Strait of Hormuz Shock: Reports of an LNG carrier hit near Oman as it exited Hormuz sent European gas up more than 4.5% to about €46/MWh and lifted Brent toward $73, reviving fears for Europe’s winter supply and the durability of US-Iran de-escalation. Legal Clash Over Fossil Expansion: Ugandan farmers are launching a UK court case against TotalEnergies’ heated East African Crude Oil Pipeline, calling it a “carbon bomb” and seeking an injunction. Energy Security in Focus: Germany is preparing a €1.5bn plan for a strategic natural gas reserve of 2.3 bcm (about 10% of storage capacity) to buffer emergencies and sabotage risks. Grid Materials for Decarbonisation: Hydro signed a deal to supply ~85,000 tonnes of low-carbon aluminium wire rod to Nexans, supporting grid upgrades. Battery Build-Out: Eni Storage Systems has started construction of a Brindisi LFP battery hub targeting 16 GWh/year by 2030. EU Policy Watch: The Commission issued clarifications on CBAM verification rules, aiming to reduce reporting disputes as the regime ramps up. Fusion Gets Big Backing: Google and RWE joined a €411m round for German startup Proxima Fusion, backing Europe’s first commercial fusion plant roadmap. Heatwave Pressure: Another UK heatwave warning (up to 35C) underlines demand stress for cooling and power systems.