ENTEK wins $1.3 billion US Loan for EV Battery Plant
The U.S. Department of Energy's loans office said on Friday it has finalized a loan of $1.3 billion to ENTEK Lithium Separators to finance a plant in Indiana for making lithium-ion battery separators used mostly in electric vehicles.WHY IT'S IMPORTANTThe Loan Programs Office is racing to finalize billions of dollars in loans to companies developing cutting-edge technologies expected to help speed an energy transition and curb climate change.The loan was offered conditionally in July through the LPO's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program…
Elliott Affiliate's Citgo Bid to be Challenged
Companies seeking to claim proceeds from a court auction of shares in a parent of Venezuela-owned Citgo Petroleum are pressing a U.S. court to lift an exclusivity deal with an affiliate of Elliott Investment Management, which could pave the way for at least two new bids, sources close to the matter said.The auction of shares in the U.S. oil refiner's parent PDV Holding, aimed at paying 18 creditors up to $21.3 billion in awards against Venezuela, has…
Euro Oil Giants Rethink Renewable Balance
Almost five years ago, BP embarked on an ambitious attempt to transform itself from an oil company into a business focused on low-carbon power. The British company is now trying to return to its roots as a big oil and gas player with a growth story to match rivals, revive its share price and allay investor concerns over future profits.Rivals Shell and Norway's state-controlled Equinor are also scaling back energy transition plans set out earlier this decade.
Commodities Weigh Trump Win, Tariff Threats
Commodities reacted with trepidation to the election of Donald Trump to a second term as U.S. President, with most losing ground over fears the global economy will be hit by a new tariff war.The downbeat reaction was in stark contrast to U.S. equities, which surged to record highs amid optimism that Trump's agenda of lower taxes will boost growth, at least in the United States.The contrasting response to Trump's victory over Democrat nominee and now outgoing U.S.
Commodities fall amid increased risks of Trump's second-term: Russell
Commodities have reacted to Donald Trump's election to a second U.S. term with fear, and most are losing ground due to fears that a new trade war will hit the global economy. The negative reaction contrasted sharply with the record-breaking performance of U.S. stocks, which rose to new highs amid optimism about Trump's tax cut agenda, at least for the United States. The contrasting reaction to Trump's win over Democrat nominee, and now departing U.S.
Gas prices in Europe are rising on a weak wind ahead of the US election
The Dutch and British wholesale prices of gas rose slightly Tuesday morning due to a weak wind and in anticipation of what should be a close U.S. Presidential election. LSEG data shows that the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF hub at 0942 GMT was 0.37 euros higher, at 40.85 Euro per megawatt hour or around $13/mmBtu. The British day-ahead contracts rose 1.15 pence, to 102.50 pence/therm. Meanwhile, the weekend contract increased by 1.40 pence at 101.25 pence/therm.
Svendborg Brakes' Yaw Brake Solution Transforms Wind Turbine Maintenance
When damaged yaw brake discs were preventing numerous wind turbines from operating in optimum conditions, their operator was looking for an economical maintenance service that would ensure the turbines’ availability. Svendborg Brakes, a Regal Rexnord Brand, developed a new solution to quickly restore operations - cutting disc resurfacing activities and exchange pads to only 3 days, while requiring only a day and a half of true downtime. As the Wind Industry navigates short-term challenges and sustained growth potential…
Australia should be leading the energy transition. But is it missing out? Russell
Australia's abundance of minerals and renewable energy, stability of government, and proximity to Asia's growing markets makes it a country that is well-positioned to benefit from the energy transition. The mood was a bit downbeat this week at the International Mining and Resources Conference in Sydney, which brought together the entire mining and resource sector. Speaker after speaker highlighted the opportunities available, but there was always a…
Australia should be leading the energy transition. But is it missing out? Russell
Australia's abundance of minerals and renewable energy, stability of government, and proximity to Asia's growing markets makes it a country that is well-positioned to benefit from the energy transition. The mood was a bit downbeat this week at the International Mining and Resources Conference in Sydney, which brought together the entire mining and resource sector. Speaker after speaker highlighted the opportunities available, but there was always a…
Fertilizer maker Yara tops Q3 profit expectations
Yara International reported its core earnings for the third quarter above expectations on Friday. The company cited record production as well as its focus on core business to increase profitability. The third-quarter earnings (EBITDA) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation, excluding items that affect comparability, increased by more than 47% compared to a year ago, reaching $585 million. A poll conducted by the company showed that analysts had expected $482 million on average.
SSE UK delays completion of Dogger Bank A Wind Project to H2 2019.
SSE, the UK's largest power company and network operator, maintained its annual forecasts on Thursday. The completion date of the Dogger Bank A off-shore wind project was pushed to the second half 2025 instead of the first. SSE stated that the delay in taking full operation of the offshore wind farm will not have a material impact on project returns. The project will have a capacity of around 1.2 gigawatts and be able to power 2 million homes. The Perth-based UK company predicted first-half adjusted earnings of more than 45p per share…
Copper output at Freeport's Manyar smelter delayed until November
Two sources familiar with the situation said that due to leakages of water and steam during an initial testing period, copper production at Freeport McMoRan’s giant Manyar smelter will be delayed until late November. Analysts expect that new supplies will be available soon. If the $3.7 billion smelter is delayed, it could support the price. Sources said that Manyar would produce its first batch in September and samples will be sent to clients for testing in October, ahead of the annual negotiations for buying and selling copper in 2025.
Cuba and Florida prepare for Tropical Storm Helene's impact
The U.S. National Weather Service reported that Tropical Storm Helene will cause mudslides, flooding and major hurricane-like conditions in Cuba. It is then expected to reach major hurricane status on Thursday when it reaches Florida with a life-threatening ocean tide. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said that Helene was moving northwest at a speed of 45 mph with sustained winds up to 72 kph. Forecasters say Helene is expected to strengthen rapidly over the warm waters of Gulf of Mexico, resulting in a major hurricane with winds up to 115 mph.
Russia is considering limiting metals exports to the West
In response to Western sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested this week that Moscow limit exports of metals or other commodities in which Russia has a large share on global markets. Putin mentioned uranium and nickel as well as titanium, but suggested that other commodities could be restricted, pointing out that Russia is a major producer for natural gas, diamonds, and gold. Putin said that any restrictions do not have to be immediately implemented and they should not harm Russia.
Hybrid vehicles give lifeline to Platinum Metals
In the next few years, a surge in hybrid car sales as the electric vehicle market slows will likely lead to an unexpected increase in demand for platinum group materials (PGMs), similar to what is predicted for coal's extended life. PGMs – primarily platinum and palladium – face a long-term decline in demand, as their primary use was to clean auto exhausts – a process not required in pure EVs. Few years ago, prospects for producers of PGMs such as Anglo Platinum Impala Platinum Sibanye Stillwater seemed grim…
Halliburton claims hackers removed data from August cyberattack
Halliburton, a U.S. oilfield service firm, said Tuesday that an unauthorized third-party had accessed its systems and removed data. Details about the cyberattack first reported by were revealed. The company is currently evaluating what information was removed and how it was done, but said that this incident is unlikely to have any material impact. Halliburton refused to comment on'requests for additional information regarding the nature of the data removed and the expenses incurred as a result of the cyber incident.
US CFTC fines energy traders
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission ordered TOTSA TotalEnergies Trading SA on August 27 to pay a fine of $48 million for alleged gasoline price manipulation. Ian McGinley, CFTC Director of Enforcement, said that the CFTC had "guarded the integrity of the market in numerous cases during the past 20 years" by detecting these benchmark-related scheme and prosecuting them. The U.S. regulator has fined several companies for what they call oil and gas market malpractice. Here are some examples.
Andy Home: Zinc concentrations are squeezed but metal is not in short supply
The global zinc mine production is continuing to decline and raw material shortages are now beginning to affect China, in particular. The 14 Chinese smelters that account for 70% of China's refined Zinc production agreed to postpone new capacity and adjust maintenance plans in order to maintain operating margins. The impact of this on production rates is yet to be determined. These announcements are more likely to be a price signal rather than a concrete action plan.
US sanctions 400 additional targets for helping Russia's war efforts
The State Department announced that the United States imposed sanctions Friday on more than 400 individuals and entities for supporting Russia's military effort in Ukraine. This included Chinese firms, which U.S. officials believed were helping Moscow skirt Western sanctions while building up its military. Washington has warned Beijing repeatedly over its support of Russia's defence industrial base. It has also issued hundreds sanctions to limit Moscow's capability to exploit certain technologies in military applications.
Denmark's North Sea Energy Island is again delayed by high costs
A government minister announced on Wednesday that Denmark would delay construction by at least three years of the planned North Sea Energy Island to provide renewable energy to three million European homes. The delay is due to rising costs and interest rates. Energy Minister Lars Aagaard said that the projected investment exceeded 200 billion Danish crowns (29.81 billion dollars) and required about 50 billion crowns of state support. Energy Minister Lars Aagaard declined to reveal how much the costs had risen from initial projections.
