Energy

• The global economy remained resilient during the second and third quarters despite geopolitical strain and an energy shock. • Brent crude oil averaged around $90 per barrel in August, while inflation in the euro area rose to 3.3%. • Higher energy costs reduced consumption in oil-importing nations, but AI investment boosted technological exports for economies like Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Korea.

• Japan Airlines is currently choosing between Embraer and Airbus for a new order of approximately 20 regional jets. • The airline is weighing the Embraer E2 against the Airbus A220 and may reach a final decision as soon as October. • This potential deal represents a significant competitive win for Embraer over Airbus in the regional aircraft market.

• Luceco reported double-digit growth across most major financial indicators in its H1 2026 slides. • Like-for-like revenue grew by 13.9%, while adjusted earnings per share rose 13.6% to 6.7 pence. • The company's growth is being driven by the energy transition, which is the global shift toward sustainable energy sources.

• European Central Bank official Philip Lane warned that inflation may become higher and more persistent due to a second wave of rising energy costs. • The warning centers on the risk of "stickier" inflation, meaning price increases that do not easily drop back to target levels. • This trend could force the central bank to keep interest rates higher for longer, increasing borrowing costs for businesses and consumers across the eurozone.

• London has been named Europe’s best nightlife city for 2026. • The city earned the top spot based on its music culture, dining options, and late-night energy. • This ranking strengthens the UK capital's appeal for international travelers seeking cultural and late-night experiences.

• AI-based analytics engines are now being used to manage microgrids and inspect solar farms across Southeast Asia. • In Thailand, autonomous drones use electroluminescence images, which act like X-rays, to identify cracks and defects in solar panels after weather events. • These technologies reduce the time and labor required to maintain renewable energy infrastructure in regions prone to typhoons.

• Ceres Power Holdings completed a capital raise in June 2026 to fund a more ambitious operational model for its clean energy development. • The FTSE 250 company secured £103 million through a placing of shares. • This funding allows the developer to scale operations despite currently facing a shrinking revenue base and widening net losses.

• China's clean power expanded fast enough in 2025 to meet a 5% rise in electricity demand. • Thermal generation, which is mostly coal-based, fell by 0.7% according to Ember’s China Energy Transition Review 2026. • This represents the first annual decline in coal-based power generation in a decade.

• China has established dominant control over the global home battery market by securing the production of cells, raw materials, and energy sources. • The country achieved this position by prioritizing long-term strategic planning over the short-term quarterly financial goals common in other markets. • U.S. homeowners relying on residential battery backup systems for energy independence and storm resilience are largely dependent on Chinese manufacturing.

• The global snubber circuit networks market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5% to 7% through 2035. • Asia-Pacific is currently the largest producer and consumer of these networks, led by manufacturing hubs in China, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. • This growth is driven by the increased use of power electronics in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and renewable energy systems.