Rio Tinto $RIO, a global mining powerhouse, is currently engaging in discussions with Australian governmental authorities to secure financial assistance for its pivotal asset, the Tomago aluminum plant. Located in New South Wales, Tomago is renowned as the largest electricity consumer in the region, drawing approximately 12% of the state's energy supply. As reported by the Australian Financial Review, the negotiations center around securing energy contracts for 2026-2029 and exploring potential federal government tax concessions.

A new wave of energy concerns has emerged related to data centers located just outside of Washington, D.C. The recent shutdown of 60 of these data centers has not only caught the attention of local energy companies but also of federal regulators. The magnitude of the issue and its potential consequences for the entire energy system in the region warrant a thorough analysis.