Member Info for SloppyGuiseppe

Still going strong.
Have the @AnglingTrust been messaged?

Former chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Chairman of TechMet's Advisory Board, Admiral Mike Mullen, commented:

"I applaud TechMet's achievement in closing this round of funding - it is a testament to the team's foresight, positioning, and ability. As the world adopts new technologies, the supply of critical metals becomes a more pressing national security challenge for the US and its allies. TechMet's achievements and credibility now firmly position it to help to deal with these challenges."

Following the success of this round, TechMet is planning a third round equity raising in Q2/Q3 2021 to secure an additional +/- $250m to further scale its core operations and expand its portfolio.

https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/techmet-closes-its-second-funding-round-at-120m-844426370.html

TechMet has announced the closing of its second-round equity fundraising at $120m. The close represents a 50% oversubscription on its $80m target. The final $60m was raised at a 32% increase over the company's initial Round 2 price, and a 140% increase over its Round 1 price.

TechMet invests in projects across the supply chain of the metals critical to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems that form the basis of the green industrial revolution.

TechMet's largest shareholders now include the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC – the US Government's development finance institution); Lansdowne Partners (one of London's foremost investment institutions); and Mercuria (the global energy trading company); together with TechMet Chairman and CEO, Brian Menell.

The critical metals company was founded in 2017 by British/South African metals industrialist, Brian Menell, with the aim of developing assets that produce metals for which global demand will vastly outweigh supply as the world moves to clean energy technologies. Its assets include Li-Cycle Corp – the lithium-ion battery recycling company which recently merged with Peridot SPAC; Brazilian Nickel – the mining and extraction company producing nickel and cobalt suitable for EV batteries; US Vanadium – which produces vanadium products suitable for redox flow batteries; and Tinco – a portfolio of producing tin and tungsten mines.

Founder, Chairman and CEO, Brian Menell, stated:

"The closure of this funding round marks a significant milestone for TechMet and its oversubscription is a clear reflection of our great projects and of the value the team has created in a short time. These funds give us a significant amount of firepower to expand our operations and add to our portfolio.

We are fortunate to be at an inflection point in history of both enormous opportunity and enormous challenge. We are at the beginning of an epic supply-demand dislocation for the metals that go into EVs and renewable energy systems, and our industry must completely transform itself in order to supply these strategic materials in the quantities necessary, and with the required high Environmental, Social and Governance standards and low carbon footprint, to ensure the success of a clean energy future.

TechMet's mission is to build ethical, independent, and environmentally sound supply chains for the metals that are needed to ensure the success of this 21st Century clean energy and EV revolution.

https://www.argusmedia.com/metals-platform/metal/ferro-alloys-vanadium

https://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/softbank-ventures-asia-standard-energy-236241/

https://mg.co.za/environment/2021-04-13-eskom-can-be-a-key-player-in-sas-transition-to-renewable-energy-a-new-report-finds/

Eskom can be a key player in SA’s transition to renewable energy, a new report finds...

https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2021/04/13/australias-vanadium-push-progresses-as-two-leading-companies-advance-flow-battery-strategies/

Australia’s vanadium prospects progress as two leading companies evolve flow battery strategies
In a strange synchronicity, two of Australia’s major aspiring vanadium producers have today come out with announcements. TNG Limited has solidified a deal to commercialise vanadium redox flow batteries using output from its Mount Peake project, while competitor Australian Vanadium has filed a patent application for its vanadium processing route....

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/04/12/battery-storage-systems-30-cheaper-than-rival-gas-peaker-plants-for-firming-renewables/

Australia's Clean Energy Council (CEC) says in a newly published paper that large-scale battery energy storage has become the best way to spread energy generated by solar and wind throughout any day, and to instantly respond to peak energy needs in the National Electricity Market (NEM) for long and short durations.

The paper compares the levelized cost of energy delivered by a new 250 MW gas peaker plant with 250 MW four-hour and two-hour grid-scale batteries. It finds that overall – when various costs are calculated – that the batteries are 17% (two-hour) and 30% (four-hour) cheaper.

Improvements in battery-operating technology mean storage now outperforms gas-fired peaking plants on speed and reliability of response, which was the basis of gas technology’s biggest claim to a place in the future renewables-based electricity system.

Where gas plants can respond within 15 minutes, says the CEC report, battery solutions can discharge as “demand (and correspondingly prices) approach peak levels” and sustain output “to cover the typical daily peak duration.”

“Batteries can ramp up quickly, have zero start-up time and provide a better frequency response,” said CEC Chief Executive Kane Thornton...

https://seekingalpha.com/article/4418625-energy-storage-is-now-booming-world-moves-faster-to-renewable-energy

Energy Storage Is Now Booming As The World Moves Faster To Renewable Energy.

BNEF forecasts a 122x increase in global energy storage from 2018 to 2040. WoodMac: Global energy storage capacity is expected to grow at a CAGR of 31% through 2030.
The March 2, 2021, CLEAN Future Act (H.R. 1512) Bill authorizes US$565B towards US carbon-free electricity by 2035. The key winners will be solar, wind, nuclear, and energy storage.
Some listed energy storage companies and some ETFs to consider...

https://www.eol.cn/tech/chuangxin/202104/t20210412_2095441.shtml

On April 8, the Liquid Flow Energy Storage Innovation Center jointly built by Xi'an Jiaotong University and Shaanxi Huayin Technology Co., Ltd. was unveiled at the Science and Technology Innovation Port in Western China. Yan Hong, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Zhao Junmin, Mayor of Ankang City, Zhang Zhiqun, Director of the Science and Technology Bureau, and Zheng Jianwei, Chairman of Shaanxi Huayin Technology Co., Ltd. attended the ceremony. Li Chengfu, Secretary of the Party Branch of Xi'an Jiaotong University Science and Education Frontier, presided over the ceremony...

https://microgridknowledge.com/vandium-flow-batteries-ameresco/

The US Department of Defense has begun its second phase of research into vanadium flow batteries in partnership with Ameresco, a developer of clean energy and microgrid projects...

Governments 25 year plan to ensure there is enough water for people and the environment.
Nice little ramp.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-water-abstraction/managing-water-abstraction

https://consumerandsociety.com/2021/04/08/the-worlds-water-problem-is-chronic-but-is-not-irreversible/

A recent investigation conducted by Consumer Reports and The Guardian illustrated the alarming extent of the clean water problem across the United States. Insufficient clean water is a particular tragedy in developing countries—where up to 80% of illnesses are linked to poor water and sanitation infrastructure—but it’s also a crisis affecting large swaths of the United States..

https://ventureburn.com/2021/04/sa-asset-manager-secures-funding-towards-renewable-energy-and-infrastructure-fund/

Moshesh Partners aims to grow the fund to R2-billion in assets under management over the course of the next 18 months

Sifiso Shongwe, co-founding member and chief executive officer of Moshesh Partners explains that their goal is realistic given the companies track record in securing investments.

“Our investment team has a strong track record in renewable energy, having already raised and deployed more than R5 billion in renewable energy projects. This includes raising and deploying capital via equity, mezzanine, and debt into projects totaling 2,507 MW across solar PV, wind, CSP, plastic to fuels, and open-cycle gas turbine plants.”

The new fund follows from Moshesh Partners’ first private equity fund, the Moshesh Partners Renewable Energy & Clean Infrastructure Fund I which launched in 2020.

The fund aims to deploy its IC-approved investments by the end of the second quarter of 2021 and estimates equity returns of 16-18%. In addition, the fund will disburse debt and equity financing to boost returns.

The previous fund reportedly focuses on renewable energy and clean infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Moshesh Partners Fund Management
Moshesh Partners focuses on investments into renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure including energy, telecoms, transport, and water.

With offices in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, Moshesh Partners invests in local businesses that aim to add value to the economy and drive transformation in South Africa.

The importance of renewable energy in South Africa
According to reports by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), loadshedding is estimated to continue for at least an additional three years. This has been deduced by an analysis of

Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF), which declined from 94% in 2000 to 67% in 2019.

The CSIR has proposed that increased electricity license exemption as a solution to bridge the gap in the existing power supply.

Moshesh Partners explains that this is perfect timing for the launch of their new fund and the promotion and innovation of renewable and clean energy businesses.

“With the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, having announced Bid Window 5 of the government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) on 18 March 2021 with a further four requests for proposals expected in the next 12 months, it’s clear that timing is ideal to participate in funding a sector that is sorely needed to enable South Africa’s recovery and growth"

https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/946038/today-s-market-view---vast-resources-rockfire-resources-power-metal-resources-and-more-946038.html

Bushveld Minerals* (LON:BMN) 17.95p, Mkt cap £215m – Ferro-vanadium prices continue to rise in China on stimulus and environmental crackdown

(Bushveld is invested in Enerox alongside a <3% in Invinity Energy Systems)

Strong Buy 31p

Ferro-vanadium prices are reported to continue to rise in China according to one reporting agency

Prices appear to be playing catchup with the AsiaMetals price of US$36.0/kg for 80% Ferro-vanadium FOB China with higher prices in Europe and the US expected to follow.

The price hike follows on from a 5.7% price rise last week highlighting ongoing strong demand for the metal.

Vanadium imports into China have been rising as China cracks down on pollution while ramping up construction projects as part of its ongoing stimulus plan.

The ongoing crackdown on pollution by heavy industry in China and Japan is likely to continue to tighten the market for vanadium and titanium as steel producers are forced to process cleaner sources of iron ore.

US steel producers who generally process lower grade taconite ores may also be forced to reduce emissions as the Biden administration looks to cut carbon emissions.

Stimulus programs are starting to have a more substantial impact on new demand for vanadium as project in planning order structural and hardened steels for construction.

Today’s news on positive Construction sector Purchasing Managers Indices ‘PMIs’ provides confirmation of strong growth in this area.

*SP Angel acts as Nomad and broker to Bushveld Minerals.

Sorry Knuts, didn't see you had already posted ??

Meanwhile, Canadian firm VRB Energy just announced in mid-March it plans to build a 100 MW solar photovoltaic and 100 MW/500 MWh VRFB integrated power station in central China’s Hubei province.

Right now, China is the hub for vanadium redox battery development. But governments worldwide are committing billions of dollars to green energy projects, and electric grid facilities are popping up everywhere. And VRFBs are beginning to be included.

According to QY Research, the VRFB market was valued at $320 million in 2018 and is projected to reach $4.25 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 38.3%.

The role vanadium will play in the energy storage space remains to be seen. But optimism surrounding VRFBs is rising with new development. And it’s a space investors might want to keep an eye on.

https://www.outsiderclub.com/vanadium-investing-2021/98812

In the pantheon of metallic elements, the precious metals reign supreme. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium — these metals get all of the glory.

But just like in every polytheistic myth you've ever heard, the lesser metals end up doing most of the work.

Iron, copper, aluminum, nickel, zinc, etc. — these base metals built the infrastructure upon which the modern world operates.

Deep in the family tree of vital base metals is one that is beginning to once again attract attention. The metal I'm talking about is vanadium.

Vanadium is a bright white, soft, and ductile metal that's mostly used today to create high-strength steel alloys.

About 85% of all the vanadium produced goes into making steel alloys. Another 10% goes into making alloys of titanium. The rest goes into other uses.

Vanadium steel alloys are some of the strongest and most useful ever created. They've been used in everything from the Ford Model T to Lockheed Martin's SR-71 Blackbird.

High-strength vanadium-alloy steels are also used in high-rise buildings, bridges, heavy equipment, industrial tools, medical devices, ship plates, rail lines, and other military vehicles.

But steel alloys aren't the focus for the vanadium market right now. What's getting investors excited about vanadium is the metal's application as an energy metal for the future. Specifically, I’m talking about the commercial arrival and proliferation of the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB)

Originally conceived by NASA during the energy crises of the 1970s, vanadium redox flow batteries mainly consist of two tanks of liquid adjacent to each other.

This liquid flows through the tanks and past a membrane, which generates a charge by moving electrons back and forth.

Due to their size and weight, these batteries are expected to be mainly used for grid storage.

Right now, grid energy storage facilities use lithium-ion batteries to store electricity. But lithium-ion batteries have flaws.

Aside from their tendency to catch on fire, lithium-ion batteries lose their ability to recharge over time. There's no doubt you've experienced this firsthand. Cellphone batteries are notorious for losing their ability to recharge over time.

The vanadium redox battery is much safer, can last longer, and can be recharged infinitely. That could be a game changer for grid energy storage.

VRFBs attracted some investor interest back in 2018 with speculative hopes for future development. That helped push vanadium prices to multiyear highs. But now VRFBs are actually being planned and built — at least in China.

Of particular note is Rongke Power's 200 MW/800 MWh facility in northwest China, which is on track to be completed this year. When it's finished, Rongke's facility will be the largest energy storage battery in the world.

Then there are Shanghai Electric's plans for a 100 MW/400 MWh VRFB project in Yancheng in east China's Jiang

https://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/news/zenobe_announces_europes_biggest_battery_with_100mw_capenhurst_site

Zenobe Energy has unveiled a 100MW project in Capenhurst, Chester, set to be Europe's largest grid-connected battery.

The project will be the first in the world to directly absorb reactive power from the transmission network, the company has said, and is expected to begin operations in April 2022.

It has been commissioned as a response to National Grid’s pathfinder programme, which is looking for reactive energy management services through innovative technologies. The project follows Zenobe working with the grid operator on its ‘world-first’ Power Potential Project, which saw its 10MW King Barn battery provide reactive power services...

Although they offer a good potential to store large amounts of electrical energy for long durations, can be cycled frequently without degradation to battery cells and present less of a fire safety concern than lithium, their uptake remains limited by their higher initial cost.

This could be set to change in the coming years if policy support from countries like China and more recently the US grows as expected, with US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm recently pointing out that flow batteries are "good for grid storage" and China in the gradual process of deploying several vast flow battery projects around the country as well as a planned 1,000MW per annum factory in Hubei Province. Meanwhile, in other territories including the UK, there have been growing calls for the creation of market mechanisms and regulatory frameworks that recognise the value of long-duration energy storage technologies in the fight to decarbonise the grid.