Today's Energy Pulse
Scania pilots megawatt‑scale V2G for heavy‑duty electric trucks
Scania demonstrated one of the first vehicle‑to‑grid systems for heavy‑duty electric trucks using the Megawatt Charging System (MCS). The pilot showed bi‑directional power flow, allowing trucks parked at depots to feed electricity back to the grid, with real‑time communication between the truck, charger and energy‑management platform enabling dynamic charging and discharging. The test marks a step toward integrating large‑capacity EVs into grid balancing.
Also developing:
Odfjell Updates on Deepwater Rig that Dropped Its BOP
Norwegian offshore contractor Odfjell Drilling reported that its Deepsea Atlantic semi‑submersible rig suffered a blowout preventer (BOP) loss during a recent deepwater operation. The incident has forced the rig out of service, and the company now estimates a three‑to‑four‑month repair window before it can resume drilling. Odfjell said the outage will temporarily shrink its deepwater fleet capacity, but it remains confident in meeting its 2026 production targets. The firm is coordinating with classification societies and insurers to expedite the fix while maintaining safety standards.
Operator Works to Restore Capacity at One of World’s Largest Gas Plants Damaged by Iran Attacks
Abu Dhabi’s Habshan gas‑processing complex, one of the world’s largest with over 6.1 billion cubic feet per day capacity, was struck by an Iranian drone in March 2026. The attack knocked roughly a third of the plant’s output offline, prompting immediate...
Japan Warns Okinawa LNG Plant Could Harm Coral Reefs, Raises Risk of Future Shutdown
Japan’s environment ministry warned Okinawa Electric that its planned 130 MW LNG-fired power plant, slated to start in fiscal 2032, could damage nearby coral reefs and add carbon emissions unless linked to the retirement of older fossil‑fuel units. The ministry called...
Gov’t Considering Reducing Budi95 Quota to 150L, 60% of Malaysians Use Less RON95 than that – Deputy FM
Malaysia is weighing a further cut to its Budi Madani RON 95 subsidy, proposing a monthly quota of 150 litres per driver, down from the recent 200‑litre limit. Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong said 60% of Malaysians already use less than...
Aqaba Reinvents Itself as Shifts to Energy-Logistics Hub
Facing dual chokepoint disruptions, Jordan’s Port of Aqaba is repositioning itself from a traditional container hub to an energy‑logistics center. The port is integrating infrastructure left idle in the Gulf, expanding LNG import terminals, and developing green‑fuel export capabilities. Overland...
Backwardation in Oil: Fading Supply Concerns or Underpricing Risk?
CME Group released a video examining the recent backwardation in crude oil, questioning whether easing supply concerns are driving the shape of the curve or if market participants are underpricing risk. The discussion highlights tighter near‑term pricing versus longer‑dated contracts...
Saudi Aramco Deploys AI Refinery System with Emerson
Saudi Aramco has rolled out an AI‑driven refinery optimisation platform built with Emerson’s Aspen Hybrid Models, creating one of the world’s largest multi‑site, multi‑period optimisation models. The system, initially applied to Continuous Catalyst Regeneration and Platformer units, delivers up to...
Renewable Energy Hub Planned for Scottish Coal Museum
The National Mining Museum Scotland at the former Lady Victoria Colliery will become a renewable‑energy hub, installing ground‑mounted solar panels and a lithium‑ion battery to power the site and export surplus electricity. The project also adds electric‑vehicle chargers for nearby...
Siemens Energy Hikes FY26 Outlook as Record Q2 Orders Hit €17.75 Bln
Siemens Energy lifted its FY26 outlook after Q2 orders hit a record €17.75 bn (≈$19.3 bn), beating analyst consensus. Free cash flow pre‑tax rose to €1.98 bn (≈$2.2 bn), prompting the company to raise its FY26 free‑cash‑flow target to about €8 bn (≈$8.7 bn). The firm...
Datacentres Should Be Forced to Invest in Wind and Solar Energy, All States Agree – Except Queensland
Australian federal and state energy ministers agreed to require power‑hungry datacentres to fully offset their electricity use with new wind, solar and storage projects, except Queensland which withheld support. The proposal also calls for datacentres to provide demand‑flexibility services to...
“More Complex and Deeper than I Had Imagined:” Energy Czar Sees Rise in Solar Project Complaints
The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner’s 2025 annual report reveals that community complaints about renewable projects are deepening, with 170 of 205 cases being grievances, especially around solar and wind developments in Victoria and New South Wales. While some developers have...
Oil Firms Profit While Indian Consumers See No Relief
The last three years of low crude prices didn't help Indian consumers (we kept the petrol price the same) Who made money? The govt, and the oil cos. The largest oil retail co, has more than 82,000 cr. in collective profits...
Sabotage Threats Have Put Europe’s Power Networks on Alert
European utilities are escalating physical security for power networks after Russia’s war in Ukraine exposed vulnerabilities. Poland’s grid operator now flies sensor‑equipped helicopters along high‑voltage corridors, while the EU calls for $1.4 trillion of grid investment by 2040, including a $275 billion...
Interview with Asharq Bloomberg TV Dubai 11.05.2026
In a recent Asharq Bloomberg TV interview, The Macro Butler warned that oil prices appear deceptively calm while the physical market is under strain. He highlighted that global oil inventories have slipped into operational stress territory. A prolonged "geopolitical maintenance"...
The Energy Crisis Is Reshaping Asia’s Energy Transition Pathway
Asia‑Pacific’s long‑standing gamble on liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transition fuel is being questioned after recent price spikes triggered blackouts and fiscal strain across the region. While LNG imports now account for roughly 70% of global shipments, battery storage...
Trump Blockade Squeezing Iran to Dump Oil Into the Gulf?
Satellite imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel program captured a 45‑square‑kilometer oil slick west of Iran’s Kharg Island, the nation’s primary oil‑export hub. The spill, observed over three days in early May, is being interpreted by analysts as a sign that...
Blackstone’s $1 Billion “Behind-the-Meter” Play: AI Data Centers, Power Scarcity, and the New Infrastructure Arms Race:
Blackstone Tactical Opportunities and Halliburton are investing $1 billion in VoltaGrid, a fast‑growing distributed‑power firm. The deal includes a $775 million capital raise and a $225 million secondary purchase, slated to close mid‑2026. VoltaGrid will use the funds to expand behind‑the‑meter generation for...
Despite Politicized Disinformation, Midwest AI Data Centers Are Fueling a Solar Energy Boom
Midwest AI data centers are dramatically increasing regional electricity demand, prompting a rapid expansion of solar installations. Farmers and landowners are signing solar leases to secure steady income as tariffs hurt traditional crop markets. Fossil‑fuel interests are financing disinformation campaigns...
Beyond Green Extractivism: Asean's Security Depends on Justice
At the ASEAN summit in Cebu, leaders confronted a stark paradox: while the region’s energy plan touts a "Just and Inclusive Energy Transition," its infrastructure still prioritises natural‑gas pipelines and joint oil stockpiles. The ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis has...
Who Owns Marathon Gas Stations?
Marathon Petroleum, tracing roots back to the 1887 Ohio Oil Company, now runs more than 7,000 gas stations across the United States. The 2018 acquisition of Andeavor made it the nation’s largest refiner, and the 2021 sale of its Speedway...
Danish Wind Giant to Trial Red Turbine Blades to Further Reduce Risk of Bird Collisions
Danish turbine maker Vestas will install a single red blade on each of seven turbines at the 760 MW Hollandse Kust West VI offshore wind farm to test whether brighter blades reduce bird strikes. The colour was selected after black and fluorescent...
US Top Diplomat Rubio Discusses Iran, Strait of Hormuz with Britain and Australia
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate telephone conversations on May 11 with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to address Iran’s aggressive actions in the Strait of Hormuz. The talks focused on restoring freedom...
Electric Cars Save up to $37,500 over 15 Years
Every 30 miles you drive a gasoline car, you spend $3-5 more than driving the same 30 miles with an electric car. That adds up to $22,500-$37,500 higher fuel cost for the gasoline car driving 15,000 miles per year for...
AGL Gets Federal Green Tick for Big Battery in Coal Country, with Conditions to Protect Local Legless Lizard
AGL Energy secured federal environmental approval for its 150 MW/300 MWh Muswellbrook battery storage project in New South Wales. The EPBC clearance comes with strict conditions to avoid and offset impacts on the endangered Hunter Valley Delma legless lizard. The battery, slated...
Oil Prices Hit $104 as Iran Conflict Rises, Yet US Stocks Edge Higher
Brent crude rose 2.9% to $104.21 after President Donald Trump said the U.S.-Iran ceasefire was on “life support.” Despite the jump, the S&P 500 inched 0.2% to a fresh record, highlighting investors’ optimism even as higher gasoline costs pressure households.
Developer of Australia’s Biggest Renewable Projects to Offer Cheap Power Below $66/MWh for Data Centres
InterContinental Energy, developer of Australia’s 26 GW Australian Renewable Energy Hub and 70 GW Western Green Energy Hub, announced power contracts for data centres at less than $48 per megawatt‑hour (about A$66/MWh). The offer relies on 2 GW “Lego‑block” nodes that combine roughly...
Domestic Solar and Wind Protect Us; Big Oil Fuels Shortages
BigOil exploits resources and then exports it for profits while domestic supplies spiral towards shortages. In the U.S., solar and wind energy stays here, benefits us, cannot be depleted, and doesnt skyrocket gas prices…
Japan Denies Oil Futures Intervention, Keeps Option Open
Japan has publicly denied it had intervened in the oil futures market Speaking overnight, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said Tokyo hadn’t intervened but added the government had never ruled out such an option.
Gridmatic – AI-Powered Energy for Flexible Loads
In this episode of Brave New Coin, VP of Sales Kisa Shannon explains how Gridmatic uses AI-driven forecasting and optimization to help Bitcoin miners and other flexible loads lower electricity costs and manage risk. The platform trades wholesale energy, offers...
ADNOC Poised to Restart LNG Shipments Post‑Hormuz Clearance
Once Hormuz is passable, Adnoc will resume LNG shipments “within a reasonable time frame" 🇦🇪 🚢 "Do not ask me whether that’s two weeks or three weeks, we simply don’t know. But we’re ready with our ships,” said CFO Peter Van...
EU Energy Leaders Address Market Strains Amid Middle East Conflict
Excellent bilateral meeting with Chancellor Christian Stocker of Austria (@_CStocker) in Vienna We discussed recent developments in European & global energy markets amid the conflict in the Middle East and @IEA's support for countries as they navigate today's challenges https://t.co/sEHkxTcCMh
Oil Prices Rise as Fragile US-Iran Talks Sustain Supply Worries
Oil prices nudged higher in early Asian trade as fragile U.S.-Iran cease‑fire talks kept supply worries alive. Brent crude rose 30 cents to $104.51 a barrel and WTI gained 31 cents to $98.38, after both benchmarks jumped nearly 2.8% the...
India Already Taxes Windfall Profits on Fuel and Gambling
India's done this already with "super profit tax" on petrol exports when we were able to source cheaper crude from Russia. We've had special taxes on "super normal" profits - from lotteries to gambling for ages.
Key LNG Projects Await Funding While Others Build
Right now, Ksi Lisims (approved 2025) and LNG Canada phase 2 are all waiting for investment decisions. Cedar and Woodfibre are under construction. Kitimat was fully approved a long time ago. Etc. Etc. https://t.co/XV3kAFrJJP
Centered on "Flash Charge", Amap and BYD Form Strategic Partnership
Chinese navigation giant Amap and electric‑vehicle maker BYD have signed a strategic partnership centered on BYD’s Flash Charge China initiative. The agreement integrates BYD’s ultra‑fast charging stations into Amap’s app, providing real‑time location, availability and pricing data to more than...
AESC, Jinko Sales Signal US Clean Energy Restructuring
AESC, Jinko’s asset sales are start of wider US clean energy manufacturing industry restructuring #energysky -- via Energy Storage News: https://t.co/5ZSx3Of17f
Markets Price Probabilities, Not Perfect Price Predictions
Some will say the collapse of Brent dated futures is evidence that markets are very wrong about oil prices But markets are not designed to produce “correct” answers. They are mechanisms for pricing probabilities under uncertainty and optimizing near-term profit. Why...
Thailand Pulls Out of Historic Cambodia Joint Exploration MoU
Thailand announced it is withdrawing from the 2001 memorandum of understanding with Cambodia that set out joint exploration and development of offshore oil and gas in their overlapping maritime claims area. The decision ends a two‑decade‑old framework aimed at sharing...
Trina Solar Earns SSI Silver Traceability Certification
Trinasolar module factories awarded silver supply chain traceability certificates by SSI #energysky -- via pv-tech: https://t.co/YcbIT52WDC
Australia's Data Centres Face Energy Boom-or-Bust Decision
Australia’s data centre dilemma: Will they bring an energy boom or bust? #energysky -- via Renew Economy: https://t.co/tAxC7CFm9U https://t.co/UX2tbbGgi1
Port Shortfalls Threaten Philippines' $11 TWh Offshore Wind Pipeline
A Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) report released this week says the Philippines' 3.5 GW offshore wind pipeline—capable of generating about 11 TWh a year—faces a critical bottleneck: ports cannot yet handle the massive turbine components. The shortfall threatens to push back...
Convert Existing PV Panels Into Efficient PV‑Thermal Systems
How to retrofit commercial PV panels into photovoltaic-thermal modules #energysky -- via pv magazine global: https://t.co/iC8H9kdeB6 https://t.co/bJLRb4GdQx
Solar Power Bridges Grid Gap for Expanding Data Centers
Data centers are outgrowing the grid. Solar is filling the gap. #energysky -- via pv magazine usa: https://t.co/FfjzwrYIeb
Zimbabwe Bans Raw Lithium Exports, Shaking Global Battery‑Metal Supply Chain
The Zimbabwean government imposed an outright ban on raw lithium ore and unrefined spodumene concentrate exports on Feb. 25, 2026, disrupting Chinese toll‑refining operations and prompting a price floor for lithium carbonate. The move, dubbed the “Zimbabwean Gambit,” forces local value‑addition...
State Blocks National Renewable Reforms, Widening Energy Policy Split
Energy policy divide deepens as one state withholds support for key national reforms to boost renewables #energysky -- via Renew Economy: https://t.co/DCNhnkGEbW https://t.co/zsSwm9paKJ
Data Centers Threaten Grid Stability, Risk Blackouts
“Data centers are increasing the risk of power outages and blackouts — and electric grid operators aren't prepared to handle it.”
Samsung C&T Deploys Digital Twin at Green Hydrogen Plant to Stabilize Solar‑Powered Production
Samsung C&T has integrated a predictive digital‑twin system, built with Simacro, into its 230‑ton‑per‑year green‑hydrogen plant in Gimcheon. The virtual model uses AI‑driven weather forecasts to balance solar generation and hydrogen output, giving the firm a new competitive edge in...
Trump’s EPA Seeks Looser Construction Rules for Gas Plants, Data Centers and Factories
On May 12, 2026 the EPA announced a proposal to redefine “begin actual construction” so that developers of gas‑fired power plants, data centers and large factories can start work on non‑polluting elements such as piping, wiring and cement pads before...
Kenya Confirms $1 B Microsoft‑G42 Data Centre On Track Despite Power‑Supply Woes
Kenya’s government has reaffirmed that the $1 billion Microsoft‑G42 data centre will move forward, despite media reports of a stall over electricity shortages. Ambassador Philip Thigo said the state remains fully committed while launching an energy expansion programme to lift national...
Cheniere Energy Boosts 2026 Outlook After Record LNG Exports in Q1
Cheniere Energy lifted its full‑year 2026 EBITDA guidance to $7.25‑$7.75 billion after reporting Q1 adjusted EBITDA of more than $2.3 billion and a record 187 LNG cargoes. The company said geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East have tightened global LNG markets, reinforcing...