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Category: Renewable Energy

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 to Highlight Growth Opportunities in Africa’s Downstream Supply Chain

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

    PARIS, France, April 4, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum will host a high-level panel – Downstream Beneficiation: Supply Chain Development for Optimal Performance – as the continent aims to enhance energy security, reduce import dependence and maximize the value of its natural resources. The session will explore how the expansion of Africa’s downstream sector can strengthen supply chains, enhance refining capacity and drive sustainable economic growth through infrastructure investment and strategic partnerships.

    As Africa’s energy landscape evolves, optimizing downstream operations is critical to unlocking the full potential of the continent’s natural resources. This session will focus on closing the infrastructure finance gap by addressing key challenges such as upgrading refineries, expanding storage and distribution networks, and developing service stations, bottling plants and transport fleets. Panelists will also examine the role of strategic hubs – such as Egypt’s petrochemical industry, Equatorial Guinea’s Gas Mega Hub and Algeria’s emerging green hydrogen sector – in bolstering Africa’s supply chain efficiency, along with key regional projects like the Central African Pipeline System and the Lobito Corridor linking Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    IAE 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/43FPXaT) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Moderated by James Gooder, VP Crude, Argus Media, the panel will feature industry leaders offering key insights into Africa’s downstream sector. Speakers include Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary, African Refiners & Distributors Association; Tarik Berair, Commercial Development Manager, Technip Energies; Fernando Covas, Executive Director, S&P Global Commodity Insights; James Bullen, Head of Downstream, Petredec and Michael Kelly, Chief Advocacy Officer, World Liquid Gas Association. 

    Africa’s downstream investment climate is undergoing significant transformation, with several major projects driving the sector’s growth including Nigeria’s 650,000-bpd Dangote Refinery, Angola’s 200,000-bpd Lobito and 100,000-bpd Soyo refineries, and Algeria’s 100,000-bpd Hassi Messaoud Refinery. Despite recent refinery closures, South Africa also maintains a well-developed fuel distribution network, retail stations and petrochemical production, while Mozambique is emerging as a key LNG hub, with the Coral South FLNG project already operational and the Rovuma LNG and Mozambique LNG projects currently under development.

    Despite these advancements, challenges remain in securing adequate financing for infrastructure upgrades and supply chain expansion. Addressing these gaps will require coordinated efforts from governments, private investors and industry stakeholders to develop resilient and efficient downstream operations. The IAE 2025 downstream panel will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss actionable strategies that ensure Africa’s energy sector remains competitive, sustainable and responsive to global demand.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    April 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release: 2025 NREL Industry Growth Forum Celebrates 30 Years, Unlocks Value for Attendees

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    6 Entrepreneurs Took Home Top Awards After Presenting During 30th Anniversary of Event

    The 2025 NREL Industry Growth Forum winners were chosen from a field of 52 companies in the pitch competition. Photo by Kira Vos

    Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the 2025 NREL Industry Growth Forum (IGF) celebrated its 30th anniversary by awarding six top innovators of emerging technologies on March 26–28, 2025. With this year’s theme of “Unlocking Value,” the IGF provided more programs than ever before.

    In addition to the one-on-one meetings between startups and investors and the pitch competition, this year’s event featured reverse pitches, where industry partners expressed their needs from the innovation ecosystem. Also new this year, a spotlight event showcased 10 companies that are part of NREL’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) programs. The IEC hosted more than 1,000 attendees at the IGF.

    “We wanted to find new ways to bring members of this community together,” NREL IEC Director Trish Cozart said. “NREL has this incredible convening power, so when we do bring people together, we are unlocking the maximum value for high-quality startups, committed investors, and other industry professionals.”

    For this year’s awards, a panel of judges made up of investors deliberated to identify the winners from a field of 52 companies that pitched their technologies during the event, which had been selected by the IGF team from 247 applicants earlier in 2025.

    The Industry Growth Forum is the premier advanced energy technology event that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to forge new partnerships. The event allows them to share cutting-edge technologies, emerging resources, and models to bring new innovations to the market. In addition to the pitch competition, the IGF hosted nearly 3,000 one-on-one meetings between startups, investors, and energy ecosystem leaders.

    The pitch competition allows startups to stand out and give investors and industry partners a deeper understanding of innovative technologies.

    The 2025 IGF award winners:

    Best Growth Venture

    Ampersand—Daniel Ketyer, VP of Corporate Development and Strategy, Kigali, Rwanda 

    Best Commercialization Venture

    Sepion Technologies—Peter Frischmann, Co-Founder and CEO, Alameda, California

    Best Pre-Commercialization Venture

    Tandem PV—Scott Wharton, CEO, San Jose, California

    Best Early Venture

    Palanquin Power—Michael Solomentsev, Co-Founder and CEO, Golden, Colorado* 

    Best International Venture

    Ampersand—Daniel Ketyer, VP of Corporate Development and Strategy, Kigali, Rwanda 

    People’s Choice Award

    Ecotone Renewables—Dylan Lew, Co-Founder and CEO, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

    Best Overall Venture

    Sunchem—Daniel Sun, Co-Founder and CEO, Berkeley, California

    For a list of participating companies and sponsors, and for more information on the IGF, visit us online at www.nrelforum.com.

    *Palanquin Power is part of NREL’s Lab Embedded Entrepreneurship Program, West Gate.

    NREL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory operated for the Energy Department by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Final results of the Capital Increase

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Final results of the Capital Increase

    Settlement-delivery of the 17,488,744 New Shares and the 17,488,744 Warrants and listing on Euronext Growth

    Vitry-le-François, France – April 4, 2025, 6:00 pm (CET)

    On 4 April 2025, CIC Market Solutions, in its capacity as custodian, drew up a certificate in accordance with article L. 225-146 of the French Commercial Code, certifying that all the sums relating to the issue of 17,488,744 ABSA (New Shares with share subscription Warrant) had been paid up in full.

    The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer therefore duly noted the final completion of the issue in the amount of €6,995,497.60, including a par value of €1,748,874.40 and a share premium of €5,246,623.20, bringing the Company’s share capital to €6,218,220.10 divided into 62,182,201 ordinary shares with a par value of €0.10 each.

    Settlement and delivery of the 17,488,744 New Shares and the 17,488,744 Warrants took place on 4 April 2025. The New Shares (ISIN: FR0014007ND6 – Mnemonic: ALHAF) and the Warrants (ISIN FR001400Y4X9) will be listed for trading on Euronext Growth in Paris from 4 April 2025. The Warrants will be exercisable from 4 April 2026 to 4 October 2026.

    About Haffner Energy

    Haffner Energy is a French company providing solutions for the production of competitive clean fuels. With 32 years of experience converting biomass into renewable energies, it has developed innovative proprietary biomass thermolysis and gasification technologies to produce renewable gas, hydrogen and methanol, as well as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The company also contributes to regenerating the planet, through the co-production of biogenic CO2 and biocarbon (or char/biochar). Haffner Energy is listed on Euronext Growth. (ISIN code: FR0014007ND6 – Ticker: ALHAF).

    Investor relations

    investisseurs@haffner-energy.com

    Media relations

    Attachment

    • 2025 04 04_PR Capital Increase Final Results

    The MIL Network –

    April 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier Promotes Nova Scotia in Denmark

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Tim Houston will leave for Copenhagen, Denmark, Saturday, April 5, on a provincial trade mission.

    During the five-day mission, the Premier will meet with new and existing partners to strengthen relationships. Meetings will touch on a wide range of sectors and opportunities in healthcare, energy and seafood.

    “Nova Scotia has so much to offer our trade partners, and we can learn from them, too, as we look to innovate and become more self-reliant,” said Premier Houston. “We value our partnership with Denmark, and I look forward to promoting Nova Scotia at this critical time in our Province’s growth.”

    As part of the mission, the Premier will meet with healthcare leaders and attend WindEurope’s annual event which takes place in Copenhagen April 8-10. Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau will also attend the WindEurope event, which is taking place at a time when Europe is looking to transform its energy system. Denmark is aiming to reach complete fossil-fuel-free electricity by 2035 with an interest and expertise in hydrogen and wind energy.

    Nova Scotia is currently focused on making the province more self-reliant by investing in critical minerals, wind resources and the seafood sector. The Province is also developing a comprehensive trade action plan to facilitate internal trade, enhance productivity and drive critical sectors with input from businesses and industry.

    Quick Facts:

    • in 2024, Nova Scotia’s exports to Denmark reached $29.4 million; Nova Scotia’s imports from Denmark were valued at $24.4 million
    • Denmark is a member of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which eliminates tariffs on 98 per cent of Canadian exports to trade partners in the European Union, making trade more predictable, transparent and accessible for Nova Scotia businesses
    • mission delegates are Premier Houston; Minister Boudreau; Chief of Staff and General Counsel Nicole LaFosse Parker; Executive Deputy Minister Tracey Taweel; and Mike McMurray, Executive Director, International Relations, Department of Intergovernmental Affairs

    Additional Resources:

    Premier Houston’s April 2 statement on U.S. tariffs: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/04/02/statement-us-tariffs-announcement

    WindEurope event: https://windeurope.org/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    April 5, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB and Aragón regional government sign €234 million loan financing projects to back the green and digital transition, small businesses, innovation, jobs and rural development

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The Aragón regional government will use this loan to co-finance investments under European regional development funds.
    • The investments will go to various projects to offer more public services, promote the dual green and digital transition, innovation, business competitiveness, employability and economic development in rural areas affected by depopulation.
    • The loan will make it possible to finance specific projects for the province of Teruel with a focus on the energy transition and environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, social infrastructure and more.
    • The agreement will make a significant contribution to climate action and economic, social and territorial cohesion, two of the EIB Group’s strategic priorities.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €234 million loan with the government of the Spanish region of Aragón to co-finance investments promoting the dual green and digital transition, boosting the competitiveness of local industry, helping to provide better public services and supporting economic development in rural areas at risk of depopulation. This is the first tranche of a loan totalling €260 million approved by the EIB.

    The loan will co-finance diverse projects including transferring knowledge in advanced technologies to businesses in Aragón; the One Health Teruel health biotechnology project; the reuse of local waste and decontamination of land affected by lindane use; improved energy efficiency in public healthcare and educational buildings in Aragón; and local social employment and active inclusion initiatives.

    The finance contract falls under the EU regional development and cohesion funds operational programme for 2021-2027 and will channel financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund.

    The EU Just Transition Fund aims to support regions facing serious socioeconomic challenges in transitioning to climate neutrality. Here, its financing will focus on the province of Teruel, funding projects in green industrial transformation, sustainable mobility, the circular economy, energy efficiency, renewable energy (including self-consumption, energy storage and green hydrogen), support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, research, development and innovation (RDI), digitalisation, environmental restoration and conservation, sustainable tourism and social infrastructure, among other things.

    This agreement highlights the commitment of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) to climate action and economic, social and territorial cohesion, two of the eight core priorities outlined in the Group’s Strategic Roadmap for 2024-2027.

    Background information  

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientists from Akademgorodok have established that terahertz radiation affects the metabolism of melanoma cells

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Scientists from Novosibirsk State University, together with colleagues from the Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology (NIIKEL, a branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, ICG SB RAS), the Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS (ICG SB RAS) and the G. I. Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (INP SB RAS) have established that terahertz radiation affects the energy metabolism of melanoma cells. To this end, they conducted experiments to study the effects of this type of electromagnetic radiation on human melanoma cells. This work is of a fundamental nature and expands our understanding of the biological effects of terahertz radiation, as well as cellular reactions to its effects. The results are published in the journal “Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids”.

    Terahertz radiation (THzI) is electromagnetic waves whose frequency lies between the infrared and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) ranges: from 100 GHz to 10 THz. Modern technologies based on the use of electromagnetic waves in the terahertz range are widely used in biomedical sciences. For example, terahertz spectroscopy can be relevant in medical practice for the diagnosis of oncological diseases. At the same time, the THz region has not been fully studied, so fundamental research into the radiation of this electromagnetic spectrum and, first of all, the study of its biological effects on living systems are relevant.

    — Our work is devoted to studying the fundamental mechanisms of the impact of non-ionizing radiation on biological objects, in this case, on human melanoma cells. However, the purpose of the study is not to develop treatment methods using terahertz radiation. We chose a melanoma cell line as a model, since it is a stable and well-studied system. This allows us to minimize the impact of side factors and be sure that the observed changes are associated with the impact of THz radiation, and not with the features of the cells’ vital activity, — the first-year postgraduate student commented Faculty of Natural Sciences of NSU (major in biology), junior researcher at the laboratory of cell technologies at the Research Institute of Cellular and Electron Microbiology and Genetics, a branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterina Butikova.

    These studies were conducted at the Novosibirsk Free Electron Laser (NFEL) of the Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS. Only this facility can generate radiation with the parameters required for these experiments: the frequency of the radiation used was 2.3 THz, and the average intensity was 0.05 W/cm2. The specialists exposed human melanoma cells grown in culture flasks to THzI. Irradiation at a radiation frequency of 2.3 THz was carried out at the user station of the Novosibirsk Free Electron Laser.

    – The Novosibirsk LSE is a unique source of teragerz and infrared radiation. In terms of average power, it is many orders of magnitude exceeds any sources existing in the world, which allows you to conduct absolutely unique experiments in a very wide area of ​​wavelengths with various biological objects. The fact is that biopolymers, such as proteins, have four spatial levels of organization. If the primary structure is determined by covalent bonds, then the secondary, tertiary and higher are determined by hydrogen bonds, the energy of which lies precisely in the area of ​​TGC-radiation. Therefore, if we affect the TGCI on living systems, we can quite much affect the operation of their cells, on the processes that pass inside them. Such experiments are of interest from the point of view that no living organism has formed any protective mechanisms from TGC radiation, since it is completely absorbed by the atmosphere, which means that it affects the biological objects, it can be explored how they adapt, which protection mechanisms include. For such biological experiments, a special user station was created on NLSE, which implemented the technology for adjusting the average and peak radiation power, as well as the intensity of exposure. Since we work with living systems that feel comfortable in a very narrow temperature range, which was important for the purity of experiments to equip the station with a wiper and thermal imager – these devices support and control the desired temperature. Thanks to this, we understand that we get the reaction of the system precisely to the influence of irradiation, and not to the increase or decrease in temperature, ”explained Vasily Popik, senior researcher at the Physical and Mathematical Sciences of the Physical and Mathematics.

    Three groups of cells participated in the experiment. One was irradiated with terahertz radiation, the second with infrared radiation (IR), and the third was a control group and was not affected in any way. The terahertz and IR groups were irradiated for 10 and 45 minutes. On the day of irradiation, specialists conducted cytotoxic tests on the cells. On the third day, they conducted metabolomic screening – an analysis of metabolites, or organic molecules involved in metabolism.

    – Metabolites are small organic molecules that are involved in the metabolism in living organisms. They can be intermediate or final products of biochemical reactions, provide cells with energy, serve as a building material for cells or perform regulatory functions. In the course of complex biochemical transformations, some substances are synthesized, others are destroyed, ensuring the energy balance, biosynthesis and the regulation of cellular functions. To study the biochemical state of cells and tissues, one of the most effective tools is metabolo screening. It allows you to fix changes in the metabolic composition of the body associated with physiological processes, diseases or external influences. Analysis of a wide range of metabolites helps to look into the molecular world of the cell and understand how it functions. In our laboratory, we conduct metabolon screening by the method of highly effective liquid chromatography with tandem mass-spectrometric detection (VEZH-MS/MS). Two years ago, we developed an approach that allows you to analyze about 400 metabolites (including both polar compounds and lipids) in less than 30 minutes of analysis. This was made possible thanks to the use of a monolithic column for VEGH, created by the employees of the Catalysis Institute SB RAS Yu.S. Sotnikova and Yu.V. Patrushev, ”said the laboratory assistant of the laboratory of the molecular pathology of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technology of NSU, junior researcher at the Laboratory of Physiologically active substances of the Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry named after N.N. Vorozhtsova SB RAS (Nioh SB RAS) Nikita Basov.   

    The scientists have previously applied their metabolomic screening approach to plasma and dried blood spots, but its use in cell culture studies remained unexplored. In this work, they developed and tested a cell sample preparation protocol, assessed its limitations, and combined it for the first time with an analytical method to study the effects of terahertz radiation on melanoma cells.

    Using metabolomic screening data and bioinformatics tools, the team of scientists concluded that terahertz radiation primarily affects the cell’s energy metabolism. To do this, they used the ANDSystem tool, an automated system that combines data from numerous biological databases and scientific publications, allowing them to identify functional links between genes, proteins, and metabolic pathways.

    — Our studies show that THz radiation caused changes in the content of 40 metabolites, mainly in the pathways of purine and pyrimidine metabolism, and it also affects the level of ceramides and phosphatidylcholines. Analysis of genetic networks conducted by our colleagues from the Laboratory of Computer Proteomics of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences identified mitochondrial membrane proteins as key regulators of the biosynthesis of these metabolites. In addition, THz radiation apparently disrupts the structure of lipid rafts, which affects mitochondrial transport, but does not affect the integrity of proteins. Metabolic effects were specific to THzI and differed from the thermal effects observed with infrared radiation, — added Ekaterina Butikova.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Colleagues Sound Alarm on Reports of DOGE “Hit List” of Key Energy Projects, Demand Department of Energy Follow the Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Colleagues Sound Alarm on Reports of DOGE “Hit List” of Key Energy Projects, Demand Department of Energy Follow the Law

    Senators: “Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers”

    California’s ARCHES Hydrogen Hub among projects on list of potential cuts

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and 26 other Democratic Senators demanded that U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Christopher Wright uphold his commitment to honor existing legal agreements and deliver funds passed into law by Congress. The letter comes on the heels of recent reports that the Department of Energy is creating a “hit list” of awards, contracts, and projects — many of which have already began construction — it is considering canceling. These cuts would break existing agreements while leading to significant job losses and a reduction in growth of new energy resources. 

    The Trump Administration’s proposed cuts include hydrogen hub projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub for which Senator Padilla secured up to $1.2 billion. Reportedly, the hubs under threat are all in Democratic-leaning states like California, while hydrogen hubs in Republican-leaning states would maintain funding.

    This hit list is a stark reversal from Secretary Wright’s confirmation hearing, where he said legal agreements should be honored and that he would follow the law. The Senators expressed serious concerns about the reports and reasserted Congress’ authority over the programs they fund.

    “Indiscriminately canceling program funding and executed contracts, and refusing to execute on the funding directives Congress enacted, neither honors existing agreements nor is consistent with the spending laws that have appropriated funding for specific purposes,” wrote the Senators.

    “Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers. Your indiscriminate cancellations of spending will increase energy prices, make our grid less secure, and stop energy innovation,” continued the Senators. “If the Department has a policy disagreement and does not want to spend money on programs Congress has funded, the lawful response is to ask Congress to rescind that funding. The decision ultimately rests with Congress, not with the President, the Department of Energy, or the Department of Government Efficiency.”

    The Senators concluded by demanding a detailed list and briefing that identifies which grants, loans, or loan guarantees Secretary Wright believes should be rescinded and why.

    The letter was led by Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter was also signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    Yesterday, Senator Padilla questioned President Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of Energy on the hit list, highlighting the importance of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program to “jumpstart” the national hydrogen economy and urging him to protect vital funding for ARCHES.

    Full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Mr. Secretary:

    We are deeply troubled by recent news reports that the Department of Energy (Department) is creating a “hit list of clean energy projects” to “wipe out” for being inconsistent with the President’s priorities. This list reportedly includes hydrogen hubs and carbon capture, critical mineral, and battery storage projects that have already received grant and loan funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and annual appropriations bills.

    You assured us during your confirmation hearing that you believe that legal agreements should be honored (including managing the financial commitments you have inherited) and that you will follow the law. Indiscriminately canceling program funding and executed contracts, and refusing to execute on the funding directives Congress enacted, neither honors existing agreements nor is consistent with the spending laws that have appropriated funding for specific purposes.

    Our Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse and exclusive power to appropriate funds. Once a law is properly enacted, the Constitution requires the President to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.” The President cannot substitute his policy preferences for requirements in law, and that includes refusing to spend funds Congress requires the President to spend.

    In this instance, where Congress has authorized and appropriated funds for programs that support clean energy projects, the Department must faithfully execute the law and expend the funds for the purposes provided. For example, programs authorized that have received federal appropriations under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have requirements on timing of expended funds, purposes, and contractual expectations. An internal Office of Management and Budget guidance document cannot hide the Department’s obligation to follow the enacted law.

    Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers. Your indiscriminate cancellations of spending will increase energy prices, make our grid less secure, and stop energy innovation. If the Department has a policy disagreement and does not want to spend money on programs Congress has funded, the lawful response is to ask Congress to rescind that funding. The decision ultimately rests with Congress, not with the President, the Department of Energy, or the Department of Government Efficiency. Please provide us a detailed list and briefing that identifies which grants, loans, or loan guarantees you believe should be rescinded and why you think they should be rescinded.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India calls on BRICS to Unite on ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’ to Mobilize USD 1.3 Trillion for Achieving NDC Goals, at the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Brasilia

    Source: Government of India

    India calls on BRICS to Unite on ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’ to Mobilize USD 1.3 Trillion for Achieving NDC Goals, at the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Brasilia

    India emphasizes on Collaborative Climate Action among BRICS Nations for Strengthening Global Sustainability and Just Transition for All

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 8:16PM by PIB Delhi

    India has vociferously advocated the need for a Collective Leadership for advancing the 2030 Climate Agenda at the 11th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting, held in Brasilia, Brazil, today. The Indian delegation was led by Sh. Amandeep Garg, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

    Session I: Advancing Environmental Cooperation amongst BRICS towards Sustainable Development and a Just Transition for All

    During the first session, India underscored BRICS’ pivotal role in shaping global sustainability and Climate action. Highlighting that BRICS nations collectively account for 47% of the world’s population and contribute 36% of global GDP (PPP), India emphasized the group’s responsibility in addressing climate change and sustainable development.

    India reaffirmed the significance of the New Delhi Statement from the 7th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting 2021, which advocates a holistic approach to climate action by integrating adaptation, mitigation, and means of implementation. Stressing the urgent need for equitable carbon budget utilization, India called for a balanced transition that prioritizes developing nations’ growth while ensuring sustainability.

    A key focus was the Baku to Belem Roadmap, aimed at securing USD 1.3 trillion in climate finance to support Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). India urged BRICS partners to strengthen climate financing mechanisms to meet global sustainability commitments effectively.

    On energy security, India reiterated commitments made in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration (2021), which promotes a diversified energy mix, including fossil fuels, hydrogen, nuclear, and renewables. India highlighted the Green Grids Initiative – One Sun, One World, One Grid, launched under the International Solar Alliance, as a transformative project for global renewable energy integration.

    India also emphasized the role of resource efficiency and the circular economy in achieving sustainability goals. The Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition, launched under G20, was cited as a model for global corporate collaboration in sustainable resource management.

    “A Just Transition must acknowledge the diverse economic realities of nations. Each country has a unique development pathway, and the provision of adequate means of implementation—in finance, technology, and capacity-building—is essential to ensuring that no nation or community is left behind in this transition. As BRICS nations, we must strengthen our engagements in multilateral forums, championing the interests of developing economies and advocating for a fair and equitable transition”, India’s statement read.

    Session II: Collective Leadership for Climate and the 2030 Agenda

    In the second session, India highlighted that the expansion of BRICS from five to eleven members strengthens its leadership in global climate governance. With BRICS nations facing common environmental challenges such as desertification, pollution and biodiversity loss, India stressed the importance of collective action and shared responsibility.

    Emphasizing the need for fair and equitable climate transition, India stressed for continued collaboration amongst BRICS Nations at multilateral forums such as UNFCCC, UNCCD, CBD, and UNEA. The country reiterated the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) as a fundamental guideline for climate negotiations.

    India also acknowledged BRICS’ leadership in sustainability through flagship initiatives, including the Partnership for Urban Environmental Sustainability, the Clean Rivers Programme, and Sustainable Urban Management. The country called for enhanced cooperation in tackling marine plastic pollution, improving air quality, and printing resource efficiency.

    On Climate Finance, India highlighted the urgent need for developed nations to fulfill their commitments, noting that the proposed USD 300 billion per year by 2035 under the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance is far below the required USD 1.3 trillion. India emphasized the importance of COP30, to be hosted in Brazil, as a critical milestone for advancing global adaptation and resilience efforts.

    India also reiterated its leadership in conservation and sustainability, mentioning initiatives such as the International Big Cat Alliance, a global effort for wildlife conservation. Furthermore, India urged BRICS nations to join global sustainability initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, Leadership Group for Industry Transition, and Global Biofuel Alliance to accelerate collective climate action.

    India reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with BRICS partners to drive transformative change in climate action, environmental cooperation, and sustainable development. The Indian delegation expressed gratitude to Brazil, the BRICS Chair, for hosting the meeting and emphasized the importance of continued engagement for a greener, more resilient future.

    *****

    VM/GS
     

    (Release ID: 2118492) Visitor Counter : 14

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: University Student Research Challenge (USRC) Awards

    Source: NASA

    University Student Research Challenge (USRC) seeks to challenge students to propose new ideas/concepts that are relevant to NASA Aeronautics. USRC will provide students, from accredited U.S. colleges or universities, with grants for their projects and with the challenge of raising cost share funds through a crowdfunding campaign. The process of creating and implementing a crowdfunding campaign acts as a teaching accelerator – requiring students to act like entrepreneurs and raise awareness about their research among the public.
    The solicitation goal can be accomplished through project ideas such as advancing the design, developing technology or capabilities in support of aviation, by demonstrating a novel concept, or enabling advancement of aeronautics-related technologies.
    Eligibility: NASA funding is available to all accredited U.S. institutions of higher education (e.g. universities, four-year colleges, community colleges, or other two-year institutions). Students must be currently enrolled (part-time or full-time) at the institution. NASA has no set expectations as to the team size. The number of students participating in the investigation is to be determined by the scope of the project and the student Team Leader.
    The USRC solicitation is currently Closed with Proposals next due June 26, 2025. Please visit NSPIRES to receive alerts when more information is available.
    A USRC Q&A/Info Session and Proposal Workshop will be held May 12, 2025, at 2pm ET ahead of the USRC Submission deadline in June 2025. Join the Q&A
    Please email us at HQ-USRC@mail.nasa.gov if you have any questions or to schedule a 1 on 1.

    Context-Aware Cybersecurity for UAS Traffic Management (Texas A&M University)Developing, testing, and pursuing transition of an aviation-context-aware network authentication and segmentation function, which holistically manages cyber threats in future UAS traffic control systems.Student Team: Vishwam Raval (Team Lead), Michael Ades, Garett Haynes, Sarah Lee, Kevin Lei, Oscar Leon, McKenna Smith, Nhan Nick TruongFaculty Mentors: Jaewon Kim and Sandip RoySelected: 2025

    Reconnaissance and Emergency Aircraft for Critical Hurricane Relief (North Carolina State University)Developing and deploying advanced unmanned aerial systems designed to locate, communicate with, and deliver critical supplies to stranded individuals in the wake of natural disasters.Student Team: Tobias Hullette (Team Lead), Jose Vizcarrondo, Rishi Ghosh, Caleb Gobel, Lucas Nicol, Ajay Pandya, Paul Randolph, Hadie SabbahFaculty Mentor: Felix EwereSelected: 2025

    Design and Prototyping of a 9-phase Dual-Rotor Motor for Supersonic Electric Turbofan (Colorado School of Mines)Designing and prototyping a scaled-down 9-phase dual-rotor motor (DRM) for a supersonic electric turbofan.Student Team: Mahzad Gholamian (Team Lead), Garret Reader, Mykola Mazur, Mirali SeyedrezaeiFaculty Mentor: Omid BeikSelected: 2024

    Project F.I.R.E (Fire Intervention Retardant Expeller) (Cerritos Community College)Mitigating wildfires with drone released fire retardant pellets.Student Team: Angel Ortega Barrera (Team Lead), Larisa Mayoral, Paola Mayoral Jimenez, Jenny Rodriguez, Logan Stahl, Juan VillaFaculty Mentor: Janet McLarty-SchroederSelected: 2024

    Learning cooperative policies for adaptive human-drone teaming in shared airspace (Cornell University)Enabling new coordination and communication models for smoother, more efficient, and robust air traffic flow.Student Team: Mehrnaz Sabet (Team Lead), Aaron Babu, Marcus Lee, Joshua Park, Francis Pham, Owen Sorber, Roopak Srinivasan, Austin ZhaoFaculty Mentor: Sanjiban Choudhury, Susan FussellSelected: 2024Crowdfunding Website

    Investigation on Cryogenic Fluid Chill-Down Time for Supersonic Transport Usage (University of Washington, Seattle)Investigating reducing the boil-off of cryogenic fluids in pipes using vortex generators.Student Team: Ryan Fidelis (Team Lead), Alexander Ala, Kaleb ShawFaculty Mentor: Fiona Spencer, Robert BreidenthalSelected: 2024Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “Students win NASA grant to develop AI for safer aerial traffic“

    Clean Forever-Flying Drones: Utilizing Ocean Water for Hydrogen Extraction in Climate Monitoring (Purdue University)An ocean-based fueling station and a survey drone that can refuel in remote areas.Student Team: Holman Lau (Team Lead), Nikolai Baranov, Andrej Damjanov, Chloe Hardesty, Smit KapadiaFaculty Mentor: Li QiaoSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Intelligent drone for detection of people during emergency response operation (Louisiana State University and A&M College)Using machine learning algorithms for images and audio data, integrated with gas sensing for real-time detection of people on UAS.Student Team: Jones Essuman (Team Lead), Tonmoy Sarker, Samer TahboubFaculty Mentor: Xiangyu MengSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Advancing Aerospace Materials Design through High-Fidelity Computational Peridynamic Modeling and Modified SVET Validation of Corrosion Damage (California State University, Channel Islands)Modeling electrochemical corrosion nonlocally and combining efforts from bond-based and state-based theory.Student Team: Trent Ruiz (Team Lead), Isaac Cisneros, Curtis HauckFaculty Mentor: Cynthia FloresSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Swarm Micro UAVs for Area Mapping in GPS-denied Areas (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University)Using swarm robotics to map complex environments and harsh terrain with Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs)Student Team: Daniel Golan (Team Lead), Stanlie Cerda-Cruz, Kyle Fox, Bryan Gonzalez, Ethan ThomasFaculty Mentor: Sergey V. DrakunovSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “Student Research on Drone Swarm Mapping Selected to Compete at NASA Challenge“

    AeroFeathers—Feathered Airfoils Inspired by the Quiet Flight of Owls (Michigan Tech University)Creating new propeller blades and fixed wing design concepts that mimic the features of anowl feather and provide substantial noise reduction benefits.Student Team: William Johnston (Team Lead), Pulitha Godakawela Kankanamalage, Amulya Lomte, Maria Jose Carrillo Munoz, Brittany Wojciechowski, Laura Paige Nobles, Gabrielle MathewsFaculty Mentor: Bhisham SharmaSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Laser Energized Aerial Drone System (LEADS) for Sustained Sensing Applications (Michigan State University)Laser based, high-efficiency optical power transfer for UAV charging for sustained flight and monitoring.Student Team: Gavin Gardner (Team Lead), Ryan Atkinson, Brady Berg, Ross Davis, Gryson Gardner, Malachi Keener, Nicholas MichaelsFaculty Mentor: Woongkul LeeSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    LEADS team Website

    UAM Contingency Diagnosis Toolkit (Ohio State University)A UAM contingency diagnosis toolkit which that includes cognitive work requirements (CWRs) for human operators, information sharing requirements, and representational designs.Student Team: Connor Kannally (Team Lead), Izzy Furl, Luke McSherry, Abhinay PaladuguFaculty Mentor: Martijn IJtsmaSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    Project Website
    Web Article: “NASA Awards $80K to Ohio State students through University Research Challenge“

    Hybrid Quadplane Search and Rescue Missions (NC A&T University)An autonomous search and rescue quadplane UAS supported by an unmanned mobile landing platform/recharge station ground vehicle.Student Team: Luis Landivar Olmos (Team Lead), Dakota Price, Amilia Schimmel, Sean TisdaleFaculty Mentor: A. HomaifarSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Drone Based Water Sampling and Quality Testing – Special Application in the Raritan River (Rutgers University, New Brunswick)An autonomous water sampling drone system.Student Team: Michael Leitner (Team Lead), Xavier Garay, Mohamed Haroun, Ruchit Jathania, Caleb Lippe, Zachary Smolder, Chi Hin TamFaculty Mentor: Onur BilgenSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    Project Website

    Development of a Low-Cost Open-Source Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Machine – Arc One (Case Western Reserve University)A small-scale, modular, low-cost, and open-source Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) platform.Student Team: Vishnushankar Viraliyur Ramasamy (Team Lead), Robert Carlstrom, Bathlomew Ebika, Jonathan Fu, Anthony Lino, Garrett TiengFaculty Mentor: John LewandowskiSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “PhD student wins funding from NASA and develops multidisciplinary team of undergraduate students to build novel machine“

    Low Cost and Efficient eVTOL Platform Leveraging Opensource for Accessibility (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)Lowering the barrier of entry into eVTOL deployment and development with a low cost, efficient, and open source eVTOL platformStudent Team: Martin Arguelles-Perez (Team Lead), Benjamin Bishop, Isabella Laurito, Genaro Marcial Lorza, Eman YonisFaculty Mentor: Venkatesan MuthukumarSelected: 2022

    Applying Space-Based Estimation Techniques to Drones in GPS-Denied Environments (University Of Texas, Austin)Taking real-time inputs from flying drones and outputting an accurate state estimation with 3-D error ellipsoid visualizationStudent Team: James Mitchell Roberts (Team Lead), Lauren Byram, Melissa PiresFaculty Mentor: Adam NokesSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Project Website
    Web Article: “GPS-free Drone Tech Proposal Lands Undergrads Spot in NASA Challenge“

    Underwing Distributed Ducted Fan ‘FanFoil’ Concept for Transformational Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Performance (Texas Tech University, Lubbock)Novel highly under-cambered airfoils with electric ducted fans featuring ’samara’ maple seed inspired blades for eVTOL applicationStudent Team: Jack Hicks (Team Lead), Harrison Childre, Guilherme Fernandes, David Gould, Lorne Greene, Muhammad Waleed Saleem, Nathan ShapiroFaculty Mentor: Victor Maldonado Selected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Web Articles: “Improving Ducted-Fan eVTOL Efficiency” (AvWeek), “Sky Taxies“

    Urban Cargo Delivery Using eVTOL Aircrafts (University Of Illinois, Chicago)A bi-objective optimization formulation minimizing total run costs of a two-leg cargo delivery system and community noise exposure to eVTOL operationsStudent Team: Nahid Parvez Farazi (Team Lead), Amy Hofstra, Son NguyenFaculty Mentor: Bo ZouSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “PhD student awarded NASA grant to investigate urban cargo delivery systems“

    Congestion Aware Path Planning for Optimal UAS Traffic Management (University Of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign)A feasible, provably safe, and quantifiably optimal path planning framework considering fully autonomous UAVs in urban environmentsStudent Team: Minjun Sung (Team Lead), Christoph Aoun, Ivy Fei, Christophe Hiltebrandt-McIntosh, Sambhu Harimanas Karumanchi, Ran TaoFaculty Mentor: Naira HovakimyanSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “NASA funds UAV traffic management research“

    AeroZepp: Aerostat Enabled Drone Glider Delivery System / Whisper Ascent: Quiet Drone Delivery (University of Delaware)An aerostat enabled low-energy UAV payload delivery systemStudent Team: Wesley Connor (Team Lead), Abubakarr Bah, Karlens SenatusFaculty Mentor: Suresh AdvaniSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website

    Sustainable Transport Research Aircraft for Test Operation (STRATO) (Rutgers University, New Brunswick)An open source, efficiently driven, optimized Active Flow Control (AFC) enhanced control surface for UAV research platformsStudent Team: Daulton James (Team Lead), Jean Alvarez, Frederick Diaz, Michael Ferrell, Shriya Khera, Connor Magee, Roy Monge Hidalgo, Bertrand SmithFaculty Mentor: Edward DeMauroSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Web Articles: “SoE Students Eligible for NASA University Student Research Challenge Award“, “Senior Design Team Captures NASA Research Challenge“
    A recorded STRATO USRC Tech Talk

    Dronehook: A Novel Fixed-Wing Package Retrieval System (University Of Notre Dame)Envisioning a world where items can be retrieved from remote locations in a simple fashion from efficient fixed-wing UAVsStudent Team: Konrad Rozanski (Team Lead), Dillon Coffey, Bruce Smith, Nicholas OrrFaculty Mentor: Jane Cleland-HuangSelected: 2021Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “Notre Dame student team wins NASA research award for drone scoop and grab technology“

    Aerial Intra-city Delivery Electric Drones (AIDED) with High Payload Capacity (Michigan State University)A high-payload capacity delivery drone capable of safely latching and charging on electrified public transportation systemsStudent Team: Yuchen Wang (Team Lead), Hunter Carmack, Kindred Griffis, Luke Lewallen, Scott Newhard, Caroline Nicholas, Shukai Wang, Kyle WhiteFaculty Mentor: Woongkul LeeSelected: 2021AIDED Crowdfunding Website
    AIDED Project Website or Team Website
    Web Articles: “Spartan Engineers win NASA research award” and “NASA Aeronautics amplification“; “Ross Davis & Gavin Gardner on The Guy Gordon Show“; “MSU Students Create Delivery Drone for NASA“; “Student drone project flying high with help from NASA“
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk

    Robotic Fabrication Work Cell for Customizable Unmanned Aerial Systems (Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University)A robotic, multi-process work cell to autonomously fabricate topologically optimized UASs tailored for immediate application needsStudent Team: Tadeusz Kosmal (Team Lead), Kieran Beaumont, Om Bhavsar, Eric Link, James LoweFaculty Mentor: Christopher WilliamsSelected: 2021Crowdfunding Website
    RAV-FAB Project Website
    Web Articles: “Drones that fly away from a 3D printer: Undergraduates create science nonfiction” and “3D printing breaks out of the box / VTx / Virginia Tech“
    NASA VT USRC Web Article: “USRC Students Sees Success with Crowdfunding, NASA Grants“
    Publication: Hybrid additive robotic workcell for autonomous fabrication of mechatronic systems – A case study of drone fabrication – ScienceDirect
    Team Social Media: Instagram: @ravfab_vt; LinkedIn: @rav-fab; YouTube
    View RAV-FAB USRC Tech Talk #1 or USRC Tech Talk #2

    Real Time Quality Control in Additive Manufacturing Using In-Process Sensing and Machine Learning (Cornell University)A high-precision and low-cost intelligent sensor-based quality control technology for Additive ManufacturingStudent Team: Adrita Dass (Team Lead), Talia Turnham, Benjamin Steeper, Chenxi Tian, Siddharth Patel, Akula Sai Pratyush, Selina KirubakarFaculty Mentor: Atieh MoridiSelected: 2021Crowdfunding Website
    AMAS Project Website
    Web Article: “Students win NASA challenge with 3D-printer smart sensor“
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic

    AVIATA: Autonomous Vehicle Infinite Time Apparatus (University of California, Los Angeles)A drone swarm system capable of carrying a payload in the air indefinitelyStudent Team: Chirag Singh (Team Lead), Ziyi Peng, Bhrugu Mallajosyula, Willy Teav, David Thorne, James Tseng, Eric Wong, Axel Malahieude, Ryan Nemiroff, Yuchen Yao, Lisa FooFaculty Mentor: Jeff EldredgeSelected: 2020Crowdfunding Website
    AVIATA Project Website
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on AVIATA
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    Redundant Flight Control System for BVLOS UAV Operations (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University)A redundant flight control system as a “back-up” to the primary flight computer to enhance safety of sUASStudent Team: Robert Moore (Team Lead), Joseph Ayd, and Todd MartinFaculty Mentor: John RobbinsSelected: 2020Crowdfunding Website
    Web Articles: “NASA Web Article“; “Drone Innovation Top Embry-Riddle Entrepreneurship Competition“
    Follow the team’s progress at: https://www.facebook.com/Assured Autonomy
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    Multi-Mode Hybrid Unmanned Delivery System: Combining Fixed-Wing and Multi-Rotor Aircraft with Ground Vehicles (Rutgers University)Extending drone delivery distance with a multi-mode hybrid delivery systemStudent Team: Paul Wang (Team Lead), Nolan Angelia, Muhammet Ali GungorFaculty Mentor: Onur BilgenSelected: 2020Crowdfunding Website
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    AVIS: Active Vortex Inducing System for Flow Separation Control to Improve Airframe Efficiency (Georgia Institute of Technology)Use an array of vortex generators that can be adjusted throughout flight to increase wing efficiencyStudent Team: Michael Gamarnik (Team Lead), Shiva Khanna Yamamoto, Noah Mammen, Tommy Schrager, Bethe NewgentFaculty Mentor: Kelly GriendlingSelected: 2020Go to AVIS team site
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on AVIS
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021
    NASA Web Article

    Hybrid Airplanes – An Optimum and Modular Approach (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo)Model and test powertrain to maximize the efficiency of hybrid airplanesStudent Team: Nicholas Ogden (Team Lead), Joseph Shy, Brandon Bartlett, Ryker Bullis, Chino Cruz, Sara Entezar, Aaron Li, Zach YamauchiFaculty Mentor: Paulo IscoldSelected: 2019A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    ATLAS Air Transportation (South Dakota State University)A multipurpose, automated drone capable of comfortably lifting the weight of an average personStudent Team: Isaac Smithee (Team Lead), Wade Olson, Nicolas Runge, Ryan Twedt, Anthony Bachmeier, Matthew Berg, Sterling BergFaculty Mentors: Marco Ciarcia, Todd LetcherSelected: 2019A recorded USRC Tech Talk #1 and USRC Tech Talk #2 on ATLAS
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    Software-Defined GPS Augmentation Network for UAS Navigation (University Of Oklahoma, Norman)A novel solution of enhanced GPS navigation for unmanned aerial vehiclesStudent Team: Robert Rucker (Team Lead), Alex Zhang, Jakob Fusselman, Matthew GilliamMentors: Dr. Yan (Rockee) Zhang (Faculty Mentor), Dr Hernan Suarez (Team Technical Mentor)Faculty Mentors: Marco Ciarcia, Todd LetcherSelected: 2019Crowdfunding Website
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    UAV Traffic Information Exchange Network (Purdue University)A blockchain-inspired secure, scalable, distributed, and efficient communication framework to support large scale UAV operationsStudent Team: Hsun Chao (Team Lead) and Apoorv MaheshwariFaculty Mentors: Daniel DeLaurentis (Faculty Mentor), Shashank TamaskarSelected: 2018Web Article: “Student-developed communication network for UAVs interests NASA“The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    University Student Research Challenge
    University Leadership Initiative
    University Innovation Project
    Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: This election, what are Labor and the Coalition offering on the energy transition, climate adaptation and emissions?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Johanna Nalau, Senior Lecturer, Climate Adaptation, Griffith University

    Composite image, Xiangli Li, Shirley Jayne Photography and geckoz/Shutterstock

    Australia’s 2022 federal election was seen as the climate election. But this time round, climate policy has so far taken a back seat as the major parties focus on cost-of-living issues.

    Despite this, climate change remains an ever-present threat. Last year was the world’s hottest on record and extreme weather is lashing Queensland. But there are hints of progress. Australia’s emissions have begun to fall and the main power grid is now 40% renewable.

    So before Australians head to the polls on May 3, it’s worth closely examining the climate policies of the two major parties. What are they offering on cutting emissions, preparing for climate-boosted disasters and future-proofing our energy systems? And where are the gaps?

    Energy transition – Tony Wood, Grattan Institute

    Cost-of-living pressures, escalating damage from climate change and global policy uncertainty mean no election issue is more important than transforming Australia’s economy to achieve net zero. But our energy supply must be reliable and affordable. What should the next government prioritise?

    There is great pressure to deliver power bill relief. But the next government’s priority should be reducing how much a household spends on energy, rather than trying to bring down the price of electricity. Far better to give financial support for battery storage and better home insulation, to slash how much power consumers need to buy from the grid.

    The Liberal-led Senate inquiry has just found supporting home electrification will also help with cost of living pressures.

    The electricity rebates on offer from Labor and the temporary cut to fuel excise from the Coalition aren’t enough.

    Federal and state governments must maintain their support and investment in the new transmission lines necessary to support new renewable generation and storage.

    Labor needs to do more to meet its 2030 target of reaching 82% renewables in the main grid. Currently, the figure is around 40%. The Coalition’s plan to slow down renewables, keep coal going longer and burn more gas while pushing for a nuclear future carries alarmingly high risks on reliability, cost and environmental grounds.

    Gas shortfalls are looming for Australia’s southeast in the next few winters and the price of gas remains stubbornly high. Labor does not yet have a workable solution to either issue, while the Coalition has an idea – more and therefore cheaper gas – but no clarity on how its plan to keep more gas for domestic use would work in practice.

    So far, we have been offered superficially appealing ideas. The field is wide open for a leader to deliver a compelling vision and credible plan for Australia’s net-zero future.

    Climate adaptation – Johanna Nalau, Griffith University

    You would think adapting to climate change would be high on the election agenda. Southeast Queensland just weathered its first cyclone in 50 years, estimated to have caused A$1.2 billion in damage, while outback Queensland is enduring the worst flooding in 50 years.

    But so far, there’s little to see on adaptation.

    Both major parties have committed to building a weather radar in western Queensland, following local outcry. While welcome, it’s a knee-jerk response rather than good forward planning.

    By 2060, damage from climate change will cost Australia $73 billion a year under a low emissions scenario, according to a Deloitte report. The next federal government should invest more in disaster preparation rather than throwing money at recovery. It’s cheaper, for one thing – longer term, there are significant savings by investing in more resilient infrastructure before damage occurs.

    Being prepared requires having enough public servants in disaster management to do the work. The Coalition has promised to cut 41,000 jobs from the federal public service, and has not yet said where the cuts would be made.

    While in office, Labor has been developing a National Adaptation Plan to shape preparations and a National Climate Risk Assessment to gather evidence of the main climate risks for Australia and ways to adapt.

    Regardless of who takes power, these will be useful roadmaps to manage extreme weather, damage to agriculture and intensified droughts, floods and fires. Making sure climate-exposed groups such as farmers get necessary assistance to weather worse disasters, and manage new risks and challenges stemming from climate change, is not a partisan issue. Such plans will help direct investment towards adaptation methods that work at scale.

    New National Science Priorities are helpful too, especially the focus on new technologies able to sustainably meet Australia’s food and water needs in a changing climate.

    Intensifying climate change brings more threats to our food systems and farmers.
    Shirley Jayne Photography

    Emission reduction – Madeline Taylor, Macquarie University

    Emission reduction has so far been a footnote for the major parties. In terms of the wider energy transition, both parties are expected to announce policies to encourage household battery uptake and there’s a bipartisan focus on speeding up energy planning approvals.

    But there is a clear divide in where the major parties’ policies will lead Australia on its net-zero journey.

    Labor’s policies largely continue its approach in government, including bringing more clean power and storage into the grid within the Capacity Investment Scheme and building new transmission lines under the Rewiring Australia Plan.

    These policies are leading to lower emissions from the power sector. Last year, total emissions fell by 0.6%. Labor’s Future Made in Australia policies give incentives to produce critical minerals, green steel, and green manufacturing. Such policies should help Australia gain market share in the trade of low-carbon products.

    From January 1 this year, Labor’s new laws require some large companies to disclose emissions from operations. This is positive, giving investors essential data to make decisions. From their second reporting period, companies will have to disclose Scope 3 emissions as well – those from their supply chains. The laws will cover some companies where measuring emissions upstream is incredibly tricky, including agriculture. Coalition senators issued a dissenting report pointing this out. The Coalition has now vowed to scrap these rules.

    The Coalition has not committed to Labor’s target of cutting emissions 43% by 2030. Their flagship plan to go nuclear will likely mean pushing out emissions reduction goals given the likely 2040s completion timeframe for large-scale nuclear generation, unless small modular reactors become viable.

    On gas, there’s virtually bipartisan support. The Coalition promise to reserve more gas for domestic use is a response to looming shortfalls on the east coast. Labor has also approved more coal and gas projects largely for export, though Australian coal and gas burned overseas aren’t counted domestically.

    Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has promised to include gas in Labor’s renewable-oriented Capacity Investment Scheme and has floated relaxing the Safeguard Mechanism on heavy emitters. The Coalition has vowed to cancel plans for three offshore wind projects and are very critical of green hydrogen funding.

    Both parties will likely introduce emission reduction measures, but a Coalition government would be less stringent. Scrapping corporate emissions reporting entirely would be a misstep, because accurate measurement of emissions are essential for attracting green investment and reducing climate risks.

    Johanna Nalau has received funding from Australian Research Council for climate adaptation research, is a Lead Author of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Co-chair of the Science Committee of the World Adaptation Science Program (United Nations Environment Programme) and is a technical expert with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

    Madeline Taylor has received funding from the Australian Research Council, ACOLA, and several industry and government partners for energy transition research. She is a board member of REAlliance, Fellow of the Climate Council, and Honorary Associate of the Sydney Environment Institute.

    Tony Wood may own shares in companies in relevant industries through his superannuation fund

    – ref. This election, what are Labor and the Coalition offering on the energy transition, climate adaptation and emissions? – https://theconversation.com/this-election-what-are-labor-and-the-coalition-offering-on-the-energy-transition-climate-adaptation-and-emissions-253430

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The European fertiliser industry in purgatory – E-000396/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission outlined several directions of action in its 2022 Communication on ‘Ensuring availability and affordability of fertilisers’[1] and is actively pursuing them. A Fertilisers Market Observatory[2] was established for improving market transparency.

    The Commission has also adopted on 28 January 2025 a proposal to impose additional tariffs on nitrogen-based fertilisers from Russia and Belarus[3], aiming at reducing and eventually putting an end to the EU’s dependence on both sources of supply.

    The Commission’s approach has been shaped by the need to balance efforts to limit revenue flows that fund the ongoing Russian aggression with considerations related to food security.

    As regards the strategy called for, the Commission considers that such strategic approach is reflected in the 2022 Communication referred to above. The current production of the major category of nitrogen fertilisers requires vast quantities of natural gas.

    Against the background of the structurally higher EU prices of natural gas, compared to other regions, the best prospect for reviving the EU nitrogen fertiliser industry is its conversion to the use of ammonia derived from renewable hydrogen instead of natural gas.

    This will also help fulfilling the industry’s decarbonisation goals. Finally, in view of facilitating the replacement of fossil-based materials in nitrogen fertilisers, the Commission is assessing the potential of different waste streams in providing recovered nitrogen.

    A technical study[4] assesses agronomic efficiency and safety of several recovered materials rich in nitrogen, for their possible inclusion in EU fertilising products.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52022DC0590(01)
    • [2] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/data-and-analysis/markets/overviews/market-observatories/fertilisers_en
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025PC0034
    • [4] Technical study for the inclusion of new materials and processes under Regulation (EU) 2019/1009: https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/36ec94c7-575b-44dc-a6e9-4ace02907f2f/library/78f825aa-5272-44f0-9126-f1b25985f650?p=1&n=10&sort=name_ASC
    Last updated: 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Pushes Trump Environment, Energy Nominees to Protect California’s National Monuments and Hydrogen Hub

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Pushes Trump Environment, Energy Nominees to Protect California’s National Monuments and Hydrogen Hub

    WATCH: Padilla highlights importance of national monuments and ARCHES hydrogen hub for California’s clean energy goalsWASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) questioned nominees for Department of the Interior (DOI) and Department of Energy (DOE) Deputy Secretary positions on their support for California’s national monuments and hydrogen hub following recent threats from the Trump Administration to eliminate them.
    California’s National Monuments
    During the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) nominations hearing, Padilla successfully pushed Katharine MacGregor, President Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of the Interior, to acknowledge the broad bipartisan and local support for California’s Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments, which President Biden established earlier this year at Padilla’s urging. He also emphasized the critical importance of local and tribal involvement in public land management.
    Amid the Trump Administration’s orders aimed at elevating energy production on public lands and reviewing national monument protections, Padilla called on Interior to, as part of this review, meet with California’s Congressional delegation, California Governor Gavin Newsom, the state’s energy agencies, local officials, and crucially, the tribal leaders who spearheaded the movement behind the creation of these monuments. Padilla pointed out that these monuments had received endorsements from energy utilities and developers and were intentionally crafted to avoid including areas with energy potential.
    Padilla also pressed MacGregor on whether local and tribal leaders should have a role in public land management decisions, to which MacGregor agreed.
    PADILLA: As a matter of policy, do you believe that local communities and tribal leaders should have a say in the management of their public lands?
    MACGREGOR: I think local involvement is something that everyone on this dais agrees with.
    PADILLA: Okay, well, I’m talking just about you, not the folks on the dais, you’re the nominee before us…
    MACGREGOR: Local involvement is embedded in almost all the organic acts at the Department, so yes.
    PADILLA: Good, good faith consultation and engagement is what we’re looking for.
    California is home to some of the nation’s most pristine public lands, which not only preserve our natural heritage but also fuel California’s tourism and local economies. These protected landscapes generate billions of dollars in annual revenue, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and enriching communities. However, Trump’s orders to prioritize energy development over all other uses of public lands pose a threat to landscapes with immense cultural, environmental, and economic value. These lands also offer vast opportunities for outdoor recreation — such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing — which further support local economies.
    ARCHES Hydrogen Hub
    Padilla also questioned James Danly, Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of Energy, on his support for the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) hydrogen hub. The Trump Administration is reportedly considering major cuts to hydrogen hub projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Democratic-leaning states, including California, while preserving the projects in Republican-leaning states.
    Padilla highlighted the importance of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program to “jumpstart” the national hydrogen economy and urged Danly to work with California to protect the vital funding Padilla secured for ARCHES. After initially dodging Padilla’s questions about whether he would meet with ARCHES leadership, Danly said he would have “no objection” to talking with them.
    PADILLA: California, proudly, was the first state in the nation to launch a hydrogen hub — we refer to it as ARCHES — which will facilitate a network of hydrogen production sites to catalyze the use of hydrogen throughout California and, frankly, jumpstart the hydrogen economy, not just in California, but across the country. The California hub enjoys bipartisan support from our California delegation. However, last week, the Department of Energy “cut list” reportedly included ARCHES and other hydrogen hubs to be cut. So I want to point out that ARCHES, again, is not just critical to California, but critical to our national economy.
    Senator Padilla has been a strong supporter of the development of clean hydrogen power in California. Padilla secured up to $1.2 billion for the ARCHES hydrogen hub from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and sent a letter to former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm urging the Department of Energy to support ARCHES’ proposal as part of its Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program. He celebrated the official launch of the ARCHES hydrogen hub last year at an in-person event showcasing hydrogen-powered transportation.
    Video of Padilla’s full line of questioning is available here.
    More information on the hearing is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Randy Weber Introduces the Next Generation Pipeline Research and Development Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Deborah Ross (NC-2) introduced the Next Generation Pipeline Research and Development Act that will improve America’s pipeline infrastructure for current and future energy sources. This legislation strengthens public-private partnerships and enhances federal research, development, and demonstration efforts to advance key pipeline systems nationwide.  Currently, nearly half of America’s pipeline network is over 60 years old, underscoring the urgent need for innovation and investment.

    “Pipeline infrastructure is the backbone of American energy security and economic strength,” said Rep. Weber. “With over 2.6 million miles of pipelines, the United States leads the world in safely and efficiently transporting the fuel that heats our homes, powers our vehicles, and drives industry. As we continue to expand our energy resources, it is critical that we invest in research and development to modernize and enhance these pipelines.”

    “Nobody should have to worry about a disastrous pipeline leak upending their lives, but half of our nation’s 2.8 million miles of pipeline network is over sixty years old,” said Rep. Ross. “We must be able to trust our infrastructure to safely deliver energy, biofuels, and water to Americans across the country. Our bipartisan bill will improve the safety and quality of pipelines by increasing federal research of next generation systems and infrastructure upgrades.”

    “Modernizing U.S. pipeline infrastructure is critical for meeting our nation’s energy independence, industrial competitiveness, and emissions reduction goals,” said Jeremy Harrell, CEO, ClearPath Action. “The Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy by bolstering our existing pipeline network while accelerating the build-out of new pipeline infrastructure for LNG, carbon, hydrogen, and more.”

    Highlights of the Next Generation Pipeline Research and Development Act:

    1. Authorizing the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Secretary of Interior, and others, to establish a demonstration initiative and joint research and development program for low-to mid-technology readiness level research projects to achieve deployment.
    2. Creating a National Pipeline Modernization Center at the Department of Energy, which will foster collaboration with industry and stakeholders to commercialize cost-effective products and procedures.
    3. Conducting a program at NIST of measurement research, development, demonstration, and standardization to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities and ensure their safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.

    On September 24, 2024, the House of Representatives passed the Next Generation Pipeline Research and Development Act.

    Read the bill here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: H2 Clipper Transforms Aviation and Aerospace Manufacturing with Patented Swarm Robotics Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA BARBARA, Calif., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — H2 Clipper, Inc. (“H2C”), a leader in sustainable hydrogen-based infrastructure and transportation, has been granted U.S. Patent No. 12,234,035 for the company’s innovative approach to using autonomous and semi-autonomous robotic swarms in aircraft and aerospace manufacturing. This milestone marks H2C’s 15th awarded patent.

    The newly issued patent is a continuation of H2C’s foundational robotics patent (U.S. Patent No. 11,851,214) granted on December 26, 2023. It extends the scope of H2C’s proprietary robotics claims to expressly cover large-scale aviation and aerospace manufacturing. The use of Swarm Robotics in aerospace production significantly reduces manufacturing time and costs, while enabling unparalleled precision and continuous round-the-clock autonomous production.

    “The issuance of this patent marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of aerospace and aviation manufacturing. By replacing traditional assembly lines with robotic swarms, this breakthrough enables aircraft and large aerospace assets to be built faster, at a significantly lower cost, and with far greater precision,” said Rinaldo Brutoco, H2C Founder and CEO. “Conservative estimates based on current aerospace production benchmarks suggest this approach can reduce total manufacturing costs by 40% or more, and cut production timeframes by up to 60%, while simultaneously improving quality.”

    H2C’s newly patented system employs a network of robots that operate collaboratively and autonomously to construct large aerospace structures with unprecedented efficiency and a significantly smaller production facility footprint. The innovation includes:

    • Automated Manufacturing: Robots work in a coordinated “swarm” to assemble airframes, attach the exterior skin, install structural and internal components, perform bonding and fastening operations, conduct in-process quality inspections, and carry-out other complex, high-precision tasks.
    • AI-Driven Optimization: Machine learning and generative AI guide the robotic swarm to self-correct, improve manufacturing precision, reduce errors, and optimize construction timelines.
    • Scalability and Safety: The system uses built-in sensors and AI-driven oversight to safely manage all operations, assuring collision-free operation and eliminating the need for workers to operate at dangerous heights. With no fixed assembly line or gantries required, manufacturing can be supervised remotely and scaled across multiple locations.
    • Heavy-Lift Robotics Integration: The technology enables large-scale structures to be constructed entirely in place—horizontally or vertically—using autonomous robots capable of repositioning and aligning major components. This flexibility supports multiple assembly approaches while reducing infrastructure requirements and improving safety.

    Whereas traditionally, aircraft must be moved through multiple stages, requiring massive facilities, complex scheduling and high logistical overhead, these assets are built in place using H2C’s approach, eliminating costly movement, saving time, and reducing the need for assembly line infrastructure. H2C’s focus on Swarm Robotics arose from its pursuit of a manufacturing approach that would be suited for constructing its Pipeline-in-the-Sky™ airships. But it soon realized the applicability of the novel approach to addressing multiple challenges faced in all aviation and aerospace manufacturing. With the continuation patent now issued, the company plans to assemble a select group of industry leaders in aerospace engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, regulatory affairs, and advanced manufacturing to guide the next phase of development and demonstration. This expert team will play a key role in shaping a technology roadmap that supports potential licensing to OEMs—and may lay the groundwork for a broader industry consortium to accelerate adoption of Swarm Robotics across the aerospace sector.

    “This patent represents a game-changing moment for aerospace manufacturing—a shift as significant as the invention of the assembly line itself,” added Brutoco. “Swarm Robotics gives OEMs the ability to build aircraft and spacecraft smarter, faster, and more affordably than ever before, opening the door to a new era in aviation and the future of flight.”

    H2C was selected in 2021 for inclusion in Dassault Systèmes’ prestigious 3DEXPERIENCE® Lab accelerator program; and in 2024, H2C and Dassault agreed on a renewed three-year contract to further develop robotic software for this novel construction method.

    H2C is represented in intellectual property matters by John C. Serio, a Partner in the Boston Intellectual Property and Technology Group at Withers Worldwide.

    About H2 Clipper, Inc. (H2C)
    H2C is the developer of high-speed, Pipeline-in-the-Sky™ hydrogen-powered airships for long distance global transport that use no fossil fuels and have a host of commercial and humanitarian applications, and of the novel H2C Safety Pipe™ for “last mile” distribution of hydrogen to end users. Since 2008, the company has made significant strategic investments to research, develop, and patent core IP in modern airship design, including advanced software systems, and midstream solutions for efficient delivery of both gaseous and liquid hydrogen.

    Media Contact:
    Lisa Murray
    Trevi Communications, Inc.
    lisa@trevicomm.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d82ad9a1-9fa0-4c84-8753-303feda9ea1f
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/313f4f34-bd77-4122-bdd0-244873dba26d
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d5d0cb1-06e7-472b-a293-62f3a6e8a432

    The MIL Network –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: €157 million finance package for private Ukraine wind farms

    Source: Black Sea Trade and Development Bank

    Press Release | 03-Apr-2025

    Loans from EBRD, IFC and BSTDB, supported by EU, the UK, and CIF’s CTF, will boost Ukraine’s energy security

    • International finance package of €157 million for private wind project to boost Ukraine’s energy security
    • Project is co-financed by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation and Black Sea Trade and Development Bank
    • The European Union (EU), the United Kingdom and Climate Investment Funds’ (CIF’s) Clean Technology Fund (CFT) supported the mobilisation of the finance package
    • Deal marks a pivotal step in advancing Ukraine’s shift towards renewable energy

    An international finance package will bring €157 million of project finance debt to a private wind power project that aims to boost Ukraine’s energy security. The deal, announced today in Kyiv, is co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) and supported by the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, and the Climate Investment Funds’ (CIF’s) Clean Technology Fund (CTF).

    One of the first greenfield private projects in Ukraine’s power sector since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, this project forms part of efforts to advance Ukraine’s shift towards renewable energy generation as well as bolster its energy security following attacks from Russia on the country’s energy generation infrastructure.

    The EBRD and IFC will each lend €60 million and BSTDB €37 million. The total cost of the project is estimated at €225 million (excluding VAT), with the rest to be met by equity from the project sponsor, GNG Group or Galnaftogaz, widely known in Ukraine as OKKO Group. The loans are to Wind Power GSI Volyn LLC and Wind Power GSI Volyn 3 LLC, special purpose vehicles incorporated in Ukraine.

    The loans will support OKKO to construct and operate wind power plants in Ukraine with a combined capacity of 147 MW. The plants are expected to generate at least 380 GWh of renewable zero carbon electricity annually, resulting in carbon dioxide emission savings of approximately 245,000 tons per year.

    The EBRD’s funding will be backed by financial guarantees from the European Union provided under its Ukraine facility, the Ukraine Investment Framework. This comes from the Ukraine Investment Framework Hi-Bar guarantee programme, which supports both new and existing climate mitigation technologies, in particular in the energy sector, in line with the EU’s detailed Ukraine Plan.

    IFC and BSTDB’s loans are backed by guarantees from the European Union under the Ukraine Investment Framework as part of IFC’s Better Futures Program: RE-Ukraine. The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provided £3.8 million (€4.5 million) in grant funding as a first loss guarantee to enable the mobilisation of IFC and BSTDB’s loans. IFC’s funding package also includes €10 million in debt financing from the CTF and was enabled by pre-investment work through which IFC helped optimise the project structure in a highly volatile market environment. This was possible thanks to support from Austria’s Federal Ministry of Finance and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO.

    “We are grateful to our partners for their long-term, sustainable cooperation, which is especially valuable during wartime — for both business and the country as a whole. This project addresses several key challenges at once. Firstly, it strengthens the country’s energy security and independence. Secondly, it advances the transition to zero-emission electricity production,” said OKKO Chief Executive Officer Vasyl Danyliak.

    “With significant power generation capacity in Ukraine destroyed as a result of the war, this investment is crucial to address the severe current energy shortfall, support Ukraine’s decarbonisation goals and boost the private sector’s role in further development of the renewable energy sector in the country,” said Matteo Patrone, the EBRD’s Vice President, Banking.

    Ines Rocha, IFC’s Regional Director for Europe, said: “This project will ensure that people can keep the lights on, stay warm and connected – therefore marking a significant milestone in Ukraine’s recovery. While paving the way for a more resilient Ukraine, this transaction also sends a clear signal about the country’s readiness for private investment and ability to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

    “Ukraine’s energy sector has faced unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing crisis, making the diversification and resilience of its power infrastructure more critical than ever. Supporting projects that strengthen the country’s energy independence and accelerate its transition to renewable energy is a priority for BSTDB. This wind power project is a tangible step toward building a sustainable energy future for Ukraine. We are proud to stand alongside our development partners in mobilizing essential resources, enabling investments that will help restore and stabilize Ukraine’s energy supply while fostering long-term economic recovery and environmental sustainability,” said Dr Serhat Köksal, BSTDB President.

    “This is a smart investment at a critical time. It boosts Ukraine’s energy security and supports its shift to renewables. The EU is glad to help make it happen,” said Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

    The EBRD and IFC have been supporting OKKO Group, their client since 2005, to move forward with the decarbonisation strategy it is pursuing against the backdrop of Russia’s war on Ukraine, as it prepares for Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and a future net-zero economy. The EBRD, which initially supported the group to grow its petroleum retail business, branded OKKO, into the one of the largest national fuel retail chains in the country, also financed GNG’s first biofuel project last year.

    The BSTDB’s partnership with OKKO Group has been ongoing for over 20 years, with the first transaction closed back in 2004, unlocking subsequently the Company’s potential to a wider investment community. Since then, BSTDB and OKKO Group have entered into several financings, contributing to the Company’s expansion and operational success. Supporting projects that strengthen the country’s energy independence and accelerate its transition to renewable energy is a priority for BSTDB.

    As part of the wind project, tailored technical cooperation from the EBRD, provided by the TaiwanBusiness-EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund, will strengthen the client’s ability to detect cybersecurity threats.

    The EBRD, a leading climate financier, has offered Ukraine strong support in wartime, making almost €6.5 billion available to support the country’s real economy since 2022. It has secured shareholders’ agreement for a €4 billion capital increase to continue its Ukraine investments. Energy security is one of its five priority investment areas, along with support for vital infrastructure, food security, trade and the private sector.

     

    Wind Power GSI Volyn LLC and/or Wind Power GSI Volyn 3 LLC are Ukraine-incorporated legal entities established as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) in charge of the development, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of project. The special purpose vehicle is owned and controlled by Galnaftogaz.

    JSC “Concern Galnaftogaz (GNG), is an independent petroleum products distribution company in Ukraine. It operates one of the largest and most efficient gas filling stations networks in the county under the OKKO brand. Besides distribution of light petroleum products, the Company also actively participates in the petroleum wholesale market and provides logistics services to other distribution companies

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB)is an international financial institution headquartered in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation in the countries of the greater Black Sea region by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. Through its active role in the partnership with other MDBs and donors, BSTDB continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a resilient energy infrastructure in Ukraine and throughout the wider Black Sea region, with a focus on sustainable development, climate resilience, and energy security.

    For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org

     

    Contact: Haroula Christodoulou

    : @BSTDB

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 gazetted today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Government gazetted today (April 3) the Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 to regulate the safe use of hydrogen used or intended to be used as fuel.
     
    The Bill aims to amend the Gas Safety Ordinance (Cap. 51) to establish a regulatory framework governing the importation, manufacture, storage, transport, supply and use of hydrogen that is used or intended to be used as fuel.
     
    A Government spokesperson said, “The Government has been actively promoting the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong. Establishing a comprehensive and holistic regulatory framework to regulate the use of hydrogen as fuel can enhance public confidence in hydrogen safety and create an environment conducive to the local development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong. The framework covers a range of safety aspects, including gas quality, safety of installations and facilities, personnel and emergency handling, etc.
     
    “The Government promulgated the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong in June 2024, setting out the four major strategies of improving legislation, establishing standards, aligning with the market, and advancing with prudence to create an environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong, so that Hong Kong would be able to capitalise on the environmental and economic opportunities brought about by the recent development of hydrogen energy in different parts of the world, and in our country in particular. The Bill will provide a clear legal framework and stable regulatory environment for the local hydrogen energy industry, enabling both local and international investors to develop hydrogen-related businesses in Hong Kong with greater confidence,” the spokesperson supplemented.
     
    The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading on April 16.  

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government kickstarts £100 million fusion investment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Government kickstarts £100 million fusion investment

    A first of its kind partnership between the government and private sector could see over £100 million invested into the UK’s growing fusion energy industry.

    • Government invests £20 million into “Starmaker One” – a British fusion investment fund which is expected to leverage £100 million into the UK
    • world first government partnership with fusion private venture capital fund – keeping Britain at the forefront of the global fusion race
    • fusion has potential to help make Britain a clean energy superpower as part of the Plan for Change – driving economic growth and creating skilled jobs

    Today (3 April) the government has announced £20 million to kickstart ‘Starmaker One’ – a British private fusion investment fund that will help fusion businesses and start-ups in the sector grow and commercialise at scale. 

    It is expected the upfront investment will unlock further investment from the private sector as the fusion industry grows – helping cement the UK as a world leader in the technology and creating highly-skilled jobs.  

    Fusion uses the same process that powers the sun by combining two forms of hydrogen and heating them at extreme temperatures, releasing vast amounts of energy. 

    Companies in the UK have often identified lack of access to capital as a barrier to scaling up and commercialising their businesses. An injection of cash from government will give the private sector confidence to invest in fusion, developing its vast potential as an unlimited source of energy and ensuring the UK continues to compete in the global fusion race.  

    The funding boost will help small fusion companies provide training for their workforce in key areas such as physics, engineering and chemistry. It will also support companies to develop technologies and capitalise on the opportunities of fusion energy in markets such as magnetics, industrial AI, robotics, healthcare, transportation and energy storage.  

    Fusion already supports thousands of jobs in the UK, in regions such as Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire and South Yorkshire, with thousands more to follow as the technology advances. Fusion is a key industry sector in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor with independent research from London Economics showing that every £1 invested in fusion it benefits the economy by nearly £4. 

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:  

    This government is taking back control of Britain’s energy by driving for clean homegrown power through our Plan for Change.  

    Fusion has the potential to provide us with energy security, whilst attracting the best technologies to our shores and training up the next generation of British scientists and engineers.  

    We are backing both nuclear and fusion power, and today we take a step forward in growing this exciting industry.

    Science Minister and Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion, Lord Vallance said: 

    Fusion energy is a technology with enormous potential, and an industry in which the UK is already well established.    This investment will help to unlock the funding the fusion industry needs to grow, which will boost regions across the UK such as Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, and in Culham in Oxfordshire, the epicentre of UK fusion.

    Energy Minister Kerry McCarthy, said:  

    This investment is our Plan for Change in action – we are backing British pioneers to secure the clean energy of the future while supporting jobs today, from scientists and welders to engineers and construction managers.  

    As countries around the world recognise the huge potential of fusion, breakthroughs in this technology are happening thick and fast, and we want to keep the UK at the forefront of the global race by helping projects to innovate and grow here, in turn driving economic growth.

    Investment in Starmaker One signals the first early-stage fusion energy venture capital fund outside the US and the first of its kind to partner with government as an investor. Investing in fusion technology will pave the way to delivering a clean safe, secure and abundant baseload energy, helping to meet rising energy demand in the years ahead. 

    This investment will give industry cash upfront to grow their businesses and supply chains. It follows on from a government commitment for a record level of £410 million, announced in January, for UK fusion research and collaboration with other countries to develop clean, unlimited power and drive economic growth. 

    Successful deployment of fusion energy would be globally transformative and allow the UK to export the technology to a global fusion market expected to be worth trillions of pounds in the future.

    This notice is for information only and does not constitute an invitation to invest. The fund is not available to retail investors. 

    Notes for editors  

    • Starmaker One is a limited partnership in which the government is a cornerstone investor. The fund has potential to raise between £100 million and £150 million overall (including the £20 million from DESNZ) for investment into fusion-related technology
    • East X Ventures will act as fund manager. Government will receive a share of any returns made by the partnership
    • East X Ventures is the venture capital arm of East X, a London based quantitative systematic research and investment firm operating across global commodity markets.  East X Ventures invests in early-stage, science-led companies with high-growth, world-scale potential
    • The funding comes from the government’s existing Research and Development budget for 2024/2025.

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    Published 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU astronomers first in Russia photographed Mercury’s comet-like sodium tail

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Astronomers from the Vega observatory of NSU managed to record a rather rare astronomical phenomenon — a comet-like sodium tail of Mercury. The photo was taken in March and is the first in our country. According to NSU astronomers, the length of the tail in the photo is about 150 thousand km. The comet-like sodium tail was discovered, by astronomical standards, relatively recently — in 2001. At the moment, astronomers from all over the world have taken several dozen similar photos.

    The difficulty of photographing Mercury’s tail is that a combination of several factors is required: Mercury reaching its maximum radial velocity relative to the Sun, Mercury’s significant angular distance from the Sun (elongation), and suitable meteorological conditions.

    Everyone knows that a tail can be seen in comets – these are small bodies of the Solar System, which consist mainly of ice and dust. When a comet approaches the Sun, the sublimation of matter (water, volatile gases and dust) from the surface of its nucleus occurs, forming a coma and a tail. Dust particles scatter sunlight, so the tail of comets can be seen from Earth.

    However, not only comets have tails, but also some larger objects in the Solar System. For example, Mercury.

    — The mechanism of formation of Mercury’s tail is similar to the principle of formation of comet tails. This planet is characterized by a thin and weak atmosphere, which consists of helium, sodium, hydrogen, potassium and oxygen. Mercury has weak gravity and a weak magnetic field, so the atoms of chemical elements that make up its atmosphere are constantly blown away by the solar wind due to its proximity to the Sun. Therefore, a comet-like sodium tail of Mercury is formed, it is called sodium, since it is most clearly visible in the sodium line – at a wavelength of 589 nanometers, — said Yegor Konyaev, engineer of the Vega observatory of NSU.

    Mercury’s comet-like sodium tail was discovered in 2001, when its first photograph was taken. There were already guesses that something like this should exist in the 1980s. However, because the tail is rather dim and a special filter must be used to capture it, it was impossible to photograph it for a long time. However, this became possible with the advent of highly sensitive digital cameras. In 2001, the length of Mercury’s tail was estimated at no more than 40 thousand kilometers based on the photograph. Later, in 2008, photographs were obtained from which it became clear that the length of the tail exceeds 2 million kilometers.

    — Taking a photo of Mercury’s sodium tail is not the easiest task, but with a special filter it becomes feasible for almost every amateur astronomer. I first learned about this phenomenon about a year ago, when I saw impressive photos by German astrophotographer Sebastian Voltmer. Later it became clear that only a few dozen such photos have been taken, and not a single one in our country. This prompted me to try to photograph Mercury’s tail, — Yegor said.

    The photograph was taken using a special filter, for a specific wavelength – 589 nanometers, with a transmission width of 10 nanometers. This is necessary to isolate the spectrum band in which the Mercury tail has the greatest brightness. It was also necessary to shoot with long exposures and high sensitivity, the total signal accumulation time was 8 minutes.

    The problem is further complicated by the fact that Mercury’s tail is brightest at ±16 days from perihelion. Mercury has a fairly elongated elliptical orbit, so at perihelion it comes quite close to the Sun.

    — It is clear that the Sun’s influence on Mercury will be greatest at the moment the planet passes perihelion. Therefore, it seems logical that this is the best moment to film the tail. However, for reasons related to the Doppler shift of sodium absorption lines, Mercury’s tail is brightest at moments of ±16 days from perihelion, since the planet reaches its maximum radial velocity relative to the Sun at this time, — Yegor explained.

    This year, the most favorable period for observing Mercury was the end of February and the second half of March. Mercury was photographed when it was very low above the horizon — the planet’s altitude was only 3 degrees. The shooting was done from the Vega observatory of NSU. According to NSU astronomers, the tail in the photograph is about 150 thousand km long.

    Other objects in the Solar System that have comet-like tails include the Moon and Jupiter’s satellite Io. The Moon has a very weak atmosphere, it is extremely rarefied. The Moon is also exposed to the Sun, and sodium atoms leave the satellite’s atmosphere, forming a tail. The Moon’s tail can only be observed during the new moon, when the satellite is between the Sun and the Earth. At this moment, the beam of tail particles is focused under the influence of Earth’s gravity. The lunar tail looks like a weak spot in the part of the sky diametrically opposite the Sun. A special filter is also needed to photograph it.

    The future plans of NSU astronomers include recording the tail of Jupiter’s closest satellite, Io.

    — The peculiarity of this space object is that it is quite close to Jupiter, which causes significant tidal forces that generate high geological activity. Io’s volcanic emissions also contain sodium, which can be recorded using a filter. The difficulty in photographing Io’s tail is the proximity of Jupiter. Its relatively high brightness does not allow photographing Io’s tail. To solve this complex problem, it will be necessary to upgrade the telescope and make it a coronagraph, which will allow cutting off light from the bright planet. After that, it will be possible to try to take a picture of Io’s tail. Even fewer such photographs have been taken in the world. This is a task for the future that we set for ourselves, — Yegor said about his plans.

    The next time favorable conditions for observing Mercury’s sodium tail in our latitudes will occur in the spring of 2027. With due patience and persistence and the availability of special equipment, any amateur astronomer can photograph it.

    Photo of Mercury’s tail, author – Egor Konyaev, Vega Observatory of NSU. Photo of Mercury’s transit across the Sun’s disk; also taken by astronomers of Vega Observatory of NSU.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Alkaline ionized water increases green tea polyphenols by up to 2.8 times

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Alkaline ionized water increases green tea polyphenols by up to 2.8 times

    Osaka, Japan, April 3, 2025 – Panasonic Corporation today announced that its Living Appliances and Solutions Company (Panasonic) has confirmed that green tea made with alkaline ionized water contains up to 2.8 times more polyphenols than green tea made with natural drinking water. This was achieved through joint research with Panasonic Appliances (China) Co., Ltd., Panasonic R&D Center Suzhou Co., Ltd., and Bei Wang, a professor at the School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University.
    In recent years, the number of people regularly drinking water has been increasing due to heightened health awareness, leading to a growing demand for safe and healthy water. The government is also considering strengthening the legal regulations related to water quality and reviewing the standards for water quality. Furthermore, many people use water purifiers to filter water before drinking it.
    Under such circumstances, as part of the personal care business, Panasonic recognized the potential of green tea,*1, *2 which is frequently consumed and offers various health benefits from its polyphenol content. Panasonic conducted joint research with Professor Bei Wang, a food science specialist in China, the world’s largest producer of green tea. A verification using alkaline ionized water with different pH values showed that the amount of polyphenols contained in green tea is greater when using alkaline ionized water than natural drinking water, and the higher the alkalinity, the higher the polyphenol content. It is hoped that this will enable tea to contain abundant polyphenols derived from green tea when brewed with alkaline ionized water. Please note that these are the results of the verification test described later and do not guarantee the effects in the actual usage environment or when drinking.
    With the aim of contributing to society by providing safe and secure drinking water, Panasonic will continue improving water purification and conditioning technology while pursuing its potential.

    Comments from Professor Bei Wang*3

    Tea polyphenols are essential components that determine the color, aroma, taste, and efficacy of tea leaves. They are also among the most important functional components of green tea, which has numerous health benefits, such as oxidation resistance, blood lipid adjustment, virus resistance, antibacterial effects, tumor resistance, and neuroprotection. The results of an omnibus experiment conducted at a laboratory in Beijing Technology and Business University revealed that green tea made with alkaline ionized water (pH values 8.14, 8.79, and 9.19) produced by Panasonic’s alkaline water ionizer contains more tea polyphenols than green tea made with unprocessed natural drinking water. This discovery not only provides valuable experiences to tea lovers, but it has also successfully harmonized modern science and technology with traditional food culture.

    Profile

    Bei Wang: Professor, Doctor Supervisor, and Assistant Dean of School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University. Professor Wang has extensively conducted big data research on food flavor and sensory omics and has been involved in more than 40 projects related to the food flavor and nutrition science, some of which were supported both by National Natural Science Foundation of China, . She has also published more than 100 high-level SCI research papers and obtained nearly 20 invention patents in China, as well as two USA patents and three software copy right. In addition, she has won first prize at the Shanghai Science and Technology progress Awards, first prize of China Business Federation Science and Technology Progress Award, and First Prize of the State Administration for Market Regulation Research Achievement Award for Market Regulation of China.

    ■What is alkaline ionized water?

    Figure 3 Generation of alkaline ionized water using electrolysis technology

    Alkaline ionized water is generated by electrolyzing filtered, purified water in an electrolytic cell. The cathode (negatively charged electrode) attracts hydroxide ions and hydrogen, generating alkaline ionized water, while the anode (positively charged electrode) attracts hydrogen ions and oxygen, generating mildly acidic water (Figure 3).

    Notes:
    *1 Reference: Saori Nakagawa, Takahiro Hoshi, Atsushi Kubo, and Susumu Yamato, “Determination of Tea Polyphenols in Bottled Japanese Tea Drinks and Differences in Polyphenol Content in Tea Leaves from Different Variety,” BUNSEKI KAGAKU, vol. 62, No. 1, pp. 51-55, 2013
    *2 Reference: Hirofumi Tachibana, “Molecular Nutritional Study on the Bioregulatory Effects of Green Tea Polyphenols,” Journal of Japan Society of Nutrition and Food Science, vol. 72, No. 5, pp. 205-210, 2019
    *3 Panasonic asked Professor Wang for comments and edited them for publication.

    Media Contact:

    Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Panasonic CorporationPublic Relations, Corporate Policy Department, Corporate Planning CenterEmail: las-pr@gg.jp.panasonic.com

    About Panasonic Corporation
    Panasonic Corporation offers products and services for a variety of living environments, ranging from homes to stores to offices and cities. There are five businesses at the core of Panasonic Corporation: Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Heating & Ventilation A/C Company, Cold Chain Solutions Company, Electric Works Company and China and Northeast Asia Company. The operating company reported consolidated net sales of 3,494.4 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2024. Panasonic Corporation is committed to fulfilling the mission of Life Tech & Ideas: For the wellbeing of people, society and the planet, and embraces the vision of becoming the best partner of your life with human-centric technology and innovation. Learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global/about/

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tonko Demands Answers on Trump EPA’s Clean Air Act Exemptions

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin condemning the Trump administration’s outrageous decision to encourage polluters to apply for exemption from critical Clean Air Act standards by simply sending a template email response to EPA officials. These standards, required pursuant to Section 112 of the Clean Air Act, seek to protect human health and the environment from hazardous air pollutants including asbestos, benzene, hydrogen chloride, and mercury, which are known to cause cancer and other serious health impacts.

    Tonko is demanding information about each regulated entity seeking exemption from these lifesaving standards, and promising close public and Congressional scrutiny of the exemptions granted through this unprecedented, slapdash process.

    “I was appalled to learn that EPA has invited regulated entities to apply for exemptions in lieu of complying with existing standards for hazardous air pollutants,” Tonko writes. “The invitation for mass-exemptions to these standards flies in the face of Congressional intent and could have serious public health consequences, which appear not to have been given any consideration in your exemption process.”

    Standards developed under Section 112 are developed under a robust public process that includes rigorous scientific analysis of the environmental and public health risks associated with air pollution, as well as consideration of new and existing cost-effective technologies that industrial sources can utilize to mitigate those risks. Under this new process, these standards could be completely undone by a simple email from a polluter to the agency responsible for protecting the public from dangerous air pollution.

    “While Section 112 standards have been developed through these robust processes, EPA’s public comments indicate that exemptions will be granted based on the arbitrary whims of President Trump, which may include actions to benefit his political supporters, regardless of the potential public health and environmental harms to those that live and work near these exempted facilities,” Tonko continues. “EPA and the regulated community should expect that Congress and the American people will closely scrutinize any exemptions granted through this process.”

    Tonko serves as Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on the Environment as well as Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) and has been a leader for many years on efforts to limit air pollution and foster healthier, more sustainable communities across the nation.

    The full letter can be read HERE and below:

    March 28, 2025

    The Honorable Lee Zeldin

    Administrator

    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

    1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

    Washington, DC 20460

    Dear Administrator Zeldin:

    I was appalled to learn that EPA has invited regulated entities to apply for exemptions in lieu of complying with existing standards for hazardous air pollutants required pursuant to Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. The invitation for mass-exemptions to these standards flies in the face of Congressional intent and could have serious public health consequences, which appear not to have been given any consideration in your exemption process.

    As you know, Section 112 of the Clean Air Act seeks to protect human health and the environment from hazardous air pollutants. This class of emissions includes many dangerous pollutants, including asbestos, benzene, hydrogen chloride, and mercury, which are known to cause cancer and other serious health impacts.

    Standards developed pursuant to Section 112 are informed by public processes, which include robust scientific and public health analysis of the risks of air pollution. These processes also consider technologies and techniques that industrial sources can adopt to mitigate those risks, often relying upon existing, cost-effective solutions already in use by regulated entities. It is astonishing that these standards, which often take years to develop, could be undone simply by a polluter sending a template email response to the agency responsible for protecting the public from dangerous air pollution.

    While Section 112 standards have been developed through these robust processes, EPA’s public comments indicate that exemptions will be granted based on the arbitrary whims of President Trump, which may include actions to benefit his political supporters, regardless of the potential public health and environmental harms to those that live and work near these exempted facilities. EPA and the regulated community should expect that Congress and the American people will closely scrutinize any exemptions granted through this process.

    While Section 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act is clear that the President must report to Congress on the issuance of any exemption, the American people have an immediate right to know which entities are pursuing exemptions and how those exemptions may affect the air they breathe.

    With that in mind, I request the following for each regulated entity seeking an exemption through this process not later than Monday, April 7, 2025:

    1. the name of each regulated entity requesting an exemption;
    2. the specific emissions standard or limitation subject to the request;
    3. the location of any facility or affected source subject to the request;
    4. the length of time sought to delay compliance for each request; and
    5. an explanation for why—

    A.   the technology necessary to implement the standard is not available; and

    B.   the exemption would be in the national security interests of the United States.

    I look forward to your response to ensure appropriate transparency of EPA’s Section 112 exemption process.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Acceleware Ltd. Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial and Operating Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Acceleware® Ltd. (“Acceleware” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: AXE), a leading innovator of transformative technologies targeting the decarbonization of industrial process heat, today announced its financial and operating results for the year ended December 31, 2024 (all figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted). Acceleware’s results reflect contributions from the Company’s two business units, radio frequency (“RF”) heating for industrial applications using the Company’s proprietary Clean Tech Inverter (“CTI”) including enhanced oil recovery (“RF XL”), and scientific high-performance computing (“HPC”). This news release should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and the accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2024 and management’s discussion and analysis (“MDA”) with respect thereto, all of which are available on Acceleware’s website at www.acceleware.com or on www.sedarplus.ca.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    Financial highlights for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024:

        Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
        Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023  
    Revenue $ 1,918,077 43,590 5,233,033 279,011  
    Comprehensive income/ (loss)   851,242 617,748 2,001,685 (2,045,373 )
    Gross R&D expenditures   581,071 684,437 2,872,982 2,872,982  
    Government assistance   – 2,064,434 1,227,929 2,618,242  
     

    Acceleware is piloting RF XL at its commercial-scale RF XL pilot project at Marwayne, Alberta (the “RF XL Pilot”). During 2024, the RF XL Pilot was shut down awaiting redeployment of upgraded subsurface components designed to address limitations encountered in the first phase of heating. Please refer to the RF XL PILOT UPDATE section below for more information, and to the MDA for a complete RF XL Pilot update.

    Based on results to date, Acceleware remains confident that RF XL will become viable as a differentiated technology in the effort to reduce production costs and decarbonize heavy oil and oil sands production. In 2024, the Company’s operations team continued data analysis, “history-matching” simulations and other analyses of operational data from tests in 2022. The analysis provides evidence that the operation of the RF XL Pilot resulted in sustained heating of the formation around the heating well prior to the pause in operations for maintenance and inspection. In particular, the Company successfully injected RF power into the heating well for over 200 days — a significant milestone and something that has never been achieved before. Also of note is that the CTI successfully operated for seven consecutive months at a variety of power levels and operating conditions during this time.

    In the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company worked closely with industry partners to refine the next iteration of the RF XL subsurface system to address technical issues that were illuminated during the first phase of heating at the RF XL Pilot. This redesign work is now complete and ready for manufacturing and deployment. During 2024 the Company confirmed that the expected cost to redeploy the upgraded design at Marwayne would be approximately $5 million including contingency. In December 2024, the Company announced that it had secured a total of up to $1.3 million in non-dilutive funding from the Clean Resource Innovation Network (“CRIN”) for the next phase of the RF XL Pilot, contingent on the Company sourcing the remaining $3.7 million. To this end, the Company also secured an RF XL consulting contract from an oil and gas operator (whose identity remains confidential), the net proceeds of which will be applied to RF XL development. The Company has identified several additional industry and government potential funders and is in discussions with them. The purpose of the next phase of the RF XL Pilot is to enable higher power to be distributed in the reservoir for a sustained period, resulting in higher reservoir temperatures and oil production, to advance the potential commercial viability of RF XL technology.

    In addition to development work, and with results gained from RF XL deployment in Marwayne to date, Management has also initiated a strategic review of the commercialization plan for RF XL. The process involved analyzing various heavy oil and bitumen reservoirs in western Canada, considering RF XL test results and analyses conducted to date, with the goal of determining the optimal resources for the demonstration of commercial viability of RF XL. These reservoirs included not only the vast McMurray oil sands, but also heavy oil plays including the Clearwater in north-central Alberta, the Bluesky in west-central Alberta, and the Mannville Stack in eastern Alberta and western Saskatchewan. The review process has led Management to conclude that heavy oil plays offer the greatest near-term potential for commercializing RF XL, due to lower initial capital cost per well, ability to scale from one-to-many heating wells, lower operating cost to effectively decrease viscosity, and the potential for significant incremental production and ultimate recovery to make uneconomic resources economic. Once proven in heavy oil, Management believes the oil sands will offer significant market expansion potential.

    In Q1 2025, Acceleware’s board of directors approved a Management proposal to investigate (in parallel with continued effort to progress a second phase of heating at Marwayne) the opportunity for Acceleware, as an operator, to acquire a suitable heavy oil property, and thereafter apply RF XL as a secondary recovery method to improve the property’s production, cashflow, ultimate recovery and asset valuation. Should this investigation ultimately lead to a decision to “green light” an undertaking of this nature based on its economic merits, Acceleware would benefit from the valuation enhancement brought about by RF XL. Management has commenced its investigation as of the date of this news release.

    Beyond enhanced recovery of heavy oil, Acceleware believes EM Powered Heat and the CTI can economically decarbonize many industrial heating verticals through electrification. Immediate application of electrification in industrial heating is critical in the clean energy transition. Acceleware has established initiatives, and is in discussions to pursue other initiatives, to develop CTI powered prototypes for applications in industries such as mining and mineral processing, concrete, carbon capture, agri-food drying, hydrogen and other clean fuels production.

    Acceleware continues to work toward securing a contract to complete Phase 3 of a potash ore drying project from the International Minerals Innovation Institute (“IMII”). The findings of Phase 2 were presented to IMII in July 2024, and the Company continues to conduct paid testing with the system. Phase 3 of the project would include the design, construction and testing of a larger shop-scale demonstration dryer. IMII, a non-profit organization jointly funded by industry and government, is committed to developing and implementing innovative education, training, research and development partnerships to support a world-class minerals industry. IMII’s minerals industry members include BHP, Cameco Corporation, Fission Uranium Corp., The Mosaic Company and Nutrien Ltd.

    The Company has 28 patents granted or allowed to protect various proprietary technologies and 32 patent applications pending or under development. The Company uses an integrated strategy for IP protection involving a combination of patenting and trade secrets, working closely with the patent offices and intellectual property advisors.

    RF XL PILOT UPDATE

    Consistent with the last update, Acceleware plans to continue a second phase of heating after completing a proposed significant subsurface design upgrade to address the moisture ingress issue. Prior to the next phase of heating, all RF XL subsurface components will be removed, refurbished, or upgraded, and then redeployed. This plan was developed in consultation with industry partners and service providers and among the alternatives examined, it is expected to have the highest probability of achieving higher power injected into the reservoir for a sustained period. During 2024 the engineering team worked to solidify plans and estimate costs. An estimated additional $5 million of funding is required to complete the redeployment including contingency, and Acceleware is actively working to raise these funds. Acceleware has secured $1.3 million partial funding for the redeployment conditional on securing the balance of the funds from industry partners or other sources. The final timing and cost of the redeployment and subsequent heating is uncertain and remains primarily dependent on financing, partner investment, the time required to source the remaining financing, and the successful deployment of repairs and components. Planned upgrades have been specifically designed to eliminate the moisture ingress issue. In addition, measures will be taken to add resilience to the system to ensure long-term operation if moisture does return. Upgrades will also be made to enhance the performance of the CTI function, including providing more accurate monitoring of broadband voltage, current and power.

    Total direct funding received for the first phase of the RF XL Pilot was $24.4 million and included $5.9 million from Alberta Innovates, $5.5 million from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (“SDTC”), $5.0 million from Emissions Reduction Alberta (“ERA”), $3.0 million from CRIN and $5.0 million in aggregate from three oil sands operators. See discussion below in Financial Summary. In exchange for funding, the oil sands operators received exclusive access to detailed technical data and test results, prioritized rights to host a subsequent test, preferred pricing on pre-commercial products and preferred access to RF XL products. These major oil sands producers represent well over one million barrels of oil sands and heavy oil production per day.

    QUARTER IN REVIEW

    Revenue of $1.9 million was recorded in the three months ended December 31, 2024 (“Q4 2024”) compared to $44 thousand in the three months ended December 31, 2023 (“Q4 2023”) and $3.3 million in the previous quarter ended September 30, 2024 (“Q3 2024”). Revenue in Q4 2024 included $1.9 million related to the RF XL Pilot. Deferred revenue related to a contract with one oil sands producer was recognized when all deliverables were provided.

    Total comprehensive income for Q4 2024 was $0.9 million compared to a comprehensive income of $0.8 million for Q4 2023 and comprehensive income of $1.2 million for Q3 2024. Comprehensive income in Q4 2024 and Q3 2024 was higher due to revenue related to the RF XL Pilot, while positive comprehensive income in Q4 2023 was due to higher government assistance for R&D. Finance expenses in Q4 2024 and Q4 2023 include interest expense on notes payable which are funding the Company’s working capital. Comprehensive income in all periods was impacted by changes in value of the derivative financial instruments embedded within the convertible debenture. The changes in derivative value are driven primarily by the fluctuation in the Company’s share price.

    Gross R&D expenses incurred in Q4 2024 were $0.6 million compared to $0.7 million in Q4 2023 and $0.5 million in Q3 2024. R&D spending in Q4 2024 was principally related to the IMII dryer for potash ore and included lab engineering, designing and testing, data analysis, and partner consultations. R&D spending in Q4 2023 was related to the RF XL Pilot. There was $nil government assistance received in Q4 2024 and $2.1 million in Q4 2023 and $0.7 million in Q3 2024. The Company received the final CRIN payment of $0.3 million in Q3 2024 and the final ERA holdback payment of $0.2 million. The Government of Alberta’s Innovation Employment Grant (“IEG”) to support research and development was effective January 1, 2021 and provides a grant of up to 20% of eligible R&D expenses incurred in Alberta. This new grant effectively replaced Alberta’s 10% scientific research and experimental development refundable tax credit that was eliminated as at December 31, 2019. The Company met the eligibility criteria, claimed eligible R&D expenditures and received $0.3 million in Q3 2024 related to 2023 eligible expenditures, received $0.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2023 related to 2022 eligible expenditures, and $0.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2023 related to 2021 eligible expenditures. Government assistance is recorded as a reduction of R&D expenses.

    G&A expenses incurred in Q4 2024 were $315 thousand compared to $579 thousand in Q4 2023 and $446 thousand in Q3 2024. There were lower non-cash payroll related costs incurred in Q4 2024 due to the timing of option grants and lower salaries as the Company continues to prioritize cost control given uncertain economic conditions.

    YEAR IN REVIEW

    Revenue of $5.2 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $279 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 included $4.75 million services revenue related to the RF XL Pilot and $322 thousand in services revenue related to the potash drying project. Revenue was recognized for the RF XL Pilot as all milestones were completed under Project Funding Agreements for two oil sands producers while a third oil sands producer terminated its Project Funding Agreement triggering revenue recognition of previously received milestone payments.

    Total comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $2.0 million compared to comprehensive loss of $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was due to higher revenue as noted above, despite lower government assistance for R&D. There were fluctuations in both periods related to changes in fair value of the derivative financial instruments embedded in convertible debentures.

    Gross R&D expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $2.3 million compared to $2.9 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2023 due to higher R&D activity in the first half of 2023 related to the final on site activities associated with the RF XL Pilot. Federal and provincial government assistance of $1.2 million was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2024. This was lower than the $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 when the RF XL Pilot on-site activities wrapped up. R&D net of government assistance was $1.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $255 thousand in the year ended December 31, 2023.

    General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses incurred during the year ended December 31, 2024 were $1.6 million compared to $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, due to lower salaries and professional fees. The Company continues to prioritize cost management, while it works on sourcing financing alternatives.

    As at December 31, 2024, Acceleware had negative working capital of $3.4 million (December 31, 2023 – negative working capital of $2.0 million) including cash and cash equivalents of $272 thousand (December 31, 2023 – $1.0 million). The increase in negative working capital is attributable to the decrease in cash as well as an increase in short term notes payable, and an increase in deferred management compensation.

    In the interests of matching cash requirements with a combination of cash generated from operations, external funding, and capital raising activities, the Company actively manages its cash flow and investments in new products. Acceleware intends to maximize cash generated from operations through several initiatives which include continuing to focus on higher gross margin software products that are marketed through a combination of direct and reseller models; minimizing operating expenses where possible; and limiting capital expenditures. As the Company continues to develop its RF Heating technology, new R&D investments will be financed through a combination of internal cash flow from the HPC business, project funding agreements, government assistance and external financing, when available.

    ABOUT ACCELEWARE:

    Acceleware is an innovator of clean-tech decarbonization technologies comprised of two business units: Radio Frequency Heating Technology and Seismic Imaging Software.

    Acceleware is piloting RF XL, its patented low-cost, low-carbon production technology for heavy oil and oil sands that is materially different from any heavy oil recovery technique used today. Acceleware’s vision is that electrification of heavy oil and oil sands production can be made possible through RF XL, supporting a transition to much cleaner energy production that can quickly bend the emissions curve downward. With clean electricity, Acceleware’s RF XL technology could eliminate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with heavy oil and oil sands production. RF XL uses no water, requires no solvent, has a small physical footprint, can be redeployed from site to site, and can be applied to a multitude of reservoir types. Acceleware is also actively developing partnerships for RF heating of other industrial applications using the Company’s proprietary CTI.

    Acceleware and Saa Dene Group (co-founded by Jim Boucher) have created Acceleware | Kisâstwêw to raise the profile, adoption, and value of Acceleware technologies. The shared vision of the partnership is to improve the environmental and economic performance of the energy sector by supporting ideals that are important to Indigenous peoples, including respect for land, water, and clean air.

    The Company’s seismic imaging software solutions are state-of-the-art for high fidelity imaging, providing the most accurate and advanced imaging available for oil exploration in complex geologies. Acceleware is a public company listed on Canada’s TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol “AXE”.

    NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND OTHER ADVISORIES

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information generally means information about an issuer’s business, capital, or operations that are prospective in nature, and includes disclosure about the issuer’s prospective financial performance or financial position. 

    The forward-looking information in this press release can be identified by terms such as “believes”, “estimates”, “plans”, “potential”, and “will”, and includes information about, the expected commercialization of RF XL, the expected cost of the RF XL Pilot, the timing of the execution of the RF XL Pilot and the redeployment, expected financing required for the RF XL Pilot redeployment, and the anticipated economic and societal benefits of the RF XL technology. Acceleware assumes that current cost estimates are accurate, current timelines will not be delayed by either internal or external causes, that research and development effort including the commercial-scale test plans will result in commercial-ready products, and that future capital raising efforts will be successful.

    Actual results may vary from the forward-looking information in this press release due to certain material risk factors. These risk factors are described in detail in Acceleware’s continuous disclosure documents, which are filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 

    Acceleware assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information in this press release, unless it is required to do so under Canadian securities legislation. 

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this release in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. 

    DISCLAIMER

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

    For more information:
    Geoff Clark
    Tel: +1 (403) 249-9099
    geoff.clark@acceleware.com

    Acceleware Ltd.
    435 10th Avenue SE
    Calgary, AB, T2G 0W3
    Canada
    Tel: +1 (403) 249-9099
    www.acceleware.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Heinrich Sound Alarm on Reports of DOGE “Hit List” of Key Energy Projects, Demand that Department of Energy Follow the Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray, Heinrich, and colleagues: “Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers. Your indiscriminate cancellations of spending will increase energy prices, make our grid less secure, and stop energy innovation”
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, led 25 Democratic senators in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Christopher Wright demanding that he uphold his commitment to honor existing legal agreements and deliver funds passed into law by Congress.
    The letter comes on the heels of recent reports that the Department of Energy is creating a “hit list” of awards, projects, and contracts—many of which have already began construction—it is considering canceling, which would break existing agreements and  lead to job losses and reductions in the growth of new energy resources. 
    The senators detailed their serious concerns about the reports, telling Secretary Wright: “You assured us during your confirmation hearing that you believe that legal agreements should be honored (including managing the financial commitments you have inherited) and that you will follow the law.”
    The senators added: “Indiscriminately canceling program funding and executed contracts, and refusing to execute on the funding directives Congress enacted, neither honors existing agreements nor is consistent with the spending laws that have appropriated funding for specific purposes.”
    “Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers.  Your indiscriminate cancellations of spending will increase energy prices, make our grid less secure, and stop energy innovation,” the senators continued. “If the Department has a policy disagreement and does not want to spend money on programs Congress has funded, the lawful response is to ask Congress to rescind that funding. The decision ultimately rests with Congress, not with the President, the Department of Energy, or the Department of Government Efficiency.”
    The senators concluded the letter by demanding a detailed list and briefing that identifies which grants, loans, or loan guarantees Secretary Wright believes should be rescinded and why he thinks they should be rescinded.
    The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below.
    Dear Mr. Secretary:
    We are deeply troubled by recent news reports that the Department of Energy (Department) is creating a “hit list of clean energy projects” to “wipe out” for being inconsistent with the President’s priorities. This list reportedly includes hydrogen hubs and carbon capture, critical mineral, and battery storage projects that have already received grant and loan funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and annual appropriations bills. 
    You assured us during your confirmation hearing that you believe that legal agreements should be honored (including managing the financial commitments you have inherited) and that you will follow the law. Indiscriminately canceling program funding and executed contracts, and refusing to execute on the funding directives Congress enacted, neither honors existing agreements nor is consistent with the spending laws that have appropriated funding for specific purposes. 
    Our Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse and exclusive power to appropriate funds. Once a law is properly enacted, the Constitution requires the President to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.”  The President cannot substitute his policy preferences for requirements in law, and that includes refusing to spend funds Congress requires the President to spend. 
    In this instance, where Congress has authorized and appropriated funds for programs that support clean energy projects, the Department must faithfully execute the law and expend the funds for the purposes provided.  For example, programs authorized that have received federal appropriations under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have requirements on timing of expended funds, purposes, and contractual expectations. An internal Office of Management and Budget guidance document cannot hide the Department’s obligation to follow the enacted law.
    Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers.  Your indiscriminate cancellations of spending will increase energy prices, make our grid less secure, and stop energy innovation.  If the Department has a policy disagreement and does not want to spend money on programs Congress has funded, the lawful response is to ask Congress to rescind that funding. The decision ultimately rests with Congress, not with the President, the Department of Energy, or the Department of Government Efficiency.  Please provide us a detailed list and briefing that identifies which grants, loans, or loan guarantees you believe should be rescinded and why you think they should be rescinded.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 2nd, 2025 Heinrich, Murray Sound Alarm on Reports of DOGE “Hit List” of Key Energy Projects, Demand that Department of Energy Follow the Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, led 25 Democratic senators in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Christopher Wright demanding that he uphold his commitment to honor existing legal agreements and deliver funds passed into law by Congress.
    The letter comes on the heels of recent reports that the Department of Energy is creating a “hit list” of awards, projects, and contracts—many of which have already began construction—it is considering canceling, which would break existing agreements and  lead to job losses and reductions in the growth of new energy resources.  
    The senators detailed their serious concerns about the reports, telling Secretary Wright: “You assured us during your confirmation hearing that you believe that legal agreements should be honored (including managing the financial commitments you have inherited) and that you will follow the law.”
    The senators added: “Indiscriminately canceling program funding and executed contracts, and refusing to execute on the funding directives Congress enacted, neither honors existing agreements nor is consistent with the spending laws that have appropriated funding for specific purposes.”
    “Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers.  Your indiscriminate cancellations of spending will increase energy prices, make our grid less secure, and stop energy innovation,” the senators continued. “If the Department has a policy disagreement and does not want to spend money on programs Congress has funded, the lawful response is to ask Congress to rescind that funding. The decision ultimately rests with Congress, not with the President, the Department of Energy, or the Department of Government Efficiency.”
    The senators concluded the letter by demanding a detailed list and briefing that identifies which grants, loans, or loan guarantees Secretary Wright believes should be rescinded and why he thinks they should be rescinded.
    The full text of the letter can be found here and below. 
    Dear Mr. Secretary: 
    We are deeply troubled by recent news reports that the Department of Energy (Department) is creating a “hit list of clean energy projects” to “wipe out” for being inconsistent with the President’s priorities. This list reportedly includes hydrogen hubs and carbon capture, critical mineral, and battery storage projects that have already received grant and loan funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and annual appropriations bills.  
    You assured us during your confirmation hearing that you believe that legal agreements should be honored (including managing the financial commitments you have inherited) and that you will follow the law. Indiscriminately canceling program funding and executed contracts, and refusing to execute on the funding directives Congress enacted, neither honors existing agreements nor is consistent with the spending laws that have appropriated funding for specific purposes.  
    Our Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse and exclusive power to appropriate funds. Once a law is properly enacted, the Constitution requires the President to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.”  The President cannot substitute his policy preferences for requirements in law, and that includes refusing to spend funds Congress requires the President to spend.  
    In this instance, where Congress has authorized and appropriated funds for programs that support clean energy projects, the Department must faithfully execute the law and expend the funds for the purposes provided.  For example, programs authorized that have received federal appropriations under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have requirements on timing of expended funds, purposes, and contractual expectations. An internal Office of Management and Budget guidance document cannot hide the Department’s obligation to follow the enacted law. 
    Dissolving contracts, cancelling grants and loans, and reneging on loan guarantees without any intention to execute the laws is not only illegal, but is harmful to the public and energy consumers.  Your indiscriminate cancellations of spending will increase energy prices, make our grid less secure, and stop energy innovation.  If the Department has a policy disagreement and does not want to spend money on programs Congress has funded, the lawful response is to ask Congress to rescind that funding. The decision ultimately rests with Congress, not with the President, the Department of Energy, or the Department of Government Efficiency.  Please provide us a detailed list and briefing that identifies which grants, loans, or loan guarantees you believe should be rescinded and why you think they should be rescinded.
                                                                           

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Astronomers listened to the ‘music’ of flickering stars – and discovered an unexpected feature

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claudia Reyes, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Australian National University

    Pavel Gabzdyl / Shutterstock

    The “music” of starquakes – enormous vibrations caused by bursting bubbles of gas that ripple throughout the bodies of many stars – can reveal far more information about the stars’ histories and inner workings than scientists thought.

    In new research published in Nature, we analysed the frequency signatures of starquakes across a broad range of giant stars in the M67 star cluster, almost 3,000 light years from Earth.

    Using observations from the Kepler space telescope’s K2 mission, we had a rare opportunity to track the evolution of stars during most of their journey through the giant phase of the stellar life cycle.

    In doing so, we discovered that these stars get stuck “playing the same part of their tune” once their turbulent outer layer reaches a sensitive region deep inside.

    This discovery reveals a new way to understand the history of stars – and of the entire galaxy.

    The sound of starquakes

    Starquakes happen in most stars (like our Sun) that have a bubbling outer layer, like a pot of boiling water. Bubbles of hot gas rise and burst at the surface, sending ripples through the entire star that cause it to vibrate in particular ways.

    We can detect these vibrations, which occur at specific “resonant frequencies”, by looking for subtle variations in the brightness of the star. By studying the frequencies of each star in a group called a cluster, we can tune into the cluster’s unique “song”.

    Our study challenges previous assumptions about resonant frequencies in giant stars, revealing they offer deeper insights into stellar interiors than previously thought. Moreover, our study has opened new ways to decipher the history of our Galaxy.

    The melody of a stellar cluster

    Astronomers have long sought to understand how stars like our Sun evolve over time.

    One of the best ways to do this is by studying clusters – groups of stars that formed together and share the same age and composition. A cluster called M67 has attracted a lot of attention because it contains many stars with a similar chemical makeup to the Sun.

    Just as earthquakes help us study Earth’s interior, starquakes reveal what lies beneath a star’s surface. Each star “sings” a melody, with frequencies determined by its internal structure and physical properties.

    Larger stars produce deeper, slower vibrations, while smaller stars vibrate at higher pitches. And no star plays just one note – each one resonates with a full spectrum of sound from its interior.

    A surprising signature

    Among the key frequency signatures is the so-called small spacing – a group of resonant frequencies quite close together. In younger stars, such as the Sun, this signature can provide clues about how much hydrogen the star still has left to burn in its core.

    In red giants the situation is different. These older stars have used up all the hydrogen in their cores, which are now inert.

    However, hydrogen fusion continues in a shell surrounding the core. It was long assumed that the small spacings in such stars offered little new information.

    A stalled note

    When we measured the small spacings of stars in M67, we were surprised to see they revealed changes in the star’s internal fusion regions.

    As the hydrogen-burning shell thickened, the spacings increased. When the shell moved inward, they shrank.

    Then we found something else unexpected: at a certain stage, the small spacings stalled. It was like a record skipping on a note.

    We discovered that this stalling appears during a specific stage in the life of a giant star — when its outer envelope, the “boiling” layer that transports heat, grows so deep that it makes up about 80% of the star’s mass. At this point the inner boundary of the envelope reaches into a highly sensitive region of the star.

    This boundary is extremely turbulent, and the speed of sound shifts steeply across it — and that steep change affects how sound waves travel through the star. We also found that the stalling frequency is distinctively determined by the star’s mass and chemical composition.

    This gives us a new way to identify stars in this phase and estimate their ages with improved precision.

    The history of the galaxy

    Stars are like fossil records. They carry the imprint of the environments in which they formed, and studying them lets us piece together the story of our galaxy.

    The Milky Way has grown by merging with smaller galaxies, forming stars at different times in different regions. Better age estimates across the galaxy help us reconstruct this history in greater detail.

    Clusters like M67 also provide a glimpse into the future of our own Sun, offering insight into the changes it will experience over billions of years.

    This discovery gives us a new tool – and a new reason to revisit data we already have. With years of seismic observations from across the Milky Way, we can now return to those stars and “listen” again, this time knowing what to listen for.

    Claudia Reyes 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. Astronomers listened to the ‘music’ of flickering stars – and discovered an unexpected feature – https://theconversation.com/astronomers-listened-to-the-music-of-flickering-stars-and-discovered-an-unexpected-feature-253546

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Webb Explores Effect of Strong Magnetic Fields on Star Formation

    Source: NASA

    Follow-up research on a 2023 image of the Sagittarius C stellar nursery in the heart of our Milky Way galaxy, captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, has revealed ejections from still-forming protostars and insights into the impact of strong magnetic fields on interstellar gas and the life cycle of stars.  
    “A big question in the Central Molecular Zone of our galaxy has been, if there is so much dense gas and cosmic dust here, and we know that stars form in such clouds, why are so few stars born here?” said astrophysicist John Bally of the University of Colorado Boulder, one of the principal investigators. “Now, for the first time, we are seeing directly that strong magnetic fields may play an important role in suppressing star formation, even at small scales.”
    Detailed study of stars in this crowded, dusty region has been limited, but Webb’s advanced near-infrared instruments have allowed astronomers to see through the clouds to study young stars like never before.
    “The extreme environment of the galactic center is a fascinating place to put star formation theories to the test, and the infrared capabilities of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope provide the opportunity to build on past important observations from ground-based telescopes like ALMA and MeerKAT,” said Samuel Crowe, another principal investigator on the research, a senior undergraduate at the University of Virginia and a 2025 Rhodes Scholar.
    Bally and Crowe each led a paper published in The Astrophysical Journal.

    In Sagittarius C’s brightest cluster, the researchers confirmed the tentative finding from the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) that two massive stars are forming there. Along with infrared data from NASA’s retired Spitzer Space Telescope and SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) mission, as well as the Herschel Space Observatory, they used Webb to determine that each of the massive protostars is already more than 20 times the mass of the Sun. Webb also revealed the bright outflows powered by each protostar.
    Even more challenging is finding low-mass protostars, still shrouded in cocoons of cosmic dust. Researchers compared Webb’s data with ALMA’s past observations to identify five likely low-mass protostar candidates.
    The team also identified 88 features that appear to be shocked hydrogen gas, where material being blasted out in jets from young stars impacts the surrounding gas cloud. Analysis of these features led to the discovery of a new star-forming cloud, distinct from the main Sagittarius C cloud, hosting at least two protostars powering their own jets.
    “Outflows from forming stars in Sagittarius C have been hinted at in past observations, but this is the first time we’ve been able to confirm them in infrared light. It’s very exciting to see, because there is still a lot we don’t know about star formation, especially in the Central Molecular Zone, and it’s so important to how the universe works,” said Crowe.

    Webb’s 2023 image of Sagittarius C showed dozens of distinctive filaments in a region of hot hydrogen plasma surrounding the main star-forming cloud. New analysis by Bally and his team has led them to hypothesize that the filaments are shaped by magnetic fields, which have also been observed in the past by the ground-based observatories ALMA and MeerKAT (formerly the Karoo Array Telescope).
    “The motion of gas swirling in the extreme tidal forces of the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*, can stretch and amplify the surrounding magnetic fields. Those fields, in turn, are shaping the plasma in Sagittarius C,” said Bally.
    The researchers think that the magnetic forces in the galactic center may be strong enough to keep the plasma from spreading, instead confining it into the concentrated filaments seen in the Webb image. These strong magnetic fields may also resist the gravity that would typically cause dense clouds of gas and dust to collapse and forge stars, explaining Sagittarius C’s lower-than-expected star formation rate. 
    “This is an exciting area for future research, as the influence of strong magnetic fields, in the center of our galaxy or other galaxies, on stellar ecology has not been fully considered,” said Crowe.  
    The James Webb Space Telescope is the world’s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
    Downloads
    Click any image to open a larger version.
    View/Download all image products at all resolutions for this article from the Space Telescope Science Institute.
    View/Download the science paper led by Bally from the The Astrophysical Journal.
    View/Download the science paper led by Crowe from the The Astrophysical Journal.

    Laura Betz – laura.e.betz@nasa.govNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
    Leah Ramsay – lramsay@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.
    Christine Pulliam – cpulliam@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.

    Read more: press releases about the center of the Milky Way
    NASA’s Universe of Learning: ViewSpace Interactive image tour of the center of the Milky Way
    Learn more about the Milky Way and Sagittarius Constellation
    More Webb News
    More Webb Images
    Webb Science Themes
    Webb Mission Page

    What Is a Nebula?
    What Is a Galaxy?
    What is the Webb Telescope?
    SpacePlace for Kids
    En Español
    ¿Qué es una nebulosa?
    ¿Qué es una galaxia?
    Ciencia de la NASA
    NASA en español 
    Space Place para niños

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Jobs under threat at SIAE Microelettronica SpA – E-002383/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan provides for the financing for a total of EUR 1.5 billion of the so-called ‘IPCEI Fund’, which is also financed through national resources.

    The objective of the measure is to provide support through the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) Fund to projects belonging to four IPCEIs, namely, (i) the ‘Microelectronics and Communication Technologies’ IPCEI, (ii) the ‘Hydrogen Technology value chain’ IPCEI, (iii) the ‘Hydrogen related infrastructure and applications in the industrial sector’ IPCEI and (iv) the ‘Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services’ IPCEI.

    The Commission notes that innovative projects are generally expected to result in the creation of highly skilled jobs by the enterprises that undertake them.

    The Commission is committed to strengthening the global competitiveness of the EU industry and net-zero technologies supply chains.

    Such initiatives aim to provide predictability, certainty and long-term signals to incentivise demand and create conditions that facilitate investments in net-zero technology manufacturing, while supporting the workforce needed in this sector.

    This work will draw on the report by Mario Draghi with the goal to enable sustainable prosperity and competitiveness. As its first major initiative, the Commission has presented a Competitiveness Compass that will frame the work for the rest of the term.

    The Commission has also launched a Clean Industrial Deal and proposes a Circular Economy Act, a European Competitiveness Fund, as well as risk-absorbing measures to promote private investments in innovation and the twin transition.

    The Commission will aim to ensure that these efforts benefit all, including by supporting quality jobs.

    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Reducing and sharing network costs – P-001316/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001316/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE)

    The Dutch Government recently published a report on funding electricity infrastructure[1], which concluded that network tariffs will triple by 2040 due to the massive investments required. This sharp increase in costs will raise household and industry bills, hampering electrification. While a range of measures is needed to address this challenge, two critical areas urgently require a legislative response from the Commission: the spreading of costs over time (amortisation) and international cost-sharing.

    • 1.Given that amortisation has already been approved and implemented for hydrogen networks within the EU through intertemporal cost allocation in the hydrogen and gas decarbonisation package, can the Commission commit to implementing similar legislative changes for electricity grids as soon as possible?
    • 2.Reducing network tariffs would provide Member States with a competitive advantage, but not all have the fiscal capacity to implement such measures. Therefore, can the Commission commit to taking action on common rules and financing to ensure a level playing field?
    • 3.As voluntary cost-sharing mechanisms between Member States have not yielded sufficient results, does the Commission envisage taking legislative action in the upcoming EU action plan for grids to establish an effective cost-sharing mechanism?

    Submitted: 31.3.2025

    • [1] https://open.overheid.nl/documenten/e914cc94-ffcd-42dd-9989-bf7c3fdd44f9/file.
    Last updated: 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Railways Achieves ₹2.56 Lakh Crore Revenue in 2023-24 with Net Profit of ₹3,260 Crore Amid Major Investments in Staff, Pension, and Energy

    Source: Government of India

    Indian Railways Achieves ₹2.56 Lakh Crore Revenue in 2023-24 with Net Profit of ₹3,260 Crore Amid Major Investments in Staff, Pension, and Energy

    Indian Railways Adopts Two-Pronged Strategy to Boost Profits by Increasing Revenue and Enhancing Operational Efficiency

    Freight Loading Surges 29% to 1,591 MT in 2023-24; Indian Railways Targets 1.6 Billion Tonnes in 2024-25 to Become World’s Third Largest Freight Carrier

    Railways Expands Freight Business with Private Investment in Terminals, Modern Wagons, Cargo Aggregation, and Competitive Tariff Policies

    Railways Strengthen Cost Management Through Electrification, Workforce Optimization, and Operational Efficiencies, Saving ₹4,700 Crore on Diesel in 2023-24

    Indian Railways Pioneers Green and Sustainable Initiatives with HOG Trains, Electrification, LED Adoption, Renewable Energy, and Hydrogen-Powered Trains

    Rail Network Speed Potential Expands to 80,000 km at 110 kmph, with 23,000 km Upgraded for 130 kmph Since 2014

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 7:39PM by PIB Delhi

    During 2023-24, the earning of Indian Railways (IR) was ₹2,56,093 cr and revenue expenditure was ₹2,52,834 cr. The net Revenue has improved to Rs 3,260 crore in 2023-24. Major expenditure is done on Staff cost, Pension, energy consumption etc.

    To increase the profit, Indian Railways (IR) has adopted two-pronged approach i.e. increase the revenue and bring efficiency in operational expenditure. 

    Due to implementation of several freight revenue initiatives, the freight carried by IR during 2020-21 was 1,233 million tonnes which increased to 1,591 million tonnes during 2023-24 i.e. a growth of 29%. IR is set to achieve 1.6 billion tonnes freight loading in the FY 2024-25 making it the third largest freight handling railway system in the world. Some of the important measures to improve the freight include-

    • Encouraging private sector to develop the modern rail freight terminals under ‘Gati Shakti Multi- Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT)’ policy and augmenting/ upgrading the infrastructure at railway owned goods sheds.
    • Implementing various schemes for private sector to invest in wagons including the commodity focused specialized wagons such as wagons for cement, oil, steel, fly-ash, automobiles etc.
    • Facilitating cargo aggregation and thereby, expand the commodity basket by the schemes including the policy of “Cargo Aggregator Transportation Product” and “Joint Parcel Product-Rapid Cargo Services”.
    • Implementing the several tariff related measures to enhance the rail share by making rail mode competitive with respect to road. These include Short Lead Concession for traffic upto 90 Km, Liberalized Automatic Freight Rebate scheme for traffic loaded in empty flow direction, discounts on loading of bagged consignment in open and flat wagon, discount in freight to Fly ash/Bed ash traffic, operation of Mini Rake for Container train, fixation of special haulage rate for Bulk Cement (cement in loose form) when transported in normal containers.

    IR has also undertaken many initiatives to increase non-fare revenue such as measures to increase the advertisement earnings, implementing the NINFRIS (New and Innovative Ideas and Concepts Scheme for Generation for Non-fare Revenue) policy to encourage innovative revenue-generating ideas. Some examples of NINFRIS Contracts are Nursing pods, luggage wrapping and sanitization, digital cloakrooms, disposal linen kiosks, imitation jewellery kiosks, Khadi selling kiosks, handicraft kiosks, Kiosks for online education platforms, facilities for electric charging facilities, oxygen parlours, etc. An e-auction policy has been implemented to expedite the bidding for assets such as leased parcel space, parking lots, ATMs etc.  The benefits of e-Auction module include – realization of true earning potential of each asset, reduction the time taken in finalization of Tenders and prevent revenue loss on this account, re-award of contract in quick time in case of failure in commencing by any contractor etc.

    IR has also undertaken steps to improve the earning from passenger segments such as running of special trains, augmentation of on-board capacity, and introduction of new trains with higher facilities on appropriate fare.

    Similarly, various measures are being regularly taken in railways to ensure optimum expenditure.  Some of the expenditure management on railways includes manpower management, electrification of Railway tracks etc.  Measures like electrification of Railway tracks has led to savings of more than Rs 4700 crore under Diesel traction in FY 2023-24.    

    Cleanliness is a continuous process and various measures have been taken for maintaining cleanliness at stations and trains which include integrated housekeeping contracts at major stations & trains, mechanized cleaning, bio-toilets in passenger coaches, On Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) scheme in long distance trains, Clean Train Station (CTS) scheme for identified trains en-routed at nominated stations, dustbins for bio-degradable and non-biodegradable wastes etc.

    IR has taken various steps to promote environment friendly & sustainable practices. Some of them are as under: –

    • Conversion of End on Generation (EOG) trains into Head on Generation (HOG) trains to reduce noise, air pollution and diesel consumption.
    • Construction of Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs).
    • Procurement of renewable energy from different power procurement modes for its future energy requirements.
    • Provision of energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting in all Railway installations including stations, service buildings, residential quarters and coaches for reduction in electricity consumption.
    • Use of star rated appliances.
    • 98% of railway tracks have been electrified, resulting in saving in diesel consumption.
    • Harnessing hydrogen gas to drive train sets.
    • Green Certifications of railway establishments.
    • Proper waste management.

    Improvement/up-gradation of Rolling Stock to enhance safety and comfort of passengers is a continuous and ongoing process on IR. The initiatives include LHB coaches with operating speed of 160 Kmph, better riding index, improved aesthetics and safety features like Lightweight design, Anti-telescopic & Anti climbing features, Centre Buffer Coupler, Axle mounted disc brake system etc. as compared to the conventional ICF coaches of the 1960s.

    In its constant endeavor to provide faster service and better travel experience to the passengers, IR are introducing Vande Bharat trains and Namo Rapid Rail service, which have modern coaches, enhanced safety features and better amenities. Presently, 136 Vande Bharat services and 2 Namo Rapid Rail services are in operation on the IR network.

    IR have also introduced modern State-of the Art fully Non-AC Amrit Bharat trains. These trains have advanced features like Semi-Permanent couplers for jerk free travel, horizontal sliding windows, better aesthetics of Berths with enhanced look & feel on the lines of Vande Bharat Sleeper, improved crashworthiness in coaches, Emergency Talk Back Unit, improved LED Light fitting & Charging Sockets, foldable snack table and bottle holders, mobile holders etc. These trains comprise 12 Sleeper Class Coaches and 8 General Class coaches. Presently, 4 Amrit Bharat services are in operation.

    Besides the improvement in rolling stock, the following measures have been taken by IR to upgrade railway tracks:

    1. Using modern track components consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Pre-stressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide base sleepers with modern elastic fastenings.
    2. Laying of fan-shaped turnout on PSC sleepers with Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossings.
    3. Providing Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges while carrying out primary track renewals.
    4. Using 130m/260m long rail panels for rail renewals to minimize weld- joints.
    5. Field-welding by mobile Flash Butt Welding Plant and advanced USFD Testing technique of Rail/ Welds by Phased array technology.
    6. Mechanization in Track renewal/ replacement using Track Relaying Trains, Points & Crossing Changing machines, Track laying Equipment etc.
    7. Deployment of Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) for comprehensive health assessment to project optimal maintenance requirements.
    8. Induction of advance modern machines for track maintenance i.e., high output tampers, high output Ballast Cleaning Machines and Rail Grinding machines etc.
    9. Adopting Self-propelled Ultrasonic Rail Testing Car (SPURT) and Rail Cum Road Vehicle (RCRV) based USFD system for testing of rails/welds.
    10. Using web enabled Track Management System (TMS) for integration and data analytics of the track inspection records received through various sources to enable precise maintenance inputs.

    As a consequence of above measures, speed potential of 110 kmph has now been improved significantly to about 80,000 km at present which was only about 31,000 km in 2014. In addition, upgradation and improvement of about 23,000 km track has been done from 2014-15 to 2024-25 (up to Feb’25) for speed potential of 130 kmph. 

    IR strives to provide affordable services to all strata of the society. IR gave a subsidy of Rs. 56,993 crores on passenger tickets in 2022-23. This amounts to concession of 46% on an average, to every person, travelling on Railways. In other words, if the cost of providing service is Rs. 100, then the price of ticket is Rs. 54 only. This subsidy is continuing for all passengers. Further, concessions beyond this subsidy amount are continuing for many categories like 4 categories of Persons with disabilities (Divyangjans), 11 categories of patients and 8 categories of students.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2118003) Visitor Counter : 42

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Till Feb 2025, Indian Railways Installs 209 MW Solar Plants at 2,249 Stations and Service Buildings

    Source: Government of India

    Till Feb 2025, Indian Railways Installs 209 MW Solar Plants at 2,249 Stations and Service Buildings

    Indian Railways Solar Power Expansion Reaches 2249 Installations Units with 1489 Added in the Last Five Years, 2.3 Times More Than 628 in the Previous Five Years

    Rajasthan Leads in Solar Power Expansion with the Highest 275 Installations Units Among All States and UTs

    Posted On: 02 APR 2025 7:45PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Railways is making all endeavors to promote solar energy in line with the Government policies to proliferate renewable energy, environmental sustainability and to achieve long-term financial savings. The transition to renewable energy is an ongoing process.

    Indian Railways has planned to progressively procure renewable energy through different power procurement modes for Round The Clock (RTC) power, which is hybrid solution for renewable power includes solar and wind etc. Most of the work of setting up of solar plants is undertaken by Railways through Power Purchase Agreement under developer mode.

    During implementation of solar energy, many challenges like regulatory constraints, power evacuation and connectivity issues were faced by the railways. To tackle these issues, State Governments and Transmission Utilities were pursued on regular basis.

    So far, about 209 MW of solar plants on 2249 Railway stations and service buildings across the country have been provided. State-wise and year-wise details are as under:

     

    S.No.

    State

    Railway Stations Provided with Solar Plants (in Nos.)

     2014-15 to 2019-20

    2020-21 to February, 2025

    Cumulative
    upto February, 2025

    1

    Rajasthan

    73

    200

    275

    2

    Maharashtra

    43

    213

    270

    3

    West Bengal

    12

    222

    237

    4

    Uttar Pradesh

    78

    93

    204

    5

    Andhra Pradesh

    33

    126

    198

    6

    Karnataka

    86

    60

    146

    7

    Madhya Pradesh

    49

    74

    134

    8

    Odisha

    30

    103

    133

    9

    Gujarat

    11

    96

    112

    10

    Telangana

    35

    60

    95

    11

    Bihar

    25

    42

    81

    12

    Assam

    27

    48

    78

    13

    Tamil Nadu

    42

    31

    73

    14

    Jharkhand

    10

    35

    47

    15

    Haryana

    9

    23

    36

    16

    Punjab

    19

    11

    30

    17

    Uttarakhand

    1

    17

    18

    18

    Himanchal Pradesh

    1

    16

    17

    19

    Tripura

    15

    1

    16

    20

    Chhattisgarh

    10

    5

    16

    21

    Kerala

    12

    1

    13

    22

    Delhi

    4

    3

    8

    23

    J & K

    2

    4

    6

    24

    Nagaland

    0

    2

    2

    25

    Meghalaya

    0

    1

    1

    26

    Manipur

    0

    1

    1

    27

    Chandigarh

    0

    1

    1

    28

    Puducherry

    1

    0

    1

     

    Total

    628

    1489

    2249

     

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2118010) Visitor Counter : 32

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 3, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: How your smelly farts can tell you what’s going on in your gut

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Maximilienne Toetie Allaart, Postdoctoral Researcher in Gut Microbiome Research, University of Tübingen

    The smell of your farts can give you clues about what’s keeping your gut microbes busy. Roquillo Tebar/ Shutterstock

    We’ve all been there: you try your best to keep it in, but you just can’t hold it anymore. You have to let it slip – how bad could it be? Then the unpleasant smell wafts your way, and all you can do is hope that no one comes near you for the next couple of minutes.

    However uncomfortable or embarrassing they are, farts are natural and a sign that your digestive system is alive. Quite literally, actually. It’s not just your own body that’s responsible for producing gases. Trillions of microbes live in your gut, helping you digest your food – and producing farts in the process.

    Our gut microbes play an indispensable role in our health. This is why it’s so important to take good care of them. And, bizarre as it might sound, the smell of your farts can actually tell you something about what’s keeping your gut microbes busy.

    Gassy gut microbes

    Your gut microbiome is as personal as your fingerprint. There can be significant variation between people in the specific microbes present in their guts.

    In general, your gut microbes work together to turn large molecules (the sugars, fats, proteins and fibres that are extracted from the foods we eat) into small molecules – mainly volatile fatty acids and gases. These fatty acids feed the cells lining the colon, while the gases naturally escape our body – sometimes quietly, sometimes explosively.

    The large molecules that we consume in our food mainly consist of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and, in smaller amounts, nitrogen and sulphur atoms. These give our gut microbes the capacity to produce different gases – such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen gas, methane and hydrogen sulphide.

    While carbon dioxide, hydrogen and even methane gas are odourless, hydrogen sulphide is extremely smelly. This gas produces that rotten egg smell you might be familiar with in your own farts’ fragrance profile.

    The gases that are produced by our gut microbes also serve as a vehicle for other smelly molecules – such as the volatile fatty acids mentioned earlier.

    Our fatty acid molecules mainly exist in the gut as dissolved compounds. But when there’s gas present, a part of these molecules becomes “volatile”. This means they can be carried around by the gas, making them a bit like hitchhikers on their way out of the gut.

    The three most important volatile fatty acids are acetate, propionate and butyrate. While these are all associated with good gut health, they’re also rather smelly. They reek of vinegar, smelly gym socks and vomit, respectively, and I can tell you from experience with them in the lab that they’re quite pungent.

    There are also molecules that simply smell like, well, farts – such as indole and skatole. These molecules are produced when the amino acid tryptophan – one of the building blocks of protein – ferments in the large intestine. The molecular structure of indole and skatole not only makes them very adept at lingering, but also gives them the capacity to partition into gas. This means they can also be carried out of our guts and into the world by our non-smelly, friendly gut gases.

    Food versus farts

    There’s a correlation between what you eat, how much gas your belly creates and how the gas smells. This is because each food affects your body and your gut microbes differently.

    Protein tends to create the smelliest farts.
    Chatham172/ Shutterstock

    For instance, hydrogen sulphide – the smelliest of the gases our gut microbes make – can only be produced if your food contains sulphur. Sulphur is typically found in the amino acids cysteine and methionine, which are part of proteins. There are generally higher levels of these amino acids in animal proteins (such as eggs and red meat) than in plant proteins.

    In general, proteins are more likely to produce malodorous gas because they contribute to a process called putrefaction – the fermentation of excess protein in the large intestine. This same process makes those extra-stinky indole and skatole molecules. So, too much protein fermentation can cause foul smells – and is also linked to negative health effects, such as ulcerative colitis and bowel cancer.

    But don’t worry, there’s no need to cut out proteins altogether. Your body actually needs them. If you eat the right amount for your body, most protein will be digested in the small intestine to fuel our cells. It’s only when you eat way too much protein that the excess can’t be used and ends up in the colon, where smelly molecules of all kinds will be produced from it.

    You might also have noticed that fibre-rich foods, such as beans, make you gassy. Fibres cause more gas production because our body lacks the capacity to break down fibre by itself. This means that all the fibre we ingest will reach our large intestine, where the microbes do the heavy lifting of breaking them down into health-promoting volatile fatty acids. Fortunately, fibre-rich foods are mainly associated with the production of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, our non-smelly intestinal gases.

    Your gut is a complex jungle of interactions between the body, its microbes and your food. And just as each person’s microbiome is unique, so is the scent of the gas it produces.

    Although farts aren’t exactly ideal, it’s important to remember they’re a sign that your microbes are working. Having a diverse microbiome is related to good gut health. Eating diverse foods will help you maintain a diverse set of microbes. Exercise is also a good way to ensure your digestive system can move everything – including gases – around as it should.

    Maximilienne Toetie Allaart receives funding from the Alexander von Humboldt foundation.

    – ref. How your smelly farts can tell you what’s going on in your gut – https://theconversation.com/how-your-smelly-farts-can-tell-you-whats-going-on-in-your-gut-252845

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 3, 2025
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