Sulfide Prices Continue to Seek Bottom; Zhejiang University’s Kilogram‑Scale Synthesis Breakthrough, 60‑billion‑yuan 30 GWh Project Breaks Ground

Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) is assessing its long-term energy transition and decarbonisation pathways through 2050. A strategic study by Bahrain's Derasat uses scenario-based modelling to evaluate how alternative energy sources, contracting mechanisms and emerging technologies could affect Alba's production costs, carbon emissions and energy security, while accounting for volatility in global LNG markets. The study focuses on energy efficiency, diversification and operational and financial resilience, aiming to support Alba's emission-reduction targets while maintaining reliable energy supply and long-term competitiveness.

On August 6, Three Gorges Energy announced that, in order to promote large-scale new energy project development and deeply integrate into the national energy security strategy, the company plans to establish a joint venture with China Yangtze Power and Three Gorges Investment in Qinghai – Three Gorges Group Qinghai Energy Investment Co., Ltd. (subject to final business registration name). Three Gorges Energy, China Yangtze Power, and Three Gorges Investment will contribute RMB 340 million, RMB 330 million, and RMB 330 million respectively in cash, representing 34%, 33%, and 33% of the joint venture’s registered capital respectively.

[SMM Lead Morning Meeting Summary: Delivery-Driven Inventory Buildup Puts Pressure on Short-Term Lead Prices, Which Will Consolidate on a Subdued Note] According to US media: Trump has delayed military action against Iran, saying he is "handling the Iran issue quietly." Recently, social inventory of lead ingots has been accumulating, which is a normal phenomenon before the delivery of SHFE lead...

SolarAfrica has partnered with MPower, the energy platform of the Moolman Group, and Fledge Capital to develop the Highveld Hybrid Energy project near eMalahleni in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The project will combine a 184MW utility-scale solar PV plant with a 300MWh battery storage system and is expected to begin supplying wheeled renewable electricity from 2029. It aims to provide businesses with greater energy security, long-term price certainty and access to clean electricity.

UK-based developer Alcemi has entered the Romanian battery storage market, expanding its Central and Eastern European footprint. Concurrently, Slovakia’s largest battery storage project to date has commenced operations, marking a milestone for a market that has lagged regional peers in storage deployment. The developments reflect a broader trend of Western European storage developers and capital targeting emerging CEE markets, where grid flexibility needs are rising in tandem with renewable buildouts. Romania and Slovakia’s storage markets are benefitting from EU funding mechanisms and national energy security strategies that prioritize domestic flexibility resources. These projects add to the growing evidence that CEE is transitioning from a nascent to an active storage development region