Author: Graham Foster

A conflict has arisen between the Vietnamese government and renewable energy developers regarding subsidies, raising concerns about potential power supply disruptions. This situation could significantly impact manufacturers who have increasingly relocated to Vietnam from China. In recent years, Vietnam has become a vital part of global supply chains as companies like Apple, Samsung, and Intel adopted a “China plus one” strategy to mitigate geopolitical risks. However, the country’s electricity supply has struggled to keep up with surging demand, leading to issues such as blackouts and shortages. The Vietnamese government recently decided to retract the subsidies for renewable energy starting in…

Lydian Energy has successfully secured $233 million to finance three battery storage projects in Texas, which together will provide a total capacity of 550 megawatts (MW). ING is providing funding for the Pintail and Crane projects located in San Patricio and Crane Counties, Texas. According to Lydian, these projects consist of 200 MW/400 megawatt-hours (MWh) systems, amounting to an investment of approximately $139 million. Lydian, a company based in Washington, D.C., specializes in solar and battery storage and is backed by Excelsior Energy Capital. KeyBank has also contributed a $94 million financing package for the Headcamp project, a 150 MW/300…

A major consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power is set to invest $8.3 billion in developing renewable energy projects in the kingdom. This initiative will focus on building 15 gigawatts of solar and wind farms, marking a significant move toward greener energy. ACWA Power, which is backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has joined forces with Aramco Power, a branch of Saudi Aramco. Together, they have signed agreements to establish five solar and two wind projects across four regions of the country. This investment is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader goal to derive half of its electricity from…

In 2015, James Litinsky took a bold $100 million risk by investing in the troubled debt of a struggling natural resources firm. This gamble has paid off significantly, thanks to shifts in U.S. government policies under Donald Trump, which positioned the company at the forefront of efforts to challenge China’s dominance in essential minerals. Last week, shares of Litinsky’s MP Materials soared by 48% after the Pentagon announced a $400 million investment, acquiring a 15% stake in the company. Additionally, they will purchase the company’s output for the next decade at double the current market price. This surge added $200…

Brookfield Asset Management is poised to take on a major role in the Sizewell C nuclear project, becoming the largest private investor as EDF reduces its stake. This move comes as the UK government is finalizing terms regarding the flagship project. The government aims to make a final investment decision later this summer, with Brookfield expected to hold over 20% of the project, making it the second-largest stakeholder after the UK, which intends to keep majority control. EDF’s stake will fall to 12.5%, allowing the French company to shift its focus towards new nuclear developments in France and manage its…

Storm damage goes beyond just power lines; it often disrupts the communication systems essential for workers responding on-site. For linemen operating in remote or dangerous areas, remaining connected is crucial for effective coordination. L3Harris radios, enhanced with Two47 MCX technology, ensure that these crews can restore power safely and efficiently. Whether facing prolonged storms or emergency events, teams rely on L3Harris’s robust platform for dependable, secure, and efficient operations. With features like clear voice transmission and real-time coordination capabilities, these radios facilitate faster and safer power restoration efforts. Fostering Reliable Communication for Quick Response Effective communication is vital for ensuring…

Can a $20bn Refinery Secure Mexico’s Energy Self-Sufficiency? In Mexico, a large new oil refinery named Olmeca is starting to produce fuel along the Gulf coast. Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador described this $20 billion project as a major step towards making Mexico energy independent. However, the refinery has faced challenges, including being more than double its original budget and lacking essential pipeline connections. Experts believe it may not significantly reduce Mexico’s heavy reliance on energy imports from the US. Currently, Mexico imports roughly half of its gasoline, a third of its diesel, and over 60% of its natural…

The energy landscape is shifting, as seen from London, where recent news indicates that the International Energy Agency has reduced its estimates for oil demand growth this year by roughly 300,000 barrels per day. This cut follows the chaotic trade environment spurred by U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent policy changes. In Canada, oil producers are maintaining a hopeful outlook despite the challenges posed by Trump’s trade policies, which have contributed to instability in global markets and a decline in crude prices. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) recently held an investor conference in Toronto, where it was emphasized that…

Globalization is based on a straightforward and appealing principle: produce items in places where it is most affordable and then transport them as needed. However, this system only functions effectively if the trade environment remains stable. If one of your trading partners can misuse their position to pressure you, it may be wiser to spend a bit extra to maintain control over essential resources. A clear example of this shift from prioritizing cost-effectiveness to ensuring reliability can be seen in the steel industry. Recently, the UK decided to take over British Steel from its Chinese owner, Jingye, in a move…

The UK government has taken significant action to rescue British Steel, the operator of the nation’s last two blast furnaces located in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. In an urgent move, Parliament was summoned back from recess to approve emergency legislation. This new law allows the government to take control of the plant while securing vital iron ore and coal supplies to keep operations running. There is now a strong possibility of temporary nationalisation, but a clear plan for the future remains unclear. The current owner, Jingye from China, demanded double the £500 million the government was willing to provide to support the…