Japan is planning to keep natural gas in its energy mix beyond 2050, betting that surging demand from AI development, data centers, and semiconductor manufacturing will require more power than renewables alone can provide. The government sees these high-tech industries as key drivers of future electricity needs, even as the country aims for carbon neutrality.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s a sign of how Japan is grappling with the energy demands of tomorrow’s tech-driven economy. AI and chip factories are power-hungry, and Japan’s hedging its bets by sticking with gas (for now) while trying to hit climate goals. It’s a balancing act other tech-heavy economies might face too.

Moldova's former president claims that aligning with EU policies has caused gas prices in the country to skyrocket—by seven times, no less. Meanwhile, Moldovan businesses are reportedly pushing to reopen trade with Russia, as discussed by a Moldovan MP at a major economic forum in St. Petersburg.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about gas prices—it’s a snapshot of Moldova’s tough balancing act between Europe and Russia. For a small economy already strained by regional tensions, surging energy costs could deepen public frustration and sway political loyalties. The fact that businesses are eyeing a return to Russian markets suggests the EU’s appeal isn’t without trade-offs.