Qatar LNG & gas safety: An explosion during restart operations at QatarEnergy’s Barzan gas supply facility in Ras Laffan injured at least 54 people and left 18 missing; Qatar says it was a “technical accident” with no threat to public safety, while investigations continue. Middle East energy risk: Oil markets stayed jumpy as US-Iran talks and Strait of Hormuz uncertainty fed supply fears; analysts warned disruptions can still tighten flows even if crude traffic begins to normalize. Philippines grid crunch: The Philippines DOE backed calls for Cebu to declare an “energy emergency” as the Visayas grid faces thinning supply and daily power disruptions, with local officials seeking expanded powers. Renewables & policy: India’s MNRE clarified that glass evacuated solar collector tubes are not covered by its 2024 solar thermal quality control order, easing compliance questions for solar thermal components. Clean power deals: Envision Energy signed an agreement with AMEA Power for Egypt’s 500 MW Amunet II wind project, lifting AMEA’s wind capacity to 1 GW after commissioning. Energy transition finance: Provaris Energy completed a $1m placement to fund hydrogen and liquid CO₂ storage/transport milestones, including tank prototype work in Norway. Local power affordability: NSW launched zero-interest loans up to $15,000 plus later discounts under its Home Energy Saver program to cut household bills via solar, batteries, insulation and upgrades. Grid reliability: Australia’s NEM saw a severe wind drought that triggered sharp price spikes, underscoring the need for more battery storage.