ExxonMobil has signed an MOU with LG Chem to supply up to 100,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate, strengthening the domestic lithium supply chain. LG Chem’s Tennessee cathode plant, under construction since December 2023, will have an annual production capacity of 60,000 tons, making it the largest in the U.S. Its strategic location ensures efficient customer deliveries and raw material imports.

This partnership addresses the critical shortage of lithium, essential for electric vehicle batteries, while boosting U.S. energy security and economic growth. Dan Ammann, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, highlighted the importance of a secure domestic lithium supply, and Shin Hak-cheol, CEO of LG Chem, emphasized its impact on strengthening the global supply chain for critical minerals. With the final investment decision pending, this collaboration sets the stage for a more sustainable future. ⚡

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated $2.2 billion to support clean hydrogen development under President Biden’s ‘Investing in America’ agenda. The Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub, led by HyVelocity, will receive $1.2 billion to produce hydrogen using renewable energy, natural gas, and carbon capture technologies, aiming to create 45,000 jobs. The Midwest Hydrogen Hub, led by MachH2, will receive $1 billion to leverage wind, nuclear, and natural gas for industrial decarbonization and heavy transport, with 12,000 jobs anticipated.

These hubs are critical pillars of the DOE’s H2Hubs program, designed to establish a national hydrogen network, reduce carbon emissions, and create tens of thousands of green jobs, all while addressing the climate crisis and strengthening U.S. energy security.

The U.S. natural gas industry is preparing for a strong rebound in 2025 after a challenging year marked by production cuts in 2024. This decline, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, was driven by multi-decade low prices and reduced demand. However, industry leaders are optimistic as global factors shift in their favor.

A significant driver of the anticipated recovery is the rapid expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, with volumes expected to jump 14% in 2025. The surge in international demand for cleaner energy solutions has bolstered confidence in U.S. natural gas as a critical player in the global energy transition. Supporting this trend, spot natural gas prices are projected to rise by more than 40% in 2025 compared to the depressed levels of 2024, creating favorable conditions for increased production.

This renewed momentum aligns with the opening of new LNG export facilities, enabling the U.S. to strengthen its position as a leading energy supplier. Industry experts view this comeback as a pivotal opportunity for U.S. drillers to leverage growing international reliance on natural gas to bridge the energy gap in the shift away from coal and oil.

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:

A tender has been announced for the procurement of three hermetically sealed, electrically driven gas compressor units for the Compressor Station in Wittenburg, Germany. The contract includes the engineering, procurement, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and acceptance testing of the units.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:

Supply of three hermetically sealed, electrically driven Compressor Units (3x50% capacity; max. 2 operational, 1 standby).

𝗘𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀:

• Compressor/motor with magnetic bearings

• Transformer

• Variable frequency drive (VFD) and cooler

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:

This tender focuses on constructing and installing a state-of-the-art wood energy boiler system and an associated heat network in Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise. With multiple lots covering various specialized works, this project offers a dynamic opportunity for contractors in construction, engineering, and energy sectors.

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise, Rhône, France

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Negotiated with prior publication / Competitive with negotiation

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 13 months

𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: December 20, 2024, at 12:00 PM (UTC+2)

🏗️ 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 (𝗟𝗼𝘁𝘀)

Lot 1: Earthworks VRD Building