Unlocking the Value of Crop Straw in China How crop straw can grow rural renewable energy industries, strengthen emission reductions, and scale carbon sequestration Report / November 2025 About RMI Minhui Gao, Yihan Hao, Ting Li, Wei Wang, Canyang Xie Authors listed alphabetically. All authors from RMI unless otherwise noted. Contacts Wei Wang, wwang@rmi.org Minhui Gao, mgao@rmi.org Copyrights and Citation Minhui Gao et al., Unlocking the Value of Crop Straw in China: How crop straw can grow rural renewable ...

PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) is included among the 15 Best S&P 500 Dividend Stocks to Buy in 2026. Barclays Sees Defensive Appeal in PepsiCo (PEP) but Flags 2026 Risks ja-san-miguel-xYSp0kkIUio-unsplash On January 16, Barclays raised PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) price target to $148 from $144 and kept an Equal Weight rating on the stock. The firm updated price targets across the consumer staples group as part of its Q4 earnings preview. Barclays said the recent “enthusiasm” around PepsiCo shares reflects “a ...

Core Insights - Engie has secured a 10-year contract to supply biomethane to PepsiCo UK, marking a significant milestone as the first such agreement between a biomethane producer and a food industry player in Britain [1] Company Summary - Engie, a French utility company, is expanding its portfolio in the renewable energy sector by entering into a long-term supply agreement for biomethane [1] Industry Summary - The deal signifies a growing trend in the food industry towards sustainable energy sources, highlighting the increasing importance of biomethane in reducing carbon footprints [1]

Core Viewpoint - Mundi Énergies and Haffner Energy have formed a strategic partnership to develop a network of renewable energy hubs in Canada, focusing on energy sovereignty and transition through innovative technologies [1][2][7]. Group 1: Partnership and Objectives - The partnership aims to create multi-energy hubs that transform residual biomass into local renewable energy, enhancing Canada's sustainable energy sovereignty and benefiting local communities [2][9]. - The hubs will initially focus on producing renewable natural gas (RNG) and green power, with RNG being injected into existing gas networks [2][3]. Group 2: Technological Integration and Deployment - The hubs will integrate various complementary technologies, including biomass thermolysis and anaerobic digesters, to enhance competitiveness and resilience [4][9]. - A total of twenty hubs are planned for deployment in Quebec, with ambitions to replicate the model across Canada [4]. Group 3: Joint Venture Structure - The partnership is structured as a joint venture, with Mundi Capital holding 51% and Haffner Energy holding 49%, focusing on marketing and deploying Haffner's technologies in Canada [5][6]. - Haffner Energy will provide the engineering and equipment essential for the joint venture's operations [6]. Group 4: Initial Project and Financials - The first industrial project is set for the first quarter of 2026, involving a 5MW syngas production module valued at a minimum of €4.2 million, aimed at producing biomethane and biodiesel [11]. Group 5: Company Background - Haffner Energy specializes in producing competitive renewable fuels and has over 32 years of experience in converting biomass into biofuels, utilizing proprietary technologies for biomass thermolysis and gasification [12].

Core Insights - Petrobras is entering Brazil's solar energy market by acquiring a 49.99% stake in Lightsource bp's Brazilian subsidiaries, marking its first direct investment in solar energy [1][8] - The partnership aligns with Petrobras' 2026-2030 business plan and includes an operational solar complex, Milagres, with potential for future project expansion [2][8] - The joint venture supports Petrobras' strategy to diversify its energy portfolio while maintaining a minority ownership position in renewable energy [3][8] Strategic Importance - The joint venture is part of Petrobras' broader energy transition plans, which include investments in renewable fuels and clean energy sources [3] - The partnership with Lightsource bp aims to develop profitable renewable projects and enhance both companies' positions in Brazil's growing clean energy market [4] Market Context - The deal reflects BP's strategy to bring in partners while refocusing on its core oil and gas business, as renewables currently contribute less to BP's earnings compared to traditional operations [4]

Core Insights - Anaergia Inc. has signed a contract with PepsiCo Mexico Foods' subsidiary, Sabritas, to provide an integrated renewable energy solution at a food production facility in Mexico [1] - The project aims to convert approximately 50,000 tons per year of organic residuals into carbon-negative biomethane, which will offset fossil natural gas and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 4,000 tons per year [1] - The project is expected to be operational before the end of 2026 [1] Company Overview - Anaergia is a pioneering technology company in the renewable natural gas (RNG) sector, holding over 300 patents focused on converting organic waste into sustainable solutions such as RNG, fertilizer, and water [4] - The company is committed to addressing significant sources of greenhouse gases through cost-effective processes and has a proven track record of delivering hundreds of innovative projects over the past decade [4] - Anaergia offers an integrated portfolio of end-to-end solutions, combining solid waste processing, wastewater treatment, organics recovery, high-efficiency anaerobic digestion, and biomethane production [4] PepsiCo Mexico Foods Overview - PepsiCo Mexico Foods is a leading food and beverage manufacturer with a product portfolio that includes some of the most beloved brands worldwide [3] - The company employs over 40,000 people in Mexico and serves 900,000 points of sale, making the Mexican market its second most important globally [3] - The partnership with Anaergia is part of PepsiCo's commitment to long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility [2]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a strong investment opportunity in Brazil's environmental sectors, particularly in climate and biodiversity solutions, positioning Brazil as a leader in these areas [4][15][64]. Core Insights - Brazil is seen as a decisive vector for climate solutions, with significant potential for catalytic investments to bridge the climate finance gap in Latin America [27][30]. - The Brazilian Amazon rainforest is critical for climate stability, providing essential ecosystem services and opportunities for innovative financial conservation strategies [17][69]. - The integration of climate, communities, and biodiversity is essential for strengthening the resilience of the Amazon rainforest, with investments in nature viewed as a long-term strategic asset [64][66]. Summary by Sections Introduction - Citi Research hosted an event in São Paulo to discuss challenges and opportunities related to climate and biodiversity with various stakeholders [13][14]. What Really Reduces Deforestation? - Effective deforestation control requires a market-based approach, emphasizing the need for well-defined property rights in the Amazon region [21][23]. - A carbon price of US$25 per ton could incentivize communities to preserve forests and regenerate degraded lands [25]. LatAm: A Decisive Vector for Climate Solutions - The report highlights the investment opportunities in Latin America to mobilize capital at scale for climate solutions [27][28]. - Domestic investors in Brazil are focused on creating innovative products that yield positive socio-environmental outcomes while achieving financial returns [29]. Biogas, Biomethane and Organo-mineral Fertilizer - Tupy's bio plant project exemplifies a successful partnership in renewable fuel production, transforming pig waste into biogas and organo-mineral fertilizer [33][36]. Tackling Beef Traceability - Minerva Foods has achieved 100% geospatial monitoring of direct-supplier farms in Brazil, addressing traceability challenges in the beef supply chain [39][40]. Agriculture 3.0 and BE8 Energy Panels - Brazil's agricultural sector has evolved significantly, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency, conserving approximately 324 million hectares from agricultural conversion [44][46]. Investing in Nature: Climate Impact through Carbon Ratings - The Brazilian Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System (SBCE) presents a major opportunity for Brazil to enhance its climate targets and stimulate domestic demand for carbon credits [60][62]. Beyond Carbon with High Integrity Forest Conservation - High integrity forest conservation initiatives can deliver benefits beyond carbon offsetting, integrating climate, communities, and biodiversity [64][66]. Looking to COP30 Belém - The upcoming COP30 in Belém is anticipated to focus on the Amazon rainforest's role in climate stability and the need for market instruments to achieve environmental and economic outcomes [69][71].

Core Insights - Engie expects its 2025 net recurring income to reach the upper end of its €4.4–€5.0 billion target range, driven by strong cash generation and operational progress in the first nine months of the year [1] - The company reported a revenue of €52.8 billion, reflecting a 1.8% organic increase, while EBITDA excluding nuclear operations was €9.8 billion, down 3.9% on an organic basis [2] - Engie continues to expand its renewables and energy storage portfolio, with 55 GW of installed capacity and 6 GW under construction as of September 30 [3] Financial Performance - Cash flow from operations rose to €11.4 billion, with EBIT excluding nuclear activities at €6.3 billion, a 7.3% organic decline due to lower power prices and weaker hydrology [1] - Economic net debt stood at €46.4 billion at the end of September, a decrease of €1.4 billion compared to the end of 2024, maintaining a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 3.2x [2] - The group's performance program delivered €477 million in recurring benefits year-to-date, supporting cash flow despite a normalized trading environment [2] Renewable Energy Initiatives - Engie signed 3.1 GW of new power purchase agreements during the period, including contracts with major technology companies such as Meta and Apple [3] - In the Middle East, Engie signed a PPA for the 1.5 GW Khazna standalone solar project in Abu Dhabi, which will be one of the world's largest single-site solar facilities upon completion [3] Infrastructure Developments - In Europe, Engie advanced its battery and flexible generation assets, increasing its Italian battery fleet to 250 MW and adding an 85 MW/170 MWh battery storage system in Romania [4] - The company completed the first firing of the Flémalle gas plant in Belgium and received authorization for commissioning the brownfield section of the Graúna transmission project in Brazil [4] - In France, biomethane capacity connected to Engie's networks rose to 14.2 TWh, reflecting progress in the company's low-carbon gas strategy [4] Nuclear Operations - Engie's Belgian nuclear operations achieved key milestones with the restart of Doel 4 and Tihange 3 reactors, following an extension agreement with the Belgian State [5] - The restarts triggered the final payment under the nuclear waste liability transfer, and the extended units will now be held in a 50/50 joint venture with the government [5]

Core Viewpoint - Air Liquide, a leading industrial gases company, is considering the sale of its biomethane assets to concentrate on its primary gas supply business [1] Company Focus - The decision to explore the sale of biomethane assets indicates a strategic shift towards enhancing the core operations of gas supply [1] - This move aligns with the company's long-term strategy to streamline its portfolio and focus on areas with higher growth potential [1] Industry Context - The biomethane market is evolving, and companies in the industrial gases sector are reassessing their positions to adapt to changing market dynamics [1] - The potential divestiture reflects broader trends in the industry where firms are prioritizing core competencies and operational efficiency [1]

Core Insights - Infortar's sales volumes increased significantly in Q2 2025, reaching €505 million, a 150% increase compared to the previous year [1] - The company successfully acquired Estonia Farmid, enhancing its position in the agricultural sector and contributing to the bioeconomy [2] - Infortar invested €38 million in various projects, including renewable energy initiatives and infrastructure developments [3] Sales and Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Infortar's consolidated revenue rose by €275.73 million to €951.869 million, largely due to the consolidation of Tallink Grupp's results [11] - The EBITDA for the energy segment improved to €19.929 million in Q2 2025, compared to a loss of €0.845 million in Q2 2024 [13] - The consolidated net loss for the first half of 2025 was €-14.4 million, a significant decline from a net profit of €73.017 million in the same period of 2024 [14] Segment Performance - The maritime transport segment saw an increase in passenger numbers to 1,488,128, a 2.5% rise from Q2 2024, while cargo units transported decreased by 22.8% [4] - The energy segment's gas and electricity sales reached 4.9 TWh, a 25% increase year-over-year, with a market share of 27.7% in the Finnish-Baltic market [6] - In real estate and infrastructure, Infortar completed the Pärnu bridge and continued work on the Rail Baltica mainline, valued at €67.2 million [7] Investments and Projects - Infortar's investments in the first half of 2025 totaled approximately €38 million, focusing on renewable energy and infrastructure projects [15] - The company is constructing one of Estonia's largest biomethane plants and a new solar power plant in Latvia [3] Financial Position - As of June 30, 2025, Infortar's total liabilities amounted to €941.747 million, with net debt at €795.379 million [16] - The net debt to EBITDA ratio was reported at 3.4, indicating the company's leverage position [16] Dividends - Infortar plans to pay a dividend of €3 per share for the 2024 financial year, with the first payment made on July 15, 2025 [17]