Energy Diplomacy: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung wrapped up a five-country push in Frankfurt after summits in Brazil, Chile and Argentina, focusing on AI, critical minerals and energy cooperation; talks with Argentina’s Milei included plans to expand lithium value-chain projects and start regular Argentine crude imports next year to diversify supply beyond the Middle East. Power Reliability: Cuba suffered another grid failure, leaving five of 15 provinces without electricity and worsening an already fragile system hit by fuel shortages. Oil & Markets: Scientists warn that stalled shipping near the Strait of Hormuz could become a global “super-spreader” for invasive marine species when traffic resumes, adding a new risk layer to an oil chokepoint. Venezuela Politics & Energy: Venezuela’s government and opposition agreed to begin transition talks in person next week in Caracas, with quake aid and political rights on the agenda. Renewables Finance (Central America/Caribbean): IRENA invited renewable developers across 19 eligible countries to submit investment-ready projects for potential funding via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Volcanic Risk: Colombia raised Puracé volcano alert from yellow to orange after record seismic activity and gas emissions. Grid/Storage (Colombia): Colombia awarded a clean energy tender including 995MW solar PV and 100MW BESS.