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Efforts to revive Venezuela’s oil industry, long weakened by mismanagement and political turmoil, could have major implications for global energy supply chains. Experts warn that even with significant investments, structural and political challenges make the road to recovery highly uncertain. Venezuela’s Oil Sector Revival Could Reshape Global Energy Flows Foreign Investment and Strategic Opportunities Recent initiatives point to the influx of foreign capital and technology to restore Venezuela’s oil operations. If realized, this could shift crude flows to the Caribbean and the U.S. Gulf, impacting both North American and global energy markets. Chevron stands out as a key player, currently responsible for around 20% of Venezuelan production, benefiting from exceptions to international sanctions. Other major companies, such as ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, remain cautious, mindful of past losses and requiring clear guarantees for contracts and property rights before committing to long-term investments. Infrastructure and Logistics: A Complex Challenge Reviving the sector involves more than financial capital. Export terminals, pipelines, ports, and storage facilities require extensive repairs after years of neglect. Reintegrating Venezuelan oil into global trade will depend on ongoing involvement from engineering firms, equipment suppliers, and specialized logistics operators. For refineries, access to heavy Venezuelan crude could diversify feedstocks and reduce dependence on Middle Eastern oil. Such a shift would directly affect maritime logistics, refinery utilization, and regional energy pricing. Political Uncertainty: The Biggest Risk Despite the potential economic gains, political instability remains the primary obstacle. Without clear guarantees for foreign investors and with ongoing internal tensions, projects face a high risk of delays or failure. Broader geopolitical factors, including regional security concerns, could further complicate investment and operational continuity. Markets remain cautious. Brent crude prices have risen only modestly, reflecting skepticism about how quickly Venezuelan production can recover. For now, the Venezuelan oil revival plan sits at the intersection of politics, infrastructure, and global energy strategy with uncertain outcomes and potential impacts that could span years. Venezuela’s Oil Sector Revival Could Reshape Global Energy Flows

The future of freight transport is taking a major leap forward: next-generation autonomous trucks could start operating commercially as early as 2027, thanks to a new technological partnership between Amazon and German automotive hardware company Aumovio. Autonomous Trucks Could Hit Roads as Early as 2027 with Amazon’s Cloud Support Under the agreement, Amazon Web Services (AWS) will serve as the primary cloud provider for Aumovio’s self-driving systems, offering the computing power necessary to process massive amounts of real-time data and accelerate the development of intelligent vehicles. The first practical application of this collaboration will be a large-scale deployment of autonomous trucks by Aurora , a company already conducting limited tests in the United States. Advanced artificial intelligence tools will help analyze rare and complex scenarios, such as unexpected road debris or pedestrians crossing streets, making the vehicles safer and more reliable. Developing autonomous trucks requires validating Level 4 systems , capable of operating independently in critical situations. AWS cloud infrastructure enables the simulation of thousands of rare scenarios that would be almost impossible to encounter in the real world, reducing costs and testing time and bringing commercial deployment closer to reality. In addition to the core autonomous driving system, the trucks will include contingency mechanisms to ensure the vehicle can safely stop in case of any failure in the main system. These safeguards strengthen confidence in the technology and accelerate the transition of self-driving technology from research to commercial freight transport. With AI and advanced cloud infrastructure investments surging, the arrival of autonomous trucks is set to transform not only the logistics sector but the entire supply chain, paving the way for operations that are safer, more efficient, and sustainable. Autonomous Trucks Could Hit Roads as Early as 2027 with Amazon’s Cloud Support

Technology giant signs long-term agreements with nuclear operators and next-generation reactor developers to access up to 6.6 GW of electricity by 2035 Meta Turns to Nuclear Power to Fuel AI Growth and Secure Long-Term Energy Supply Meta has taken a major step to secure the massive volumes of electricity required to sustain the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers. The company has announced a series of long-term energy agreements involving existing nuclear power plants and the development of next-generation reactors in the United States, reinforcing a strategy centered on reliability, long-term price stability, and low-carbon generation. The deals include power purchases from nuclear facilities in the Midwest and Northeast, as well as strategic support for the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), an emerging technology viewed as a potential cornerstone of future industrial and digital energy supply. Reliable baseload for the data-driven economy After more than two decades of relatively flat electricity consumption, power demand in the United States is rising again, driven largely by AI, cloud computing, and high-density data centers. These facilities require uninterrupted, large-scale power — a profile that has brought nuclear energy back into focus for major corporate consumers. Under the new agreements, Meta will source electricity from nuclear plants located in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Part of the investment will contribute to plant upgrades and life-extension programs, helping ensure continued operation well into the 2030s and, for some reactors, into the 2040s. Small modular reactors enter Meta’s strategy Beyond conventional nuclear assets, Meta is also backing the development of small modular reactors. SMRs are designed to be built using standardized components, potentially lowering construction costs and shortening deployment timelines compared to traditional large reactors. While no SMRs are yet operating commercially in the United States, Meta’s support is expected to accelerate early-stage development and licensing. Initial projects supported by the company could begin delivering power early in the next decade, with additional reactors planned in subsequent phases. A nuclear portfolio reaching 6.6 GW Combined, Meta estimates that its nuclear agreements could provide access to as much as 6.6 gigawatts of electricity by 2035. A single large nuclear power plant typically has a capacity of around 1 GW, highlighting the scale of the company’s energy strategy. The move reflects a broader shift among global technology firms, which are increasingly acting not just as energy consumers but as long-term partners shaping investment decisions in the power sector. Nuclear energy as a pillar of digital decarbonization By expanding its footprint in nuclear energy, Meta aims to align rapid digital growth with climate and sustainability goals. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear power delivers continuous, carbon-free electricity a critical attribute for AI-driven operations that cannot tolerate supply disruptions. The strategy underscores a growing reality: as the digital economy scales, access to firm, low-carbon energy is becoming a competitive advantage. For the nuclear sector, partnerships with technology giants represent a powerful opportunity to reestablish nuclear power as a strategic backbone of the modern, data-intensive economy. Meta Turns to Nuclear Power to Fuel AI Growth and Secure Long-Term Energy Supply

For years, the battery debate has revolved almost exclusively around lithium. That dominance, however, is beginning to be challenged. A new generation of sodium-based batteries is moving from the margins to the center of attention, drawing interest from both the energy and automotive sectors. Sodium-Based Batteries Gain Momentum and Could Reshape Electric Mobility and Energy Storage Driven by recent advances in performance, durability, and industrial scalability, sodium technology is emerging not as a niche alternative, but as a strategic component of the global energy transition. Rethinking the foundations of battery technology One of the key advantages of sodium-based batteries lies in the abundance of raw materials . Unlike lithium, whose supply chain is geographically concentrated and vulnerable to price volatility, sodium is widely available around the world. This structural difference reduces supply risks, enables more diversified manufacturing, and opens the door to broader adoption a critical factor as electrification accelerates across multiple sectors. Performance now meets real-world applications Until recently, energy density limited the practical use of sodium batteries. That barrier is rapidly disappearing. Technological improvements have pushed performance levels to a point where sodium-based systems are suitable for commercial applications. In electric vehicles, the technology already supports competitive driving ranges, particularly for urban and regional mobility. In stationary applications, performance is more than sufficient to meet the demands of grid-scale and distributed energy storage. Long lifespan as a strategic advantage Durability is one of the most compelling attributes of sodium-based batteries. The technology shows strong resistance to degradation, maintaining performance over a high number of charge and discharge cycles. This extended lifespan reduces replacement needs, lowers long-term operational costs, and increases system reliability an increasingly valuable trait in power systems that rely heavily on intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind. A strong candidate for energy storage systems In the Energy Storage Systems (ESS) market, sodium batteries are gaining traction as a robust alternative. Their thermal stability, safety profile, and long operational life make them particularly attractive for large-scale storage, microgrids, off-grid solutions, and renewable integration projects. For the power sector, this represents a pathway to scale storage more rapidly while keeping costs under control. Positioning among emerging battery technologies Solid-state batteries promise high energy density but still face challenges related to cost and mass production. Established lithium iron phosphate (LFP) solutions offer reliability, yet encounter limits in energy density and long-term degradation. Sodium technology occupies a strategic middle ground. Rather than replacing existing chemistries, it expands the technological landscape, balancing affordability, performance, and sustainability. Economic and geopolitical implications The rise of sodium-based batteries could ease global dependence on critical minerals, reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, and make electric mobility and energy storage more accessible worldwide. For emerging economies, the technology offers opportunities to strengthen local manufacturing, improve energy security, and participate more actively in the clean energy value chain. A market moving toward diversification With large-scale production expected in the near future, sodium batteries are transitioning from development to deployment. The market trend points toward coexistence among multiple battery chemistries , each serving distinct use cases. In this scenario, innovation is not defined solely by higher performance, but by the ability to scale solutions that support a more resilient and inclusive energy transition. The role of sodium batteries in the energy transition Sodium-based batteries are unlikely to replace lithium overnight. Instead, they signal a new phase in energy storage and electric mobility — one characterized by technological diversification, reduced systemic risk, and improved economic sustainability. As electrification becomes a cornerstone of global energy systems, sodium technology is positioned to play a growing and increasingly strategic role in shaping the future of clean energy. Sodium-Based Batteries Gain Momentum and Could Reshape Electric Mobility and Energy Storage

The beginning of 2026 confirms a structural shift in the global entertainment calendar. What was once a traditionally slow period particularly for the film industry has now become a strategic window for major releases and decisive industry movements. The New Cultural Calendar of 2026: Major Releases, Streaming Maturity, and the Entertainment Economy Cinema, streaming, and music increasingly operate as interconnected pillars of a single economic and technological ecosystem. Consumption fragmentation, driven by the maturity of digital platforms, is reshaping not only when content is released, but how value is generated over time . Cinema in 2026: Strategic Nostalgia and Controlled Innovation The 2026 film slate reveals a clear strategy from major studios: balancing established intellectual properties with contemporary narratives and strong technological appeal. “Tron: Ares” exemplifies this approach by reviving a cult franchise while updating it to reflect themes such as artificial intelligence, digital worlds, and extended reality topics that are increasingly embedded in the global cultural imagination. At the same time, auteur-driven productions continue to play a relevant role. The release of a new thriller directed by Gus Van Sant highlights the ongoing demand for cinema with a more sophisticated language, capable of generating critical acclaim and long-term cultural impact beyond the blockbuster circuit. The logic is straightforward: theaters are positioned as event platforms , while streaming services extend and monetize the lifecycle of content. Streaming: From Subscriber Growth to the Retention War By 2026, streaming has fully entered its maturity phase. The industry focus has shifted from aggressive subscriber acquisition to retention, recurring engagement, and revenue per user . The new season of “The Pitt” illustrates this strategic shift. High-quality, niche-oriented series with strong identity and loyal audiences have become core assets for platform relevance in an increasingly saturated market. What was once considered complementary content is now central to competitive differentiation. Entertainment landscape at the start of 2026 Segment January Highlight Market Strategy Cinema (Sci-Fi) Tron: Ares High-impact event, global box office, IP monetization Streaming (Drama/Thriller) The Pitt – New Season Subscriber retention and continuous engagement Music Global tour announcements Live-event monetization and brand amplification Music: Streaming as the Gateway to the Live Experience In the music industry, 2026 reinforces a well-established trend: streaming is no longer the primary revenue engine, but rather a distribution, marketing, and audience activation platform . The real economic value now lies in live events. The announcement of major global tours , often synchronized with new album releases, underscores how physical experiences have returned to the center of the business model. Concerts, festivals, and immersive events serve as the strongest connection between artists, brands, and audiences. Full Convergence: Content, Technology, and the Event Economy Entertainment in 2026 operates under a fully integrated logic. A successful theatrical release boosts future streaming performance. A hit series strengthens franchises, licensed products, and physical experiences. A digital album release culminates in sold-out arenas. More than raw audience numbers, the industry now competes on its ability to create scalable cultural events , powered by technology, data, and long-term strategy. In this new cultural calendar, success belongs to those who understand that content is no longer a standalone product it is a living asset , circulating across platforms, formats, and business models. This convergence not only defines entertainment in 2026, but also shapes the future of the global creative economy. The New Cultural Calendar of 2026: Major Releases, Streaming Maturity, and the Entertainment Economy

The year 2026 represents a structural shift in how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used across the global corporate landscape. After two years dominated by experimentation, proof-of-concept initiatives, and pilot projects, generative AI has decisively moved into full-scale production . The new priority is clear: scalability, operational efficiency, and measurable return on investment (ROI) . The AI Turning Point: Why 2026 Marks the Year of Production and ROI in the Corporate World What was once viewed as a strategic innovation or competitive differentiator is now being treated as core business infrastructure . In boardrooms and executive committees, the conversation around AI has matured and is now firmly centered on bottom-line impact. From Hype to Accountability The transition from technological hype to operational reality defines the corporate agenda at the start of 2026. Companies that led AI investments throughout 2024 and 2025 are now under increasing pressure to deliver tangible performance indicators . The central question has changed. Instead of asking what AI is capable of , executives are now asking how much value AI is generating in cost reduction, productivity gains, or new revenue streams . ROI is no longer a future promise; it has become a decisive benchmark for scaling, sustaining, or discontinuing AI initiatives. This shift is accelerating the adoption of solutions designed to deliver clear and quantifiable operational gains , with AI increasingly embedded into core business functions from customer service and logistics to planning, procurement, and software development. AI as a Catalyst for Operational Efficiency In practice, Artificial Intelligence is reshaping cost structures, workflows, and decision-making models. The automation of repetitive tasks, combined with predictive analytics and large-scale data processing, enables companies to operate with greater precision, speed, and resilience . AI Application Area Average Expected Gain Strategic Focus Customer Service Up to 30% reduction in support costs Personalization, scalability, faster resolution Supply Chain Management Around 15% inventory optimization Demand forecasting and risk mitigation Software Development Up to 25% increase in development speed Innovation and reduced time-to-market Within the energy sector a core focus of EnergyChannel’s global coverage the impact is particularly significant. Use cases such as predictive maintenance , logistics optimization , critical asset management , and risk modeling for large-scale projects are already delivering compelling ROI, especially in capital-intensive and high-complexity operations. Governance, Security, and Scalability: The Next Bottleneck Despite rapid progress, scaling AI introduces structural challenges. Data governance, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure costs are emerging as critical constraints especially as regulations tighten across key markets such as Europe and the United States. AI maturity in 2026 requires more than advanced algorithms. It demands robust governance frameworks , secure and scalable infrastructure , and workforce upskilling , ensuring that AI systems are not only efficient but also ethical, compliant, and aligned with long-term corporate strategy. The Year AI Becomes a Profit Engine In summary, 2026 marks the moment when Artificial Intelligence moves beyond experimentation and becomes a core driver of profitability, productivity, and strategic management . Companies that successfully transition AI into production, scale responsibly, and demonstrate real ROI will position themselves at the forefront of the global digital economy. For the energy sector and beyond, AI is no longer a trend it is a fundamental condition for competitiveness . The AI Turning Point: Why 2026 Marks the Year of Production and ROI in the Corporate World

By Rosane Fukuoka We all know that the energy transition is the only viable path for moving toward a low-carbon economy, with fewer fossil fuels and more clean and sustainable alternatives. But woven into this transformation is another journey that is just as urgent: expanding women’s presence in the energy sector, a space where we still remain a minority. The Energy Transition Needs Women. And It Needs Them Now! In Brazil, women account for only 20% of the electric power sector, according to the Women in the Electric Power Sector survey conducted by ANEEL in 2023. In leadership positions, this figure drops to just 5.5%. These numbers reveal not only a major challenge, but also a waste of the transformative potential women have to contribute to a more diverse, innovative, and sustainable sector. It was from this understanding that I began to dedicate myself not only to energy efficiency in my career, but also to the efficiency of human relationships within this ecosystem. The Birth of the WEE Network In 2023, building on the women’s network at Mitsidi and with the support of the PotencializEE Program an initiative that promotes energy efficiency in small and medium-sized industries in São Paulo, led by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and coordinated by GIZ in partnership with SENAI-SP we created the Women for Energy and Efficiency (WEE) network. WEE was founded with the purpose of connecting, strengthening, and empowering women who work (or wish to work) in the fields of energy and energy efficiency. It is a space for exchange, learning, and mutual support. Today, the network brings together around 170 women from different regions of Brazil: engineers, architects, economists, lawyers, environmental managers, researchers, and students all united by a commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable sector. During the pandemic, the network consolidated organically through weekly virtual meetings to share personal journeys and challenges. Now, we are moving forward with new mentoring programs, in-person gatherings, and training focused on self-awareness, leadership, and the development of essential skills so that more women can occupy strategic positions in the energy sector. Female entrepreneurship has also been gaining strength in this transition. An inspiring example is the Eletricistas do Sol (“Solar Electricians”) course, carried out by the Saúde e Alegria Project (PSA) with support from the Climate and Society Institute (iCS). The initiative exclusively trains women to maintain solar photovoltaic systems in communities, Indigenous villages, and quilombola territories in the Amazon, expanding autonomy, generating income, and bringing clean energy to previously vulnerable regions. A Network Across Latin America Recently, I was one of the Brazilian participants in the Women’s Leadership for a Just, Inclusive, and Resilient Energy Transition course, held in Bogotá, Colombia. It was three intense days alongside more than 50 women leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean representatives of ministries, universities, civil society organizations, and traditional communities. It was deeply inspiring to hear Indigenous, Black, and fishing community women share their knowledge, local solutions, and perspectives for a truly inclusive energy transition. Understanding that clean energy also involves respect for ancestry, the care economy, and the strengthening of communities was one of the most meaningful lessons of this experience. A strong sense of belonging is what remains. We know we are not alone in this struggle and that we can rely on the support of an international network of women and sector institutions. We returned home strengthened as agents of transformation and responsible for disseminating knowledge across different countries and stages of the energy transition. The Power of Women’s Networks The dialogues with all these women make it clear that, although realities vary, the challenges are similar and that solutions lie in collaboration. Women’s networks, such as WEE, demonstrate how unity among women amplifies leadership, expands perspectives, creates opportunities, and accelerates structural change. Our next step is to legally formalize the network, strengthen partnerships, and multiply initiatives focused on training and female leadership in the energy sector. We want more and more women to feel prepared and confident to occupy decision-making positions, contributing sustainable solutions that take the human factor into account. From the sum of these experiences, I carry a strong conviction: the energy transition must also be a transition of values. Including more women means democratizing knowledge, reducing inequalities, and expanding the positive impact of decarbonization policies. Energy efficiency is only complete when it also includes the efficiency of diversity. That is why the invitation remains open: may more women connect, learn, and transform together. Because by strengthening networks, we strengthen the future. Rosane Fukuoka is Technical Director at Mitsidi and founder of the Women for Energy and Efficiency (WEE) network. The Energy Transition Needs Women. And It Needs Them Now!

Brazil’s solar energy sector is facing a critical moment that goes far beyond simple regulatory adjustments. The recent extinction of the ex-tarifário regime for solar inverters marks the end of an era of competitiveness and affordability, while rumors of a potential increase in the import tax on photovoltaic modules to as high as 35% loom like an acid cloud over the market’s future. The result? More than 115,000 jobs at risk and a slowdown that could prove irreversible for one of the country’s largest job-creating sectors. The Sun Under Acid Clouds: The Collapse of Ex-Tariff Regimes and the Specter of a 35% Tax The death of the ex-tariff regime for inverters was not an isolated event, but part of a deliberate strategy to close the incentive cycle that sustained the solar boom of recent years. Inverters—absolutely critical components in the solar value chain—are responsible for converting the direct current generated by panels into usable alternating current. Without them, there is no functional solar system. Until recently, these devices could be imported at reduced tariffs, given the lack of comparable large-scale domestic production. This flexibility allowed integrators, installers, and engineering firms to maintain competitive margins and offer affordable solutions to the market. Now, with the end of the ex-tariff regime for inverters, the reality has changed. Import taxes on these components jumped to the 10.8%–12% range in 2024 and remain on an upward trajectory, with the threat of reaching 25% for imports exceeding established quotas. But there is more. While the government seeks to justify the measure as protection for domestic industry, increasingly concrete rumors point to a possible increase in the import tax on photovoltaic modules to 35% by July 2026 , mirroring the tax policy applied to electric vehicles. If confirmed, it would be a devastating blow. The prospect of a 35% tax is not mere speculation. Recent data show that the government has already implemented this rate for electric vehicles, following a schedule that began at 10% in 2024 and is set to reach 35% in July 2026. Applying the same logic to solar modules is a real and alarming possibility. This would mean that equipment costing R$100 when imported tax-free in 2022 could cost R$135 in 2026 . For a sector operating on tight margins where equipment accounts for 60% to 70% of total investment—this difference is nothing short of lethal. The combined impact is devastating. With the end of the ex-tariff regime for inverters already in effect and the looming threat of a 35% tax on modules, the economic viability of entire projects collapses. The Brazilian Solar Energy Association (Absolar) has warned of the potential cancellation of more than 25 GW in projects , representing R$97 billion in suspended investments. These figures are not abstract: they translate into mass layoffs among integrator companies, reduced working hours for installers, canceled hiring of engineers and designers, and the closure of small and medium-sized enterprises that form the backbone of the sector. The employment chain affected is vast and deep. This is not just about technicians installing panels. The solar sector has generated more than 115,000 jobs , spread across manufacturers of mounting structures, cable and connector suppliers, logistics companies, project consultants, specialized electricians, system engineers, maintenance teams, and hundreds of other professions. Every percentage point increase in import taxes leads to a proportional reduction in demand—and, consequently, in the workforce required. Legal and regulatory uncertainty further worsens the outlook. While the government fails to clearly define its tax policy for the sector, investors freeze decisions, banks hesitate to finance projects, and companies halt hiring. The National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) has yet to regulate how surplus energy injected into the grid will be remunerated after 2029, adding another layer of uncertainty. On top of that, the collection of 60% of the Fio B tariff starting in 2026 for new distributed generation systems further erodes investment attractiveness. Brazil faces a clear choice: follow a protectionist path that sacrifices jobs and competitiveness, or find a balance that enables the development of domestic industry without destroying the dynamism of a sector that has become vital to the energy transition. The acid cloud of a potential 35% tax on modules, combined with the collapse of ex-tariff regimes for inverters, threatens to turn the solar sector from a growth engine into a story of decline. The time to act is now. Without a change in tax and regulatory policy, Brazil will not only lose investment opportunities and jobs, but also its leadership in one of the most promising energy sources of the 21st century. The sun, which should illuminate the country’s energy future, risks being obscured by increasingly dark clouds. Daniel Pansarela Public Affairs and BD Director LatAm at Trina SolarChairman of the Fiscal Council at Absolar

The year 2026 begins with one of the most contradictory scenarios the global energy sector has faced in decades. While international oil markets are dealing with a structural oversupply that is putting downward pressure on prices and easing short-term geopolitical tensions, the global electricity system is approaching a critical threshold. The 2026 Energy Paradox: Oil Oversupply Versus the AI-Driven Electricity Crisis The driver of this imbalance is not fossil fuels, but the explosive growth in electricity demand fueled by artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital infrastructure that supports it. For EnergyChannel , this contradiction highlights a fundamental shift in the energy transition: the challenge is no longer just about energy sources, but about delivery capacity, grid stability, and infrastructure resilience . Oil in Abundance: Market Stability with Strategic Side Effects The downward pressure on oil prices in 2026 stems from a combination of structural and cyclical factors. The gradual return of production from previously sanctioned regions, such as Venezuela, is converging with efficiency gains in developed economies and a slowdown in industrial demand across key markets. The result is a scenario of relative abundance , where the oil and gas sector enters a phase of operational stability. However, this environment carries a strategic side effect: the postponement or reassessment of long-term investments in renewable energy , particularly in economies still heavily dependent on fossil-fuel revenues. While oil remains critical for transportation, petrochemicals, and energy security, its surplus stands in stark contrast to an electricity system operating at the edge of its technical limits. The New Energy Crisis: Artificial Intelligence’s Insatiable Appetite for Power The true inflection point of 2026 is not measured in barrels of oil, but in megawatts consumed by the digital economy . Artificial intelligence especially large-scale generative and deep-learning models has become one of the most electricity-intensive activities of the modern era. Every model training cycle, every large-scale AI query, and every cloud-based transaction depends on energy-hungry data centers , which are expanding at an unprecedented pace. These facilities require uninterrupted, redundant, and highly stable power supplies placing immense pressure on electricity grids designed for a pre-digital consumption profile. According to S&P Global , global electricity demand from data centers could grow by up to 17% as early as 2026 , sustaining an average annual growth rate of 14% through 2030 . This is not linear growth it is exponential, stressing transmission lines, substations, and distribution networks worldwide. Energy Indicator 2025 Status 2026 Outlook Data Centers (Global) High but manageable Critical, with recurring peak demand Oil Sector High production and refining Stable, with AI-driven efficiency gains Power Grid Infrastructure Under pressure Elevated risk of outages and blackouts Investor Focus Shifts: From Generation to Infrastructure In response to this new reality, governments, utilities, and investors are rapidly realigning their priorities. The emerging consensus is clear: expanding clean energy generation alone is no longer sufficient if the grid cannot absorb, distribute, and stabilize that power . The 2026 bottleneck lies across three strategic fronts: 1. Grid Modernization The deployment of smart grids , equipped with automation, advanced sensors, and real-time intelligence, has become essential to manage peak loads, integrate intermittent renewables, and prevent systemic failures. 2. Large-Scale Energy Storage Energy storage solutions particularly utility-scale battery systems are now critical to ensuring reliability, especially for data centers and other mission-critical infrastructure that cannot tolerate interruptions. 3. Dedicated Power and Microgrids Technology companies are accelerating direct power purchase agreements (PPAs) with renewable generators and investing in on-site microgrids , reducing reliance on public networks and improving energy predictability. The 2026 Energy Paradox: Oil Oversupply Versus the AI-Driven Electricity Crisis Conclusion: The New Frontier of the Energy Transition The 2026 energy paradox delivers a clear message: artificial intelligence, while promising to optimize energy use, has become one of the greatest sources of stress on the global power system . Oil abundance neither resolves nor offsets the urgent need to build a more robust, digitalized, and resilient electricity infrastructure. The real battleground of the energy transition has shifted decisively toward power transmission, distribution, and storage . For EnergyChannel , the conclusion is unequivocal: investment in grid infrastructure has moved from a supporting role to the central pillar of the global energy future . Those who recognize this shift early will be best positioned to lead the next decade of the digital economy and the energy transition. The 2026 Energy Paradox: Oil Oversupply Versus the AI-Driven Electricity Crisis

In recent years, solar energy has ceased to be a technological curiosity and has become part of everyday life for Brazilians. Today, there are already millions of small distributed generation units spread across the rooftops of homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, rural properties, and public buildings. This revolution has transformed the consumer into a prosumer a term that combines “producer” and “consumer” someone who not only consumes energy but also produces it. Storing to Resist: The New Wave of Distributed Energy Generation in Brazil What many people don’t realize is that, by installing solar panels on their homes or businesses, they are providing a strategic service to the country. They are helping to diversify the electricity mix, reduce dependence on large power plants, and, most importantly, increase the resilience of the system in the face of the increasingly frequent impacts of extreme weather events. When climate challenges energy Brazil has long relied on the strength of its rivers to generate electricity. But prolonged droughts can dry up reservoirs and compromise hydropower generation. Storms with strong winds knock down transmission lines and destroy substations. Lightning, extreme heat, and hail also damage equipment and undermine grid stability. Generating energy in large power plants often hundreds of kilometers away from where it is consumed means relying on extensive transmission networks. The greater the distance, the higher the risk of widespread blackouts. In a climate change scenario, this vulnerability becomes clear. This is where distributed energy resources come into play small generation units close to consumption, such as rooftop solar panels, small-scale wind turbines, or local biomass systems. They reduce reliance on large power plants and make the system more flexible. The central role of energy storage If distributed generation is already a reality, the next step is energy storage. In simple terms, it means saving the electricity produced for later use. This can be done with batteries installed at the point of consumption. Imagine a home with solar panels on the roof. During the day, the energy generated can be used immediately to power refrigerators, air conditioners, and electric showers. Any surplus can be directed to batteries, which store this energy for use at night or during peak demand periods. For this to work, a hybrid inverter must be installed. This device is the brain of the system: it decides whether the energy comes from the grid, the batteries, or directly from the solar panels. Combined with smart meters, the inverter can use artificial intelligence to optimize energy flows—deciding whether energy goes to household appliances, storage, or back to the grid as surplus. The regulatory challenge Today, Brazil’s National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) requires prosumers to pay a “grid fee” for using the distribution network. In other words, when someone injects surplus energy into the grid, they are not paid for it. And when they draw that energy back, they must pay for the distributor’s service. The Legal Framework for Distributed Micro and Mini Generation (Law 14,300) establishes that, from 2029 onward, prosumers will also have to pay tariff charges—additional costs that fund public policies in the electricity sector, such as social programs or grid maintenance. At first glance, it may seem unfair that those who generate their own energy must pay for the grid. But paradoxically, this rule could accelerate the energy storage market. After all, if prosumers have batteries at home, they can consume their own energy without relying on the grid, reducing costs and increasing autonomy. The new wave: generate and store We are facing a new wave of distributed energy generation: generating is no longer enough it is essential to store energy. This combination will bring greater resilience to Brazil’s electricity system and open the door to technologies already well established in other countries. For this to happen, however, the public distribution grid must be modernized. Today, much of Brazil’s electrical infrastructure still reflects designs from the 1950s. It’s like trying to drive a modern car on a dirt road it may move forward, but it won’t reach its full potential. Distributed energy resources are the modern cars. They require a technological highway, with smart sensors, automation devices, artificial intelligence, and even quantum technologies to ensure fluidity and security. Without this modernization, the system will remain limited, unable to fully absorb the benefits of distributed generation and storage. The role of professionals and training For this transformation to occur, it’s not enough to wait for public policies or technological breakthroughs. It is essential that industry professionals understand their role as disseminators and multipliers of this new reality. There are countless training courses focused on the installation of solar systems, hybrid inverters, and batteries. Technical education is crucial to ensure that consumers have access to safe, efficient, and economically viable solutions. Rather than searching for culprits for the sector’s challenges, we must find pathways forward—pathways that enable the expansion of the energy storage market, with positive impacts for everyone: a modern, more resilient electricity grid, lower costs, and greater security. A decisive moment Brazil is living through a decisive moment. Solar energy has already conquered millions of rooftops and transformed consumers into protagonists of the energy transition. Now, storage emerges as the missing piece to consolidate and expand this revolution. Generating and storing energy is more than a trend it is a necessity in the face of climate change and the vulnerability of the traditional electricity system. It is up to professionals, institutions, and society to embrace this new wave, ensuring that the country advances toward a more modern, resilient, and sustainable energy matrix. The future of energy is not only in large power plants, but in small systems spread throughout the territory. And with storage, every home, school, or business can become not just a consumer, but a guardian of the energy that powers Brazil. By Renato Zimmermann is a sustainable business developer and an activist for the energy transition. Storing to Resist: The New Wave of Distributed Energy Generation in Brazil

BREAKING NEWS | Solar Energy São Paulo, January 6, 2026 — The Latin American edition of SNEC PV & ES , one of the world’s leading events for the solar photovoltaic, energy storage, and e-mobility industries , has been officially cancelled . The event was scheduled to take place from March 24 to 26, 2026 , in São Paulo, Brazil. SNEC PV & ES LATAM 2026 Cancelled in São Paulo In a joint statement, SNEC China , NürnbergMesse Brasil , and Oakstream announced that, despite their strong belief in the Latin American solar market, current conditions are not considered ideal for holding the event at this time . Strategic decision amid market conditions According to the organizers, the decision follows a careful assessment of the market environment and industry dynamics. They emphasized that the cancellation does not reflect a lack of confidence in the region , but rather a strategic move aligned with present market realities. “We strongly believe in the long-term potential of the solar energy market in Latin America, but at this moment the conditions are not favorable for delivering the event at the level it requires,” the statement said. Future editions under evaluation SNEC China and its Brazilian partners reaffirmed their confidence in the structural growth of the solar and energy storage sectors in the region and stated that new opportunities to bring the event back to Brazil will be evaluated once market conditions improve. Brazil remains a strategic market within the group’s global vision, particularly due to the expansion of utility-scale solar, distributed generation, energy storage solutions, and the growing integration with electric mobility. Guidance for exhibitors and partners Exhibitors, conference delegates, sponsors, and other partners who have already completed registrations or initiated commercial agreements will be contacted directly by the organizers. The communication will include guidance on operational procedures, reimbursements, and next steps . Industry impact The cancellation of SNEC PV & ES LATAM 2026 comes at a time of adjustment and consolidation within Brazil’s solar market , marked by regulatory challenges, margin pressure, and a more cautious approach to investments and large-scale events. Despite this, industry analysts consulted by EnergyChannel highlight that Brazil and Latin America continue to show solid long-term fundamentals , especially in distributed solar, large-scale projects, energy storage, and grid modernization. SNEC China, NürnbergMesse Brasil, and Oakstream thanked institutional partners, industry stakeholders, and the wider market for their support and understanding. 🔔 EnergyChannel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on any future announcements regarding SNEC’s return to Latin America. SNEC PV & ES LATAM 2026 Cancelled in São Paulo

Nvidia is entering a new phase in the global race for artificial intelligence leadership. The company has confirmed that its next generation of chips is already in full-scale production, promising a major leap in performance for applications such as chatbots, generative AI models and advanced machine learning systems. Nvidia Moves Ahead in the AI Race as Next-Generation Chips Enter Full Production Designed to meet the rapidly growing demand for AI computing, the new processors are expected to deliver up to five times more AI performance than previous generations. The move reinforces Nvidia’s strategy to remain at the core of the infrastructure powering the expansion of artificial intelligence worldwide. Vera Rubin platform sets a new performance benchmark At the heart of this technological shift is the Vera Rubin platform , a new architecture that combines multiple specialized Nvidia chips into a single high-performance system. The design allows servers to integrate dozens of GPUs alongside newly developed central processors, targeting large-scale data center deployments. These systems can be connected in modular clusters containing more than a thousand chips working together, significantly boosting efficiency in the generation of AI “tokens” a fundamental unit for large language models and generative applications. According to Nvidia, this approach can improve token generation efficiency by up to ten times. A key element of the platform is the use of a proprietary data format, developed to optimize internal communication between chips and unlock higher performance without a proportional increase in transistor count. Built for real-world AI at scale Beyond raw computing power, the new generation focuses on one of the industry’s main challenges: scaling AI models to serve millions of users with lower latency and improved energy efficiency . To address this, Nvidia introduced an advanced storage layer known as contextual memory storage, designed to deliver faster and more consistent responses in long and complex interactions. The company also unveiled a new generation of network switches featuring co-packaged optical connections , a critical technology for linking thousands of machines into unified AI clusters. This strengthens Nvidia’s positioning not just as a chipmaker, but as a full-stack AI infrastructure provider. Rising competition, sustained demand While Nvidia continues to dominate the AI training market, competition is intensifying. Established semiconductor players and major technology companies are accelerating the development of their own AI chips in an effort to reduce costs and reliance on third-party suppliers. Despite this, global demand for Nvidia’s processors remains strong, including in key Asian markets. Even earlier-generation chips continue to see high adoption in data centers, supporting the company’s growth as the new Vera Rubin systems prepare to enter the market. Expanding into autonomous driving and AI software In parallel with its hardware roadmap, Nvidia is expanding its software portfolio with solutions for autonomous vehicles , enabling AI systems to document and explain driving decisions. This approach aims to improve transparency and trust in safety-critical applications, while giving engineers better tools to refine and validate models. Nvidia Moves Ahead in the AI Race as Next-Generation Chips Enter Full Production The company has also reinforced its commitment to open research by making both AI models and training datasets available to partners, a move that could accelerate innovation across the automotive and industrial sectors. Infrastructure at the core of the next AI wave With next-generation chips already in production and new systems set to roll out later this year, Nvidia signals that the future of artificial intelligence will be driven by highly integrated, scalable and efficient infrastructure . Rather than incremental upgrades, the company’s strategy points to a broader transformation one in which chips, networks and software converge into a unified engine capable of supporting the next era of AI applications at global scale. Nvidia Moves Ahead in the AI Race as Next-Generation Chips Enter Full Production