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US national emergency over power grid technology

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2026-08-27 07:35 UTC → 2026-08-27 07:47 UTC · added ~~removed~~

President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency to prohibit the use of specific foreign technologies within the United States power grid. The executive order bans the purchase, import, transfer, or installation of foreign-made electrical equipment, critical software, and digital components that may pose cybersecurity risks or operational vulnerabilities. The White House cited an ‘unusual and extraordinary foreign threat’ regarding large-scale power supply systems, noting that certain components could contain ‘backdoors’ allowing foreign entities to control or shut down the grid. The administration noted the increasing importance of a stable power supply due to the energy requirements of artificial intelligence and data centers. While the decree does not explicitly name China, the move targets equipment from countries subject to U.S. sanctions or those deemed to act against U.S. interests. The restrictions specifically target the ‘main power system,’ encompassing high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and power plants. Prohibited hardware includes high-voltage transformers, solar and battery inverters, generators, and protective relays. The order directs Energy Secretary Chris Wright to establish regulations for the continued use of foreign technology already installed within the existing infrastructure. To bolster energy security, the U.S. military has announced plans to install nuclear microreactors at five locations to ensure a reliable power supply independent of the commercial grid.

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