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Massive power outages in Spain and Portugal affect large areas
A widespread blackout in Spain and Portugal on Monday paralysed the public transport system, caused traffic jams, and delayed flights. Utility operators scrambled to restore power. Officials said that authorities were still unable to explain why the outage occurred an hour later, despite the fact that a cyber attack was not ruled out. Investigations were also ongoing. According to sources familiar with the situation, a crisis committee in Spain was formed to handle the situation. After the power outage that briefly affected northeastern Spain and a portion of France, both governments called emergency cabinet meetings. Portugal's utility REN confirmed a power cut across the Iberian Peninsula, which also affected a part of France. Meanwhile, Spanish grid operator Red Electrica stated that it was working with local energy companies to restore electricity. A REN spokesperson stated that "all plans for the gradual restoration of energy are in place, and they're being implemented in coordination with European energy operators and producers." "REN is always in contact with the National Civil Protection Authority, which is an official entity. The possible causes of the incident are also being evaluated. The Madrid Open Tennis Tournament was suspended after the scoreboards and overhead cameras went dark. This forced 15th seed Grigor Dimitrov and his British opponent Jacob Fearnley to leave the court. Spanish radio stations reported that part of Madrid's underground is being evacuated. Cader Ser Radio reported that traffic lights in Madrid's city centre had stopped working. This caused traffic jams. According to a witness, hundreds of people were standing outside offices on the streets of Madrid. There was also a strong police presence in key areas, who directed traffic and drove along atriums lit with lights. The witness said that one of the four tower buildings housing the British Embassy in Madrid had been evacuated. Radio stations in the area reported that people were trapped in metro cars and elevators. The Portuguese police reported that traffic lights in Portugal were out of order, the metro system was shut down in Lisbon and Porto and the trains weren't running. According to the Publico newspaper, the operator of the Lisbon subway system Metropolitano de Lisboa reported that the trains were at a standstill and people were still in the cars. Sources at TAP Air in Portugal said that the airport of Lisbon was using backup generators. AENA, who manage 46 airports throughout Spain, reported delays across the country. Grid operator RTE in France said that there had been a brief power outage, but the power was restored. It was looking into the cause.
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Maguire: The clever US state that thrives under Trump
Louisiana has been overshadowed for years by its showier neighbour Texas. Texas boasts a bigger economy and a greater population, and has dominated Washington DC policy makers and the international stage. The Bayou State, however, is undergoing a revival which could lead to it becoming the most dynamic and influential Gulf Coast hub in the coming decades. This could be attributed to its development blueprint. Louisiana, as the primary exit point for U.S. gas exports, is a major cheerleader of President Donald Trump's "drill, baby, drill" mantra. It is also the home of some of the most important natural-gas basins in the United States. A new steel plant worth billions of dollars is being planned by the state. This was announced at a White House event earlier this year, which marked a return to traditional manufacturing in the United States. Louisiana's smokestack industry, which includes century-old refineries and chemicals sectors, is also at the forefront of a ongoing carbon capture campaign that has made it a major player on the clean energy front. Louisiana has a growing battery sector, a hydrogen-producing industry and an emerging data center. It can offer industries that are fit for America in the 21st century, regardless of which party is in Washington. DEFT MESSAGING AND A CAPTIVE Audience Louisiana's progress has been driven by its willingness to reuse the old and add the new. This philosophy is not limited to brick and mortar industries, but also includes marketing pitches and mission statements. Projects that were marketed under the Biden Administration as driving the energy transition are now marketed to boost energy security and create jobs, which is more appealing to the Trump Administration. Businesses that reduce emissions from chemical plants and those that are positioned to be leaders in the carbon capture and storage (CCUS) sector, which is expected to grow rapidly over the next few decades, are among these businesses. Louisiana is a leader in CCUS, but it's not just on paper. The state has more than 60 carbon-capture projects. These include 13 CO2 pipelines as well as several ammonia plants and hydrogen plants which intend to use CO2 for a feedstock. Air Products, a producer of industrial gas, is building a complex dedicated to expanding hydrogen applications in the state. This could include the fertilizer and the steel producers who are heavy users of natural gas. AMERICAN MADE According to Kpler, trade intelligence firm, the liquefied gas industry has already established Louisiana, as its primary hub. Approximately two-thirds (or $30 billion) of U.S. exports of LNG will depart via state terminals. Louisiana's share in LNG trade is expected to increase further when the Plaquemines LNG Export Facility reaches full capacity at the end of the year. Gas developers also boost extraction from Louisiana fields. This is especially true of the Haynesville Basin, which has less impurities in its gas than other large deposits. It's therefore ideal for converting it to LNG and exporting it. The flurry in extraction activity has also sparked growth in ancillary service sectors in the state. This includes the production and maintenance of pipeline equipment. Louisiana is also home to other businesses and industries. In the last year, manufacturers such as Hyundai Steel, Ice Industries (a manufacturer of steel rails for solar panels) and PSS (an industrial equipment maker) have announced plans to open new plants in the State. Social media giant Meta will spend $10 billion on a data center of 4 million square feet in the state. Meanwhile, Procter and Gamble announced recent expansions to its Rapides Parish production facility. Chemical and plastic manufacturers are expanding in the state in hopes that the current push for factory production to be reshored to the U.S. will spark a higher demand for industrial components. COST PRESSURE The state's growing natural gas supply - which will be delivered via a new pipeline from the Permian basin to Louisiana's industrial hub in 2026 – is also attracting industries that need abundant power sources. Louisiana is currently enjoying a competitive advantage due to its lower than average electricity prices for industries. According to the data portal Electricchoice.com, Louisiana's cost of commercial electricity is 16% lower than the national average at 10.7 cents per Kilowatt Hour. This rate is lower than that of Florida, Georgia and Mississippi, as well as Michigan and Pennsylvania, states which also compete with Louisiana for the business of manufacturing and technology companies. Any significant increase in industrial gas usage - whether for LNG exports, or local businesses that use gas to power or process - will likely put upward pressure on energy prices going forward. Meta's massive data center, as well as the other businesses moving or expanding to the state will likely increase the overall energy demand. Local power providers are better equipped to meet demand for energy than others, thanks to the growing supply of natural gas in the state and plans to expand nuclear generation. This could help Louisiana to emerge from Texas' shadow - where stretched grids and volatile prices are commonplace - and become a critical hub for America’s future industrial and energy needs. These are the opinions of a market analyst at.
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The operator of Germany's Wilhelmshaven Gas Terminal 1 says that it will reopen soon.
According to a notice on DET's site, the terminal's superstructure at the transhipment facility's jetty will reopen soon after scheduled repairs were completed last week. The regasification vessel Hoegh Esperanza had returned to its docking on the 26th of April at noon. The note from Deutsche Energy Terminal GmbH stated that "the Esperanza is now connected to the superstructure, and will be soon able to accept the next LNG delivery, regasify and feed it to the German gas grid." Lower Saxony's state port operator dug at the site in order to maintain the necessary water depth. DET announced Friday that another regasification vessel, named Excelsior was scheduled to arrive in Wilhelmshaven, giving the site a second option for LNG import. DET charters vessels at the LNG Terminals of Wilhelmshaven Brunsbuettel Stade that the Berlin government ordered during the peak of Europe's Energy Crisis in 2022. Vera Eckert reported the story. Mark Potter edited the article.
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Xinhua: China urges 'prudence" in CK Hutchison ports deal
China's Foreign Ministry has asked that all parties involved in the planned sale by CK Hutchison of its majority of ports to a BlackRock led consortium "act with caution", state news agency Xinhua said on Monday. As trade tensions between the United States and China intensify, the sale of the Hong Kong conglomerate's two ports, located adjacent to the strategically significant Panama Canal, is becoming highly politicised. The Wall Street Journal reported, on April 16, citing sources familiar with the situation, that MSC, which is a member of the BlackRock Consortium, had held discussions about moving forward with the bulk deal until the dispute over the two Panama port ports was resolved. According to Xinhua, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the foreign ministry's press office, said: "We have noted relevant reports." Reports added that the spokesperson urged all parties to keep in constant communication with the Chinese departments concerned. China's top regulator of the market also responded to Sunday's Wall Street Journal article, saying that it was closely monitoring the deal and that parties should not avoid an antitrust investigation. CK Hutchison, owned by Li Ka-shing, announced last month that it would be selling its 80% stake in the port business. This includes 43 ports across 23 countries. The enterprise value, including debt, is $22.8 billion. CK Hutchison didn't immediately respond to a comment request. Aaditya Govind Rao, Bengaluru Reporter; Maju Samuel, Editor
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EU network operators suggest Germany split its power market.
In a report released on Monday, the European association of power grid operators said that Germany should split its electricity market up to five different price zones in order to reflect the different prices across the country. Why it's important Germany has a large, unified power market with a unified price. Luxembourg is a part of the German electricity bidding zone. The congestion on Germany's grid has led to calls for at least two zones to be created to prevent high prices in one area from affecting the whole country. By the Numbers ENTSO-E's analysis of the various options to split Germany's market showed that all of them would result in economic benefits. However, a division into five bid zones would produce the greatest benefits of 339 millions euros ($385million) by 2025. ENTSO-E stated that while the split market could result in lower prices in the north, which is rich in renewables, prices could rise in the south, where heavy industry dominates the German economy. What's Next? The new German coalition government opposes the splitting of the power market. It fears that it could increase prices and affect industrial activity in the south. The issue has already caused problems for power infrastructure projects. Countries like Sweden are lobbying Berlin about the matter. CONTEXT Sweden says it won't approve a new cable connecting the south of its country with Germany until Berlin reorganises German market. Sweden and Germany have already been connected by a single power cable. The Swedish government claims that this is driving up the price of power in Sweden's southern region - even though it is connected to northern Germany, where renewable energy is cheap. Sweden's electricity is divided into four zones.
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City of London sees a 50% increase in cycling in just two years
The number of cyclists in London's City has increased by over 50% in just two years. New cycle paths, dockless bikes and improved air quality have all contributed to this increase. Official data shows that in October 2024 there will be 139,000 cyclists per day in the Square Mile. This is London's historic financial district. In 2022, this number was 89,000. The City of London Corporation released a press release stating that there were nearly twice as many bicycles as cars on London's streets at any given time. The increase in cycling coincides with a reduction of motor vehicle traffic (down 5% since 2022) and an improvement in air quality in the region. In 2024, the number locations that exceeded nitrogen dioxide targets fell to two from 15. Since 2003, London has a congestion fee that aims to reduce vehicle traffic. In recent years, the air quality in London has improved thanks to an Ultra Low-Emission Zone that imposes a tax on vehicles with high emissions. New paths and routes have encouraged cyclists, as has the rapid growth of dockless cycle hire schemes, whose use in the city has quadrupled from 2022. One in six bikes are now "Lime" or "Forest" bicycles. The City of London has seen a greater increase in cycling than the central London region, which has increased by 12% in that time. (Reporting and editing by William James, Sarah Young)
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Taiwan's MFIG offers to purchase up to 65,000 metric tonnes corn
European traders reported on Monday that Taiwan's MFIG buying group had issued an international tender for up to 65,000 metric tonnes of animal feed corn, which could be sourced in the United States, Argentina or Brazil. They said that the deadline for submitting price offers to the tender is on Tuesday, April 29. MFIG is seeking price offers for a consignment yellow corn weighing between 40,000 and 65,000 tons, at a premium to the Chicago corn contract of September 2025. Traders said that if corn comes from the U.S. Gulf region, Brazil, or Argentina then shipments are needed between June 20 and September 9. Shipments from the U.S. Pacific Northwest Coast or South Africa are required between July 5 and 24. Traders said that due to concerns over poor quality, Argentine Corn will only be accepted if the price is at the lowest offered, and at least four cents per bushel lower than the next cheapest offer of other origins. The last report corn tender On March 26, the MFIG Group purchased approximately 65,000 tons feed corn, which was expected to come from the United States. (Reporting and Editing by Louise Heavens, Michael Hogan)
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Maguire: The clever US state that thrives under Trump
Louisiana has been overshadowed for years by its showier neighbour Texas. Texas boasts a bigger economy and population, and has dominated Washington DC policy makers and the international stage. The Bayou State, however, is undergoing a renaissance that could lead to it becoming the most dynamic and influential Gulf Coast hub in the coming decades. This could be attributed to its development plan that can be described as being everything to everyone. Louisiana, as the primary exit point for U.S. gas exports, is also a major cheerleader of President Donald Trump's "drill, baby, drill" mantra. It is home to the most important natural-gas basins in the United States. A new steel plant worth billions of dollars is being planned by the state. This was announced at a White House event earlier this year, which marked a return to traditional manufacturing in the United States. Louisiana's smokestack industry, which includes century-old refineries and chemicals, is also at the forefront of a carbon capture drive. This has made Louisiana a major player on the clean energy front. Louisiana has a number of industries that are suited to the 21st-century needs of America, including a hydrogen industry leader, a battery sector, and a growing presence in data centers. DEFT MESSAGING AND A CAPTIVE Audience Louisiana's progress has been driven by its willingness to reuse the old and add the new. This philosophy is not limited to brick and mortar industries, but also includes marketing pitches and mission statements. Projects that were marketed under the Biden Administration as driving the energy transition are now marketed to boost energy security and create jobs, which is more appealing to the Trump administration. Businesses that reduce emissions from chemical plants and those that are positioned to be leaders in the carbon capture and storage (CCUS) sector, which is expected to grow rapidly over the next few decades, are among these businesses. Louisiana is a leader in CCUS, but it's not just a paper position. The state has more than 60 carbon-capture projects. These include 13 CO2 pipelines as well as several ammonia plants and hydrogen plants which intend to use CO2 for a feedstock. Air Products, a producer of industrial gas, is building a complex dedicated to expanding hydrogen applications in the state. This could include the fertilizer and the steel producers who are heavy users of natural gas. AMERICAN MADE According to Kpler, trade intelligence firm, the liquefied gas industry has already established Louisiana, as its primary hub. Approximately two-thirds (or $30 billion) of U.S. exports of LNG will depart via state terminals. Louisiana's share in LNG trade is expected to increase further when the Plaquemines LNG Export Facility reaches full capacity at the end of the year. Gas developers also boost extraction from Louisiana fields. This is especially true of the Haynesville Basin, which has less impurities in its gas than other large deposits. It's therefore ideal for converting it to LNG and exporting it. The flurry in extraction activity has also sparked growth in ancillary service sectors in the state. This includes the production and maintenance of pipeline equipment. Louisiana is also home to other businesses and industries. In the last year, manufacturers such as Hyundai Steel, Ice Industries (a manufacturer of steel rails for solar panels) and PSS (an industrial equipment maker) have announced plans to open new plants in the State. Social media giant Meta will spend $10 billion on a data center of 4 million square feet in the state. Meanwhile, Procter and Gamble announced recent expansions to its Rapides Parish production facility. Chemical and plastics manufacturers are expanding in the state in hopes that the current push for factory production to be reshored to the U.S. will spark a higher demand for industrial components. COST PRESSURE The state's growing natural gas supply - which will be delivered via a new pipeline from the Permian basin to Louisiana's industrial hub in 2026 – is also attracting industries that need abundant power sources. Louisiana is currently enjoying a competitive advantage due to its lower than average electricity prices for industries. According to the data portal Electricchoice.com, Louisiana's cost of commercial electricity is 16% lower than the national average at 10.7 cents per Kilowatt Hour. This rate is lower than that of Florida, Georgia and Mississippi, as well as Michigan and Pennsylvania, states which also compete with Louisiana for the business of manufacturing and technology companies. Any significant increase in industrial gas usage - whether for LNG exports, or local businesses that use gas to power or process - will likely put upward pressure on energy prices going forward. Meta's massive data center, as well as the other businesses moving or expanding to the state will likely increase the overall energy demand. Local power providers are better equipped to meet demand for energy than others, thanks to the growing supply of natural gas in the state and plans to expand nuclear generation. This could help Louisiana to emerge from Texas' shadow - where stretched grids and volatile prices are commonplace - and become a critical hub for America’s future industrial and energy needs. These are the opinions of the author who is a market analyst at.
Niger withdraws its military force from Lake Chad
The Niger government announced in a broadcast on state TV that it has left an international force that fights armed Islamists in West Africa’s Lake Chad Region. It wants to improve security at home for its oil assets.
Since 2015, the Multinational Joint Task Force, which includes soldiers from Nigeria and Chad, as well as Cameroon and Cameroon, have been trying to quell the insurgency. However, progress has been hampered by poor coordination and division, which has allowed armed groups flourish throughout the sparsely-populated scrublands of the region.
MNJTF is yet to comment on Niger’s withdrawal and it's unclear how this will affect the future of the mission.
Lake Chad has been repeatedly targeted by militant groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa, which erupted as an insurgency in northeast Nigeria, in 2009. It has claimed the lives of tens and thousands of people.
The Chad threatened last year to withdraw from the MNJTF following an attack that killed 40 soldiers at a military base.
Since a military coup ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, in 2023, Niger has been increasingly isolated. In 2024, Niger withdrew along with Burkina Faso, Mali and other neighbouring countries where juntas have also seized power.
The Niger junta has promised to restore the security of the country. Its vast desert north, where migrants and traffickers cross, is a major crossing point for migrants.
The army is not in control of large areas of the country. Islamist militants have killed or severely injured at least 14 civilians in an attack against a mosque this month. The country's energy infrastructure has been attacked, including a pipeline connecting the Agadem oilfield with Benin's coastline. Boureima Balima, Edward McAllister and Helen Popper edited the article.
(source: Reuters)