Global Climate News

Robeco, a Dutch asset manager, has expanded its engagement in climate and nature, focusing on natural resource management, deforestation (expanding from palm oil to soy, beef, leather, paper and pulp), biodiversity, and human capital management. They are also initiating new themes on transition minerals (supply chains in electric vehicle batteries) and protecting shareholder rights from weakening regulations.

University of California in Los Angeles researchers Richard Kaner and Yuzhang Li are developing zinc and vanadium batteries for grid-scale energy storage. These batteries are cheaper and safer than lithium-ion batteries, recycle three times faster, and are less flammable due to their water-based electrolyte. The team has achieved the longest-cycling performance of a vanadium-based cathode with the highest cycling rate and capacity reported.

The Nordea Economic Outlook report discusses the impact of the green and digital transition on inflation, noting that it may lead to higher inflation due to new taxes and increased demand for certain minerals. The report also mentions the potential for AI to boost productivity in the long term, but highlights challenges like retraining the workforce. The report analyzes the resilience of Nordic economies to monetary tightening and the global economic downturn.

UK-based Cellcycle, part of The SER Group, developed a new direct recycling process for lithium-ion batteries using green solvents. This process recovers over 95% of cathode active material at temperatures below 80 degrees, reducing carbon emissions and eliminating the need for hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy. Cellcycle also partnered with CL Refurbishments Ltd for a recycling solution for lithium thionyl chloride batteries.

The Union Minister of Coal & Mines of India will attend the Future Minerals Forum 2025 in Saudi Arabia from January 14-16, 2025. The forum will focus on mineral supply chains and energy transition.

The article discusses various types of inverter batteries and factors affecting their price in Nigeria, focusing on their role in providing backup power during outages. It highlights the importance of considering battery capacity, type, brand, warranty, and compatibility with inverters when making a purchase. The article also emphasizes the benefits of inverter batteries, including uninterrupted power supply, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness.

The article discusses the geopolitical implications of climate change in the Arctic region, focusing on Donald Trump's attempts to purchase Greenland. The context highlights Greenland's resource richness and strategic importance due to climate change's impact on the region. Increased investment in Arctic defense by Denmark (€1 billion) and the need for transatlantic cooperation to counter Russia and China's activities are mentioned.

Global mining projects face disruptions, delays, and cost increases. Mali's new mining code caused disputes, leading Leo Lithium to sell its Goulamina lithium project stake to Ganfeng Lithium Group. Barrick faced similar issues in Mali. Syrah Resources' Balama graphite project in Mozambique was impacted by civil unrest. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that announced mining projects only meet a portion of future demands for key minerals, with China dominating supply chains. China's significant investment in overseas mining further complicates diversification efforts.

The US Department of Treasury and IRS announced $6 billion in tax credits for the second round of the Inflation Reduction Act’s § 48C Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Tax Credit. This is in addition to the $4 billion allocated in Round 1. The program funds projects to expand clean energy manufacturing and recycling, critical materials processing, and reduce GHG emissions. Approximately 250 projects across more than 40 states received funding, totaling over $44 billion in project investments.

The Pew Charitable Trusts, in collaboration with 32 international scientists, conducted a horizon scan identifying 15 significant issues shaping environmental conservation. Four key issues highlighted include: macroalgae as a sustainable source of rare earth elements; record low Antarctic sea ice impacting marine ecosystems; human impact on seabed carbon stores; and offshore wind farms altering ocean processes. The study was published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution and partially funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Fastmarkets proposes to amend the publication time of the daily Chinese lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide assessments from 4:00 pm London time to 7:00 pm Shanghai time to better align with the operational hours of the Chinese market. The change will affect price assessments MB-LI-0036 and MB-LI-0040 for lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, respectively. The amendment will take place on February 18, 2025, subject to market feedback. Separately, news about CATL facing a potential US investment ban is also included.

The Norwegian producer price index (PPI) measures price developments for goods at the producer level, for both the domestic and export markets. The index covers oil and gas extraction, industry, mining, power supply, water supply and some services. In 2024, industrial prices increased by 3.7 percent, while energy prices decreased. The reference year for PPI was changed to 2021=100 from January 2024.

India plans to triple its nuclear power capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32 to meet its net-zero target. The country is also developing thorium-based nuclear fuel and a prototype fast breeder reactor. However, challenges include high upfront costs, public opposition, and stringent liability laws.

Sweden is expected to produce the world’s first truly zero-carbon emission steel in 2025. This will reshape pricing, markets, and supply chains. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), effective in 2026, incentivizes decarbonization but also pressures steel mills to invest in green technologies. Green steel premiums currently track at an additional 20-40% cost. The transition requires significant capital investment and collaboration across stakeholders.

The Indian Ministry of Mines organized a Chintan Shivir to discuss transformative strategies for the mining sector, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and local manufacturing. Key initiatives included promoting a circular economy, expanding access to geo-scientific data to attract private investment, and boosting the ‘Make in India’ initiative to develop local mining equipment manufacturing. The Ministry also launched the Annual Capacity Building Program and approved 18 research and development projects.

Finnish company Tracegrow has developed a technology to produce agricultural fertilizer from battery waste. In 2021, Taaleri invested €1.5 million. The company's technology is scalable and aims for global expansion, aligning with EU circular economy goals.

German scientists at HZB and Fraunhofer IWS gained insights into lithium-sulfur pouch cells, identifying degradation processes that limit performance and lifespan. A new design approach with a perforated cathode current collector showed promise in reducing weight without compromising performance. The research was supported by the BMBF's SkaLiS project and published in Advanced Energy Materials.

The William Blair Investment Management, LLC published a blog post analyzing the impact of the global energy transition on base metals markets in 2025. The analysis highlights the increasing demand for copper and aluminum driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy, and data centers. Supply chain disruptions in alumina production, particularly in Guinea and Australia, are noted as a factor influencing prices. The potential impact of a second Trump administration, including tariffs and higher interest rates, and China’s role in the market are also discussed. The blog also considers the sustainability challenges of gold mining.

The BAPE report on the Falco Horne 5 mining project in Quebec, Canada, highlighted the project’s modest contribution to the energy transition and decarbonization. Over 90% of the commission’s opinions have been considered, and a committee will be formed to ensure the project’s compatibility with a local radio-oncology center. The project is expected to start in 2030.

US-based Powin, a company focused on energy storage solutions, has implemented an ESG framework across its supply chain. This includes selecting vendors committed to minimizing carbon emissions and using renewable energy, conducting due diligence to ensure fair labor practices, and performing regular audits to maintain ethical and environmental standards. Powin is also working to reduce its carbon footprint and formalize a battery recycling program, and is fostering relationships with diverse small businesses.