🌞 Energy Futures #53

Happy Monday 👋

The global energy landscape saw key developments in the past week. China is progressing with a groundbreaking 1km-wide space-based solar array to generate energy equivalent to the world's total oil reserves annually. Meanwhile, SANY launched Africa's largest solar-storage-diesel microgrid in Zambia to support mining operations with reliable, sustainable energy. China’s oil demand peaked as imports declined, driven by the adoption of EVs and LNG. Additionally, Saudi Arabia unveiled a $100B investment in its mining sector to diversify its economy, focusing on mineral reserves like gold, copper, and phosphate. Hydrostor secured $1.76B from the U.S. Department of Energy to back the Willow Rock Energy Storage Project in California, advancing large-scale energy storage solutions.

What's new?

HolonIQ’s new Green Skills Map and Workforce section reveal industry-wide sustainability skills and jobs, as well as workforce development initiatives, supporting upskilling for a sustainable economy.

HolonIQ's new skills newsletter is here! Get updates on emerging skills, workforce shifts, and industry insights across impact sectors. Subscribe now to stay ahead.

🌅 New Energy

☀️ China's Ambitious Space-Based Solar Power Project. China is developing a massive 1km-wide solar array in space that is expected to generate as much energy in a year as the world's total oil reserves. This ambitious project aims to harness solar power from space.

☀️ Solar Hydrogen Discovered in Antarctica. Researchers discovered a new method to produce hydrogen from solar energy in Antarctica, one of the most extreme environments on Earth. This breakthrough could revolutionize energy production in harsh conditions.

🍄 Fungi Generating Electricity. Swiss scientists developed a way for fungi like yeast and white rot fungus to generate electricity, paving the way for sustainable biobatteries. The innovation utilizes mushrooms' natural properties, offering a potential environmentally friendly solution for energy storage and electronics.

🔌 Utilities

🔋 SANY Unveils Africa's Largest Solar-Storage-Diesel Microgrid. SANY Silicon Energy unveiled Africa's largest solar-storage-diesel microgrid in Zambia to provide a reliable and environmentally friendly power supply for mining operations. The innovative system aims to provide sustainable, reliable energy, reduce reliance on diesel, and contribute to decarbonization efforts.

🌎 Dr. Sultan Al Jaber Unveils World's First 24/7 Renewable Energy Project. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, unveiled the world's first renewable energy and battery storage facility that will provide 24/7 renewable energy, at the opening of ADSW 2025, marking a new path towards socio-economic progress driven by global trends.

🔋 Scientists Develop Batteries from Industrial Waste. Scientists found a way to turn industrial waste into batteries that can store renewable energy. This research not only provides a sustainable solution for energy storage but also paves the way for the future viability of redox flow batteries.

⛽ Oil & Gas

⛽ China's Oil Demand Peaks as Energy Transition Accelerates. China's oil imports declined for the first time in two decades, signaling a peak in oil demand as the country shifts towards electric vehicles and liquefied natural gas (LNG) for its energy needs.

⚠️ UK Facing Critical Gas Shortage. Centrica, a major UK energy company, warned that the UK's gas reserves are depleting to concerningly low levels due to increased demand from gas-fired power stations during the recent cold snap.

🌎 Colombia's Renewable Energy Push Leads to Gas Imports. Colombia’s ambitious green energy transition led to a rise in natural gas imports, highlighting the challenges of balancing renewable energy growth with energy security. This unintended consequence stems from the country's reliance on gas during periods of renewable energy supply shortfalls, emphasizing the need for a more integrated energy strategy.

💎 Mining and Metals

💰 Saudi Arabia Unveils $100B Mining Investment. Saudi Arabia announced a $100B investment to bolster its mining sector, aiming to diversify its economy and reduce oil dependence. The initiative focuses on attracting global partnerships, advancing technology, and tapping into vast reserves of minerals like gold, copper, and phosphate.

⚡️ China Rises as Second Largest Lithium Reserve Holder. China discovered massive lithium reserves, elevating it to the second largest holder of lithium reserves globally. This discovery can impact the global battery metal market as China aims for self-reliance in lithium production.

⚒️ US DOE Invests $45M to Secure Antimony Supply Chain. The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $45M investment to secure the supply chain for critical minerals like antimony, which are essential for clean energy and national security.

🛠️ Skills and Workforce

HolonIQ is now tracking reskilling and upskilling initiatives critical in bridging workforce gaps. Impact industries are rapidly evolving, fueled by technological advancements, decarbonization, geopolitical dynamics, and socio-economic factors. To that extent, these sectors require considerable workforce/professional development initiatives to enhance workers' capabilities, boost economic growth, and promote social well-being. Read on for this week’s insights, and discover more in HolonIQ's latest Skills newsletter.

⚡ $28M investment in Gigapark to boost UK green skills. The Coventry and Warwick Gigapark, a pivotal UK green energy hub, secured $28M from the West Midlands Combined Authority. This funding will enhance energy infrastructure to support battery manufacturing, creating up to 6,000 EV and energy storage jobs. Anchored by Greenpower Park, the site will drive innovation in electrification, clean energy, and battery technologies. Positioned as a global leader, it supports regional growth and the UK’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

🏢 1M1B launches Green Skills Academy for Andhra youth employment. The 1M1B Foundation, a UN-accredited nonprofit, has launched a Green Skills Academy in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with the the Kuppam Area Development Authority (KADA). Inaugurated by Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the academy aims to train youth in green and professional skills, including e-waste management, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. Digital skills such as AI, communication, and leadership are also offered to prepare participants for green jobs, fostering regional innovation and sustainability.

🏜️ Deloitte Middle East introduces transformative green skills training program. Deloitte Middle East, in collaboration with IEMA, has launched the “Green Skills for a Green Economy” program, offering foundational training in sustainability and green job competencies. Since its debut in the UAE, the program has trained over 350 participants, including students, entrepreneurs, and professionals. This initiative supports regional sustainability goals by empowering individuals with eco-conscious skills and fostering green career pathways. Aligned with Deloitte’s WorldClass and WorldClimate strategies, it addresses the global green skills gap, driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

HolonIQ has launched the Green Skills Map, an open-source framework initiated for cataloging, evaluating, and contextualizing the different components of the rapidly expanding field of green jobs. This comprehensive taxonomy will serve as a resource for understanding the full spectrum and complexity of green skills required across various sectors, thereby enabling a cohesive approach toward achieving net zero and decarbonizing the global economy. Green Skills Map spans 11 areas, 54 sub-areas, and 243 green skills clusters. A snippet of the map covering four areas has been included above. Explore the full map on greenskills.org.

💰 Energy Deals

🔋 Hydrostor Secures $1.76B Loan for Energy Storage Project. Hydrostor, an energy storage company, received a $1.76B loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy to support their 500 MW Willow Rock Energy Storage Project in California.

💰 Yinson Production Secures $1B Investment for Growth. Yinson Production, an offshore production services provider, secured a $1B investment from a consortium of international investment companies to drive further growth.

☀️ Origis Energy Secures $415M Funding for Texas Solar Project. Origis Energy, a renewable energy company, closed a $415M financing package for the Swift Air Solar project, a 500 MW solar and battery storage facility in Texas.

🔋 Hemlock Semiconductor Secures $325M CHIPS Funding. Hemlock Semiconductor, a polysilicon manufacturer, received $325M in funding from the CHIPS Act to build a new facility that will strengthen the semiconductor supply chain.

💰 Dispatch Energy Secures Over $209M for Distributed Energy Strategy. Dispatch Energy, a new provider of distributed energy solutions, secured over $209M in capital commitments to acquire, install, and operate distributed energy assets across the United States.

Like getting this newsletter? For unlimited access to over one million charts, request a demo.

Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com