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6 May 2026, 15:45

Microsoft could abandon 2030 clean energy for AI data centers target

Microsoft is reconsidering its 2030 goal of ensuring all its data centers are powered via renewable, clean energy, as the financial and energy costs of building AI infrastructure strain climate commitments made before the current arms race began. The company’s internal discussions center on whether to delay or abandon its “100/100/0” target, an initiative announced in 2021 that pledged to match 100% of its electricity consumption, 100% of the time, with zero-carbon energy in a bid to fully rely on renewable energy for its data centers.No final decision has been made by the company; however, it is no surprise that this is being considered, as the costs of AI services have continued to ramp up in the last year. Why Microsoft could abandon its pledge The tension is straightforward: Microsoft , Amazon, and Alphabet are collectively spending hundreds of billions of dollars to build more data center capacity for AI services. Some of those facilities are expected to consume multiple gigawatts of power, with a single gigawatt sufficient to power approximately 750,000 U.S. homes .Microsoft has been adding approximately one gigawatt of data center capacity every three months. That pace makes the proposed hour-by-hour renewable matching far more expensive and logistically difficult than the annual matching target the company already meets. The hourly commitment was always considered a stretch internally, according to people familiar with the program.Carbon emissions across the sector are moving in the wrong direction. In their most recent sustainability reports, Meta, Alphabet’s Google, Amazon, and Microsoft disclosed emissions increases of 64%, 51%, and similarly steep figures .“In the race to get data centres up and running as soon as possible, clean energy targets are out of the window,” said Alexia Kelly, former director of net zero and nature at Netflix and now managing director of the carbon policy and markets initiative at High Tide Foundation, “Gas seems to be the fuel of choice.” Why natural gas reigns supreme The growing reliance on natural gas to power AI infrastructure represents a direct trade-off against climate targets. Industry executives have argued that gas is faster and easier to deploy than renewables .Microsoft has pursued nuclear energy as one alternative, agreeing in 2024 to a power deal with Constellation Energy to help restart a unit of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania. But nuclear projects operate on long timelines, and the demand for AI compute is accelerating significantly in the present.Microsoft continues to invest in data center expansion globally. In April, the company announced a set-aside $329 million for cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities in South Africa, including improvements in energy and water readiness. The contrast between these ongoing investments and the potential backsliding on commitments to clean, renewable energy points to a priority shift across the tech sector: ensuring power supply first, before worrying about its source. Kenya Microsoft project suspension signals real-world limits The energy strain from AI services is not theoretical. Kenya suspended a $1 billion data center project backed by Microsoft and UAE-based G42 after President William Ruto determined the country lacked sufficient power capacity to support it .Kenya’s installed electricity capacity sits at roughly 3,000 megawatts. The proposed facility, planned for a site about 100 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, would have required approximately a third of that supply. “To switch on that one data centre, we would need to shut off power for half the country. That’s when I knew there was a problem,” Ruto said.The project, first announced during Ruto’s state visit to Washington in May 2024, was intended to run largely on geothermal energy and deliver Azure cloud services to businesses and government institutions. A concept note prepared by Kenya’s technology ministry failed to receive funding clearance from the National Treasury, effectively halting progress. By August 2025, more unfruitful meetings between Kenyan officials and Microsoft executives signaled the project would miss its original May 2026 completion date. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

6 May 2026, 15:15

Trump sees high probability of Iran deal but warns bombing will resume without agreement

BitcoinWorld Trump sees high probability of Iran deal but warns bombing will resume without agreement U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he sees a very high probability of reaching a negotiated agreement with Iran, while simultaneously warning that military bombing campaigns would resume if talks collapse. The dual message, delivered during a press briefing at the White House, underscores the high-stakes diplomatic pressure surrounding renewed nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Background of the renewed diplomatic push The current round of talks, which began in April in Vienna, marks the first direct U.S.-Iran negotiations since Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. Since then, Iran has accelerated its uranium enrichment program, surpassing pre-2015 levels. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported in March that Iran now possesses enough enriched material for multiple nuclear devices, though U.S. intelligence assessments indicate no weaponization decision has been made. Trump’s statement reflects a calculated negotiating tactic: offering a clear diplomatic path while maintaining the credible threat of military force. This approach mirrors his administration’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign, which combined crippling economic sanctions with the threat of military action to compel concessions from Tehran. What a deal would require Any agreement would likely require Iran to roll back its enrichment program to JCPOA limits, submit to enhanced IAEA inspections, and cease support for proxy forces in the region. In exchange, the U.S. would lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports, unfreeze billions in frozen assets, and provide guarantees against regime change. However, significant obstacles remain. Iran has demanded that the U.S. provide legally binding guarantees that a future administration cannot unilaterally withdraw from any new agreement — a direct response to Trump’s 2018 withdrawal. The Trump administration has so far resisted such guarantees, arguing they would constrain U.S. sovereignty. Market and geopolitical implications The diplomatic uncertainty is already affecting global markets. Oil prices have remained volatile, with Brent crude fluctuating between $75 and $85 per barrel this month, as traders price in the possibility of both a sanctions relief-driven supply increase and a conflict-driven supply disruption. Iran currently exports approximately 1.5 million barrels per day, mostly to China, but sanctions relief could add another 1 million barrels to global markets. For investors, the situation presents a binary risk: a deal would likely lower oil prices and ease Middle East tensions, benefiting sectors like airlines and shipping. A breakdown and renewed bombing, however, could spike oil prices above $100 per barrel, disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and trigger broader regional instability. Regional reactions and strategic calculations Israel has publicly opposed any deal that leaves Iran with nuclear enrichment capabilities, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling for a complete dismantling of Iran’s program. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have privately signaled they would accept a verifiable agreement that prevents a nuclear arms race in the region. European allies, who have maintained diplomatic channels with both sides, are pushing for a compromise that addresses Iran’s ballistic missile program and regional activities — issues excluded from the original JCPOA. France and Germany have warned that a military escalation would destabilize the entire Middle East and potentially trigger a new refugee crisis. Conclusion Trump’s dual message of diplomatic optimism paired with military threat reflects a high-risk, high-reward strategy. The coming weeks will be critical: if talks fail, the U.S. has signaled it is prepared to resume bombing campaigns targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. If they succeed, it would represent one of the most significant diplomatic achievements in the region in decades. For now, the world watches as the clock ticks toward an uncertain outcome. FAQs Q1: What is the current status of Iran’s nuclear program? Iran is enriching uranium to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels, and has enough material for multiple nuclear devices according to IAEA reports. No weaponization has been confirmed. Q2: Why is Trump threatening bombing while also saying a deal is likely? This is a classic negotiating tactic known as ‘madman theory’ — maintaining a credible threat of force to pressure the other side into concessions while offering a diplomatic off-ramp. Q3: How would a deal or conflict affect oil prices? A deal could add 1 million barrels per day to global supply, lowering prices. A conflict could spike oil above $100 per barrel due to supply disruption and regional instability. This post Trump sees high probability of Iran deal but warns bombing will resume without agreement first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

6 May 2026, 15:10

Trump Signals Iran Deal Is Near, Downplays Role for Key Envoys

BitcoinWorld Trump Signals Iran Deal Is Near, Downplays Role for Key Envoys President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States is nearing a diplomatic agreement with Iran, while simultaneously signaling that two of his prominent envoys—Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and former advisor Jared Kushner—are unlikely to be dispatched to lead the negotiations. The remarks, reported by PBS, offer a fresh glimpse into the administration’s evolving strategy toward Tehran. A Shift in Diplomatic Strategy Trump’s comments suggest a potential departure from the high-profile, personal diplomacy that has characterized some of his administration’s previous foreign policy moves. By downplaying the roles of Witkoff and Kushner, the President may be signaling a preference for a more traditional, back-channel approach, or perhaps a desire to keep the negotiations within a tighter, more controlled circle. The exact reasons for this shift remain unclear, but it could reflect a calculation that a less publicized process might yield a more durable agreement. Background and Implications The U.S. and Iran have been locked in a tense standoff over Tehran’s nuclear program and regional influence for years. Trump’s previous administration withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reimposing sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy. The current negotiations, if successful, could represent a major diplomatic breakthrough, potentially easing tensions and reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Why This Matters to Readers For investors, energy markets, and anyone tracking global stability, a U.S.-Iran deal could have significant ripple effects. An agreement might lead to the lifting of sanctions, increasing global oil supply and potentially lowering energy prices. For the broader public, a successful deal could reduce the risk of military conflict in a volatile region. The exclusion of Witkoff and Kushner also raises questions about the internal dynamics of the administration and who will ultimately shape the final terms of any agreement. Conclusion While President Trump’s optimism about a deal is notable, his decision to sideline key envoys adds a layer of uncertainty to the process. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the administration’s new approach can deliver a tangible agreement with Iran, or if the negotiations will stall. The world will be watching closely. FAQs Q1: Why is Trump downplaying the roles of Witkoff and Kushner? The President’s exact reasoning is not public, but it may reflect a strategic shift toward a more discreet or controlled negotiation process, or a change in the administration’s internal hierarchy regarding Iran policy. Q2: What is the current status of U.S.-Iran relations? Relations remain strained after the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA and the imposition of sanctions. However, recent signals from both sides suggest a renewed interest in diplomacy, with Trump now stating a deal is imminent. Q3: How could a deal with Iran affect the global economy? A successful deal could lead to the removal of sanctions on Iranian oil, increasing global supply and potentially lowering crude oil prices. This could benefit consumers and energy-dependent industries, but may also disrupt the strategies of other major oil producers. This post Trump Signals Iran Deal Is Near, Downplays Role for Key Envoys first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

6 May 2026, 15:05

EUR/JPY Slides as Yen Intervention Fears Counteract ECB Hawkish Bets

BitcoinWorld EUR/JPY Slides as Yen Intervention Fears Counteract ECB Hawkish Bets The EUR/JPY currency pair extended its decline on Tuesday, pressured by a strengthening Japanese yen as market participants priced in a rising risk of official intervention by Tokyo authorities. The move comes despite growing expectations that the European Central Bank (ECB) will maintain its tightening stance, highlighting the competing forces currently shaping the pair. Yen Strength on Intervention Watch The yen gained ground after Japanese officials, including Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki, reiterated their readiness to take appropriate action against excessive currency volatility. Traders interpreted the comments as a clear warning that the government may step in to support the yen if it weakens further, particularly against the dollar and euro. This verbal intervention has historically triggered short-term yen buying, as seen in late 2022 when Tokyo actually intervened in the market. The threat of direct market action has added a layer of uncertainty for EUR/JPY traders, who must now weigh fundamental drivers against the risk of sudden, large-scale yen purchases by the Bank of Japan on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. ECB Tightening Expectations Remain Firm On the euro side, recent comments from ECB policymakers have reinforced the view that interest rates may need to rise further to bring inflation under control. Governing Council members have pointed to persistent price pressures in services and wages as justification for continued tightening, even as the euro zone economy shows signs of slowing. However, the hawkish ECB outlook has so far failed to lift the euro against the yen, as intervention fears dominate near-term sentiment. This divergence creates a tactical challenge for traders: the fundamental backdrop supports euro strength, but the political risk of yen intervention caps upside potential. What This Means for Traders The current environment suggests that EUR/JPY may remain range-bound in the near term, with intervention risk acting as a ceiling on yen weakness and ECB expectations providing a floor under the euro. Traders should monitor Japanese official commentary closely, as any escalation in language could trigger another leg lower in the pair. Conversely, a lack of concrete action may allow the euro to regain ground once intervention fears fade. Key levels to watch include the 158.00 support zone and the 162.00 resistance area. A break below support could accelerate losses toward 155.00, while a move above resistance would signal that intervention fears have receded. Conclusion The EUR/JPY decline reflects a classic clash between monetary policy expectations and political risk. While the ECB remains committed to fighting inflation, the yen is drawing strength from intervention threats rather than domestic fundamentals. For now, the pair is likely to remain sensitive to headlines from Tokyo, with traders advised to exercise caution and use appropriate risk management given the potential for sudden, sharp moves. FAQs Q1: What is currency intervention and why does it affect EUR/JPY? Currency intervention occurs when a central bank or finance ministry buys or sells its own currency to influence its exchange rate. For EUR/JPY, Japanese intervention to support the yen would involve selling foreign reserves (like euros) to buy yen, directly weakening the pair. Q2: How does ECB tightening impact the euro? When the ECB raises interest rates or signals future hikes, it typically strengthens the euro by attracting capital inflows seeking higher yields. This fundamental support is currently being overshadowed by yen intervention risks. Q3: Should retail traders avoid trading EUR/JPY during intervention risks? Not necessarily, but traders should reduce position sizes, set wider stops, and stay informed about official statements. Intervention can cause rapid, unpredictable price moves that may trigger stop-losses or slippage. This post EUR/JPY Slides as Yen Intervention Fears Counteract ECB Hawkish Bets first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

6 May 2026, 15:00

The Biggest XRP Treasury Company Is Adopting A New Strategy, Here’s What It Is

XRP treasury firm Evernorth’s CEO, Asheesh Birla, has explained how his company differs from other digital asset treasuries (DATs). He stated that they intend to actively generate yields for investors as soon as they list on the Nasdaq under the ticker ‘XRPN.’ Evernorth CEO Comments On How The XRP Treasury Company Stands Out During an interview on the Paul Barron Network, Birla said that Evernorth is an easy way for institutions to get exposure to XRP and that they are an active digital asset treasury . He explained that when they finalize their public listing, they will generate yields, which is what their active treasury management system will focus on. It is worth noting that the XRP treasury company is currently among the stakeholders in the XRP community pushing for the XLS-66 amendment , which will enable an institutional lending protocol from which investors can earn yields. The Evernorth CEO also commented on potential products from his company that could be similar to Strategy’s Bitcoin-backed security, Stretch. He opined that there would be several use cases for companies like Evernorth , Strategy, and other digital asset treasuries. Although he didn’t mention a particular product his company is working on, Birla noted that there is an “ocean of opportunities” to explore and move into. As for what makes his company the leading XRP treasury, he noted that there hadn’t been a breakaway success before they launched. Birla opined that the XRP ecosystem needs a company like Evernorth to bring traditional capital on-chain. He added that many institutions would never hold crypto, but they could get comfortable gaining XRP exposure through a stock like XRPN. The Evernorth CEO also expressed excitement about the on-chain products being built in the XRP ecosystem, especially as they relate to DeFi. Evernorth To List With Up To 473 Million XRP On Its Balance Sheet The company’s latest SEC filing shows that it plans to launch with corporate XRP holdings of at least 473 million at closing. This includes 126.8 million XRP that Ripple contributed to the company as part of its primary backers. The XRP treasury revealed that it had also purchased 84.3 million XRP using $214 million in aggregate cash proceeds from a funding agreement. It purchased these tokens at an average price of $2.5 per XRP. Ahead of the public listing, Evernoth has also unveiled four directors who are expected to join the board once the business combination closes. These directors include Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer (CLO) Stuart Alderoty , OpenAI Foundation’s CFO Robert Kaiden, Ted Janus, and Antalpha COO Dr. Derar Islim. At the time of writing, the XRP price is trading at around $1.41, up in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

6 May 2026, 14:42

Ripple CLO Joins Evernorth Board, Strengthening XRP Treasury Power Play

Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty Joins Evernorth Board as XRP Treasury Strategy Gains Momentum Evernorth Holdings is sharpening its institutional focus with the appointment of Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, among four new board members joining its leadership team. Well, this move underscores a deliberate push to strengthen governance as the Nevada-based firm advances its strategy at the intersection of traditional capital markets and on-chain finance. The company, which is preparing for a potential Nasdaq listing under the ticker XRPN, says the expanded board is built to support a public-market structure that requires both regulatory discipline and deep digital asset expertise. Evernorth CEO Asheesh Birla said the aim is to bring together leaders with the institutional credibility needed to navigate a financial landscape where securities law and crypto regulation are increasingly converging. Alderoty brings over 40 years of legal and regulatory experience across leading U.S. financial institutions. Since joining Ripple as Chief Legal Officer in 2019, he has been instrumental in steering the company’s global legal strategy through sustained scrutiny of digital assets. He also became President of the National Cryptocurrency Association in 2025, adding to a career that includes senior legal roles at CIT Group, HSBC North America Holdings, and American Express, where he built deep expertise in both regulatory frameworks and institutional finance. His addition is expected to strengthen Evernorth’s compliance framework and elevate its influence in ongoing policy discussions as it expands its XRP-focused operations at an institutional scale. Evernorth’s $656M XRP Treasury Signals a New Institutional Era for Crypto-Backed Public Companies Evernorth’s strategy is attracting growing attention, largely due to the size of its digital asset position. The firm holds over 473 million XRP in treasury reserves, valued at about $656 million, making it one of the largest XRP-focused treasury entities ahead of its planned Nasdaq listing. Evernorth recently stated about XRP’s tightening supply, given that exchange outflows were at multi-year high. More notably, the firm reflects a broader shift in how digital assets are being structured for institutional access. Instead of a traditional crypto fund, it is building a corporate treasury model that embeds XRP directly into its balance sheet while still adhering to public market transparency standards. The addition of seasoned legal and financial executives underscores a clear push to reduce regulatory uncertainty as demand for crypto-linked equity vehicles grows. With substantial XRP reserves and plans for a public listing, Evernorth is positioning itself as a notable bridge between traditional capital markets and blockchain-based assets.