.NET

The head of EDF's UK business has described new gas and oil projects in the United Kingdom as a 'no-brainer', arguing the case for further fossil fuel extraction. The remarks, reported by the Guardian, are likely to fuel debate over the Labour government's energy strategy, its climate commitments, and figures such as Andy Burnham who have pushed for a more interventionist industrial policy.

The head of EDF's UK operations has described new gas and oil projects in the North Sea as a 'no-brainer', arguing domestic production makes sense. The remarks put the energy company's leadership at odds with climate campaigners and add fuel to the ongoing debate over Britain's licensing of new fossil fuel developments amid net zero targets.

Polling from Texas shows that while the oil and gas industry is viewed 20 points more favorably than unfavorably in the state, solar and wind are still far more popular, with renewables enjoying roughly 46 points of net favorability — more than twice that of fossil fuels. Commenters note the irony of a fossil-fuel stronghold embracing clean energy, suggesting political support for oil and gas does not reflect consumer enthusiasm for renewables.

AMD has acquired a startup that uses artificial intelligence to generate 3D worlds, in a deal reported at around R$43 billion (roughly US$8 billion). The move signals AMD's push to expand beyond chips into AI-driven graphics and simulation technology, tightening competition with Nvidia in the fast-growing generative AI and 3D content market.

JLL has arranged a $91.7 million sale-leaseback covering a retail bank branch portfolio across five states. Under the deal, the properties were sold to an investor while the banking tenant continues occupying the branches under long-term leases, freeing capital for the seller while securing income for the buyer. The transaction adds to a steady flow of sale-leaseback activity in net-lease commercial real estate.