Author: Graham Foster

Shell is currently navigating a tough situation with one of its prominent clean energy investments, the Brazilian biofuels company Raízen. This company, the largest producer of sugarcane ethanol worldwide, operates nearly 9,000 Shell-branded gas stations across Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. However, Raízen has been deeply affected by poor harvests, decreased demand for fuel, and rising interest rates. With a staggering R$55 billion (about $11 billion) in debt, Raízen has started selling off assets to stabilize its finances. Recently, they reported a significant net loss of R$15.6 billion for the third quarter, raising concerns about their future prospects. Raízen is crucial…

Petrochemical-rich nations in the Middle East are ramping up crude oil exports as they prepare for possible US military action against Iran, which could disrupt oil transport in the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia has reportedly increased its oil exports to about 7 million barrels a day this month, the highest rate recorded this year. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on track to reach a record export level of 3.5 million barrels per day in February, according to data firm Kpler. Iranian officials have warned of potential repercussions should President Trump proceed with military strikes, suggesting they could take…

London and Washington are cautiously resuming discussions on their ambitious “tech prosperity deal,” which was put on hold last year due to pressures from then-President Donald Trump. This deal aims to enhance collaboration in sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear energy. Recently, senior officials from both nations have started talking about working together on civil nuclear technologies and the potential for a joint summit focusing on fusion technologies. Sources close to the negotiations described these efforts as beginning to show promise. Initially announced during Trump’s state visit in September, the tech deal sought to foster innovation and improve…

Electricity prices shot up close to double the rate of inflation in 2025, turning energy costs into a key issue for many voters. Meanwhile, demand for power driven by AI and data centers is growing rapidly. Industry experts predict that by 2030, these facilities could use almost 9% of the electricity in the U.S., which is approximately twice their current consumption. Traditionally, when faced with rising demand, the solution was to build more infrastructure. However, this method is now fraught with challenges such as long wait times, higher finance costs, local opposition, and uncertainty about where new demand will actually…

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) in America is facing several challenges. One significant concern is a rising wave of skepticism towards technology. A recent survey revealed that 58% of Americans have doubts about AI’s impact on jobs. Another issue is the heavy financial burden on AI companies, which are accumulating massive debts by planning to issue about $450 billion in bonds this year. Compounding these worries is the possibility that more efficient and affordable AI technologies may replace the expensive large language models currently favored in Silicon Valley. However, a more fundamental problem looms: the need for electricity.…

Iran is trying to entice Donald Trump with financial opportunities tied to its oil and gas reserves. This move is part of a broader effort to persuade the U.S. President to agree on a deal regarding its nuclear program, which could help avoid conflict. A source close to the discussions described the situation as a “commercial bonanza,” with hopes that Trump will be drawn in by lucrative options that promise benefits for the U.S. This strategy reflects Iran’s understanding of Trump’s fondness for deals that yield returns. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, is set for more indirect talks with U.S.…

In December 2023, Naarea, a French nuclear start-up, hosted a glamorous gala in Paris to unveil a model of its mini reactor, which it believes could transform the energy landscape. The event marked a thrilling moment for the company, especially after securing €10 million in public funding earlier that year, reflecting the enthusiasm of its CEO, Jean-Luc Alexandre. However, the excitement was short-lived as Naarea soon faced a severe financial downturn, putting it on the brink of court-managed liquidation. The six-year-old firm had aimed to roll out its reactors by the next decade but has stumbled amid increasing pressures. Naarea,…

Shares of First Solar dropped significantly on Wednesday, hit hard by pressure from tariffs imposed during the Trump administration and a noticeable decline in demand for clean energy solutions. The solar panel manufacturer saw its shares fall by 13.6%, following a disappointing revenue forecast for the year. First Solar now anticipates revenues to be between $4.9 billion and $5.2 billion, falling short of analysts’ expectations of $6.2 billion. The company faced a setback when a major order from Lightsource BP, the largest solar developer in Europe, for 6.6 gigawatts was canceled. This cancellation came amid BP’s ongoing attempts to sell…

Dominion Energy has experienced significant growth in electricity demand over the past year, particularly through its Virginia utility. Dominion Energy Virginia reported a solid 5.4% increase in weather-normalized sales, reflecting a continuing trend of rising demand. Experts from Dominion and PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator, suggest this growth will persist. While PJM lowered its immediate load growth forecast, it revised its long-term outlook upwards, expecting a 3.6% annual growth rate until 2036. In Dominion’s service area, the expectation is even higher, with projected growth rates of 5.4% annually for the next decade and 4.9% over the next 15 years.…

Tech companies lifted US stocks on Tuesday, as investors gave the software industry a break after weeks of selling due to fears over AI disrupting the sector. The S&P 500 climbed by 0.8% for the day, with the tech sub-index rising 1.2%. Despite this, the S&P software index is still down nearly 24% for the year. Recently, software stocks have taken a hit as investors moved away from sectors they believe are vulnerable to AI disruption, instead favoring companies with physical assets. This shift has particularly benefited utilities, energy, and materials stocks. Before Tuesday’s modest recovery, the S&P 500 software…