Bitumen Africa Podcast
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The Battery Tech That Could Replace Lithium
As the world transitions to renewable energy, the demand for large-scale energy storage is rapidly growing. Currently, lithium-ion batteries dominate the market, but concerns over limited lithium supply and China’s control of critical minerals have prompted the search for alternatives. Antonio Baclig, a Stanford researcher, believes he has found a viable solution in iron-sodium battery […]
Iraq’s Big Solar Push Amid Oil Reliance
Iraq, the second-largest oil producer in OPEC, is launching a bold initiative to scale up solar energy by developing at least 1,000 small-scale solar projects over the next three years, aiming to make solar power a core part of its energy mix by 2030. Currently, solar accounts for less than 1% of Iraq’s electricity, with […]
Reports suggest OPEC+ may boost oil output in July
OPEC+ is reportedly planning a larger-than-expected oil production increase at its upcoming meeting, officially to pressure member states like Iraq and Kazakhstan to comply with output quotas. However, according to a new Reuters report, a secondary motive is to undermine the U.S. shale industry, echoing a strategy OPEC employed a decade ago. Back then, the […]
South Africa Launches SANPC: A New Era for Oil and Gas?
In a decisive energy sector shake-up, South Africa has officially launched the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) — a bold attempt to resuscitate the nation’s stagnant oil and gas sector and secure its energy future. Born from the merger of PetroSA, iGas, and the Strategic Fuel Fund, SANPC will operate under the Central Energy […]
China Shatters Records with Rooftop Solar Installations
In the first quarter of 2025, China set a new record by installing 60 gigawatts (GW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, the highest ever for a first quarter. Of this, 60%, or 36 GW, came from rooftop installations, marking the largest quarterly increase in distributed PV in the country’s history. This rapid growth was driven […]
African Nations Lead in Critical Mineral Supply
Africa has a long-standing history of mining, and as global demand for critical minerals rises due to the green energy transition, the continent is becoming increasingly attractive to international mining companies. Several African nations stand to benefit from this demand by developing their mining and processing sectors, adding value to raw materials that previously went […]
OPEC+ has paused its aggressive supply-cut strategy
Over the past two years, OPEC+—a coalition of oil-producing countries led by Saudi Arabia and Russia—has tried to raise oil prices by limiting supply. Despite Saudi Arabia’s disciplined efforts, their attempts were largely unsuccessful due to external macroeconomic forces beyond their control. Global economic uncertainty, especially fears stemming from U.S. trade policies and the threat […]
Kazakhstan’s Renewable Energy Push: From Coal Dependence to Green Ambition
Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, is embarking on an ambitious transition toward renewable energy, aiming to reduce its reliance on coal, which still makes up nearly two-thirds of its power generation. The government’s National Green Growth Plan outlines a rebalanced energy mix by 2030, with increased shares of gas, nuclear, and renewables. However, experts […]
A war between India and Pakistan would significantly destabilize Central Asia
A war between Pakistan and India would have major consequences for Central Asia, considering its proximity to Afghanistan and the region's growing economic ties. The conflict could disrupt trade and energy routes, exacerbate militancy, and invite intervention from global powers like China, Russia, and the United States. The ongoing competition among external powers already makes […]
Russia Backs Iraqi Push To Reopen Key Oil Pipeline To Syria
Russia’s strategic interest in Syria became evident in 2011 when President Putin ordered military intervention to support Bashar al-Assad’s regime against a popular uprising. This move, supported by Iran, ensured continued Russian influence in the region until Assad was overthrown in December 2024 by U.S. and U.K.-backed rebel forces. Following the coup, Russia has quickly […]