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Former Labour adviser Polly Billington – who served under Gordon Brown – has urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to organise a global energy summit of the scale and urgency that marked the UK’s 2008 financial‑crisis intervention. She argues that the fallout from the US‑Israeli war on Iran is creating an energy shock “as big as the financial crash”, demanding a response of equal magnitude. Billington warned that the economic pain from soaring energy prices is “hurtling down the tracks”, threatening living standards and providing fertile ground for extremist politics. She stresses that the price surge will be neither temporary nor confined to a single region. While she praised the government’s initiative to bring together 35 nations to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Billington insists that a broader, coordinated effort is required to stabilise energy markets, protect supply chains, and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. “We could be bringing together allies to agree emergency cooperation to stabilise energy markets, protect supply chains, coordinate strategic reserves, and accelerate the global transition away from fossil fuels,” she told The Guardian. “Energy security is inseparable from global security; otherwise we face a ‘Hunger Games’ world of resource conflict, scarcity and coercion.” Her call comes amid growing unease among Labour MPs who fear the government is under‑reacting to the domestic impact of the war. Rising petrol prices, higher energy bills and inflation are already prompting concerns about electoral repercussions. At a recent press conference, the Prime Minister announced that the Treasury is drafting targeted support for households most affected by energy costs, should the conflict persist. Yet opposition parties are pushing divergent solutions: Reform UK and the Conservatives advocate increased domestic drilling, the Liberal Democrats propose a 10p fuel‑duty cut and VAT relief for electric‑vehicle charging, while the Greens call for universal energy‑bill support. The Scottish National Party demanded an emergency parliamentary recall, accusing the government of “sleepwalking into a crisis”. Billington argues that a true “war‑footing” approach must focus on reducing Britain’s reliance on fossil fuels. She praises the Treasury’s decision to avoid a blanket bailout, suggesting instead that households install plug‑in solar panels on balconies and gardens – likening them to Anderson shelters in the Second World War – to bolster collective resilience and lower bills. She adds that no policy option should be dismissed as “too radical”, urging the government to consider all measures that could cut exposure to gas and oil. Another Labour MP echoed the sentiment, stating that merely highlighting bill reductions is insufficient when headlines indicate that prices are set to rise sharply due to the Iran conflict. “I want to hear a concrete Labour plan,” he said. On Thursday, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey branded the rising fuel costs a “Trump‑Farage‑Badenoch tax”, calling for immediate action to mitigate the economic fallout of the war and keep Britain moving.

The moon is becoming a focal point for a new era of space exploration and exploitation, with multiple companies and countries racing to harness its resources. Interlune, a Seattle-based company, has raised $18m to fund its efforts to mine the moon for Helium-3, a rare gas that could become vital in quantum computers and nuclear fusion.Helium-3, deposited on the moon's surface over billions of years by the solar wind, is used in medical imaging but is in extremely short supply on Earth. Rob Meyerson, founder of Interlune, believes that extracting this resource could be economically viable due to its high value.Private access to space has become more feasible through companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX, making lunar mining a possibility. Interlune plans to send a multispectral camera to the lunar south pole to assess Helium-3 concentrations and is working towards a future mission called 'Prospect Moon' to gather samples.The lunar mining initiative raises questions about environmental impact and the ethics of extracting resources from the moon. Critics argue that history has shown pioneers rushing into unknown frontiers and causing irreparable damage. There are concerns about preserving the moon's pristine environment and protecting sites of extraordinary scientific importance.Legal aspects of moon mining are also unclear, with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibiting national claims of ownership but making no reference to commercial activities. Despite these challenges, Interlune and other companies are pushing forward, with China also actively exploring the moon's resources, including Helium-3.

According to reports from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal, SpaceX has quietly lodged a confidential registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, signaling its intention to go public. The filing could set a valuation ceiling of $1.75 trillion, positioning the offering among the most valuable ever attempted. Regulators will now review the disclosed financials before the prospectus becomes public. Analysts anticipate that the IPO could be priced as early as June 2026, a timing that aligns with what industry observers describe as a “banner year” for mega‑cap listings. The move also coincides with rival AI firms—OpenAI, which recently closed a $122 billion funding round, and Anthropic—preparing their own public debuts. SpaceX’s parent, Elon Musk, already the world’s wealthiest individual, stands to increase his net worth further, potentially edging toward the elusive trillion‑dollar milestone. The public offering would also provide a clearer picture of a company that has become the cornerstone of both commercial spaceflight and satellite broadband. Beyond rockets, SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network now accounts for more than half of the firm’s revenue, according to Reuters. The service not only fuels the company’s earnings but also extends Musk’s geopolitical influence, with customers ranging from the Ukrainian military to remote communities worldwide. In February, SpaceX completed the acquisition of Musk’s artificial‑intelligence venture xAI, a deal that valued the AI unit at roughly $250 billion. The purchase is tied to plans for solar‑powered data centers in orbit, intended to meet the soaring compute and energy demands of the AI boom. The company’s financial details remain tightly guarded, and a full disclosure is expected only after the SEC clears the filing. International banks, including the UK‑based Barclays, have been tapped to manage the offering, underscoring the global scale of the transaction. SpaceX’s deepening ties with the U.S. government—spanning defense contracts and the majority of NASA’s launch schedule—further cement its strategic importance. As the firm pivots toward orbital data centers and supports NASA’s upcoming lunar missions, the traditional narrative of colonising Mars has taken a back seat.

Energy crises do more than lift household bills; they can reshape an entire economy. In the 1970s the United Kingdom responded to oil shortages by expanding North Sea extraction and becoming a net energy exporter. Today, with a 10 million‑barrel‑per‑day supply deficit and a fifth of global LNG trade under strain, that strategy no longer offers security.The UK is now acutely vulnerable to volatile gas prices. Inflation expectations are rising, markets anticipate higher interest rates, and borrowing costs have surged to levels not seen since the 2008 financial crisis. The ripple effect is already evident in food markets, where inflation hit 3.3 % in February and could climb sharply within three months.New data reveal that the hundreds of North Sea licences granted since 2010 have added merely 36 days of extra gas production. Major oil majors such as BP are re‑emphasising oil and gas to reassure investors, while Shell continues aggressive share‑buy‑backs. The reality is clear: fossil‑fuel giants cannot be the rescue plan.Gas should no longer set the price floor for electricity. As the grid leans more on wind and solar, gas must be treated as a backup resource, compensated with a fixed or regulated price rather than wholesale market volatility. Research from University College London and Common Wealth outlines a practical model for this approach.Beyond market reforms, households need a safety net. An essential energy guarantee—a capped, affordable band of consumption for every home—mirrors schemes adopted in Austria, the Netherlands and Poland after the 2022 crisis and would be more targeted than the current blanket price‑support guarantee.Similarly, a protected basket of staple foods, backed by long‑term procurement and direct support for domestic producers, could stabilise prices. France’s 2023 anti‑inflation shopping‑basket experiment offers a template, and the UK already supplies over 60 % of its own food, though it remains dependent on imports for fruits, vegetables, rice and fertilisers.The long‑term solution lies in renewable power. Record wind generation this year has already reduced gas‑fired output, while consumer interest in solar panels, batteries and heat pumps is soaring. A typical solar‑plus‑battery system can slash a household’s electricity bill to under £2 per month, and electric‑vehicle owners can save more than £1,000 annually on fuel costs.To unlock these savings, the government must back financing mechanisms such as zero‑interest loans, subscription‑style purchases for solar and heat‑pump kits, and leasing schemes for electric vehicles. On a larger scale, a dual‑interest‑rate policy—standard rates for the broader economy and preferential, low‑cost funding for clean‑energy projects—could mirror the green‑lending models already used by China’s central bank and the Bank of Japan.In short, the United Kingdom faces a decisive moment. The 1970s taught that energy shocks can remake a nation; the question now is whether the UK will seize this crisis to protect living standards and build a resilient, low‑carbon energy system for the decades ahead.

Dame Carole Jordan, who has died aged 84, was a prominent figure in astrophysics, celebrated for her groundbreaking research on the outer atmosphere of the sun and other cool stars. Her contributions to the field have left a lasting impact, and her legacy extends beyond her scientific achievements as a champion for women in science.Jordan's fascination with astronomy began at a young age, inspired by books from authors like Arthur Eddington and Fred Hoyle. She pursued her passion for astronomy at University College London, where she was interviewed by CW Allen, professor of astronomy, and offered a place. Her academic journey led her to become a leading expert in ultraviolet spectroscopy of the sun and other stars.In 1962, a rocket-borne experiment led by US astronomer Richard Tousey measured the EUV spectrum of the sun, discovering a dozen unidentified emission lines. Jordan dedicated her research to understanding these lines, eventually becoming the world expert on the subject. Her 1965 PhD thesis, Analysis of the Solar Ultraviolet Spectrum, concluded that several lines were due to transitions in highly ionized iron.Jordan's most-cited paper, The Ionization Equilibrium of Elements Between Carbon and Nickel, published in 1969, laid out the ionization equilibrium as a function of temperature for the main ionized states of common heavy elements. This work became a definitive guide to EUV spectroscopy. The launch of the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) in 1978 enabled her to extend her analyses to other stars, solidifying her position as an expert on the chromospheres of cool stars.Jordan's achievements extended beyond her scientific contributions. In 1994, she became the first female president of the Royal Astronomical Society, a testament to her dedication to promoting women in science. She was also a staunch supporter of the Royal Astronomical Society, serving as secretary and vice-president of the Institute of Physics.Throughout her career, Jordan received numerous accolades, including the RAS's gold medal in 2005 and being made a dame in 2006. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of scientists, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM fields.

More drilling in the North Sea will not enhance the UK’s energy security, a group of former senior military leaders told The Guardian on Monday, as the Conservative Party’s energy minister Kemi Badenoch launched a campaign to revive offshore oil and gas licences. The veterans, including retired Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti, a climate‑security professor at University College London, warned that extracting the remaining hydrocarbons “is not the answer” to the country’s rising energy costs and geopolitical vulnerability. Morisetti emphasized that global market forces, not domestic production, set fuel prices and that reliance on imports leaves the UK exposed to “structural chokepoints” such as the Strait of Hormuz or insurance withdrawals. He urged the government to focus on a rapid transition to a diversified mix of wind, solar, tidal and nuclear power, alongside a major renewal of the electricity grid and expanded storage capacity. A recent E3G think‑tank report supports this view, stating that “structural chokepoints” in oil and gas supply chains mean that increasing fossil‑fuel output anywhere does not improve national security. The report highlights that reducing reliance on imported hydrocarbons through electrification, efficiency, and domestic clean energy offers the most durable protection against supply shocks. Maria Pastukhova, senior policy adviser at E3G, explained that while clean‑energy systems are not immune to disruptions, they shift control “under domestic ownership,” lowering exposure to geopolitical and market volatility. Data cited by the report show that the North Sea is a “mature basin” whose output has fallen 75 % since its peak. New licences granted between 2010 and 2024 have produced only 36 days of gas, according to research by the Uplift campaign and consultancy Voar, underscoring the limited impact of further drilling. Retired Lt Gen Richard Nugee compared the UK’s situation to recent developments in Spain, where electricity prices are increasingly set by renewables rather than fossil fuels, reducing dependence on vulnerable chokepoints. He argued that “going for renewables gives greater independence, greater sovereignty, less vulnerability to attack and more opportunity,” contrasting it with the finite and externally‑controlled nature of gas supplies. Experts such as Khem Rogaly of the Transition Security Project warn that reliance on “expensive and volatile fossil fuels” makes British households vulnerable to shocks from global conflicts, including US‑led oil wars. James Meadway, director of the Verdant think‑tank, added that the war in Iran has revealed the fragility of large, centralized power systems to both kinetic attacks and cyber‑threats, reinforcing the case for a more distributed energy architecture. In sum, the former military leaders and independent analysts concur that the only credible route to lasting UK energy security lies in **accelerating renewable deployment, improving efficiency, and modernising the grid**, rather than expanding North Sea drilling.

President Donald Trump's aggressive pursuit of fossil fuels, particularly in the context of the Iran conflict, has exposed the volatile nature of the fossil fuel era, according to critics. The ongoing tensions have resulted in significant economic and environmental costs, including a spike in global energy costs and a substantial humanitarian toll.The conflict has led to a humanitarian and environmental crisis in Iran and southern Lebanon, with threats of further escalation likely to exacerbate these issues. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for oil transportation, has had far-reaching economic implications, with consumers worldwide paying over $100 billion extra to fossil fuel companies since the conflict began. In the US, the average national cost of gasoline has risen to nearly $4 a gallon.Experts, such as Alice Hill from the Council on Foreign Relations, have expressed concerns about Trump's reliance on fossil fuels, stating that it is a risky strategy. Hill emphasized that countries investing in clean energy like solar and wind power will be better positioned to weather such crises. However, Trump's administration has actively sought to undermine clean energy projects, including banning them from federal land and waters and removing their subsidies.The Trump administration's actions have been contrasted with the growing global investment in renewable energy. Despite the declining cost of wind and solar power, the administration has taken steps to promote fossil fuel extraction, including attempting to seize oil supplies from Iran and Venezuela. This approach has been criticized for its potential to exacerbate climate change and undermine global efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.The ongoing dependence on fossil fuels has been highlighted by recent environmental disasters, including toxic black smoke from missile strikes on oil depots in Iran and an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. These incidents have underscored the need for a shift towards cleaner energy sources to mitigate the risks associated with fossil fuel extraction and consumption.

Submersible hydroelectric systems are emerging as a pivotal component of North America’s clean‑energy strategy, especially as the Trump administration eliminates key subsidies for solar and wind. The technology, already proven in Alaska and Maine, is now being deployed in the densely populated Great Lakes corridor, where electricity demand and prices are climbing sharply. Last month, Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC) announced its first urban installation on the St Lawrence River in Montreal, slated to launch two carbon‑fiber turbine units later this year. ORPC’s CEO Stuart Davies highlighted the river’s “consistent, high‑velocity water” and estimated a 60‑90 MW resource potential for the Montreal area alone. In parallel, ORPC is preparing a second project on the Niagara River near Buffalo, New York, and plans a future deployment on the lower Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The timing coincides with record electricity price spikes across the Great Lakes. New York’s public service commission approved substantial rate hikes in September, and further increases are scheduled for 2027, while Michigan and Ohio face similar pressures driven by data‑center expansion. These economic pressures are driving interest in marine‑based power. Unlike traditional hydropower, ORPC’s devices resemble “push‑lawn‑mower blades” and can generate between 0.5 MW and 5 MW continuously, offering a potential baseload for industrial users and a reliable backup during grid outages. Environmental considerations remain central. While Quebec benefits from long‑standing, low‑cost hydropower, U.S. projects endure an average eight‑year licensing timeline. Critics worry about impacts on fish and wildlife, though ORPC cites its Alaska deployment—operating since 2019 without recorded fish injuries despite massive salmon migrations—as evidence of minimal ecological risk. Researchers are also expanding the technology’s reach to slower‑moving waters. University of Michigan professor Michael Bernitsas demonstrated the Vivace system on the St Clair River, capable of harvesting energy from currents as low as 0.5 m/s, suggesting broader applicability across the Great Lakes watershed. Operating in fresh water offers a distinct advantage: the absence of salt eliminates corrosion, extending turbine lifespan and reducing costs compared with ocean‑based projects. Some European tidal installations have even anchored devices to riverbeds to avoid ice damage, a practice ORPC may adopt. Financially, the sector benefits from a 40‑50 % investment tax credit that remains intact, even as the Trump administration phases out Biden‑era subsidies for solar and wind. The National Hydropower Association confirms that marine‑energy tax incentives will stay in place through at least 2033, reshaping the competitive landscape and attracting inquiries from entities in over 70 countries. As electricity bills rise and policy shifts favor alternative renewables, submersible hydropower could become a cornerstone of the Great Lakes’ energy mix, delivering resilient, low‑carbon power while navigating regulatory and environmental hurdles.

The ongoing energy crisis in Britain has exposed the consequences of successive governments' reliance on short-term, vote-winning policies, leaving the country vulnerable to strategic coercion, particularly in the energy sector. Britain has significant potential in tidal stream energy, with about 50% of Europe's tidal resources available within its territorial waters. This energy source is predictable, inexhaustible, and can be operational within three years of consent, independent of global energy prices and weather variability. Despite its potential, government support for tidal stream energy remains a tiny fraction of that provided to offshore wind, well under 1%. With stronger support, its costs could fall to parity with wind within five years. Operational projects in Scotland have already generated more than 70 GWh, while costs are falling by around 17% a year. The constraint on tidal stream energy is not technical, but political short-termism. It is time for the government to act and provide stronger support for this industry. Additionally, the article suggests that rooftop solar and battery storage can be encouraged to provide more renewables without blighting the countryside. An obligation can be put on energy companies to encourage their customers to install solar, and customers can be encouraged to include battery storage with the solar panels. Over time, this can lead to grid-level storage hosted over the whole grid, providing resilience for the energy companies and a way for renewables to provide many of the UK's energy needs.