Grid Reliability: The Philippines’ Visayas has been put under NGCP red alert from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, with brownouts possible if demand isn’t managed, after four big coal plants stayed offline; capacity at 8:30 a.m. was 2,562 MW versus peak demand of 2,542 MW. Energy Security & Policy: The Philippines is moving to build its first systematic strategic petroleum reserve under POWERR Asia, coordinating with Japan and partners to create new stockpiling facilities and reduce spot-market import exposure. Market Signals (Oil): Oil eased as US-Iran ceasefire extension talks gained optimism, with Strait of Hormuz traffic still far below pre-war levels; meanwhile, the US also imposed fresh sanctions on Iran-linked oil shipping networks. Investment & Transition: The IEA says natural gas project spending is set to rise over 10% in 2026 to a 10-year high, even as upstream oil spend falls, alongside higher renewables, storage, grids, LNG and coal investment. Storage & Power Buildout: Australia’s federal green tick cleared a 400 MW/2,400 MWh BESS near Victoria’s coal belt, while Victoria declared five renewable energy zones to coordinate solar, wind and batteries and cut extra transmission needs. Asia Clean Power Push: Malaysia’s power outlook stays positive as renewables reach 12 GW (31% of installed capacity) and grid-scale batteries expand to manage intermittency. Data Centers Pressure: Europe is warned to cool its datacenter boom before water and power run short, as cooling can drive a large share of electricity use. Regional Energy Deals: Transnet signed a R22bn LNG terminal deal at Port of Ngqura to support South Africa’s energy hub ambitions and industrial demand. Corporate Moves: Nextpower agreed to buy Prevalon Energy to expand into BESS and AI-linked controls, and MPI Energy rebranded from MPI Narada to reflect a broader energy solutions portfolio.