The December Renewables MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) traded sideways, practically in a straight line. Overall, metal prices within the index only dropped 0.83%. This sideways trend contrasts sharply with the steep drop renewables saw just six months ago. Battery metals within the index, such as cobalt and silicon, held a steady sideways trend, only rising […]
Category: Green
Renewables/GOES MMI: Political Factors Yank Renewable Energy in Different Directions
November’s Renewables MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) traded sideways for the first time since June. The index rose by 1.56% month-over-month. This primarily resulted from GOES (grain-oriented electrical steel) rising in price. Meanwhile, other renewable energy resources, like neodymium and Japanese steel plate, traded sideways. Silicon remains in particularly high demand, but supplies remain pinched along […]
New Trends in Battery Nickel as EV Demand Rises
Battery original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have enjoyed a clear trend for much of the last decade. In fact, they’ve largely achieved falling per kWh manufacturing costs thanks to two strong dynamics. The first is economies of scale. After all, demand for both consumer electronics and electric vehicles in all forms – hybrid and full EV […]
Overview of Battery Recycling Industry, with Cirba Solutions
The last twelve months proved turbulent for the electrical products market. This is true whether you’re a raw material miner, refiner, manufacturer, or end user. Indeed, ongoing issues with battery metal prices and supply security affected millions. After demand rose dramatically, Chinese battery makers began snapping up resources left and right. This left major automakers […]
US Charges Towards Green Energy
The US seems well on its path to green energy. President Joe Biden recently signing into law the biggest clean energy investment in US history. The package includes $370 billion in subsidies for solar and wind energy development, electric vehicles, etc. Taking a cue, the United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) and Shell US Gas […]
France Takes Emergency Measures to Promote Renewable Energy
Rare earths and renewable energy are two sectors that almost every country races to dominate. One of these nations, France, takes serious strides towards this goal. Recently, the French government announced an emergency measures package to hasten renewable energy development. Rising infrastructure costs recently pushed the French government towards this decision. Along with the rest […]
Renewables/GOES MMI: Renewable Resources and the “Surprise Climate Bill”
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continued its downward trend this month, falling an additional 7.10% between July and August. However, this trend is not likely to continue if the US senate passes the so-called “surprise climate bill.” Were this to happen, it would put fresh focus on renewable resources, likely causing the MMI adopt […]
Battery Metals For EVs: Demand Surges, but Can Recycling Keep Up?
With the surge in demand for electric vehicles, the need for EV batteries and battery metals such as cobalt and lithium has risen dramatically. However, can the US (along with other nations) keep up with this rising battery metal demand while maintaining recycling efficiency? It’s a good question, but it doesn’t have a simple answer. […]
Coal Imports: The World is Re-Embracing Coal (For Now)
Despite the best efforts to the contrary, short-term global reliance on coal has only increased. The main reason is, of course, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Indeed, energy is getting harder and harder to come by, and most countries are falling back on reliable – if dirty – sources. How will this affect coal imports and […]
Renewable/GOES MMI: Renewable Prices Nose-Dive, GOES Remains Strong
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) dropped significantly from June to July. All in all, the index fell a staggering 22.05%. How will this impact steel prices today? Problems With China’s Solar Panel Manufacturing Dominance Some experts say that initiatives aimed at creating a zero-carbon future are being impacted by dependence on Chinese solar panels. […]
