Nuclear Buildout: CGN released Hualong One 2.0, a next-gen, self-developed China nuclear tech aimed at improving safety, build time, costs and operations—ten units already operating and dozens more in construction or approvals. Middle East Supply Shock: Oil markets stayed tense as US-Iran and Houthi attacks raise risks around the Strait of Hormuz; Kuwait said exports are recovering via ship-to-ship transfers and alternative routing, but buyers pay more for outside-Hormuz delivery. EU-China Trade Friction: The EU is set to tighten public procurement with “Buy European” rules that could restrict non-EU bidders and steer contracts toward European firms, escalating the energy-and-industry dependency debate. India Coal Gasification Push: India’s Rs 37,500 crore coal gasification scheme drew seven first-round applications (including Adani and NTPC), targeting domestic feedstocks and lower import dependence. ASEAN Clean-Tech Demand: Ember says Southeast Asia is driving China’s clean-energy export boom, with over $20bn spent in 2026 so far on batteries, grid gear and solar/EV components. Wildfire Fallout: Indonesia’s El Niño-fueled wildfires and haze have burned at least 200,000 hectares, worsening air quality across the region. Grid Investment Signal: GE Vernova T&D India won a major HVDC terminal station contract to evacuate renewable power, underscoring Asia’s push to move clean generation at scale.