Permitting Reform: A bipartisan U.S. Senate deal would speed reviews for new energy and infrastructure projects, aiming to cut yearslong delays as AI data centers drive power demand and to require data centers to pay for added electricity use. Grid & Storage Buildout: Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners is backing a €270M, four-hour battery project in Scotland (Kilmarnock South), adding long-duration flexibility to absorb wind and stabilize supply. Solar Expansion & Policy: Sri Lanka is pushing renewables while urging the public to cut fuel use; it also broke ground on new Jet A-1 pipeline and storage to strengthen energy security. Local Solar Economics: In Oregon, a farming couple keeps growing wheat while 13 wind turbines on their land generate a second income stream—an agrivoltaics-style model for coexistence. Hydropower Reliability: Iceland’s Landsvirkjun signed with ANDRITZ to replace stators at Búrfell hydropower, with work spanning to 2030. Energy Transition Tensions: Cyprus’ fiscal council warns inflation is highly sensitive to external energy shocks, arguing support should be targeted, not broad tax cuts. Data Centers vs Communities: Amazon says it will invest $1B over five years in U.S. data-center communities, as opposition over electricity and water use grows.