energy security

Earlier this year in Beijing, a bipedal robot completed a half-marathon in just under 2 hours and 40 minutes—an impressive accomplishment given that many recreational runners would be proud of such a time. Yet the detail that the robot paused three times for battery swaps underscores a fundamental challenge in robotics: energy storage and endurance. While machines like Boston Dynamics’ Spot and Atlas exhibit animal‐like agility and mechanical efficiency, they cannot sustain operations for more than a couple of hours on battery power alone.

Australia’s transition towards renewable energy gained significant momentum in the first quarter of 2025, with investment in large-scale battery storage systems reaching $2.4 billion. According to data released by the Clean Energy Council (CEC), six major battery projects—totaling 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of dispatchable capacity—achieved financial close between January and March. This marks the second-strongest quarter on record for energy storage, trailing only the final quarter of 2023, when $2.8 billion was committed to similar projects.

Iran is likely to push back against a key proposal from the United States to relocate its enriched uranium stockpile to a third country—such as Russia—as part of renewed nuclear negotiations aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme. The suggestion, raised during initial talks in Muscat, Oman, has emerged as a major sticking point in efforts to revive a broader diplomatic agreement.

Ukraine and the United States have reached an agreement on a critical minerals deal, marking a significant development in their economic and strategic partnership. The deal, which is expected to be signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump during Zelenskyy’s upcoming visit to Washington, D.C., aims to allow joint development of Ukraine’s mineral wealth. Revenues from these resources will be directed into a newly created fund that will be shared by both nations.

The drone attack on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on March 15, 2023, has raised alarms about global nuclear safety. An explosive-equipped UAV breached the site, prompting swift responses from the Ukrainian government and international organizations like the IAEA. This incident not only highlights vulnerabilities in securing nuclear facilities, but also underscores the escalating tensions in Ukraine-Russia relations. As the international community calls for enhanced safety measures and dialogues, the implications of such attacks on diplomatic efforts and global peace cannot be overlooked. Continued vigilance and cooperation are essential to prevent further escalations and ensure nuclear safety.

In recent years, Moldova has sought to diversify its energy sources to reduce dependence on Russian gas.