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 […]
Category: Green
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. […]
Renewables Monthly Metals Index (MMI) Renewables and GOES Prices Rise
The Renewables Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose by 2.27%. After trending downward since March, renewable resources finally saw a price boost. Renewable Resources Partnership: Hydro Power and Air Battery Systems According to an article from Renewable Energy World, Augwind, a company specializing in renewable resources and energy, has launched a collaboration with Voith Hydro. The […]
Solar Panel Tariffs on China Halted, Causing Astonishment
For US President Joe Biden, it’s a Hobson’s choice on Chinese solar panel imports. His new move to pause tariffs on imported Chinese-made silicone solar panels for two years has been either hailed or criticized. The announcement came in the middle of an on-going investigation by the US Commerce Department. Possible trade agreement violations are […]
Lithium Prices Surge Amid a Global Rush for Supply
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions, the race is on around the world to find new sources of lithium. The prospect of running out of the rare element is a worst-case scenario for many countries. After all, it is a crucial component in the lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. As EV […]
Costs at the Pump Outperforming Even Elevated Crude Prices
Back in the 1970’s, Arab oil embargoes caused short-term pain for the West due to rising crude prices. However, it also spurred a drive for fuel efficiency that ultimately reduced the country’s reliance on foreign oil. At the same time, it boosted the GDP per unit of energy consumed. Will history repeat itself? There’s no […]
Is the Battery Metals Gold Rush Really Over?
The term battery metals typically refers to lithium, nickel, and cobalt. The name stems from the fact that the three metals are frequently used in the production of all types of modern batteries. Since 2021, these metals have enjoyed a rather lengthy bull run. This has proved profitable for investors and provided some much-needed predictability […]
Steel: To Tax or Not to (carbon) Tax
Global public opinion seems divided on whether or not to impose a “carbon tax” on the metal and mining sector. This goes double for steel. Depending on which side you’re listening to at a given moment, you’ll get very different opinions on the matter. Many economists, environmentalists, and the general public welcome the idea. The […]