Gathering industry strengths, focusing on development opportunities in wrought magnesium alloy and its processing fields, we aim to build a platform for technical exchange and supply-demand alignment, driving the transformation of technological achievements and industrialization, empowering the manufacturing sector with wrought magnesium alloy materials to facilitate lightweighting and performance enhancement, and providing robust support for emerging industry development and the cultivation of new quality productive forces. ShangMei.com and Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) sincerely invite you to participate in the Shandong Aolang Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. will make a grand appearance at this conference, inviting you to explore technical breakthroughs, deliberate collaborative industry pathways, and uncover new growth opportunities in magnesium alloy integration. Click on the to register now; we look forward to meeting you at the conference. Booth No.: A10 Shandong Aolang Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. is located in Anqiu Economic Development Zone, Weifang, Shandong Province, covering an area of 75 mu, with a total floor area of 27,960 m², including two standardized production workshops (over 15,000 m²), an office building, a dormitory reception center, a research center, and other facilities. The company is a high-tech enterprise and a specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative 'little giant' enterprise, with R&D institutions such as the Magnesium Alloy Intelligent Equipment Engineering Technology R&D Center and the Enterprise Technology Center. It closely collaborates with universities such as Yanshan University, Hebei University of Technology, and University of Science and Technology Beijing, focusing on the R&D and design of vertical-tank magnesium reduction furnaces, the fabrication and production of magnesium refining production line equipment, the R&D and production of intelligent manufacturing equipment for magnesium alloy ingots, semi-continuous equipment and production lines for magnesium alloy rods and slabs, and magnesium alloy semi-solid granulation equipment, as well as aluminum alloy rod and slab semi-continuous equipment, and R&D and production of equipment such as dosing furnaces for magnesium alloy die casting and aluminum alloy die casting. It can undertake the design, manufacturing, and commissioning of the above magnesium and magnesium alloy production lines. The company possesses a research laboratory and platform for rheological semi-solid forming of cast rods and die casting, and is jointly developing semi-solid extrusion and die casting equipment under the rheological mode. It holds 2 invention patents and over 30 utility model patents. Aluminum Alloy Slab and Continuous Casting-Rolling Production Line Magnesium Alloy Rod and Slab Semi-Continuous Production Line Magnesium Alloy Rheological Semi-Solid and Die Casting Magnesium Alloy Cutting Granulation Production Line Magnesium and Magnesium Alloy Ingot Production Line Vertical-Tank Reduction Furnace The company will further enhance the equipment R&D and manufacturing capabilities and level of Shandong Aolang Intelligent Technology, expand its equipment manufacturing scale, and meet the demand for specialized equipment in the magnesium and magnesium alloy processing industry. At the same time, Aolang Technology will leverage its own strengths to extend into the fields of high-purity primary magnesium smelting and intensive processing of magnesium alloy materials, develop the high-grade magnesium alloy market across the entire product line, gradually develop and open a magnesium alloy semi-solid die casting capacity of 1,500 mt, a semi-solid extrusion capacity of 2,000 mt, and a magnesium alloy deep processing capacity of 1,500 mt; it will gradually become a service provider and supplier of efficient solutions for magnesium and magnesium alloy intelligent equipment and high-strength, high-toughness magnesium alloy deep processing. Contact Zheng Guodong: 13911169710 Tel: 0536-8291699; 0536-8291966 SMM Conference Contact Zhou Boyu 13062794772

On 29 July, Australian lithium producer Liontown released its quarterly report for the period ended 30 June 2026. The Kathleen Valley lithium project produced 103.1 kdmt of spodumene concentrate during the June quarter, up 7% QoQ, while sales increased 29.3% QoQ to 108.5 kdmt. Average shipped grade was 5.0% Li₂O, while the average realised price was US$1,880/dmt on an SC6e, CIF basis. For FY26, Kathleen Valley produced 392.0 kdmt of spodumene concentrate, within the company’s previous guidance range of 365–450 kdmt. Liontown issued a clarification on the same day to amend the units of reference used in its FY26 results and FY27 guidance, removing the previous references to SC6 from concentrate production and cost metrics. Accordingly, concentrate production is reported on an actual dry metric tonne basis, unit operating costs are calculated per dry metric tonne sold, while average realised prices continue to be reported on an SC6-equivalent basis. Kathleen Valley has gradually moved beyond the initial question of whether it can achieve stable production and is now entering the underground mining ramp-up phase. More importantly for the lithium market, however, the key signal from this quarter is not the amount of additional concentrate Liontown will produce in FY27. Rather, the previous recovery in lithium prices has strengthened Liontown’s cash flow and balance sheet sufficiently to support renewed investment in underground development and expansion. Supply elasticity is therefore showing up first in capital expenditure rather than in near-term tonnes. US$1,880/dmt Marks a Quarterly High for Liontown, but Remains Below the 2026 Market Average Liontown achieved an average realised price of US$1,880/dmt on an SC6e, CIF basis during the June quarter, only 1.9% higher than US$1,845/dmt in the previous quarter. From Liontown’s own pricing history, this represented the highest quarterly realised price in FY26. Kathleen Valley’s average realised prices across the four quarters of FY26 were US$691/dmt, US$985/dmt, US$1,845/dmt and US$1,880/dmt, respectively, with a full-year average of US$1,379/dmt. However, viewed against the broader spodumene market in 2026, US$1,880/dmt is not particularly high. Compared with SMM’s year-to-date average for SC6 CIF China, Liontown’s realised price during the quarter remained at a discount to the broader market average. This suggests that Liontown has not fully captured the magnitude of the increase previously seen in spot spodumene prices. Table 1. Kathleen Valley FY26 Production, Sales and Pricing Metric Q1 FY26 Q2 FY26 Q3 FY26 Q4 FY26 Spodumene concentrate production (dmt) 87,172 105,342 96,367 103,111 Spodumene concentrate sales (dmt) 77,474 112,122 83,912 108,489 Average shipped grade 5.00% 5.10% 5.10% 5.00% Average realised price (US$/dmt, SC6e) 691 985 1,845 1,880 Source: Liontown. One important explanation lies in the pricing mechanism of Liontown’s offtake agreements. The company stated that customer receipts during the quarter benefited from stronger lithium indices and offtake agreements with lagged quotation periods, meaning that some contract prices are determined using benchmark prices from earlier periods. Liontown’s realised price therefore does not immediately track the contemporaneous spot market. Instead, benchmark prices are transmitted into realised prices with a time lag through contractual pricing formulas. During a rising market, this mechanism can leave realised prices below spot prices. Conversely, when spot prices fall, the same lag can temporarily support realised prices above prevailing market levels. For earnings analysis, US$1,880/dmt should therefore not simply be interpreted as Liontown’s current market selling price. The more relevant indicator is the evolution of Liontown’s realised-price discount or premium relative to the SMM SC6 CIF China benchmark. In other words, Liontown generated the current improvement in cash flow even though its realised price remained below the 2026 market average. This suggests that Kathleen Valley has already developed relatively strong cash-generation capability under the current pricing environment. Prices Have Moved Through the Income Statement and Are Now Feeding into Capex Liontown generated A$235 million in revenue during the June quarter, with operating cash flow reaching A$180 million. Net cash increased by A$137 million during the quarter, taking the company’s cash balance from A$424 million at the end of March to A$561 million at the end of June. At the end of FY25, Liontown held only A$156 million in cash. Its cash balance has therefore increased by more than threefold over FY26. Management has also explicitly changed the language around capital allocation. Six months ago, the company’s capital discipline was primarily focused on strengthening the balance sheet. It has now shifted towards pursuing value-accretive growth. This represents the key capital-cycle signal in the quarterly report: Higher lithium prices → improved realised prices → stronger cash flow → balance-sheet repair → renewed underground development and expansion capex. Liontown has now moved into the latter part of this transmission chain. FY27 Production Increases by Only ~23 kt, While Capex Rises to Nearly Three Times FY26 Levels Based on Liontown’s clarified reporting basis, the company produced 392 kdmt of spodumene concentrate in FY26, with FOB unit operating costs of A$987/dmt sold, AISC of A$1,233/dmt, and total capital expenditure of A$114 million. For FY27, Liontown is guiding to spodumene concentrate production of 390–440 kdmt, FOB unit operating costs of A$1,050–1,250/dmt sold, and total capital expenditure of A$320–370 million. Table 2. Liontown FY26 Actuals vs FY27 Guidance Metric FY26 Actual FY27 Guidance Change at Midpoint Spodumene concentrate production (kdmt) 392 390–440 0.059 FOB unit operating cost (A$/dmt sold) 987 1,050–1,250 0.165 AISC (A$/dmt) 1,233 — — Total capital expenditure (A$m) 114 320–370 ~+203% Source: Liontown clarification dated 29 July. At the midpoint of FY27 production guidance, Kathleen Valley would produce approximately 415 kdmt, only around 23 kdmt more than FY26, representing growth of roughly 5.9%. By contrast, the midpoint of FY27 capex guidance is A$345 million, approximately three times FY26 expenditure. FY27 should therefore not simply be characterised as a year of production growth. A more accurate interpretation is: FY27 is a transition year in which production growth remains limited while substantial capital is deployed ahead of future capacity growth. This also illustrates the time lag between the recovery in lithium prices and the eventual supply response. Investment is responding first; additional physical tonnes will follow later. Why Are Unit Costs Rising from A$987/dmt to A$1,050–1,250/dmt? The increase in FY27 cost guidance is another important variable in the report. FY26 FOB unit operating costs averaged A$987/dmt sold, while FY27 guidance rises to A$1,050–1,250/dmt sold. At the midpoint of A$1,150/dmt, this represents an increase of approximately 16.5%. This should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that underground mining is structurally more expensive. Liontown has not provided a quantitative breakdown of the factors driving the FY27 unit-cost increase, but the report identifies several relevant factors. First, logistics costs have increased. June-quarter unit operating costs rose from A$981/dmt sold to A$995/dmt sold, with Liontown attributing the increase primarily to higher diesel prices resulting from conflict in the Middle East, which increased transportation costs. Second, underground mine development expenditure is increasing. Q4 FY26 AISC rose from A$1,251/dmt sold to A$1,314/dmt sold, mainly because underground mine development costs began to be recognised as sustaining capital following the declaration of commercial production. Third, FY27 production guidance incorporates both scheduled maintenance and additional downtime required to connect expansion infrastructure with the existing processing system. This downtime has an important secondary effect: even if absolute fixed costs remain unchanged, lower saleable volumes mechanically increase costs on an A$/dmt sold basis. The increase in FY27 costs therefore appears to reflect a combination of: higher energy and logistics costs + increased underground development expenditure + fixed-cost dilution associated with planned downtime. These drivers have different degrees of persistence. If underground operations stabilise, recoveries improve and expansion-related downtime declines, some of the FY27 cost pressure could unwind. However, if underground mining itself carries materially higher unit mining costs, Kathleen Valley’s long-term cost base could shift structurally higher. Further FY27 operating data will be required to distinguish between these two outcomes. At this stage, there is insufficient evidence to treat the A$1,050–1,250/dmt FY27 range as Kathleen Valley’s new long-term normalised cost level. Underground Ore Mined Falls 12%, While Development Metres Rise 35% Kathleen Valley’s mining data also display characteristics typical of an underground mine in ramp-up. Underground ore mined during the June quarter fell 12% QoQ to 356 kt. However, underground development increased 35% QoQ to a record 3,316 metres. This suggests that Liontown is not simply maximising near-term ore extraction. Instead, it is developing additional underground headings and mining areas to support higher future mining rates. The company plans to maintain an underground mining run rate of approximately 1.5 Mtpa in Q1 FY27, before beginning the next stage of the ramp-up in Q2 FY27, with a target of reaching a 2.8 Mtpa annualised mining run rate by the end of FY27. Processing recovery represents a second potential source of production growth. Kathleen Valley processed 647 kt of ore during the June quarter at an average feed grade of 1.3% Li₂O, while lithium recovery improved from 61% to 63%. Underground ore accounted for 55% of plant feed. Liontown stated that when the plant processes sustained campaigns of cleaner underground ore, lithium recoveries can consistently reach approximately 70%. Future concentrate production therefore depends on two separate variables: Mining rate determines how much ore is available; recovery determines how much concentrate can be produced from that ore. If underground mining rates and plant recoveries improve simultaneously, Kathleen Valley could benefit from both higher ore availability and better conversion into concentrate. Conversely, even if the 2.8 Mtpa annualised mining-rate target is achieved, sustained recovery of only around 63% would result in lower concentrate production than the theoretical mining capacity might otherwise imply. FY27 Guidance Should Not Be Treated as 100% Certain Supply For a project still ramping up underground operations, company guidance should not be treated as guaranteed supply. Based on Kathleen Valley’s current operating position, SMM applies the following scenario framework to FY27 concentrate production: Table 3. Kathleen Valley FY27 Production Scenarios Scenario Key Assumptions FY27 Concentrate Production Probability Bull Underground development progresses to plan; recovery approaches 68–70%; limited impact from planned downtime 430–440 kdmt 20% Base Underground ramp-up broadly on schedule; 2.8 Mtpa run rate reached mainly toward FY27-end; recovery at 63–66% 400–420 kdmt 60% Bear Development, equipment utilisation or recovery underperforms; downtime exceeds expectations 370–390 kdmt 20% The 20%/60%/20% probabilities represent SMM’s analytical risk-weighting assumptions based on the project’s current stage, rather than Liontown guidance or statistically derived historical probabilities. Under this framework, probability-weighted FY27 concentrate production would be approximately 410 kdmt, slightly below the 415 kdmt midpoint of company guidance. These probabilities can be updated as Liontown reports Q1 FY27 underground development, ore mined, recovery rates and actual downtime. FY27 Underground Ramp-Up and the Expansion FID Need to Be Analysed Separately One important distinction is that Liontown’s FY27 production guidance of 390–440 kdmt does not represent post-expansion production. The company has explicitly stated that its FY27 guidance assumes no final investment decision has yet been made on the Kathleen Valley Expansion. The current A$320–370 million capex guidance includes the remaining early works announced in April, but excludes additional expansion capital expenditure that would follow a positive FID. The two sources of future supply therefore require different risk adjustments: FY27: discount for underground ramp-up and operational execution risk. FY28 onward: apply additional discounts for FID, capital requirements, construction schedule, plant integration and ramp-up risk. Liontown has already commenced early works and long-lead procurement ahead of the formal FID, including the purchase of a 5.5 MW ball mill designed to increase processing capacity and improve grinding control and recovery. A formal FID is expected by the end of Q1 FY27. The expansion has therefore moved beyond the stage of being merely an announced project. However, this does not mean that the expansion’s full incremental capacity should automatically be included in the FY28 supply balance. FID does not equal on-time commissioning, and on-time commissioning does not equal immediate achievement of nameplate capacity. Kathleen Valley’s ~23 kt FY27 Increment Is Small in the Context of Australian Spodumene Supply At the midpoint of guidance, Kathleen Valley would add only around 23 kt of spodumene concentrate in FY27 compared with FY26. Using standard industry SC6 conversion assumptions, this represents only several thousand tonnes of LCE, making it a marginal addition to a global lithium market measured in millions of tonnes of LCE. The scale becomes clearer when compared with other established Australian assets. Following completion of P1000, PLS’s Pilgangoora operation has reached nominal spodumene concentrate capacity of approximately 1 Mtpa. PLS has also approved the restart of the approximately 200 ktpa Ngungaju processing plant in 2026. Meanwhile, Wesfarmers and SQM have recently approved A$1.45 billion of investment to expand Mt Holland, targeting an increase in spodumene concentrate capacity from approximately 380 ktpa to 760 ktpa, although first incremental production is not expected until around 2030. Liontown’s quarterly report therefore does not materially change the FY27 global spodumene supply balance. Its broader significance lies elsewhere: Kathleen Valley provides a clear example of how improving lithium economics are beginning to reactivate capital expenditure across established Australian assets. What the market is currently seeing is therefore a leading indicator of future supply elasticity, rather than the supply itself. SMM View: Liontown Is Signalling That Capital Is Returning Before Supply Does Liontown’s quarterly report has limited direct implications for the near-term spodumene supply-demand balance. The midpoint of FY27 concentrate production guidance is only around 23 kt above FY26 actual production. Even if fully achieved, this would not represent a material addition to global lithium supply. The more significant change is in capital deployment. Liontown ended FY26 with A$561 million of cash, while FY27 capital expenditure guidance has increased from A$114 million in FY26 to A$320–370 million. The company is increasing underground development, procuring expansion equipment ahead of FID and targeting an Expansion FID around the end of September. Kathleen Valley therefore illustrates a four-stage supply response: Higher prices → stronger cash flow → capex recovery → incremental production. Liontown is currently moving from the second stage into the third. The quarterly report therefore cannot be reduced to a simple narrative of “higher lithium prices → Liontown increases production → supply pressure rises.” The actual FY27 volume increase is limited, while the supply associated with today’s capital expenditure will predominantly emerge from FY28 onward. For the global lithium market, the more important question is whether the same pattern is beginning to emerge simultaneously across high-quality Australian brownfield assets. Pilgangoora has completed P1000 and is restarting Ngungaju; Mt Holland has approved A$1.45 billion of expansion investment; and other Australian assets, including Mt Marion, are also seeing renewed capital deployment. If improving lithium economics continue to reactivate expansion spending across existing mines, medium-term supply elasticity could prove materially greater than suggested by looking only at incremental production over the next 12 months. For Liontown itself, the next event that matters more than another ordinary quarterly production number will be the Kathleen Valley Expansion FID expected around the end of September. At that point, the key variables for the supply model will not simply be whether the project is expanded, but the targeted capacity, capital intensity, construction schedule and ramp-up timeline. Those four variables will ultimately determine when the capital being deployed today becomes physical spodumene concentrate entering the market. SMM New Energy Analyst Lesley Yang yangle@smm.cn

SMM July 29: On July 29, mainstream spot rare earth prices in China extended their stay in the doldrums, while the A-share rare earth permanent magnet concept sector drifted higher, showing a pronounced divergence between the spot market and the secondary market. The strength of rare earth permanent magnet concept stocks was underpinned by multiple factors: The production costs of rare earth permanent magnet enterprises are directly related to spot rare earth prices. The phased decline in raw material prices was expected to ease cost pressure on midstream magnetic material enterprises; the rare earth permanent magnet sector underwent continuous corrections in the prior period, with valuations pulling back to relatively low levels, attracting some capital to enter and position; meanwhile, the market remained bullish on sectors such as humanoid robots, NEVs, and industrial motors, expecting these areas to drive medium- and long-term demand growth for high-performance NdFeB, with capital trading around downstream growth expectations. As of the close on July 29, the rare earth permanent magnet concept rose 1.25%. In terms of individual stocks: Jintian Shares and Jiaozuo Wanfang gained over 4%, while Lizhong Group, Zhenghai Magnetic Material, Sanchuan Wisdom, and Xiangdian Shares led the gains. Rare Earth Prices Overall in the Doldrums; Inquiries for Pr-Nd Oxide Recover Spot market: On July 29, the average price of Pr-Nd oxide extended the decline from the previous trading day to fall a further 0.66%. The average prices of dysprosium oxide and terbium oxide were unchanged from the previous trading day. Currently, overall prices in the rare earth market remained sluggish. By product, in the Pr-Nd market, Pr-Nd oxide futures prices recovered, and inquiry activity in the market gradually increased, prompting spot suppliers to raise their quotes. However, downstream buyers had low psychological price levels, limiting actual upside room for spot cargo, with prices still weak compared to yesterday morning. In the metal market, influenced by the recovery in oxide prices and reduced availability of low-priced goods, suppliers slightly raised their quotes; but downstream magnetic material enterprises only maintained just-in-time restocking and were reluctant to accept high-priced raw materials, leaving metal prices still in the doldrums compared to yesterday morning. The medium-heavy rare earth products showed divergent trends: overall inquiry volume saw no significant increase, with suppliers of dysprosium and terbium products maintaining relatively stable quotes and the market generally steady; inquiries for gadolinium products were sluggish, with prices continuing to decline; in the holmium oxide market, inquiries increased, and alongside tighter low-priced supply, suppliers raised their quotes. However, holmium iron inquiries did not improve simultaneously, as magnetic material enterprises resisted high-priced goods, keeping holmium iron quotes unchanged. In the short term, the market is characterized by intense bargaining between sellers and buyers. Before any notable improvement in the supply-demand relationship, Pr-Nd prices are expected to move sideways in a narrow range. Institutional Voices Soochow Securities stated in a report dated July 29: Tungsten and rare earths are subject to mining quota management. Since 2025, both have faced quota tightening, intensifying supply-side constraints. For tungsten mines, the Ministry of Natural Resources lowered the first batch of total tungsten mining indicators for 2025 and strictly controlled production exceeding or without quotas, keeping the raw material circulation persistently tight. Rare earths are jointly regulated under a total volume control mechanism by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). In recent years, growth in total rare earth mining quotas has been highly restrained, with quotas for medium-heavy rare earths showing near-zero growth. Rare earths: Material system upgrades for high-capacity MLCCs are expected to boost demand for medium-heavy rare earths. Heavily doping the ceramic material of MLCC shells with rare earth oxides such as dysprosium oxide and yttrium oxide can effectively address inherent defects like poor temperature stability, insufficient insulation resistance, susceptibility to degradation under reducing atmospheres, and abnormal grain growth, meeting the performance requirements of high-capacity MLCCs. We estimate that (1) the unit consumption of medium-heavy rare earth oxides per 100 million MLCCs is about 15 kg; (2) from 2025 to 2030, AI servers and automotive electronics are expected to boost global MLCC demand from 663.1 billion units to 1,362.9 billion units; (3) corresponding demand for dysprosium oxide and yttrium oxide will rise from 101 mt to 207 mt, a CAGR of 15.5%, with a net increase of 106 mt. As China’s rare earth supply landscape trends toward rigid total volume constraints, continuous structural optimization, and intensifying disruption outside China, the price center for medium-heavy rare earths is expected to rise. A report published by Guojin Securities on July 26 showed: Pr-Nd oxide prices fell MoM. Dysprosium oxide prices are expected to benefit from the boost by MLCCs, with a notable trend of rebounding from the bottom. Coupled with expectations of more relaxed exports going forward, they are more bullish on subsequent demand. The export rush outside China combined with sustained supply-side reform progress suggests a potential supply-demand resonance in rare earths. Xiangcai Securities noted in a report that recently, some raw ore separation enterprises have suspended operations due to factors such as group integration, while scrap recyclers that previously suspended or cut production have not yet resumed, keeping output persistently low. Production growth is limited and costs remain high and firm, leading to overall tightness in the oxide supply side. Metal is relatively ample, but producers are firm in their quotations and shipments, with little pressure to sell. On the demand side, expectations are improving, with Q3 demand recovery expectations gradually strengthening. Production at most large magnetic material enterprises remains stable, supported by long-term contract orders, and new export orders are expected to improve. Overall, the supply side remains tight, expectations for market growth are relatively low, downstream demand is moderate, and the overall trend is improving. The market is following a steady upward path, and rare earth prices are expected to be raised moderately going forward. Recommended reading:

[SMM Analysis: Warm Isostatic Pressing Material Misalignment: The "Achilles' Heel" of Sulfide Solid-State Battery Mass Production] Warm isostatic pressing is the core process for solid–solid interface densification in sulfide all-solid-state batteries. However, the substantial differences in compressive modulus and plastic deformation among cathode and anode active materials, solid-state electrolyte, and copper and aluminum current collectors cause non-uniform creep and interlayer slip within the multi-layer structure under 600 MPa isotropic high pressure. This is tolerable in small laboratory cells, but when scaling up to large-capacity automotive-grade cells, the yield crashes. The solution priorities are clear: material modification (addressing the root cause) > process optimization (providing relief) > equipment upgrade (limited symptom treatment with a clear ceiling). The hardware gap for China's warm isostatic pressing equipment continues to narrow, but shortcomings remain in process databases and turnkey solutions. The industry is now in a window period for pilot-scale equipment procurement, and China's iteration pace is faster than that outside China. The long-term success of equipment suppliers depends on turnkey line solutions and partnerships with leading clients, while standalone machine performance is merely the entry barrier. Constrained by the material misalignment bottleneck, achieving full-scale solid-state battery integration at the million-unit level before 2030 is extremely difficult, with only small-batch demonstrations in high-end car models likely to appear from 2027 to 2029.

Recently, Jinko Energy Storage and Eturn successfully signed a cooperation agreement for a 40 MWh cell energy storage project in Germany. This cooperation marks an important milestone in jointly promoting Germany's energy transition and deploying advanced energy storage projects. As Germany continues to accelerate renewable energy development, BESS are becoming key infrastructure for ensuring power grid stability and improving renewable energy utilization rates. For utility-scale energy storage projects, not only are advanced technical solutions required, but also reliable project execution capabilities, strong delivery capabilities, and long-term operational support. Roberto Murgioni, General Manager of Jinko Energy Storage Europe, said: "Germany continues to lead Europe's energy transition, with growing demand for safe, reliable, and efficient energy storage solutions. We are pleased to further deepen our cooperation with Eturn through this 40 MWh project, which will become an important step in supporting grid flexibility enhancement and renewable energy integration. Jinko Energy Storage will continue to leverage advanced technology, expertise, and long-term service capabilities to help partners jointly create a more sustainable future.

Recently, the Shanren Agrivoltaic Complementary Project in Xiangzhou County, Guangxi, has achieved full-capacity grid connection and begun generating electricity. The project was invested in and constructed by Luhai Xinneng, a subsidiary of Beibu Gulf Port Group, with China Energy Engineering Group Guangxi Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd. serving as the EPC contractor. The project is located in the hilly areas southeast of Yunjiang Town, southwest of Luoxiu Town, and northeast of Sicun Town in Xiangzhou County, Laibin City, Guangxi. The construction scale includes an AC side capacity of 112 megawatts and a DC side installed capacity of 150 megawatts. It connects to the 35 kV power distribution system of the PV step-up substation via four 35 kV voltage-level circuits. The project adopts a comprehensive land utilization model integrating PV power generation with agricultural cultivation. Once fully connected to the grid, it is expected to deliver an annual average of over 155 million kWh of green electricity, meeting the annual electricity needs of 28,000 households. Each year, it will reduce standard coal consumption by 46,500 mt and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 127,000 mt. The ecological benefits are equivalent to planting 7 million trees, with a greening area equal to 1,000 standard football fields. Additionally, the project will create over 200 local jobs in PV operations and maintenance, agricultural production, and environmental protection construction, achieving an organic integration of economic, social, and ecological benefits and injecting sustainable green momentum into regional development.

During the statistical period from July 20 to July 26, 2026, SMM recorded that Chinese enterprises won a total of 41 PV module projects, with an average winning bid price of 0.75 yuan/W. The total procurement capacity awarded amounted to 3,567.35 MW, up 2,084.93 MW from the previous statistical period.

Chile could install between 27GW and 58GW of new PV capacity over the next 30 years, according to the Ministry of Energy’s preliminary Long-Term Energy Planning report for 2028-2032. The projection is based on different scenarios for economic growth, fuel costs, technology development and energy policy, using existing solar capacity of around 12.02GW as the starting point. The report says future expansion of the National Electric System will rely mainly on solar PV in northern Chile and onshore wind in central-southern regions. PV growth is closely linked to battery storage, especially under scenarios involving higher fossil fuel prices, coal retirements and carbon costs, with six- and eight-hour storage expected to play a growing role in shifting solar generation into nighttime hours. SMM believes Chile’s long-term solar growth potential remains strong, but deployment will depend heavily on storage integration, 500kV and 220kV transmission expansion, and new demand from electrification and data centers.

MTU Aero Engines recently disclosed the latest progress of its aviation hydrogen power project. The company stated that the fuel cell propulsion system R&D has achieved phased results and continues to advance in areas such as onboard applications, supply system testing and industrialisation layout laying the foundation for the development of future low-carbon aviation power technologies. It is understood that MTU is collaborating with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to advance relevant airworthiness certification while focusing on testing hydrogen and air supply systems. To date, both supply systems have successfully completed validation and passed acceptance at the Munich plant in Germany providing strong support for subsequent system integration and demonstration applications. In terms of system R&D, MTU has shifted its focus to the integration testing of the overall powertrain. The first 350 kW fuel cell stack has been produced in Munich and a system-level testing platform has been established simultaneously. Subsequent efforts will prioritise verifying the coordinated operation capabilities of various components and subsystems in preparation for the next phase of technology validation and large-scale application. Meanwhile, the European Clean Aviation research project HEROPS continues to support related R&D. The project focuses on developing aviation power technology with an output of approximately 2 megawatts able to meet the needs of regional aircraft with around 40 seats. R&D is currently advancing at MTU's Munich facility and the project plans to further expand to the 2 to 4 MW power class to drive the continuous upgrade of aviation power technology. On the industrialisation front, MTU is continuously refining its related industrial layout. In July this year, the company announced the establishment of a joint venture with its partners to conduct full life cycle business encompassing R&D, production, testing, marketing and client services around aviation power systems thereby accelerating the transformation and commercial application of technological achievements. Furthermore, MTU and EASA have maintained a five-year partnership engaging in continuous technical collaboration on airworthiness certification for aviation power systems. Going forward, both parties will further deepen cooperation in the establishment of relevant regulatory frameworks providing strong support for the development of the aviation hydrogen energy industry.

Recently, Zhangye Dawei Energy Co., Ltd. and China Chemical Engineering Chengda Company held a signing ceremony for a demonstration project on the resource-based utilization of industrial gas coupled with renewable energy hydrogen production for green methanol, and concurrently held the project kick-off meeting, marking the annual output of 500,000 mt green methanol project entering the substantive implementation phase. Upon completion, the project will become one of China's leading-scale demonstration projects for green methanol production through the coupling of synthetic industrial tail gas and green hydrogen. It is reported that the project is located in the Circular Economy Demonstration Park of Zhangye Economic and Technological Development Zone in Gansu Province, and is a locally prioritized new energy demonstration project. The project will adopt Chengda's independently developed low-pressure methanol synthesis technology, utilizing industrial tail gas and green hydrogen produced from renewable energy to carry out a coupling reaction and produce green methanol. It is planned to form an annual output of 500,000 mt green methanol production capacity. After implementation, the project will further enhance the comprehensive utilization level of industrial tail gas resources, promote the high-value recycling and utilization of industrial by-product gases, and effectively reduce carbon emissions. It represents an important practice in advancing green and low-carbon development and promoting the integration of new energy and the chemical industry, and aligns with the national "dual carbon" goals and related industrial development directions. Chengda Company stated that it will rely on the technical advantages and project management experience accumulated in the field of green chemical and new energy engineering, fully leverage its capabilities in engineering design, construction, and full-process services, and advance project construction with high standards and quality, creating a premium project that combines advancement, greenness, and demonstration effects. Dawei Energy stated that this cooperation will fully leverage the resource and technical advantages of both parties, deepen synergy around the green methanol industry chain, accelerate project construction and industrialisation, form a replicable and extendable demonstration experience, and infuse new momentum into the regional green energy industry development. After the signing ceremony was completed, the project teams of both parties immediately held a project working meeting, having in-depth discussions on the integration path of new energy and the chemical industry, core process plans, key points of engineering design, and subsequent collaboration mechanisms, thus laying the foundation for high-quality project implementation. In the next step, Chengda Company will continue to leverage its engineering technology, management capabilities, and resource integration advantages to provide full-process comprehensive services for project construction, facilitate the deep integration of green energy and modern chemical industry, and promote the high-quality development of the region's green and low-carbon industry.