Cubans fight blackouts with solar as US extends oil chokehold | ReutersSkip to main content[Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv]Item 1 of 2 Workers install a solar panel on the rooftop of a private business as Cubans grapple with an ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by fuel shortages, Havana, Cuba February 18, 2026. REUTERS/Norlys Perez[1/2]Workers install a solar panel on the rooftop of a private business as Cubans grapple with an ongoing energy cr ...

Core Insights - Microsoft has committed to maintaining its goal of 100% renewable energy usage after achieving this milestone last year, driven by the increasing capital expenditures in data centers due to the AI boom [1][4] - The company has signed contracts for 40 gigawatts of new renewable energy supply, fulfilling its 2025 target primarily through power purchase agreements [1][4] - Of the 40 gigawatts, 19 gigawatts have already been integrated into the grid, with the remaining portion expected to be operational over the next five years across 26 countries [1][4] - Microsoft aims to achieve carbon negativity by 2030, with zero-carbon power playing a crucial role in supporting its 100% energy matching goal [1][4] Investment Plans - Microsoft announced a $50 billion investment plan to expand AI in global south countries, with most of the funds allocated for building cloud computing and AI data centers [5] - The Irish government has lifted a de facto ban on data center grid access, allowing Microsoft to address the "huge" backlog of tech demand in the country [6] - New regulations in Ireland will require that at least 80% of the annual electricity demand for new data centers comes from newly added renewable energy, facilitating the advancement of previously shelved data center projects in Dublin [6] Energy Consumption Context - In 2024, data center electricity consumption accounted for 22% of Ireland's total electricity usage [3][7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $67 million or $1.97 per diluted share for Q4 2025, an increase from adjusted net income of $47 million or $1.36 per diluted share in Q4 2024 [8][9] - Fourth quarter gross profit was $231 million, an 8% increase year-over-year, primarily due to higher volume and margins in renewables [8][9] - Full-year gross profit increased to $714 million, up 3% from the previous year [9] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $137 million, compared to $117 million in Q4 2024, while full-year adjusted EBITDA decreased to $337 million from $363 million in 2024 [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Agribusiness reported Q4 pre-tax income of $46 million, down from $56 million in 2024, with adjusted EBITDA of $80 million compared to $88 million in the previous year [11][12] - Renewables generated Q4 pre-tax income of $54 million, significantly up from $17 million in 2024, with Q4 EBITDA of $69 million compared to $41 million in the previous year [13][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fall harvest produced larger-than-expected volumes of grain in the Western Corn Belt, leading to significant corn and sorghum accumulation [4] - Exports for wheat and sorghum from Western assets saw sizable increases in Q4 compared to earlier quarters [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to profitable growth in both agribusiness and renewables, with ongoing investments in ethanol production and infrastructure [5][6] - Strategic projects include the expansion of the Port of Houston and improvements in the Skyland asset footprint [6] - The company expects to complete several larger capital projects in 2026 to enhance operational efficiency and product handling [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, anticipating better financial results in agribusiness and strong demand for ethanol [16][19] - The company is focused on connecting supply to end users and export demand, with expectations of higher planted acres in 2026 [17][18] - Management noted that domestic demand for production is critical for U.S. farmers, and legislative support for biofuels would benefit the agricultural economy [17][19] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for Q4 was 19%, and for the full year, it was 16% [9] - The company’s long-term debt to EBITDA ratio at year-end was 1.8 times, below the target of less than 2.5 times [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strength of the Skyland business - Management indicated that the performance was not surprising due to the large fall harvest, with Skyland's EBITDA contribution finishing just shy of $20 million [24][25] Question: Fertilizer application outlook - Management discussed strong ammonia applications in the western U.S. and expected higher than normal applications in Q1 2026 [27][28] Question: Agribusiness segment profit opportunities - Management highlighted more certainty around export policies and increased nitrogen application as key profit opportunities for 2026 [31][32] Question: Ethanol business momentum - Management noted slightly stronger Board Crush than expected entering Q1, with strong fundamentals for both export and domestic ethanol [34][35] Question: Skyland contribution for 2026 - Management expects Skyland's EBITDA for 2026 to normalize in the $25 million-$35 million range, assuming mid-cycle market conditions [42] Question: Farmer selling dynamics - Management indicated that higher prices would drive more selling from farmers, with substantial selling expected before the next harvest [44][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company reported net income of $67 million or $1.97 per diluted share, with adjusted net income of $70 million or $2.04 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $47 million or $1.36 per diluted share in Q4 2024 [8][9] - Q4 gross profit was $231 million, an 8% increase year-over-year, primarily due to higher volume and margins in renewables [9] - Full-year gross profit was $714 million, a 3% increase, driven by the Skyland investment [9] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $137 million, compared to $117 million in 2024, while full-year adjusted EBITDA was $337 million, down from $363 million in 2024 [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Agribusiness reported Q4 pre-tax income of $46 million, down from $56 million in 2024, with adjusted EBITDA of $80 million compared to $88 million in 2024 [11][12] - Renewables generated Q4 pre-tax income of $54 million, significantly up from $17 million in 2024, with Q4 EBITDA of $69 million compared to $41 million in 2024 [13][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fall harvest produced larger than expected volumes of grain in the Western Corn Belt, leading to significant corn and sorghum accumulation at favorable basis values [4] - Exports for wheat and sorghum from Western assets saw sizable increases in Q4 compared to earlier quarters [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to profitable growth in both agribusiness and renewables, with ongoing investments in ethanol production and infrastructure [5][6] - Strategic projects include the expansion of the Port of Houston and improvements in the Skyland asset footprint [6] - The company plans to begin operations at a renewable feedstock storage facility in Kansas and is focused on connecting supply to end users and export demand [6][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, expecting better financial results in agribusiness due to more certainty in global grain markets and strong demand for ethanol [16][17] - The company anticipates higher planted acres in 2026, which may benefit the fertilizer business, although volumes depend on farmer decisions [18][19] - Management highlighted the importance of domestic demand and favorable biofuels policies for supporting ongoing growth [19][20] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for Q4 was 19%, and for the full year, it was 16% [9] - The company maintains a disciplined approach to capital spending, with long-term debt to EBITDA at 1.8 times, below the target of less than 2.5 times [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strength of the Skyland business - Management noted that the performance was not surprising due to the large fall harvest, with Skyland's EBITDA contribution finishing just shy of $20 million [24][25] Question: Fertilizer application strategy - Management indicated that they expect stronger than normal applications in Q1, with a focus on ammonia applications for corn acres [27][28] Question: Agribusiness segment outlook for 2026 - Management highlighted potential profit opportunities in agribusiness due to more certainty around export policies and increased nitrogen applications [32][33] Question: Ethanol business momentum - Management reported slightly stronger board crush than expected entering Q1, with strong fundamentals for both export and domestic ethanol [35][36] Question: Skyland contribution for 2026 - Management expects Skyland's EBITDA contribution for 2026 to normalize in the $25 million-$35 million range [42] Question: Farmer selling dynamics - Management indicated that higher prices would drive more selling, with farmers likely to hold off until they see substantial price rallies [44][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company reported net income of $67 million or $1.97 per diluted share, with adjusted net income of $70 million or $2.04 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $47 million or $1.36 per diluted share in Q4 2024 [8] - Fourth quarter gross profit was $231 million, an 8% increase year-over-year, primarily due to higher volume and margins in renewables [8] - Full year gross profit was $714 million, a 3% increase, driven by the Skyland investment [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Agribusiness reported Q4 pre-tax income of $46 million, with adjusted pre-tax income of $45 million, down from $56 million in 2024 [11] - Renewables generated Q4 pre-tax income of $54 million, significantly up from $17 million in 2024, reflecting strong operations in ethanol plants [13] - Adjusted EBITDA for renewables in Q4 was $69 million, compared to $41 million in Q4 2024, while full-year adjusted EBITDA was $203 million, up from $189 million in 2024 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fall harvest produced larger than expected volumes of grain in the Western Corn Belt, leading to significant corn and sorghum accumulation [4] - Exports for wheat and sorghum from Western assets saw sizable increases in Q4 compared to earlier quarters [4] - The eastern grain assets had solid performance, with strong elevation margins and a significant portion of corn moving into export markets [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to profitable growth in both agribusiness and renewables, with ongoing investments in ethanol production and infrastructure [5] - Strategic investments include expanding the Climer, Indiana facility and enhancing the Port of Houston grain elevator [6] - The company aims to connect supply to end users and export demand, focusing on continuous improvement in safety culture and enterprise support [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, expecting better financial results in agribusiness due to more certainty in global grain markets and strong demand for ethanol [16] - The company anticipates higher than normal planted acres in 2026, which may benefit the fertilizer business [18] - Management highlighted the importance of domestic demand and supportive biofuels policies for the agricultural economy [19] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for Q4 was 19%, and for the full year, it was 16%, influenced by non-controlling interests and biofuels credits [9] - The company generated Q4 cash flow from operations of $110 million, up from $100 million in 2024, indicating stability throughout the agricultural cycle [10] - Long-term debt to EBITDA at year-end was 1.8 times, below the target of less than 2.5 times, supporting future investments [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strength of the Skyland business - Management noted that the performance was not surprising due to the large fall harvest, with Skyland's EBITDA contribution finishing just shy of $20 million [24][25] Question: Fertilizer application outlook - Management indicated that they expect stronger than normal applications in Q1, with a focus on corn acres despite some uncertainty [27][28] Question: Agribusiness segment profit opportunities - Management highlighted more certainty around export policies and increased nitrogen application as key profit opportunities for 2026 [32][33] Question: Ethanol business momentum - Management reported slightly stronger Board Crush than expected entering Q1, with strong fundamentals for both export and domestic ethanol [35][36] Question: Skyland contribution for 2026 - Management expects Skyland's EBITDA contribution for 2026 to be in the range of $25 million to $35 million, normalizing over time [43] Question: Farmer selling dynamics - Management stated that higher prices would drive farmer selling, with substantial selling expected before the next harvest [45][46]

奥地利能源部副部长表示，随着欧洲能源供应结构的变化，奥地利正寻求扩大可再生能源规模并增加从 非洲的 天然气进口，以避免过度依赖美国液化天然气。欧盟计划在2027年前逐步淘汰俄罗斯天然气， 欧洲各国正努力应对如何维持电价在可承受范围内的问题。许多政府担心，在特朗普担任美国总统的情 况下，一种依赖会被另一种依赖所取代。奥地利能源国务秘书伊丽莎白·泽特纳表示："在当前形势下， 美国的政策难以预测，因此奥地利正在密切关注如何确保从不同来源获得液化天然气。" ...

加密矿企 Soluna 宣布扩大与 Blockware 的合作，在其 Project Dorothy 1 项目新增 6 MW 比特币挖矿算力 容量。Soluna 表示，此次扩容基于现有项目推进，体现其在可再生能源与电网友好型数据中心上的规 模化布局能力。（TheEnergyMag） （来源：吴说） ...

#青年看世界# 【#爱尔兰总理和爱尔兰驻华大使同框送祝福#】农历丙午马年春节到，爱尔兰驻华大使 馆通过视频为中国朋友送上一份早早准备好的新春祝福。视频录制于今年1月初爱尔兰总理马丁访华期 间。视频中，马丁总理和爱尔兰驻华大使欧博仁在故宫向中国各界朋友致以诚挚问候，"祝大家新年阖 家欢乐，平安喜乐，万事皆如意，马到成功"！马丁总理是2026年首位访华的欧洲领导人。访华期间， 马丁表示，爱尔兰坚定奉行一个中国政策，致力于加强和发展两国互惠战略伙伴关系，愿同中方深化贸 易、投资、科技、生物医药、可再生能源、人工智能、教育等领域合作。（视频提供：爱尔兰驻华大使 馆） ...

Core Insights - China and India, the world's largest coal consumers, are expected to reduce their reliance on coal-fired power generation for the first time in nearly 50 years by 2025, with China's coal power generation decreasing to 5735 TWh (down 1.6%) and India's to 1472 TWh (down 3%) [6][7] - The rapid growth of renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, is driving this shift, with China's solar power expected to increase by 43% and wind power by 13% in 2025 [6][7] - The decline in coal demand is impacting coal prices, leading to a supply surplus and prompting major coal-exporting countries like Indonesia to cut production targets and impose export limits [6] Group 1 - The increase in renewable energy generation is expected to create a turning point in the trend of rising global CO2 emissions, with over 90% of the increase from 2015 to 2024 attributed to the power sectors of China and India [4][7] - Despite the reduction in coal power generation, China is projected to add 78 GW of new coal power capacity by 2025, the highest in the past decade, which raises concerns about potential increases in global CO2 emissions if operational rates remain unchanged [7] - The transition to a low-carbon society hinges on whether coal power can shift from being a primary energy source to a supportive role for variable renewable energy sources [7]

Group 1 - The article highlights the rapid development of China's clean energy sector, contrasting it with the lagging status of the U.S. in low-carbon technologies such as solar energy and electric vehicles [2] - China has a vast solar power station scale and is continuously expanding its ultra-high voltage transmission lines, while exporting high-cost performance solar panels and electric vehicles to countries like South Africa and Brazil, significantly impacting local economic development [2] - In emerging fields like nuclear fusion, autonomous driving, and rare earths, China maintains a fast-paced development rhythm [2] Group 2 - The article compares the policy and development paths of China and the U.S., noting that China has long-term stable support for clean technology development, with its rare earth industry established over sixty years ago, laying the foundation for advanced manufacturing [3] - In contrast, U.S. energy policy is characterized by fluctuations, with current trends showing a tightening of support for renewable energy and increased backing for fossil fuels [3] - China's electric vehicle exports reached $70 billion last year, with products sold to over 150 countries and regions, indicating a strong global market presence [3]