energy emergency

Record low water levels on the Danube River threaten power plants in Eastern Europe, pushing Hungary's Paks nuclear plant near shutdown and forcing conservation measures. Hungary has restricted electricity use and imported power to avoid an energy crisis as drought and heat persist.

Record low water levels on the Danube River have pushed Hungary's Paks nuclear plant to near shutdown, forcing conservation measures and regional electricity imports. Hungary's government has implemented voluntary and mandatory electricity savings, including halting electric freight trains during peak hours, as neighboring countries like Serbia and Romania also face energy disruptions due to declining Danube levels.

Environmental groups are challenging a Trump administration emergency order to keep a Florida coal-fired power plant operational. The groups argue the order failed to establish an energy emergency, while the Department of Energy cited anticipated demand from data centers as a reason.

The U.S. and Iran signed a peace deal on June 17, leading Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict had disrupted global oil supplies, particularly affecting Southeast Asian markets, but experts predict it will take months for oil flows and prices to return to pre-war levels due to logistical challenges and depleted stockpiles.

The Trump administration issued an emergency order to keep a Florida coal-fired power plant operational, citing an energy emergency due to a shortage of facilities and increased data centers. The plant was originally scheduled to retire in 2025.

The Philippine Senate reopened after a two-day impasse when a quorum was achieved, ending a standoff between factions led by Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and opposing senators. The dispute centers on control of the chamber amid legal issues involving two of Cayetano's allies and political tensions over legislative priorities.