Industry News

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.

The UAE’s clean energy giant, Masdar, and Africa’s leading renewable energy company, Infinity Power, have officially signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) to supply renewable energy from a groundbreaking onshore wind project located in Ras Ghareb, Gulf of Suez.

Bulgaria has announced plans to expand its renewable energy capacity by 17,500 MW by 2033, with 90% of this coming from solar, wind, and hydropower. Solar will take the lead, accounting for 85% of the new projects. he country is already home to the Karadzhalovo Solar Park, the largest solar plant in the Balkans, producing 100 MW annually. By the end of this year, Bulgaria will add another 1,500 MW of solar capacity to its national grid.

Arcadium Lithium confirms its Catamarca expansion despite a global drop in lithium prices. The company prioritises Argentine projects, projecting a 25% production increase in 2024.

Faria Renewables S.A. has acquired the 35 MW Mykonos solar project in central Greece. This ambitious venture is already under construction, targeting completion by Q4 2025. With a €27 million investment, it will generate 52.5 GWh of clean energy annually, enough to power 13,125 households in Domokos and Farsala.

In an interesting public-private partnership, Romania is teaming up with Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Co. (IHC) for an impressive €1 billion investment to upgrade hospitals with heat pumps, photovoltaic systems, and advanced digital healthcare services. This revolutionary project, announced by State Secretary Alexandru Rogobete, aims to slash energy costs, redirecting savings into much-needed renovations and equipment.

Algeria In a significant move towards sustainable industrial practices, SONATRACH and TOSYALI Iron Steel Industry Algeria SPA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly explore the production of green hydrogen in Algeria. The MoU was signed at SONATRACH’s headquarters in the presence of Mr. Rachid Hachichi, President & CEO of SONATRACH Group, and Mr. Fuat Tosyali, President of the Board of Directors of TOSYALI Iron Steel Industry Algeria SPA.

The Moroccan Competition Council has approved a groundbreaking joint venture between OCP Green Energy SA, a subsidiary of Moroccan phosphate giant OCP Group, and Fortescue, an Australian company renowned for its green energy production. This collaboration aims to establish large-scale integrated facilities for producing green hydrogen and ammonia in Morocco.

Serbia embraced a smarter energy future with an €80 million investment to install 400,000 advanced smart metres. This initiative improves energy efficiency, cuts losses, and empowers consumers with real-time data.

KenGen, in partnership with AFD, to construct 42.5 MW solar power plant, increasing Kenyan renewable energy capacity and providing more affordable electricity.

The US International Development Finance Corporation has approved US$99 million in funding for Mozambique's first large-scale wind energy project, enhancing clean electricity supply for the national grid and regional markets.