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France's new government is committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy despite facing fiscal constraints and political challenges. The country plans to focus on renewables, nuclear power, and energy efficiency investments to transition from fossil fuels to clean power. Legislative elections may impact these targets, with the Senate pushing its own energy law and debates on the role of nuclear and renewables. The government aims to achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990, with targets for electric cars, biofuels, renewable heat, and nuclear reactor construction. [Extracted from the article]

Dominion Energy Inc. is engaging in discussions with potential partners, including technology firms, to develop small modular nuclear reactors, following a recent agreement with Amazon.com Inc. CEO Bob Blue expressed optimism about the interest of large power users, such as technology companies, in investing and collaborating to advance carbon-free nuclear technology. The increasing power demand in the US, driven by data centers, new factories, and the electrification of the economy, has prompted companies like Dominion to seek sustainable energy solutions to meet future needs. [Extracted from the article]

Macquarie Group Ltd. is heavily invested in data center capacity worldwide, with a focus on digital infrastructure. Despite selling its stake in AirTrunk, the bank still holds investments in various data center businesses globally. CEO Shemara Wikramanayake believes there is significant potential for growth in the sector, especially with the rise of generative AI and the need for reliable power sources like nuclear energy for data centers. [Extracted from the article]

A Swedish startup, Flower Infrastructure Technologies AB, specializing in energy storage and grid technology, recently secured an additional €20 million in funding from investors, including H&M chairman Karl-Johan Persson. Founded by John Diklev, the company aims to provide services that stabilize grids reliant on renewable energy sources like wind and solar. With plans to expand in countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium, Flower owns 65 megawatts of installed storage capacity and posted revenue of about 100 million kronor last year. [Extracted from the article]

A Swedish startup, Flower Infrastructure Technologies AB, specializing in energy storage and grid technology, secured an additional €20 million in funding from investors, including H&M chairman Karl-Johan Persson. Founded by John Diklev, the company aims to provide services that stabilize grids reliant on renewable energy sources like wind and solar. With plans to expand in countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium, Flower Infrastructure Technologies AB is focused on increasing its storage capacity and revenue base. [Extracted from the article]

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. is challenging the decision by South Africa's energy regulator to grant licenses to multiple applicants to trade in electricity, including CBI Electric Apollo, Discovery Green, Green Electron Market, and GreenCo Power Services. Eskom objects to having more than one electricity provider in the same area and claims that the licenses were approved without the necessary trading rules being developed. South Africa is planning to establish infrastructure investment trusts and a blended-finance vehicle to attract private companies for developing public-works projects, aiming to secure up to 3.2 trillion rand ($182 billion) from the private sector by 2030 for infrastructure upgrades. Transnet SOC Ltd. has adjusted its procurement policy to expedite work on urgent projects and maintenance, seeking long-term agreements with manufacturers and customers for quicker access to essential equipment. [Extracted from the article]

Sweden's nuclear revival is facing challenges as companies scale back green projects, potentially impacting the country's energy plans. The government's proposal to build new reactors to meet increasing electricity demands is uncertain, with some projects being halted or scaled back. While the government sees nuclear power as essential for stability, critics argue that alternative technologies like energy storage could provide similar benefits. The debate reflects Sweden's complex relationship with nuclear energy, with differing forecasts on future electricity consumption and the role of nuclear power in the country's energy mix. [Extracted from the article]

Sweden's nuclear revival is facing challenges as companies scale back green projects, potentially impacting the country's energy plans. The government's proposal to build new reactors to meet increasing electricity demands is uncertain, with some projects being halted or scaled back. While the government sees nuclear power as essential for the future, critics argue that alternative technologies like energy storage could provide similar benefits. The debate reflects Sweden's complex relationship with nuclear energy, with differing opinions on the best path forward for the nation's energy future. [Extracted from the article]

Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo expressed concerns about the vulnerability of the country's liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports to a potential blockade by China. This comes after China's military conducted drills near Taiwan, raising tensions. Taiwan heavily relies on LNG for its gas supply, importing about 21 million tons valued at $13 billion last year. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, with Taiwan at the center of US-China tensions and Beijing's persistent pressure on the island. [Extracted from the article]

The US is engaging in discussions with Southeast Asian nations to potentially deploy small modular nuclear reactors, reflecting a global interest in low-carbon energy sources. Countries like the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand are exploring nuclear power to address growing energy demands and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Unlike traditional reactors, small modular reactors can be built more quickly and cost-effectively, although the technology has not yet been widely implemented on a commercial scale. Discussions with various countries in the region are ongoing, with potential for future collaborations in the nuclear energy sector. [Extracted from the article]

Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai has expressed openness to utilizing new nuclear technology to meet the increasing electricity demands of chipmakers in the AI industry. This marks a potential shift in the government's stance on nuclear power, which has been opposed due to safety concerns since the Fukushima disaster in 2011. The surge in AI investment has put Taiwan's chipmakers, particularly TSMC, in the spotlight, prompting discussions on nuclear power as a means to ensure sufficient energy supply. Additionally, Taiwan is also focusing on bolstering its defense capabilities, with plans to increase defense spending to a record level in 2025. [Extracted from the article]

Amazon.com Inc. and billionaire Ken Griffin are investing in small modular reactors (SMRs) for nuclear energy, with Amazon signing agreements to develop SMRs in Washington and Virginia. This investment aims to develop over 5 gigawatts of new power projects in the US by 2039, addressing the increasing electricity demand driven by data center expansion. While SMRs offer potential benefits such as scalability and quicker assembly, critics raise concerns about the economics and environmental impact of nuclear power, advocating for more energy-efficient and renewable solutions for tech firms. [Extracted from the article]

Amazon.com Inc. and billionaire Ken Griffin are part of a $500 million investment in small nuclear reactors, known as small modular reactors (SMRs), with X-Energy. This investment aims to develop over 5 gigawatts of new power projects in the US by 2039. While some see SMRs as a promising technology for data center energy needs, critics argue that the economics of nuclear power remain flawed, and there are concerns about environmental impact and cost overruns. [Extracted from the article]

Chugoku Electric Power Co., a regional utility in Japan, has announced that its Shimane No. 2 nuclear reactor will restart in early December. The reactor has been offline since 2012 after the Fukushima disaster. The restart is expected to help reduce dependence on overseas fossil fuels and increase electricity capacity during the winter months. The Japanese government has been working to restart more nuclear plants, but strict regulations and local opposition have hindered progress. [Extracted from the article]

Google has announced its investment in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) through a partnership with Kairos Power. The agreement includes the construction of SMRs that use molten-salt cooling technology, with power supplies expected to begin between 2030 and 2035. This move is part of Google's effort to bring online new carbon-free electricity as it expands its data centers in the coming decade. The deal will support 500 megawatts of power, starting with a 50-megawatt demonstration project in Tennessee. The partnership reflects the growing interest in nuclear power as a clean energy source for tech companies. [Extracted from the article]

Kansai Electric Power Co. in Japan will be shutting down one of its nuclear reactors due to the discovery of a small hole in a pipeline. The closure is for inspection purposes, and the utility has not provided a timeline for when the reactor will be restarted. The incident has not had any radioactive impact on the environment. As a result of the shutdown, there may be an increased demand for electricity from natural gas or coal-fired facilities, potentially tightening global fuel supplies. [Extracted from the article]

Kansai Electric Power Co. in Japan will be shutting down one of its nuclear reactors due to the discovery of a small hole in a pipeline. The closure will lead to an increase in the use of fossil fuels to make up for any electricity shortage. The incident has also resulted in the cancellation of a tender to sell liquefied natural gas for December delivery. This shutdown may lead to a higher demand for electricity from natural gas or coal-fired facilities, potentially tightening global fuel supplies. [Extracted from the article]

Electricite de France (EDF) has filed a complaint with the European Union competition regulator regarding a Czech utility's decision to choose a Korean state-owned group as the preferred bidder for the construction of two nuclear reactors. EDF wants to ensure that the offer from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) complies with European principles, laws, and regulations. EDF is concerned that the Korean government may provide subsidies to KHNP, particularly in the event of cost overruns during the project. The Czech tender outcome is significant as many European countries are planning to build new nuclear plants to reduce fossil fuel usage and meet climate targets. EDF has lodged its complaint with the European Commission, which can assess the contract using the bloc's foreign subsidies regulation. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report by BloombergNEF, delays in restarting nuclear reactors and a slowdown in solar installations are causing Japan's power supply to tighten, leading to an increase in electricity prices next year. The report predicts that monthly prices will peak at around 16 yen ($0.11) per kilowatt hour in January. The restart of nuclear reactors is a major uncertainty in Japan's power market, and each month of delay requires additional liquefied natural gas shipments. The government has been working to restart reactors to reduce fossil fuel imports, but strict regulations and local opposition have hindered progress. BNEF also revised down its power capacity outlook and expects overall consumption to slightly increase due to rising demand from data centers and semiconductor factories. [Extracted from the article]

Taiwan, a major hub for chip manufacturing, will be raising its electricity rates starting from mid-October. The increase, averaging 12.5%, will impact industrial users, including companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and United Microelectronics Corp. Semiconductor firms will see tariffs rise by about 14%. This is the second price hike of the year, as Taiwan expects power consumption to grow due to demand from the AI sector. The state utility, Taipower, has faced losses in recent years and attributes them to the rise in international fuel costs following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Taiwan is heavily reliant on imported coal and gas for its tech-dominated economy and is working on diversifying its energy mix with offshore wind, although there have been delays and challenges in this effort. [Extracted from the article]

Engie SA, a French utility company, has extended the maintenance halt at its Doel-4 nuclear reactor in Belgium due to issues with the unit's concrete dome. The reactor will remain shut down until the end of November while further inspections are carried out to assess the damage. Engie has already permanently closed two of its seven aging reactors in Belgium, which has had financial implications for the company and raised concerns about potential winter blackouts. The decision to prolong the life of Doel-4 and another reactor was made last year to ensure a secure energy supply in the wake of the Ukraine conflict and reactor halts in neighboring France. [Extracted from the article]

Taiwan, a major hub for chip manufacturing, will be increasing its electricity rates again starting in mid-October. This will primarily affect industrial users, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The decision to raise prices comes as the island expects power consumption to continue growing due to demand from the AI sector. Taiwan Power Co., the state utility, has faced significant losses in recent years as it tried to keep prices low while fuel costs increased. The island heavily relies on imported coal and gas for its tech-driven economy, and efforts to diversify its energy mix with offshore wind are facing delays and challenges. [Extracted from the article]

OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, has proposed the construction of massive data centers to the Biden administration. These data centers would require as much power as entire cities and are seen as crucial for developing advanced AI models and competing with China. OpenAI argues that investing in these facilities would create jobs, boost the economy, and ensure the US maintains its AI leadership. However, experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of such a project, given the challenges of energy capacity and infrastructure. OpenAI's proposal is part of its efforts to strengthen AI infrastructure in the US and keep America at the forefront of innovation. [Extracted from the article]

OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, has proposed the construction of massive data centers to the Biden administration. These data centers would require as much power as entire cities and are seen as crucial for developing advanced AI models and competing with China. OpenAI argues that investing in these facilities would create tens of thousands of jobs, boost the economy, and ensure the US maintains its AI leadership. However, energy executives have expressed concerns about the feasibility of powering such data centers. OpenAI's proposal is part of its efforts to strengthen AI infrastructure in the US and secure government support for the project. [Extracted from the article]

OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, has proposed the construction of massive data centers to the Biden administration. These data centers would require as much power as entire cities and are seen as crucial for the development of advanced AI models and to compete with China. OpenAI argues that investing in these facilities would create tens of thousands of jobs, boost the economy, and ensure the US maintains its lead in AI. However, experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of such a project, as powering even a single 5 gigawatt data center would be a challenge. [Extracted from the article]

Uniper SE, a German company, is considering extending the life of Sweden's largest nuclear reactor, the Oskarshamn-3, by 20 years. This is in response to the increasing demand for electricity in Sweden due to the electrification of various sectors. The reactor is currently planned to operate until 2045, but Uniper will study the possibility of extending its life to 80 years. The decision will depend on safety, operational aspects, and market conditions. The Swedish government is also planning to build new reactors, but investment decisions are still years away. [Extracted from the article]

Argentina's economic crisis is hindering efforts by nuclear scientists to utilize the country's lithium resources. Argentina is a major producer of lithium, which is crucial for electric energy and battery production. The scientists are working on converting lithium into valuable lithium-6 isotopes for nuclear applications, but they are facing challenges such as exchange-rate devaluations, capital controls, and reduced government funding for science. These obstacles have significantly impacted their budget and ability to import necessary equipment. The funding cuts and inflation are also affecting other science programs in Argentina. Despite these difficulties, the scientists remain hopeful that speaking out will attract fresh investment. [Extracted from the article]

Asset managers, including Robeco Institutional Asset Management and J O Hambro Capital Management, are increasingly investing in nuclear energy stocks, despite the sector's historical exclusion from environmentally focused portfolios. These firms argue that nuclear power is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and that nuclear plants are emissions-free and highly efficient. However, critics raise concerns about nuclear waste, uranium supply, and geopolitical risks. The inclusion of nuclear energy in environmentally friendly portfolios is expected to spark debate among investors. [Extracted from the article]

South Korea has approved the construction of two new nuclear reactors on the nation's east coast, a project that was previously abandoned due to an anti-nuclear policy. The reactors, known as Shin Hanul No. 3 and 4, will each have a capacity of 1.4 gigawatts. President Yoon Suk Yeol aims to increase nuclear power generation to 36% by 2038, up from the current 30%, in order to reduce emissions and meet the growing power demand from artificial intelligence. The construction of the reactors is expected to be completed by 2032 and 2033. [Extracted from the article]

South Korea has approved the construction of two new nuclear reactors on the nation's east coast, a project that was previously abandoned due to an anti-nuclear policy. The reactors, named Shin Hanul No. 3 and 4, will each have a capacity of 1.4 gigawatts. President Yoon Suk Yeol aims to increase nuclear power generation to 36% by 2038, up from the current 30%, in order to reduce emissions and meet the growing power demand. This decision follows South Korea's successful bid to export its nuclear technology to the Czech Republic earlier this year. [Extracted from the article]

Fund managers, including Robeco Institutional Asset Management and J O Hambro Capital Management, are increasingly investing in nuclear energy stocks, despite the sector's historical exclusion from environmentally focused portfolios. These managers argue that nuclear power is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and can generate large amounts of electricity with minimal fuel consumption. However, critics raise concerns about nuclear waste, uranium supply, and geopolitical risks. The inclusion of nuclear energy in environmentally friendly portfolios is expected to spark debate among investors. [Extracted from the article]

South Korea has approved the construction of two new nuclear reactors on the nation's east coast, a project that was previously abandoned due to an anti-nuclear policy. The reactors, known as Shin Hanul No. 3 and 4, will each have a capacity of 1.4 gigawatts. President Yoon Suk Yeol aims to increase nuclear power generation to 36% by 2038, up from the current 30%, in order to reduce emissions and meet the country's growing power demand. The decision to revive the nuclear power project follows South Korea's successful bid to export its nuclear technology to the Czech Republic. [Extracted from the article]

South Korea has approved the construction of two new nuclear reactors on the nation's east coast, a project that was previously abandoned due to an anti-nuclear policy. The reactors, with a capacity of 1.4 gigawatts each, will contribute to South Korea's goal of increasing nuclear power generation to 36% by 2038. The country aims to meet rising power demand from artificial intelligence with carbon-free sources like nuclear and hydrogen. This decision follows South Korea's successful bid to export its nuclear technology to the Czech Republic earlier this year. [Extracted from the article]

Italy is considering the creation of a new company to build small nuclear reactors, a significant departure from its decades-long ban on nuclear power. The government is in preliminary talks with Ansaldo Nucleare SpA, Enel SpA, and Newcleo Ltd. to develop the plan, with the aim of partnering with a foreign technology company. Ansaldo Nucleare specializes in nuclear plant development, Newcleo focuses on small units powered by recycled nuclear waste, and Enel is a state energy giant. The discussions are ongoing, and Italy is also working on legislation to reintroduce nuclear energy with the latest technologies later this year. [Extracted from the article]

Italy is considering the development of nuclear reactors through a partnership with a foreign investor, according to Industry Minister Adolfo Urso. The country is working on creating a new company, called Italian Newco, to produce advanced, third-generation nuclear power. This would mark a significant shift as nuclear power was previously banned in Italy through popular referendums in 1987 and 2011. The government is also planning to introduce legislation to reintroduce nuclear energy with the latest technologies later this year. [Extracted from the article]

South Korea is planning to focus on nuclear power and hydrogen as part of its efforts to achieve net zero emissions by the mid-century. The country's vice energy minister, Choe Nam-ho, stated that relying solely on renewable energy would not be sufficient due to geographical challenges that make it difficult to deploy wind and solar power across the country. Currently, renewables make up less than 10% of South Korea's power mix, and the goal is to double this by the end of the decade and triple it by 2038. To bridge the gap, the government plans to increase the number of nuclear reactors and retrofit power plants to co-fire hydrogen with coal and gas. However, this approach is controversial, with critics arguing that it is costly, inefficient, and releases other greenhouse gases. South Korea has been criticized for its slow progress in cutting emissions, and the country's grid heavily relies on fossil fuels. The Constitutional Court of Korea recently ruled that the absence of incremental climate goals from 2030 to 2050 is unconstitutional. The country needs to ensure a stable power supply for energy-intensive industries like the semiconductor sector and must consider trade-offs to develop the best plan. Choe believes that generating power from burning hydrogen offers flexibility and can address the intermittency issues associated with solar and wind power. The government sees embracing carbon-free sources like nuclear, hydrogen, and other clean power technologies as the realistic path to achieving net zero emissions. [Extracted from the article]

The Biden administration has approved plans for a 2-gigawatt wind farm off the coast of Maryland, making it the 10th commercial-scale offshore turbine project to receive US government authorization. The project, led by US Wind Inc., will be built in three phases and could include up to 114 wind turbines. This approval brings the total authorized offshore wind projects to 15 gigawatts, a significant milestone according to Biden administration officials. President Biden has set a goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by the end of the decade, although analysts suggest this target may be difficult to achieve due to rising costs and other challenges. [Extracted from the article]

Japan's leadership race needs more open debate about nuclear power, according to a former International Energy Agency (IEA) chief. The lack of discussion within the Liberal Democratic Party is due to politicians' fear of public concerns about nuclear catastrophes. Japan is heavily reliant on fossil fuel imports and is behind in its efforts to achieve a 2050 net-zero emissions goal with the help of nuclear energy. The country has faced delays in its nuclear restart program, which poses challenges for the development of power-thirsty semiconductor factories and data centers. Some candidates for prime minister have expressed pro-nuclear views, while others aim to reduce nuclear energy use. The former IEA chief argues that Japan's national security could be at risk if it remains reluctant to push the nuclear agenda more aggressively. [Extracted from the article]

Shares in CEZ AS, the Czech Republic's dominant power utility, have dropped to their lowest level in almost four months due to political maneuvering surrounding the company. The government has signaled that it is no longer considering ending a windfall tax before its original expiration date, causing CEZ shares to decline. The windfall tax represents around 10% of CEZ's revenue and has been a burden on the company. The government is trying to balance rising spending with a promise to cut the fiscal deficit, and the windfall tax is a significant source of extra budget revenue. [Extracted from the article]

Shares in CEZ AS, the Czech Republic's dominant power utility, have dropped to their lowest level in almost four months due to political maneuvering surrounding the company. The government has signaled that it is no longer considering ending a windfall tax before its original expiration date, causing the company's shares to decline. The windfall tax represents around 10% of CEZ's revenue and has been a burden on the company. The government is trying to balance rising spending with a promise to cut the fiscal deficit, and the windfall tax is a significant source of extra budget revenue. [Extracted from the article]

Shares in CEZ AS, the Czech Republic's dominant power utility, have dropped to their lowest level in almost four months due to political maneuvering surrounding the company. The government has signaled that it is no longer considering ending a windfall tax before its original expiration date, causing CEZ shares to decline. The windfall tax represents around 10% of CEZ's revenue and has been a source of contention between the government and private investors. The government is trying to balance rising spending with a promise to cut the fiscal deficit, and the windfall tax contributes a significant portion of extra budget revenue. [Extracted from the article]

Shares of uranium miners in North America have seen a surge in value after Kazakhstan's state-owned uranium miner, Kazatomprom, released production guidance that fell short of market expectations. Kazatomprom's announcement stated that it would produce 25,000 to 26,500 tons of uranium next year, which is higher than 2024 levels but below the agreed-upon range. This news has prompted investors to buy shares in North American uranium miners, as the lower output guidance suggests a deficit in the uranium market. Additionally, China's approval of 11 new nuclear reactors has further increased demand for uranium. [Extracted from the article]

The United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has expressed concern about the fighting near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia. The plant has become a target in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and the IAEA is worried because the old Soviet reactors in operation at the plant are particularly vulnerable. The two units at the Kursk plant use the same RBMK technology that caused the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, and they lack the extra layers of protection found in modern reactors. The IAEA plans to visit the plant and speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to address the situation. [Extracted from the article]

The United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has expressed significant concern over the fighting near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia. The plant has become a focal point in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as Ukrainian forces have moved within artillery range. The IAEA is particularly worried because the two reactors in operation at the plant use the same RBMK technology that caused the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. These reactors lack the additional layers of protection found in modern nuclear reactors, making them more vulnerable in the event of an accident. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi plans to visit the plant and speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to address the situation. Despite the IAEA's presence at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, they have not found conclusive evidence regarding the source of the drone attacks targeting the facility. Grossi emphasizes that a nuclear power plant should never be a military target and calls for an end to such attacks. [Extracted from the article]

China has approved the construction of 11 new nuclear reactors across five sites, marking a record number of permits. The government is increasingly relying on atomic energy to reduce emissions. The total investment for these reactors will be at least 220 billion yuan ($31 billion), and construction is expected to take about five years. China currently has more nuclear reactors under construction than any other country and is projected to become the world's leading atomic power generator by 2030. The new projects include a fourth-generation reactor with advanced safety features and the use of Chinese-made components. [Extracted from the article]

China has approved the construction of 11 new nuclear reactors across five different sites. This is the largest number of permits ever granted in a single day, reflecting China's increasing reliance on nuclear energy to reduce emissions. The total investment for these reactors will be at least 220 billion yuan, and construction is expected to take around five years. China currently has more nuclear reactors under construction than any other country in the world. CGN Power Co., China National Nuclear Power Co., and State Power Investment Corp. are among the companies that have received approvals for these new reactors. [Extracted from the article]

Iran's promised retaliation for the killing of a Hamas leader has yet to occur, leaving officials on high alert for a potential attack. The attack could take various forms, such as targeting civilian infrastructure in Haifa or launching a cyber-attack. Israel is prepared to counter an attack by positioning forces in the region and monitoring Iran's proxy forces. Cease-fire talks have resumed in Qatar, with hopes that a durable cease-fire will prevent a military attack. If an attack does occur, Iran may use its network of proxies to coordinate a more damaging assault on Israel. However, a strike that results in many Israeli civilian casualties could provoke a response from the US and Israel that Iran may not be able to counter. Iran's previous reprisals have targeted US bases in Iraq and buildings in Iraq's Kurdistan region. Israel is concerned about potential Iranian attacks on its embassies or citizens abroad. Iran's limited capabilities and heavily sanctioned economy make it ill-prepared for a major war. US allies, including the UK and France, are likely to support and defend Israel in the event of an attack. [Extracted from the article]

Iran's promised retaliation for the killing of a Hamas leader has yet to occur, leaving officials on high alert for a potential attack. The attack could take various forms, including targeting civilian infrastructure in Haifa or launching a cyber-attack. Israel is prepared for any scenario and has activated a command bunker, while some lawmakers have called for pre-emptive action. The US and its allies are also preparing for potential attacks and are focused on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. Iran may coordinate a more complex assault on Israel using its network of proxies. However, a strike that results in significant Israeli civilian casualties could provoke a response that Iran may not be able to counter. Iran's previous reprisals have targeted US bases and buildings in Iraq, and there have been concerns about potential attacks on Israeli embassies or citizens abroad. Iran's limited capabilities and heavily sanctioned economy make it ill-prepared for a major war. The UK and France are likely to defend Israel in the event of an attack. Another possibility is that Iran may choose to delay or quietly shelve any retaliation to claim the moral high ground and avoid war. [Extracted from the article]

Aalo Atomics, a nuclear energy startup, has raised $27 million in funding to address the demand for cleaner energy. The funding round was led by 50Y and Valor Equity Partners, with other investors including Harpoon Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and Preston-Werner Ventures. The company is developing a micro reactor that uses sodium as a coolant, making it safer to operate than current nuclear power plants. Aalo Atomics aims to manufacture these reactors at scale and deploy them in locations with limited electricity access. The company plans to submit an application for regulatory approval in 2026 and has opened a factory in Austin, Texas. [Extracted from the article]

Oklo Inc., a nuclear reactor developer supported by Sam Altman, has partnered with Siemens Energy to use their components in its power plants. The agreement aims to expedite the implementation of Oklo's technology. Oklo plans to utilize Siemens Energy steam turbines to generate electricity from the heat produced by its reactors. This collaboration will simplify the design and construction of Oklo's power plants, with the Siemens Energy components accounting for approximately 10% to 12% of the capital cost. Oklo's first plant is expected to be operational by 2027. [Extracted from the article]