Sci/tech

Flevoland’s regional government has firmly ruled out hosting a Small Modular Reactor (SMR), reiterating that the province remains an unsuitable site for nuclear power due to poor soil conditions, limited cooling water, and a lack of heavy industry. Debate was reignited after national grid operator TenneT included Lelystad in an exploratory study modeling six nationwide mini-reactors to ease network integration—a move that prompted local pro-nuclear VVD politicians to press for reconsideration. However, provincial leaders confirmed their rejection remains fully in place, while TenneT has issued a formal apology to Flevoland authorities for publishing the analysis without prior consultation.

Rob Jetten rejects criticism of his AI‑generated social media posts, saying the technology is widely used and that he will continue using it while checking all messages before publication.

Bijenkorf confirms that customer names, addresses, and phone numbers were exposed in the CEVA Logistics cyberattack. The retailer warns of phishing risks and says its webshop is now fully operational again.

The Consumers' Association is calling for a European ban on Meta’s Ray‑Ban camera glasses, saying the device can record people too easily and raises major privacy concerns.

Students from TU Eindhoven have built Stella Juva, the world's first solar-powered ambulance designed to bring healthcare to off-grid communities. The vehicle generates enough solar energy to cover 715 kilometres per day while running diagnostic tools like ultrasound machines and vaccine coolers. Solar Team Eindhoven will travel to Kenya in August to test the mobile clinic under real-world conditions alongside Amref Health Africa.

A solar-powered ambulance built by student innovators in Eindhoven has successfully completed field trials in remote western Kenya, according to the team's university. Developed alongside health charity Amref, the vehicle—dubbed *Stella Juva*—functions as a self-sustaining mobile clinic equipped with an X-ray scanner, ultrasound machine, defibrillator, and vaccine refrigeration. Powered entirely by rooftop solar panels, the zero-emissions vehicle generates more energy than its equipment consumes, offering an impressive driving range of up to 715 kilometres while operating completely off-grid.

The IMF is urging central banks to reassess financial stability risks posed by AI, warning that synchronized system reactions could trigger market shocks. Regulators must also prepare for AI-driven cyber threats, adds the De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB).

The EU is requiring Google to open its search data and Android AI access to competitors, aiming to reduce Google’s market dominance and expand user choice. Key obligations begin in 2027 under the Digital Markets Act.