Enbridge Powers Meta Data Centers with $900M Texas Solar Investment

Jennifer L
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0
Enbridge Powers Meta Data Centers with $900M Texas Solar Investment

Enbridge, traditionally a pipeline and gas infrastructure giant, is moving into renewable power in partnership with Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. Enbridge committed $900 million to build the 600 MW Clear Fork Solar Project near San Antonio, Texas.

A long-term deal will have 100% of the project’s clean energy to power Meta’s regional data centers. This supports Meta’s sustainability goals and shows major shifts in how tech giants get their electricity.

America’s New Solar Powerhouse

Texas leads the U.S. in energy production. The state ranks first in wind and second in solar generation. Texas is expected to have a cumulative capacity nearly doubling to 80 GW by 2030.

Such rapid growth will meet the rising electricity demand from data center expansions. Companies like Oracle, OpenAI, and Google are all adding gigawatts of power load.

Texas is becoming a leader in clean energy. It already ranks first in wind power and second in solar in the U.S.

Texas solar capacity
Source: Climate Central

The state’s wide-open land, strong sun, and business-friendly rules make it perfect for solar farms. In fact, its expected yearly additions are enough to power millions of homes.

Big tech companies are also setting up large operations in Texas. These companies need huge amounts of energy. As more data centers open, Texas’s energy demand is rising fast.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) says the state’s total energy needs could double by 2030. Solar power will play a key role in meeting this growth. Projects like Clear Fork help ensure that new energy demand is met with clean, renewable power.

Meta has 6.7 GW of renewables in the U.S. and 11.7 GW worldwide. It needs more clean energy to support its growing data infrastructure. The Clear Fork project helps deliver reliable, cost-effective solar power under a power purchase agreement (PPA).

For Enbridge, the deal brings profits starting in 2027. It also boosts its ESG credentials by moving from fossil-heavy assets to clean energy.

Scaling Solar for Energy-Hungry Data Centers 

Data centers are the engines of the internet. They run everything from emails to artificial intelligence. But they also use a lot of electricity. In 2024, data centers in the U.S. consumed over 46,000 megawatts (MW) of power. That number is expected to double by 2029.

US utility power demand from data centers 2029
Source: S&P Global

Texas is seeing many new data centers built. These facilities need clean, reliable energy around the clock. This is where solar power comes in.

With big solar projects like Clear Fork, energy companies can deliver affordable and clean electricity. Enbridge’s project will supply 600 MW—enough to power thousands of homes or several data centers.

To make solar work even when the sun doesn’t shine, companies are adding battery storage. These batteries can save extra energy during the day and release it at night. This helps data centers stay online 24/7. With Meta’s partnership, Clear Fork becomes a model for how clean energy can support the future of digital life.

From Gas to Gigawatts: Enbridge’s Solar Surge

The Clear Fork project is just one of several major renewables investments by Enbridge. In November 2024, it started the 585 MW Sequoia Solar Project in Texas. It is also building the Fox Squirrel solar facility, which has 577 MW in Ohio. This project is in partnership with EDF Renewables and is set to power Amazon data centers.

In Wyoming, Enbridge leads a 771 MW solar project, marking a substantial entry into a state with just 330 MW of solar capacity before 2025.

These megaprojects align with Enbridge’s pivot strategy. The company balances traditional energy assets with new renewables to ensure stable long-term cash flow, even amid volatile commodity prices.

Jobs, Dollars, and Sunshine: Solar’s Ripple Effect

Utility-scale solar projects like Clear Fork bring more than clean energy. They spur local development, create hundreds of construction jobs, and increase tax revenues.

Recent Texas projects, like EdgeConneX’s $440 million data center in Bastrop County, have created thousands of construction jobs. They also provide long-term employment opportunities.

Texas regulators are looking at ways to improve transmission lines and increase grid capacity. They also want to balance the abundant solar energy during the day with energy storage. This will help ensure a reliable supply for facilities that operate 24/7.

As the solar-powered building boom continues, lawmakers grapple with how to prevent solar or wind opposition from limiting clean-energy growth.

Meta’s Sustainability Strategy: Building the Cleanest Cloud on Earth

Meta’s deal reinforces tech companies’ strategies to secure renewable energy certainty. Recent PPAs include a 791 MW deal with Invenergy covering multiple states and a 595 MW agreement with Zelestra in Texas. These deals align with commitments to 100% clean energy and support AI infrastructure demands.

Meta is rapidly growing its global data center footprint to support its AI and cloud services. New plans include large superclusters like the 5 GW “Hyperion” in Louisiana and the 1 GW “Prometheus” in Ohio. These centers will support high-demand AI workloads.

The company has already invested over $68 billion in capex over the past 18 months and holds 11.7 GW of contracted renewable capacity, with 6.7 GW live in the U.S.

Meta matches 100% of its data center electricity with renewable energy and achieves LEED Gold or higher certification across all facilities. Its centers average a PUE of 1.09 and WUE of 0.18, reflecting top-tier energy and water efficiency.

The tech giant also recycles 91% of construction waste. The company is exploring innovative technologies like geothermal and nuclear power to meet growing energy needs while staying aligned with its goal of net-zero emissions by 2030.

Meta’s deal reinforces tech companies’ strategies to secure renewable energy certainty. Recent PPAs include a 791 MW deal with Invenergy covering multiple states and a 595 MW agreement with Zelestra in Texas. These deals align with commitments to 100% clean energy and support AI infrastructure demands.

Meta renewable energy projects map
Source: Meta

For utilities and energy developers, long-term PPAs with tech partners are a lifeline. They provide the financing needed to build big solar farms while offering companies the green credentials they need for sustainability reporting and ESG goals.

Blueprint for a Solar-Powered Internet Future

Enbridge’s $900M commitment to the 600 MW Clear Fork Solar Project marks a key moment in clean-energy and data industry integration. It reflects a broader trend: utilities partnering with tech giants to secure reliable, sustainable energy for rapidly expanding data infrastructure.

By pairing large-scale solar with long-term PPAs, Enbridge and Meta are not just meeting sustainability goals—they’re helping create the blueprint for how future data-demand growth can be powered cleanly, affordably, and reliably.

Top 5 Sustainable Bitcoin Mining Companies To Watch Out For

Jennifer L
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Top 5 Sustainable Bitcoin Mining Companies To Watch Out For

Bitcoin mining has historically been linked to high energy use and environmental concerns. However, some companies are changing this image by using renewable energy, practicing transparency, and following strong governance principles. These miners show that it is possible to grow profits while reducing environmental impact.

Before we get to know the top sustainable bitcoin mining companies to put on your radar, let’s learn why sustainability is crucial in this space.

Why Greener Mining Matters: Bitcoin’s ESG Future

Bitcoin’s method of securing its network uses a lot of electricity. This has drawn criticism because most mining still depends on fossil fuels. And thus, sustainable miners are working to separate Bitcoin growth from carbon emissions.

bitcoin energy use
Source: Digiconomist

As governments and investors seek cleaner energy, companies using renewables can gain. They will enjoy better market access and face fewer regulatory issues.

Sustainable mining also helps communities and local power grids. Some miners locate near renewable power sources where they can take advantage of excess energy and even support grid stability. Clear operations lower environmental and noise issues. This helps build strong ties with local residents.

Moreover, renewable energy often lowers costs, sometimes to less than one or two cents per kilowatt-hour. This reduces the cost to mine each Bitcoin and protects miners from fossil fuel price swings. Since Bitcoin rewards decrease over time, miners with cheap power will stay profitable longer.

In a crowded marketplace, miners that demonstrate a commitment to clean energy can stand out. Certifications and carbon offsets boost their reputation. They also attract investors looking for responsible, future-proof miners. Speaking of, here are the top five  bitcoin mining companies showcasing their sustainable, greener operations. 

1. Gryphon Digital Mining: Carbon-Negative Mining Using Hydroelectric and Flare Gas Power

Gryphon Digital Mining is among the first publicly traded Bitcoin miners focused on being carbon-neutral, and now carbon-negative. In 2023, over 98% of its electricity came from renewable sources, mainly hydroelectric power, reaching 100% early in 2024. This was confirmed through independent audits.

The company got a sustainable Bitcoin certification, showing its dedication to clear environmental goals. Gryphon regularly publishes its full emissions data, providing transparency for investors. It also links executive pay to sustainability achievements, ensuring accountability.

Gryphon’s mining fleet works efficiently and uses about 28.6 joules for each terahash. This setup produces nearly one exahash of computational power every second. In 2024, it produced Bitcoin valued at millions of dollars monthly, maintaining high uptime and low power costs. The acquisition of flare gas-powered mining assets increased capacity. It costs about one cent per kilowatt-hour.

Gryphon projects a pipeline of 500 megawatts in new clean energy projects, including flare gas sites. It recently bought a large industrial property in Alberta to expand. With new leaders, the company plans to hit several exahashes per second soon. They will focus on using sustainable energy sources.

Gryphon bitcoin
Source: Gryphon

ESG, Growth, and Strategy

  • In 2023, GP4BTC received sustainable Bitcoin certification from Energy Web. This was part of a new effort to standardize energy measurement in mining.
  • Plans a 500 MW pipeline of low-cost power projects. This includes flare gas acquisition in Louisiana. It adds 59 PH/s right away at about 1¢/kWh.
  • Recently bought an 850-acre industrial site in Alberta for future growth. This move comes under their new CEO, Steve Gutterman. He previously grew TRADE Financial from $1B to $35B in assets.
  • Planning to expand hash rate toward multiple EH/s by mid‑2020s, supported by clean power sourcing and carbon-negative posture.

2. CleanSpark: Multi-Source Renewable Energy and Community-Focused Mining

CleanSpark shifted from energy services to Bitcoin mining with a strong environmental commitment. Its mining data centers are in New York, Georgia, and Mississippi. They get about 94% of their power from carbon-free sources like nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar.

CleanSpark
Source: CleanSpark

One key partnership is with Coinmint, which operates a large hydro-powered facility in New York. This site reports nearly full uptime and plans to reach 100% renewable power. CleanSpark also emphasizes immersion cooling technology, which extends equipment life by reducing heat and energy use. This reduces electronic waste and lowers overall power demand.

The company talks to local leaders before building new facilities. This way, they can address concerns and show benefits, which helps gain social acceptance.

CleanSpark aims to boost its mining capacity from one exahash per second to two. The company is focused on using clean power for this growth.

The company has deep roots in the energy industry since 1987. This experience helps them manage power costs and join grid programs that reward flexibility in demand. It aims for net-zero emissions of direct and indirect operations by 2027.

Targets, Expansion, and Positioning

  • CleanSpark has energy infrastructure from 1987. This gives it an edge in negotiating demand-response and grid service programs.
  • Through ATL Data Centers and Coinmint, CleanSpark exceeded 470 PH/s earlier in 2022, mining 3,768 BTC (over time) and averaging ~4 BTC/day at peak.
  • It aims for net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2027. Also, it plans to increase capacity from about 1 EH/s to 2 EH/s and more. The focus will be on keeping a high clean energy share.

3. TeraWulf: Mining Powered by Nuclear and Hydroelectric Energy at Low Cost

TeraWulf runs two major Bitcoin mining sites in the United States. The Lake Mariner facility in New York mostly uses electricity from hydro and nuclear sources. This means it provides about 91% zero-carbon power. The company owns this big operation that has about 110 megawatts of capacity. Plus, it offers over 3.6 exahashes per second of computing power.

The Nautilus Cryptomine site in Pennsylvania uses nuclear power from the Susquehanna plant. It is partly owned and run with partners. This setup cuts electrical costs to about two cents per kilowatt-hour. This boosts profitability.

After selling its stake in the Nautilus project, TeraWulf reinvested capital into expanding Lake Mariner. The company plans to reach approximately 238 megawatts of total capacity by late 2024. It favors the most energy-efficient mining hardware and aims for 100% clean energy powering its operations.

Terawulf
Source: Terawulf

Performance Metrics and Strategic Growth

  • By mid-2023, TeraWulf had scaled to around 5.5 exahashes per second and 160 megawatts of mining capacity. It maintained a low cost per Bitcoin mined, well below industry averages.
  • In Q2 2024, the company raised its capacity to around 10 exahashes per second. This change led to a 130% year-over-year revenue boost.
  • TeraWulf plans to keep using the best mining hardware, like the Bitmain S19 XP Pro and S19 j Pro, which have around 21.5–29.5 J/TH efficiency. They also aim to expand their zero-carbon power sourcing to 100%.

4. Iris Energy: Scaling 100% Renewable Bitcoin Mining and AI Compute Ventures

Based in Australia, Iris Energy, now known as IREN operates mining sites in Canada, Texas, and Australia. Its energy mix is mostly hydroelectric power. It also includes wind, solar, and renewable energy certificates. This adds up to around 97% renewable power.

Iris Energy locates modular mining facilities in regions with a surplus of clean energy. These sites turn extra renewable electricity into Bitcoin. This helps balance local grids and supports communities.

The company owns its land, data centers, and grid connections. This gives it full control over energy use and mining efficiency.

Although it posted modest losses in fiscal 2025, forecasts predict positive earnings in the near future. Institutional investors show interest, partly due to the company’s clean energy commitment.

Iris also develops AI computing services powered entirely by renewable energy. These high-performance GPU clusters provide additional revenue streams alongside Bitcoin mining.

Metrics, Market Position, and Growth

  • The stock is attracting strong institutional interest with an A+/A‑ ratings from IBD and a top relative strength score of 98.
  • By mid-2025, Iris Energy operated at an estimated 50 exahashes per second and reported strong sales growth (172%).
  • Iris offers AI-driven cloud services, powered by renewable-energy-fed GPU clusters (e.g. NVIDIA H100). This adds a higher-margin revenue layer atop its Bitcoin business.
  • The company aims to reach 20 exahashes per second by 2026. It is also looking into green hydrogen and more renewable energy projects.

5. Bitfarms: Hydroelectric Mining with Expanded High-Performance Computing

Bitfarms operates mining facilities in Québec, Washington State, Argentina, and Paraguay. These sites primarily use hydroelectric energy, allowing for 95 to 99% renewable power consumption.

The company has a complete environmental, health, and safety management system. Its board oversees this system. It has teamed up with recycling groups to handle electronic waste properly. This effort creates verified carbon credits.

In 2023, Bitfarms operated approximately 5 exahashes per second in Argentina and aimed to increase to around 6 exahashes. The company has shifted part of its focus to U.S. sites, which offer favorable energy prices and market conditions. Bitfarms also invests in high-performance computing and AI infrastructure.

However, not all developments have been smooth. In Paraguay, a mining facility created loud noise pollution. This bothered local residents and led to legal complaints. It still relied on extra hydroelectric power. Bitfarms has since taken steps to resolve these issues. This case highlights the need for miners to manage community impacts carefully.

The company has restructured its operations into divisions. One focuses on traditional mining, and the other covers broader computing services.

Performance, Social Dimensions, and Future Roadmap

  • By Jan 2025, the operating hash rate reached ~12.8 EH/s, with a strategic shift toward U.S. facilities to leverage favorable power and market access. 
  • Total energy portfolio exceeded 950 MW, with flexibility across Bitcoin mining and HPC/AI operations.
  • Developing a 120 MW high-performance computing and AI site in Sharon, Pennsylvania, within the PJM grid—seeking to monetize infrastructure across both mining and HPC sectors.
Bitfarms
Source: Bitfarms

Clean Hashes, Clear Conscience: A New Era in Bitcoin Mining

The five companies profiled here—Gryphon Digital Mining, CleanSpark, TeraWulf, Iris Energy, and Bitfarms—illustrate the evolving landscape of sustainable Bitcoin mining. Each company combines renewable power, transparency, and strategic growth with a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Gryphon leads with carbon-negative mining and flare gas utilization. CleanSpark emphasizes multi-source renewables and community engagement. TeraWulf focuses on nuclear and hydro to minimize costs.

Meanwhile, Iris Energy specializes in modular, 100% renewable operations and diversifies into AI computing. And Bitfarms leverages hydroelectric sites and expands into high-performance computing while managing community challenges.

Overall, sustainable bitcoin mining is becoming essential. With rising energy scrutiny, investor demand for climate alignment, and stricter regulations, these firms offer scalable models that align economic growth with ecological responsibility.

Base Carbon: A Rising Force in the Voluntary Carbon Market

Jennifer L
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0
Base Carbon: A Rising Force in the Voluntary Carbon Market

Base Carbon Inc. (NEO: BCBN) has quickly become a key player in the voluntary carbon market. It shows strong financial results and plans for growth. Its expanding portfolio of carbon offset projects helps global sustainability efforts. Through a combination of innovative projects, careful asset management, and strategic partnerships, Base Carbon is positioning itself as a leader in an increasingly critical industry.

Financial Performance and Strategic Moves

In the first quarter of 2025, Base Carbon reported a comprehensive income of $518,000. This marks a significant recovery from a loss of $19.8 million in the same period last year. This improvement mostly came from net cash of $789,621. This cash was generated by selling carbon credits from the Vietnam water purifier project. The ability to convert carbon credits into a reliable cash flow is a key indicator of Base Carbon’s maturity and market relevance.

Base Carbon has a strong balance sheet. Total assets are $112.3 million. This includes $13.4 million in cash reserves and $25.6 million in carbon credits. This large inventory shows the company’s commitment to generating carbon credits. It also shows that the company is ready to take advantage of changing market demand.

To boost shareholder value, the company bought back over 0.7 million shares in Q1 2025. After the quarter, it repurchased another 3.75 million shares. This reduced the total outstanding shares to 104.75 million. These buybacks show that Base Carbon believes in its value and future. They also help boost earnings per share over time.

Insider Confidence and Strategic Partnerships

Abaxx Technologies Inc., a key stakeholder in Base Carbon, showed strong confidence. In May 2025, it boosted its holdings by buying 3.7 million common shares through a private deal. Abaxx’s increased investment shows its confidence in Base Carbon’s strategy and growth.

Insiders, like company management and affiliates, hold a big stake in Base Carbon’s shares. This connection between leadership and shareholders shows that Base Carbon’s executives care about the company’s success. This builds trust with outside investors.

The company also has strong partnerships with tech providers and local groups. These connections help with the rollout and checking of carbon offset projects. These partnerships are key to making Base Carbon’s initiatives credible and scalable in the voluntary carbon market.

Project Portfolio: Diverse Initiatives Driving Carbon Credit Generation

Base Carbon’s expanding portfolio includes projects that create high-quality carbon credits. These projects tackle important environmental issues in various regions.

Vietnam Water Purifier Project

This project has been a cornerstone of Base Carbon’s success. The initiative uses affordable water purification technologies in rural Vietnam. This cuts down the need to boil water. Boiling usually uses biomass fuels like wood and charcoal, which release a lot of greenhouse gases. This project creates verified carbon credits. It does this by reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from household cooking and boiling.

Since its inception, the Vietnam project has delivered total cash payments of approximately $35.2 million. This amount covers the full repayment of the invested capital and adds a net cash gain of about $14.4 million. This shows that the project is financially viable and has environmental benefits too.

Rwanda Cookstoves Project

Base Carbon is moving forward with its Rwanda Cookstoves Project. This project aims to cut emissions by providing efficient cooking stoves. Traditional cookstoves in Rwanda use firewood poorly. This leads to deforestation and high CO2 emissions.

The project provides clean cookstoves. These stoves use less fuel, so they cut emissions and boost indoor air quality for local communities.

This initiative will create many carbon credits. It supports Base Carbon’s promise to offset carbon responsibly. Plus, it offers health and environmental benefits at the same time.

India Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) Project

Base Carbon’s ARR project in India focuses on restoring forests. It aims to reforest and rehabilitate ecosystems in damaged areas. Forests act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. This project will sequester carbon through afforestation and reforestation. It will also help conserve biodiversity and protect watersheds.

The ARR project is on track to issue its first batch of carbon credits in the second half of 2025. Once it starts, it will diversify Base Carbon’s credit portfolio. It will also create long-term, sustainable environmental benefits.

Base Carbon’s Role in the Voluntary Carbon Market

The voluntary carbon market (VCM) lets companies, governments, and people buy carbon credits. They do this to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. The VCM works differently from compliance markets. It relies on voluntary participation. This allows various participants to invest in carbon reduction projects around the globe.

Base Carbon’s role in this market is multifaceted:

  • Project Developer. Base Carbon starts and runs carbon offset projects. This creates verified carbon credits that meet strict international standards, like the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Gold Standard. These certifications ensure the environmental integrity and additionality of the credits.

  • Carbon Credit Monetizer. Base Carbon makes money by selling carbon credits. This is shown by its recent success with credits from the Vietnam project. This ability to turn carbon assets into cash boosts the company’s finances. It also provides capital for future projects.

  • Market Participant and Innovator. The company trades carbon credits and looks for new ways to improve liquidity and price discovery in the voluntary carbon market. Base Carbon is also involved in new projects like blockchain-based carbon registries. These digital marketplaces boost transparency and lower transaction costs.

Sustainability Initiatives and Future Growth Prospects

Base Carbon also invests in sustainability projects. These efforts strengthen its role as a responsible environmental steward.

  • Community Engagement. Base Carbon focuses on collaborating with local communities. This way, projects provide both social and environmental benefits. This includes training and education programs, health improvements, and economic opportunities linked to project activities.

  • Technology Integration. The company uses technology to improve monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of carbon offsets. Tools such as satellite images, IoT sensors, and blockchain boost the accuracy and trust of carbon credit data.

  • Expansion Pipeline. Base Carbon is looking at new projects in areas where emissions can be cut. These include Latin America and Southeast Asia. Expanding its reach will diversify carbon credit sources. This will help reduce risks tied to project concentration.

  • Carbon Market Advocacy. The company joins industry forums and works with policymakers. They aim to strengthen standards and ensure transparency in the voluntary carbon market.

Ensuring Integrity: The Importance of Carbon Credit Verification

A key part of Base Carbon’s work is its strict verification process for carbon credit projects. Carbon credits represent measurable, quantifiable reductions or removals of greenhouse gas emissions. To ensure these credits hold real value — both environmentally and commercially — they must be verified by independent third parties following recognized standards.

International Standards and Protocols

Base Carbon follows global standards to make sure its credits are trustworthy. Some of the most commonly used standards include:

  • Verified Carbon Standard (VCS): Developed by Verra, VCS is one of the most widely used standards in the voluntary carbon market. It provides detailed methodologies for different project types, including forestry, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.

  • Gold Standard: The standard focuses on sustainable development. It certifies projects that improve social and environmental outcomes while also reducing carbon emissions.

  • Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standards (CCB): CCB standards often work with VCS. They ensure that projects help local communities and support biodiversity conservation.

Base Carbon makes sure all projects get verified under these frameworks. This boosts market confidence and makes trading carbon credits easier.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV)

A robust MRV system is vital for ongoing credibility. Base Carbon uses advanced tools like satellite imagery, remote sensing, and IoT sensors. These help track project performance and measure emission reductions all the time. Data collected are analyzed and compiled into detailed reports submitted to certifying bodies.

Third-party auditors review these reports regularly, usually once a year. They issue verification statements that confirm the amount of carbon credits that can be issued.

The Role of Blockchain and Digital Registries

To increase transparency and reduce fraud risks, Base Carbon is exploring blockchain-based carbon registries. These digital platforms securely log carbon credit transactions and ownership. This helps buyers track the credits’ lifecycle and check their authenticity. Base Carbon wants to use blockchain technology. This will help create new standards for trust and efficiency in the voluntary carbon market.

A Company Poised for Impact and Growth

Base Carbon is showing a strong financial turnaround. Their strategic share repurchases and insider investments indicate growth in the voluntary carbon market. Its growing and varied project portfolio in Asia and Africa brings real environmental benefits and economic value for investors.

Base Carbon stands out with strong partnerships, new ways to make money from carbon credits, and a real focus on sustainability. This makes it an attractive option for those wanting to invest in meaningful environmental solutions. As the voluntary carbon market grows in importance amid global climate goals, Base Carbon’s proactive strategies and solid foundations position it well for sustained growth and leadership in the carbon offset space.

Meta Boosts Renewable Energy with 650 MW Solar Agreement

Aiden Green
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Meta Boosts Renewable Energy with 650 MW Solar Agreement

Meta Platforms has signed two major solar energy agreements with AES Corporation to lock in 650 megawatts (MW) of clean power. These new projects, based in Texas and Kansas, will support Meta’s fast-growing AI and cloud operations. The move brings Meta closer to its goal of powering all U.S. data centers with 100% renewable energy by 2030 and hitting 9.8 gigawatts (GW) of green power by 2025.

Urvi Parekh, Global Head of Energy, Meta, said,

“We are thrilled to work with AES to bring forward these two solar energy projects. These solutions support our goal for 100% clean and renewable energy and will add new generation to the grid in these markets.”

Why Does Meta Need So Much Solar Power?

Meta’s data centers use a lot of energy to run social media platforms, AI tools, and cloud services around the clock. It’s investing in long-term solar power deals to reduce its carbon footprint and control energy costs. These power purchase agreements (PPAs) offer steady pricing and less risk from fossil fuel price swings.

The solar energy will go straight to Meta’s facilities in Texas and Kansas. While Texas is already a leader in solar, Kansas is just getting started. This strategy not only powers Meta’s tech operations but also helps kickstart large-scale solar projects, growing the U.S. clean energy market.

By replacing fossil-fuel power with solar, Meta can make a real dent in emissions. Some parts of Texas and Kansas still depend on coal and natural gas, so clean energy projects in these states matter.

Meta’s Commitment to Net Zero Emissions

As per its latest sustainability report, in 2023, Meta’s net emissions equaled 7.4 million metric tons of CO2. Key commitments include:

  • Reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2031, compared to a 2021 baseline, and ensuring that maximum suppliers adopt science-aligned GHG reduction targets by 2026.
  • Keep Scope 3 emissions at or below 2021 levels by 2031.
  • Since 2020, Meta has successfully maintained net-zero emissions in its operations, and it is on track to achieve net-zero across its entire value chain by 2030.
Meta emissions
Source: Meta

On top of that, the solar shift means better air quality in areas near coal plants. And in Texas, where the power grid has faced issues during extreme weather, more renewable energy helps improve energy security and grid stability.

AES Solar Deal: Positioned Texas and Kansas for Solar Growth?

Andrés Gluski, AES President and Chief Executive Officer, also commented on this partnership. He said,

“AES is proud to partner with Meta to deliver reliable and affordable renewable energy that supports their data center growth and ambitious sustainability goals,” s “By providing energy solutions that offer fast time-to-power and low-cost electricity, we continue to be the partner of choice for companies, like Meta, at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation.”

Texas ranks high in solar power, with around 41 GW of capacity, second only to California. The state’s sunny weather, open land, and competitive energy market make it a top pick for big tech companies.

Kansas, however, is still early in its solar journey, with only 172 MW installed as of late 2024. Meta’s investment could kickstart major solar growth, bringing new jobs and tax revenues to local communities.

The deal also supports both economic development and climate goals, especially in regions that need fair access to clean energy jobs.

What Does This Mean for the Clean Energy Market?

Meta’s solar deals reflect a larger trend—big tech is now a major force behind clean energy growth. Corporate PPAs help fund utility-scale renewable projects that might not move forward without strong financial backing. As more companies set net-zero goals, these deals are on the rise.

AES is playing a key role. It now has over 10 GW of renewable capacity under contract for tech clients, mostly for data centers. With a pipeline of 65 GW in clean energy projects, the company is ready to scale up to meet demand.

New solar plants expected to support most U.S. electric generation growth

EIA solar

EIA expects utilities and independent power producers will add 26 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity to the U.S. electric power sector in 2025 and 22 GW in 2026. And deals like Meta’s help accelerate that shift by encouraging more solar manufacturing, energy storage, and grid upgrades.

How Energy Efficiency and Clean Investment Are Boosting Emission Reductions and Net Zero

Jennifer L
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0
How Energy Efficiency and Clean Investment Are Boosting Emission Reductions and Net Zero

Energy efficiency is emerging as a critical tool in the global fight against climate change. The International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that efficiency delivers more than just lower energy use and emissions—it offers broad financial, environmental, and social benefits. Meanwhile, global investment in clean energy is reaching record highs, signaling a shift toward a greener future. Let’s explore how efficiency and new funding are transforming the energy landscape.

Unlocking the Many Benefits of Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is much more than a way to save electricity or fuel. It fuels economic growth, boosts health, and strengthens energy security. When buildings and factories use less energy, they cut both greenhouse gas emissions and energy bills. The benefits include:

  • Better Health: Good insulation in homes and efficient heating systems mean less pollution inside and outside.
  • More Jobs: Projects that focus on saving energy create about 2 to 3 times more jobs for every dollar spent compared to projects that use fossil fuels. 
  • Businesses Do Better: Companies save a lot of money on energy. Some industries cut their energy costs by as much as 20%. 
  • Government Savings: The IEA says governments could save over $100 billion each year by having better energy-saving policies.

The agency further says every dollar spent on energy efficiency brings back $1.5 to $2.5 in economic value. This includes energy savings, health benefits, and job creation. This “multiple benefits” approach ensures policymakers and businesses see efficiency not just as a cost saver but as a driver of prosperity.

More notably, energy efficiency is incredibly important for cutting down on pollution. It helps our energy system become cleaner and more reliable by reducing harmful greenhouse gases and air pollutants.

In fact, since 2010, the energy saved through efficiency measures has prevented CO₂ emissions equal to nearly 20% of the world’s total in 2023. That’s more than the combined energy-related emissions of both India and the European Union!

Looking ahead, if the world improves efficiency quickly, it could reduce CO₂ emissions by a third by 2030. This would be key for reaching net-zero goals by 2050. And this would make efficiency the largest contributor among all energy sectors or technologies.

IEA report energy efficiency ghg emissions
Source: IEA

Global CO₂ emissions rose by about 15% from 2010 to 2023. This was mainly due to population and economic growth. However, energy efficiency was key. It cut nearly 7 billion tonnes of CO₂ during that time, helping to reduce the overall increase.

Investing in a Clean Energy Future: $3.3 Trillion and Growing

Global investment in energy reached an estimated $3.3 trillion in 2025, a 2% increase from 2024, according to the IEA’s World Energy Investment 2025 report. Out of this, $2.2 trillion goes to renewables, nuclear, grids, storage, low-emission fuels, efficiency, and electrification. That’s more than double the $1.1 trillion spent on oil, gas, and coal.

energy investment 2025 IEA report
Source: IEA Report

Key highlights of the report findings include:

  • Solar energy: This is the leader in clean energy investment, with $450 billion going into it. This makes it the biggest single area of energy spending in the world. It has almost doubled in the last five years because it’s become very cheap and is being used more in developing countries.
  • Battery storage: Money for batteries that store power went up to about $66 billion. These batteries help make sure renewable energy is steady and available when needed.
  • Nuclear power: Investment in nuclear power grew by 50% over the last five years, reaching over $70 billion. This is because more people are interested in new, smaller nuclear reactors.
  • Power grids: About $400 billion is spent each year on electricity grids around the world. But this isn’t enough to handle the growing demand for electricity and the spread of renewable energy. The IEA says we need to almost double grid investment to keep our electricity supply secure and help the energy switch.
  • Oil and gas: Investment in finding new oil dropped by 6% in 2025. This is the biggest drop since 2016 and shows less interest in oil. But investment in natural gas stayed steady, helped by new projects that make liquefied natural gas (LNG). The amount of LNG we can export is expected to nearly double by 2028.

Upstream oil investment IEA

  • Low-pollution fuels: Investment in fuels that produce less pollution reached a new high, but it’s still small at less than $30 billion. If all planned projects go through, investment in capturing carbon pollution could grow more than ten times by 2027.

Clean hydrogen and nuclear are gaining momentum. Investment in nuclear energy, especially small modular reactors or SMRs, is growing quickly. At the same time, clean hydrogen projects benefit from new policies and increasing market interest. Hydrogen investments are expected to nearly double in 2025 compared to 2024.

Why Efficiency and Investment Must Go Hand in Hand

As investments shift to clean technologies, energy efficiency remains essential to amplify impact. Efficiency reduces energy demand, cutting the scale and cost of clean energy infrastructure needed.

To hit the COP28 energy intensity target of a 4% annual improvement, the world needs to nearly triple investment in efficiency and electrification in the next 5 years. Without this boost, the energy transition risks stalling despite growing clean power capacity.

Efficiency supports broader clean energy goals by:

  • Boosting solar and wind productivity cuts the cost of clean energy per unit.
  • Cutting peak electricity demand helps ease pressure on grids. It also reduces the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades.
  • Helping homes and businesses use clean heating, cooling, and electric vehicles is key. This approach lowers both initial and ongoing costs.

Pairing efficiency with clean power investment allows countries to progress faster, cheaper, and more reliably in their climate and net-zero goals.

Real-World Impact: Efficiency and Renewables at Work

Countries embracing both efficiency and investment reap multiple gains:

  • Europe: New energy-saving rules and investments in solar and batteries have lowered electricity bills by up to 15% in some areas. They also help cut pollution.
  • India: More rooftop solar panels and energy-efficient appliances have given over 100 million people access to cleaner, cheaper power.
  • United States: Energy efficiency programs supported over 3 million jobs in 2024 and cut residential energy use by 8%.

These examples show that aligned policy, investment, and technology make energy systems cleaner, more reliable, and more equitable.

Energy efficiency and clean energy investment are vital partners in the global energy transition. Efficiency not only saves energy and lowers emissions but also supports health, jobs, and economic growth. At the same time, clean energy investment is reshaping power systems worldwide. Together, they form the backbone of a durable, affordable, and equitable net-zero future.

JPMorgan, Microsoft Back $210 Million Carbon Loan in Landmark Climate Finance Deal

Jennifer L
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JPMorgan, Microsoft Back $210 Million Carbon Loan in Landmark Climate Finance Deal

JPMorgan Chase closed a landmark $210 million carbon loan to support Chestnut Carbon, a U.S.-based afforestation firm, in a move that could reshape how climate projects are financed. Microsoft also played a key role in this breakthrough. They committed to buying a large share of the high-quality carbon removal credits from the project.

The dual involvement of a leading global bank and a major tech firm shows rising trust in nature-based carbon removal. It is seen as a real, profitable asset class. 

JPMorgan’s Climate Finance and Advisory team, ERM (an environmental consulting firm), and Chestnut Carbon formed a partnership that made the transaction possible. It shows a change in how carbon projects are financed. This is especially true for nature-based solutions, like afforestation.

Other major lenders include CoBank, Bank of Montreal, and East West Bank. So, what makes this funding different from existing climate financing models? Let’s find out.

How the Financing Structure Works

The deal marks the largest-ever non-recourse project financing in the voluntary carbon market (VCM). The program, funded by future carbon credit revenues, aims to plant forests and remove CO₂ across the U.S. for 30 years.

Microsoft’s purchase agreement made the deal less risky. This gave JPMorgan the confidence to structure and underwrite the loan.

This carbon loan is notable because it uses future carbon credit revenue as collateral. Chestnut Carbon expects to generate millions of tons of carbon credits over the life of the forests it’s planting. These credits will be verified and sold in the voluntary market.

Instead of waiting decades for the trees to grow and credits to be sold, Chestnut Carbon now has upfront capital to scale quickly. The loan will be repaid over time as credits are generated and sold.

This structure is common in renewable energy or infrastructure—but it’s new to carbon markets, especially in the U.S. 

The design of the model aims to de-risk investment by separating project performance from broader market volatility. That makes it easier for pension funds, banks, and institutional investors to enter the carbon space.

Chestnut’s Chief Financial Officer, Greg Adams, remarked:

“Not only does this facility provide the capital to accelerate our afforestation and carbon removal initiatives, but it establishes a replicable model for sustainable finance in the voluntary carbon sector.”

Chestnut Carbon’s Afforestation Mission

Chestnut Carbon focuses on afforestation, which involves planting trees on land that hasn’t been forested for a long time. This differs from reforestation (which restores forests after logging or wildfires). It is especially useful in regions like the U.S., where marginal lands are convertible into carbon sinks.

Chestnut Carbon Projects

Chestnut Carbon projects
Source: Chestnut Carbon

The company’s long-term goal is to plant trees across tens of thousands of acres, targeting carbon removal at scale. Their model includes:

  • Rigorous monitoring and MRV (measurement, reporting, and verification) using satellite data and third-party audits
  • Carbon credits certified under leading registries like Verra or ACR
  • Partnerships with local landowners to secure access to suitable land
  • Biodiversity and ecosystem restoration as co-benefits of the program

Chestnut Carbon’s credits aim to meet the growing need for trustworthy carbon removals. This is particularly important for big companies with net-zero targets. ERM, which advised on the deal, says this model is replicable in other places. It can help fund similar nature-based climate projects globally.

Wall Street Meets the Forest: A Signal to Carbon Investors

This financing is a game-changer for the voluntary carbon market. It has faced problems like low liquidity, verification issues, and a lack of investor trust. Here’s what this deal signals to the broader market:

  • VCM Projects Are Bankable:

JPMorgan and partners created a non-recourse loan using carbon credits. This shows that institutional investors see high-quality carbon projects as financially viable, not just charitable.

  • More Deals to Come:

The structure used in this deal can now serve as a blueprint. JPMorgan has signaled interest in scaling this model to other project developers and regions—especially those in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

  • Meeting Corporate Carbon Goals:

As demand for verified carbon removals grows—driven by new SEC and EU regulations—companies are scrambling to find high-quality offset credits. This creates a strong buyer base for the types of credits Chestnut Carbon will issue.

  • Liquidity and Credibility Boost:

Third-party financing increases transparency and accountability. That helps solve two major problems in the carbon credit market: poor liquidity and doubts about credit quality.

BloombergNEF reports that the VCM could jump from $2 billion in 2024 to $50 billion by 2030. This growth is likely as net-zero goals become real and reporting rules get stricter. In a more optimistic outlook, the market could reach up to $500 billion by 2050. 

VCM projection 2050 DGB
Chart from DGB Group

Carbon Credits and the Path to Net Zero

Carbon credits allow companies to offset emissions they can’t yet eliminate. But not all credits are created equal. There’s a growing interest in removal-based credits, such as afforestation, instead of avoidance methods, like stopping deforestation.

Chestnut Carbon’s model supports this shift. Each project removes CO₂ from the atmosphere by planting trees that sequester carbon over decades. These credits will qualify for science-based targets and corporate ESG reporting under frameworks like the GHG Protocol and SBTi.

JPMorgan’s role shows that carbon markets are now central to finance, not just a side tool. Their deal helps close the financing gap for nature-based solutions. The United Nations estimates that $387 billion per year is necessary through 2030 to meet climate goals.

doubling investments in nature-based solutions
Source: United Nations Environment Programme

Vijnan Batchu, Global Head of Center for Carbon Transition at J.P. Morgan, echoed this thought, saying:

“Providing this kind of financing gives developers the runway they need to succeed at an attractive cost of capital, allowing them to focus on delivering significant carbon projects and fulfilling contracts…J.P. Morgan is extremely proud to be a part of this significant deal and contribute to the growth of the carbon markets at large.”

A Template for Future Climate Finance: What Comes After the Deal?

JPMorgan’s $210 million loan to Chestnut Carbon is more than a single transaction. It’s a financial innovation that connects capital markets to real carbon removal work on the ground. It offers investors a fresh way to join climate solutions. It also provides project developers with the resources to act quickly and increase their impact.

As VMCs grow, deals like this may lead to new financial tools linked to nature, emissions, and verified climate results. They may also pave the way for carbon credit securitization, green bonds linked to offsets, or public-private climate investment partnerships.

The Chestnut Carbon deal shows that big afforestation projects can draw in large investments. They lower risks and provide clear results in the battle against climate change.

BlackRock and Eni’s $1.2 Billion Deal to Push Carbon Capture

Jennifer L
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BlackRock and Eni’s $1.2 Billion Deal to Push Carbon Capture

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, recently made headlines by using its Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) division to strike a deal with Italy’s energy giant Eni. Through this transaction, GIP agreed to acquire a 49.99% stake in Eni’s carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) business. The unit—called Eni CCUS Holding—is valued at around €1 billion, or roughly $1.2 billion.

The deal reflects growing global interest in climate technologies. It also shows how asset managers and oil majors are working together to scale next-generation clean energy solutions.

Carbon capture is increasingly seen as a critical part of reducing emissions from hard-to-abate industries such as cement, steel, and refining.

How Carbon Capture Works—and Why the World’s Betting on It

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage—known as CCUS or CCS—is a process that reduces carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from power plants, factories, and even directly from the atmosphere.

First, the CO₂ is captured at its source before it escapes into the air. Then, it is either transported and stored underground in rock formations or reused in other products like fuels, concrete, or chemicals. Sites used for storage include depleted oil and gas reservoirs or deep saline aquifers.

Globally, CCUS is gaining traction. According to the International Energy Agency, there are now over 40 commercial projects either operating or under development. By 2030, carbon capture facilities could remove more than 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ per year—up from about 50 million tonnes today.

carbon capture capacity by 2030 IEA
Source: IEA

Eni’s portfolio is part of this growing movement. The company’s CCUS assets include:

  • Hynet North West and Bacton Thames NetZero projects in the UK.

  • L10CCS in the Netherlands

  • The large-scale Ravenna site in Italy

Ravenna is Italy’s first CO₂ capture and storage project, which aims to scale from 25,000 tonnes annually to become a major carbon storage hub for Southern Europe by 2030. The company has the following CCS goals:

ENI ccs goal

Together, the projects could capture and store up to 29 million tonnes of CO₂ per year by 2030—roughly equal to taking 6 million gas-powered cars off the road annually.

Why the World’s Largest Asset Manager Went All-In on CCUS

BlackRock’s investment in Eni’s carbon business came just months after it acquired GIP for $12.5 billion. GIP brought in about $100 billion in infrastructure assets covering energy, transport, and utilities. Now part of BlackRock, GIP is being positioned as a key player in building clean energy and decarbonization projects.

By buying into Eni’s CCUS unit, BlackRock signals its belief that carbon capture will play a major role in meeting global net-zero targets. It also shows that carbon management is no longer just a policy tool—it’s becoming a commercial opportunity for investors.

The deal gives BlackRock access to long-term, inflation-protected revenue linked to decarbonization goals. For Eni, the partnership brings in capital to expand its CCUS business faster while keeping control of day-to-day operations.

Eni’s Clean Energy Playbook: Spin It Off, Scale It Up

Eni has adopted a satellite business model to accelerate its clean energy transition. This means it creates separate business units for renewables, biofuels, and now CCUS, and brings in outside investors to help fund growth. By doing so, Eni can access capital while spreading the financial risk of entering new markets.

The CCUS spin-off fits into Eni’s broader sustainability plan. The company has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 across its operations and products.

ENI carbon neutrality net zero pathway
Source: ENI

The oil major aims to cut Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 35% by 2030 and 80% by 2040 from 2018 levels. To meet this goal, Eni is investing in renewables, green hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and carbon removal solutions.

Moreover, Eni’s carbon offset strategy targets hard-to-abate emissions using natural and technical solutions. By 2050, 5% of its emission cuts will come from high-quality carbon credits through ecosystem restoration, forest protection, sustainable land use, and advanced removal methods.

Eni now manages more than 2 gigawatts of renewable energy via Plenitude. It is also expanding into solar and wind projects in Italy, North Africa, and Spain. It’s also increasing biofuel production using waste oils and agricultural residues.

By spinning off its CCUS unit, Eni can grow these solutions faster without sacrificing its core business in oil and gas.

Carbon Capture Gets Real: What This Deal Signals for the Market

The BlackRock-Eni deal has broad implications for both the energy industry and the carbon removal space.

CCUS Gains Credibility and Investment

Once considered too expensive and uncertain, CCUS is now entering the mainstream. Market forecasts expect the global CCUS industry to grow from $3.2 billion in 2023 to over $18 billion by 2032. In terms of capacity, CCS could reach up to 1,300 Mt per year by 2050.

CCS growth 2050
Source: DNV Report

The U.S. 45Q tax credit pays up to $85 per tonne of CO₂ captured, while the EU’s Innovation Fund provides billions in grants. With policies like these, CCUS projects have the support they need to grow.

Private Capital Joins the Fight

BlackRock’s move marks a shift in climate finance. Institutional investors are now targeting hard-to-abate sectors, not just wind and solar. GIP’s involvement shows that CCUS can offer stable, long-term returns tied to carbon prices or industrial contracts.

Energy Firms Adopt New Funding Models

Eni’s approach offers a model for other oil majors looking to decarbonize. By creating new business units and selling part of them, companies like Shell, TotalEnergies, or Chevron can fund clean energy projects while keeping their core assets intact. This lowers financial risk and attracts ESG-focused investors.

Supply Chain and Technology Development

Large-scale carbon capture projects need more than funding. They need CO₂ pipelines, storage infrastructure, capture equipment, and skilled labor. The BlackRock–Eni deal is expected to help build all of these. It will also support jobs and economic development in regions that depend on heavy industry.

Will This Billion-Euro Bet Spark a CCS Boom?

Several things will shape what comes next for CCS. The deal is expected to close by late summer 2025. After that, Eni and BlackRock will begin developing the CCUS pipeline further.

BlackRock’s billion-euro bet on Eni’s carbon capture business shows that CCUS is no longer a niche solution. It’s a growing part of global climate strategy—and a real investment opportunity.

For Eni, the deal unlocks growth while allowing it to lead in decarbonization. For BlackRock, it opens the door to long-term returns tied to climate impact.

The success of their partnership will depend on policy support, technology performance, and industry momentum. But if all goes well, this deal could inspire a new wave of investment into the infrastructure needed for a net-zero world.

US–China Trade Tensions Heat Up Over Graphite and EV Battery Supply Chains

Jennifer L
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US–China Trade Tensions Heat Up Over Graphite and EV Battery Supply Chains

In a major move, the U.S. Commerce Department announces preliminary anti-dumping duties of 93.5% on imports of Chinese graphite—a key input for electric vehicles (EV) batteries—after finding Chinese companies were selling it at unfairly low prices.

The duties affect up to $347 million in annual imports and could further disrupt U.S. battery supply chains. Analysts warn U.S. EV and battery manufacturers may face higher costs and production delays, while alternative suppliers rush to fill the gap.

The Unsung Hero Driving the EV Boom

Graphite is one of the most important materials used in EV batteries. It forms the anode, or negative electrode, in nearly all lithium-ion batteries—the type used in most EVs today. In fact, over 95% of all EV battery anodes rely on graphite.

Each electric vehicle contains between 50 and 100 kilograms of graphite, making it the largest battery component by mass and volume. The mineral allows lithium ions to move in and out of the battery during charging and discharging. This process helps EVs store energy, achieve long driving ranges, and charge quickly.

Graphite is also stable, durable, and cost-effective. It can handle thousands of charging cycles and helps prevent battery overheating. So far, there is no widely used alternative that offers the same performance at scale. Because of this, graphite is considered essential to the clean energy transition and a key mineral for the global EV industry.

U.S. Dependence on Chinese Graphite

As of 2024, the U.S. imported about 60,000 metric tons of natural graphite, down from roughly 84,000 tons in 2023. China remained the largest supplier, accounting for around 67.6% of all natural graphite imports by value. This is worth roughly $375 million. It represents a slight decrease in volume but still a dominant share of the market.

US natural graphite import and CHina share
Sources: USGS 2024; Statista

As the chart shows, China has consistently played a major role in supplying graphite to the U.S., especially in high-purity forms used for EVs. But recent policy changes are reshaping this trade.

Tariff Shock: U.S. Takes Aim at Chinese Graphite

The U.S. government recently declared provisional anti-dumping duties of up to 93.5% on imports of Chinese anode-grade graphite. Officials said Chinese exporters were selling graphite in the U.S. at unfairly low prices, which hurt American manufacturers.

These duties could impact up to $347 million in graphite imports each year. The move is part of a broader effort to support domestic production of critical materials and reduce dependence on foreign sources.

While the tariffs aim to protect U.S. businesses, they could also raise costs for American EV and battery makers. Finding new suppliers—or building up local production—will take time and investment, as analysts warn.

China Strikes Back: Export Curbs Escalate the Conflict

China responded by tightening controls on its own exports of graphite and other critical minerals. In late 2024 and early 2025, China added export licenses for tungsten, molybdenum, tellurium, indium, and bismuth, on top of earlier restrictions for gallium and germanium. These materials are important for electronics, chipmaking, and green energy technologies.

By requiring companies to apply for permission to export these minerals, China aims to protect its national security and gain leverage in trade talks. So far, the approval process has slowed shipments, with more than 60% of applications still waiting for clearance.

Together, these actions show that minerals like graphite are becoming tools in the wider strategic competition between the U.S. and China.

Impacts on the EV and Tech Industry: Who’s Getting Hit the Hardest?

This growing tension is having a ripple effect across industries—especially electric vehicles, batteries, and semiconductors. Here’s how this tension impacts the said industries: 

  • EV Battery Production: Tariffs and export restrictions could raise the price of battery materials, making EVs more expensive to build. Slower or costlier production may hurt efforts to expand EV use across the U.S.
  • Clean Energy Transition: Minerals like graphite, gallium, and rare earths are key to making wind turbines, solar panels, and other low-carbon technologies. Any disruption could delay progress toward climate goals.
  • Semiconductors and AI Chips: The U.S. has already limited exports of advanced chip technology to China. In return, China is squeezing supplies of gallium and germanium, which are used in chipmaking. This tit-for-tat adds risk to global electronics supply chains.

Many countries are now rushing to diversify their sources and build resilient supply chains. The U.S., for example, is investing in domestic mining and processing, as well as partnerships with countries like Australia and Canada. But rebuilding this infrastructure will take time—often 3 to 5 years or more.

What’s Next in the Mineral Cold War?

Several key events will shape how this trade conflict evolves. Analysts predicted these major ones to occur.

Final U.S. Decision on Tariffs:

The current graphite duties are provisional. A final ruling is expected by December 5, 2025, and could keep or adjust the tariffs based on further review.

China’s Export Licenses:

As China decides which companies can continue exporting key minerals, delays and uncertainty may persist well into 2026.

Negotiations and Trade-Offs:

There is still room for dialogue. For example, recent reports suggest the U.S. may allow chipmakers like Nvidia to sell some AI chips to China in exchange for cooperation on rare earth exports.

This back-and-forth could continue for years. But both sides are now deeply focused on economic security, especially in strategic industries like batteries, semiconductors, and clean energy.

Beyond Batteries: How Minerals Shape Global Power Plays

Graphite may seem like just another material, but it plays a big role in shaping the future of transportation and technology. For now, China leads the global market in graphite production and processing, both in 2024 and in 2030, as predicted by the IEA. The U.S., facing a supply risk, is using tariffs and domestic investments to try to close the gap.

graphite 2030 top country producers IEA
Source: IEA

At the same time, companies are watching closely. Automakers, battery makers, and tech giants all depend on stable access to key minerals. The next few years will show whether governments can build secure supply chains. Or whether trade tensions will disrupt the path to a cleaner, more connected world.

Gold’s Big Comeback: Can WRLG Follow Newmont’s Path to a 15x Earnings Boom?

Saptakee S
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Gold’s Big Comeback: Can WRLG Follow Newmont’s Path to a 15x Earnings Boom?

Disseminated on behalf of West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd.

While tech stocks and rate cuts dominate headlines, gold has quietly broken out. With prices averaging near $2,900/oz in Q1 2025 and $3,290/oz in Q2, miners are seeing an earnings explosion. This rally seems to be fuelled by Western investors becoming interested in gold after the yellow metal gained 93% % from 2020 to 2025, driven by strong physical demand from Asia and central banks.

Now miners are raking in profits. And this silent bull market could be just getting started. Let’s dive deeper.

Q1 2025: Gold Miners’ Profits Explode

  • Mid-Tier Miners: The top 25 companies in the GDXJ index saw revenues jump 26.8% YoY, with all-in sustaining costs (AISC) averaging $1,378/oz, leaving margins at record highs.
  • Wesdome Gold Mines: Reported a 365% YoY increase in gross profit and a nearly fivefold jump in net income, as Q1 gold production rose 37% and AISC fell 17% to $1,366/oz. The average realized gold price was $2,882/oz, driving margins and cash flow to new highs.
  • Newmont Corporation: The world’s largest gold miner delivered 1.5 million ounces in Q1 and a record $1.2 billion in free cash flow. With these numbers, the company stays on track to meet its 2025 targets with a strong gold portfolio for shareholders.
Gold price chart, XAU usd
Source: Bloomberg

Newmont’s Playbook: Cheap Today, Explosive Tomorrow

Newmont is the world’s largest gold producer. It’s currently trading at about 7x earnings. This is surprisingly low given its top-tier assets and strong cash flow. But with gold at record levels and persistent macroeconomic uncertainty prompting Western investors to invest in the yellow metal and the companies that produce it, a re-rating to 15x earnings looks entirely possible, given that gold miners have been valued at 22x earnings in past gold cycles.

Let’s once again ponder the Q1 figures. For starters, Newmont generated $1.2 billion in free cash flow, and its profit hit 27%, showing operational strength.

If investors come back to gold, Newmont could lead the charge and set the tone for others.

WRLG: Junior Miner, Big Potential

Now let’s talk about West Red Lake Gold (TSXV: WRLG; OTCQB: WRLGF), a junior miner transitioning into a producer. It’s a classic under-the-radar story. But that could change.

Here’s why:

  • WRLG just restarted the high-grade Madsen Mine
  • It’s moving from zero revenue to cash flow
  • Companies starting new gold mines can be particularly attractive for investors wanting exposure to a rising gold price because the value of new production layers on top of increased revenues
  • A shift to 15x earnings isn’t crazy – it’s been done before

WRLG doesn’t need gold to go higher; it just needs to hit its own targets. If it does, investors could start to value the company as a successful new gold miner, just as the market potentially also starts to give gold miners higher valuations relative to cash flows.

Can WRLG Go from New Miner to 15x Producer?

WRLG MADSEN GOLD
Source: WRLG

1. Ramping up the Madsen Mine

WRLG just restarted the Madsen Mine. It now needs to ramp the operation up, from the ~60% level it started at to full scale by the end of the year. Doing this smoothly and successfully would build confidence in the Madsen Mine and support a shift towards valuing West Red Lake Gold as a producing gold miner..

2. Achieving Commercial Production

The moment WRLG poured its first gold, it shifted from a high-risk developer to a real producer. Cash flow began. The value of the operation will become clear when WRLG declares commercial production, something mines usually do after ramping up to target mining rates, and starts reporting on costs and revenues. Margins matter.

3. Getting the Market’s Attention

If WRLG delivers consistent production, it could move to a 7x earnings multiple, in line with other gold miners. The market rewards execution. WRLG just needs to stick the landing.

4. Boost from Unlocking More at Madsen

The Madsen Mine plan is a conservative plan to get the mine back in action. It outlines a nice mine – but there are multiple opportunities to unlock more value at Madsen, from using a less conservative approach and therefore, mining more of the deposit at lower costs to adding two nearby, defined, WRLG-owned deposits to the mine plan.

What Could Go Wrong?

WRLG still faces challenges, and some of them are:

  • Execution risk: delays or cost overruns can hurt timelines
  • Operational ramp-up: hitting production targets is crucial
  • Market recognition: It takes time for investors to re-rate juniors

But these are standard hurdles for any miner. WRLG’s roadmap is clear, and management is quickly checking off milestones.

Could Underground Mining Boost WRLG’s Valuation?

Underground mining often brings higher grades and lower surface disruption—investors like that. The Madsen Mine sits in a known gold belt, giving WRLG added credibility. If the company can sustain production and control costs, it may earn the valuation premium typically reserved for proven underground producers in Top Tier jurisdictions.

Gold’s breakout has already changed the game for producers like Newmont. But the real story might be at the junior level. WRLG is flipping the switch from developer to producer, creating new value, and is working to unlock significant additional value along the way.

wrlg west rad lake gold
Source: WRLG

If gold stays above $3000, feeding big profits for gold miners, and generalist investors really start to rotate into the gold sector, a sector-wide re-rating to 15x earnings could drive significant upside. The market ignored gold’s move, but now it can’t ignore the profits.

And there are very few new gold producers like WRLG who are ready for the opportunity.

DISCLAIMER

New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com (“We” or “Us”) are not securities dealers or brokers, investment advisers or financial advisers, and you should not rely on the information herein as investment advice. West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. made a one-time payment of $30,000 to provide marketing services for a term of 1 month. None of the owners, members, directors, or employees of New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com currently hold, or have any beneficial ownership in, any shares, stocks, or options in the companies mentioned. This article is informational only and is solely for use by prospective investors in determining whether to seek additional information. This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Examples that we provide of share price increases pertaining to a particular Issuer from one referenced date to another represent an arbitrarily chosen time period and are no indication whatsoever of future stock prices for that Issuer and are of no predictive value. Our stock profiles are intended to highlight certain companies for your further investigation; they are not stock recommendations or constitute an offer or sale of the referenced securities. The securities issued by the companies we profile should be considered high risk; if you do invest despite these warnings, you may lose your entire investment. Please do your own research before investing, including reading the companies’ SEDAR+ and SEC filings, press releases, and risk disclosures. It is our policy that information contained in this profile was provided by the company, extracted from SEDAR+ and SEC filings, company websites, and other publicly available sources. We believe the sources and information are accurate and reliable but we cannot guarantee it.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “planned”, and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to the plans and timing for the potential production of mining operations at the Madsen Mine, the potential (including the amount of tonnes and grades of material from the bulk sample program) of the Madsen Mine; the benefits of test mining; any untapped growth potential in the Madsen deposit or Rowan deposit; and the Company’s future objectives and plans. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Company’s securities; fluctuations in commodity prices; timing and results of the cleanup and recovery at the Madsen Mine; and changes in the Company’s business plans. Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company’s continuous disclosure filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

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Czech Republic Joins SMR Race—Rolls-Royce SMR and ČEZ Deal Signals Nuclear Energy Surge

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Czech Republic Joins SMR Race—Rolls-Royce SMR and ČEZ Deal Signals Nuclear Energy Surge

In a significant step toward expanding clean energy in the EU, Rolls-Royce SMR and Czech utility ČEZ have signed an Early Works Agreement. This agreement enables both parties to commence site-specific activities at the Temelín location, laying the groundwork for the Czech Republic’s first small modular reactor (SMR).

This announcement follows a high-level agreement signed by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, reinforcing both nations’ shared commitment to support the growth of SMR technology. Their collaboration aims to drive clean energy development, create skilled jobs, and unlock economic opportunities across Europe and beyond.

ČEZ has chosen Rolls-Royce SMR as its top tech partner for up to 3 gigawatts (GW) of low-carbon power. This is a big step for the growing Czech-British nuclear alliance.

Temelín to Host Czechia’s First Rolls-Royce SMR

Rolls-Royce SMRs will play a crucial role in Czechia’s clean energy future. The first SMR will be built near the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant in the South Bohemian Region, with a target deployment in the mid-2030s. Additional locations, such as Tušimice in the Ústí nad Labem Region, are also under review—particularly in areas where coal-fired power plants are being phased out.

Under the Early Works Agreement, a joint team will conduct essential groundwork, including licensing, regulatory approvals, environmental assessments, and preparatory site development. These early activities aim to fast-track deployment while aligning with Czechia’s climate goals and energy security needs.

Compact, Efficient, Long-Lasting

The Rolls-Royce SMR utilizes a three-loop pressurized water reactor (PWR) design, which generates 1,358 MW of heat. This type of reactor is already used in hundreds of nuclear plants around the world and is known for being safe and reliable.

The company has improved the design by adding advanced safety systems and using a modular build approach, which makes construction faster and more affordable.

  • Each SMR will generate 470 megawatts of clean electricity, which is enough to power one million homes.
  • The plant has a 60-year lifespan and will operate with an availability rate of over 92%, making it a highly efficient and dependable energy solution.

Here’s the layout design of the SMR

Rolls-Royce SMR
Source: Rolls-Royce SMR

Smarter Design, Safer Operations

One of the major advantages of the Rolls-Royce SMR is its modular construction approach. Instead of building the entire plant on-site, major components are manufactured in controlled factory environments using advanced manufacturing techniques.

  • It includes multiple safety systems and redundancy layers to ensure the reactor can shut down safely even without human intervention for up to three days.
  • The facility can also withstand ground movements and external threats.

One of the key innovations is the boron-free primary circuit, which eliminates the use of toxic and corrosive boric acid. This improves environmental safety and drastically cuts plant water usage.

These modules are then transported to the plant location for final assembly. By simplifying construction, Rolls-Royce addresses challenges that have delayed large-scale nuclear projects in the past.

Supporting Global Net Zero Goals

Rolls-Royce SMRs are tailored to support global efforts to decarbonize power generation, replace coal plants, and enable clean industrial heating and green hydrogen production.

Their compact size, lower cost, and flexible siting make them ideal for a wide range of energy applications, ranging from on-grid electricity to off-grid industrial use.

By providing long-term, stable energy, the Rolls-Royce SMR offers a reliable pathway to net zero. This is how it helps countries meet their climate targets while ensuring energy security.

ČEZ Group: Powering Czechia’s Low-Carbon Future

ČEZ, one of the largest energy companies in Central and Eastern Europe, is leading Czechia’s transition to clean power. The company operates six nuclear reactors at its Dukovany and Temelín sites. They will supply around 36% of the nation’s electricity from emission-free sources.

Nuclear energy
Source: ČEZ

Temelín, located 24 km from České Budějovice, is the largest power station in the country. It houses two VVER 1000 reactors, which produce over 15 terawatt-hours (TWh) of clean electricity annually. In 2025, output is expected to increase by 1.9 TWh (6%), driven by reduced outage times in Unit B2.

Looking ahead, ČEZ aims to:

  • Extend the lifespan of its nuclear plants to 60 years
  • Increase annual nuclear output to over 32 TWh
  • Construct a new nuclear unit at Dukovany
  • Deploy over 1,000 MW of SMRs post-2040

“Clean Energy for Tomorrow”

ČEZ’s “Clean Energy for Tomorrow” plan aims for strong sustainability. The company is speeding up its decarbonization timeline. It now commits to climate neutrality by 2040, ten years sooner than planned. Emission intensity has dropped by 20% since 2020.

Its “Vision 2030” outlines three core goals:

  1. Transition to a low-emission production portfolio
  2. Deliver best-in-class customer experience with energy-efficient solutions
  3. Operate responsibly under ESG principles

This strategy reflects the European Union’s broader climate ambitions and positions ČEZ as a role model for utility companies across the continent.

ČEZ carbon emissions
Source: ČEZ

Rapid Growth in Renewables and Energy Storage

While nuclear remains central to ČEZ’s clean energy mix, the company is also ramping up investments in renewables and battery storage.

By 2025, ČEZ plans to install 1.5 GW of renewable capacity, scaling up to 6 GW by 2030. The goal includes building at least 300 megawatts of electric (MWe) energy storage capacity by the end of the decade. These steps will provide flexibility to the grid and support increased integration of solar and wind power.

ČEZ clean energy
Source: ČEZ

Additionally, ČEZ has also signed a long-term agreement for Kazakh natural uranium. Over the next seven years, this supply will cover about one-third of the uranium needs for Westinghouse-manufactured fuel assemblies at Temelín.

ČEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR show how countries and companies can work together for cleaner energy. By combining British technology with Czech know-how, they create a reliable power source that benefits both the climate and the economy. And the Temelín SMR project offers faster construction, better safety, and lasting energy security for the EU.

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