John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 01/08/2026It feels apt that my final piece, after three months covering the struggle of US power grids from New York, looks at how the city's grid is ageing badly and brings with it a growing threat of blackout for one of the world's key financial hubs. 010
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 04/06/2026A proposed Utah data center that would have been almost three times the size of Manhattan will be drastically scaled back after intense pressure. It's the brainchild of Shark Tank's Kevin O’Leary. He's now pledged to cut the 40,000-acre Stratos project in half. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comShark Tank Star Shrinks Data Center Footprint After BacklashA proposed Utah data center that would have been almost three times the size of Manhattan will be drastically scaled back after pressure from lawmakers. 010
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 04/06/2026⚡ The AI data center boom in the US is threatening to claim its biggest victim yet — the nation’s largest electric grid operator. ⚡ In an explosive speech, the FERC chair said it may have grown "too big to function." 🎁Gift link to our deep dive below 🎁 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comAI Data Center Boom Risks Breakup of Biggest US Power Grid OperatorSoaring utility bills and sluggish bureaucracy are fueling calls to split up PJM Interconnection, which runs the grid in 13 states. 13214
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 19/05/2026NEW: A wind project billed as the largest clean energy installation in the US is due to come online next month, even as the pipeline of new large-scale renewables dries up amid pressure from the Trump administration. Read more here 👇 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comBiggest US Wind Project Is Due to Come Online Next MonthA wind project billed as the largest clean energy installation in the US is due to come online next month, even as the pipeline of new large-scale renewables dries up amid pressure from the Trump admi... 000
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 08/05/2026Europe is stepping up protection of key energy infrastructure as physical and cyber threats increase. Unfortunately, I wasn't the one to go in the chopper, but it was a fun story to work on nonetheless. Read more 👇 www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...bloomberg.comSabotage Threats Have Put Europe's Power Networks on AlertGrid operators are building new defenses against sabotage and cyberattacks 000
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 04/05/2026First story from New York is out: Data centers are driving a surge in carbon prices in the US Northeast. That's raising the prospect of even higher energy costs for consumers, on top of what they're already feeling due to the boom in AI. Read more here 👇 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comAI Boom to Add Hidden Extra Cost to Northeast US Power BillsData centers are driving a surge in carbon prices in the US Northeast, helping push CO2 costs in the region past California and raising the prospect of higher energy costs for consumers. 140
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 04/05/2026🚨 Job Klaxon 🚨 I’ve moved to the Bloomberg HQ in NYC to start a three-month job posting covering US grids, AI, data centers and more. Let me know if you're in town and want to grab a coffee, or simply to give me your best pizza/bagel/jazz bar recommendation. Back in Brussels in August. 092
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 14/04/2026NEW: The EU will announce a big bet on electrification next week to help it whether future energy crises. The draft includes floating targeted amendments to ensure electricity is taxed less than fossil fuels, and doubling down on heatpumps. Read more here 👇 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEU to Bet on Electricification to Avert Recurring Energy CrisesThe European Union will float a series of measures next week to help the continent deal with the Iran war’s energy price fallout, as well as electrify the economy to avert future fossil fuel shocks. 24721
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 11/03/2026The EU introduced a gas price cap that was never triggered during the energy crisis. Now Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is looking to bring it back amid the Iran war and the growing calls to lower power bills. Read more 👇 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEU Weighs Measures to Cut Power Costs Including Gas Price CapThe European Union is considering a gas price cap as part of a broader effort to curb the fuel’s influence on regional power prices and shield consumers from extreme volatility. 222
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 10/03/2026The EU made a “strategic mistake” in turning its back on nuclear, Ursula von der Leyen said in thinly-veiled criticism of Germany’s decision to close its reactors. When that decision was made after Fukushima in 2011, VDL was German labour minister. Read more 👇 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEU Made a ‘Mistake’ in Phasing Out Nuclear, Von Der Leyen SaysThe European Union made a “strategic mistake” in turning its back on nuclear energy, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in thinly-veiled criticism of Germany’s decision to close its reacto... 031
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 07/03/2026It's been one hell of a week for EU energy markets. Even before the Iran war, energy was a major concern in Europe and now that weakness has been brutally exposed once again. Read the weekend story from myself and @albertonardelli.bsky.social 👇 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEnergy Price Shock From Iran War Exposes Europe’s WeaknessUnderneath the glass and wrought iron ceiling of Antwerp’s stock exchange last month, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed a hall full of executives from heavy industries. He wasted no time in d... 171
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 03/03/2026NEW: The IEA is ready to help stabilize the global oil market in the wake of the Iran conflict, noting that member countries hold over a billion barrels in emergency stockpiles, according to a document prepared by the agency and seen by Bloomberg News www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comIEA Ready to Stabilize Oil Market Hit by Iran War, Document SaysThe International Energy Agency is ready to help stabilize the global oil market in the wake of the Iran conflict, noting that member countries hold over a billion barrels in emergency stockpiles, acc... 020
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 13/02/2026Is there some hope on the horizon for open-air swimming in Brussels with the formation of the new Brussels government? It gets a mention in the deal, at least: Brussels will continue deliberations on "several" projects. www.lesoir.be/728689/artic...lesoir.beUne deuxième journée sans voiture, un nouveau stade pour l’Union… les mesures insolites de l’accord bruxelloisAlors que le gouvernement bruxellois devrait être définitivement intronisé samedi, les premiers éléments de l’accord commencent à être détaillés. Et certains surprennent… 231
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 29/01/2026The EU must resist China’s pull in clean technologies, even as it confronts the reality that deteriorating relations with the US may be “permanent,” @wopkehoekstra.ec.europa.eu told Bloomberg 👇 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comTrump’s Trade Barbs Won’t Push EU Closer to China, Hoekstra SaysThe European Union must resist China’s pull in clean technologies, even as it confronts the reality that deteriorating relations with the US may be “permanent,” according to the bloc’s climate chief. 031
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 27/01/2026This feels like a tipping point: European EV sales overtake petrol for the first time www.ft.com/content/1d3b...ft.comEuropean EV sales overtake petrol for first time in DecemberSales reached record high last year despite fall at Tesla and pressure to soften EU targets 020
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 16/12/2025The EU is set to propose softening emissions rules for new cars, scrapping an effective ban on combustion engines following months of pressure from the automotive industry. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEU to Abandon Combustion Engine Ban in Win For CarmakersThe European Union is set to propose softening emissions rules for new cars, scrapping an effective ban on combustion engines following months of pressure from the automotive industry. 030
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 16/12/2025NEW: The EU will propose measures to extend its carbon border levy, known as CBAM, to some assembled goods such as cars and washing machines to help close loopholes, according to a draft we've seen. It will also create a new fund to help exporters. More below 👇 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEurope to Bolster Carbon Border Levy Criticized by US and ChinaThe European Union plans to expand an incoming emissions charge on imported goods as part of efforts to strengthen a flagship climate policy that’s aimed at protecting the bloc’s industries during the... 021
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 11/12/2025NEW: The EU is weighing a five-year delay to its effective ban on the combustion engine after heavy pressure from some of the region’s biggest automotive countries. More here 👇 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEU Mulls Five-Year Reprieve for Hybrid Cars From Combustion BanThe European Union is weighing a five-year delay to its effective ban on the combustion engine after heavy pressure from some of the region’s biggest automotive countries. 120
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 23/11/2025And so #COP30 has wrapped and so has our coverage. Here's our last story all about how two weeks of frenzied negotiations over the planet’s faltering fight against climate change had come down to this: a pre-dawn battle over shifting away from fossil fuels. www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...bloomberg.comA Decade After Paris, Climate Diplomacy Is About Saving ItselfThe outcome of the COP30 summit in Brazil kept multilateralism alive while barely pushing forward the promise of combatting global warming. 040
Reposted by John AingerAkshat Rathi @akshatrathi.bsky.social · 22/11/2025🚨 SCOOP After overnight talks, it seems a deal at COP30 is close By @johnainger.bsky.social @jendlouhy.bsky.social 🎁🔗 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comUK’s Miliband ‘Optimistic’ on COP30 Deal After Talks Drag OnEd Miliband, UK secretary of state for energy security and net zero, said he was “optimistic” that a United Nations climate deal was in reach that would strengthen ambition in the fight against global... 1145
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 21/11/2025Brazil presented the #COP30 climate summit with a draft deal early Friday that omits any reference to exiting fossil fuels amid stiff resistance from producing countries, setting the stage for frantic final round of negotiations More here 👇 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comBrazil Draft COP30 Climate Deal Omits Plan to Exit Fossil FuelsBrazil presented the COP30 climate summit with a draft deal early Friday that omits any reference to exiting fossil fuels amid stiff resistance from producing countries, setting the stage for frantic ... 083
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 20/11/2025A fire erupted inside the packed United Nations climate summit in Belém, Brazil forcing a panicked evacuation of thousands of delegates just as negotiations reached their final hours www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comFire Breaks Out at COP30 Climate Summit Venue in BrazilA fire erupted inside the packed United Nations climate summit in Belém, Brazil, on Thursday, forcing a panicked evacuation of thousands of delegates just as negotiations reached their final hours. 002
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 20/11/2025Nations among the most vulnerable to the damage wrought by global warming have decried the recent memo by Bill Gates criticizing a “doomsday view of climate change” More here 👇 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comBill Gates Rebuked by Island States for Downplaying Climate RiskNations among the most vulnerable to the damage wrought by global warming have decried the recent memo by Bill Gates criticizing a “doomsday view of climate change.” 130
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 19/11/2025NEW: Turkey is set to host the flagship United Nations climate change conference next year, beating a rival proposal from Australia following a protracted contest between the two countries We report the details here 👇 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comTurkey Beats Australia in Race to Host UN Climate Talks in 2026Turkey is set to host the flagship United Nations climate change conference next year, beating a rival proposal from Australia following a protracted contest between the two countries. 020
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 17/11/2025We're into week 2 at #COP30. Over the next few days we'll see whether support for a roadmap to transition away from fossil fuels can get enough support from countries, or be blocked by producer nations: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comFossil Fuel Transition Emerges as Key Climate Fight in BrazilThe thousands of protesters who brought traffic to a halt Saturday in the Brazilian city of Belém implored leaders to act faster to tackle global warming. As United Nations climate talks enter their c... 001
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 13/11/2025UNFCCC's Simon Stiell demanded, in a letter seen by Bloomberg, that Brazilian authorities immediately develop a plan for addressing security lapses, soaring temperatures, flooding and other poor conditions at the #COP30 conference in the city of Belém www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comUN Orders Brazil to Improve Security, Poor Conditions at COP30A top UN climate official demanded Brazilian authorities immediately develop a plan for addressing security lapses, soaring temperatures, flooding and other poor conditions at the COP30 conference in ... 021
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 11/11/2025#COP30 has begun in earnest and negotiators will now spend the next two weeks of climate talks in a game of chess. Here are the key players: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comWho’s Who Inside Negotiating Rooms at the COP30 Climate SummitDelegates from nearly 200 countries have gathered in Belém in the Brazilian Amazon for the United Nations’ COP30 climate conference, running through Nov. 21. 010
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 06/11/2025Brazilian President Lula foreshadowed a potential effort to move beyond the commitment countries made two years ago to “transition away from fossil fuels.” "We need road maps," he told world leaders at the #COP30 leaders summit. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comCOP30: Trump, Xi, Modi Skip Climate Change TalksUN Secretary-General António Guterres said overshooting 1.5C of warming, even temporarily, will result in more hunger and loss. 012
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 04/11/2025In Dubai two years ago, countries reached a first-of-a-kind agreement to transition away from fossil fuels. Yet none of the roughly 60 countries that have submitted an updated climate pledge since then have put in place targets to reduce oil and gas production. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comThe World Is Ignoring Its Pledge to Shift Away From Fossil FuelsAt the COP28 climate summit in Dubai two years ago, countries reached a first-of-a-kind agreement to transition their economies away from fossil fuels. 030
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 03/11/2025Join myself and key members of the Bloomberg News team covering #COP30 at the top of the hour 👇 030
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 20/10/2025EU energy ministers struck a deal on plans to ban all gas supplies from Russia by the end of 2027, as the bloc looks to definitively end its reliance on energy from Moscow. Talks with parliament on the final outcome can now begin. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEU Nations Close In on Deal to Ban Russian Gas by End of 2027European Union energy ministers agreed a joint position on plans to ban all gas supplies from Russia by the end of 2027, as the bloc looks to definitively end its reliance on energy from Moscow. 010
Reposted by John AingerJorge Valero @europressos.bsky.social · 14/10/2025❗️SCOOP: EU considering strict conditions such as tech transfers, joint ventures for Chinese investments in Europe in some key sectors, we’re told, as Europe increases pressure on Beijing to rebalance economic relations - with @johnainger.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEU Considers Forced Tech Transfers for New Chinese InvestmentsThe European Union is considering forcing Chinese firms to hand over technology to European companies if they want to operate locally, in an aggressive new push to make the bloc’s industry more compet... 054
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 06/10/2025Nearly 200 countries are set to gather at the gates of the Amazon rainforest next month for #COP30 Here's how it could succeed or fail www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comSix Ways the COP30 Climate Summit Can Succeed or FailWhen Brazil was named host of the COP30 climate summit two years ago, it was seen as the perfect celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, where nations pledged to keep climate chang... 041
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 26/09/2025NEW: The EIB is exploring investing in #nuclear power on the continent for the first time in four decades as political opposition to the technology fades www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEIB Weighs Ending 40-Year Nuclear Hiatus With Reactor InvestmentThe European Investment Bank is exploring investing in nuclear power on the continent for the first time in four decades as political opposition to the technology fades, according to people familiar w... 021
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 23/09/2025NEW: Brazil is trying to build a coalition of countries, including the EU and China, to unify carbon markets globally as it prepares to host this year’s COP30 climate summit www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comBrazil Lobbies EU, China to Join COP30 Carbon Market CoalitionBrazil is trying to build a coalition of countries, including the European Union and China, to unify carbon markets globally as it prepares to host this year’s COP30 climate summit. 093
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 23/09/2025The commission is yet again set to propose a one-year delay of the EU's deforestation law, blaming an IT overload as companies submit their paperwork. It could open the door to further "simplifications" of the regulation, with EPP pushing for a zero-risk category. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEU Proposes Another One-Year Delay to Landmark Deforestation LawThe European Commission, the bloc’s executive branch, will seek to again delay the implementation of its landmark law to tackle deforestation, according to Jessika Roswall, the bloc’s environment comm... 020
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 18/09/2025Exxon is shelving €100 million investments in chemical recycling in Europe due to what the energy giant says are overly restrictive rules on plastics www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comExxon Halts €100 Million Recycling Investments Due to EU RulesExxon Mobil Corp. is shelving investments in chemical recycling in Europe due to what the energy giant says are overly restrictive rules on plastics. 9123
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 12/09/2025The US is still considering whether to attend the upcoming #COP30 climate summit in Brazil in order to have an “honest dialogue” on the feasibility of the world’s green transition, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told Bloomberg. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comUS Weighs COP30 Climate Summit Attendance for ‘Honest Dialogue’“I would not be at all against going, if I had an audience and a platform to engage with the world,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. 010
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 11/09/2025The IEA's draft annual shows dreams of a peak in fossil fuel demand this decade is a mirage. "The world isn’t performing an “energy transition” but an “energy addition,” where renewables top up oil, gas and coal." Must read from @javierblas.bsky.social www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...bloomberg.comThe Myth of Peak Fossil-Fuel Demand Is CrumblingThe use of oil and gas will continue to climb for decades, according to a draft of the International Energy Agency’s annual report. 010
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 10/09/2025The EU was entitled to include gas and nuclear energy in its green rulebook allowing the technologies to tap subsidies and cheaper finance, the bloc’s second highest tribunal ruled in a challenge brought by Austria. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEU’s Green Finance Label for Nuclear, Gas Is Allowed, Court SaysThe European Union was entitled to include gas and nuclear energy in its green rulebook allowing the technologies to tap subsidies and cheaper finance, the bloc’s second highest tribunal ruled in a ch... 000
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 09/09/2025Proposals to artificially cool the world’s polar regions to stem the impact of global warming are expensive, unfeasible and potentially dangerous, scientists say www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comScientists Warn Against Plans to Artificially Cool Polar RegionsProposals to artificially cool the world’s polar regions — to stem the impact of global warming — are both expensive, unfeasible and potentially dangerous, according to new scientific research. 000
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 27/08/2025The EU is struggling to find takers for subsidies to jumpstart a green hydrogen market following a number of dropouts by potential recipients, potentially stalling the rollout of the clean energy source. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEU Struggles to Find Takers for Hydrogen Money, Curbing RolloutThe European Union is struggling to find takers for subsidies to jumpstart a green hydrogen market following a number of dropouts by potential recipients, potentially stalling the rollout of the clean... 043
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 14/08/2025This year’s UN climate summit in Brazil planned to bring world leaders, diplomats and other participants into the heart of the Amazon rain forest. Now the event risks being defined by a looming logistical fiasco. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comBrazil Refuses to Move Climate Summit as Lodging Crisis LoomsThis year’s United Nations climate summit, scheduled for November in Brazil, has been designed to make history by bringing world leaders, diplomats and some 50,000 other participants into the heart of... 020
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 13/08/2025"And the climate in Brussels resembles what parts of Croatia were like 25 years ago" And yet, in Brussels, there's still nowhere to swim outdoors to cool off. 140
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 13/08/2025Once seen as an American excess or Mediterranean necessity, air conditioning is becoming a fixture of life in Europe www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEurope Finally Embraces Air Conditioning as Heat Waves Hit HardAs Europe sweats through another summer of record-high temperatures, much of the continent is undergoing a rapid and often tense transformation. 031
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 06/08/2025Poland’s new energy minister said he supports a moderate path to meet the country’s climate ambitions, allowing some coal-fired power plant to still be used in 2040 www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comPolish Energy Minister Sees Future for Coal in Climate Wind DownPoland’s new energy minister said he supports a moderate path to meet the country’s climate ambitions, allowing some coal-fired power plant to still be used in 2040. 010
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 28/07/2025The EU’s promise to buy $750 billion of American energy imports over three years was pivotal to securing a trade deal with President Donald Trump, but it’s a pledge it will struggle to keep. It looks like #nuclear will hold the key. Read our take: www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comThe EU’s Monster Energy Deal With Trump Looks Hard to AchieveThe European Union’s promise to buy $750 billion of American energy imports over three years was pivotal to securing a trade deal with President Donald Trump, but it’s a pledge it will struggle to kee... 000
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 24/07/2025The EU and China will commit to leading the world in the fight against climate change in a symbolic show of unity as the US steps back under Donald Trump, according to a draft seen by Bloomberg www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEU and China Will Pledge Climate Leadership Role as US RetreatsThe European Union and China will commit to leading the world in the fight against climate change in a symbolic show of unity as the US steps back under President Donald Trump. 020
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 23/07/2025One of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the fallout from climate change has won a landmark legal battle, giving countries new ammunition to pursue some of the planet’s biggest emitters www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comVanuatu Wins Landmark Legal Battle Over Climate Change ImpactOne of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the fallout from climate change has won a landmark legal battle, giving countries new ammunition to pursue some of the planet’s biggest emitters. 031
John Ainger @johnainger.bsky.social · 17/07/2025The EU's climate chief @wopkehoekstra.ec.europa.eu told us he expects some of the bloc’s biggest pension funds to help modernize the region's ageing power grids on the quest to net-zero www.bloomberg.com/news/article...bloomberg.comEU Climate Chief Expects Pension Funds to Help Revamp GridsThe European Union’s climate chief expects to attract the financial firepower of some of the bloc’s biggest pension funds to help modernize power grids that are key to the green transition. 010