Russell: Copper is the driving force behind BHP and Rio but getting more of it is the key.
Copper's role as a major profit driver is highlighted in the latest results of BHP Group and Rio Tinto. However, they also highlight how difficult it will likely be to gain more exposure for this industrial metal. BHP, the world's largest ?listed miner, reported last week a stronger-than-expected half-year underlying attributable profit of $6.2 billion, up 22% from the same period a year earlier.
Glencore returns $2 billion to its shareholders despite earnings decline
Glencore, the commodity trader and miner, announced its results for '2025 on Wednesday. This was just weeks after Rio Tinto, a larger rival, failed to make a takeover offer. The talks to create a global mining giant worth $240 billion were halted earlier this month due to valuation and ownership disagreements. This highlights the challenges faced by diversified miners who are trying to scale up in order to meet the rising demand for essential minerals.
France's new Energy Law slashes Renewable Targets, Eases Pressure on EDF
After years of debate, France has finally passed a new law on energy that reduces its "wind and solar" targets and removes the mandate for EDF (the state-owned firm) to shut down nuclear plants. We need to stop the internal family fighting. "We need both renewables and nuclear," said Roland Lescure, finance minister. After almost three years, the law will be passed by decree after bitter debate among legislators.
Maguire: Australia's renewable energy boom will deliver a coveted price for power
Australia's wholesale power prices dropped to their lowest level in four years by 2025. This bucking of rising prices elsewhere, and proving that renewables-intensive power systems can lower power costs for consumers. The increased battery storage capacity, and the solar farms could allow utilities to reduce operating costs. These savings may be passed on to businesses and households as early as this year.
Glencore focuses on short-term disposals while Rio deal remains elusive
Glencore, the Swiss-based mining company, is likely to sell assets to bolster its copper portfolio after failing to merge with Rio Tinto. The two companies have called off talks to create a global mining giant worth $240 billion due to disagreements over valuation and ownership. This is the third failed attempt at a tie-up, following earlier merger discussions between 2014 and 2024.
Malaysia's Petronas wants to increase its exploration and production over the next three months
Petronas, Malaysia's state-owned energy company, said it would increase exploration and production over the next three year to improve domestic energy security. Petronas stated that it will maintain its domestic production?at??close to?two million barrels of equivalent oil per day? between 2026-2028. It will also continue to invest in exploration, deepwater developments, enhanced oil recovery, and new production-sharing contracts awarded in the Malaysia bid round 2024.
Heidelberg Materials CEO at Davos: Defence and infrastructure will drive construction in 2026.
Dominik Von Achten, the Chief Executive of Heidelberg Materials, said that he expects to see a slight improvement in the market for building material this year. The growth will be driven by infrastructure and defense spending. In the next few years, the European Union intends to increase defence spending by 800 billion euros (938.80 billion dollars). Germany, home to Heidelberg, the…
BP warns of up to $5 billion in impairments due to energy transition and weak oil trading
BP said that it expects to book between $4 and $5 billion of impairments during the fourth quarter. These are mainly related its energy transformation businesses. It also noted a weak oil trading. Under the new leadership, Chair Albert Manifold has said that BP’s portfolio needs to be simplified. Meg O'Neill, the new CEO, will replace interim Chief Carol Howle after Murray Auchincloss's sudden departure last month.
Petrobras enters Brazil's solar energy sector with deal for Lightsource bp subsidiary Lightsource Bp 49.99%
The state-owned oil company of Brazil, Petrobras, has signed a deal with Lightsource bp to purchase 49.99%?of its subsidiaries in the country. The partnership will be structured in a 'joint venture' and aligned with the Brazilian company's 2026-2030 plan for diversifying its portfolio. The agreement did not disclose any financial details. Lightsource bp is a British 'oil company' that has a pipeline of between 1 - 1.5 gigawatts at advanced stages of development.
Sonnedix secures contracts in Italy for 805 MW solar power
Sonnedix, a renewable energy company backed by JP Morgan and sponsored by three Italian government schemes, has been awarded contracts to install 805 megawatts in solar capacity under three different government schemes. Solar power, considered easier to develop than wind projects because of Italy's geographic characteristics, is playing a key role in the energy transformation in Italy. The country has become one of Europe's leading producers of clean energy.
Nigeria grants permits for gas-flaring projects, aiming at $2 billion investment and a 3 GW potential
Nigeria has granted permits to 28 companies as part of a program that aims at ending routine gas flaring in order to reduce carbon emissions and to use some gas to generate electricity. Officials of the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme said that it was a significant step towards reducing gas waste and monetizing it. Gas flaring is controlled combustion of natural gas released during oil extraction.
Prices to rise on Monday due to wind power
European electricity prices will likely fall dramatically on Monday as wind power production is expected to increase in Germany and other parts of the region. LSEG data revealed that German -and French Monday baseload electricity contracts were not traded by?0859 GMT Friday. LSEG data shows that German wind power production is expected to increase by 12.3 gigawatts on Monday to 21.1 GW. French wind power is also projected to grow from 6.7 GW up to 9.7 GW.
Virginia data centers to replace coal where coal once reigned
Entrepreneurs are now looking at the rural area with the ambitious vision to rebuild its economic by converting the old mines into data centers and solar power systems that could help feed the growing power demand of the artificial-intelligence boom. A non-profit group called Energy DELTA Lab (Discovery, Education, Learning & Technology Accelerator), which is aiming to develop energy resources on approximately 65…
Trump removes the word "renewable" from the title of U.S. Energy Lab
In a latest attempt to devalue renewable energy sources like solar and wind, the Trump administration renamed an energy laboratory to remove the term "renewable". The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado will be known now as the National Laboratory of the Rockies. This was announced on the lab's website late Monday. It is one of 17 Energy Department laboratories that also conducts energy efficiency research. The U.S.
Bousso: TotalEnergies' ROI-TotalEnergies power play shows Big Oil how to make energy transition work
TotalEnergies of France is betting heavily on renewables and power, positioning itself as a leader in the global energy demand wave. It also offers investors an alternative to its rivals who are doubling down on gas and oil. Since 2022, the strategies of European oil companies have been in a constant state of flux. The sanctions and full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine created a shock…
Bousso: TotalEnergies' ROI-TotalEnergies power play shows Big Oil how to make energy transition work
TotalEnergies of France is betting heavily on renewables and power, positioning itself as a leader in the global energy demand wave. It also offers investors an alternative to its rivals who are doubling down on gas and oil. Since 2022, the strategies of European oil companies have been in a constant state of flux. The sanctions and full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine created an…
Sponsored: Policy, AI, and Capital Take Center Stage at ADIPEC 2025
ADIPEC 2025 kicks off in Abu Dhabi with a powerful message from Dr. Sultan Al Jaber for a balanced and inclusive approach to meeting energy demand, built on reinforcement, not replacement. Opening addresses and high-level sessions featuring CEOs and ministers spotlighted the importance of embracing all energy sources, all technologies, and all systems that enhance energy resilience and provide the world with prosperity for all.
Maguire: Clean energy push in Australia reaches pivotal milestone for energy transition
Last month, Australian utilities produced more electricity using clean energy sources than fossil fuels. This was a first for one of the top coal and natural gas exporters in the world. Data from the energy think tank Ember show that in October, utility-supplied electricity from clean sources reached 9.88 terawatts hours (TWh), which was higher than the 9.82 TWh produced by fossil fuels.
Fashion brands boost solar energy with textile suppliers
Textile suppliers in Bangladesh, who account for 85% exports of Bangladesh, are under pressure to become more environmentally friendly. They hope that new initiatives will help them find the money they need to expand rooftop systems powered by solar energy. Few energy companies are willing to invest in solar power plants because they fear that smaller factories may default on their commitments.
West Balkan energy producers should adopt carbon price as EU tax is looming, say campaigners
In a report published on Thursday, an environmental agency recommended that Western Balkans countries work to introduce their own carbon pricing for electricity generation in order to reduce the impact of EU new taxes on fossil fuel generated energy which will be implemented next year. Carbon Border Adjustment will be implemented on January 1, 2026. Importers of goods, including electricity…