Latest news with #energytransition
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
BofA Raises Rockwell (ROK) Price Target, Upgrades to Buy
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK) is one of the Best Industrial Automation Stocks to Buy for the Next Decade. Bank of America has upgraded Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) to Buy from Neutral, raising its price target to $410, up from $360. The firm cited improved end-market conditions and a more constructive long-term outlook for industrial automation demand. Pixabay/Public Domain In its latest research note, BofA highlighted Rockwell's strong positioning in high-growth verticals, including discrete manufacturing, energy transition technologies, and digital infrastructure. The firm believes recent softness in orders is nearing an inflection point, with backlogs stabilizing and customer budgets expected to recover in the coming quarters. Analysts pointed to Rockwell's continued execution on software and services expansion, particularly through its FactoryTalk and Emulate3D platforms. These digital solutions are playing a key role in enabling predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, and real-time process visibility. The upgrade comes amid growing global investment in factory modernization and automation to counter labor shortages and improve productivity. With a broad product portfolio and strong partner ecosystem, Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK) is viewed as a key beneficiary of these secular shifts. Rockwell delivers industrial automation through control systems, software, and sensors that modernize manufacturing, logistics, and energy operations globally. While we acknowledge the potential of ROK as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Non-Mega Cap NASDAQ Stocks to Buy Right Now and 13 Cheap Stocks Under $50 to Buy Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


South China Morning Post
a day ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Asean's renewable push needs inclusive economic models
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification In South Papua, Indonesia, nine-year-old Ulin spends hours each day collecting water and firewood – time that could be spent in school or learning online. Her village, once reliant on diesel generators, has struggled to afford fuel amid rising costs. With the nearest grid over 50km away, communities like hers are left quite literally in the dark. Such stories highlight a deeper issue. While Southeast Asia's economies are growing rapidly, access to reliable, affordable and clean electricity remains uneven. The International Energy Agency estimates that about 35 million people in the region still lack electricity, and that more than 100 million rely on traditional biomass or kerosene for cooking. As the global energy transition accelerates, we must remember a fundamental principle: no one should be left behind. A just transition means more than swapping fossil fuels for renewables; it's about ensuring communities have the energy they need to thrive, from hospitals to schools to homes. Progress requires more than large-scale infrastructure. It demands inclusive economic models, resilient institutions and tailored support for rural and marginalised populations. Southeast Asian governments have advanced regional cooperation on renewables, yet deployment on the ground remains uneven. Urban and wealthier communities often benefit first, while poorer regions face hurdles in financing and technical support.


Times of Oman
a day ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Petroleum dealers must become active partners in India's energy transition: Hardeep Puri
New Delhi: Indian Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, urged petroleum dealers across the country to transform into active partners in India's energy transition, while addressing the Plenary Session of the All India Petroleum Dealers Association (AIPDA) conclave. AIPDA is the largest national body representing petroleum retail outlet dealers. The Minister emphasised the importance of embracing green initiatives, enhancing digital readiness, and evolving business models in line with India's dynamic energy landscape. Recognising the pivotal role played by petroleum dealers in the energy ecosystem, Minister Puri acknowledged concerns related to dealer commissions, operational costs, and other issues. He assured the gathering that the Ministry believes in "consultation, not confrontation," and cited the revision of dealer margins in October 2024 and the implementation of intra-state freight rationalisation as concrete steps taken to address disparities. He further said that structured platforms for feedback and grievance redressal would continue to be strengthened. Reflecting on the challenges of the past five years--including the COVID-19 pandemic and global geopolitical conflicts--Minister Puri noted that India not only navigated these disruptions effectively but also emerged as a global leader in energy growth. Despite global volatility, India accounted for 16 per cent of global growth in crude oil consumption and is projected to contribute 25 per cent of such growth over the next three decades. The Government, he said, has ensured affordable and uninterrupted energy supply to citizens, even during times of global uncertainty. Highlighting India's achievements in the biofuels sector, the Minister noted that nearly 20 per cent ethanol blending has been achieved in 2025, a significant rise from 1.53 per cent in 2014. This accomplishment has resulted in Rs 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange savings, substitution of 238 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, a reduction of 717 lakh metric tonnes in CO₂ emissions, and direct payments of Rs 1.21 lakh crore to farmers. He also cited the expansion of CNG stations from 738 in 2014 to over 8,100 today and the provision of 10.33 crore LPG connections under PMUY, empowering women and improving health outcomes. "These numbers are not just achievements; they are milestones on our journey towards a cleaner, self-reliant energy future," he said. Appreciating the dedication of petroleum dealers who serve over 67 million customers daily, Minister Puri stated, "You are the physical interface between the Indian citizen and the national energy system." He emphasized that as India reduces crude oil imports, diversifies energy sources, and boosts renewables, the role of dealers becomes crucial in ensuring accessibility, availability, and affordability--the three pillars of energy justice. He lauded the dealer network's reach from Ladakh to Lakshadweep, ensuring fuel availability even during emergencies, natural disasters, and elections. Minister Puri called for a transformation of retail outlets into centres of customer excellence, where digital payments, automated billing, clean toilets, strict safety protocols, and effective grievance redressal become the norm. He urged adoption of technologies that enable zero pilferage, zero tampering, and complete transparency. He also emphasized the growing relevance of non-fuel services at outlets, such as convenience stores, EV charging, utility bill payments, and fintech services, which can enhance customer experience and provide new revenue streams. The Minister laid out a roadmap for dealers to reposition themselves as energy entrepreneurs. He advised the community to upskill their workforce through structured training in customer service, digital tools, and safety standards. He encouraged collaboration with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to implement EV charging points, rooftop solar installations, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Minister Puri also stressed the importance of adopting digital dispensing systems, automated monitoring, and transparent auditing to strengthen consumer trust. He highlighted the strategic importance of the dealer network in supporting national objectives like disaster response, public health drives, and voter awareness campaigns. Minister Puri particularly urged the petroleum dealer fraternity to leverage the prime locations of their retail outlets to generate Non-Fuel Revenue (NFR) by offering services such as communication hubs, battery swapping stations, water kiosks, and digital financial services. He reiterated that as India navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing energy landscape and works towards becoming a Viksit Bharat, petroleum dealers will continue to play a central and evolving role. Concluding his address, the Minister called upon dealers to look beyond retail margins and redefine their role in line with the vision of energy self-reliance. "Let this conclave be not just a gathering of peers, but the starting point of a new journey--a journey that takes you beyond retail, beyond margins, and into the very heart of India's energy transformation," he said. Minister Puri appreciated the enthusiastic participation of AIPDA members from across the country and assured the government's continued support for the collective benefit of citizens, dealers, and Oil Marketing Companies.

Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa Ramps Up Energy Investment Drive with Dedicated Roundtable at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025
South Africa is positioning itself as a premier investment destination in Africa's energy transition, with a strategic push across the entire energy value chain – from oil and gas exploration to renewables and green hydrogen. At African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, an 'Invest in South Africa' Roundtable will bring together top-tier investors, policymakers and energy executives to spotlight the country's evolving regulatory landscape, its new national oil company and a host of bankable infrastructure projects. This year's roundtable brings together a powerful lineup of speakers driving South Africa's energy future, including Shahrukh Mirza, VP LNG Development at ExxonMobil, Stefano Marani, CEO of Renergen Limited, and senior representatives from both the newly formed South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) and the South African National Energy Development Institute. South Africa's energy sector is undergoing a critical transformation: years of load-shedding and grid instability has prompted bold reforms aimed at liberalizing the energy market, fast-tracking private-sector participation and diversifying supply sources. As the government unbundles Eskom and opens transmission infrastructure to independent power producers, investor interest in South Africa's power and gas markets is growing sharply. Meanwhile, the Integrated Resource Plan and Renewable Energy Masterplan are paving the way for expanded solar, wind and battery storage deployment, backed by robust public-private collaboration. The upstream oil and gas sector is also entering a pivotal new phase. The recently established SANPC is spearheading fresh exploration efforts and opening up acreage across frontier basins, including the Orange Basin – an area that has drawn renewed interest following a string of offshore discoveries in neighboring Namibia. Energy major Shell has secured approval for a five-well drilling campaign in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep block, while TotalEnergies is targeting a two-well wildcat campaign in South Africa's portion of the Orange Basin, slated for 2026. With upcoming licensing opportunities, transparent fiscal terms and enhanced data packages, South Africa is well-positioned to attract both new market entrants and experienced independents to its upstream sector. In its gas monetization strategy, South Africa is advancing efforts to leverage domestic resources – including those under development by Renergen at the Virginia Gas Project – to support helium exports and the production of LNG for transport and industrial fuel use. The country's Gas Master Plan, currently under review, sets out a roadmap for critical infrastructure, including LNG terminals, pipeline expansions and strategic gas storage, aimed at enhancing long-term energy security. At the same time, public-private initiatives such as the green hydrogen corridor – linking the Northern Cape to key export hubs – are laying the groundwork for large-scale hydrogen production, backed by the region's exceptional solar and wind potential. 'As South Africa retools its regulatory environment and builds momentum behind energy diversification, AEW 2025 stands as the ideal venue to connect capital with opportunity. From the Orange Basin's high-impact prospects to scalable renewables and gas monetization, the country is open for business,' says Oré Onegbesan, Program Director, AEW. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. AEW: Invest in African Energies: AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event.


Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Lithium output in Zimbabwe could rise with Sandawana mine by 2027
Zimbabwe's lithium sector delivered 2.4 million tons of concentrate in 2024, more than tripling the previous year's output of 745,455 tons. Authorities project 3.26 million tons in 2025, driven by the launch of new mines and strong investment from Chinese companies. Sandawana follows this trend. Kuvimba has partnered with two Chinese firms for the project, which is expected to cost $270 million. Barnard did not name the partners in the latest announcement, but previously mentioned Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt and Tsingshan Holding Group as collaborators in a 2024 interview with Bloomberg. This wave of new lithium projects comes amid rising global demand for the metal, which is essential for energy transition technologies. The International Energy Agency estimates that around 55 new lithium mines will be needed by 2035 to meet demand. Zimbabwe could play a role in closing that supply gap, provided new projects stay on track and output remains strong. For Sandawana, securing funding is the next key step. Kuvimba is continuing talks with its Chinese partners to finalize financing. Despite a prolonged slump in global lithium prices, down about 80% since 2023 due to oversupply, Barnard remains confident that prices will recover by the time Sandawana begins operations. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (