IEA Gas Outlook: The IEA says global gas demand is set to fall 0.5% in 2026 as tight LNG supply—hit by Middle East disruption and Strait of Hormuz risks—pushes power and industry back toward coal and other fuels, even as US, Canada, Australia and African LNG ramp up. Fuel Excise Watch: Australia is keeping the door open to extending fuel excise cuts beyond the current expiry (Aug 2), citing ongoing overseas hostilities and the knock-on effect for local fuel supply. Uranium & Nuclear Politics: Australia’s uranium export deal with India has reignited debate at home and abroad, with supporters pointing to India’s expanding nuclear build and critics warning about proliferation and Australia’s long-running nuclear ban. India–Australia IP & Energy Security: CSIR and IP Australia have signed an agreement to give IP Australia access to India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library to improve patent checks, while the broader India–Australia push continues across energy security and strategic cooperation. Grid & Storage Moves: Australia’s battery and storage ecosystem keeps expanding, including new microgrid and large-scale storage project announcements, as operators chase reliability and lower costs. Wildlife at Wind Farms: Reports of wedge-tailed eagle deaths at NSW’s Rye Park wind farm are prompting calls for stronger bird-strike mitigation rules. Consumer Trust on Batteries: Regulators are warning that rising home battery complaint rates could damage consumer confidence, underlining the need for better protections.