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Google's Indian Ocean data hub spurs renewable energy on tiny Christmas Island
Christmas Island, Australia's isolated Indian Ocean outpost, has enough electricity to support a Google data centre, without depriving the locals. However, its arrival could lead to a push towards renewable energy, said the island's largest employer and the technology giant. Alphabet’s Google confirmed a report on Monday that it would build a data center on the tiny, uninhabited island situated 350 km south of Indonesia. The company said that it would build a subsea data cable connecting Christmas Island with the Maldives, Oman and two new hubs in order to "deepen resilience of the internet infrastructure within the Indian Ocean Region". Nicholas Gan, chief executive of Phosphate Resources, has said that there is enough power for the moment to supply the needs of the locals, phosphate mine, and data centre. The phosphate firm, which employs about half of the 1,600 people on the island, imports diesel for a generator that powers the mine, and also meets the needs of the Australian Defence Force. Gan stated that the power grid could easily supply Google's and our needs. He said that reopening the detention centre on the island for asylum seekers, or a closed resort, would strain the capacity. Google's arrival, he added, would support the argument for switching to renewable energies, which are cheaper than diesel imports. Australia's Infrastructure Department is in talks with Google to make sure that its energy needs are met, without affecting the supply of Christmas Island residents and businesses. BOOM BUST CYCLE REMOTE ISLAND Previous reports have indicated that two more Google subsea cable projects, which will stretch eastward from Christmas Island, will land close to key Australian military bases. According to military experts, such a facility would be useful for AI drones monitoring Chinese submarine activity. Google announced that the data centre on the island would be smaller than other Google data centers, and would share its digital technology with local users. Google said that the power needed for a hub of connectivity can be quite high in some locations. In these cases, Google will use its power consumption to help accelerate local investments in renewable energy. Gan, a member of the island’s economic future group, said that Google’s project would bring economic activity to a 1,600 km island from Australia’s mainland, which has exhibited boom-and-bust cycles in its history, and was facing "the last mining era". Australian Parliament records reveal that Australia and Russia had planned to build on Christmas Island a commercial spaceport about 23 years ago. However, the project was halted by Indonesia due to concerns and never opened. Records show that a casino which opened in 1993 and attracted high rollers from Jakarta arriving on private jets, but closed five year later due to the Asian economic recession. The island was dominated by a detention center for asylum seekers who tried to reach Australia via boat for 20 years, until Australia's new immigration policy led to its largely emptying in 2023. (Reporting and editing by SonaliPaul in Sydney, Kirsty needham from Sydney)
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BP restores a part of Olympic Pipeline following Washington leak
BP responded to a leak of refined products in the Olympic Pipeline System, east of Everett Washington, by partially restoring part of the system. After the Sunday discharge, Olympic, a BP-owned company, shut down its pipelines. Two pipelines are part of the system. The company reported that the segment of the pipeline system not affected by the problem was restored Sunday. This allowed the product to be delivered on this line. BP stated that the incident was still being investigated. Olympic Pipeline, a 400-mile system of pipelines that transports fuels between northern Washington and Oregon. The pipeline transports refined petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel, and supplies jet fuel at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. A spokesperson for Sea-Tac said that the incident did not affect the operations at the airport and that the airport was well-stocked with fuel to handle the situation. (Reporting and editing by Lincoln Feast in New York, Nicole Jao reported from New York)
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Venture Global plans to double the capacity of Plaquemines LNG plant
Venture Global announced on Monday that it has asked the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to allow the company to more than double its Plaquemines liquefied gas export facility, which is currently under construction in Louisiana. The company is looking to increase the LNG capacity by 30 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa), in addition to the 28 mtpa previously approved. Plaquemines, the second largest LNG facility in the U.S., was responsible last month for 22% total exports out of the country. Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel stated in a press release that "our decision to increase the project's allowed capacity significantly reflects the strong demand we continue see on the market and this expansion will be vital in meeting that need." The company's proposed expansion will allow it to produce more than 100 million mtpa and compete with QatarEnergy, Cheniere and other LNG exporters around the world. Venture Global, a startup just three years earlier, quickly became the U.S.'s second largest LNG exporter. Its business model allows it to export cargoes even while construction and commissioning are underway. This strategy allowed the company profit from higher spot prices before it began supplying customers on a longer-term basis. However, the practice also led to arbitration cases and lawsuits by customers including some of the largest energy companies in the world. The company stated that the expansion of Plaquemines will be constructed in three phases, and comprise 32 modular liquefaction train. Venture Global said it has also submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Energy requesting export authorizations for the planned additional capacity. Curtis Williams reported from Houston, and Nathan Crooks edited the story.
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Archer Aviation will supply electric powertrain for Anduril and EDGE drones
Archer Aviation announced on Monday that it would supply the electric powertrain of the Omen autonomous aircraft, which is being developed by U.S. Defense Technology firm Anduril Industries in collaboration with UAE-based EDGE Group. Archer has signed its first agreement with a third party to use its powertrain. This is currently used on its Midnight eVTOL (electric vertical take-off-and-landing) aircraft. The deal also introduces a revenue stream for Archer. United Arab Emirates has committed to buy 50 units of Omen, an autonomous hover-to-cruise aircraft. Archer's Powertrain, including a proprietary battery system and electric engine, is produced at its U.S.-based facilities. Companies in the air taxi sector are exploring the defense and logistical applications to diversify commercial opportunities. Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer and founder of the Midnight eVTOL, said: "While many see Midnight as an aircraft or a vehicle, we see it as a platform for a variety new and exciting technologies in aerospace that will be used far beyond our aircraft." He said that the Anduril partnership is expected to be just the beginning of many partnerships. The announcement of the deal on the sidelines the Dubai Air Show follows a series of international partnerships that Archer has made, including agreements with South Korea and Japan for the deployment of its Midnight aircraft to urban air mobility programs. (Reporting and editing by Vijay Kishore in Bengaluru, with Shivansh Tiwary from Bengaluru)
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US visa restrictions for Nicaragua due to immigration
The State Department announced on Monday that the United States will impose visa restrictions on those in Nicaragua who are responsible for facilitating illegal immigration into the country. This includes the owners of travel agencies, tour operators, and transportation companies. According to a non-specific statement, the State Department has taken action to revoke some visas. The Department of Homeland Security said that "investigations show the entities represented by these individuals facilitated travel to Nicaragua. This was enabled by the Nicaraguan dictatorship’s migration policies, which are permissive and designed this way. These policies destabilize the area and encourage illegal immigration into the United States." The Department of Homeland Security is revoking visas that are currently valid and imposing additional restrictions to prevent these individuals from entering the United States. The Trump administration has stepped up its crackdown on illegal immigration, and the temporary protective status granted to Nicaragua and other countries was revoked. This status gives eligible migrants temporary protection against deportation and work authorization. The United States placed visa restrictions in April on over 250 Nicaraguan officials, citing abuses of human rights. (Reporting and editing by Katharine Jack; Doina Chiacu)
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Serbian mother wants to survive and join protests after ending her hunger strike
A Serbian woman ended her hunger strike on Monday over the death her son, who was killed in a roof collapse. She said she wanted to remain alive so that she could join the other anti-government demonstrators who were outraged by this disaster. Dijana Hrka’s son Stefan, 27, was one of 16 people who died last year in Novi Sad when the roof of a renovated train station collapsed. A youth-led movement of protest sparked by anger over the alleged mismanagement, and the failure to prosecute any one person has led to mass rallies that have called for the resignation and early elections of President Aleksandar Vucic. Hrka, 48 told journalists in the tent she uses to protest outside Parliament since November 2, "I'm ending my hunger-strike." "I can do a lot more alive." She told reporters that she had met with students who were involved in protests and discussed how they could work together in future. The protests that have raged for months have shaken Vucic’s grip on power. Students, academics, and opposition leaders are leading the protest movement that accuses Vucic, and his populist, nationalist party, of corruption, poor public services, nepotism, and restrictions on media freedom. They denied the allegations. Some people have claimed that the collapse was an act of terror, while others have accused protesters of exploiting the tragedy for political purposes. In the capital Belgrade, more than 10,000 Vucic supporters rallied earlier this month. Ivana Sekularac, reporting; Andrew Heavens, editing
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The vessel manager confirms that the crew of the tanker captured by Iran made contact and are safe.
Its manager announced on Monday that the crew of a tanker carrying oil products is safe, and that the vessel was anchored near the Bandar Abbas port in Iran, after Tehran claimed to have seized the vessel last week while it was sailing in the Gulf. Iran's state media confirmed that the Revolutionary Guards of Iran (IRGC) seized the Talara tanker under Marshall Islands flag, for alleged cargo violations. The seizure was the first by Tehran of a ship since the Israeli-U.S. strike on Iran in June. It has caused concern for the safety and security of ships carrying energy cargoes to world markets. Columbia Shipmanagement released a statement Monday stating that the captain of the tanker made contact with its technical manager on November 16 at 1730 GMT. All crew members have been reported safe and well. Columbia Shipmanagement reported that the vessel was safely anchored near Bandar Abbas. The crew, which numbered 21, were also accounted for. The company reported that contact with the vessel had been cut off while it was sailing via Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to Singapore, with a cargo containing high-sulfur gasoil. According to a U.S. official as well as maritime security sources, the Iranian forces diverted the tanker into Iranian territorial water on Friday. The manager stated that Columbia Shipmanagement was working with regional partners urgently to resolve the situation and ensure the release of the crew. In recent years, the IRGC of Iran has periodically seized vessels from commercial shipping in Gulf waters, citing maritime infractions such as alleged smuggling or technical infractions, as well legal disputes. The MarineTraffic platform, which tracks public ships, showed Monday that Talara reported its last position on November 14. Jonathan Saul, Joe Bavier and Jonathan Saul (reporting)
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Sources: Chevron is a contender to buy Lukoil assets.
Five sources familiar with this process said on Monday that U.S. major oil company Chevron was examining options to purchase global assets from sanctioned Russian oil giant Lukoil. Last week, the U.S. Treasury cleared potential buyers to speak to Lukoil regarding foreign assets. Chevron will join Carlyle, and other firms to compete for Lukoil's portfolio of at least $20 billion. Last month, the United States imposed sanctions against Russia's two largest oil companies, Lukoil & Rosneft, in an effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to force Moscow to peace talks with Ukraine. Five sources confirmed that Chevron was looking at options to purchase assets from Lukoil in areas where they overlap, rather than buying the entire portfolio. The sources asked to remain anonymous as they were not permitted to speak with the media. Chevron has never been reported to have an interest. Chevron stated that it adheres to all laws and regulations relevant to its business. It does not comment on any commercial issues. Lukoil produces 2% of the world's oil at home, but also abroad. The company has announced that it is looking for buyers of its international assets. These produce 0.5% of oil globally and are valued at $22 billion based on filings from 2024. Last week, sources said that Carlyle, a U.S. private equity firm, is looking at options to purchase Lukoil’s foreign assets. Lukoil owns three refineries in Europe and oilfields in Kazakhstan (Uzbekistan), Iraq, Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria, Mexico and Kazakhstan. It also has hundreds of retail fuel station around the world. Lukoil is a shareholder in both the Karachaganak and Tengiz fields in Kazakhstan. These fields are also owned by Chevron Exxon Mobil Eni Shell. The fields are a major source of crude oil for the CPC Pipeline, which transports more than 1.6 millions barrels of crude per day, or 1,5% of the global demand for oil, to the global markets via Russia. Lukoil has also a stake on the Nigerian offshore licence OML-140 that Chevron operates. Lukoil operates the West Qurna 2 in Iraq where Exxon operated the West Qurna 1, which was located nearby, until last year. (Additional reporting from Jarrett Renshaw; Sheila Dang; Shadia Nasralla, Dmitry Zhdannikov, Jan Harvey, and Nik Williams).
Alaska Airlines ex-pilot avoids extra jail time after mid-flight sabotage.
A U.S. Judge ruled Monday that an Alaska Airlines pilot, who attempted to disable the engine of a passenger plane mid-flight when riding off duty in the cockpit, will not be sentenced to additional prison time.
Joseph David Emerson (46), was sentenced to three years of supervision and time served by U.S. district judge Amy Baggio, in Portland, Oregon.
The federal prosecutors sought an one-year sentence, but Emerson's lawyers argued in favor of probation, citing the penalties already imposed by a state court.
The incident took place on October 22, 2023 aboard Horizon Air Flight 2059. This Embraer 175 was operated by Alaska Airlines and flew from Everett in Washington to San Francisco.
According to federal prosecutors, Emerson was sitting in the cockpit jump-seat when he reached up and grabbed two red fire suppression handles. He then began to pull them down. This would have stopped fuel from reaching the plane's engine.
The pilots on duty successfully restrained the man, and a safe landing was made in Portland with 84 passengers on board.
In court documents, Emerson claimed that he hadn't slept in 48 hours and had taken psychedelic mushroom two days before. He believed he dreamed and was trying to wake up. He said that he was also grieving the death of a friend and going through a mental crisis.
According to court documents and prosecutors, Emerson entered a guilty plea to a federal charge for interfering with the flight crew in September. He also entered a no contest plea to charges brought by the state of endangering a plane and 83 counts reckless endangerment.
Before Monday's sentence, Emerson's lawyer told the court that he spent 46 days in pre-trial detention. The lawyer said that Emerson's 46-day jail sentence was "impactful, cathartic and punishing." "He will not be able expunge the conviction."
A state court sentenced him also to five years of probation, 664 community service hours, and approximately $60,000 in restitution. The majority was to Alaska Air Group.
The case has increased scrutiny over cockpit access regulations and renewed calls for better mental health support for Pilots.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s mental health panel released 24 recommendations in response to these concerns last year. These included non-punitive disclosure paths, revised reporting requirements and improved return-to work processes.
The U.S. House of Representatives adopted legislation in September 2025 requiring that the FAA adopt these measures and overhaul its rules for medical certification. (Reporting and editing by Edwina G. Gibbs; Rajesh Kumar Singh)
(source: Reuters)