Trump's order to stop NY wind project shocks offshore industry and threatens other projects
The Trump administration’s decision late Wednesday to halt the construction of Equinor’s Empire Wind 1 off the coasts of New York sent shockwaves throughout the offshore wind industry. It raised concerns that fully permitted developments worth billions of dollars are not secure. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, had promised during his campaign to put an end to offshore wind energy.
Trump's order to stop NY wind project shocks offshore industry and threatens other projects
The Trump administration's late Wednesday decision to stop construction of Equinor’s Empire Wind 1 off the coasts of New York sent shockwaves throughout the offshore wind industry. It raised concerns that developments with full permits, representing billions of dollars in investment, aren't secure. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, had promised during his campaign to put an end to offshore wind energy.
Sources say that more than 2,600 US Energy Dept employees accepted a second resignation offer.
Two sources confirmed on Thursday that more than 2,600 U.S. Department of Energy employees have accepted the second round of resignations offered by the Trump administration. The hardest hit offices were those dealing with power grid stability, and those who provide loans for high-tech projects. According to a document reviewed by, the…
US Energy Dept identifies thousands at risk of DOGE reductions, reports AP
A report by the Associated Press on Friday said that the U.S. Energy Department had identified thousands of employees it deemed non-essential. This includes staff at its office which manages America's nuclear arsenal. These workers would not be protected during a second round. It reported that more than 8,500 employees across the department…
French and Benelux stocks: Factors to watch

Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. Alstom, a French train manufacturer, announced on Tuesday that it had received 2.4 million euro ($1.08m) in public funding as part of the France 2030 plan to speed up the development of an intelligent train safety platform.
TotalEnergies is facing a French manslaughter investigation over an attack in Mozambique

TotalEnergies said that French prosecutors opened an investigation against it over a potential manslaughter, and for failing to help people in danger in a Mozambique jihadist attack. The energy company reiterated its denial of any wrongdoing. In March 2021, islamist insurgents attacked Palma, a port city in Spain, and killed many civilians near TotalEnergies-owned gas infrastructure projects in Mozambique.
CERAWEEK - Small nuclear power struggles on the cusp of US electric demand boom

Small modular nuclear reactors are touted by everyone from the U.S. Energy Secretary to Big Tech as the answer to the booming demand for power. However, the technology has struggled to reach commercialization due to cost and regulatory obstacles. The artificial intelligence industry, which is powered by energy-hungry data centres, will likely increase electricity consumption in the United States.
Equinor Norway LNG plant will be off-line March 10-14
According to a Friday regulatory filing, Equinor will shut down its Hammerfest LNG Terminal from March 10 through March 14 to perform "corrective maintenance". This will reduce the daily production capacity from 18.4 millions cubic metres to zero. The Hammerfest plant (also known as Melkoeya LNG) has the ability to deliver approximately 6.5 billion cubic meters of gas each year.
British Energy Secretary to visit China to restart energy discussions, sources say
Three sources who have direct knowledge of this plan say that British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is planning to visit China in march, where he will restart discussions on energy cooperation, and meet with Chinese investors. The Labour government wants closer ties with China amid the worsening U.S. and EU-China relationships. Sources…
British Energy Secretary to visit China to restart energy discussions, sources say
Three sources who have direct knowledge of this plan say that British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is planning to visit China in march, where he will restart discussions on energy cooperation, and meet with Chinese investors. The Labour government wants closer ties with China amid the worsening U.S. and EU-China relationships. Sources…
British Energy Secretary to visit China to restart energy discussions, sources say
Three sources who have direct knowledge of this plan say that British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is planning to visit China in march, where he will restart discussions on energy cooperation, and meet with Chinese investors. The Labour government wants closer ties with China amid the worsening U.S. and EU-China relationships. Sources…
British Energy Secretary to Visit China in March for Restarting Energy Talks and Meeting Investors
Three sources have confirmed that British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is planning to visit China in march. He will be meeting with Chinese investors and restarting talks about energy cooperation. The Labour government wants closer ties with China amid worsening U.S. and EU-China relationships. British officials said that they wanted to…
German business leaders react to the election results
The conservative CDU/CSU group won the most votes at Sunday's election. They could form a coalition with the Social Democrats, easing market concerns that Europe's largest economy would be run by a three-way alliance. "We do not need to discuss the issues anymore, they are already well-known. We need action now." We must act now because the rest of world isn't waiting.
German business leaders react to the election results
The conservative CDU/CSU group won the most votes at Sunday's election. They could form a coalition with the Social Democrats, easing market concerns that Europe's largest economy would be run by a three-way alliance. "Germany needs to quickly regain its competiveness." Energy policy is crucial. It is essential to expand gas-fired plants…
German business leaders react to the election results
The conservative CDU/CSU group won the most votes at Sunday's election. They could form a coalition with the Social Democrats, easing market concerns that Europe's largest economy would be run by a three-way alliance. "Germany needs to quickly regain its competiveness." Energy policy is crucial. It is essential to expand gas-fired plants…
Two Russian sources claim that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are possible locations for a Trump-Putin meeting.
Two Russian sources familiar with the discussions said that Russia is considering Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as potential venues for a meeting between U.S. president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin. Trump said that he would end the conflict in Ukraine as quickly as possible, and that he was ready to meet Putin.
Italy pilots self-driving cars in a car sharing program
A2A, along with its partners, announced on Wednesday that Italy had hosted a groundbreaking test of an autonomous vehicle for car-sharing as part of the utility's project in Brescia.Stellantis' electric FIAT500 city car left the charger, drove a kilometre in fully autonomous mode at a maximum of 30 km/h, and then stopped at a park area…
RODA responds to Trump EO on Offshore Wind & Permitting

The Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA) extends gratitude to President Trump for his decision to temporarily withdraw all areas on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from consideration for new or renewed wind energy leasing.This important move recognizes the vital role our communities, industries, and ecosystems play in the broader national interest.
Finland: Russia's Baltic oil exports have fallen 10% following EU sanctions
The Finnish Border Guard reported that the Russian oil exports via the Baltic Sea dropped by 10% in the final four months of 2024 as the EU sanctions on Russian oil and gas were implemented. Baltic Sea nations have been put on high alert following disruptions in power cables, gas pipelines, and telecom links since Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine 2022. Some of these disruptions are linked to tanker activities.
Protecting Employees in High-Risk Environments

For any business, ensuring the health and safety of its employees should be the number one priority – what is more, it’s a legal requirement.This is especially true when a company has employees that need to work alone. Whether it be in construction, healthcare or the public sector, lone workers face unique risks and challenges that those working in a team often don’t experience.