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Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Lithium in Australia: the future of the ‘white gold' rush
The global lithium market is undergoing a period of flux. Following years of solid growth, prices have plummeted from their 2022 peak amid slowing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and an oversupply from global producers. Overall, the cost of lithium hydroxide fell by around three quarters between 2023 and 2024, and has continued to fall in 2025. Australia, the world's largest producer of lithium ore (accounting for 46% of the global total in 2024), felt this decline more sharply than most, forcing several mining operations to pause amid deteriorating market conditions. However, a rebound may be on the horizon. Analysts expect a resurgence in 2025, fuelled by renewed growth in EV adoption and clean energy storage. Although lithium prices remain difficult to predict, Australian miners are once more betting big on the metal. With an abundance of active lithium mines and reserves, Australia is well placed to be at the forefront of this lithium opportunity. However, as demand grows, questions have been raised as to how this burgeoning market can remain sustainable and how waste streams can be safely managed. Strengthening domestic recycling capabilities, developing greener processing methods and building closed-loop supply chains could be key to ensuring that growth in lithium production does not come at the expense of the environment. By 2040, the International Energy Agency (IEA) expects demand for lithium to be more than 40-times current levels if the world is to meet its Paris Agreement goals. As such, despite the current market volatility, optimism about the future of lithium remains strong. In this context, Australia has positioned itself to be a leading global supplier. In 2024, the federal government extended a A$230m ($149.81m) loan to Liontown Resources, which began production at its Kathleen Valley mine last July. The mine is expected to produce around 500,000 tonnes (t) of spodumene concentrate annually. Spodumene is Australia's main source of lithium. Meanwhile, Perth-based Pilbara Minerals plans to boost lithium ore production at Pilgangoora by 50% over the next year through its P1000 project. Crucially, there has been an uptick in interest to build out not only the extraction side of the lithium supply chain but also refineries. For instance, in Western Australia, Covalent Lithium is constructing its own lithium refinery, while Albemarle is operating another refinery in the region. The motivation behind the shift in focus stems from efforts to diversify critical minerals supply chains and move away from China's continued dominance. According to the IEA, China currently accounts for 70% of global lithium refining. 'At the moment in Australia, we are doing the mining and integration aspects of lithium-ion [Li-ion] batteries really well,' says Neeraj Sharma, chemistry professor at the University of New South Wales, and founder of the Australian battery society. 'Our grid is years ahead when it comes to battery storage. It is the middle part of the supply chain that we need to grow – the processing and cell manufacturing aspects.' Similarly, Serkan Saydam, chair of mining engineering at UNSW Sydney, believes the main gap in Australia's lithium supply chain lies in the processing and refining element. 'While Australia excels in lithium extraction, it currently lacks sufficient domestic processing and refining capacity, leading to reliance on overseas facilities,' says Saydam. Indeed, in 2022–23 Australia exported 98% of its spodumene concentrate for processing. Both Sharma and Saydam identify developing lithium processing capability as necessary not only for Australia's national security and economic growth but also for sustainable industry development. Saydam says developing low-emission processing infrastructure is essential 'not only for economic gain but also for minimising environmental impacts through tighter regulatory oversight'. Building out this part of the supply chain could also, Sharma believes, help establish a more robust battery recycling industry in Australia. 'If we know what is going into the batteries from a processing perspective, it will better equip us to know how to recycle them at the end of life,' he tells Mining Technology. 'We are seeing a lot of interest from the mining and start-up sectors to move towards this, but right now, without the right electrode processing or refinement in-country, it is harder to create the recycling processes needed in-country.' According to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, only around 10% of Li-ion battery waste is currently recycled in Australia. However, Sharma predicts that as large-scale battery demand grows, so too will the recycling rates. 'I think recycling rates for things like EV batteries will be close to 100%,' he says. 'Just by the nature of the fact that these batteries are large, people won't want to have them hanging around.' The difficulty, he says, lies in scalability and the fact that battery chemistry is still evolving. 'Currently there are not enough Li-ion batteries to recycle efficiently,' says Sharma, adding that battery chemistry is constantly evolving, meaning recyclers are collecting batteries that 'have a mix of so many different chemicals'. Some battery chemistries are emerging as dominant, however, and Sharma suggests that the next few years will see the emergence of a 'more homogenous' battery waste stream that will be easier to organise and recycle. '[Once] you have more batteries available to recycle, then you have the scale to be able to do so effectively,' he adds. 'Once you start to standardise the battery chemistry, you can then start to think about really minimising the steps of recycling.' Some progress is being made. There is also an historical precedent, with the lead-acid battery industry providing a model Australia can learn from. In January 2022, the Battery Stewardship Council introduced a levy scheme in partnership with manufacturers, lifting the recovery rate of small batteries from less than 8% to more than 16% within six months. The Australian Government also recently announced its National Battery Strategy, laying out ways to support its domestic battery industry as it grows. As Australia works to close the loop, embedding sustainability throughout the supply chain will be crucial. With environmental, social and governance standards becoming more stringent, shareholders and consumers alike will be paying close attention. Saydam warns that Australia's mines will have to integrate more sustainable practices into operations to not only meet future lithium demand but also become a 'key player' in the global transition to a low-carbon economy. 'Investment in innovation – such as direct lithium extraction and low-carbon refining technologies – is vital to reduce the environmental footprint and support a circular economy,' Saydam says. 'The industry must navigate global market volatility and advocate for clear national policies that support sustainable growth. 'Addressing these challenges holistically will be key to ensuring that Australia can scale its lithium production in a responsible and globally competitive manner,' he adds. Australia has already begun to develop local refining capacity and domestic battery recycling initiatives. Still, significant hurdles remain in meeting the fast-rising global demand. Optimising lithium extraction and processing will require a coordinated blend of legislative reform, technological advancement and strategic investment, according to Saydam. 'Legislative frameworks need to be strengthened to encourage sustainable and efficient practices,' he says. 'This includes creating clear, stable policies that incentivise domestic value-adding activities such as refining and battery material production, rather than solely exporting raw materials. 'Regulatory settings should also enforce strict environmental standards to ensure water use, waste management and emissions are responsibly managed, while fast-tracking approvals for sustainable technology deployment,' Saydam continues. Enhancing community and Indigenous engagement, investing in workforce upskilling, and encouraging collaboration between academia, industry and government were also highlighted as key to long-term success. As Saydam concludes: 'In essence, the long-term success of Australia's lithium industry depends on a holistic approach that integrates sustainability, innovation and strategic positioning in the global value chain.' "Lithium in Australia: the future of the 'white gold' rush" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
GEV vs EMR: Which Energy Innovator Is the Better Player?
As the global shift toward decarbonization, electrification, and digital infrastructure accelerates, energy technology stocks like GE Vernova GEV and Emerson Electric EMR are gaining momentum. From an investment point of view, these companies offer long-term growth potential as demand for sustainable and efficient energy technologies continues to rise across developed and emerging markets. While GE Vernova is a pure-play energy company with a dedicated focus on grid modernization, renewable power, and decarbonization technologies, Emerson Electric offers a broader industrial portfolio, combining advanced automation, process control, and energy efficiency solutions that support multiple sectors in achieving their emission reduction and sustainability goals. As governments and industries worldwide ramp up investments in renewable energy, grid modernization, and smart automation to meet climate goals and energy efficiency targets, GE Vernova and Emerson Electric are well-positioned to capitalize on these structural shifts. Amid this evolving energy landscape, investors with a focus on clean energy may find it challenging to choose between the two. To help make an informed decision, we've provided a detailed comparison below: Recent Initiatives: GE Vernova is rapidly expanding its global footprint in clean energy through strategic collaborations and project wins, as evident from its latest press releases. Notably, the company has recently partnered with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to enhance energy security and supply-chain resilience. In Europe, GE Vernova has agreed to supply 12 onshore wind turbines to Çalik Renewables for wind farms in Kosovo, supporting the country's 2030 renewable goals. In the UK, it signed a service agreement with Uniper to upgrade gas turbines at the Grain power station, boosting efficiency and lowering emissions. In India, GEV commissioned the first unit of a 1-gigawatt (GW) hydropower expansion. Financial Health: GEV's cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025, totaled $8.11 billion, while both the current and long-term debt values were nil. A comparative analysis of these figures reflects that GE Vernova boasts a strong solvency position, which, in turn, should enable the company to duly meet its commitment to invest $5 billion in research and development (R&D) through 2028. Notably, the company aims to utilize half of this R&D investment in industrializing its existing products and maintaining its installed base. The other half is intended for long-term innovation to deliver next-generation differentiated products. Challenges to Note: GE Vernova, despite strong long-term growth prospects, continues to face challenges in its offshore wind segment. The business has been hit by rising material costs, persistent supply-chain issues, and regulatory delays, all of which have disrupted project timelines and increased expenses. As a key offshore wind turbine supplier, GE Vernova reported a first-quarter 2025 revenue decline of 53.7% for this segment, largely due to slower production. Balancing large-scale investments in next-gen technologies amid declining revenues could pressure margins, making offshore wind a more volatile part of its renewable energy portfolio. Recent Achievements: Among Emerson Electric's recent clean energy achievements, worth mentioning is Emerson systems' control of 65,000 wind turbines worldwide and the automation of one of the world's largest green hydrogen facilities using its valves and measurement devices (as of May 2025). Moreover, 70% of the world's liquified natural gas ('LNG') flows through Emerson valves, with LNG being a cleaner-burning fuel than coal or oil. This highlights Emerson Electric's strategic and growing presence in the global clean energy landscape, driven by its deep integration into critical infrastructure. Financial Health: EMR's cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025, totaled $1.89 billion and declined sequentially. On the other hand, while its current debt totaled $6.19 billion, long-term debt amounted to $8.18 billion. A comparative analysis of these figures suggests that Emerson Electric may face limited short-term financial flexibility, especially for large-scale investments. This, in turn, might restrict the company's ability to invest more in its manufacturing capacity expansion for its automation products and software that are widely used in the clean energy industry. Challenges to Note: Despite strong demand for automation and grid solutions, the company faces the brunt of industry-wide supply-chain disruptions as well as rising input costs. Since Emerson relies on third-party service providers for certain critical infrastructure, solutions, and services across its operations, the persistent supply-chain issues challenging the broader manufacturing industry may constrict EMR's ability to deliver its products on time. Moreover, industry-wide shortage of raw materials as well as labor continues to pose operational risk for large-scale manufacturers like Emerson. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GE Vernova's 2025 sales and earnings per share (EPS) implies an improvement of 6.4% and 28.3%, respectively, from the year-ago quarter's reported figures. The stock's near-term EPS estimates have also been trending upward over the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Emerson Electric's fiscal 2025 sales implies a year-over-year improvement of 3.3%, while that for earnings suggests a rise of 9.3%. The stock's bottom-line estimates for fiscal 2025 have moved north over the past 60 days, while those for fiscal 2026 have remained unchanged. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research GEV (up 45.5%) has outperformed EMR (up 15.1%) over the past three months and has done the same in the past year. Shares of GEV and EMR have surged 178.7% and 19%, respectively, over the same period. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research EMR is trading at a forward earnings multiple of 20.51X, much below GE Vernova's forward earnings multiple of 52.91X. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research A comparative analysis of both these stocks' Return on Equity (ROE) suggests that EMR is more efficient at generating profits from its equity base compared to GEV. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Both GE Vernova and Emerson Electric are well-positioned to benefit from the global energy transition, with strong exposure to renewable technologies and automation. GEV's pure-play clean energy strategy, debt-free balance sheet, and robust earnings outlook make it an appealing choice for long-term, risk-averse investors seeking focused exposure to decarbonization and grid modernization. EMR, on the other hand, offers diversification through automation and process control technologies but faces challenges due to its leveraged capital structure and ongoing supply-chain issues. Metric-wise, while EMR trades at a lower valuation and boasts stronger ROE, GEV has delivered superior recent stock performance and higher projected earnings growth. So, staying invested in both is likely to be beneficial. However, for investors prioritizing clean energy and balance sheet strength, GEV may be the more prudent long-term bet, taking into account EMR's huge debt burden, which can be overwhelming in times of crisis. Both GEV and EMR stocks carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) : Free Stock Analysis Report GE Vernova Inc. (GEV) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
North Carolina lawmakers finalize bill that would scrap 2030 carbon reduction goal
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina legislators finalized a bill Thursday that would eliminate an interim greenhouse gas reduction mandate set in a landmark 2021 law, while still directing regulators to aim to cancel out power plant carbon emissions in the state within the next 25 years. With some bipartisan support, the state Senate voted to accept the House version that would repeal the 2021 law's requirement that electric regulators take 'all reasonable steps to achieve' reducing carbon dioxide output 70% from 2005 levels by 2030. The law's directive to take similar steps to meet a carbon neutrality standard by 2050 would remain in place. The bill's Republican supporters pushing the new measure say getting rid of the interim goal benefits ratepayers asked to pay for future electric-production construction and is more efficient for Duke Energy, the state's dominant electric utility. The bill now goes to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, who can veto the measure, sign it or let it become law without his signature. Stein previously expressed concerns about the Senate version of the measure, worried that it could hurt electricity users and threaten the state's clean-energy economy. His office didn't immediately provide comment after Thursday's vote. With over a dozen House and Senate Democrats voting for the final version, the chances that any Stein veto could be overridden are higher. Republicans in charge of the General Assembly are only one House seat shy of a veto-proof majority. The bill also contains language that would help Duke Energy seek higher electric rates to cover financing costs to build nuclear or gas-powered plants incrementally, rather than wait until the project's end. The 2021 greenhouse gas law marked a rare agreement on environmental issues by then-Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican lawmakers. At least 17 other states — most controlled by Democrats — have laws setting similar net-zero power plant emissions or 100% renewable energy targets, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. North Carolina and Virginia are the only ones from the Southeast. The legislation came about as President Donald Trump's administration has proposed rolling back federal environmental and climate change policies, which critics say could boost pollution and threaten human health. Republicans are promoting them as ways to reduce the cost of living and boost the economy. The state Utilities Commission, which regulates rates and services for public utilities, already has pushed back the 2030 deadline — as the 2021 law allows — by at least four years. The panel acknowledged last year it was 'no longer reasonable or executable' for Duke Energy to meet the reduction standard by 2030. Bill supporters say to meet the goal would require expensive types of alternate energy immediately. If the interim standard can be bypassed, GOP bill authors say, Duke Energy can assemble less expensive power sources now and moderate electricity rate increases necessary to reach the 2050 standard. Citing an analysis performed by a state agency that represents consumers before the commission, GOP lawmakers say removing the interim goal would reduce by at least $13 billion what Duke Energy would have to spend — and pass on to customers — in the next 25 years. Bill opponents question the savings figure given uncertainty in plant fuel prices, energy demand and construction costs, and say the interim goal still holds an aspirational purpose to while Duke Energy agreed in 2021 to meet. Provisions in the measure related to recouping plant construction expenses over time would reduce accumulated borrowing interest. Environmental groups argue the financing option would benefit Duke Energy financially on expensive projects even if they're never completed, and the bill broadly would prevent cleaner energy sources from coming online sooner. 'This bill is bad for all North Carolinians, whether they're Duke Energy customers or simply people who want to breathe clean air,' North Carolina Sierra Club director Chris Herndon said after the vote while urging Stein to veto the measure. Bill support came from the North Carolina Chamber and a manufacturers' group, in addition to Duke Energy. 'We appreciate bipartisan efforts by policymakers to keep costs as low as possible for customers and enable the always-on energy resources our communities need,' the company said this week. Gary D. Robertson, The Associated Press
Associated Press
a day ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
North Carolina lawmakers finalize bill that would scrap 2030 carbon reduction goal
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina legislators finalized a bill Thursday that would eliminate an interim greenhouse gas reduction mandate set in a landmark 2021 law, while still directing regulators to aim to cancel out power plant carbon emissions in the state within the next 25 years. With some bipartisan support, the state Senate voted to accept the House version that would repeal the 2021 law's requirement that electric regulators take 'all reasonable steps to achieve' reducing carbon dioxide output 70% from 2005 levels by 2030. The law's directive to take similar steps to meet a carbon neutrality standard by 2050 would remain in place. The bill's Republican supporters pushing the new measure say getting rid of the interim goal benefits ratepayers asked to pay for future electric-production construction and is more efficient for Duke Energy, the state's dominant electric utility. The bill now goes to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, who can veto the measure, sign it or let it become law without his signature. Stein previously expressed concerns about the Senate version of the measure, worried that it could hurt electricity users and threaten the state's clean-energy economy. His office didn't immediately provide comment after Thursday's vote. With over a dozen House and Senate Democrats voting for the final version, the chances that any Stein veto could be overridden are higher. Republicans in charge of the General Assembly are only one House seat shy of a veto-proof majority. The bill also contains language that would help Duke Energy seek higher electric rates to cover financing costs to build nuclear or gas-powered plants incrementally, rather than wait until the project's end. The 2021 greenhouse gas law marked a rare agreement on environmental issues by then-Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Republican lawmakers. At least 17 other states — most controlled by Democrats — have laws setting similar net-zero power plant emissions or 100% renewable energy targets, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. North Carolina and Virginia are the only ones from the Southeast. The legislation came about as President Donald Trump's administration has proposed rolling back federal environmental and climate change policies, which critics say could boost pollution and threaten human health. Republicans are promoting them as ways to reduce the cost of living and boost the economy. The state Utilities Commission, which regulates rates and services for public utilities, already has pushed back the 2030 deadline — as the 2021 law allows — by at least four years. The panel acknowledged last year it was 'no longer reasonable or executable' for Duke Energy to meet the reduction standard by 2030. Bill supporters say to meet the goal would require expensive types of alternate energy immediately. If the interim standard can be bypassed, GOP bill authors say, Duke Energy can assemble less expensive power sources now and moderate electricity rate increases necessary to reach the 2050 standard. Citing an analysis performed by a state agency that represents consumers before the commission, GOP lawmakers say removing the interim goal would reduce by at least $13 billion what Duke Energy would have to spend — and pass on to customers — in the next 25 years. Bill opponents question the savings figure given uncertainty in plant fuel prices, energy demand and construction costs, and say the interim goal still holds an aspirational purpose to while Duke Energy agreed in 2021 to meet. Provisions in the measure related to recouping plant construction expenses over time would reduce accumulated borrowing interest. Environmental groups argue the financing option would benefit Duke Energy financially on expensive projects even if they're never completed, and the bill broadly would prevent cleaner energy sources from coming online sooner. 'This bill is bad for all North Carolinians, whether they're Duke Energy customers or simply people who want to breathe clean air,' North Carolina Sierra Club director Chris Herndon said after the vote while urging Stein to veto the measure. Bill support came from the North Carolina Chamber and a manufacturers' group, in addition to Duke Energy. 'We appreciate bipartisan efforts by policymakers to keep costs as low as possible for customers and enable the always-on energy resources our communities need,' the company said this week.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: IGC prioritises local growth, clean energy in gas strategy
MUSCAT - 'Oman's gas is a national asset — and we manage it with that responsibility in mind,' said Abdulrahman al Yahyaei, CEO of Integrated Gas Company (IGC), as he outlined the company's strategy to ensure natural gas drives both industrial growth and the country's clean energy transition. At the heart of IGC's approach is a clear principle: domestic needs come first. 'In our model, local demand — especially for power generation and key industries — takes priority. Only after meeting those requirements do we allocate any surplus for export,' said Al Yahyaei in an interview with Observer. 'This is how we protect economic stability while remaining active in the global LNG market.' IGC manages more than 44 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas annually and plays a critical role in balancing the needs of over 140 domestic consumers with export flows via Oman LNG. With the Sultanate of Oman exporting 11.4 million tonnes of LNG in 2024, IGC's role in ensuring that this export growth does not compromise national needs is vital. Al Yahyaei noted that IGC's use of data-driven tools and real-time systems is key to achieving this balance. 'We've introduced Oman's first gas spot market and digital auction platform. This allows us to respond rapidly to changes in demand, whether it's an industrial shortfall or a shift in export conditions,' he said. Another major innovation is the launch of the Gas Applications Portal — a fully digitised platform for managing gas supply requests. 'This gives us visibility across the entire value chain. We evaluate requests based on economic impact, energy efficiency, and decarbonisation potential. It's a strategic allocation, not just a supply exercise,' he added. The company's impact extends beyond conventional gas management. IGC plays an enabling role in Oman's long-term decarbonisation goals, including the development of green hydrogen and low-carbon industries. One example is its involvement in supporting Vulcan Green Steel in Duqm. 'Vulcan is a landmark project — and our role is to ensure it has transitional gas during its ramp-up. This allows the plant to begin operations while gradually shifting to electricity and green hydrogen. We're creating a practical decarbonisation pathway,' said Al Yahyaei. Abdulrahman al Yahyaei, CEO of Integrated Gas Company IGC has embedded this mindset across its operations. 'We prioritise gas allocation to industries that are serious about sustainability — whether that means hydrogen readiness, carbon capture, or electrification. These decisions shape the kind of industrial base Oman will have in the future,' he explained. In parallel, IGC is facilitating the development of Oman's fourth LNG train, aiming to expand liquefaction capacity to 15 million tonnes annually by 2030. But this expansion, Al Yahyaei stressed, is not being pursued at the expense of local development. 'We've made it clear that gas for the fourth train will come from new upstream volumes. It's not a reallocation; it's an expansion with safeguards,' he said. Since its establishment in December 2022, IGC has moved quickly to centralise gas contracting, unify allocation policies, and shift the sector toward transparency and responsiveness. But the transformation has not been without its challenges. 'Integrating different legacy systems and moving from a regulatory to a commercial model required a deep institutional shift,' Al Yahyaei admitted. 'But we've built the foundation. Now, we're focused on refining the system and scaling clean energy support.' Ultimately, IGC aims to evolve from a conventional gas aggregator into a platform for managing clean molecules and enabling low-carbon industrial growth. 'Our long-term vision is clear,' Al Yahyaei concluded. 'We want to ensure that every molecule of gas we manage drives national value — whether through job creation, industrial competitiveness, or climate resilience.' As Oman charts a path toward Net Zero by 2050, IGC is positioning itself not only as a distributor of energy, but as a strategic force shaping the future of the country's economy and environmental footprint.
