Energy Brief: U.S. and Global Energy Developments
Federal Energy Actions
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Sunday that he will make good on a threat to revoke millions in federal funds for California. He says the state is illegally issuing commercial driver’s licenses to noncitizens, a move that violates federal law. The warning sets up another confrontation between the federal government and California over transportation and regulatory compliance.
The U.S. government has signed a deal with Westinghouse, Cameco, and Brookfield to build $80 billion worth of new nuclear reactors across the country. Officials say the agreement marks one of the largest domestic nuclear investments in decades, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing grid reliability. Energy analysts note that this move could jumpstart America’s stalled nuclear industry and create thousands of jobs.
Meanwhile, EV nonprofit Plug In America is pushing back against the Trump administration’s clawback of what remains of its $5 million federal grant. The group argues that cutting funds undermines national efforts to increase electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure growth. Supporters of the program say EV expansion remains critical to U.S. energy independence.
In another development, Hecate Energy has withdrawn its plans to build a $300 million battery storage project on Staten Island. The project would have been New York’s largest, designed to improve energy reliability and integrate renewable power. Local opposition and regulatory delays reportedly influenced the company’s decision to step away from the plan.
The Department of Energy (DOE) also announced a $1 billion partnership with semiconductor giant AMD to build two supercomputers. The systems aim to advance research into nuclear fission, fusion, and grid modernization. DOE officials said the partnership demonstrates the growing intersection of high-performance computing and national energy strategy.
World Energy and Policy Updates
The Indian government continues its push to boost domestic oil and gas production to reduce dependence on imported hydrocarbons. Oil imports make up over 80% of the nation’s supply, while natural gas imports cover roughly 50% of consumption. Officials say this focus on domestic production is essential to long-term energy security.
Beijing has sharply criticized Britain’s sanctions on 11 Chinese companies, warning that the move could harm Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s plans to strengthen economic ties with the Far East. Chinese officials called the sanctions politically motivated and said they would take necessary countermeasures.
Finally, Russia and Venezuela have entered a new strategic partnership aimed at expanding cooperation across energy, mining, transport, and security. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the agreement, officially bringing it into force, according to state news agency TASS. Analysts say the move underscores both nations’ intent to deepen ties amid shifting global energy alliances.