Core Insights - The 21st century is being shaped by rare earths and critical minerals, which are essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and military applications, with China controlling a significant portion of the supply chain [2][3] Company Summaries - **Rio Tinto**: A diversified mining conglomerate with a market cap of $180 billion, producing iron ore, aluminum, copper, and diamonds. It has maintained a 19% profit margin and generates $18 billion in EBITDA annually, with a forward P/E of 13x and a dividend yield of 4.3%. Revenue for the trailing twelve months reached $53.7 billion, and analysts target a price of $87, indicating a 12% upside [4][5] - **Vale**: A Brazilian company with a market cap of $69 billion, producing nickel and copper alongside iron ore. It has a profit margin of 14% and a dividend yield of 17%. Q3 2025 revenue was $10.4 billion, up 7% year over year, with a net income of $2.68 billion. The company faces risks from the 2019 Brumadinho dam disaster, which resulted in significant fines [6][7] - **Lithium Americas**: Currently not producing, but developing the Thacker Pass project in Nevada, the largest lithium deposit in the U.S. The company has a high beta of 3.5, indicating it is more volatile than the market. General Motors has invested in the project, and government support is present [8][9] - **MP Materials**: Operates the only significant rare earth mine in North America, reporting Q3 revenue of $53.6 million with a net loss of $41.8 million [9] - **Albemarle**: Survived a significant drop in lithium prices from $80,000 to $10,000 per ton, with margins collapsing from 42% to 1.6%, but recovering to 14.8% [9]

Core Viewpoint - Deep Sea Minerals Corp. has officially changed its name and stock symbol to reflect its focus on deep-sea critical minerals exploration, aligning with U.S. national security priorities and the energy transition [1][2]. Company Developments - The company's common shares began trading under the new symbol "SEAS" on the Canadian Securities Exchange [1]. - The name change signifies the company's evolution towards establishing a leading position in the deep-sea critical minerals sector [2]. Strategic Alignment - The U.S. government's emphasis on mineral independence enhances the strategic importance of deep-sea minerals, which are vital for national defense and clean energy systems [3]. - Recent U.S. policy shifts, including expedited exploration licensing and permitting for underwater mining, present significant opportunities for the company [4][5]. Regulatory Environment - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is conducting a hydrographic survey of over 30,000 square nautical miles off American Samoa, part of the U.S. Offshore Critical Minerals Mapping Plan [6]. - These regulatory changes align with the company's strategic priorities and may expedite its path to securing underwater mineral rights [5][7]. Market Positioning - The company aims to identify jurisdictions with potential for polymetallic nodule systems, which are crucial for various industries including defense and clean energy [9][10]. - Early-stage engagement with governments and regulatory bodies in the Pacific region is underway to explore future initiatives [11].

Core Viewpoint - The North Sea oil and gas sector in the UK is experiencing a significant decline, contradicting claims of abundant reserves, with production expected to fall sharply and investment decreasing due to regulatory challenges and high taxes [1][3]. Investment and Production Trends - The North Sea is projected to have approximately 2.9 billion barrels of oil equivalent by the end of 2024, indicating only decades of supply rather than the centuries suggested by some [1] - Wood Mackenzie forecasts that 2023 may be the last year the UK produces over 1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) from the North Sea [2] - Investment in the UK upstream sector is expected to drop to less than $3.5 billion in 2026, the lowest level since the 1970s, while Norway is projected to maintain around $20 billion in development spending [5] Regulatory Environment and Its Impact - The UK Energy Profits Levy (EPL), a temporary windfall tax at a rate of 78% on exceptional profits, has deterred new projects and negatively impacted investment in the sector [3] - The EPL is set to end by March 2030, to be replaced by a permanent Oil and Gas Price Mechanism (OGPM) that will impose a 35% charge when prices exceed certain thresholds [3] Future Outlook and Industry Dynamics - The North Sea upstream sector in 2026 will be characterized by reduced investment, ongoing mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and a focus on capital discipline and operational efficiency [4] - The divergence in investment levels between the UK and Norway highlights the contrasting fiscal and regulatory environments, with Norway benefiting from stable policies and a robust project pipeline [5]

Core Viewpoint - Winter Storm Fern is causing significant power outages across the Carolinas, with Duke Energy actively working to restore service to affected customers [1][7][8]. Outage Summary - As of January 25, 2026, Duke Energy reported a total of 24,864 outages, with 18,016 customers still without power [4][7]. - North Carolina has 23,258 outages and 14,802 customers restored, while South Carolina has 1,606 outages and 3,214 customers restored [4]. Restoration Efforts - Duke Energy has restored power to 24,864 customers and continues to assess damage and restore power as conditions allow [7][8]. - The company employs over 18,000 personnel, including lineworkers and damage assessors, to manage restoration efforts [8][12]. - Restoration efforts prioritize larger outages first, such as transmission lines and substations, before addressing smaller neighborhood lines [8][12]. Customer Guidance - Customers are advised to stay away from downed power lines and use generators safely [8]. - Duke Energy encourages energy-saving measures for customers who still have power, such as adjusting thermostats and improving airflow [10][12]. Company Overview - Duke Energy is a major energy holding company serving approximately 8.6 million customers across multiple states, with a focus on reliability and energy transition [11][12]. - The company is investing in electric grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources, including renewables and energy storage [12].

Core Viewpoint - Silver has reached an all-time high of $101, outperforming gold as the best-performing asset in the current macro environment, while Bitcoin has not followed the same upward trend, raising questions about its future trajectory [1]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Risk-off demand is dominating markets, with investors moving into defensive assets like silver and gold amid rising uncertainty [2]. - Falling real rate expectations are supporting metals, as markets anticipate multiple US Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026, which lowers real yields and weakens the US dollar, benefiting precious metals [3]. - A weaker dollar makes dollar-denominated metals cheaper for international buyers, contributing significantly to silver's momentum in January [4]. Group 2: Geopolitical and Economic Factors - Escalating geopolitical tensions, including trade disputes and conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, are driving investors towards safe-haven assets [5]. - Concerns over US fiscal sustainability and rising government debt are also influencing market behavior [5]. Group 3: Supply and Demand Factors - The silver market is facing real-world supply constraints, with a structural deficit persisting for several years, as most silver production is a by-product of mining other metals [6]. - The US has designated silver as a critical mineral, leading to strategic stockpiling and tighter inventories, which has pushed prices higher as demand outpaces supply [7]. - Industrial demand for silver is increasing due to its critical role in the global energy transition, making it a strategic commodity in energy security and infrastructure resilience [8].

Editor's note: Visit the Duke Energy News Center for downloadable B-roll and high-resolution images. CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With Winter Storm Fern expected to move into the Carolinas this weekend, Duke Energy crews and support teams are completing their preparations and urging customers to finalize their own storm plans. Forecasts point to dangerous travel conditions and outages that could last several days in the hardesthit areas. Our view Rick Canavan, Duke Energy storm director: M ...

Core Insights - The integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar, wind, batteries, and electric vehicles is crucial for the energy transition, requiring modernization of infrastructure and new market rules to manage two-way power flow [1] - The deployment of DERs is influenced by federal, state, and local policies, with incentives like tax credits and renewable portfolio standards promoting their growth [1] - The commercial and industrial (C&I) sector is increasingly adopting DERs based on economic viability, sustainability, and resiliency, with a notable shift towards onsite solar and hybrid battery storage systems [2] Group 1: Market Trends and Growth - C&I rooftop solar has experienced a growth rate of 12% annually over the last five years, with an anticipated growth of 18% in 2024, driven by project cost reductions and supportive policies [2] - The installed capacity of utility-scale battery storage reached 28 GW by the end of Q1 2025, with significant concentration in Texas, California, and Arizona [3] - The market for battery energy storage systems is expected to see increased investment and deployment, with growth dependent on supportive power market frameworks and technology innovations [3] Group 2: Regulatory Environment - Federal policies enable DERs to access tax credits and wholesale markets, while state-level regulations like renewable portfolio standards and net metering provide essential incentives [1] - Collaboration between utilities and third-party aggregators is encouraged to alleviate grid constraints and enhance the deployment of DERs [3] - States with policies promoting community solar and utility partnerships are seen as having growing opportunities for expanding DERs and improving grid resiliency [3]

Core Viewpoint - The methanol-based alcohol-hydrogen electric technology is accelerating its entry into the mainstream commercial vehicle market, providing a competitive alternative to pure electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies, and is expected to create a new trillion-level renewable energy sector [1][4]. Group 1: Market Overview - China is the largest commercial vehicle market globally, with rapid development expected in electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and methanol technologies, driven by supportive policies and both domestic and export demand [2]. - By 2025, domestic sales of commercial vehicles are projected to reach 3.237 million units, with 871,000 units being new energy commercial vehicles, resulting in a penetration rate of 26.9% [2]. - The current penetration rate of new energy in commercial vehicles is low compared to passenger vehicles, which have surpassed 50% [2]. Group 2: Challenges and Opportunities - The slow development of new energy in commercial vehicles is attributed to the limitations of existing technologies, which do not meet the specific needs of commercial vehicle usage [3]. - The commercial vehicle sector is a significant energy consumer, accounting for over half of vehicle fuel consumption and 56% of CO2 emissions from all vehicles [2]. Group 3: Technological Advantages - The alcohol-hydrogen electric vehicle technology, which utilizes methanol as a liquid hydrogen substitute, has shown practical and economic advantages, making it suitable for various operational conditions [4][5]. - Compared to pure electric vehicles, alcohol-hydrogen electric vehicles offer stronger endurance, less impact from weather conditions, and lower infrastructure costs [5]. - The latest generation of methanol-powered systems has achieved a thermal efficiency of 50.3%, with comprehensive energy costs reduced by 32%-52% compared to diesel vehicles [5]. Group 4: Infrastructure and Policy Support - The existing oil and gas pipeline network can be utilized for low-cost transportation of liquid methanol, and converting existing gas stations to methanol refueling stations is significantly cheaper than building new hydrogen stations [6]. - The Chinese government has introduced over 70 policy documents to support the promotion of methanol vehicles, indicating strong institutional backing for the industry [8][9]. Group 5: Global Trends and Future Outlook - European car manufacturers are increasingly developing methanol as a vehicle fuel, with models expected to enter the market post-2035 [7]. - The global methanol industry is expanding, with 414 ships confirmed to adopt methanol fuel by the end of 2025, indicating a growing acceptance of methanol in various transportation sectors [7]. - The integration of green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol is becoming a key pathway for clean energy consumption and industrial innovation [10].

Core Viewpoint - Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp. (CCEC) is strategically shifting its focus towards gas transportation, divesting from container vessels to enhance its position in the energy transition market [2]. Group 1: Company Developments - CCEC delivered the M/V Buenaventura Express, a hybrid scrubber-fitted eco container vessel, on January 19, 2026, resulting in a book gain of $4.2 million [1]. - The cash proceeds from the vessel sale were utilized to reduce outstanding debt of $84.4 million and for general corporate purposes [1]. - Since February 2024, CCEC has sold 14 container vessels, generating gross proceeds of approximately $814.3 million [2]. Group 2: Fleet Composition - CCEC's current fleet includes 14 high specification vessels, comprising 12 latest generation LNG carriers, one handy LCO2/multi-gas carrier, and one legacy Neo-Panamax container vessel [3]. - The company has one remaining container vessel on fixed employment until 2033, with options to extend until 2039 [2]. - CCEC's under-construction fleet consists of nine latest generation LNG carriers, six dual-fuel medium gas carriers, and three handy LCO2/multi-gas carriers, expected to be delivered between Q2 2026 and Q1 2029 [3].

RESMAN's cutting-edge tracer technology enables operators to monitor reservoir flow without disruption, offering unparalleled accuracy at parts per trillion (ppt) detection levels. These insights are vital for well performance and reservoir monitoring across oil and gas, CO2 storage and geothermal applications, helping operators enhance production and improve recovery. "We believe SLB represents an ideal partner for Resman," said Diego Kuschnir, Managing Director at Pickering Energy Partners, "as it embarks ...