Core Insights - The ResourceEU Plan signals Europe's intent to regain control over its raw materials supply, particularly lithium, which is deemed a strategic critical raw material for various industries including e-mobility and defense [1][2] - Rock Tech Lithium Inc. is positioned favorably as a strategic raw materials project under the EU's framework, with established technology and permits in place to contribute significantly to European lithium supply [1][2] Company Overview - Rock Tech Lithium Inc. aims to produce 24,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually at its Guben Converter in Germany, sufficient to supply batteries for approximately 500,000 electric vehicles per year [1] - The company is committed to responsible sourcing and aims to close the local battery loop by integrating recycled materials, thereby contributing to battery-grade material sovereignty and climate targets [2] Industry Context - The European Commission's ResourceEU Action Plan complements the Critical Raw Materials Act, setting binding targets for raw materials security by 2030, including 40% processing and 25% recycling of strategic materials within the EU [1] - The plan emphasizes the importance of the battery value chain and identifies lithium, cobalt, graphite, manganese, and nickel as critical raw materials for battery production and energy transition [1] Strategic Initiatives - The EU plans to mobilize up to three billion euros over the next twelve months for strategic projects, particularly in lithium and battery materials production, through a newly structured "CRM Bank" [1] - The Guben Converter project is recognized as a strategic initiative under the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act, expected to create approximately 200 jobs and enhance the regional lithium supply chain [1]

Glencore's Strategic Priorities - Glencore aims to be among the world's largest copper producers, with approximately 1.4Mt of incremental long-life annual copper production progressing through planning and approval phases[20, 291] - The company focuses on long-term value creation for shareholders, with $25.3 billion in announced shareholder returns since 2021[23, 294] - Glencore is optimizing its operating structures to promote accountability and delivery[21, 292] Copper Production and Growth - Glencore targets approximately 1.6Mt of copper production by 2035[51] - The company's base copper portfolio aims to return to 1Mt by 2028[47] - The copper project pipeline includes projects with a total indicative capex of approximately $23.4 billion and an average LOM CuEq production of 1410ktpa[52] Financial Performance and Returns - Glencore has announced $25.3 billion in shareholder returns from 2021 to 2025, including base cash distributions, special cash distributions, and buybacks[241] - Approximately 1.6 billion shares have been repurchased, representing approximately 14% of current shares eligible for distributions[41, 243] - The company's copper business can self-fund its full indicative growth pipeline[234] Operational Efficiency and Portfolio Optimization - Glencore has sold or shut down approximately 35 assets since 2021[39] - The company has identified approximately $1 billion of recurring cost-saving opportunities across more than 300 initiatives, expected to be fully delivered by the end of 2026, with over 50% already locked in for 2025[41] - Glencore has streamlined its industrial operating structure, eliminating approximately 1000 roles[67]

Core Insights - Nextpower has announced the opening of an expanded Southeast regional hub and a new Remote Monitoring Center in Nashville, along with a significant increase in U.S. steel fabrication capacity [1] - The new fabrication line, operated by MSS Steel Tubes USA, will double Nextpower's manufacturing capacity for solar tracker systems, supporting utility-scale power plants across the Southeast [1] - The Southeast region added 5 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity in 2024, bringing the total to nearly 28 GW, with projections to reach 54 GW by 2030 [1] Company Developments - Nextpower's expansion includes the addition of a new fabrication line that is expected to create 150 new jobs, building on the existing 120 skilled jobs at the facility [1] - The partnership with Silicon Ranch Corporation, which has installed over 4 GW of solar energy capacity, is crucial for supporting domestic manufacturing and meeting the increasing demand for electricity in the region [1] - The new Remote Monitoring Center will connect Nashville-based engineers to Nextpower solar tracker projects globally, enhancing operational efficiency [1] Industry Context - The expansion reflects a broader trend in the Southeast, where energy infrastructure is evolving to meet growing clean energy demands [1] - The collaboration between Nextpower and MSS Steel Tubes emphasizes a commitment to American manufacturing and the clean energy transition [1] - The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce highlights the economic momentum and job creation associated with Nextpower's investment in the region [1]

Core Insights - Low Carbon has secured a significant investment from CVC DIF, totaling around £1.1bn ($1.45bn), to drive its growth and transition into a diversified independent power producer [1][2][5] Investment Details - The investment from CVC DIF, along with additional funding from MassMutual and refinancing of existing debts, will support the delivery of several gigawatts of renewable energy [1][2] - CVC DIF's investment will result in a majority controlling stake in Low Carbon, which includes both common and preferred shares [2] Market Context - The UK government's Clean Power 2030 plan requires £40bn of annual investment to double onshore wind capacity and triple solar photovoltaic (PV) [3] - The EU has set a new renewable energy target of 42.5%, positioning Low Carbon to play a central role in delivering clean electricity across the UK and Europe [3] Operational Capacity - Low Carbon currently manages a 16GW pipeline and has 1GW of operational and in-construction assets [4] - The latest capital will support growth in key markets such as the UK, Germany, and Poland, with plans to bring a 3GW portfolio of operational utility-scale solar, battery storage, and onshore wind online [4] Strategic Partnerships - MassMutual remains a significant shareholder and will continue to support Low Carbon's growth through further investment [5] - The collaboration between MassMutual and CVC DIF aims to expedite the development of Low Carbon's renewables pipeline [5] Advisory Role - Evercore served as the adviser to Low Carbon on the transaction [6]

Data centres only part of the demand picture Equities & Commodities Energy Transition Chartbook: November 2025 This chartbook provides a monthly commentary across the main energy sectors to include oil, gas, power and renewables. Data centres to make up 50% of US demand growth, but contribute a much smaller portion in the global context 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% US Advanced Economies China Emerging Economies (ex- China) Data Centres share of electricity demand growth by region in the IEA's STEPS, 2024-2035 Da ...

When I come across a city or a region doing extraordinary things, it reminds me if they can do it, we can probably do it, too. For years, I've been searching the world for solutions that work, especially in the face of big urgent challenges such as climate change and economic disruption. But not just good ideas.real world examples, places making bold change happen. But it's not just about the places. It's about the people I come across along the way.They give me hope, inspiration, people rolling up their sl ...

Core Insights - The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) forecasts a refined copper deficit of approximately 150,000 tons in 2026, with other analysts predicting a shortfall exceeding 400,000 tons, indicating a significant supply-demand imbalance that is expected to drive copper prices higher in 2026 [1][5][14] Supply Constraints - Structural supply issues such as declining ore grades, lack of new significant mine discoveries, and operational disruptions at existing mines are anticipated to constrain production, worsening the supply deficit [2][14] Demand Drivers - Analysts project a moderate global economic growth increase from 3% in 2025 to around 3.2% in 2026, with ongoing urbanization in the Asia-Pacific region driving demand for construction and electrical applications [3][14] - The expansion and upgrade of power grids to accommodate new energy sources and increased consumption will significantly increase copper demand [4][14] - The push for decarbonization and energy security, alongside the rollout of renewables and electric vehicles, is expected to require substantial amounts of copper [4][14] Market Trends - Copper prices are on an upward trajectory as the market anticipates a significant deficit in 2026, with global demand expected to surpass new supply by a considerable margin [5][14] - The March 2026 copper futures contract has been in an uptrend since September 2022, setting multiple new contract highs, indicating strong market momentum [7][15] Seasonal Analysis - A 15-year seasonal pattern indicates a seasonal low around mid-August, with historical data showing that March copper prices have closed higher on February 21 than on November 21 for 13 of the past 15 years, suggesting a favorable trading window [9][14] Technical Picture - The technical setup supports a bullish outlook, with March 2026 copper futures trading near all-time highs and a reliable seasonal pattern indicating strength from late November into February [15]

Core Viewpoint - Kirkstone Metals Corp. is pursuing a potential secondary listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to broaden its shareholder base and enhance visibility among investors focused on energy transition and critical minerals [3][5]. Group 1: Company Actions - Kirkstone has engaged Sidley Austin LLP to provide legal and regulatory advisory services for the HKEX listing application [2]. - The engagement with Sidley Austin is non-exclusive, allowing the company to terminate the arrangement at any time [2]. Group 2: Strategic Rationale - The management believes that a secondary listing could increase access to international capital markets, particularly in Asia [3]. - This move aligns with Canada's national agenda to diversify trade and strengthen economic ties with Asian markets, as stated by Prime Minister Mark Carney [4]. Group 3: Company Profile - Kirkstone Metals Corp. is focused on uranium assets that support the global transition to clean energy, with projects located in the Athabasca Basin, a significant uranium region [7].

Core Insights - Homerun Energy USA, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Homerun Resources, Inc., has signed an Intellectual Property Agreement with Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, which manages the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) [2][4] - The agreement is a result of a two-year partnership and aims to commercialize technologies related to particle-based thermal energy storage systems [3][4] - A new patent application has been filed for a thermal energy storage system that integrates silica sand purification, enhancing the potential for advanced energy applications [4][9] Company Developments - The Intellectual Property Agreement allows Homerun to secure options for licensing certain intellectual property from Alliance, facilitating the advancement of technologies towards commercial application [3][5] - The option period for the agreement is set for twelve months, with ongoing negotiations expected during this timeframe [3] - Homerun's AI Energy Management System (EMS) will be integrated into the NREL's thermal energy storage systems, optimizing energy capture and storage efficiency [12][19] Technology and Innovation - The thermal energy storage system utilizes silica sand as both the storage medium and a product of the silica purification process, which is a key aspect of the innovation [9][10] - The system includes various components such as a particle-lifting device, charging electric heater, insulated storage silos, and discharge heat exchanger [8][16] - The technology aims to recover and reuse process heat, providing flexible revenue streams through power sales and industrial process heat contracts [17][18] Market Strategy - Homerun Resources is focused on building a vertically integrated platform for clean energy manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships and disciplined execution [19] - The company is committed to advancing long-duration, silica-based thermal storage systems to decarbonize industrial heat and enhance grid flexibility [18] - The commercialization plan includes a vigorous effort to bring the Alliance Intellectual Property to market through a comprehensive program [5]

Core Insights - Stonepeak and Energy Equation Partners have completed the acquisition of a 65% interest in JET Tankstellen Deutschland GmbH, a leading fuel retailer in Germany and Austria, from Phillips 66, valuing the business at approximately €2.5 billion [1][2]. Company Overview - Stonepeak is a prominent alternative investment firm with approximately $80 billion in assets under management, focusing on infrastructure and real assets [3]. - Energy Equation Partners specializes in investing in established companies within the energy sector, having deployed over $10 billion in equity capital across the energy value chain globally [4]. Strategic Implications - The acquisition is expected to enhance JET's position in the market, leveraging its extensive network of service stations and trusted brand to provide reliable service in Germany and Austria [2]. - The partnership aims to contribute to the energy transition by investing in established players in the energy sector [2].