, Africa is well-positioned to leverage its natural gas and uranium resources to diversify its energy mix and strengthen power capacity. Wit over 620 trillion cubic feet of proven gas resources, the continent is turning to gas-based power to enhance access and support industrialization. Major projects include Angola’s 750 MW Soyo combined cycle power plant; Senegal’s 300 MW Cap des Biches power plant; Algeria’s 660 MW dual-fired Hassi Messaoud Gas Turbine plant, among others. In the nuclear sector, several African countries are pursuing power projects in collaboration with international partners. Projects are being planned in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, and more, all of which will complement the continent’s sole operating nuclear facility: South Africa’s Koeberg plant. Sessions on gas-to-power and nuclear at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will explore the emerging role these resources will play in Africa’s power sector. Sessions include Gas-to-Power: Meeting Africa’s Growing Domestic Energy Demand Now; Overcoming Infrastructure and Regulatory Hurdles to Nuclear Deployment; Energy Efficiency: The Cornerstone of Africa’s Sustainable Growth; and Powering Africa’s Industrial Revolution.

    “With over 600 million people living without access to electricity, there has never been a more imperative time to advance the development of integrated power systems in Africa. While the continent’s population continues to grow, securing power supply becomes critical. By investing in African resources, strengthening infrastructure and introducing off-grid power solutions, Africa will be able to both alleviate energy poverty while driving long-term, sustainable growth,” states Sergio Pugliese, President for the African Energy Chamber, Angola.

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plans for UK to become sustainable finance capital of the world

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Plans for UK to become sustainable finance capital of the world

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband outlines plans to support banks and large companies in developing climate transition plans.

    • Government welcomes views on supporting banks and large companies to set out their climate transition plans  
    • Energy Secretary announces plans will “help unlock billions in clean energy investment” and grow the economy  
    • delivers on commitment to make the UK the “sustainable finance capital of the world” as part of the Plan for Change

    To help “unlock billions in clean energy investment”, the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has today outlined plans to support banks and large companies in developing climate transition plans when addressing the Climate and Innovation Forum as part of London Climate Action Week (25 June).  

    The UK is consistently ranked first in the world for sustainable finance, and 70% of FTSE 100 companies have already voluntarily developed many of the key elements of a transition plan. Widespread transition planning will help provide long-term certainty and clarity to help scale the sustainable finance industry as part of our modern industrial policy. 

    The government’s clean energy superpower mission is already delivering economic growth, with net zero sectors growing 3 times faster than the overall economy last year, according to CBI Economics. Since July, over £40 billion of private investment has also been announced into the UK’s clean energy industries – creating good jobs for working people and driving long-term growth.  

    As part of the government’s Plan for Change, the government wants to help stimulate billions of pounds a year of private investment to deliver the government’s clean energy superpower mission and make the UK the “sustainable finance capital of the world”.  

    To support this growth, the government will take forward recommendations from last year’s Transition Finance Market Review to consult on transition plan requirements in order to catalyse the growing transition finance market. The design of any future transition plan requirements will be aligned with the Prime Minister’s commitment to reduce regulatory compliance costs by 25%. 

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

    This government is determined to make the UK the sustainable finance capital of the world as we seize the huge economic opportunities provided by clean energy. 

    Through our clean energy superpower mission and industrial strategy, we can win this global race and accelerate investment into these sectors – growing the economy, turbocharging the transition to net zero and delivering on our Plan for Change. 

    Our plans will transform our leading financial services sector into a global hub for green investment.

    Minister for Competition and Markets Justin Madders said:  

    We want to work with businesses to develop a “common sense” sustainable reporting framework that is transparent, clear and proportionate for those investing in the UK. 

    These measures will enhance competition in the sustainability assurance sector, helping to deliver on our Plan for Change and kickstart economic growth.

    Rt Hon Lord Alok Sharma KCMG, Chair of the UK Transition Finance Council said: 

    A clear message from the Transition Finance Market Review was that high quality disclosure and information are vital for investors and a pre-condition to a flourishing sustainable and transition finance market.  

    I therefore very much welcome the government taking forward recommendations from the Review to consult on corporate transition plan requirements.  

    The UK can become the pre-eminent global financial centre for raising transition finance, but this is a time-limited opportunity, and that is why it will be vital to move quickly from consultation to implementation.

    The government is publishing 3 consultations on: 

    • how to take forward the government’s commitment on transition planning to support the market to invest in sectors that will deliver the clean energy superpower mission
    • new UK Sustainability Reporting Standards to provide clear, comparable information for investors on sustainability related financial risks and opportunities to enable them to make informed investment decisions
    • the development of a voluntary registration regime for the providers of assurance of sustainability reporting, supporting growth in this important sector

    Transition planning means businesses set out a roadmap that outlines how they intend to adapt and transform their operations, strategies, and business models to align with their climate goals. 

    This is a vital part of the government’s commitment to secure Britain’s position as the sustainable finance capital of the world and will help businesses and investors seize the opportunities from the clean energy transition.  

    A recent survey of financial institutions conducted by South Pole found that 84% of UK-based financial institutions find companies with transition plans more attractive to invest in. 

    Supporting British industry and creating good, skilled jobs up and up down the country is core to the government’s industrial strategy and plan to grow the economy, ensuring businesses can take advantage of the transition to new low carbon technologies as they reduce their emissions. This will allow UK industry to remain competitive globally and support the millions of manufacturing jobs in regions across the UK – as well as future-proofing existing sectors, and increasing economic resilience to climate impacts. 

    Alistair Phillips-Davies, Chief Executive at SSE plc said: 

    SSE has long been a firm supporter of credible, transparent transition planning. As an early adopter of climate transition plans, we’ve seen first-hand how they can build investor confidence and accelerate progress toward net zero. 

    We welcome the UK Government’s ambition to become the sustainable finance capital of the world and fully support the work of the Transition Plan Taskforce and the Transition Finance Market Review. 

    As the UK’s clean energy champion, we want to see the UK remain the best place in the world to attract transition finance and deliver the investment needed for a just and ambitious energy transition.

    Rachel Solomon Williams, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group, said: 

    The Aldersgate Group welcomes today’s announcement as a significant step forward in creating a first-in-class green regulatory framework. 

    Using the feedback from these consultations to develop clear financial guardrails will help strengthen the transparency, interoperability, and credibility of climate-related financial disclosures. This is essential to support the measures in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, unlocking private sector investment in the UK’s low carbon economy.  

    We are particularly pleased to see the consultation on how best to take forward the government’s commitment on transition planning. Climate transition plans are a vital tool to help real economy companies integrate climate into strategic and operational decision-making, while also enabling financial institutions to align capital allocation, stewardship, and risk management with the transition to net zero.

    James Alexander, CEO of UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF), said:  

    We welcome the government’s commitment to bringing forward the consultation on climate transition plans for banks and large companies. These are essential for enhancing growth and global competitiveness as the UK and other countries decarbonise.  

    Further dialogue between the government and industry on the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards is also very encouraging. We look forward to ministers taking forward these commitments, which will help future-proof our economy over the coming years.

    Heather McKay, Programme Lead, UK Sustainable and Resilient Finance at E3G, said:  

    The delivery of the government’s growth mission relies on ensuring Britain is a world-class destination for green and transition finance.  

    The clean economy is our ticket to a high-growth future, and credible transition plans – as part of a future-fit regulatory regime – are fundamental to unlocking the investment required to seize this opportunity.  

    The release of this highly anticipated consultation package is a welcome step towards turning this vision into reality.

    Claudine Blamey, Chief Sustainability Officer at Aviva, said:  

    We welcome this consultation as an important next step in understanding how transition planning is rolled out across the UK economy, helping businesses understand the steps needed to transition, supporting a greener, more prosperous future.

    Andrew Ninian, Director for Stewardship, Risk and Tax at the Investment Association, said:  

    We want the UK to remain at the forefront of sustainable finance. Ensuring that reporting standards are focused on the issues that impact the financial performance of companies is vital to achieve this.  

    Transition planning should enable investors to understand how climate risks and opportunities affect a company’s value and how they are adapting their business strategy to reduce their climate impact, in order to provide a sustainable future and grow the UK economy.  

    International comparability is also key, and with companies already preparing for reporting in line with ISSB, endorsing the standards will allow investors in UK companies to fully understand their long-term sustainability risks and simplify reporting expectations in the UK and globally.

    Ian Bhullar, Director, Sustainability Policy, UK Finance said: 

    The financial services industry backs proportionate, internationally aligned sustainability reporting. Many firms have already published transition plans and use their customers’ plans to make low-carbon financing decisions.  

    Better reporting by a range of companies will provide information that lenders and investors can use to increase green finance flows. UK Finance welcomes these consultations and will work with government to ensure they support growth in the UK economy.

    Faith Ward, Chief RI Officer, Brunel Pension Partnership said: 

    I hugely welcome the HMG announcements today. Having been deeply involved in supporting the International Sustainability Standards Board and Transition Plan Taskforce, I am delighted to see the UK take this vital step to regain its leadership role as global centre for green finance. 

    Investors want to allocate capital to growing businesses that are taking action to address climate and sustainability risks – and that are looking to business opportunities so that they deliver financially over the long term. They need globally consistent reporting on climate and sustainability actions, alongside critical insights into corporate plans for the transition.

    Bruno Gardner, Head of Climate Change and Nature, Phoenix Group said: 

    As a long-term investor, policy developments that provide greater certainty around the net zero transition enhance the UK’s role as the leading centre of sustainable finance.  

    Transition plans are critical to helping investors like Phoenix Group manage the risks of climate change and direct capital towards companies that are best equipped to navigate the transition to net zero, ensuring the best outcomes for our customers.  

    We welcome all three consultations and the government’s engagement with the private sector, which is a significant step towards giving investors greater policy certainty and enabling us to being net-zero by 2050.

    Notes to editors   

    DESNZ analysis of Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) data showed that global investment into low carbon sectors amounted to £1.6 trillion in 2024, with total investment in UK low carbon sectors representing 1.8% of GDP, the second highest share within the G7.

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    Published 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia is closely monitoring the situation around Iran and maintains contacts with it – D. Peskov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Moscow, June 25 /Xinhua/ — Russia is closely monitoring the situation around the conflict in the Middle East and maintains contacts with Iran, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said at a briefing on Wednesday.

    “We are closely monitoring this situation, but we also maintain contacts with our partners from Tehran,” TASS quotes him as saying.

    Asked whether Russia has information about the state of Iran’s nuclear facilities after the Israeli and US attacks, the Kremlin spokesman stressed that it is unlikely that anyone has realistic data at this time. “It is probably too early, we need to wait until such data appears,” he said.

    D. Peskov also noted that Iran’s decision to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cannot but cause concern in Russia. At the same time, he considers this step by Tehran understandable. “Of course, such a decision is a direct consequence of the unprovoked attack on Iran that occurred, a direct consequence of strikes on nuclear facilities, which is quite unprecedented,” the press secretary said.

    According to D. Peskov, the IAEA’s inaction during the American attack on Iranian nuclear facilities has seriously affected the organization’s reputation. “Of course, the IAEA’s reputation has been seriously damaged,” he concluded. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Quidnet Energy Completes 35 MWh Discharge Test after 6-Months of Holding Charge with No Loss

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quidnet Energy (“Quidnet”), a pioneer in long-duration energy storage solutions for delivering baseload power, announced today that the company has completed 35 MWh discharge after storing the energy for six months without loss at its Texas project site for CPS Energy. The successful test provides further demonstration of the capability of the company’s Geomechanical Energy Storage (GES) technology following the MWh-scale test announced earlier this year.

    Having already proven the GES technology at the MWh scale, this successful operation by Quidnet offers continued validation of the GES technology to deliver scalable and dependable grid energy storage to meet the fast-growing demand for reliable power. Along with 35 MWh energy delivery, holding a charge with no discernible energy loss for six months proves that Quidnet’s technology can be relied upon to provide energy when needed by utilities for meeting firm power demands of the growing AI data center sector.

    At a time when a substantial backlog of large-scale generation projects threatens the country’s grid, Quidnet’s GES technology leverages a uniquely unconstrained supply chain to meet hyperscale power demand with rapidly deployable and reliable power capacity.

    “During our previous round of accelerated cycle testing, we put considerable strain on the storage system,” said Bunker Hill, Vice President of Engineering at Quidnet Energy. “To then see the system hold charge for 6 months, with no loss, and deliver energy at a substantial duration and scale is a strong validation of the robustness and scalability of our GES technology.”

    Quidnet completed the 35 MWh test at their Greater Houston project site which is under construction for CPS Energy, the largest municipally owned electric and natural gas utility in the United States. The project for CPS Energy is part of a 15-year commercial agreement between the utility and Quidnet, and the site is supported by the ARPA-E grant Quidnet received through the 2021 SCALEUP initiative. This test underscores how Quidnet will be able to confidently meet the project’s target storage capacity with their technology, which is rapidly deployable and easily scaled to meet the urgent demand for firm power.

    To learn more about how Quidnet’s Geomechanical Energy Storage works and its benefits compared to other storage technologies, visit https://quidnetenergy.com/.

    About Quidnet Energy
    Houston-based Quidnet Energy is an energy storage company that uses the subsurface as a sustainable natural resource. Quidnet Energy’s patented Geomechanical Energy Storage technology utilizes excess electricity from the grid to store water beneath the ground under pressure, delivering that energy later to provide firm, reliable power to the grid. Visit www.quidnetenergy.com to learn more.

    Media Contact
    Justin Williams
    Trevi Communications for Quidnet Energy
    justin@trevicomm.com
    +1 (978) 539-7157

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/71ab1f22-8862-4e1b-8458-8e7c311f951a

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Media Advisory – Energy Sector Gains New Edge in Vegetation and Methane Emissions Monitoring with Maxar and Satelytics Partnership

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PERRYSBURG, Ohio, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Maxar and its partner Satelytics are announcing today an expansion of their offerings to the energy industry. In addition to the methane monitoring solution that has been on the market for several years, Satelytics is now introducing a vegetation encroachment solution that leverages Maxar’s very high-resolution satellite imagery.

    Monitoring vegetation growth along utility lines and pipelines

    Caption: Satelytics’ vegetation monitoring product leverages Maxar’s very high-resolution satellite imagery to identify vegetation, like the coniferous tree in the above screenshot, that could possibly fall on electrical distribution networks. This alert enables a utility company to go into the field and mitigate specific vegetation issues instead of spending time monitoring the whole transmission line from a truck.

    Satelytics will generate risk profiles of vegetation in and around customer assets using mono- and stereo-imagery collections from the Maxar constellation, including the recently launched WorldView Legion satellites. This solution will lean on Maxar’s collection capability of 6 million sq km of capacity per day, which significantly outpaces any other commercial provider.

    Monitoring vegetation growth along utility lines or pipelines with Maxar’s 30 cm-class resolution satellite imagery and Satelytics’ value-added insights allows an energy company to prioritize sending ground crews to specific locations that are known to need trimming maintenance instead of having ground crews drive the entire lengths of lines, which can be hundreds of miles in distance. This targeted vegetation maintenance allows the energy company to reduce search time and increase efficiency of field crews, proactively identify and address potential threats outside the immediate corridor, verify completed work and optimize contractor management, and improve overall grid reliability by reducing vegetation-related outages.

    • “Maxar’s recently expanded capacity with the new WorldView Legion satellites creates new opportunities for us to reliably collect fresh, very high-resolution satellite imagery along our customers’ rights-of-way to analyze for vegetation encroachment. Our customers will benefit from the high-quality of Maxar’s imagery as value-added products like our vegetation risk assessments improve with better input data.”

    — Sean Donegan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Satelytics

    Producing methane detection alerts

    Maxar’s WorldView-3 satellite hosts a shortwave infrared (SWIR) sensor that collects imagery in wavelengths outside what the human eye can see. Satelytics uses this SWIR sensor to create a methane detection and measurement product for energy companies. Duke Energy’s Piedmont Gas division, a local distribution company that operates in the Midwest and Southeast U.S., uses Satelytics’ methane solution to improve operational efficiency, safety and reporting by quickly finding leaks, repairing them and reducing emissions across a five-state service territory. Since the beginning of 2022, Duke Energy has reduced recordable leaks by over 85% using Satelytics’ solution. To learn more about Satelytics’ methane detection and quantification alerts, read their blog post.

    • “Satelytics has been innovating with Maxar’s very high-resolution satellite imagery for nearly a decade, and we’re excited to see them expand their offerings to include vegetation management for utilities. The quality, currency and accuracy of our data enables use cases that require precision to make informed decisions and Satelytics is taking it a step further with their energy industry-focused products.”

    — Todd Surdey, SVP and GM of Enterprise at Maxar

    Geospatial insights for informed monitoring and mitigation
    The combined power of Maxar’s high revisit, very high-resolution satellite imagery and Satelytics’ AI-driven algorithms provides energy companies with early detection geospatial insights and alerts that enable informed decision-making and minimize environmental risks.

    About Satelytics
    Satelytics is a software company producing geospatial analytics for early detection, location and — in many instances — quantification of our customers’ most pressing challenges. The Ohio-based company uses science, software, and technology to deliver valuable services to customers to identify problems before they become disasters – environmentally, financially, or otherwise.

    About Maxar Intelligence
    Maxar Intelligence is a leading provider of secure, precise geospatial insights. Operating the most advanced commercial Earth observation constellation in orbit, we use the power of very high-resolution satellite imagery and software technology to deliver mission success on Earth and in space. Our secure, AI-powered products and services deliver ground truth in near real-time to keep nations safe, improve navigation, protect our planet, speed up disaster response and more. For more information, visit www.maxar.com.

    Media Contact:

    Michele Nachum
    Firecracker PR
    michele@firecrackerpr.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/223f51a2-25c9-4d75-b653-4eb05608a42d

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f28ffb1d-70d8-4426-8d43-c3604a6a0eea

    The MIL Network –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Launches Management System Advisory Service to Support the Introduction of Nuclear Power, Conducts First Mission to Saudi Arabia

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    An IAEA team of experts visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to conduct the first IAEA Management Systems Advisory Service (IMSAS) mission. (Photo: DNEC).

    The IAEA conducted its first-ever management systems advisory service in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 19 to 22 May 2025.

    The IAEA Management Systems Advisory Service (IMSAS) was established to support newcomer countries in developing robust and effective nuclear infrastructure, in response to findings from the Agency’s Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) missions that highlighted inconsistencies in the implementation of management systems among countries embarking on new nuclear power programmes.

    As part of the IAEA’s broader commitment to support countries in introducing nuclear power in their energy mix, IMSAS helps nuclear organizations develop and maintain management systems appropriate to the current phase of the nuclear power programme. A management system is a set of interrelated or interacting elements — including organizational structure, responsibilities, resources, and processes — established to achieve organizational objectives in an efficient and effective manner.

    Saudi Arabia is embarking on a nuclear power programme as part of its strategy to transition towards a diversified energy sector and building national capabilities in advanced energy technologies, all as part of its Vision 2030. In support of this plan, Saudi Arabia is following the IAEA’s Milestones Approach and actively cooperates with the IAEA through a coordinated Integrated Workplan to support its nuclear infrastructure development.

    In November 2024, Duwayhin Nuclear Energy Company (DNEC), which is designated as the owner/operator for the first nuclear power plant, requested the IAEA to conduct the IMSAS mission to review whether the current management system in DNEC is appropriate and adequate to support its current and planned activities.

    During its review, the IMSAS team – comprised of four external experts from Hungary, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as three IAEA staff members – reviewed documentation and conducted technical discussions with the DNEC in Riyadh.

    “The IMSAS team found that DNEC has a well-developed management system that effectively supports the organization in carrying out its current and future activities. We commend DNEC on the efforts undertaken to date to develop its management system, which will help support the safe and effective implementation Saudi Arabia’s nuclear power programme,” said Liliya Dulinets, Section Head of the IAEA Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section.

    In its draft final report, issued at the closing session, the mission team identified four good practices by DNEC. These included the development of its management system using a structured, project-based approach that ensures effective planning and coordination; the clear documentation of governance and management frameworks, which provides staff with a solid understanding of roles and responsibilities; and the transition to a fully electronic management system to enhance accessibility and usability.

    Two recommendations and four suggestions were also noted. These included opportunities for improvement related to enhancing the consistency of the management system documentation, formalizing the approach to process development, and elevating the level of ownership of the management system within the organization.

    “Our objective in requesting the mission was to have the IAEA conduct a cold-eye review of how we manage our day-to-day operations, particularly our management system,” said Khalid Al Gazlan, DNEC CEO. “The results of the mission were excellent, and the recommendations and suggestions provided will greatly support our continuous improvement efforts. We remain committed to cooperating with the IAEA through the Integrated Work Plan across all phases of our project, to ensure the establishment of a competent Owner-Operator; we thank the IAEA and the IMSAS team for this constructive and productive mission. This mission was a testament that the Kingdom is moving confidently towards building a sustainable civil nuclear program, supported by national competencies and strong international partnership.”

    The final mission report will be provided to DNEC within three months.

    About IMSAS

    IMSAS was established to support the review of management systems in countries embarking on new nuclear power programmes. It provides a structured approach for the self-assessment of the management systems of the regulatory body and owner/operator organization, as well as an independent review conducted by IAEA and international experts.

    IMSAS missions help organizations develop and maintain effective management systems consistent with the current phase of the nuclear power programme. It assists these organizations in aligning their management systems with IAEA standards and international good practices to support the implementation of current and planned activities. Additionally, IMSAS enables the identification of strengths and weaknesses through a combination of self-assessment and independent review, providing recommendations for improvement and highlighting good practices.

    The IAEA offers its Member States a wide array of review services. For the introduction of nuclear power, the Agency’s peer review service include, for example, the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) and the Stakeholder Engagement Advisory Service for Nuclear Power Programmes (SEAS).

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 26, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Hakem Energies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Spotlight Role of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Africa’s Economies at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

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

    Refilwe Sebothoma, Founder and CEO of South African-based gas company Hakem Energies, will speak at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference. During the event, Sebothoma is expected to highlight South Africa’s clean cooking agenda and the role of women-led innovators in driving inclusive access to modern energy services across underserved communities.  

    Taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, AEW: Invest in African Energies is the largest energy event in Africa, convening stakeholders under the theme: Positioning Africa as the Global Energy Champion. The event drives investment across the entire energy value chain in Africa, supporting broader continental goals of advancing energy access and clean cooking adoption. Sebothoma’s participation reflects Hakem Energies’ critical role in advancing South Africa’s LPG market and is set to create new pathways for collaboration and dialogue.   

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

    While Africa holds approximately 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, over 900 million people across the continent live without access to clean cooking solutions. Companies such as Hakem Energies seek to address this dilemma by enhancing access to sustainable and affordable fuels such as LPG. The company is accelerating LPG adoption as a practical and scalable pathway to reduce energy poverty, empower women and enhance energy resilience. Under her leadership, Hakem Energies is deploying innovative solutions such as the Hakem LPG Box and micro-distribution networks, which deliver affordable, reliable and safe LPG to rural areas and informal settlements. The company’s flexible “pay-for-what-you-fill” model is also tailored for low-income households, improving affordability and access. Beyond household LPG use, Hakem Energies offers bulk and packaged LPG supply for a variety of economic sectors, including mining, agriculture and hospitality. With robust infrastructure support for remote operations, the company supports LPG adoption across the country.   

    Hakem Energies’ solutions come as the country strives to accelerate the uptake of natural gas, leveraging policy to promote LPG expansion. South Africa’s Gas Strategy Vision for 2050 – published by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa in April 2025 – seeks to diversify supply and maximize gas use for inclusive growth. In this scenario, companies like Hakem Energies are essential in supporting both the adoption of LPG as well as the transition to gas-based fuels. The firm’s work directly supports the strategy’s objectives around energy equity, economic development and clean cooking scale-up. In 2024, Sebothoma was awarded the Women of the Year Award by the Women in LPG Global Network for her leadership in championing diversity and women’s empowerment through LPG use for energy access – a key pillar of AEW: Invest in African Energies. 

    At the event this September, Sebothoma will contribute to strategic dialogues and project showcases, spotlighting key investment and partnership opportunities to scale up clean cooking infrastructure and small-scale gas distribution.  

    “Sebothoma is championing a woman-powered, youth-led and community-built ecosystem for an inclusive energy transition in South Africa. As Africa drives towards energy resilience for sustainable development, women cannot continue to be left behind. LPG solutions offer a powerful tool to empower communities and close the energy access gap,” said Oré Onagbesan, Program Director for AEW: Invest in African Energies.  

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Legal routes for climate justice in Africa

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    By Oluwabusayo Wuraola, Anglia Ruskin University

    Climate change lawsuits have become a new way for countries to assert their rights against actions that degrade the environment. But African countries have yet to fully exploit this route.

    In the Netherlands, the court found that greenhouse gas emissions breached the rights to life and private and family life that are protected by the European Convention on Human Rights.

    In Germany, the court found that the government had breached the Climate Protection Act by not setting out a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions after 2030. This meant that future generations would unfairly bear the burden of trying to limit climate change.

    Africa is the continent that’s most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. At the same time, it has contributed least in the world to greenhouse gas emissions.

    However, African countries have not taken up many climate court cases, mainly because they lack resources. They are also hampered by weak climate laws, limited expertise to gather and present evidence in court, and their economic reliance on extractive industries which they may not want to sue in court.

    One of the few African climate lawsuits was brought by the South African environmental justice group EarthLife Africa Johannesburg. It took the country’s environment ministry to court to cancel the government’s approval of new coal-fired power plants. The Pretoria high court held that the approval was unlawful because it had failed to consider how new coal-fired power stations would make climate change worse.

    Another case was filed in 2020 by civil society groups that sued the governments of Uganda and Tanzania over the East African Crude Oil Pipeline for breaching human rights and damaging the environment. The East African Court of Justice dismissed the case after the activists missed the deadline to file documents. The groups have appealed against the dismissal, but this highlights some of the difficulties in bringing international climate litigation.

    In May 2025, the Pan African Lawyers’ Union asked the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights for an advisory opinion (still to be issued) on the obligations of African states to protect human rights in a time of climate crisis. This case was brought in collaboration with the Africa Climate Platform, the Environmental Lawyers Collective for Africa, Natural Justice, resilient40, and other environmental justice organisations.

    I am an environmental justice researcher who examines how ecocentrism (valuing the entire interests of ecosystems over human interests or individual companies interests) can be taken forward in African legal systems.

    I argue that Africa should use three key international legal routes to amplify its voice in litigating against climate change.

    1. The International Court of Justice

    In December 2024, the International Court of Justice agreed for the first time to provide an advisory opinion on what states are obliged to do to fight climate change and set out the legal consequences for states that do not meet these obligations.

    In late 2024, the court accepted inputs from countries that had already been affected by climate change. These included members of the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States and the African Union, and South Africa, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia and Senegal. The court will hand down the opinion in late 2025.

    Even though International Court of Justice advisory opinions are not legally binding, these proceedings were a milestone. They provided African countries with a good platform to raise their demands about the obligations of countries to protect the climate system in this time of global warming.

    2. International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

    In June 2023, the African Union submitted a written statement in support of the request made by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law. The island states had asked the tribunal to set out how governments were obliged by the international marine treaty to prevent, reduce and control marine pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

    This was the first time the tribunal had formally considered the impacts of climate change on the marine environment. The African Union relied on important international environmental legal principles in its statement. These include the duty to avoid polluting the atmosphere and to prevent harm that takes place across borders.

    These principles have been used by different countries in lawsuits previously. These cases form the legal basis for many climate lawsuits today.

    The tribunal’s advisory opinions are not legally binding, but they also contribute to the development of international law, and again, could be useful for Africa to assert a strong, unified legal voice in the global fight for climate justice.

    3. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

    This 1992 convention has been ratified by many African states. It is a central international legal framework that guides global action on climate change. It has been the foundation for many international agreements on how governments will prevent climate change.

    African countries will need to include international climate change agreements into their laws and policies. Not all African countries have climate change laws. Countries with climate change laws include Nigeria, Uganda and South Africa. More must follow.

    Africa lacks the resources to prevent the worst effects of climate change and recover from the damage caused by global warming.

    African countries must now take climate lawsuits forward to demand accountability, shape climate policies and safeguard the future.

    By embracing regional mechanisms like the African court, using international legal instruments, and developing national climate laws, Africa can assert a strong, unified legal voice in the global fight for climate justice.

    Oluwabusayo Wuraola, Lecturer in Law, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US started Iran nuclear crisis: Chinese envoy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    UNITED NATIONS, June 25 (Xinhua) — It was the United States that started the Iranian nuclear crisis, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong said Tuesday in response to Iran’s accusations at a UN Security Council meeting.

    The Chinese side noted that some Security Council members do nothing but accuse Iran of violating non-proliferation obligations, trying to justify military actions by Israel and the United States, he noted.

    “China would like to remind these countries of the following basic facts: It was the United States that started the Iranian nuclear crisis,” Fu Cong said.

    He added that the US unilaterally withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. Washington has since reimposed and strengthened unilateral sanctions against Iran and adopted “maximum pressure” measures that have prevented Tehran from reaping the economic dividends provided by the agreement and forced Tehran to reduce its commitments under the deal.

    The United States also, to the detriment of its own authority, launched military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, undermining the negotiation process it had started and leading the Iranian nuclear issue to another dead end, which led to a sharp aggravation of the situation in the region, he said.

    Iran’s sincerity in resolving nuclear crisis should be appreciated, Chinese diplomat says

    He noted that Iran still continues to fulfill its non-proliferation obligations and the comprehensive safeguards agreement. Tehran has repeatedly stated that it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons.

    According to Fu Cong, Iran has held several rounds of professional and pragmatic negotiations with the US in a constructive manner and has never given up on its diplomatic efforts. However, some countries, by one-sidedly citing the report of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and ignoring the positive aspects of Iran’s cooperation with the agency, sought to pass a resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors without proper consultation. According to him, this jeopardizes the atmosphere of dialogue, increasing tension and confrontation. “These countries should carefully consider the negative consequences of their irresponsible move,” he said.

    Israel and the United States resorted to the use of force against Iran on the basis of “possible future threats,” which is a serious violation of international law and Iran’s sovereignty. The attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards set a bad precedent that threatens the international non-proliferation regime. China once again unequivocally condemns this, the PRC representative noted.

    The above-mentioned actions have also undermined diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and created a high degree of uncertainty regarding the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2231. China is seriously concerned, Fu Cong concluded. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Second stage of China’s largest offshore gas field commissioned

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) — China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC) said Wednesday that the second phase of its Shenhai-1 (Deepwater-1) gas field in the South China Sea has begun production, marking the completion of the country’s largest such project.

    According to the corporation, annual gas production at this field is expected to exceed 4.5 billion cubic meters, reaching the maximum design value.

    The geological reserves of the Shenhai-1 field amount to more than 150 billion cubic meters. Gas production has been carried out here since June 2021, when the first stage of the project was commissioned.

    Natural gas produced at the field is transported to coastal terminals in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Sanya City in Hainan Province and Zhuhai City in Guangdong Province, supplying key economic regions and integrating into the state gas pipeline network.

    Shenhai-1 is the country’s most complex deepwater gas field project. It is being developed under the highest temperatures and pressures ever encountered in inland shelf exploration. The maximum operating depth exceeds 1,500 m, and the deepest wells are 5,000 m.

    Project manager Liu Kang said the production infrastructure and technology system formed as part of the project will help carry out comprehensive deep-sea oil and gas exploration in the future, increasing the role of marine resources in ensuring the country’s energy supply. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ17: Tackling very hot weather

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Lee Chun-keung and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (June 25): Question: It has been reported that the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) recorded a high temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius early this month, and according to HKO data, the average annual total number of very hot days observed since 2021 has exceeded 50, the highest figure since records began. Moreover, a study has predicted that extreme heat will occur more frequently in Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the number of days on which various temporary night heat shelters (heat shelters) under the Home Affairs Department were open and the average number of occupants per night in the past year; whether the authorities have plans to open more heat shelters to meet public demand for sheltering from heat under very hot weather conditions; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; (2) as there are calls in the community urging the authorities to introduce additional heat relief measures for those living in various forms of inadequate housing, including subdivided units, cage homes and rooftop structures, whether the authorities have considered providing airconditioning subsidies and free cooling facilities (e.g. mist fans) to such households; if so, of the details; if not, 25/06/2025, 11:02 LCQ17: Tackling very hot weather https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062500358p.htm 1/4 the reasons for that; (3) whether it will study the use of brand new cooling technologies and renewable energy, drawing on foreign cities’ research experience and practices in cooling, so as to tackle the problem of very hot urban weather; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (4) given that in the reply to a question from a Member of this Council on June 6, 2018, the Government indicated that it would introduce green design in government buildings, of the details of the introduction of green design in government buildings in the past three years (including whether it has used building materials that enable green cooling and how such designs have mitigated the urban heat island effect)? Reply: President, In consultation with the Development Bureau and the Home Affairs Department, the reply to the question raised by the Hon Lee Chun-keung is as follows: (1) From June to October 2024, the 19 temporary heat shelters under the Home Affairs Department were opened for 70 days, of which overnight service was provided on 66 nights. The average number of registered users per night across all shelters was 9. Based on the current usage, the existing arrangement of temporary heat shelters is sufficient to meet the demand. The Home Affairs Department will continue to monitor the service provision. (2) According to the Scheme of Control Agreements, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) and the Hongkong Electric Company 25/06/2025, 11:02 LCQ17: Tackling very hot weather https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062500358p.htm 2/4 Limited (HEC) (collectively referred to as the power companies) have offered discounts in the electricity bills to low consumption customers and customers in need under their energy saving rebate and concession tariff schemes to encourage energy saving and reduce the tariff expense of the relevant customers. In addition, the two companies have, through programmes under the respective Community Energy Saving Fund and Smart Power Care Fund, been assisting the disadvantaged, including the provision of cash subsidies to eligible grassroots families and household of sub-divided units. For instance, CLP allocated $50 million in 2025 to provide subsidies for the electricity bills of 70 000 grassroots families, while HEC allocated $1.2 million to provide subsidies for 1 200 household of sub-divided units over the same period. CLP also launched the Inverter Air Conditioner Replacement Subsidy Scheme, which involve the allocation of $5 million subsidies for elderly persons, low-income families and persons with disabilities to replace their window-type air conditioners with inverter air conditioner with Grade 1 energy label. It is estimated that around 1 200 families will benefit from the scheme. The Government will continue to encourage the power companies to provide assistance for customers in need having regard to the companies’ operating situations. (3) To promote the application of new cooling technology the Government collaborated with local universities for the trial application of Passive Radiative Cooling Paint (PRCP) to reduce solar heat gain and control temperature increase. PRCP uses nanomaterial technology to reflect incoming solar radiation and emit thermal radiation simultaneously, achieving effective cooling even under direct sunlight. The Government leads by example and 25/06/2025, 11:02 LCQ17: Tackling very hot weather https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062500358p.htm 3/4 encourages the private sector to jointly participate in promoting renewable energy. Some of the renewable energy systems could supply electricity required to buildings and, at the same time, provide a shading layer on the rooftop to help reduce the amount of heat absorbed by and released from the rooftop and hence the energy consumption of buildings. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department is implementing the Pilot Scheme on Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) (the Pilot Scheme) at its headquarters. The objective is to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of BIPV from various aspects based on relevant data collected under the Pilot Scheme, such as the actual power generation efficiency and reduction in indoor energy consumption, etc. (4) The Government has been leading by example and has implemented a target-based green performance framework for the new and existing government buildings since 2009. We aim to attain a “Gold” rating or above under “BEAM Plus” for new government buildings with a construction floor area of more than 5 000 square metres in order to enhance the environmental objectives and requirements. Over 600 government buildings have already attained BEAM Plus Gold or above rating to date. The Government has also commenced the application of green cooling building materials, for example, the above-mentioned PRCP has been applied to the roof of Hong Kong Coliseum to lower the surface temperature of the roof. The Government will continue to explore new green building materials and innovations to combat extreme heat. Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Issued at HKT 14:15 NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Burundi: Inauguration of Jiji hydroelectric power plant – a huge step towards energy self-sufficiency

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    The President of the Republic of Burundi today officially inaugurated the Jiji hydroelectric power plant, in the presence of a large delegation of national authorities and representatives of the development partners that co-financed the project. Located in Bururi province, this large-scale infrastructure marks a key step forward in the country’s pursuit of energy self-sufficiency. It is also a strong signal for an investment-friendly climate to ensure more inclusive and sustainable economic development for Burundi.

    With the Mulembwe plant to be completed in the coming months, the two plants will have an installed capacity of 49.5 megawatts and estimated annual production of 235 gigawatt hours of clean energy. They will provide electricity to 15 000 households, 7 000 businesses and 1 700 industrial facilities. This new capacity will not only improve access to electricity for thousands of people, but will also boost productivity in key sectors such as health, education, agribusiness and ICT.

    The construction of these two plants at a total cost of $320 million was made possible thanks to strong cooperation between the Burundi government and the development partners – the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the World Bank (WB) and the European Union (EU).

    Speaking at the inauguration, AfDB Country Manager in Burundi Pascal Yembiline said: “As a longstanding partner of Burundi, the African Development Bank is proud to have contributed to the implementation of this infrastructure project, which is fully in line with its strategic priorities, the Hi-5s. We are convinced that this flagship infrastructure will increase access to reliable and affordable energy and help create a sustainably prosperous Burundi.”

    Head of the EIB Regional Hub for East Africa Edward Claessen said: “The fact that the Jiji and Mulembwe dam project is a renewable energy project, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, is particularly significant. Our financing for this project formed part of the European Union’s strategy to develop clean, sustainable infrastructure in Africa and is also aligned with decarbonisation efforts needed by companies to grow.”

    World Bank Representative in Burundi Hawa Cisse Wagué added that: “The Jiji hydroelectric power plant and the lines and substations built as part of the project are not infrastructure like any other. This infrastructure helps ensure Burundi’s economic and social development. It is a key driver to improve people’s access to energy as well as supporting industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.”

    EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Burundi Elisabetta Pietrobon stressed that: “Energy remains a central priority in development and thus in EU cooperation. This is why the European Union, its Member States and its institutions have supported this project from the very beginning, including funding for the various design and implementation phases, right up to the deployment of infrastructure and equipment. ”

    All of Burundi’s development partners unanimously confirmed their commitment to supporting the country in its transformation efforts on the road to achieving its strategic vision: to become an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060.

    Since the start of the construction phase, the project has created several hundred jobs, boosting the local economy while strengthening the technical capacities of the surrounding communities. Its entry into operation marks the beginning of a new cycle of opportunities, both in the energy sector and in other strategic areas. With more reliable, accessible and affordable energy, small and medium businesses will now have better conditions to develop, generate jobs and make a lasting contribution to the country’s economic growth. At the same time, the commissioning of the dam will help to create a trusting environment for investors, the people of Burundi and foreigners alike.

    Background information

    About EIB Global

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 — around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world. High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    http://twitter.com/EIB

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    Inauguration of Jiji hydroelectric power plant: a huge step towards Burundi’s energy self-sufficiency

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    Inauguration of Jiji hydroelectric power plant: a huge step towards Burundi’s energy self-sufficiency

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    Inauguration of Jiji hydroelectric power plant: a huge step towards Burundi’s energy self-sufficiency

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    Inauguration of Jiji hydroelectric power plant: a huge step towards Burundi’s energy self-sufficiency

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    Burundi: Inauguration of Jiji hydroelectric power plant: a huge step towards energy self-sufficiency

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    Burundi: Inauguration of Jiji hydroelectric power plant: a huge step towards energy self-sufficiency

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How’s the UK attempt to reach net zero going? There’s good news and bad news

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By John Barrett, Professor of Energy and Climate Policy, Deputy Director of the Priestly Centre for Climate Futures, Theme Lead for the UKRI Energy Demand Research Centre, University of Leeds

    BOY ANTHONY/Shutterstock

    Each year, the Climate Change Committee – the UK’s independent advisory body tasked with monitoring the country’s movement toward its legally binding climate goals – gives a report on the government’s progress over the last year.

    The Climate Change Committee’s new 2025 progress report is a mix of good and bad news about whether the UK is on track to meet its greenhouse gas emissions targets. These include a 68% reduction by 2030 and an 81% reduction by 2035, relative to 1990 levels.

    Meeting these targets requires long lead times. It takes years to develop and deploy low-carbon technologies, change social practices and align industrial and economic policy with net zero ambitions. The Climate Change Committee’s analysis goes beyond simply measuring emissions — it also evaluates whether the right policies are in place across sectors such as transport, buildings, energy and industry.

    So how is the UK doing? Between 1990 and 2024, the UK halved its greenhouse gas emissions, primarily by decarbonising the power sector, improving energy efficiency and shifts in the UK’s industrial base. This equates to an average annual reduction of 0.7%.

    Since the committee was established in 2008, the rate of reduction has more than doubled. In the last decade, since the Paris agreement was signed in 2015, the UK has decarbonised at around 3.4% per year. To meet the 2030 and 2035 targets, the pace of reduction has to continue at this level, but from a wider set of sectors.

    However, the analysis in the CCC report suggests that even this may not be fast enough. A major scientific review recently warned the world has just three years left in its global carbon budget if we are to stay within the 1.5°C temperature limit agreed in the Paris agreement.

    A mixed picture

    We are both involved with the committee and its work. Piers Forster, a climate scientist, has served on the committee since 2018 and is currently its chair. John Barrett provides key data on imported emissions and regularly provides analysis into the committee’s work.

    On the positive side, the UK continues to expand renewable energy capacity, which not only cuts emissions but lowers energy bills and improves energy security. Emissions from the energy supply sector decreased 17% last year.

    A fifth of new vehicles sold are now electric. For the first time, evidence shows that electric cars are causing transport emissions to decline, even as people are travelling more. Tree planting rates also increased by 56% last year, mainly in Scotland.

    However, this report highlights serious gaps. With only five years left until 2030, the Climate Change Committee estimates that 39% of the required emissions reductions are not adequately backed by government policy.

    Growing demand in high-carbon sectors like aviation is offsetting gains made in electricity generation. Aviation emissions are now scarily largely than those from electricity generation and rising fast.

    Time is running out and climate action is urgently required.
    banu sevim/Shutterstock

    Although nearly 100,000 heat pumps were installed last year, emissions from buildings are still rising. In road transport, while electric vehicle adoption is growing, there’s been little shift towards shared public transport options such as buses and trains. In industry, policies around resource efficiency and consumption remain underdeveloped.

    Critically, the Climate Change Committee notes that electricity currently accounts for just 18% of the UK’s total energy demand, and suggests that 80% of required emissions reductions must come from sectors beyond energy supply. The rates of decarbonisation need to more than double in these other sectors.

    Yet, policy to reduce overall energy demand remains weak. This is a broader agenda than reducing household energy bills but a more fundamental appreciation of how the UK’s energy demand can be shaped in the future.

    The UK cannot rely on technology alone. The climate transition can benefit from changes in how we live, move, consume and produce. Making such changes would make us less dependent on fossil fuel imports, put more money in our pockets from efficiency savings and make us healthier by improving air quality, increase exercise levels through more active travel such as walking and cycling and make our homes more comfortable in both hot and cold conditions.

    A truly credible response to the climate crisis demands a whole-system approach. That means aligning climate goals with economic and social policy, and recognising the broader benefits — from improved health to reduced inequality — that come with reducing energy demand.

    The window to act is closing. The UK has made progress, but without more ambitious and integrated action, it risks falling short when it matters most.

    According to the Climate Change Committee report, the UK can deliver both its legislated targets and its internationally-committed emission reduction targets if it takes decisive policy action. And with the right political will that’s possible in a cost-effective way that improves the lives of its citizens.

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

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    John Barrett receives funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

    Piers Forster receives funding from UK and European research councils. He is interim chair of the Climate Change Committee

    – ref. How’s the UK attempt to reach net zero going? There’s good news and bad news – https://theconversation.com/hows-the-uk-attempt-to-reach-net-zero-going-theres-good-news-and-bad-news-259580

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    June 25, 2025

  • Returning to Iranian sites is top priority: IAEA chief

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday his top priority is getting his inspectors back to Iran’s nuclear facilities to assess the impact of U.S. and Israeli military strikes and verify its stocks of enriched uranium.

    “This is the number 1 priority,” International Atomic Energy Agency chief Grossi told a news conference at an Austrian security cabinet meeting. He is seeking his inspectors’ return to Iranian sites including the three plants where it was enriching uranium until Israel launched strikes on June 13.

    Asked if Iran had informed him of the status of its stocks of enriched uranium, particularly its uranium enriched to up to 60% purity, close to weapons grade, he pointed to a letter he received from Iran on June 13, saying Iran would take “special measures” to protect its nuclear materials and equipment.

    “They did not get into details as to what that meant but clearly that was the implicit meaning of that. We can imagine this material is there,” Grossi said, suggesting much of that material had survived the attacks.

    (Reuters)

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mainland-Hong Kong Green Energy Matchmaking Event promotes development of green maritime fuel supply chain

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Mainland-Hong Kong Green Energy Matchmaking Event organised by the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and co-organised by the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) and the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province was held today (June 25) simultaneously in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The Event aims to provide a collaborative platform for relevant suppliers and companies with demand to catalyse a comprehensive green maritime fuel supply chain and trade.
     
         The Event is supported by the Department of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Commerce, the Commercial Office of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (LOCPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), as well as a number of relevant organisations, associations and enterprises from Hong Kong and the Mainland. More than 200 representatives from various enterprises, including those from Hong Kong companies with demand for green maritime fuels and relevant fuel suppliers from the Mainland, gathered in the two venues to exchange views and discuss collaborations in relation to fuel off-take and to sign relevant Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
     
         The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, said at the Hong Kong venue, “Hong Kong and the Mainland share the same roots and are closely connected, with strong complementarity in the development of green maritime fuels. The Mainland’s core strength lies in the production of green fuels, while Hong Kong, as the southern gate of Mainland China and an international financial, trading and maritime centre, is not only home to a large number of international shipping enterprises, but also enjoys advantages such as free flow of capital, a financial and legal system that is in line with the rest of the world, and a trade settlement mechanism that allows immediate payment settlements. In addition, Hong Kong is the top bunkering centre in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the second largest in the whole of China and ranks seventh globally. By adopting the ‘north-to-south sales’ model, under which the high-quality green maritime fuels produced on the Mainland can be exported to the world through Hong Kong’s international trading gateway, we will open up new ‘blue ocean’ opportunities for enterprises from the two places.
     
         “Today’s Event demonstrates the impactful materialisation of the target of the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering promulgated by the HKSAR Government in November last year. We will develop Hong Kong into the preferred green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre in the region. We have clearly set out in the Action Plan that we will establish a collaborative platform and provide facilitation measures for stakeholders engaged in green maritime fuel bunkering and related businesses, to help establish an efficient supply chain and trading channels. Today’s first-of-a-kind Event provides a high-quality and efficient networking platform for the supply and demand sides of green maritime fuels, to help Hong Kong and the Mainland to jointly build a green maritime fuel supply chain.”
     
         The signing of nine MOUs by various parties was witnessed by Ms Chan and representatives of relevant enterprises at the Hong Kong venue, and the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Commerce, Mr Chang Hui; Deputy Director-General of the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce Mr Zeng Huacheng; the Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department and Head of the Commercial Office of the LOCPG in the HKSAR, Mr Zhou Qiang; Deputy Director-General of the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province Mr Sun Bin; member of the Legislative Council Mr Frankie Yick; the Commissioner for Maritime and Port Development, Miss Amy Chan, and representatives of various attending enterprises at the Shenzhen venue. Among them, the TLB signed MOUs with the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters, a representative industry organisation; Chimbusco Pan Nation Petro-Chemical Co Ltd, a bunkering service provider; CIMC Enric Holdings Limited and the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, green methanol producers, to collaborate on promoting the development of green maritime fuel-related businesses and establishing a market for the trade of green maritime fuels, etc, with a view to integrating the needs of Hong Kong with the capabilities of industry, and further promoting the development of Hong Kong into a green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre, thereby achieving mutually beneficial co-operation. In addition, the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited and the Pacific Basin Shipping Limited signed an MOU at the Hong Kong venue on their preliminary intent for business collaboration on green maritime fuels, which is a solid step forward for the development of a green maritime fuel trading centre in Hong Kong.
     
         In addition, Miss Chan briefed representatives of the attending enterprises on the direction and latest progress of the development of green maritime fuel bunkering and trading in Hong Kong at the Shenzhen venue, including announcing that the Marine Department will gazette the Code of Practice for Methanol Bunkering within this month, and launch the Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme which will offer incentives of up to $1 million per enterprise to pioneer enterprises that provide and engage in green maritime fuel bunkering in Hong Kong, for bunkering operations for specific fuels in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 25, 2025

  • Iranian parliament approves bill to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran’s parliament approved a bill on Wednesday to suspend cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, state-affiliated news outlet Nournews reported.

    The move, which needs the final approval of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council to be enforced according to Nournews, follows an air war with Israel in which its longtime enemy said it wanted to prevent Tehran developing a nuclear weapon.

    Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf was quoted by state media as also saying Iran would accelerate its civilian nuclear programme.

    Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons and says a resolution adopted this month by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declaring Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations paved the way for Israel’s attacks.

    The parliament speaker was quoted as saying the IAEA had refused even to appear to condemn the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities and “has put its international credibility up for sale.”

    He said that “for this reason, the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran will suspend its cooperation with the Agency until the security of the nuclear facilities is guaranteed, and move at a faster pace with the country’s peaceful nuclear programme.”

    Earlier this week, parliament’s national security committee approved the bill’s general outline and the committee’s spokesperson, Ebrahim Rezaei, said the bill would suspend the installation of surveillance cameras, inspections and filing of reports to the IAEA.

    Following the Israeli attacks on its nuclear sites, and U.S. bombing of underground Iranian nuclear facilities at the weekend, the Iranian government also faces calls to limit the country’s commitments to the nuclear non-proliferation regime.

    In an interview with Qatar’s Al-Araby Al-Jadeed on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said: “I think that our view on our nuclear programme and the non-proliferation regime will witness changes, but it is not possible to say in what direction.”

    (Reuters)

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a joint press conference with HE the Prime Minister of the Lebanese Republic

    Source: Government of Qatar

    In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

    Peace and God’s mercy, and blessings be upon you all.

    Firstly, I would like to extend a warm welcome to my dear brother and friend, His Excellency Dr. Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of the sisterly Lebanese Republic, on his visit to the State of Qatar.

    I also wish to offer our sincere apologies to His Excellency for the disruption to air traffic last night. The delay was a necessary precaution to ensure his safety and the safety of all air travel. We understand he had just concluded a visit to our brothers in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and we regret any inconvenience caused.

    The discussion session between the Prime Minister and I followed his meeting with His Highness the Amir. We reviewed the bilateral relations and avenues of cooperation between our two countries. Naturally, we also explored ways in which we can work together to support our brothers in Lebanon and help maintain stability there. One of the key topics we addressed was the energy sector—specifically, how we can jointly develop and rehabilitate Lebanon’s energy infrastructure. There were important discussions held between the energy ministers of both countries, and, God willing, this will be followed by a concrete action plan in the coming months, as we pledged to the Prime Minister. We also discussed the urgent need to provide energy support to Lebanon during the summer, and, God willing, this matter will be further addressed with the Qatar Fund for Development and QatarEnergy to deliver as much support as possible.

    We also explored avenues for support and cooperation in transportation and air navigation. The Ministers of Transport of Qatar and of the sisterly Lebanese Republic held substantive talks on potential joint initiatives, including the reconstruction of infrastructure—particularly in areas damaged by the Israeli occupation forces.

    We also took the opportunity to review regional developments and ongoing events. I must unequivocally condemn Israel’s violations of the ceasefire agreement and its continued breaches of our brotherly Lebanon’s sovereignty. Such actions are unacceptable and deserve the strongest possible denunciation. We call on the UN Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities and bring an end to these irresponsible measures in the region.

    We also discussed regional developments more broadly, including progress in Lebanese–Syrian relations, for which we hope, God willing, a better future lies ahead. We noted the Prime Minister’s keen interest in deepening ties with sister Arab states, particularly neighboring countries such as Syria. The State of Qatar fully supports these endeavors.

    Today, the region is facing challenges that we have not faced for a long time. Recently, the sovereignty of the State of Qatar was violated by an attack on Al Udeid Air Base carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. We condemn this act in the strongest terms and denounce such behavior by a neighboring country with which Qatar has traditionally maintained good-neighborly, transparent relations. At the same time, Qatar remains committed to its policy of good neighborliness: from the outset, we have also condemned Israeli strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran and the harm inflicted on the Iranian people. Ultimately, the Iranian people are our neighbors, and we wish them peace, growth, and development. However, any attack on the State of Qatar is unacceptable. Prior to this incident, Qatar undertook significant diplomatic efforts with regional and international partners to defuse tensions, but we were nonetheless taken by surprise by this assault on the base of a sister country.

    I would like to commend the pivotal role of the armed forces under the leadership of His Highness the Amir, who remained fully informed and vigilant from the moment intelligence was received about a potential attack on bases hosting U.S. forces in the region until the threat was successfully repelled. In particular, the Qatari armed forces demonstrated exceptional bravery in defending against these attacks. As highlighted in yesterday’s press conference, thanks to God, the Qatari air defenses intercepted all incoming missiles except for one, which landed harmlessly in an open area.

    I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to our sisterly and friendly countries for their solidarity with Qatar and their clear rejection of this aggression—especially our brothers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), who promptly stood by us and offered their support. Today, at the request of the Council Presidency, held by Kuwait, an emergency ministerial meeting will take place in Doha, God willing, and I will receive my fellow GCC foreign ministers to discuss this serious development in our region. I must take this opportunity to emphasize a few key points: foremost among them is the need to approach regional events with responsibility and wisdom. The recent reckless Israeli attacks on multiple countries in the region, including the Islamic Republic of Iran—alongside the aggression against us—demonstrate how such uncalculated actions only fuel instability and could have pushed the region into a far more dangerous situation.

    Following the attack, the Armed Forces—under the directives of His Highness the Commander-in-Chief—carefully studied possible response scenarios. However, the State of Qatar has always prioritized diplomacy and wisdom, placing the greater good of the region above all else. The key message we aim to convey is that, thanks be to God, Qatar has demonstrated—through its capabilities and the strength of its Armed Forces—that it is fully capable of defending itself, its citizens, and its residents, united as one people. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, there were swift communications with His Highness the Amir, including a significant conversation with the President of the United States to discuss the situation, its consequences, and possible responses. This exchange opened the door to a complete ceasefire across all fronts. At the request of our American partners, Qatar contacted the Iranian side to assess their willingness to commit to such a ceasefire, which led to the announcement made by the U.S. President—a step we welcome. Despite some violations observed today, we remain hopeful that the ceasefire will hold and that efforts will return to a diplomatic path. We call on all parties to honor the agreement and urge both the American and Iranian sides to resume nuclear negotiations without delay. Qatar continues to advocate for a region free of nuclear weapons, achieved through a comprehensive agreement that ensures collective security, protects everyone’s interests, and respects Iran’s rights as our neighbor.

    A short while ago, His Highness the Amir received a call from the President of Iran, during which the Iranian President expressed his regret over the incident, acknowledging that the State of Qatar was the target. We made it clear to him that Qatar, as a neighboring country, has always based its relationship with Iran on the principles of good neighborliness and did not expect such an action—especially in light of ongoing efforts to escalate the situation. While Qatar will continue to handle matters with wisdom and restraint, the violation of its sovereignty is entirely unacceptable. All necessary diplomatic and legal measures will be pursued in response. We sincerely hope the situation will be contained swiftly and that this difficult chapter be closed soon.

    We must remember that the current developments in the region are a direct extension of the conflict in Gaza and the brutal aggression faced by our Palestinian brothers there. Since the beginning, the State of Qatar has worked tirelessly to prevent the escalation of this conflict and to halt the bombing of innocent civilians. In coordination with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States, Qatar continues its efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Despite the region’s challenging circumstances, our efforts never ceased. Our aim remains clear: to end the war, lift the injustice inflicted upon the people of Gaza, and bring peace to the region. It is time for the international community to take a unified stand, to stop Israel’s irresponsible actions, and to end both the aggression in Gaza and the use of humanitarian aid as a means of political provocation.

    I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone here, and especially to the Prime Minister for honoring us with his visit during this sensitive time. We deeply appreciate the difficult circumstances our brotherly country, Lebanon, is facing, and we sincerely wish them all the best and a brighter future, God willing.

    Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: APO Group and Bytesview Analytics Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Media Intelligence in Africa


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    APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading Pan-African media relations and communications consultancy, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Bytesview Analytics Private Limited, a technology company specialising in artificial intelligence and data analytics.

    This collaboration will leverage NewsData.io, a flagship product by Bytesview Analytics. NewsData.io is an advanced news aggregation and analysis platform that provides real-time and historical news data from over 84,000 sources in 206 countries and 89 languages. It is designed to support media monitoring, sentiment analysis, and data-driven decision-making.

    Through this partnership, APO Group and Bytesview Analytics will work together to enhance the monitoring, analysis, and distribution of African news. APO Group will integrate Bytesview’s AI-powered tools to provide clients with deeper insights into how their stories are received across different languages and regions, helping them measure visibility, impact, and public sentiment more effectively.

    “This is a powerful example of how smart data and strategic communications can come together to drive better media outcomes,” said Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group. “Our partnership with Bytesview Analytics brings new depth to the services we offer, especially in tracking and analysing media coverage across Africa.”

    “We’re excited to collaborate with APO Group to strengthen our visibility in Africa and to support better storytelling with reliable, data-driven insights,” said Piyush Khatri, Director at Bytesview Analytics. “This partnership opens new doors for both our team and the organisations we serve.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

    About APO Group:
    Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.  

    Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024.  Additionally, in 2025, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event.

    APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences. 

    About Bytesview Analytics:
    Bytesview Analytics Private Limited is a technology-focused company specializing in AI-powered analytics and real-time data solutions. With a dedicated team of developers and data scientists, Bytesview delivers high-performance digital products across industries such as media, fintech, edtech, marketing, environmental sciences, and social media intelligence.

    Its flagship product, NewsData.io, is a news aggregation and analytics platform that offers real-time and historical news data through a developer-friendly API. It is designed for researchers, analysts, developers, media professionals, and organizations seeking structured news data from global sources in various languages.

    To learn more, visit:
    www.Bytesview.com
    www.NewsData.io

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Chad’s Secretary of State for Petroleum, Mines and Geology Joins African Mining Week (AMW) 2025


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    Khadidja Hassane Abdoulaye, Secretary of State for Petroleum, Mines and Geology at Chad’s Ministry of Mines and Geology, has joined the upcoming African Mining Week conference as a speaker. Taking place from October 1-3, 2025, in Cape Town, the event is the continent’s premier event for mining stakeholders. Abdoulaye’s participation will be instrumental in spotlighting Chad’s vast mineral wealth, while connecting global mining stakeholders with emerging prospects in the Central African country.

    During African Mining Week 2025, Abdoulaye will take part in high-level panel discussions, exclusive networking opportunities and targeted investment forums, promoting Chad’s mineral potential and secure strategic partnerships that will drive the country’s mining industry forward.

    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Chad is home to significant but underexplored mineral resources, including natron – used in soap and medicine production – gold, uranium, bauxite, base metals and granite. While mining is largely occupied by artisanal operations, geological mapping and seismic surveys are currently underway to better understand the country’s mineral potential and unlock large-scale mining prospects. The Tibesti and Ouaddaï regions are rich in basement rock essential for the construction industry, while Tibesti also holds deposits of tungsten, tin, niobium and tantalum. Gold production, particularly in the Mayo-Kebbi region, is also currently dominated by small-scale mining operations.

    To attract investment and foster international collaboration, Chad has enacted a series of policies and programs focused on modernizing its mining sector. In August 2024, Chad’s Ministry of Petroleum, Mines and Geology held discussions with Libya’s National Mining Corporation to explore cooperation opportunities in investment, project development, knowledge exchange and capacity building. With commercial-scale mineral reserves believed to lie along the Libyan-Chadian border in the Tibesti region, this partnership could play a pivotal role in unlocking the area’s full resource potential. As Chad expands exploration projects, African Mining Week presents an ideal platform for Abdoulaye to engage with prospective investors and technology providers.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ruzizi III Holding Power Company Limited invites Anzana Electric Group Limited to become a Strategic Partner in the Ruzizi III Regional Hydropower Project

    During the US – Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola, Ruzizi III Holding Power Company Limited (RHPCL) announced the signing of an Invitation to Partner Agreement for a potential pivotal partnership with Anzana Electric Group (Anzana) (www.Anzana.com), aimed at advancing the $760 million Ruzizi III Regional Hydropower Project.

    The 206 MW Ruzizi III Regional Hydropower Project is the first of its kind tri-national Public Private Partnership in the Great Lakes Region, formulated on a partnership between the Private Sector (RHPCL) and the three Contracting States, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (“DRC”) and Rwanda.

    Located on the Ruzizi River between western Rwanda and eastern DRC, the hydropower plant will supply reliable electricity to benefit development for approximately 30 million people across Burundi, the DRC and Rwanda, in a region where 54% live below the poverty line and electricity access averages just 24%. The project will nearly double Burundi’s current capacity, boost Rwanda’s by 30%, and deliver critical baseload and dispatchable power to eastern DRC, advancing economic growth, regional integration, and energy security in one of Africa’s most underserved regions.

    “The Directors of RHPCL are enthusiastic about this potential strategic alliance and, assuming a successful outcome of the partnering process, look forward to harnessing Anzana’s expertise and experience to realize the full potential of the Ruzizi III Project, extending critical energy access and fostering development in the region,” said Aleem Karmali, Director for RHPCL.

    Anzana, a leading American electricity company developing, investing in, and operating power generation and distribution projects in Africa and the Great Lakes region, has expressed an interest in acquiring a minority equity interest in RHPCL.

    “As an American electricity company committed to powering opportunity across Africa, Anzana is proud to partner with RHPCL and the governments of Burundi, DRC, and Rwanda at this pivotal moment,” said Brian Kelly, CEO of Anzana, during the 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Angola. “Ruzizi III will deliver sustainable, affordable, and reliable electricity to millions. Through this partnership, we are not only powering homes, communities, and industries, we are helping to drive regional integration, strengthen energy security and stability, and pave the way for expanded U.S. investment and trade in Africa’s energy future.”

    Both parties are committed to negotiating toward a binding Partnership Agreement by September 15, 2025, in which Anzana may acquire no less than a 10% equity stake in RHPCL. The agreement will outline governance rights, investment commitments, and the trajectory for further collaboration.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Anzana Electric Group.

    For further information, please contact: 
    Aleem Karmali
    Director RHPCL
    +254 724 787786

    Thom Wallace
    Communications for Anzana 
    thom.wallace@anazana.com

    About Anzana Electric Group:
    Anzana Electric Group is a leading developer, investor, and operator of hydropower and grid distribution projects across Africa. With presence in East, Central, and Southern Africa, Anzana delivers reliable, affordable power to communities, businesses, and industries. Its innovative approach to partnerships with government, development funders, and private sector in the region is intended to unlock the potential that electricity infrastructure can bring to economic growth.

    For more information visit www.Anzana.com

    About Ruzizi III Energy Holding Power Company Limited:
    Ruzizi III Energy Holding Power Company Limited (RHPCL) a special purpose vehicle registered in Rwanda, is the private sector partner to the project company Ruzizi III Energy Limited (the PPP company) set up, under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) structure, to develop, construct and operate the 206 MW Ruzizi III regional hydroelectric power project — one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in the Great Lakes region. The project is a public-private partnership between RHPCL, the Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, and is located on the Ruzizi River between Rwanda and the DRC. RHPCL is, during the development stage, mainly led by Industrial Promotion Services (IPS Group).

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Elements of Change: Energy and Materials

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    Elements of Change: Energy and Materials

    Accelerating trends in technology, science and geoeconomics are rapidly reshaping the materials sector, key to unlocking the next generation of energy solutions. At the same time, the global advanced materials market is projected to reach approximately $120 billion by 2033, promising long-term economic growth.

    What efforts are needed to scale the development and commercialization of novel materials to drive the energy transition?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmuHiHcRFvc

    MIL OSI Video –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Headline and underlying inflation in the bottom half of the band

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    New figures from the ABS show that headline and underlying inflation are now both in the bottom half of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s target band for the first time since August 2021.

    In the face of heightened global economic uncertainty, it’s very pleasing to see the progress we’ve made on inflation is substantial and now sustained.

    Both headline and underlying inflation fell by more than expected in today’s data.

    Headline inflation was 2.1 per cent through the year to May 2025, down from 2.4 per cent in April.

    Headline inflation is almost half of what it was in May last year and is at its lowest level since March 2021.

    Annual trimmed mean inflation was 2.4 per cent through the year to May 2025, down from 2.8 per cent in April.

    Underlying inflation is at its lowest level since November 2021 and has returned to the middle of the RBA’s target band.

    Underlying inflation has been in the RBA’s band for six consecutive months. This is the first time this has happened since the monthly inflation series began in 2018.

    It was also encouraging to see services inflation moderate substantially to 3.3 per cent through the year to May 2025, down from 4.1 per cent in April.

    We know these monthly numbers are volatile, but today’s data shows we’ve made substantial and sustained progress on inflation.

    This progress means Australia is better placed and better prepared than other countries for heightened economic uncertainty and volatility around the world.

    The Australian economy is not immune from instability in the Middle East, including from the recent volatility in global oil prices.

    That’s why the progress we have made together in the economy is so important. No major advanced economy has achieved what we have with unemployment in the low 4s, inflation below 2.5 per cent and the economy continuing to grow.

    Electricity prices fell 5.9 per cent in the year to May but would have increased 2.0 per cent without the energy rebates for every household we are rolling out with the states.

    Rents rose 4.5 per cent in the year but would have increased 5.7 per cent without the recent increases to Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

    Under Labor, inflation is down substantially, real wages are up, unemployment is low, our economy is growing, debt is down and interest rates are falling.

    Even with this substantial progress and two interest rate cuts in three months, we know people are still under pressure and we face global economic headwinds.

    That’s why the Albanese Labor Government is delivering more real, practical and ongoing help with the cost of living for Australians, with more support set to roll out from Tuesday next week.

    MIL OSI News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ becomes first country to back out of Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance – Greenpeace

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace says that the New Zealand Government has lost its last shred of climate credibility in light of its withdrawal from the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance – a global first.
    Greenpeace spokesperson Amanda Larsson says, “This is a Government that is refusing to invest in a safe and livable future. Luxon has made an unconscionable decision with no thought for the implications on our kids’ and grandkids’ futures.”
    “From choosing to reverse the oil and gas ban, to offering up $200 million in taxpayer-funded subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, it’s clear that Luxon can’t be trusted to make decisions on climate change.
    “Abandoning the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance is like withdrawing your investments in smartphones to back fax machines instead. These are not serious people.”
    Larsson says that there is a growing risk that the Government’s reversal of climate change policies will result in backlash from New Zealand’s trading partners, citing advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade that said that repealing the ban on offshore oil and gas was likely to breach New Zealand’s free trade deals with the UK and European Union.
    Additionally, Member of the European Parliament Saskia Bricmont has asked questions of the European Trade Commissioner about the impacts of New Zealand’s regressive climate policies on the EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement – specifically, the move to revise New Zealand’s methane emissions target in line with the controversial concept of ‘no additional warming’.
    “The Luxon Government is bending over backwards for two of the most polluting industries in the world – the intensive livestock industry, and the fossil fuel industry,” says Larsson.
    “They are turning New Zealand into a laughing stock on the global stage as they continue to let polluters write policies that harm regular people.
    “Already, international climate scientists have called out the Prime Minister for ignoring scientific evidence by exploring dodgy accounting tricks for measuring methane emissions from livestock. It is the first time in Luxon’s political or business career that he has made the front page of the Financial Times – and it was humiliating. He should expect more international criticism to come.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    June 25, 2025

  • Fragile ceasefire holding, Trump envoy says peace talks with Iran ‘promising’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump between Iran and Israel appeared to be holding on Wednesday a day after both countries signalled that their air war had ended, at least for now.

    Each side claimed victory on Tuesday after 12 days of war, which the U.S. joined with airstrikes in support of Israel to take out Iran’s uranium-enrichment facilities.

    Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, said late on Tuesday that talks between the United States and Iran were “promising” and that Washington was hopeful for a long-term peace deal.

    “We are already talking to each other, not just directly but also through interlocutors. I think that the conversations are promising. We are hopeful that we can have a long-term peace agreement that resurrects Iran,” Witkoff said in an interview on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” show.

    “Now it’s for us to sit down with the Iranians and get to a comprehensive peace agreement, and I am very confident that we are going to achieve that,” he added.

    Trump said over the weekend that U.S. stealth bombers had “obliterated” Iran’s programme to develop nuclear weapons. Iran says its enrichment activities are for civilian purposes only.

    But Trump’s claim appeared to be contradicted by an initial report by one of his administration’s intelligence agencies, according to three people familiar with the matter.

    One of the sources said Iran’s enriched uranium stocks had not been eliminated, and the country’s nuclear programme, much of which is buried deep underground, may have been set back only a month or two.

    The White House said the intelligence assessment was “flat out wrong.”

    According to the report, which was produced by the Defense Intelligence Agency, the strikes sealed off the entrances to two of the facilities, but did not collapse underground buildings, said one of the people familiar with its findings.

    Some centrifuges remained intact, the Washington Post said, citing an unnamed person familiar with the report.

    Trump’s administration told the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday that its weekend strikes had “degraded” Iran’s nuclear programme, short of Trump’s assertion that the facilities had been “obliterated.”

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the attack had removed the nuclear threat against Israel and he was determined to thwart any attempt by Tehran to revive its weapons program.

    “We have removed two immediate existential threats to us: the threat of nuclear annihilation and the threat of annihilation by 20,000 ballistic missiles,” he said.

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country had successfully ended the war in what he called a “great victory,” according to Iranian media.

    Pezeshkian also told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Tehran was ready to resolve differences with the U.S., according to official news agency IRNA.

    Israel launched the surprise air war on June 13, attacking Iranian nuclear facilities and killing top military commanders in the worst blow to the Islamic Republic since the 1980s war with Iraq.

    Iran, which denies trying to build nuclear weapons, retaliated with barrages of missiles on Israeli military sites and cities.

    RESTRICTIONS LIFTED

    Israel’s military lifted restrictions on activity across the country at 8 p.m. local time (1700 GMT) on Tuesday, and officials said Ben Gurion Airport, the country’s main airport near Tel Aviv, had reopened. Iran’s airspace likewise will be reopened, state-affiliated Nournews reported.

    Oil prices edged higher on Wednesday, finding some respite after plummeting in the last two sessions, as investors assessed the stability of the ceasefire and the diminished prospect of an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

    The truce appeared fragile: Both Israel and Iran took hours to acknowledge they had accepted the ceasefire and accused each other of violating it.

    Trump scolded both sides but aimed especially stinging criticism at Israel, telling the close U.S. ally to “calm down now.” He later said Israel called off further attacks at his command.

    Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, said he told his U.S. counterpart, Pete Hegseth, that his country would respect the ceasefire unless Iran violated it. Pezeshkian likewise said Iran would honour the ceasefire as long as Israel did, according to Iranian media.

    Israeli armed forces chief of staff Eyal Zamir said a “significant chapter” of the conflict had concluded but the campaign against Iran was not over. He said the military would refocus on its war against Iran-backed Hamas militants in Gaza.

    Iranian authorities said 610 people were killed in their country by Israeli strikes and 4,746 injured. Iran’s retaliatory bombardment killed 28 people in Israel, the first time its air defences were penetrated by large numbers of Iranian missiles.

    (Reuters)

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Press Conference: Energy Transition Index 2025 – From Climate Commitment to Economic Opportunity

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    Press Conference: Energy Transition Index 2025 – From Climate Commitment to Economic Opportunity

    Now in its 15th year, the Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2025 report tracks global progress towards a more secure, equitable and sustainable energy system. Join us for insights into the top performers of the Energy Transition Index 2025 and strategies to advance energy transitions that drive economic opportunity amid rising global uncertainty.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXCdP2KdNic

    MIL OSI Video –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: The war won’t end Iran’s nuclear program – it will drive it underground, following North Korea’s model

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Anthony Burke, Professor of Environmental Politics & International Relations, UNSW Sydney

    The United States’ and Israel’s strikes on Iran are concerning, and not just for the questionable legal justifications provided by both governments.

    Even if their attacks cause severe damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities, this will only harden Iran’s resolve to acquire a bomb.

    And if Iran follows through on its threat to pull out of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), this will gravely damage the global nuclear nonproliferation regime.

    In a decade of international security crises, this could be the most serious. Is there still time to prevent this from happening?

    A successful but vulnerable treaty

    In May 2015, I attended the five-yearly review conference of the NPT. Delegates debated a draft outcome for weeks, and then, not for the first time, went home with nothing. Delegates from the US, United Kingdom and Canada blocked the final outcome to prevent words being added that would call for Israel to attend a disarmament conference.

    Russia did the same in 2022 in protest at language on its illegal occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station in Ukraine.

    Now, in the latest challenge to the NPT, Israel and the US have bombed Iran’s nuclear complexes to ostensibly enforce a treaty neither one respects.

    When the treaty was adopted in 1968, it allowed the five nuclear-armed states at the time – the US, Soviet Union, France, UK and China – to join if they committed not to pass weapons or material to other states, and to disarm themselves.

    All other members had to pledge never to acquire nuclear weapons. Newer nuclear powers were not permitted to join unless they gave up their weapons.

    Israel declined to join, as it had developed its own undeclared nuclear arsenal by the late 1960s. India, Pakistan and South Sudan have also never signed; North Korea was a member but withdrew in 2003. Only South Sudan does not have nuclear weapons today.

    To make the obligations enforceable and strengthen safeguards against the diversion of nuclear material to non-nuclear weapons states, members were later required to sign the IAEA Additional Protocol. This gave the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) wide powers to inspect a state’s nuclear facilities and detect violations.

    It was the IAEA that first blew the whistle on Iran’s concerning uranium enrichment activity in 2003. Just before Israel’s attacks this month, the organisation also reported Iran was in breach of its obligations under the NPT for the first time in two decades.

    The NPT is arguably the world’s most universal, important and successful security treaty, but it is also paradoxically vulnerable.

    The treaty’s underlying consensus has been damaged by the failure of the five nuclear-weapon states to disarm as required, and by the failure to prevent North Korea from developing a now formidable nuclear arsenal.

    North Korea withdrew from the treaty in 2003, tested a weapon in 2006, and now may have up to 50 warheads.

    Iran could be next.

    How things can deteriorate from here

    Iran argues Israel’s attacks have undermined the credibility of the IAEA, given Israel used the IAEA’s new report on Iran as a pretext for its strikes, taking the matter out of the hands of the UN Security Council.

    For its part, the IAEA has maintained a principled position and criticised both the US and Israeli strikes.

    Iran has retaliated with its own missile strikes against both Israel and a US base in Qatar. In addition, it wasted no time announcing it would withdraw from the NPT.

    On June 23, an Iranian parliament committee also approved a bill that would fully suspend Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA, including allowing inspections and submitting reports to the organisation.

    Iran’s envoy to the IAEA, Reza Najafi, said the US strikes:

    […] delivered a fundamental and irreparable blow to the international non-proliferation regime conclusively demonstrating that the existing NPT framework has been rendered ineffective.

    Even if Israel and the US consider their bombing campaign successful, it has almost certainly renewed the Iranians’ resolve to build a weapon. The strikes may only delay an Iranian bomb by a few years.

    Iran will have two paths to do so. The slower path would be to reconstitute its enrichment activity and obtain nuclear implosion designs, which create extremely devastating weapons, from Russia or North Korea.

    Alternatively, Russia could send Iran some of its weapons. This should be a real concern given Moscow’s cascade of withdrawals from critical arms control agreements over the last decade.

    An Iranian bomb could then trigger NPT withdrawals by other regional states, especially Saudi Arabia, who suddenly face a new threat to their security.

    Why Iran might now pursue a bomb

    Iran’s support for Hamas, Hezbollah and Syria’s Assad regime certainly shows it is a dangerous international actor. Iranian leaders have also long used alarming rhetoric about Israel’s destruction.

    However repugnant the words, Israeli and US conservatives have misjudged Iran’s motives in seeking nuclear weapons.

    Israel fears an Iranian bomb would be an existential threat to its survival, given Iran’s promises to destroy it. But this neglects the fact that Israel already possesses a potent (if undeclared) nuclear deterrent capability.

    Israeli anxieties about an Iranian bomb should not be dismissed. But other analysts (myself included) see Iran’s desire for nuclear weapons capability more as a way to establish deterrence to prevent future military attacks from Israel and the US to protect their regime.

    Iranians were shaken by Iraq’s invasion in 1980 and then again by the US-led removal of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. This war with Israel and the US will shake them even more.

    Last week, I felt that if the Israeli bombing ceased, a new diplomatic effort to bring Iran into compliance with the IAEA and persuade it to abandon its program might have a chance.

    However, the US strikes may have buried that possibility for decades. And by then, the damage to the nonproliferation regime could be irreversible.

    Anthony Burke received funding from the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council for a project on global nuclear governance (2014–17).

    – ref. The war won’t end Iran’s nuclear program – it will drive it underground, following North Korea’s model – https://theconversation.com/the-war-wont-end-irans-nuclear-program-it-will-drive-it-underground-following-north-koreas-model-259281

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 24th, 2025 Heinrich Slams Trump Administration’s Decision to Rescind Roadless Rule That Strips Protections of Millions of Acres of America’s National Forests

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins’ efforts to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, also known as the Roadless Rule, established during the Clinton Administration to protect over 58 million acres of public lands administered by the Forest Service.

    “Once again, the Trump Administration is putting special interests first by torching protections for our national forests. Rolling back the Roadless Rule will make millions of acres vulnerable to destructive wildfires, carve up wildlife habitat, degrade opportunities for recreation, and threaten the headwaters our communities rely on,” said Heinrich. “More than 80 percent of wildfires are started by humans within a half mile of a road – but now Trump is pretending that this rollback is necessary for fire prevention. This is nothing more than a reckless giveaway to private interests that puts lives and our lands at risk.” 

    See the map of New Mexico’s inventoried roadless areas on National Forest System lands here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 25, 2025
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