Global Energy Shifts: Nuclear Test in Kansas, Federal-State Clash, Colombia Election

A prototype reactor canister has arrived at a site in Kansas, marking a key step for a novel nuclear energy project. According to OilPrice.com, California-based startup Deep Fission plans to test a small modular reactor buried a mile underground, using pressurized water from the surrounding geology for cooling and pressure. The company claims this "gravity reactor" design could cut operational costs by up to 80% compared to conventional nuclear plants. Mark Pérès, Deep Fission's Chief Nuclear Officer, stated the delivery allows the company to move into non-nuclear testing ahead of large-diameter drilling at the Kansas site.

Meanwhile, a political conflict over energy is escalating between California and the Trump administration. OilPrice.com reports that President Trump has criticized California's push for renewables and supported fossil fuel expansion, declaring an "energy emergency" in January 2025. California Governor Gavin Newsom has defended the state's progress, noting it ran on two-thirds clean energy on nine out of ten days in 2025 and has added 30.8 GW of clean energy and battery storage since 2019. The federal government has moved to assess the California Coastal Commission after it refused a SpaceX request and has accused the state of "environmental terrorism."

In South America, Colombia's presidential election could signal a reversal for its declining oil and gas sector. OilPrice.com reports that controversial far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella narrowly won a recount, with his opponent conceding. De la Espriella's platform aims to revive Colombia's economy, targeting 7% GDP growth, with a focus on resuscitating the oil and gas industry. The country's production has fallen sharply; April 2026 oil output was 724,910 barrels per day, down from 915,087 barrels per day a decade earlier. Natural gas production has also dropped to near multidecade lows, driving increased LNG imports and contributing to inflation.

These global developments present a mixed landscape for Bakken operators. The testing of radical, cost-cutting nuclear technology in a neighboring Plains state underscores the competitive pressure from alternative, always-on power sources, which could influence future energy economics. The federal-state clash highlights the regulatory uncertainty surrounding U.S. energy policy, where federal support for fossil fuels contrasts with state-level decarbonization drives. Finally, a potential revival of oil and gas investment in Colombia could attract capital and attention, possibly impacting global investment flows, though North Dakota's operational efficiency and regulatory stability remain key advantages.