Nuclear Momentum: Uzbekistan has begun construction of its first nuclear power plant, with the project set in Jizzakh and backed by a $9.5B cost cap and a preferential Russian export loan, aiming for about 17 billion kWh annually. Grid Reliability Shock: Jamaica suffered an all-island blackout; Energy Minister Daryl Vaz called it “unacceptable,” while JPS said it’s restarting all power stations and investigating a system failure. Advanced Reactor Milestone (US): The U.S. Energy Department says Antares’ microreactor at Idaho National Lab reached criticality, a step toward electricity generation in a few years. Coal Policy Push (US): President Trump announced $700M to build or refurbish coal power infrastructure, citing Defense Production Act authority to protect and restart coal plants. Renewables & Storage (India): MKC Green Energy won a LoA for a 125 MW/500 MWh standalone BESS in Uttar Pradesh with VGF support, while NTPC is seeking flexible sub-critical thermal units to balance rising renewables. Industrial Clean Power (India): IMFA signed a 29-year captive PPA for 65 MW of hybrid renewables (solar, wind, and BESS), targeting a major cut in annual emissions. Energy Transition Reality Check (Ghana): A Ghana-focused brief warns that only 52% of power injected into the grid is paid for, threatening the country’s renewable expansion plans unless payment and losses are fixed. Data Centers & Power Demand: New reporting highlights how AI-driven data center buildouts are tightening electricity supply and raising costs, adding pressure to already strained grids. Local Solar Adoption (Philippines): PRO-8 inaugurated a 48 kW solar PV system at Camp Ruperto Kangleon as the first phase of a multi-phase efficiency push.