Category: 3. Business

Behind the growing consumption: The IEA report noted that electricity consumption growth is being driven by “some of the most dynamic segments of global economies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, and evolving technological innovations.” It also cites the increasing electricity uptake by electric vehicles, air conditioning, and general industrial usage.

Emerging and developing economies remain “the main engines of electricity demand growth,” but consumption by advanced economies is also now increasing “after 15 years of stagnation.” One-fifth of the power demand increase through 2030 is expected to come from advanced economies.

Rapid expansion of grids: Because of this growing demand, along with “an increasingly weather-dependent mix of power generation sources,” Electricity 2026 stated that “power systems will need greater flexibility to securely and cost-effectively integrate an increasingly diverse mix of electricity generation sources while accommodating evolving demand patterns and technologies.” It called for a rapid and efficient expansion of electricity grids, the deployment of grid-enhancing technologies, and regulatory reforms that allow for more flexible connections and usage.

With such steps, as much as 1,600 GW of the more than 2,500 GW of currently stalled, queued projects could be integrated into the grid system in the near term, according to the report.

Outlook for nuclear: As described in the IEA report’s executive summary, the outlook for nuclear energy is positive around the world:

Nuclear generation set a new record in 2025 and is set to continue rising steadily through 2030. Nuclear power output in 2025 was supported by reactor restarts in Japan, higher generation in France, and new capacity additions in China, India, and other countries. While most of the growth in nuclear generation through 2030 is expected to occur in emerging economies, with China alone accounting for around 40 percent of the global increase, nuclear energy is also regaining strategic importance in many advanced economies, underpinned by supportive policy frameworks to extend the lifetime of reactors and add new capacity.

Affordability: Another topic covered in Electricity 2026 is energy affordability, which is a worsening problem as household electricity prices have been rising faster than incomes in many countries since 2019. The high electricity costs are also adding financial pressures to industries and businesses.

According to the report, the non-energy components of costs—“such as network charges, taxes, and other levies—continue to account for a large, and often growing, share of household bills. In addition, electricity is also taxed more heavily than natural gas in many countries, weakening incentives for households to electrify heating, cooking, or hot water use. As a result, policymakers are increasingly focusing on policy frameworks, market designs, and regulation to improve affordability and encourage electrification.”

A main challenge will be “ensuring prices remain affordable while still reflecting costs and incentivizing demand‑side flexibility.”

Electricity security: Electricity security remains a crucial issue for modern economies, the report said, citing blackouts in Chile, the Iberian Peninsula, and Mexico in 2025, as well as “the EstLink-2 cable outage between Finland and Estonia, the Heathrow substation fire and the Berlin arson attack.” All of those incidents “exposed critical vulnerabilities” that suggest “strengthening the physical protection of critical infrastructure and deploying advanced monitoring and early‑detection systems will be essential to guard against threats.”

Ultimately, ensuring a reliable supply of electricity “depends on strong grids, resilient supply chains and diverse flexibility resources,” the report stressed.

Mexican state-owned Airports and Auxiliary Services (ASA) will overhaul its jet fuel discount structure from mid-February, a move market participants say will raise fuel logistics costs unevenly across the aviation market.

ASA notified fuel buyers in mid-January that it will revise the volume thresholds required to access discounts on its jet fuel administrative service charge (CSAC), which applies to storage and into-plane services, beginning 15 February, with a more aggressive second phase taking effect on 1 July, according to documents seen by Argus.

While the changes do not involve a headline increase in jet fuel prices, they will materially alter effective operating costs by limiting access to discounts for all but the highest-volume buyers.

The changes disproportionately affect airlines and jet fuel buyers outside Mexico’s three largest carriers. Under the revised structure, participants outside of the top-volume tiers would see their CSAC discounts cut sharply, while a narrow group of top-tier buyers would retain access to materially higher discounts, market participants said.

Mexico’s jet fuel market remains dominated by the government through state-owned Pemex and ASA, which together control fuel supply, storage and into-plane services at most airports nationwide. The CSAC, introduced in July 2024, applies to all companies using ASA’s fuel storage and into-plane infrastructure, making it a mandatory cost for all jet fuel suppliers and buyers operating at Mexican airports.

This structure amplifies the impact of the revised CSAC scheme, as companies have no practical alternatives for jet fuel logistics. The changes could reinforce concentration further down the value chain by favoring a limited group of high-volume buyers, effectively creating a new commercial bottleneck beneath the state-controlled infrastructure layer, according to market sources.

The issue has been raised with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which confirmed it is engaging with ASA over the revised CSAC structure.

“IATA is in contact with ASA on this subject and is advocating on behalf of the industry to ensure that the impact on costs is kept as competitive as possible,” the association said in a statement to Argus.

ASA did not respond to a request for comment.

Discount curve shifts sharply from Feb

Under the current CSAC discount structure, differences across market participants are relatively narrow, but the gap will widen sharply under the first phase of changes in mid-February.

Most jet fuel buyers — including large foreign airlines and private-sector jet fuel suppliers — currently receive discounts ranging from 85-98pc, while the largest buyers qualify for discounts of 99pc, resulting in broadly comparable costs across much of the market.

But from 15 February, discount tiers will tighten, with participants outside the highest volume threshold seeing their discounts fall to around 40pc, while top-tier buyers will retain discounts of 90pc, according to market sources and documents seen by Argus.

The gap widens further under the second phase, effective 1 July.

From July, participants that do not meet the highest volume threshold will receive discounts as low as 20pc, while top-tier buyers will continue to qualify for discounts of 80pc. This would translate into effective CSAC costs up to four times higher for all participants outside the largest buyers.

The companies falling into the lower discount tiers include large foreign airlines, private-sector jet fuel suppliers, regional airlines and private aviation.

Market sources said the revised structure marks a clear difference from the previous model, in which discount gaps existed but remained manageable. Under the new framework, the discount disparity is big enough to create a structural cost disadvantage for some participants.

Regional aviation under pressure

The revised CSAC structure could threaten the viability of regional aviation, as higher fuel logistics costs would further strain an already fragile segment of Mexico’s aviation market, according to market sources.

Regional airlines operate short-haul routes with limited ability to pass higher costs through to fares, making them particularly sensitive to increases in fuel logistics charges. The revised discount thresholds would sharply erode route economics, a source familiar with regional airline operations said.

The impact could even extend to state-owned airline Mexicana de Aviacion, which does not meet the volume thresholds required to access the highest CSAC discounts.

By Antonio Gozain

In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Sinicrope et al found that a tissue-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assay had strong prognostic value in patients receiving FOLFOX (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin)-based adjuvant therapy for stage III colorectal cancer.

Study Details

The study used data from 2,260 evaluable patients with stage III disease receiving FOLFOX-based adjuvant therapy in the phase III Alliance N0147 trial. Plasma samples collected after surgery and before adjuvant FOLFOX alone or with cetuximab were assessed by tissue-free ctDNA assay. In ctDNA-positive patients, tumor fraction (TF) was quantified and genotyping was performed with a 739-gene panel.

Key Findings

Among the 2,260 patients, 461 (20.4%) were ctDNA-positive; significantly higher positivity rates were found among advanced T-/N-stage, high-grade, obstruction/perforation, and BRAF V600E–mutant tumors.

At a median follow-up of 6.1 years, ctDNA positivity was independently associated (all P < .0001) with poorer time to recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.11–6.96), disease-free survival (HR = 5.03, 95% CI = 4.36–5.81), and overall survival (HR = 4.45, 95% CI = 3.76–5.27). For the ctDNA-positive group vs the ctDNA-negative group, 5-year disease-free survival was 27.7% vs 77.1 and 5-year overall survival was 50.4% vs 86.8%. The adverse prognostic impact of ctDNA positivity was greater in lower T/N stage, low-risk, and deficient mismatch repair subgroups (interaction P = .0012–.041).

Among ctDNA-positive patients, TF was approximately twice that in those with recurrence or death (P = .0002), and TN-stratified patients for time to recurrence, disease-free survival, and overall survival (all adjusted P < .002). On genotyping, mutations in FLT1 (odds ratio [OR] = 8.99) and PREX2 (OR = 7.73) were the most strongly associated with recurrence (P < .03).

The investigators concluded: “Evaluation of ctDNA in resected stage III [colorectal cancer] using a tissue-free assay provided robust and independent prognostic value. Higher ctDNA burden, [deficient mismatch repair], and specific mutations defined poor prognostic groups among ctDNA-positive patients.”

Frank A. Sinicrope, MD, of the Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, is the corresponding author for the Journal of Clinical Oncology article.

DISCLOSURE: The study was supported by the Mayo Foundation for Research and Education and Guardant Health, Inc. For full disclosures of the study authors, visit ascopubs.org.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Feb. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reworld™, a leader in sustainable waste solutions, proudly announces the appointment of Mauro Gregorio to its Board of Directors. A longtime executive at Dow Inc. with extensive global leadership and board experience, Gregorio brings a proven track record of supporting growth, strengthening operations and creating long-term value within complex, asset-intensive industries.

“With his extensive leadership background and keen understanding of customer needs across industrial value chains, Mauro will make a meaningful impact on our Board,” said Azeez Mohammed, President and CEO of Reworld™. “We are confident in Mauro’s ability to help us drive profitable growth while advancing the company’s long-term vision of sustainability and innovation.”

Gregorio most recently served as President of Dow’s Performance Materials & Coatings division, with annual sales of approximately $10 billion, delivering material science solutions for infrastructure, transportation, renewable energy, electronics and consumer markets. Earlier in his career, Gregorio held several senior leadership roles spanning more than two decades, including President of Dow Consumer Solutions and Chief Executive Officer of Dow Silicone Corporation where he led the integration of Dow Corning following its acquisition by Dow Chemical.

“Mauro has an impressive history of delivering performance improvements across a diverse set of businesses,” stated Howard Lance, Chairman of the Reworld™ Board of Directors. “He will provide important perspective to our Board and help Reworld™ continue to innovate and lead in the industry.”

“I’m proud to join the Board of Directors at Reworld™,” said Gregorio. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to support the organization’s mission of driving smarter, more sustainable solutions that positively impact people and the environment.”

In addition to his executive leadership background, Gregorio has served on the boards of several public and private companies, including Eagle Materials, Graham Corporation and Radius Recycling, one of North America’s largest manufacturers and exporters of recycled metal products.

About Reworld™ Reworld™ is a leader in sustainable waste solutions, providing innovative and environmentally responsible services to a global community. Reworld™ is committed to advancing zero waste initiatives and supporting sustainability goals through state-of-the-art technologies that reimagine, reduce, reuse, recycle, recover and renew. For more information, visit www.reworldwaste.com.

Media Contacts
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SOURCE Reworld Holding Corporation

Up to $50 Million Strategic Investment to Establish Autonomous Robotics Manufacturing and Offshore Services Hub in the UAE

HOUSTON, Feb. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nauticus Robotics, Inc. (NASDAQ: KITT, “Nauticus”), a developer of autonomous subsea robotics and software solutions for offshore energy and industrial applications, today announced the signing of an agreement for a strategic investment of up to $50 million with Master Investment Group.

The agreement contemplates an initial $3 million investment tranche for Nauticus’ UAE business unit startup activities, with additional capital available to support further expansion. The proposed investment is intended to fund the establishment of Nauticus’ first international manufacturing and offshore robotics services hub in the United Arab Emirates, accelerating global deployment of Nauticus’ Aquanaut^® autonomous subsea robotic platform.

ESTABLISHING A REGIONAL HUB FOR ADVANCED OFFSHORE ROBOTICS
Under the proposed transaction, Nauticus plans to form a dedicated manufacturing, sales, and offshore services business unit in the UAE. Initial facility sites are already under evaluation. Master Investment Group is expected to fund facility development, workforce localization, and initial manufacturing capability, positioning the operation as a regional center for advanced subsea robotics.

Nauticus has already initiated the formation of a local legal entity in the UAE and completed preliminary identification of a potential site for the planned facility. These early actions are intended to accelerate mobilization and reduce time to operational readiness following execution of definitive agreements.

In addition, Master Investment Group has committed to support Nauticus in securing an initial Aquanaut^® deployment contract within the region, leveraging its local relationships and market access to facilitate early commercial adoption of Nauticus’ autonomous subsea technology.

Once operational, the facility is expected to support expanded production of the Aquanaut^® platform, delivery of offshore robotic services across the Middle East and adjacent regions, and future deployment of additional Nauticus robotic and software technologies.

STRATEGIC CAPITAL TO ACCELERATE COMMERCIALIZATION
The proposed collaboration supports Nauticus’ strategy to scale manufacturing, expand international market access, and accelerate revenue-generating offshore services, while leveraging regional investment and infrastructure. For Master Investment Group, the partnership aligns with its objective of positioning the UAE as a regional leader in advanced robotics and industrial automation.

By working together, Nauticus and Master Investment Group plan to bring local job creation, technology sharing, and alignment with national industrial strategies to the region.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY
Sheikh Abdulla Al Qassimi, Managing Director of Master Investment Group, stated, “We are excited to enter into this strategic relationship with Nauticus and to support the establishment of advanced autonomous robotics capabilities in the UAE. This initiative reflects our commitment to attracting world-class technology, building high-value industrial capacity, and positioning the UAE as a regional center for robotics, automation, and next-generation offshore services. We see significant long-term potential in this collaboration, not only for Nauticus’ growth, but for the development of local talent, innovation, and sustainable industrial infrastructure across the UAE.”

John Gibson, President and CEO of Nauticus Robotics, commented, “This proposed investment represents a meaningful step forward in our global growth strategy. Establishing Aquanaut^® manufacturing and offshore services in the UAE allows us to accelerate deployment, reduce delivery timelines, and better serve customers across international markets. Fleet expansion is fundamental to building the company, and this relationship represents an important first milestone toward that objective.”

TRANSACTION STATUS
The proposed transaction remains subject required third-party and governmental approvals. The parties anticipate initial operational capability in 2026, subject to final approvals.

About Nauticus Robotics™
Nauticus Robotics, Inc. develops autonomous robots for the ocean industries. Autonomy requires the extensive use of sensors, artificial intelligence, and effective algorithms for perception and decision allowing the robot to adapt to changing environments. The company’s business model includes using robotic systems for service, selling vehicles and components, and licensing of related software to both the commercial and defense business sectors. Nauticus has designed and is currently testing and certifying a new generation of vehicles to reduce operational cost and gather data to maintain and operate a wide variety of subsea infrastructure. Besides a standalone service offering and forward-facing products, Nauticus’ approach to ocean robotics has also resulted in the development of a range of technology products for retrofit/upgrading traditional ROV operations and other third-party vehicle platforms. Nauticus’ services provide customers with the necessary data collection, analytics, and subsea manipulation capabilities to support and maintain assets while reducing their operational footprint, operating cost, and greenhouse gas emissions, to improve offshore health, safety, and environmental exposure. https://nauticusrobotics.com/

About Master Investment Group
Master Investment Group is a regional investment company headquartered in United Arab Emirates (UAE) offering its clients integrated investment solutions in different kinds of businesses and services. Master Investment Group was established to create a portfolio of investments in various industry sectors to generate a long-term wealth enhancement to the economic field and developments. Through Master Investment Group’s investment strategy, communities are developed that will fit international standards and multinational culture. Master Investment Group will accomplish its mission and goals to satisfy the economic industry and its community by developing activities across the UAE and internationally. https://www.miguae.com/

Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”), and are intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Act as well as protections afforded by other federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: the expected timing of product commercialization or new product releases; customer interest in Nauticus’ products; estimated operating results and use of cash; and Nauticus’ use of and needs for capital. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events, or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by, or include the words “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “plans,” “scheduled,” “anticipates,” “intends,” or “continue” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results, or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Nauticus’ management’s current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. There can be no assurance that the events, results, or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Nauticus is not under any obligation and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports which Nauticus has filed or will file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for a more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and that could cause actual outcomes to be materially different from those indicated in the forward-looking statements made by the Company, in particular the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in documents filed from time to time with the SEC, including Nauticus’ Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2025 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC from time to time. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties, or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated, or expected. The documents filed by Nauticus with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

SOURCE Nauticus Robotics, Inc.