Regional Power Deals: Afghanistan’s CASA-1000 transmission build is advancing in three phases, targeting 1,300MW of Central Asian hydropower and about $60m a year in transit revenue. Clean Power Procurement: EDF and Masdar locked in 15-year PPA terms for California’s Big Beau solar-plus-storage (128MWac + 40MW/160MWh). Philippines Buildout: Acwa Power Philippines signed a lease for a 500-hectare New Clark City site to develop up to 500MW solar PV with battery storage, aiming to feed the Green Energy Auction Program. Grid & Storage Policy: South Africa’s Eskom unbundling plans face scrutiny after Moody’s warned transmission separation could weaken credit quality. Battery Siting Fight: Washington’s Snoqualmie moved to a moratorium as residents protest a proposed large BESS facility, echoing earlier backlash in the region. Energy Costs & Taxes: Bangladesh’s CPD says fiscal rules discriminate against renewables and storage versus fossil fuels, raising the cost of the energy transition. Nuclear Momentum: Uzbekistan began construction on its first $9.5bn nuclear plant with IAEA-aligned preparations. Energy Security Shock: Peru’s silver output is threatened as a Camisea gas pipeline rupture drives power costs up and risks rationing. AI Power Pressure: A new push to build virtual power plants highlights how distributed flexibility could help manage surging data-center demand.