The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering implementing a sweeping travel ban that would prohibit entry from 11 countries, according to a report by The New York Times on Friday. The proposed restrictions are part of a broader classification system that also includes an “orange list” of nations facing severe visa restrictions.

The “Red List” Ban

According to The New York Times, a draft list of recommendations developed by diplomatic and security officials suggests that travelers from the following 11 countries would be completely barred from entering the United States:

• Afghanistan
• Bhutan
• Cuba
• Iran
• Libya
• North Korea
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• Venezuela
• Yemen

The proposed ban, if enacted, would dramatically expand existing travel restrictions, which have already targeted several Muslim-majority nations under previous executive orders issued by Trump.

Expanded Restrictions on the “Orange List”

In addition to the outright ban on “red list” countries, the administration is also weighing sharp visa restrictions for another set of nations categorized under an “orange list.” The countries facing tighter visa regulations include:

• Belarus
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Laos
• Myanmar
• Pakistan
• Russia
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Turkmenistan

These restrictions could mean fewer work, student, and tourist visas issued to citizens of these countries, potentially impacting thousands of travelers.

Final Decision Still Uncertain

While the draft proposal originated from the U.S. State Department several weeks ago, The New York Times noted that it is still subject to revision before reaching the White House for a final decision. Officials who spoke anonymously to the publication cautioned that modifications to the list are possible as the administration assesses potential diplomatic and security consequences.

The report has already drawn sharp reactions, with critics arguing that the travel bans could exacerbate diplomatic tensions and disrupt families and businesses. Supporters, however, claim the measures are necessary to protect national security and control immigration flows.

With the 2024 election cycle approaching, any move to expand travel bans could become a highly polarizing issue, potentially shaping Trump’s policy agenda if he returns to office.

European countries with strong Atlantic swells, including Spain, France, and Ireland, are emerging as key players in harnessing wave energy, one of the world’s largest untapped renewable resources.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), ocean power generation needs to grow by 33% annually to help achieve global net-zero targets by 2050. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates wave energy could generate up to 29,500 terawatt-hours (TWh) per year—nearly ten times Europe’s annual electricity consumption.

“Wave and tidal energy have the potential to be significant, reliable, and sustainable power sources,” said José Miguel Rodrigues, a senior research scientist at SINTEF, one of Europe’s largest research institutes. Unlike wind and solar, tidal energy is governed by predictable gravitational cycles, providing a steady electricity supply that helps balance the grid.

A breakthrough in wave energy technology comes from Swedish company CorPower Ocean. Inspired by the pumping mechanism of the human heart, cardiologist Dr. Stig Lundbäck co-founded the company in 2009. Their ‘CorPack’ wave energy converter—a lightweight buoy—converts the up-and-down motion of waves into rotational energy, which is then transformed into electricity. According to CorPower Ocean, the device produces five times more electricity per tonne of equipment compared to previous technologies.

“CorPower has steadily progressed through development stages, securing investment and research grants, particularly from the EU,” Rodrigues noted. The company’s first full-scale wave energy converter is currently deployed off Portugal’s northern coast near Aguçadora, where it is supplying power to the national grid.

Other innovators are also making strides in the sector. Italian energy company ENI has developed the Inertial Sea Wave Energy Converter, while China’s Nanku floating generator and Finland’s AW-Energy’s WaveRoller, featuring large underwater panels, are further advancing the technology.

Despite its potential, wave and tidal energy still face challenges in achieving commercial viability at scale. “The key challenge is competitiveness,” Rodrigues explained. “Wave energy must demonstrate both consistent performance and the ability to withstand extreme ocean forces. Many prototypes have failed or underperformed, while offshore wind and solar have proven reliability and cost-effectiveness.”

European nations like Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland, and the UK have the most favorable conditions for large-scale wave energy projects due to their exposure to Atlantic swells. Norway, with its extensive coastline and remote island communities, also presents a strong market where wave energy could reduce grid costs and enhance energy independence.

Ultimately, the success of wave energy hinges on not just technological advancements but also economic viability, social acceptance, and supportive government policies. With continued innovation and investment, wave energy could soon play a vital role in Europe’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.