University of British Columbia and Powertech Pioneer $23M Hydrogen Fueling Station

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As Canada strides towards its net zero pledge, the University of British Columbia has unveiled the Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED), a $23 million facility dedicated to advancing hydrogen infrastructure and renewable energy research. This innovative project, powered by solar and hydropower, showcases hydrogen’s pivotal role in achieving a sustainable, low-carbon future for Canada.

Advancing Hydrogen Innovation at BC

The Smart Hydrogen Energy District (SHED) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) has been officially launched, marking a significant advancement in British Columbia’s hydrogen infrastructure. This $23 million facility, equipped with a hydrogen fueling station, aims to revolutionize critical energy research.

SHED will produce hydrogen using solar and hydropower to operate a water electrolyzer, ensuring a completely green and renewable process. It is one of the pioneering initiatives to combine hydro, solar, and hydrogen energy at a single site, connecting these renewable sources to a unified micro-grid. 

Notably, SHED will be the province’s first hydrogen station to serve both light- and heavy-duty vehicles.

Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, said that UBC SHED is a significant leap toward building a clean economy. Osborne further noted that by integrating energy, transportation, and design, SHED supports CleanBC goals and positions British Columbia as a global leader in the hydrogen economy.

Bridging Renewable and Sustainable Energy 

Dr. Walter Mérida, SHED research lead, highlighted the importance of hydrogen in Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy. He remarked that SHED demonstrates hydrogen as a bridge between renewable electricity and sustainable energy services. 

SHED combines various technologies within a city block, serving as a model for compact urban planning. A rooftop solar array powers both the hydrogen fueling station and nearby electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Two-way charging enables parked EVs to draw power from the grid and return excess stored electricity during peak demand hours. 

With this kind of infrastructure, cars can also serve as mass power banks, stabilizing the electric grids of the future.

A secure 5G network connects SHED’s systems, enabling researchers to create digital simulations for energy, transportation, and urban planning research.

UBC Smart Hydrogen Energy District

Leading the Charge in Hydrogen Infrastructure

Jovan Ceklic, Director of Hydrogen Infrastructure at Powertech Labs, highlighted the importance of this UBC hydrogen development, saying:

“Powertech Labs is excited to have partnered with the University of British Columbia to bring one of the first-of-its-kind truly green hydrogen stations. With an on-site electrolyzer powered by solar power and support from BC Hydro’s green energy grid, the UBC station produces some of the cleanest hydrogen on the market.”

Ceklic also noted that it’s a significant milestone being one of the “first mixed-use stations able to dispense 350 bar and 700 bar fuels for light and heavy-duty applications in Canada”. Moreover, it can potentially offset the tailpipe emissions from more than 4,300 cars. And with the transportation sector responsible for releasing almost 21% of all greenhouse gases in the country, every hydrogen station counts, he added. 

Powertech Labs is proud to be part of this transition. 

The company has over 20 years of experience in the hydrogen industry, providing various hydrogen transport products and refueling services. These include hydrogen station testing, hydrogen fueling services, hydrogen station capabilities and services, and more. 

Powertech Labs has deployed over 90% of the installed hydrogen fueling stations in Canada, according to Ceklic. The country has been investing in the hydrogen sector as outlined in its Hydrogen Strategy. 

Source: Canada Hydrogen Strategy

Clean hydrogen can deliver up to 30% of Canada’s end-use energy by 2050. This means abating up to 190 Mt of CO2e of GHG emissions through deployment in transportation, heating, and industrial applications. 

Mapping the country’s hydrogen production and end-use, this is how it looks, according to Canada’s Hydrogen Strategy.

Catalyzing the Hydrogen Economy

The global hydrogen market is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. Announced hydrogen production could cover 50% of the volume needed to meet global net zero emissions goal. 

With interest in hydrogen booming across Canada, UBC’s SHED is hoped to attract other clean energy innovators. The goal of the project is to accelerate climate solutions and seek industry and private sector partners for collaboration. 

SHED’s launch represents a pivotal step in the evolution of hydrogen infrastructure and renewable energy research, positioning British Columbia at the forefront of the global energy transition.

Over in Alberta, the province also launched its inaugural commercial hydrogen fueling station with Nikola Corporation’s HYLA brand in April. This major hydrogen initiative is also a product of collaboration among key stakeholders. 

READ MORE: Nikola’s HYLA Stations Are Supercharging the Hydrogen Revolution

In Canada’s 2024 budget, there was a plan to introduce clean hydrogen investment tax credits soon. This could further fuel support and investment in building more hydrogen infrastructure in the country.

The UBC Engineering project marks a major milestone in British Columbia’s push towards a sustainable hydrogen economy. By combining solar, hydro, and hydrogen energy, SHED is poised to drive significant advancements in clean energy research and infrastructure, solidifying the region’s position as a leader in the global energy transition.

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Private Equity Buys In Renewable Energy Big Time, Almost $15B

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The world is rapidly shifting towards clean renewable energy solutions, driven by their immense potential to mitigate climate change and achieve global net zero targets. Surprisingly, private equity firms are at the forefront of this trend, investing heavily in solar, wind, biomass, and other renewables. 

These firms are drawn not only by the social and humanitarian benefits but also by the economic advantages of renewables, which include low-cost power, reduced reliance on imported fuels, and a more secure, reliable energy supply.

Private Capital Takes Charge in Renewable Energy Investments

Private capital is experiencing a surge in acquiring renewable energy developers, increasingly favoring equity-based take-private deals for leveraged buyouts due to high interest rates and rising electricity demand. 

The statistics underscore this movement. In 2023, private equity and venture capital transactions in the global renewable energy sector nearly reached $15 billion. This is the highest total in the past five years, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data. 

Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence

Moreover, funds raised for renewable energy projects in recent years are approaching 25 times the value of fossil fuel asset fundraising, per another industry report. This significant financial commitment highlights the growing recognition of the economic viability and long-term benefits of renewable energy investments.

Key investors such as KKR & Co. Inc., Brookfield Asset Management Ltd., EQT AB, and Energy Capital Partners LLC have actively bid for listed renewable platforms this year, aiming to accelerate the companies’ installed capacity in the coming years.

After a period of limited dealmaking activity, asset managers and infrastructure funds are now leveraging their project development skills as they grow more comfortable with the renewable energy sector. Brookfield Renewable Partners, for instance, has a strong track record of acquiring developers with significant pipelines in the US.

Peter Zhu, managing director at Macquarie Group Ltd.’s Green Investment Group, highlighted that the current higher interest rate environment has adjusted equity returns for renewables favorably, creating an attractive investment window for leading renewable platforms. 

Last month, private equity firm EQT offered offered to acquire Swedish renewable energy company OX2 for $1.5 billion. The goal is to enhance EQT’s renewable energy portfolio and boost OX2’s growth in the energy sector.

This shift indicates a strategic pivot in private capital investment, focusing on the long-term potential and growth capabilities of renewable energy developers.

Challenges and Opportunities in Renewable Energy Valuations

The renewable energy sector has faced substantial challenges in recent years, including project delays, trade restrictions, supply chain disruptions, and rising interest rates, affecting both US and European developers. These obstacles have negatively impacted the valuation of publicly traded renewable energy companies. 

For instance, within Bloomberg Intelligence’s renewables peer group—which includes Brookfield target Neoen SA and KKR target Encavis AG—the enterprise-value-to-capacity multiple has declined from 1.5x in January 2023 to 1.1x.

A notable example is Sweden’s OX2 AB, whose stock price dropped by 24% in 2024 before EQT AB made a $1.5 billion offer on May 13. 

According to experts, the current market conditions have made the valuations of these publicly traded renewable power developers more attractive for investors. They highlighted that the previous combination of rapid growth in renewable power and low interest rates created opportunities for private capital to acquire renewable developers at more favorable prices.

Data centers are a significant driver of growth in the renewable energy sector. KKR’s $3 billion bid for Germany’s Encavis includes a commitment to increase the company’s installed capacity to 7 GW by the end of 2027, up from the previous target of 5.8 GW.

Similarly, Brookfield has expressed intentions to “accelerate [Neoen’s] growth,” reflecting a broader trend among investment giants to enhance the capabilities of renewable energy developers they acquire.

READ MORE: Brookfield’s Renewable Solutions to Power Data Centers

The Nordic market, particularly suited for data centers, is poised for growth due to the substantial power demands associated with data center development. 

Brookfield recently entered into a global 10.5-GW framework agreement with Microsoft, a deal nearly 8x larger than the largest single corporate PPA, underscoring the immense demand from hyperscale datacenters and industrial facilities.

Fueling the Exponential Growth in Energy Transition Deals

Energy transition deals involving private equity have surged dramatically over the past five years, with total deal value increasing by 7,300%. In the U.S., private equity-backed energy transition deals grew from less than $500 million in 2018 to more than $25.9 billion in 2023. 

In comparison, traditional private equity energy deals only increased by 53%, from $20.9 billion in 2018 to $32.0 billion in 2023. Although still behind, private equity deal flow in the energy transition sector nearly caught up with traditional energy deals over this period.

Non-private equity investors still dominate energy transition deal flow, but their growth, while robust, was less dramatic. The total value of these deals rose by 379%, from $8.9 billion in 2018 to $42.7 billion in 2023. 

As for how capital is being deployed, data suggests private equity investing in energy transition is very broad in scope. Remarkably, most of the funds in 2022 and 2023 went to wind, solar, and supporting technologies ($12.8 billion).

Source: Weaver.com

The significant increase in private equity investments in the energy transition sector could drive these efforts forward. 

Private equity firms are increasingly investing in the renewable energy sector, driven by both economic and environmental benefits. Despite challenges like project delays and rising interest rates, the potential for growth in renewable energy remains strong. This surge in private capital is critical for accelerating the global transition to clean energy.

SEE MORE: Google and NV Energy: Powering Nevada’s Future with 115 MW of Geothermal Energy

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Nickel Price Drops: A Temporary Setback or a Long-Term Trend?

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In recent developments within the global nickel market, the trajectory of prices has undergone a significant downturn, reflecting a complex interplay of economic factors and strategic decisions. 

As reported by S&P Global Commodity Insights, the London Metal Exchange (LME) three-month closing nickel price experienced a notable decline from $19,830 per metric ton at the end of May to $17,891 per ton by June 10. This movement marks a pivotal shift, as it is the first time since mid-April that nickel prices have dipped below the $18,000 per ton threshold.

Nickel Price Movement and Market Influences

The retreat in nickel prices can be largely attributed to decisive actions taken by investment funds. These investors opted to liquidate their long positions amid a backdrop of strengthening US dollar and less-than-stellar manufacturing data emerging from China. These factors collectively exerted downward pressure on nickel prices, overturning earlier gains made in May when prices surged to a nine-month high of $21,615 per ton. 

During that period, concerns over potential supply disruptions and increased investor optimism in the base metals sector had fueled a bullish trend. However, as economic indicators shifted, investors reevaluated their positions, leading to a swift reversal in nickel prices.

This price drop occurred despite bullish headlines, including the following major market events: 

European Central Bank’s interest rate cut, 
Ongoing production standstill in New Caledonia, and 
Potential permit terminations for ferronickel and nickel pig iron plants in Indonesia. 

The sharp price decline reflected a contraction in investment funds’ net long positions on the LME, indicating substantial liquidation of long positions.

Nickel Supply Chains in Focus

Beyond these market dynamics, the strategic maneuvers of key global players have also influenced nickel’s price trajectory. 

Notably, the United States has expressed a strategic interest in forging a partnership with the Philippines, the world’s second-largest nickel producer, to secure nickel supplies essential for its burgeoning battery sector. This strategic move comes at a time when the US is grappling with the reality of its limited domestic nickel reserves compared to major producers like Indonesia. 

The Philippines exported 39.9 million metric tons of nickel ore to China, underscoring its importance in the global supply chain. The US anticipates a substantial increase in nickel demand for EV batteries, with an expected growth of 211,000 metric tons between 2023 and 2028. This demand surge underscores the need for a reliable nickel supply chain.

Furthermore, Indonesia’s significant processing capacity falls under the US government’s “foreign entities of concern” (FEOC) guidance, making Indonesian nickel potentially ineligible for certain US EV tax credits. This has led the US to enter trilateral talks with the Philippines and Japan.

Discussions are underway to enhance infrastructure and production capabilities in the Philippines. This market development signals a potential shift in global nickel trade dynamics as the US seeks to fortify its supply chains for EV production.

Short-Term Slump, Long-Term Promise: Nickel’s Dual Outlook

Looking forward, analysts at S&P Global Commodity Insights predict that the global primary nickel market will continue to face challenges driven by oversupply conditions throughout the remainder of the year. Despite bullish sentiments, the underlying imbalance between supply and demand is expected to restrain nickel prices.

Short-Term Price Outlook:

The sharp price drop observed in June aligns with S&P Global’s earlier expectations of a potential correction. Despite a strong buying surge in May, investor confidence in nickel remains vulnerable due to the fundamental oversupply in the market. 

The S&P analysts anticipate that weak global primary nickel market fundamentals will continue to exert downward pressure on prices. Specifically, they forecast that total primary nickel stocks, measured in terms of weeks of consumption, will reach a 4-year high in 2024. This anticipated increase in stocks will likely limit any significant price recovery for the remainder of the year.

Long-Term Considerations:

While short-term price movements are driven by speculative activities and immediate market conditions, the long-term outlook for nickel remains positive, primarily due to its critical role in the energy transition.

Increasing demand from the electric vehicle (EV) sector, renewable energy technologies, and energy storage solutions will drive long-term demand growth for nickel. However, for the rest of 2024, the oversupply and high stock levels will cap price gains.

RELATED: US Energy Storage Rises 59% Amidst the Era of EVs and Lithium

Key Nickel Insights to Digest:

Supply Dynamics. Global nickel production is expected to continue growing, driven by expansions in major producing countries and increased output from new projects. However, the pace of growth may vary depending on geopolitical developments, regulatory changes, and technological advancements in nickel extraction and processing.
Demand Trends. Demand for nickel is projected to rise, particularly from the EV and energy storage sectors. Nickel’s role as a critical component in lithium-ion batteries positions it as a key beneficiary of the global shift towards electrification and renewable energy. 
Price Projections. While prices may remain subdued in the short term due to oversupply, the medium to long-term outlook suggests potential price recovery as demand catches up with supply. Market participants will closely monitor factors such as technological advancements in battery chemistry, policy support for clean energy, and macroeconomic conditions.

Nickel prices have recently declined due to market recalibrations and strategic decisions by key global players. Stakeholders should brace for continued market volatility with limited immediate price recovery.

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Google and NV Energy: Powering Nevada’s Future with 115 MW of Geothermal Energy

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Google’s Alphabet is advancing towards its zero-carbon goals by partnering with NV Energy, to supply its Nevada data centers with geothermal electricity. With this move, Google plans to inject 115 megawatts of carbon-free geothermal power over the next six years. However, the deal is pending approval from state utility regulators.

Let’s zoom in on the details here:

Google and NV Energy Amplify Clean Power 25x with CTT

From a regulatory perspective, Google’s partnership with Berkshire Hathaway’s electric utility, NV Energy is based on a “Clean Transition Tariff” (CTT) to procure 115MW of RE from a geothermal power plant operated by Fervo Energy.

Notably, Fervo Energy began a pilot program with Google in 2021 and is now set to significantly scale up its supply to meet Google’s growing demand for renewable power.

MUST READ: Fervo Energy’s Breakthrough in Enhanced Geothermal Systems: A Game-Changer for Renewable Energy (carboncredits.com)

The company has been working with partners across the U.S. to create a scalable approach for utilities and large energy users to invest in clean firm capacity. They aim to speed up the commercial deployment of advanced clean technologies.

Most significantly, Google-NV energy deal will further enhance geothermal capacity by ~ 25 x.

This expansion brings more round-the-clock carbon-free energy to the local grid, supporting Google’s data center operations like AI and cloud computing in Nevada.

CCT Bolsters the Grid and Customers’ Confidence for a Sustainable Future

The Clean Transition Tariff (CTT) brings together utilities and customers in long-term energy agreements. Here’s how it can transition U.S. holistically to a sustainable future:

 Fosters investments in new projects that supply clean power to the grid. This, in turn, would amplify clean energy capacity and boost grid reliability.
Allows customers to meet their rising power demands with 24/7 carbon-free energy.
Customers gain long-term benefits of enhanced clean and reliable power through their existing utility connections.

Amanda Peterson Corio, Global Head of Data Center Energy, and Briana Kobor, Head of Energy Market Innovation at Google have expressed themselves in Google blog by noting,

“It’s not just Google that stands to benefit from this new model. If widely adopted across U.S. markets, the CTT structure can expand clean energy capacity and improve grid reliability, accelerate the roll-out of new technologies needed to enable clean industrial growth, and bring the economic benefits of clean energy to communities everywhere.”

The Rise of Revamped Procurement Models to Drive Energy Transition

Amanda and Briana have further revealed in their article that many companies secure clean energy, mainly wind and solar, through power purchase agreements (PPAs) with project developers. Google has been a leader in this successful model. Since 2008, corporate clean energy buyers have contributed nearly 200 GW of new solar and wind capacity globally.

However, they have highlighted the drawbacks of this method, like

PPAs are often not integrated with broader grid planning and utility investment processes.
Weather variability can lead to inconsistent availability of solar and wind energy.

Therefore, achieving fully decarbonized electricity systems necessitates technologies capable of providing clean power at any time, known as “clean firm capacity.” However, technology is still in its infancy primarily due to improper regulatory framework and huge cost factors. Consequently, customers are forced to depend on fossil fuels for consistent power when renewables are insufficient.

Thus, Google believes in taking full advantage of 24/7 carbon-free energy technologies. It is addressing the increasing demands of local grids with a streamlined approach to investing in clean energy projects that provide firm capacity.

Is Google’s CTT a Game-Changer for Clean Energy Investment?

Based on the confirmative statements made by Google officials, we can confidently say YES to this question.

Furthermore, Google claims that the CTT will enhance the clean energy transition by enabling companies like NV Energy to receive funds downright to invest in new technologies. Certainly, this is a unique approach and significantly different from traditional power purchase agreements (PPAs). Subsequently, helping Google offset its emissions.

In 2022, Google signed contracts for approximately 2.8 GW of clean energy generation capacity, the highest ever.

Google’s latest environmental report shows that 64% of its global operations use carbon-free energy such as wind and solar.

Below is the image of Google’s carbon footprint for 2022. It aims to reduce 50% of our
combined Scope 1, 2 (market-based), and 3 absolute GHG emissions before 2030.

source: Google Environmental Report

The deal with NV Energy is a strategic move to increase this percentage, highlighting Google’s commitment to its clean energy goals. From media reports, we also discovered that Duke Energy has already partnered with Google and others to develop a similar CTT model in the Southeast United States.

Powering Nevada: NV Energy and Google Transform Clean Energy Access

In Nevada’s regulated power markets, companies struggle to source entirely clean energy directly from generators. This groundbreaking partnership tackles this challenge by integrating Google into NV Energy’s power generation with the help of CCT.

Doug Cannon, president and CEO of NV Energy has given a long statement on the prospects of this deal. He said,

“The partnership can develop new solutions to bring clean, firm energy technology — like enhanced geothermal — onto Nevada’s grid at this scale is remarkable. This innovative proposal will not be paid for by NV Energy’s other customers but will help ensure all our customers benefit from cleaner, greener energy resources. If approved, it provides a blueprint for other utilities and large customers in Nevada to accelerate clean energy goals.”

Nevada consumes 6X more energy than the state produces in part because Nevada produces only small amounts of natural gas and crude oil and does not mine any coal. Geothermal energy, which utilizes naturally occurring underground heat to generate electricity, holds considerable promise in Nevada.

According to US Energy Information and Administration (US EIA)

In 2023, Nevada accounted for 26% of the nation’s utility-scale electricity generation from geothermal energy. Only California generated more.
Geothermal resources contribute to about 10% of Nevada’s total electricity generation.

This pivotal agreement with NV Energy integrates advanced geothermal projects, delivering carbon-free electricity to power Google’s data centers. Google will keep partnering with utilities, regulators, and energy customers to drive clean energy investments, and advanced technologies, and build a robust, carbon-free grid.

FURTHER READING: US Data Center Power Use Will Double by 2030 Because of AI (carboncredits.com)

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US Targets 200 GW Nuclear Expansion to Meet Soaring Energy Demand

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With rising energy demands, nuclear power is gaining attention as a key component of the US’s carbon-free energy strategy. The US Energy Department (DOE) aims to triple nuclear capacity by 2050, adding 200 gigawatts (GW) to meet net zero emissions goals. 

Michael Goff, acting assistant secretary of the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy, emphasizes the urgency of this expansion, noting that:

“We are serious. We need to start deploying now.”

Meeting Rising Energy Demands with Nuclear Power

Large-load customers like data centers and manufacturing are driving increased demand for carbon-free power, potentially steering utilities toward nuclear energy, per S&P Global report. 

Matt Crozat from the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) notes a significant rise in utility interest, particularly among those with existing nuclear fleets. 

Last month, the largest nuclear power operator in the country, Constellation Energy Corporation, revealed plans to explore the construction of new nuclear capacity at its reactor sites to address the rising energy demand of its data center clients.

READ MORE: Constellation Energy to Pursue New Nuclear Power for Data Centers

However, despite growing interest, the initial investment risk for new nuclear projects remains a significant hurdle. Lynn Good, CEO of Duke Energy Corp., stresses the need for federal incentives to mitigate construction risks. 

Currently, federal support largely comes in the form of post-construction tax credits, which require operational plants to benefit. Good advocates for more robust support during the construction phase to balance the benefits and risks for consumers.

The completion of two new reactors at Georgia’s Vogtle Nuclear Plant, adding over 2,000 megawatts (MW), has sparked optimism. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and other officials argue that this project proves new nuclear construction is feasible in the US.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm supports expanding the nuclear industry, suggesting more reactors should be planned, while also noting that:

“We are determined to build a world-class nuclear industry in the United States, and we’re putting our money where our mouth is.”

Balancing Investment Risks and Federal Incentives

However, Southern Company, which oversaw the Vogtle expansion, has no immediate plans for further reactors. Georgia Public Service Commission member Tim Echols underscores the need for federal backstops against cost overruns before approving additional units. 

He believes that current incentives, including tax credits and loan guarantees, are insufficient, referencing the bankruptcy of Vogtle’s contractor, Westinghouse, which caused significant industry concern.

The DOE’s Goff acknowledges the challenge of increasing incentives further, noting the substantial existing support under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This legislation offers multiple credits for new nuclear projects, including options to layer or sell credits and additional credits targeted at clean energy. These incentives have already helped secure lifetime extensions for existing nuclear plants.

Existing nuclear plants are eligible for a production tax credit (PTC) of up to $15 per megawatt-hour (MWh). For new nuclear capacity, operators can choose between a PTC of $30/MWh or an investment tax credit (ITC) of 30%. This ITC can increase to as much as 50% if the nuclear projects use sufficient domestic content and are constructed in former coal plant communities.

Constellation Energy plans to renew operating licenses for all 23 of its reactors, with potential capacity increases qualifying for new capacity credits. This could lead to an additional 2.5 GW of nuclear capacity through uprates, according to NEI President Maria Korsnick.

The federal government is also promoting nuclear energy through public-private partnerships, cost-share projects, loan guarantees, licensing assistance, and research initiatives. The Biden-Harris administration has issued a $1.52 billion loan guarantee to restart an 800-MW nuclear plant in Michigan.

Nuclear Energy for the Nation’s Carbon-Free Power 

The surge in AI applications is significantly increasing electricity demand for data centers, presenting a lucrative opportunity for developers of small nuclear reactors (SMRs) and advanced battery technologies.

According to a Goldman Sachs report, AI applications could boost data center power needs by 160%, with AI queries like those from ChatGPT requiring nearly ten times more electricity than typical Google searches.

RELATED: US Data Center Power Use Will Double by 2030 Because of AI

Clayton Scott, chief commercial officer for NuScale Power, sees this as a perfect match for their small-scale nuclear systems. Scott believes the nuclear company can provide a solution with its SMRs, each generating 77 megawatts of carbon-free electricity. 

However, these reactors won’t be deployed until late in the decade, pending regulatory approval. The company reported minimal revenue and significant losses as it gears up for commercial operations.

Microsoft, led by Bill Gates’ TerraPower, is also exploring SMRs for powering AI data centers. Other startups, such as Oklo and Helion, are developing innovative nuclear technologies, including fission reactors and nuclear fusion. 

While much of the industry’s focus is on SMRs, none are yet commercially available for utility-scale power generation. Industry experts anticipate several applications for advanced reactors to be filed with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission soon. 

However, the recent cancellation of the first modular project in Idaho and Vogtle’s completion may shift financial risk assessments back toward larger reactors. 

Large light-water reactors could become more prevalent in utility planning. Goff believes that there will still be demand for large-scale reactors. 

Overall, the completion of Vogtle’s reactors and the supportive policy landscape indicate a growing openness to nuclear energy. As demand for carbon-free power continues to rise, nuclear power may play a crucial role in the US’s energy future, provided that policy adjustments and incentives keep pace with industry needs.

READ MORE: Nuclear Power to Break Global Records in 2025, IEA Predicts

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Is Voluntary Carbon Market Moving Toward Version 2.0?

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According to a new analysis by Calyx Global, a carbon credit ratings platform, the quality in the voluntary carbon market (VCM) shows promising signs of improved integrity. The report combines market trend data with Calyx Global’s ratings of over 500 projects to offer insights into the ongoing efforts to enhance carbon market integrity.

Finding higher-rated carbon credits in the VCM remains challenging due to the dominance of mega-projects, such as REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) and large-scale grid-connected renewable energy projects, which typically do not achieve higher ratings (A and B). 

Calyx Global’s co-founder, Donna Lee, emphasizes the need for higher-quality carbon credits to restore confidence in the market. 

“We wanted to start tracking quality, recognizing that the voluntary carbon market is starting to mature. The quicker we improve carbon credit quality and restore confidence, the more effective companies can be at addressing climate change.”

The report, “The State of Quality in the Voluntary Carbon Market”, identifies major trends and below are the key findings.

Decrease in Low-Quality Carbon Credits Issued

Since 2021, media scrutiny over the voluntary carbon market has intensified, coinciding with a rise in carbon credit issuances. Both market volume and media criticism peaked in 2023. However, there has been a notable shift in the quality of credit issuances, especially from the beginning of 2024.

Quality in the VCM highly varies, with both poor-quality and high-quality credits in every sector analyzed by Calyx Global. To date, projects in the Manufacturing and Industry sector has the highest GHG integrity.

According to the analysis, which has rated over half of all credits issued in the past 5 years, only about 20% of these credits fall into the top half of their rating scale (C+ and above).

Notably, less than 10% of the rated credits received a B rating or higher. This highlights the difficulty in sourcing high-integrity carbon credits in the current market landscape. 

The issuance of low-rated credits (E-rated) has significantly declined, dropping by nearly 50%. This decrease is primarily due to a reduction in credits issued from REDD+ projects. These credits have historically been skewed towards lower ratings.

RELATED: Rimba Raya REDD+ Project Revocation Rattles Carbon Market

The decline in REDD+ credits has been partially offset by an increase in issuances from household and community projects, such as cookstove credits. These projects tend to have more credits in the “C” rating range.

Despite the overall improvement in credit quality, high-rated credits (A and B ratings) remain rare. This rarity is due to the smaller number of such projects actively issuing credits in the market today. Additionally, these higher-rated projects tend to be smaller in scale compared to mega-projects like REDD and large-scale renewable energy projects.

Slow Adoption of Quality Updates 

Despite recent shifts towards higher quality in the VCM, a clear and consistent trend has yet to emerge.

Over 75% of new listings on major registries—American Carbon Registry (ACR), Climate Action Reserve (CAR), Gold Standard, and Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)—come from the Forest & Land and Household & Community sectors. These sectors show mixed results in Calyx Global’s rating system.

The Forest & Land sector is dominated by improved forest management (IFM) and afforestation/reforestation (AR) projects, which are undergoing methodological changes aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and integrity. 

In the Household & Community sector, cookstove projects make up the majority of new listings. And efforts are underway to refine cookstove methodologies to improve their quality and impact.

It may take time for low-quality credits to be completely phased out of the system. Some low-quality credits are still tied up in forward contracts, delaying the full impact of improved quality standards. Although there have been improvements in the rules and requirements for generating carbon credits, these updates still need to be fully integrated into the active market.

A Tradeoff: GHG Integrity vs. SDG Impact

While buyers are attracted to benefits “beyond carbon,” such as social and environmental co-benefits, the primary driver of market trends is the search for higher greenhouse gas (GHG) integrity.

Around 54% of rated projects for GHG integrity have Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) contributions verified by a third party. This trend is especially prevalent among nature-based projects, which often seek additional SDG certification through programs like Verra’s Climate, Community, and Biodiversity (CCB) Standards and the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta), resulting in verified SDG contributions. 

READ MORE: Carbon Credits and the Sustainable Development Goals: Aligning Climate Action with Global Priorities

In contrast, waste and renewable energy projects frequently don’t pursue extra SDG certification. Or they are registered under programs that don’t require SDG claims to be verified.

Some argue that the ideal carbon credit should possess both high GHG integrity and significant SDG impact. However, such credits are currently challenging to find, per Calyx Global findings. There appears to be a tradeoff between GHG integrity and SDG impact in the current market. 

This tradeoff is partly because many projects that deliver the highest SDG impacts, such as REDD+ and cookstove projects, have issues with over-crediting.

Household-based projects often have verified SDG contributions, largely because of the Gold Standard‘s requirement to report, monitor, and verify at least three SDGs per project. Verra has now introduced a similar requirement.  

Calyx Global concludes that the VCM continues to evolve and is moving towards version 2.0. This analysis is crucial for instilling trust in carbon credits and enable them to effectively contribute to climate change mitigation.

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Is Nickel Up for the Clean Energy Boom With Plunging Prices?

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In the push for energy transition and increasing net zero commitments, demand for clean energy technologies intensified, driving up the need for critical minerals. Among these, nickel prices nickel prices stand to benefit as one of the key elements used in batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).

In the first quarter of 2024, primary nickel producers significantly increased their output, leading to an oversupplied market, while mined nickel producers reduced their supply. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence data, the top five primary nickel producers produced 130,930 metric tons, marking an 11.7% year-over-year increase. 

Primary nickel includes refined nickel for electric vehicle batteries and nickel pig iron and ferronickel for steelmaking. Notably, PT Merdeka Copper Gold and Nickel Industries, both operating in Indonesia, saw the largest year-over-year increases.

As shown above, Merdeka Copper Gold’s output surged by 123.1% to 20,900 metric tons, and Nickel Industries’ production rose by 22.4% to 25,472 metric tons.

Nickel Prices Plunge Amid Supply Surge

The rapid expansion in Indonesia’s nickel industry has contributed to market oversupply. This leads to significant nickel price declines from the peaks of 2022 and 2023, as seen below. 

The London Metal Exchange (LME) cash price for nickel was $17,790.40 per metric ton on June 7. This reflects a massive 42.5% drop from the 2023 high of $30,958/t on January 3. 

The price also represents a 63.1% decrease from the 2022 high of $48,241/metric ton. Although nickel prices rose since early 2024 due to sanctions on Russian metal and protests in New Caledonia, they have since decreased but remain 8.6% higher than at the beginning of the year.

The primary nickel surplus, driven by increased supply from Indonesia and China, has limited the upside for prices, with LME stocks reaching a two-year high on May 29. Consequently, some producers have announced plans to close operations or reduce output. 

PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel, one of the top five primary nickel producers, reduced its production by 9.9% to 41,958 metric tons.

Conversely, the top five producers of mined nickel decreased their output by 18.8% year-over-year and by 9.4% quarter-over-quarter, producing 17,133 metric tons in the first quarter. Mined nickel includes metal in ore.

Sumitomo Corp. saw a significant decline, producing 2,800 metric tons, down 44.0% year-over-year and 30.0% quarter-over-quarter. IGO Ltd., the largest producer of mined nickel, provided 6,527 metric tons, a 21.9% year-over-year decrease and an 8.3% decline quarter-over-quarter.

Nickel Overload: Indonesia’s Surge Creates Market Turbulence

Indonesia, the Philippines, Russia, New Caledonia and Australia were among the largest nickel-producing countries in 2023, according to GlobalData.

As of January 2023, global nickel reserves were estimated at 102.1 million tonnes, according to a GlobalData report that cites US Geological Survey data. The majority of these reserves are located in Indonesia and Australia, each accounting for 20.6% of the global total.

Other significant reserves are found in Brazil (15.7%), Russia (7.3%), New Caledonia (7%), and collectively in the Philippines and Canada (6.9%).

During the third quarter of 2023, average global nickel prices were $22,942 per metric ton, which was 11.6% lower than the same period in 2022. This price decline is attributed to weak demand from China’s battery sector and an increasing nickel supply, particularly from Indonesia. 

The report forecasted a further decrease in nickel prices by 14% in 2023 and an additional 10% in 2024, primarily due to the expected rise in supply from Indonesia and the Philippines. However, it is anticipated that the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) will boost global nickel prices in 2025.

Nickel’s Role in the Global Energy Transition

Nickel, a versatile metal long used in currency and stainless steel, is now playing a significant role in the energy transition. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a 65% increase in nickel demand by 2030, driven by the growing need for resources in clean energy technologies. 

A meta-analysis of reports on this trend indicates that clean energy technologies are emerging as the sector with the fastest growth in demand for nickel and other critical minerals.

READ MORE: Transforming the American Clean Energy Landscape Under Biden’s Era

However, the nickel industry, often associated with environmental damage, faces the dual challenge of increasing production levels while enhancing sustainable practices. 

Nickel’s importance in energy storage technologies has been established for many years. Its ability to improve storage capacity at a low cost was instrumental in miniaturizing batteries, enabling the portable electronic devices we use today. 

Currently, nickel is being used in increasing quantities in the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs), improving their performance and helping to overcome a major barrier to EV adoption: limited range. 

At the start of the decade, only 4% of nickel produced globally was used in car batteries. But this figure could rise to as much as 40% by 2030, as bans on internal combustion engine vehicles approach in many markets.

The demand for nickel is not only being driven by the EV market but also by the broader energy transition. Nickel is required for high-performance alloys used in wind turbines and solar panels, as well as for catalysts for green hydrogen production. 

According to the International Energy Forum’s (IEF) analysis, annual demand for nickel driven by the energy transition could increase from less than 1 million metric tons today to between 2 and 5 million metric tons by 2050.

Balancing increased nickel production with sustainable practices will be essential as the world continues to shift towards cleaner energy solutions. The industry’s ability to meet this growing demand while maintaining environmental integrity will play a pivotal role in the successful transition to a low-carbon future.

The post Is Nickel Up for the Clean Energy Boom With Plunging Prices? appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Top 3 Nickel Stories You Can’t Miss

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Nickel’s importance in the transition to clean energy has skyrocketed, driving demand and prices to new heights. As a key component in EV batteries, nickel enhances energy density and storage capacity, leading to longer-lasting batteries and more efficient vehicles. While the world is adopting greener technologies, the demand for nickel will grow exponentially. Thus, global mining giants are driving the transition by focusing on sustainable nickel production even with rising nickel prices.

Let’s check out the top 3 nickel news making headlines in June.

1. Indonesian Nickel Giant Eyes 2025 Listing, Enters Talks with Glencore

Indonesian nickel company PT Ceria Nugraha Indotama plans to launch an IPO in the first half of 2025 and is currently negotiating Ceriaa stake sale to Glencore PLC ahead of the listing. Media reports say that Ceria aims to construct an $8 billion nickel complex, featuring 11 processing plants, including two high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) plants, to produce nickel products for electric vehicle batteries.

This collaboration aims to secure significant investments and strategic partnerships that will strengthen the firm’s foothold in the global nickel market.

Image: Ceria’s nickel exploration demography

source: PT Ceria

Strategic Partnership with Glencore

Ceria known for its extensive nickel reserves and production capabilities, sees Glencore as a pivotal partner. Glencore’s expertise in mining and commodities trading could provide crucial support in terms of technology, logistics, and global market access. The talks focus on potential joint ventures, long-term supply agreements, and investment opportunities that could enhance the Indonesian company’s operational efficiency and market reach.

Additionally, Glencore is also negotiating to participate in developing Ceria’s first HPAL plant in Southeast Sulawesi, which aims to produce over 146,000 MTs of mixed hydroxide precipitate.

Preparing for a Major IPO

The planned initial public offering (IPO) in 2025 is set to be one of the most significant listings in the nickel sector. By going public, the Ceria aims to raise substantial capital to expand its mining operations, invest in new technologies, and meet the growing global demand for nickel, a critical component in EV batteries and renewable energy technologies.

Market Dynamics and Growth Prospects

The Indonesian company’s strategic move to partner with Glencore and pursue a public listing aligns with the market’s bullish outlook on nickel. The firm’s robust resource base, coupled with Glencore’s global reach, positions it well to capitalize on these favorable market conditions.

Future Outlook

Ceria’s proactive steps in securing strategic partnerships and preparing for a public listing demonstrate its commitment to becoming a key player in this evolving market. The outcome of the ongoing talks with Glencore will be crucial in shaping the company’s future and its ability to meet the increasing global demand for nickel.

This anticipated collaboration and the forthcoming IPO not only highlight the company’s growth ambitions but also underscore Indonesia’s significant role in the global nickel supply chain. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly observing the developments as the 2025 listing approaches, marking a crucial moment for the company and the nickel industry at large.

2. Premium Nickel Resources Upsizes Equity Financing to C$27.5 Million for Botswana Projects

Premium Nickel Resources Ltd. (PNRL), the Canada-based mineral exploration and development company is pioneering in discovering and advancing high-quality nickel, copper, cobalt, and platinum group metals (Ni-Cu-Co-PGM) resources.

In a recent development, PNRL increased its non-brokered equity financing to C$27.5 million ($20 million) for its Botswana projects. Initially announced on June 5 at C$15 million ($10.9 million), the upsizing reflects strong interest from existing shareholders. The original plan was to issue approximately 19.2 million units; the revised plan includes about 35.3 million units.

Each unit, priced at C$0.78, comprises one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Holders of these warrants can acquire an additional common share for C$1.10 within 60 months.

Selebi and Selkirk Nickel-Copper Mines 

Premium Nickel’s portfolio includes two fully permitted redevelopment projects for nickel, copper, and cobalt mines in Botswana: the Selebi mine, formerly owned by BCL and Tati’s former Selkirk mine.

The Selebi mine, which opened in 1980, operated for 36 years producing nickel and copper until it was placed on care and maintenance in 2016. It features two shafts: the 1,140-meter Selebi shaft and the 970-meter Selebi North shaft. Selebi North was in production from 1990 to 2016, also yielding nickel and copper.

The Selkirk nickel-copper mine started production in 1989 and operated until 2002. It has a historical resource estimate of 165.3 million tonnes, grading 0.28% nickel and 0.24% copper, based on a cut-off grade of 0.15% nickel.

3. Electra Battery Materials: North America’s Sole Cobalt and Nickel Refinery Secures C$5 Million from Canadian Govt. to Fuel Battery Materials Recycling Technology

Electra Battery Materials announced that it has secured C$5 million in funding from the Canadian government to develop its proprietary battery materials recycling technology.

Located north of Toronto, Ontario, Electra is building North America’s only cobalt sulfate refinery as part of a multiphase initiative to onshore refining capabilities for cathode materials. The company’s primary goal is to secure the capital necessary to recommission and expand its cobalt refinery. Subsequently, it aims to supply recycled battery materials and battery-grade nickel for the electric vehicle market.

Successful Battery Materials Recycling Demonstration

In 2023, Electra successfully operated a demonstration plant for battery materials recycling at its Ontario refinery complex. The plant processed over 40 Ts of end-of-life battery scrap, known as “black mass”. It produced high-quality nickel, cobalt, and lithium products. This program is considered the first plant-scale recycling of black mass material in North America. It marks the first domestic production of a nickel-cobalt mixed hydroxide precipitate product.

Electra is now accelerating the next phase of its recycling project. The company aims to demonstrate continuously that the hydrometallurgical black mass process is scalable, profitable, and can be implemented at other locations.

source: Electra

Government Support and Economic Impact

The Canadian government has committed C$5 million ($3.6 million) to the project through Natural Resources Canada’s Critical Minerals Research, Development, and Demonstration program. This project will be based at Electra’s fully permitted property in Temiskaming Shores, approximately five hours north of Toronto.

Electra CEO Trent Mell commented,

“Today’s funding announcement signals the Canadian government’s ongoing commitment to creating a strong, sustainable EV supply chain. While recycling critical minerals is part of our strategy, we remain focused on constructing our cobalt sulfate refinery and will update the market with funding developments for restarting construction.”

Notably, Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, made an important statement,

“This funding will enhance mineral and energy security, create jobs, and support economic opportunities, contributing to a cleaner Canada and a prosperous, sustainable economy for everyone.”

The announcement was made in Sudbury, alongside a similar funding announcement for the Mining Innovation Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corp, which also received C$5 million.

FURTHER READING: Nickel 28 Capital Ousts CEO Anthony Milewski and President Justin Cochrane in Leadership Purge Over Misconduct (carboncredits.com)

The post Top 3 Nickel Stories You Can’t Miss appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Engie Buys 5 Million Tons of Nature-Based Carbon Credits for Net Zero

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Engie, the world’s largest independent power producer, has made a significant commitment to sustainability by pre-ordering 5 million tons of nature-based carbon removals from Catona Climate, a climate finance company.

This move is part of Engie’s strategy to meet its Net Zero target by 2045. It also represents a major investment in nature-based solutions, which are becoming crucial for climate change mitigation.

A Major Deal for High-Quality Climate Solutions

The recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have highlighted the necessity of scaling up carbon removal methods to achieve climate goals. The latest IPCC report emphasizes nature-based solutions, which can remove at least 3 gigatons of CO2 annually by 2030. 

Traditionally, efforts focused on technological solutions for carbon capture. However, nature-based solutions are also gaining traction due to their additional environmental benefits, as evidenced in recent Xpansiv report. 

Engie’s partnership with Catona Climate reflects a broader industry trend toward integrating ecosystem restoration projects into corporate carbon strategies. This shift highlights the growing recognition of carbon removal alongside direct emission reductions in achieving net zero emissions.

RELATED: Ørsted Secures Major Carbon Removal Deal with Microsoft

Engie’s pre-order aligns with these findings and marks a significant step up from its previous smaller-scale carbon offset projects. However, scaling these projects faces several challenges, including complexities related to impacts on local communities and balancing carbon sequestration with other environmental benefits.

This is where Catona Climate’s solutions come in. 

Based in California, Catona Climate funds high-impact, nature-based projects through carbon removal purchases. These projects are aligned with science-based targets and focus on regenerative land management, reforestation, and combating deforestation. 

The climate finance company sources, invests, and monitors these projects, offering businesses a portfolio of high-quality climate solutions. By creating clear demand signals, Catona aims to de-risk carbon investments and accelerate the development of high-quality climate solutions. 

A Growing Trend of Nature-Based Carbon Removal

The agreement enables Engie to secure carbon removal credits from multiple projects at fixed prices, offering financial stability and predictability. Under the partnership, the carbon removal credits will be issued between 2030 and 2039, with Engie having the flexibility to source from multiple projects at locked-in pricing. 

Jérôme Malka, a member of Engie’s Executive Committee, emphasized the shared commitment to quality and impact between Engie and Catona. He further highlighted the benefits of this deal, saying that:

“Collaborating with Catona to address residual emissions was a natural fit given our alignment on quality and impact, and our shared commitment to supporting projects that not only remove carbon, but also provide meaningful benefits to local ecosystems and communities.”

Tate Mill, CEO of Catona Climate, stressed the importance of the partnership with Engie to drive capital and expand nature-based projects. 

“Those signals help us de-risk carbon investments and drive more capital through our trusted network of project developers to accelerate the development of nature-based carbon removal solutions so critical to turning the tide on climate change.”

Engie’s collaboration with Catona is a key component of its strategy to decarbonize clients’ operations and achieve net zero. Here are the other major operational levers of action the company is undertaking. 

What’s Inside Engie’s Ambitious Net Zero Goal?

Engie is committed to a bold decarbonization strategy, aiming to achieve net zero across its three scopes. In 2023, the Group’s carbon emissions totaled 158 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, a significant reduction of 39% from 2017’s 260 million tonnes.

The French power company’s roadmap sets a goal to cut all emissions by at least 90% between 2017 and 2045, with the remaining 10% to be neutralized. The company’s 2030 decarbonization trajectory, certified as “well below 2°C” by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), involves four main goals to reduce emissions. These include:

59% reduction in energy production emissions (scopes 1 and 3), 
34% decrease in emissions from gas sales (scope 3), 
66% reduction in carbon intensity from energy production (scope 1) and consumption (scope 2), and 
56% cut in the carbon intensity of energy sales (scopes 1 and 3).

To achieve these targets, the power company is adopting several key strategies:

Phase Out Coal: The Group plans to completely eliminate coal by 2025 in Europe and by 2027 globally.
Expand Renewable Energy: ENGIE aims for renewables (solar, onshore, and offshore wind) to comprise 58% of its electricity generation mix by 2030, boosting production capacity by 50 GW by 2025, reaching 80 GW by 2030. Additionally, 10 GW of battery storage capacity will be installed, mainly in Europe and the US, to enhance the flexibility of the energy mix.
Increase Green Gases: The biomethane production capacity is targeted to reach 10 TWh/year in Europe by 2030, with an injection capacity of 50 TWh/year across ENGIE’s networks. Green hydrogen is also a crucial component, with a goal of producing 4 GW by electrolysis by 2030, supported by a 700km transport network and 1 TWh storage capacity.

Notably, the Group aims to manage 30 TWh/year of decarbonized hydrogen and establish over 100 hydrogen refueling stations.

Finally, Engie commits to a program to reduce carbon emissions, targeting 45 million tons of CO2 eq. avoided each year. Part of this goal is investing in 5 million tons of carbon credits, which what the company just did.

Engie’s pre-order from Catona represents a step towards achieving its net zero goal by 2045. This collaboration aims not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to support local ecosystems and communities, ensuring the long-term viability of nature-based carbon removal solutions.

READ MORE: Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Salesforce Launch “Symbiosis”, Pledging for 20M Tons of Nature-Based CDR Credits

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