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Updated national expectations for EPSO-G: priorities – green energy transition, interconnections, increasing resilience and security, and system flexibility
Globenewswire· 2025-07-03 13:10
Core Viewpoint - The EPSO-G energy group is set to enhance its responsibilities in facilitating the green energy transition, improving international interconnections, and ensuring the resilience and flexibility of the electricity system [1]. National Security - The Ministry of Energy emphasizes the importance of resilience in critical infrastructure, with plans to bolster physical and cyber protection against military and hybrid threats [2]. - EPSO-G is involved in the Lithuanian-German artillery factory project, indicating its role in national security and defense industry investments [3]. International Connections and Networks - Key projects include the Harmony Link electricity interconnection with Poland and strengthening interconnections with Latvia, as well as plans for the Baltic Hub offshore interconnection with Germany [4]. - There are expectations to increase gas flows from the Klaipėda LNG terminal to Central Europe and Ukraine, alongside developing a hydrogen network in the Nordic and Baltic regions [5]. Energy Green Transformation and System Flexibility - By 2028, Lithuania aims for at least 8 GW of electricity generation capacity from renewable sources, with EPSO-G expected to lead in integrating renewable energy and managing energy flows [7]. - The Group will assess dynamic transmission tariffs and explore long-term energy storage possibilities [7]. Financial Expectations - EPSO-G's adjusted average return on equity must meet or exceed government benchmarks, and investment returns should align with those of mature Western European economies [9]. - The Group is required to maintain an investment-grade credit rating of no lower than Baa2 and manage net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratios effectively [10]. Operational and Sustainability Principles - EPSO-G must adhere to high standards of transparency, governance, and social responsibility, following best practices as per Lithuanian laws and OECD recommendations [12]. - The Group is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals [13]. Company Structure - The EPSO-G Group comprises the management company EPSO-G and six subsidiaries, with the Ministry of Energy acting as the sole shareholder [14].
Can the Quad Counter China in the Indo-Pacific?
Bloomberg Television· 2025-07-01 06:18
US-Australia Relations & Strategic Alignment - The US-Australia alliance is considered vital by both nations, despite the absence of a meeting between President Trump and Anthony Albanese [4] - The relationship is too significant to fail, prompting discussions on friction points like tariffs and defense spending [5][6] - A non-public review of AUKUS (orcas) has been conducted by Australia, aligning with strategic objectives to enhance submarine capabilities and counter China's assertiveness [15][16] - The US may be leveraging AUKUS to encourage increased Australian defense expenditure [17] Trade & Security Concerns - Trade tensions and tariff uncertainties complicate strategic directives aimed at China [1][2] - Critical minerals cooperation is increasingly important for both security and trade, especially as China weaponizes access to rare earth minerals [6][7][8] - Australia and the US signed an agreement ~18 months ago to expand collaboration on clean energy, climate change, and critical minerals [7] - Australia aims to ensure a trusted supply chain for the US and allies [8] Pacific Engagement & Regional Influence - The US has increased engagement with the Pacific, but development assistance is under review, raising concerns about episodic engagement [9][10][11] - Australia is the largest bilateral provider of aid to the Pacific, prompting discussions about whether it should increase its contribution if the US reduces its engagement [13][14]
State Department bans visas for English punk duo Bob Vylan after Glastonbury performance
NBC News· 2025-06-30 20:52
What you're referring to uh is uh the uh tweet from our deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau that the state department has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Villain band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastenbury including leading the crowd in death chants. Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country. This is not about the nature of a concert I suppose but it really is about our standards about who we let in the country that we're not telling ...
National Security Threats and Trade
Bloomberg Technology· 2025-06-30 19:09
Public Opinion on Trade and Security - Americans support tariffs on China, but this support decreases when faced with rising consumer prices [3] - Technology theft by China is a top concern for Americans, followed by China's advancements in AI [4][5] - Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is the primary geopolitical concern for Americans, with 84% support across party lines [7][8] Impact of Tariffs on the Tech Sector - Sustained tariffs on allies and friends will harm the American tech sector and its ability to modernize the military [11] - Strategic decoupling of economies from a national security perspective is viewed differently than tariffs on allies [10] Corporate America's Role - Corporate America needs to innovate in defense technology [9] - The US tech sector understands the supply chain challenges related to tariffs [11]
'Not a bipartisan issue' but a 'Trump issue': Weissmann on Congress' ability to check power
MSNBC· 2025-06-26 21:01
Constitutional & Legal Issues - The Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war, while the President serves as commander-in-chief during a declared war [2] - Significant legal debate exists regarding what constitutes a "war" domestically, considering duration and goals [2][3] - International law considerations include assessing intelligence to determine if military action was a defensive maneuver, involved an imminent threat, and was a proportional response [3] - The White House is limiting intelligence sharing with Congress, raising concerns about transparency and oversight [4] Checks and Balances & Congressional Oversight - Concerns are raised that the current administration believes Congress has no role in reviewing executive actions, mirroring arguments made in courts [6] - Traditionally, presidents from both parties have briefed Congress on intelligence matters, highlighting the current administration's deviation from this practice [7][8] - Congress has been abdicating its responsibility regarding war powers since World War II, the last time a formal declaration of war occurred [13] - The lack of accountability after military action, specifically regarding providing information to assess the legality under international law, is a key concern [23] International Law Considerations - Under international law, a country can act in self-defense or collective self-defense if there is imminent harm, the action is necessary, and the response is proportional [21][22] - Determining whether a military strike violates international law requires access to pre-strike intelligence [23]
Boosting U.S. Nuclear Resources to Power AI
Bloomberg Technology· 2025-06-26 19:37
Is five year agreement, right. That gives the nuclear company access to to warp speed to a platform. And Jonathan, I'll start with you.What is it that this software platform and technology allows you to do or what does it allow you to accelerate. Yeah, great question. We have built two reactors in this country in the last 30 years, and the last two we built were down in Georgia.We had 10,000 people on that construction site at peak and hundreds of thousands of pages of documents with the full force and weig ...
Kratos: Hypersonic Momentum Meets Market Opportunity
Seeking Alpha· 2025-06-24 14:41
Group 1 - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS) is positioned at the intersection of defense innovation and national security [1] - There is an anticipated continued demand for defense and military spending due to prolonged wars around the world [1]
Ivanhoe Electric (IE) Update / Briefing Transcript
2025-06-23 15:00
Summary of Ivanhoe Electric's Santa Cruz Copper Project Update Company Overview - **Company**: Ivanhoe Electric (IE) - **Project**: Santa Cruz Copper Project - **Location**: Arizona, USA - **Date of Call**: June 23, 2025 Industry Context - The copper mining industry is facing challenges related to supply chain security and national resource independence in the United States - The project aims to address the shortage of modern copper smelters in the U.S. and produce refined copper on-site with minimal environmental impact [4][6][7] Key Points and Arguments 1. **Project Timeline and Development**: - The Santa Cruz project has been in development for approximately 8-9 years and is expected to take about 12-15 years to reach full production [5][20] - The project is designed to produce copper cathode on-site using heap leach technology, which minimizes environmental impacts compared to traditional smelting [7][30] 2. **Economic Viability**: - At a copper price of $4.83 per pound, the project has an after-tax net present value (NPV) of $1.9 billion and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 24% [20] - The project is projected to generate $5 billion in life-of-mine after-tax free cash flow with a payback period of approximately 4.5 years at a $4.25 copper price [21] 3. **Production Capacity**: - The project aims for an average mining rate of 20,000 tons per day and expects to achieve 92% copper recoveries [20] - Average annual copper cathode production during the first 15 years is estimated at 72,000 tons [21] 4. **Resource Estimates**: - The project has defined 136 million tons of probable reserves with an average grade of 1.08% total copper [26] - Significant additional mineral resources exist, indicating potential for future expansion [38] 5. **Infrastructure and Location**: - The project benefits from excellent access to existing infrastructure, including proximity to major highways, rail, and power lines [24] - The location in Arizona provides access to a skilled workforce and a historical context of mining [25] 6. **Environmental Considerations**: - The project is designed to have a small surface footprint and includes plans for an integrated solar and battery storage facility to supply 70% of the mine's electricity demand [25] 7. **Permitting and Regulatory Support**: - The company is actively working on obtaining necessary permits, with strong relationships established with local and state authorities [36] - A letter of support has been received from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, indicating governmental backing for the project [11][43] 8. **Financing Strategy**: - The company is in discussions with various financing institutions and has received a letter of interest for up to $825 million in project debt [43] - The financing strategy includes a combination of structured debt and potential strategic partnerships [44] Additional Important Information - The project is positioned as a critical contributor to U.S. copper supply, addressing both domestic demand and national security concerns [9][10] - The management team has extensive experience in mining finance and operations, enhancing the project's credibility [45] - The company is also pursuing other critical metals exploration projects, indicating a diversified approach to resource development [48] This summary encapsulates the key aspects of Ivanhoe Electric's Santa Cruz Copper Project as discussed in the conference call, highlighting its economic potential, strategic importance, and operational plans.
Rare earth deal with China is 'long-term' industrial crisis, says MP Materials CEO
CNBC Television· 2025-06-17 20:56
So joining us now is James Latinsky, founder, chairman, and CEO of MP Materials. Jim, it's great to have you back on the show. I'm going to start right there because rare earths, you've been talking about it for a long time.The fact that this was this was a big issue from trade and supply chain standpoint, from a national security standpoint, that people didn't necessarily realize or understand how dependent we are on China and how close you are to shutting down supply chains if China basically puts up expo ...
President Trump asks NSC to be ready in Situation Room after G7 return
CNBC Television· 2025-06-17 16:09
Geopolitical Landscape & US Foreign Policy - President Trump abruptly cancelled meetings at the G7 summit, citing the need to address the ongoing conflict in the Middle East [1][2] - The US is considering its role in supporting Israel, weighing military intervention against diplomatic solutions [3][4] - President Trump stated he is seeking a definitive "end" to the conflict rather than a ceasefire [5] - German Chancellor indicated that complete destruction of Iranian nuclear program is on the agenda if Iran does not back down, which Israel cannot achieve alone [4] Trade Negotiations & International Relations - Limited tangible progress was made on the trade front at the G7 summit, despite numerous meetings with G7 and EU leaders [7] - President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the EU's trade offers, deeming them unfair [8] - A potential trade deal with Japan is possible, but negotiations are expected to be challenging [8] - The German Chancellor anticipates a resolution to the tariff dispute with the US (EU) before the end of summer [9][10] - President Trump views the EU as economically competitive and potentially challenging to the United States [11] - The US may consider extending the July 9th deadline for trade negotiations with the EU if progress is being made [11][12][14]