Industry News

Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto has announced a groundbreaking $2.5 billion investment to expand its lithium project at the Salar de Rincón in Salta, Argentina

Colombia, as the pro tempore president of the Brasilia Consensus, hosted the Second Meeting of South American Energy Vice Ministers to advance regional energy transition efforts. Discussions focused on electric and gas integration, regional energy planning, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Collaborative initiatives, including a data integration platform, were unveiled to strengthen informed decision-making across the region.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Uruguay's President-elect Yamandú Orsi have announced a strategic partnership to advance clean energy initiatives and tackle climate change in Latin America. During Petro's official visit to Uruguay, both leaders stressed the importance of regional cooperation for achieving a sustainable and decarbonised energy matrix.

London, December 4, 2024 (The Net-Zero Circle) – Spark Energy Minerals Inc. (CSE: SPRK) (OTC Pink: SPARF) (FSE: 8PC), has announced significant progress in the early stages of its exploration efforts at the Arapaima Lithium Project.

Argentina continues to strengthen its renewable energy matrix, adding 216.5 MW to the national grid in Q3 2024 through three major projects

Argentina is emerging as a leader in Latin America’s energy transition, leveraging its clean energy matrix, where 40% is renewable and the rest is primarily natural gas. At the seminar “The Future of Energy in Argentina”, organised by CIPPEC and international partners, experts highlighted the nation’s potential to scale renewable energy, modernise infrastructure, and drive private sector-led growth.

London, 2 December 2024 (The Net-Zero Circle) - Lightning Minerals has announced exceptional lithium assay results from the Caraíbas project in Brazil's Lithium Valley, marking a significant milestone in its exploration efforts.

Argentina is preparing for a transformative leap in its renewable energy sector, driven by strong macroeconomic reforms, regulatory updates, and its world-class natural resources. The country is poised to expand beyond corporate consumers, enabling mid-sized businesses and households to access renewable energy contracts

The Dominican Republic has unveiled ambitious plans to increase renewable energy to 25% of its energy mix by 2025. Energy Minister Joel Santos emphasised solar power as the cornerstone of this transition and outlined efforts to improve rural electrification, modernise regulations, and invest in infrastructure. These measures align with the country’s broader strategy for sustainable energy and climate resilience.

London, 27 November 2025 (The Net-Zero Circle) - Lithium Ionic has secured a $266M financing commitment from EXIM to fully fund its Bandeira Lithium Project in Brazil, advancing its role in global energy security and the lithium supply chain.

14 November 2024, London (The Net-Zero Circle) - The world’s first large-scale niobium production facility has opened in Araxá, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with an investment totaling R$2.2 billion. This state-of-the-art unit is expected to generate over 130 direct jobs.

Strategic Partnership with Invest Minas to Fast-Track Lithium Projects in Minas Gerais

7 November 2024, London (The Net-Zero Circle) - Spark Energy Minerals has initiated exploration of key spodumene targets at its Arapaima Lithium Project in Brazil’s Lithium Valley, backed by recent funding. With multiple teams on-site, the company aims to accelerate its lithium discovery efforts.

Australian mining firm Perpetual Resources is set to invest R$400 million in Minas Gerais, Brazil, to advance lithium and rare earth extraction projects, creating 300 jobs and strengthening Brazil’s role in the critical minerals supply chain. This partnership with InvestMinas highlights Minas Gerais’ appeal as a key player in sustainable energy resources.

B3 and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) have entered a strategic partnership to attract mining sector companies to Brazil’s stock market. Leveraging TSX’s expertise, the collaboration aims to create new opportunities for mineral listings in Brazil, supporting the country’s role in the global energy transition.

Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX), a leading exploration and development company in the lithium sector, has achieved a major milestone by securing the operational permit for its Neves Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This permit marks a crucial step towards becoming a lithium producer, enabling the company to develop open-pit mining operations and operate its lithium processing plant.

Morocco and France signed agreements worth up to €10 billion across infrastructure, energy, and cultural cooperation during President Emmanuel Macron's diplomatic visit! Held at the Palace of Royal Guests in Rabat, the ceremony was attended by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, senior Moroccan officials, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, and Princess Lalla Khadija.

Rio Tinto’s recent acquisition of Arcadium Lithium for $7 billion marks a pivotal moment in the global lithium landscape, positioning the mining giant at the forefront of the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. This strategic investment reflects both a response to escalating demand for lithium and a commitment to sustainable practices in the evolving automotive market. This article explores the motivations behind the acquisition, the current market context, supply chain security, alignment with sustainable mobility initiatives, and potential long-term implications for the lithium sector and the broader EV market.

In a landmark event underscoring the deepening ties between Morocco and France, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, and TRH Princesses Lalla Khadija and Lalla Meryem, joined French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse, Ms. Brigitte Macron, in Rabat for a signing ceremony of twenty-two bilateral agreements. These agreements span critical sectors, highlighting both nations' commitment to collaborative progress in transportation, energy, education, culture, and infrastructure.

Romania is set to undergo an energy transformation, with expectations of up to EUR 19 billion in offshore wind investments by 2035, according to a newly launched roadmap. Minister of Energy Sebastian-Ioan Burduja declared this shift an "energy revolution" as the country aims to commission as much as 7 GW of offshore wind capacity within the next decade.

The Government of Serbia has entered into a strategic agreement with the Hyundai Engineering-UGT Renewables consortium for the development of solar power plants with a total connection capacity of 1,000 MW. The project, which also includes battery storage systems of up to 200 MW/400 MWh, marks a significant step in Serbia's renewable energy expansion.

Enery, an Austria-based renewable energy firm, has inaugurated its largest solar power plant to date, a 113 MW photovoltaic (PV) facility in Tsenovo, located in Bulgaria's Svishtov region. Spanning over 140 hectares, this solar project is now the eighth-largest in Bulgaria and marks a significant step in the country’s ongoing solar power boom.

EN-I Hrvatska, a subsidiary of Slovenia’s GEN-I Group, has integrated the Senj wind farm, the largest in Croatia, into its virtual power plant (VPP). The wind farm, with a capacity of 156 MW, received a license to switch from trial to regular production last month and joined the VPP in late September. This move marks GEN-I as one of the largest aggregators in Croatia, providing system services to the national transmission system operator, Hrvatski Operator Prijenosnog Sustava (HOPS).

Egypt and Greece have embarked on a new phase of energy cooperation, focusing on carbon capture and storage (CCS) and green hydrogen initiatives. In a recent meeting, Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, and Greece's Minister of Environment and Energy, Theodoros Skylakakis, discussed a roadmap for advancing collaboration in these areas. The talks, held in Cairo, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties in sustainable energy and pave the way for future cooperation in low-carbon energy solutions.

Morocco has made a significant stride in its renewable energy journey with the inauguration of the Jbel Lahdid wind farm in Essaouira. Spearheaded by the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), the new wind farm bolsters Morocco’s renewable energy capacity by 270 megawatts (MW), reinforcing the nation’s push for energy independence.

Greece is accelerating its renewable energy shift! By the end of 2024, the government will launch its third battery storage auction, offering subsidies for 200 MW in standalone battery projects. This addition brings Greece's total capacity to 900 MW, closing in on the initial 1,000 MW target.

Serbia is taking an innovative approach to waste management with the release of its White Book on Waste-to-Energy in Belgrade. The technology transforms non-recyclable waste into electricity and heat through incineration, helping to reduce landfill use and produce sustainable energy. Waste-to-energy is crucial for Serbia, which faces growing waste management challenges. By adopting this method, the country could cut down on landfill waste and create a cleaner energy future.

Rimac Energy, part of the Croatian tech company Rimac Group, is delivering its first SineStack battery energy storage system (BESS) to the UK. This system, heading to Colchester, is set to commence operation in 2025. What makes it special? Unlike most batteries, SineStack retains zero energy fade capacity for the first two years, meaning it keeps its full energy storage ability without degrading. It also has an impressive lifespan of 12,000 cycles—that’s one of the longest in the industry! SineStack uses adaptive software that maximizes energy extraction and balances temperature, keeping the system efficient and durable.

Namibian state utility, NamPower, has taken a major step towards the construction of Namibia’s largest solar power plant, signing a NAD1.3 billion (US$72.8 million) financing deal with the German development bank, KfW. The loan will cover 80% of the costs for the 100MW Rosh Pinah solar PV project, with the remaining 20% funded by NamPower's balance sheet.

Nouakchott, Mauritania, September 9, 2024 – Mauritania has taken a major step toward becoming a green energy leader with the approval of its green hydrogen legal framework. On Monday evening, the National Assembly in Nouakchott passed the new regulatory structure, setting the stage for renewable energy projects aimed at producing green hydrogen. The framework outlines the rules, opportunities, and long-term goals for the sector, positioning the country to attract international investment and generate employment.

Masen, Morocco's national renewable energy agency, welcomed an official delegation from The Gambia led by Mr. Abdoulie T.B. Jarra, Secretary General of the Office of the President of The Gambia, in a visit organized in coordination with the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI).

Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) is taking a big step forward with its 245 MWh battery energy storage project, which will help stabilize Montenegro’s energy grid and support renewable energy growth. But what exactly are these batteries? Lithium-ion systems—similar to those in electric cars—store excess energy for later use, ensuring a reliable power supply even when renewable sources like solar or wind aren’t active.

Bosnia’s largest exporter, Alumina, is going solar. With a €8.2 million investment, they’re building 16 MW of solar power across their factories, including a massive 10-hectare site at Boksit. This move is set to cut their grid dependency for the first time ever, helping power the production of vital materials like alumina and zeolites—key for aluminium and cement industries.

Montenegro passed its first-ever Law on the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources. This legislation will accelerate the country’s transition to clean energy, ensuring a greater share of wind, solar, and hydropower in its energy mix.

Greece is ready for a major shake-up in its energy market model to combat soaring electricity prices. Despite generating over 50% of its electricity from renewable sources like wind and hydro, the country struggles with some of the highest wholesale prices in Europe, largely due to its reliance on natural gas and lignite. Now, the Greek government is planning a new market model by the end of the decade to drive down costs.

Tosyalı Demir Çelik and Yazıcı Demir Çelik, two of Turkiye’s largest steel producers, are betting big on solar energy to fully power their operations and reduce their carbon footprints. Tosyalı is investing € 48.3 million in an 88 MW solar plant in Osmaniye, a province in southern Turkiye, expected to generate 245 GWh annually and cover all the company’s energy needs. Yazıcı, in partnership with YEO Technology, is developing turnkey solar projects totaling 110 MW in Afyon and Ankara, two key regions in central Turkiye. Why? These solar plants will power Yazıcı’s steel production while helping both companies align with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and avoid costly carbon taxes.

In a significant move towards a sustainable future, Egypt has launched its National Low-Carbon Hydrogen Strategy, a cornerstone of the country's broader effort to transition to a green economy and address the global challenge of climate change.