[Samsung Electronics Accelerates 1.4nm Advanced Process R&D, Deepens Collaboration with Applied Materials and Lam Research, Sources Say]

TotalEnergies will submit an expanded climate vigilance plan after a Paris court ruled on June 25 that the company must better address climate risks associated with its Scope 3 emissions. The French energy major has six months to revise its plan, outlining measures to reduce end-use emissions from its products. TotalEnergies said it welcomes the ruling and will incorporate additional information from its sustainability report, noting it had already reduced the carbon intensity of its energy products by 18% from 2015 levels by the end of 2025 and continues to target a 25% reduction by 2030.

The US has eased additional sanctions on Venezuela to facilitate financial transactions related to earthquake relief after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on June 24, leaving at least 589 people dead, around 3,000 injured, and thousands still missing. Washington also pledged US$150 million in humanitarian assistance through non-profit organizations. While energy infrastructure was largely unaffected, international rescue teams have joined ongoing search and recovery efforts in the hardest-hit areas.

The US Department of Energy has committed a total of US$600 million to modernize 18 coal-fired power plants under the Trump administration, including US$425 million announced on June 4 under the Defense Production Act and a previously allocated US$175 million. The funding aims to extend plant lifespans and strengthen baseload power supply amid rising electricity demand. While utilities expect short-term outages during upgrade work, the projects are anticipated to support higher long-term coal utilization, prompting some buyers to secure coal supply contracts through 2029 and beyond.