DRONE SWARMS TAKE AIM AT SOLAR POWER LOSSES
Today, drones are receiving heightened scrutiny worldwide as they progressively reshape the modern battlefield in places like Ukraine and the Persian Gulf. But unmanned platforms can potentially serve another, distinctly humanitarian, purpose as well by increasing global energy generation. To that end, climate tech startup Meteoric Technologies, Inc. has proposed using autonomous drone swarms to disperse cloud cover and increase solar farm efficiency. Under the initiative, drones would theoretically fly into clouds to disperse them, potentially increasing solar power generation by about 10-30% without requiring the construction of additional infrastructure.
The proposal holds out considerable promise. Meteoric Technologies estimates that its electric drones could operate at a cost of approximately $30–60 per hour, significantly less than conventional aircraft-based weather modification operations. However, the company has not yet demonstrated its effectiveness in real world conditions. Moreover, the World Meteorological Organization has warned against overstating the promises of weather modification technologies, particularly as it pertains to large scale weather systems. (Techspot, August 24, 2026)
THE UAE EXPANDS ITS AFRICAN RESOURCE FOOTPRINT
The United Arab Emirates has developed an extensive portfolio of strategic investments across Africa, expanding its commercial and geopolitical influence over the continent's natural resources and infrastructure. In recent years, the UAE has gained mining rights for critical minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guinea, and has developed large-scale farms in Sudan and Egypt. Experts say that the UAE is positioning African states to align with a new system built around its post-oil agenda, including new economic partnerships, resource control, and regional political power.
To date, the UAE has invested $7 billion in Morocco, $9 billion in Tunisia, $34 billion in Mauritania, $66 billion in Egypt, and $24 billion in South Africa. Its investments help to partially fill budget gaps for many African nations. But they also raise security concerns, due to the Emirati government's involvement in arming Sudanese militant groups as well as role of Emirati companies in resource extraction on the continent, which has threatened international access to resources such as copper, gold, and iron ore. (Financial Times, August 3, 2026)
RUSSIA TARGETS UKRAINE'S BLACK SEA EXPORT ROUTES
In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukrainian energy and transportation infrastructure, threatening critical export routes along the Black Sea and the Danube River. In early November, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that its forces struck four power plants and two electrical substations in the Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv regions, as well as port infrastructure at Kiliia on the Danube River. Russian officials also reported strikes against two cargo vessels, one at the port of Pivdennyi and another in the Black Sea, which they claimed were transporting military equipment and dual-use cargo. The attacks highlight the continued vulnerability of Ukraine's energy and maritime infrastructure, with Russian strikes against port facilities, commercial shipping, and energy infrastructure threatening to disrupt Ukrainian exports and place additional pressure on regional transportation and logistics networks. (Reuters, November 3, 2026)
U.S. RACES TO MINE THE DEEP SEA FOR CRITICAL MINERALS
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced that the United States intends to move forward in issuing permits for deep-sea mining. In April 2025, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at accelerating deep-sea mineral development amid growing concerns over China's dominance of critical mineral supply chains. Now, the upcoming permits would primarily target the polymetallic nodules found in the Pacific Ocean that house materials necessary for electric vehicles, weapons, and electronics production. While the exact date these permits will be issued is still unclear, the Marine Minerals Administration has highlighted that eligible mining areas include the coasts of U.S. territories, including American Samoa, where millions of acres were offered for leasing in July. Companies have already begun submitting applications for mining permits, signaling growing commercial interest as well as challenging the regulatory authority of the United Nations' International Seabed Authority over international mining permits. (Reuters, September 14, 2026)
WASHINGTON PUSHES INTO ARGENTINA'S LITHIUM TRIANGLE
As the United States seeks to diversify its critical mineral supply chains and reduce its dependence on China, Argentina has emerged as an increasingly significant economic partner. The U.S. Export-Import Bank has announced plans to support up to $7 billion in financing for critical mineral mining and energy projects in Argentina. The initiative would allow Argentine companies to purchase American equipment and products more easily in the coming years to facilitate the extraction of lithium and shale oil. Alongside Chile and Bolivia, Argentina makes up one third of the Lithium Triangle, which houses the world's largest supplies of white metals used in key technologies and green energy infrastructure. Argentina's mining minister, Luis Lecero, has claimed that Argentina would be exporting around five times as much copper and lithium by 2036 as it did in 2025. (EnergyNow, September 22, 2026)
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