Nevada’s Solar Standoff
Good Evening,
Nevada’s solar revolt challenges the Bureau of Land Management’s 31-million-acre energy plan, jeopardizing federal strategies. Meanwhile, Australia boosts rare-earth investments to compete with China, and Iran’s uranium enrichment rattles global markets. Ukraine petitions the FCC over Starlink’s satellite expansion, citing security concerns. Massive LPO funding for batteries, EVs, and grid projects highlights America’s energy pivot, while Qatar’s new jets and Lockheed’s hypersonics keep defense innovation in focus.
Let's dive in.
Closing Bell
Headline Roundup
Nevada solar revolt challenges BLM’s 31M-acre plan, risking federal energy strategy disruption (HM).
Australia boosts loan for Iluka's rare-earths processing facility, aiming to challenge China's dominance (FT).
Iran boosting enriched uranium, alarming global markets and political stakeholders (FT).
Ukrainian group petitions FCC to halt Starlink's 22,500 satellites over Russia concerns (CNBC)
Deal Flow
M&A/Investments
LPO committed $7.5B to StarPlus Energy for battery manufacturing, boosting renewable energy infrastructure and competitiveness (HM)
Grain Belt Express secured $4.9B from LPO for transmission projects, enhancing U.S. energy grid reliability. (HM)
Rivian received nearly $6.6B from LPO for a new Georgia EV plant, accelerating U.S. electric vehicle production. (HM)
OQ Exploration and Production (Oman State Oil Company) raised $2.03B in IPO, eyeing more subsidiary listings. Boosts Oman's market presence. (OP)
BP is selling a 49% stake in its U.S. natural gas pipelines, valued at $3B, to cut debt. (OP)
VC
AMP Robotics secured $91M Series D led by Congruent Ventures to boost AI-powered waste sortation globally. (TFN)
Toka, an Israeli IoT security startup, raises Series C of $50M led by a16z to help US agencies hack into security and IoT devices. (TC)
Sector Signals
Aerospace and Defense
Qatar orders 12 Typhoon jets from BAE Systems, boosting UK aerospace production and enhancing Gulf defense capabilities.
Lockheed Martin and DARPA partnered on a hypersonic missile project, bolstering U.S. national security and innovation leadership.
Commodities
U.S. rig count rises; oil rebounds unphased by three-week decline, hinting renewed confidence.
Morgan Stanley hikes Brent Crude forecast to $70 for late 2025.
Contract Watch
General Dynamics (GD) bags $9.3M with the Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Science Applications International (SAIC) gets $2.4M from the EPA to modify and maintain scientific equipment.
To improve data analytics at the office or personnel management, Enhabit (EHAB) receives $13M.
Federal Emergency Management Agency continues spending with a $7.9M contract to TTEC Holdings (TTEC).