Saturday, November 23, 2024

Defence News

Poland to Boost Offshore Wind, Energy Security

Offshore wind (c) artjazz / Adobestock

Poland is planning to assign new areas for offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea and is drafting additional measures to boost the security of its critical energy infrastructure, government officials said on Wednesday."Maritime offices will submit analyses any moment, which will give grounds to make a decision on designating new areas for offshore wind farms," Deputy Infrastructure Minister Arkadiusz Marchewka told an industry conference.Poland is boosting its offshore ambitions in the Baltic Sea…

Albanese: Australia and India will boost their cooperation in renewables and defence

Australia and India will work together to increase investment in renewable energies, such as solar manufacturing, batteries, and mineral processing. This was the announcement made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a G20 meeting on the sidelines. Albanese, the Australian Minister for Defence and Maritime Security, said that Australia and India would also like to increase their defence and maritime cooperation. He made this statement during a Tuesday meeting in Rio de Janeiro with India's PM Narendra Modi.

Viaro CEO accused of forging documents in UK lawsuit to steal millions

Former employer of the CEO of an independent British Oil Producer who is purchasing North Sea assets from Shell and Exxon Mobil, is suing him for allegedly falsifying documents in order to steal substantial amounts. Court documents show that Viaro Energy's CEO Francesco Mazzagatti has been accused of involvement in the misappropriation at least of 143.8 million euro ($151.5 millions) by Singapore-based Alliance Petrochemical Investment. The suit, first reported in the Financial Times, was filed by London's High Court at the end of August.

As it roars through the Philippines, super typhoon Man Yi is expected to weaken.

The Philippines' main island, Luzon, was ravaged by the super typhoon Man Yi on Sunday. It brought heavy rain to the capital, Metro Manila. More than one million people were evacuated and buildings damaged in various areas. Weather officials reported that the storm, which had winds of 185 km/h (115mph) when it hit land in Panganiban town in Catanduanes Province on Saturday night, weakened slightly before reaching the coast of Camarines Norte by 8 am. Amalia…

India Defends Propping Up Russian Oil - Prices "would have hit the roof"

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Global oil prices "would have hit the roof" if big importer India had not bought oil from Russia following the Ukraine war, India's oil minister said, adding that prices would determine where the country buys oil from.India, the world's third largest oil importer and consumer, has become the top buyer of discounted Russian sea-borne oil shunned by Western countries since Ukraine's invasion began in early 2022. Before that, India bought little oil from its long-running defence partner…

Faced with a tariff threat, Europe looks for ways to appease Trump

The European Union considers options to appease Donald Trump upon his return to the White House. It is bracing for a resumption in U.S. trade threats and tariffs, as well as a tough exchange on how to deal with China. Trump warned the 27-nation group shortly before he won the U.S. presidency that they would "pay a high price" if they did not buy enough American exports. EU officials claim that Brussels has acknowledged the credibility of threats to impose tariffs of 10% on all imports from the United States and 60% on those coming from China.

Russian oil and Gas Revenues Jump 57% m/m In October

The Finance Ministry reported on Tuesday that the proceeds from oil and natural gas sales to Russia's federal government in October increased by 57% compared to September, to reach 1.21 trillion Russian roubles (12.35 billion dollars), thanks to the quarterly payment of oil profit tax. This is compared to a calculation-based forecast of 1,17 trillion roubles, down from 1,63 trillion roubles as of October 2023. The Kremlin's most important cash source has been oil and gas revenues…

Sweden rejects 13 Baltic Sea Wind Farms, citing defense concerns

The Swedish government announced on Monday that it has rejected 13 applications for offshore wind farms to be built in the Baltic Sea because of defence concerns. However, it has approved one project on the west coast. Pal Jonson, the Swedish Defence Minister, said at a recent press conference that wind farms built in the Baltic Sea could harm defence interests. This is because they would make it more difficult to detect and shoot missiles with Patriot batteries in a conflict.

Ukraine drones target ethanol plants in Russia, Telegram channels say

Russian channels on Telegram said that Ukrainian drones attacked ethanol plants in Russia’s southern region Voronezh. The regional governor confirmed the report, saying the attack caused two injuries, ignited a fire, and damaged two industries. Alexander Gusev said that the regional governor Alexander Gusev confirmed on Telegram that firefighters had extinguished the fire which injured two workers in the Anninsky District of the region. He added that about 10 Ukrainian drones had been destroyed or intercepted late Sunday over the area…

Australia and UK join forces to support clean energy technologies

The leaders of Australia and Britain announced on Friday that they plan to collaborate to increase the deployment and use of renewable energy technologies such as green hydrogen, offshore wind and other forms of renewable energy to help decarbonise the world. In a joint press release, Australian Premier Anthony Albanese said that the transition to net zero will create new jobs for both countries and strengthen their industrial base. In their statement, they did not specify how much money they would be committing to clean energy.

What we can learn from China's latest military exercises around Taiwan

China's day of wargames around democratically-governed Taiwan was Monday a warning against'separatist actions. Although they appeared shorter, the drills were intense and fast-paced in their simulation of attacks and deployments of ships and aircraft. The last major war games were held in May, following the inauguration of Lai Ching Te as Taiwan's new president. What we know of China's strategic intent behind the drills this week and their new features.

Prices for EUROPE GAS remain stable despite cooler temperatures and Middle East anxieties

The Dutch and British wholesale prices of gas rose slightly on Thursday morning, as demand increased due to the colder weather and reduced wind. However, the range remained tight as the market continued to monitor the developments in the Middle East. LSEG data show that the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF Hub was up 0.21 euro at 38.76 Euros per Megawatt Hour (MWh), which is $12.42 per mmBtu at 0839 GMT. The contract for the day-ahead was up by 0.82 euros at 38.72 euro/MWh.

Zelenskiy: Ukraine's 'victory plans' depend on swift decisions from allies

The "victory plan" of Ukraine in its war against Russia is dependent on the quickness with which allies take decisions this year, said President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday when Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission visited Ukraine. Zelenskiy said at a press conference held jointly with von der Leyen, that Ukraine intended to use the proposed multi-billion euro loan from the European Union for air defence and energy purchases as well as domestic weapons. Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of U.S.

Starmer, the UK's ambassador to Berlin, is there for talks on resetting ties with Europe

On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Keir starmer will discuss an economic and defense accord with German leaders. He hopes to use his two-day trip to Europe's leading powers Germany and France as a chance to reset the relationship with the rest. Starmer stated that he wanted Britain move past the previous Conservative Government's fractious relationships with European allies, and place improved ties as the core of his efforts in order to boost Britain's economy.

Starmer wants to help Europe reset its ties by pursuing a defence deal with Germany

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss a landmark economic and defence accord with German leaders on Wednesday, hoping to use a visit to pursue a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to reset relations with the rest of Europe. Starmer, who is on a two-day trip to Germany and France to promote Britain's economy, said that he wanted to see Britain move past the fractious relationship with European allies of the previous Conservative government and place improved relations at the center of his efforts.

Russia claims it has disrupted Ukraine’s power grid and weapons supplies with a massive strike

Russia announced on Monday that it had launched a massive attack on Ukraine, which it claimed had disrupted electricity supplies and rail transport of weapons and ammunition to front-line positions. Ukrainian officials claimed earlier that Russia launched over 100 missiles, and approximately 100 drones of attack at Ukraine during morning rush hour. And striking energy plants nationwide. In a press release, the Russian Defence Ministry stated that missiles were fired from air and sea.

US sanctions 400 additional targets for helping Russia's war efforts

The State Department announced that the United States imposed sanctions Friday on more than 400 individuals and entities for supporting Russia's military effort in Ukraine. This included Chinese firms, which U.S. officials believed were helping Moscow skirt Western sanctions while building up its military. Washington has warned Beijing repeatedly over its support of Russia's defence industrial base. It has also issued hundreds sanctions to limit Moscow's capability to exploit certain technologies in military applications.

US sanctions 400 additional targets for helping Russia's war efforts

The State Department announced that the United States imposed sanctions Friday on more than 400 individuals and entities for supporting Russia's military effort in Ukraine. This included Chinese firms, which U.S. officials believed were helping Moscow skirt Western sanctions while building up its military. Washington has warned Beijing repeatedly over its support of Russia's defence industrial base. It has also issued hundreds sanctions to limit Moscow's capability to exploit certain technologies in military applications.

Thinking Holistically About Hydrogen’s Place in the Energy Transition

© magann / Adobe Stock

As energy operators across the world come to terms with the continuously changing nature of the energy transition, the need for a wide-lens view of the situation is clear. This includes knowing the capabilities and pitfalls of renewable energy sources at our fingertips, hydrogen being one that is especially prevalent.Kees van Wingerden, an expert with more than 45 years’ experience in industrial safety and infrastructure development, makes the case for…

Oil Prices Extend Losses After Saudi Pledge

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Oil prices retreated about 2% on Wednesday, extending the previous day's declines after Saudi Arabia said it would quickly restore full production following last weekend's attacks on its facilities and as U.S. crude stockpiles rose unexpectedly.Tension in the Middle East remained elevated, however, after the Saudi Defence Ministry held a news conference, displaying drone and missile debris it said was "undeniable" evidence of Iranian aggression. U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he ordered a major increase in sanctions on Iran in the latest U.S.