RT Michael A. Arouet (@MichaelAArouet)It must be really embarrassing for European green Marxists that North Korea is much closer to achieving Net Zero targets than Europe. https://t.co/6pKOu7FZ3d ...

Energy and AI Nexus - The global energy system is at a tipping point, with increasing demand for compute reshaping the industry [1] - Energy ministers from both developing and developed countries are focusing more on electricity rather than oil and gas, driven by the need for electricity for basic needs and the rise of AI [2] Electricity Demand and Shortfall - There is significant pressure on the electricity system, with data centers currently accounting for about 4% of US electricity demand, projected to rise to 10-12% within five years [4] - The US has experienced no growth in electricity demand for 25 years, but this trend is changing due to new demands from various sectors [4] Energy Transition and Investment - The narrative around energy transition is shifting, with a realization that transitioning away from fossil fuels is more complex than previously thought [5][6] - The International Energy Agency has revised its investment needs, now stating that $540 billion per year in new investment in oil and gas is necessary by 2025, a significant change from earlier assessments [10] Climate and Economic Growth - Climate remains a priority, but there is a broader reassessment of energy needs and economic factors influencing the market [12] - The pace of global economic growth is crucial for determining oil prices, with stronger-than-expected growth impacting market dynamics [17] Oil Market Dynamics - Current oil prices are stable around $60, with OPEC adjusting supply based on market conditions and seasonality [13][15] - Key risks to watch include sanctions on Russia and potential measures from the Trump administration affecting India and China, which could influence oil market stability [16][17]

Core Viewpoint - Executives from ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy have indicated that they may cease operations in the European Union if the EU does not amend its sustainability law, which could impose fines of 5% of global revenue [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Responses - Exxon CEO Darren Woods expressed that the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive could lead to "disastrous consequences" if implemented in its current form, as it requires companies to manage human rights and environmental risks across their supply chains [2][5] - QatarEnergy's CEO Saad al-Kaabi reiterated the possibility of halting LNG supplies to Europe if the EU does not revise or revoke the sustainability law, emphasizing that this is a serious threat and not a bluff [3][4] - Both companies highlighted the technical challenges of complying with the EU's requirements, with Woods stating that the legislation's demands are technically unfeasible [5][6] Group 2: Market Context - ExxonMobil and QatarEnergy are significant suppliers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe, with Exxon expected to contribute approximately 50% of EU imports from American producers in 2024, while Qatar has supplied between 12% and 14% of the bloc's LNG since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022 [7]

Core Insights - Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) has released its second Climate Transition Plan (CTP 2025), aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its value chain by 2040 [1] - The new plan demonstrates PMI's ongoing commitment to a low-carbon future, aligning with scientific standards, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder expectations [1] - This updated strategy builds upon PMI's 2021 Low-Carbon Transition Plan [1]

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing conflict between green energy initiatives, particularly solar farms, and traditional farming practices in rural Britain highlights a cultural divide, with political parties like Reform UK leveraging this tension for electoral gain [1][4][5]. Group 1: Political Dynamics - Sean Matthews, leader of Reform UK in Lincolnshire, opposes the construction of solar farms, indicating a broader political strategy to position the party as a defender of traditional farming against renewable energy initiatives [1][2]. - Reform UK's funding sources, primarily from fossil fuel interests (approximately 92%), suggest a potential conflict of interest in their anti-renewable stance [2]. - The party aims to mobilize rural voters by framing solar energy projects as a threat to traditional farming, despite evidence of farmer support for climate action [4][5]. Group 2: Farmer Sentiment and Climate Change - Research indicates that 80% of UK farmers are concerned about climate change's impact on their livelihoods, with 87% reporting reduced productivity due to extreme weather [5]. - The identity of farmers as food producers is challenged by the push for energy production through solar farms, leading to a conflict between agricultural productivity and renewable energy goals [6][7]. - The narrative that "you can't eat electricity" reflects farmers' concerns about food security being compromised by land conversion for solar energy [7][8]. Group 3: Economic Implications - The transition to solar energy can lead to significant economic disparities, as tenant farmers may lose productive land without compensation, while landowners benefit financially from energy contracts [9][10]. - The principle of a just transition is at stake, as tenant farmers face potential losses while landowners gain lucrative contracts, raising questions about fairness in renewable energy deployment [10][11]. - Effective green policies must ensure that local communities benefit from renewable energy projects to mitigate opposition and foster support [11][12]. Group 4: Community Engagement and Solutions - Initiatives that involve local communities in renewable energy projects, such as Cwm Arian Renewable Energy, demonstrate a model for fairer deployment that can support local economies [12]. - Highlighting the economic benefits of renewable energy, such as reduced energy costs (estimated at £104 billion from wind energy), could help alleviate resistance from the farming community [13]. - The challenge remains to integrate farmers' voices into the green transition, ensuring they are seen as partners rather than obstacles to achieving climate goals [14].

RT Bloomberg Live (@BloombergLive)At #BloombergGreen at #COP hear from @StanChart Global Head of Sustainability Strategy & Net Zero Dana Barksy.For details 🌲https://t.co/5iD7g2J8hu https://t.co/urDSg8ndwL ...

Core Insights - CHAR Technologies Ltd. has been invited to join the Canadian Iron & Steel Energy Research Association (CISERA) for the 2025–2026 term, marking it as the first biocarbon producer in the organization [1][2] - CISERA focuses on advancing net zero and decarbonized iron and steelmaking, with notable members including ArcelorMittal Dofasco GP and Stelco Inc. [2] - CHAR Tech will contribute its expertise in high-temperature pyrolysis and renewable biocarbon production to support the development of alternative reductants and renewable fuels for commercial steel operations [3][4] Company Involvement - The participation in CISERA aligns with the company's mission to accelerate industrial decarbonization through scalable solutions, enhancing collaboration with key players in the iron and steel sector [4] - Through this involvement, CHAR Tech aims to strengthen connections across the iron and steel value chain, promoting renewable biocarbon as a key element in sustainable production [4] About CISERA - CISERA is a not-for-profit organization established in 1965, supporting research and development for Canada's steel and metallurgical coal producers, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions in steel production by 2050 [5] - The majority of CISERA-sponsored research is conducted at the Metallurgical Fuels Laboratory, which is equipped for advanced modeling and pilot-scale investigations [6] About CHAR Technologies - CHAR Technologies utilizes high-temperature pyrolysis technology to process unmerchantable wood and organic waste, generating renewable natural gas or green hydrogen and a solid biocarbon that serves as a carbon-neutral alternative to metallurgical coal [6][7] - The company's technology aligns with the global green energy transition by diverting waste from landfills and producing sustainable clean energy for heavy industry decarbonization [7]

Industry Trend - The report discusses why there is less discussion about Net Zero [1]

Core Insights - The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) has reported an additional 1.1 billion barrels of oil and gas discovered in the North Sea, raising the total potential resources to 15.8 billion barrels from previous estimates of 14.7 billion barrels [1][4]. Industry Overview - The NSTA's report indicates that the findings stem from surveys conducted under the last licensing round in 2022, prior to the ban on new oil and gas exploration imposed by Ed Miliband [2][3]. - The report highlights that the UK oil and gas industry is facing increasing scrutiny and criticism, particularly from Labour, regarding its decision to limit exploration in the North Sea [2][3]. Resource Classification - The remaining resources are categorized into proven reserves (2.9 billion barrels), contingent resources (5.3 billion barrels), and prospective resources (15.8 billion barrels), with the latter category showing a significant increase due to new data [4][5]. - The total potential resources, if fully proven, could amount to an additional 25 billion barrels [5]. Future Exploration Potential - There are still unexplored areas around the UK that may contain further oil and gas reserves, indicating the possibility of discovering more resources in the future [6][7]. - The report notes a 31% increase in prospective oil and gas resources from the end of 2023, attributed to the inclusion of additional resources from the 33rd licensing round [7][8]. Industry Implications - Martin Copeland, CFO of Serica Energy, emphasized that the NSTA report suggests at least 11 billion barrels of oil and gas could still be developed, which aligns closely with the Climate Change Committee's projected needs of 13 to 15 billion barrels before the net zero target year of 2050 [8].

Core Viewpoint - The North Sea serves as a contrasting case study for energy transition policies, with Norway promoting exploration and investment while the UK is deterring investors through regulatory uncertainty [1][2]. Group 1: Norway's Approach - Norway is committed to net zero while simultaneously supporting oil and gas exploration, providing long-term regulatory certainty, and benefiting from substantial oil and gas revenues [1][2]. - The Norwegian government is planning its 26th oil and gas licensing round in less-explored areas to counteract an anticipated decline in production starting in the early 2030s [5]. - Companies in Norway can receive refunds of 71.8% on losses related to exploration, which, combined with a stable tax regime since the 1990s, offers long-term certainty for operators [5]. Group 2: UK's Approach - The UK, while also aiming for net zero, has seen a significant shift in its approach, with frequent changes in the tax regime since 2022, leading to unpredictability for investors [6][7]. - The introduction of the Energy Profits Levy (EPL) by the Conservative government in 2022 has resulted in calls from oil and gas companies for a more stable regulatory and tax framework [7]. - The current Labour government's rising taxes and policy changes have further discouraged investment in the UK North Sea, increasing the risk of dependency on oil and gas imports [7].