The 20 projects have a combined capacity to generate 530 megawatts of clean energy

The largest ever number of renewable energy projects in Wales to be awarded guaranteed prices for energy generated through a UK Government auction has been confirmed. The 20 projects, with a capacity to produce more than 530 megawatts of green electricity and which range from solar to tidal and onshore wind, can now move to the delivery stage.

They have received contract for difference (CfD) awards in the latest auction (allocation round 7) from the Westminster government. They consist of five onshore wind, 12 solar and three tidal energy projects. A CfD is a contractual guarantee for the price of the electricity generated to ensure commercial viability. If market prices rise there is a claw back mechanism for the government. Wales secured 99.65% of all the tidal funding available.

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First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I am delighted these projects have been successful in the latest auction round. As well as meeting vital targets to reduce carbon, onshore wind and tidal energy bring major economic benefits and high-quality jobs to Wales. The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring Wales is at the forefront of the green energy revolution.”

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said: “We know how important clarity and certainty are for developers, which is why we are working hard to speed up the planning process for major infrastructure projects. Our new legislation and our investment in capacity building is already making a difference.”

The onshore wind farm projects receiving CfDs include Bute Energy’s 94 megawatt Twyn Hywel Energy Park in Caerphilly. It will consist of 14 wind turbines, which at capacity could power 84,000 homes. Work is expected to start in the spring. Its is the largest onshore wind farm on capacity awarded a CfD in the latest round.

Martin Chown, interim chief executive of Bute Energy, said: “Securing a contract for Twyn Hywel Energy Park is a landmark moment for Bute Energy and our first project to enter the auction.

Onshore wind is one of the UK’s cheapest sources of renewable power and offers exceptional value for billpayers. Wales’ improved performance in this auction shows the depth of appetite from developers, investors and governments to realise the nation’s energy potential.

“With a strong partnership between industry and the Welsh Government, energy security can go hand-in-hand with transformational investment in jobs, local businesses and community benefits across Wales.”

On the onshore wind farms securing CfDs Jessica Hooper, director of RenewableUK Cymru, said: “This result is a much needed, and very welcome, breakthrough for onshore wind in Wales, and a clear sign that the sector is ready to move again after years of stalled progress.

“However, this must be the start of a sustained recovery. Wales is still constrained by limited grid capacity, particularly in mid-Wales, and a planning system that has suffered historically from under investment and understaffing. These barriers make it difficult to catch up and deliver a steady pipeline of projects eligible for UK auctions.”

The tidal schemes in the auction include a further award of 10MW to HydroWing Tidal Energy Projects – part of Inyanga Marine Energy Group – for its Ynni’r Lleuad scheme at Morlais off the coast of Anglesey.

The additional capacity builds on the 20MW already awarded to HydroWing through earlier rounds of CfD and under development. It represents a major step forward in the industrialisation of tidal energy in Anglesey.

The phase three project is scheduled for delivery in 2030 and will make it the largest tidal energy project in the world.

The first HydroWing device is scheduled for deployment at Morlais in 2027 as part of phase one.

Richard Parkinson, chief executive of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, said: “This latest award allows us to focus on economies of scale and drive momentum towards delivering clean and stable power to the grid in Anglesey at an industrial scale.

“The award enables us to drive costs down while unlocking the investment necessary to make this project a reality. Our team is working extremely hard with our supply chain and investment partners as we ramp up manufacturing and move towards delivery.”

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said: “Wales is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution and today’s results have delivered a record-breaking number of new solar and onshore wind projects for Wales.

“This follows the recent announcement of a contract for Awel y Môr fixed offshore wind farm in North Wales, and Erebus floating offshore wind farm off the coast of Pembrokeshire and shows that renewable energy is delivering good well-paid jobs in every part of Wales, helping to grow our economy and drive down household bills.”

Popular professions in the USA

Currently, the most popular professions in the USA, and indeed worldwide, are dominated by fields such as doctors, programmers, data scientists, engineers, and service sector staff. Recognizing this, students strive to gain in-depth knowledge in these high-demand areas while still in high school. US high schools have developed advanced educational programs that allow international students to study disciplines of interest at a level comparable to that of university.

Every child dreams of a bright future working in a prestigious company with a high salary. This dream can become a reality if students proactively analyze the labor market to identify in-demand professions that align with their interests and abilities. In the USA and around the world, there is currently a shortage of IT specialists due to the rapidly expanding IT sector and the emergence of new specialties.

“We understand the importance of effective preparation for enrollment in top universities to secure popular professions that guarantee market demand. That’s why we work closely with US high schools to provide our clients with comprehensive information about educational programs and prospects after graduation,” said Nick Vorotny, co-founder of Smapse Education agency.

For instance, North Broward Preparatory School has developed an interdisciplinary STEAM program in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to ensure graduates’ competitiveness in admission to the world’s best universities and successful career building. NBPS students participate in practical classes at MIT in subjects such as programming, engineering, robotics, and design, while NBPS teachers attend training seminars alongside leading researchers. The school’s FabLab provides students with the opportunity to create prototypes using cutting-edge tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and vinyl cutters. With 117 Apple-certified teachers and 17 Google-certified teachers, NBPS offers students access to the latest technologies for individualized instruction, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge for in-demand professions.

Similarly, Leman Manhattan Preparatory School acknowledges the global demand for IT specialists across various industries such as banking, telecommunications, finance, and e-commerce. The school offers specialized programs in computer graphics, digital video, and other technological disciplines. State-of-the-art equipment, including laptops, multimedia projectors, and interactive whiteboards, further enhance the school’s commitment to providing high-tech education.

To meet the demands of the international job market, it is crucial to carefully explore the programs and opportunities offered by US high schools. Without professional guidance, navigating these options can be challenging.

“Our team of experienced experts provides consultancy and assistance services to students and parents worldwide. With our support, they successfully enroll in US high schools. Our team consists of experts with deep knowledge of educational systems, visa regulations, language requirements, and cultural nuances of various countries,” added the spokesperson.

Secondary education plays a significant role in shaping future careers. Schools that adapt their educational programs to meet the requirements of the labor market provide students with comprehensive and effective preparation. Modern equipment, tailored courses, and in-depth study of relevant disciplines contribute to the academic readiness of students. The wide array of popular professions available offers ample opportunities for prestigious higher education and successful career paths for graduates.

Shares of textile majors such as Gokaldas Exports, Pearl Global, Kitex Garments, Arvind Fashions and KPR Mill, among others, tumbled up to 6% on Wednesday, extending losses for a second straight session after neighbouring Bangladesh signed a trade agreement with the U.S., securing a reduced 19% tariff and exemptions on select textiles and garments made using materials sourced from the country.

Under the agreement, textiles manufactured in Bangladesh using U.S.-produced cotton and man-made fibre will attract zero reciprocal tariffs in the U.S. market. The development is being viewed as negative for Indian manufacturers, as it could intensify competitive pressures.

However, domestic brokerage JM Financial sought to calm investor nerves, noting that Bangladesh has always been, and was expected to remain, competitive in textile exports, and that these tariff tweaks do not materially alter the broader competitive landscape.

Further, the list of ‘certain items’ eligible for exemptions is not yet in the public domain. “India too enjoys the benefit of significantly lower tariffs if the total usage of U.S. cotton in the product is at least 20% of the mix. For example, in a $10 product, if India uses U.S. cotton worth $2, then tariffs are payable only on $8, and this exemption increases with higher use of U.S. cotton,” analysts explained.

Also read: Risk-on trade back? Smallcap stocks rally up to 28% in 2026, but market breadth stays weak

The real talking point, experts note, is a proposed mechanism under which select Bangladeshi textile and apparel exports could qualify for zero duty if they are linked to the use of U.S. textile inputs such as cotton and man-made fibre (MMF). However, the benefit is expected to be product-specific, subject to volume caps, and remains pending detailed implementation rules. India already follows a somewhat comparable framework, where greater use of U.S. cotton lowers the dutiable value of exports, effectively reducing the overall tariff burden.
The White House said Bangladesh will also ease non-tariff barriers by accepting U.S. vehicle safety and emissions standards, recognising U.S. Food and Drug Administration certifications, and removing import restrictions on remanufactured goods.The overall U.S. tariff rate on Bangladeshi exports has meanwhile been reduced to 19%, slightly higher than India’s 18% rate. “The agreement will provide U.S. and Bangladeshi exporters unprecedented access to each other’s respective markets. The agreement will build upon our longstanding economic relationship,” the two countries said in a joint statement.

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

RSM advised on deal for Spark Medical and Medi 4 Ambulance Services

Hundreds of jobs at a cash-strapped ambulance services group have been saved after a pre-pack deal.

RSM advised on the deal to rescue the operations of Spark Medical and Medi 4 Ambulance Services, which will save more than 375 jobs and secure the services the companies provide to the NHS.

Spark Medical, based in Bromborough, Wirral, provides independent ambulance services and event medical cover across the UK. It employs 97 directly, alongside many subcontractors, and operates up to 50 medical vehicles a day.

Last August, Spark Medical bought West Sussex-based Medi 4 Ambulance Services, which offers patient transport services across the south of the UK.

RSM said: “The combined business has recently faced increased cost commitments and ongoing capital expenditure alongside a reduction in revenue, creating pressures on cash flow.”

That led to a creditors’ administration application on January 19, with Lee Lockwood and James Miller of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory serving as proposed administrators.

They identified a buyer for the two businesses and completed the pre-pack sale on February 6. The buyer has not yet been named, and BusinessLive has contacted RSM for more information.

Lee Lockwood, restructuring advisory partner at RSM said: “The pre-pack sale of Spark Medical Limited and Medi 4 Ambulance Services Limited ensures the continued operations of a large NHS supplier.

“The deal carries significant implications in terms of maintaining public health services and the resilience of local health services, as well as a substantial number of jobs. It marks a positive outcome for the business, its employees and subcontractors and the wider community.”

The most recent abridged accounts for Spark Medical, for the year to March 2024, show the company reported fixed assets of £2.2m, up from £1.9m the year before. Shareholders funds stood at £911k, down from £965k the year before.

The Companies House profile for Spark Medical, not yet updated to reflect the pre-pack deal, shows a Trafford Park company called “Forbidden Festival Europe Master Ltd” had “significant control” over Spark Medical.

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty ended largely flat on Wednesday, with the 30-share Sensex snapping its three-day gaining streak, while Nifty managed to close marginally higher. The subdued close came amid a sharp selloff in IT stocks, with heavyweights such as TCS, Persistent and Infosys tumbling up to 3%.

The BSE Sensex ended 40 points lower to close the session at 84,234 or 0.05% in the red, while the Nifty 50 gained 19 points or 0.07% points to end the day at 25,954.

Expert views

“Indian benchmark indices traded in a narrow and choppy range after opening on a positive note. Volatility remained contained, and the broader undertone continued to stay constructive. Steady domestic institutional participation, selective earnings-driven buying and signs of stabilising FII flows are providing structural support to the market,” Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money said.

However, the upside remains capped in the absence of a decisive breakout or fresh positive triggers. Sectoral trends were mixed, with banking, auto and healthcare stocks posting strong gains, while IT witnessed broad-based selling pressure, emerging as a key drag on the benchmark indices. Stability in the USD/INR pair is offering macro comfort and helping avert any sharp risk-off reaction. Overall, sentiment remains cautiously optimistic—resilient beneath the surface, yet awaiting a stronger directional catalyst, he added.

Global Markets

European equities edged lower on Wednesday as investors digested a fresh wave of corporate earnings. The pan-European Stoxx 600 was down about 0.2%, with most major regional markets trading in the red. London’s FTSE 100 bucked the broader trend, rising 0.3% as risk-off sentiment pushed investors toward defensive mining and energy stocks.

Global markets are also focused on the U.S. January nonfarm payrolls data. Asia, equities moved modestly higher despite weaker-than-expected Chinese inflation data.
Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures edged up late Tuesday ahead of the delayed jobs report. S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures each gained around 0.2%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose about 85 points, or nearly 0.2%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ January payrolls report was postponed due to the partial U.S. government shutdown that ended on Feb. 3.

Crude impact

Oil prices advanced on Wednesday, supported by rising geopolitical risk as U.S.-Iran talks remained fragile, while improving demand signals from India also helped ease concerns around a potential supply surplus.
Brent crude futures climbed 57 cents, or 0.83%, to $69.37 a barrel by 0711 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 56 cents, or 0.88%, to $64.52.

“Oil retains a bullish tail-risk bid as U.S.-Iran talks continue but remain delicate, keeping the Strait of Hormuz risk premium elevated amid ongoing sanctions pressure, tariff threats linked to Iranian trade and a heightened U.S. military presence in the region,” LSEG analysts said in a report.

Rupee vs Dollar

The Indian rupee ended 0.1% lower at 90.70 per U.S. dollar on Wednesday, compared with its previous close of 90.5775.

(With inputs from agencies)

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Jaelin Kauf didn’t just ski; she attacked. On a day where the defending Olympic champion, Jakara Anthony, faltered under the immense pressure of the Italian Alps, Kauf remained a picture of technical violence and speed. Clocking the fastest time of the day at 24.88 seconds, Kauf’s aggressive line through the bumps and her signature “cork 720” aerial secured her a score of 80.77, second only to her teammate’s historic gold-medal run.

With this performance, Kauf becomes the first American woman to win back-to-back Olympic silver medals in moguls. Here are 10 essential facts you need to know about Jaelin Kauf’s incredible journey and today’s historic victory.

1. The 2026 Silver Medal & The “U.S. Sweep”

Today’s final in Livigno was the first time in Olympic history that two American women finished in the top two spots in freestyle skiing. Kauf’s silver, paired with Elizabeth Lemley’s gold, cemented a new era of American dominance. Despite being the veteran of the team, Kauf’s raw speed remained unmatched, forcing her younger rivals to push their technical limits just to keep pace.

2. Back-to-Back Olympic Silver (2022 & 2026)

Kauf has now matched her Silver Medal from the Beijing 2022 Games. In Beijing, she was the first American to medal in those Games, breaking a long drought for the U.S. moguls team. Her consistency across two vastly different Olympic cycles—one defined by COVID-19 isolation and the other by the roaring crowds of Italy—proves she is a generational talent.

3. “Robo-Kauf” Genetics: Born into Ski Royalty

Jaelin’s prowess is in her blood. Her parents, Scott Kauf and Patti Sherman-Kauf, were both professional mogul champions in the 1980s and 90s. Scott, nicknamed “Robo-Kauf” for his mechanical precision, was a five-time World Pro Mogul Tour champion. Patti was a three-time champion and an X-Games medalist in skicross. Unlike the Beijing Games, her parents were in the stands today in Livigno to watch her take silver in person.

4. The Fastest Woman on the World Cup Circuit

Kauf is universally recognized as the fastest woman on the moguls circuit. While many skiers focus on “absorbing” bumps to stay technical, Kauf “skis like a sprinter.” Her ability to maintain control while carrying unprecedented speed into the bottom air section is what separates her from the field and makes her the “time-score” benchmark for every competition.

5. The Dominant 2024–2025 “Triple Crown” Season

Leading up to these Olympics, Kauf had the best season of her career. In 2025, she became the first American since Hannah Kearney (2015) to win all three FIS Crystal Globes: the Moguls globe, the Dual Moguls globe, and the Overall Freestyle globe. She won 8 of 16 World Cup events last season, doubling her career win total in a single calendar year.

6. 2025 Dual Moguls World Champion

In March 2025, Kauf finally broke her “silver streak” at major championships by winning the Gold Medal in Dual Moguls at the FIS Freestyle World Championships in St. Moritz. This victory established her as the heavy favorite for the newest Olympic discipline.

7. Education: The University of Utah

While competing at the highest level, Kauf has been pursuing a degree in Environmental and Sustainable Studies at the University of Utah. She has used her platform to advocate for climate action through organizations like Protect Our Winters, highlighting the direct threat rising temperatures pose to the mountain communities she calls home.

8. The “Deliver the Love” Philosophy

Glued to the back of Kauf’s helmet is her personal motto: “Deliver the Love.” It serves as a reminder to prioritize the joy of skiing over the crushing pressure of the podium. After her run today, she embraced Elizabeth Lemley, personifying the mentorship and sportsmanship she has brought to the U.S. Ski Team for over a decade.

9. Technical Mastery: The Signature Cork 720

In today’s final, Kauf’s “top air” was a high-consequence cork 720 (two full rotations while off-axis), a trick that once gave her trouble in earlier qualifiers. Her ability to nail the landing and immediately transition back into a high-speed mogul line is why she remains a “judging favorite” for both air and turns.

10. The Mission Isn’t Over: Dual Moguls Debut

While the individual event is finished, Jaelin Kauf’s 2026 Olympic story has one chapter left. On Saturday, February 14, she will compete in the Olympic debut of Dual Moguls. As the reigning World Champion in this head-to-head format, Kauf is the odds-on favorite to finally secure the one thing missing from her trophy case: Olympic Gold.

Milano Cortina 2026: Women’s Moguls Final Results (Feb 11)