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Market to Reach $1.08 Trillion by 2035 - Decarbonization Efforts Accelerate Production with EAF and Hydrogen-Based DRI Adoption
Market to Reach $1.08 Trillion by 2035 - Decarbonization Efforts Accelerate Production with EAF and Hydrogen-Based DRI Adoption

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Market to Reach $1.08 Trillion by 2035 - Decarbonization Efforts Accelerate Production with EAF and Hydrogen-Based DRI Adoption

The Asia-Pacific mining steel industry, valued at $677.7 billion in 2024, is forecast to reach $1.08 trillion by 2035, growing at a 4.31% CAGR. This growth is driven by booming infrastructure, automotive, and construction sectors, fueled by urbanization and industrialization. Green steelmaking is on the rise, with electric-arc furnaces (EAF), hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI), and renewable energy shaping a low-carbon future. Improving operational efficiency through digitalization and automation enhances production, while strategic supply chain investments ensure raw material availability. Despite challenges like raw-material volatility and regulatory pressures, APAC aims for leadership in sustainable mining and steelmaking. Asia-Pacific Mining Steel Industry Market Dublin, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia-Pacific Mining Steel Industry Market: Focus on End-User Application, Production Methodology, End Products, and Country - Analysis and Forecast, 2025-2035" report has been added to Asia-Pacific mining steel industry market was valued at $677.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.31%, reaching $1.08 trillion by 2035 The mining steel sector in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is expanding rapidly, supported by increased manufacturing production in China, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia, as well as significant urbanisation and infrastructure investment. Upstream increase in iron ore, coal, and metallurgical raw materials is being driven by the demand for steel-intensive projects, such as high-speed rail networks, smart city developments, and renewable energy installations. Steel producers are rushing to lower their carbon footprints at the same time. Production footprints are changing due to hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) processes, electric-arc furnaces (EAF) driven by expanding scrap sources, and renewable energy integration. The expanding infrastructure, automotive, and construction industries are fuelling the APAC steel market's surge due to the region's fast urbanisation and industrialisation. Decarbonisation is being accelerated by the region's effort for greener steelmaking, which embraces electric-arc furnaces (EAF), hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI), and renewable energy integration. To fulfil demand, investments in supply chains for raw materials are increasing, from the transportation of iron ore in Australia to the procurement of coking coal in India. Cost competitiveness and emissions reductions are further improved by technological advancements in DRI process electrification and EAF efficiency. APAC is positioned to take the lead in low-carbon, energy-efficient steel and sustainable mining worldwide as governments and industry develop green-steel financing frameworks and roadmaps. Operations are also being transformed by digitalisation and automation: IoT sensors and predictive maintenance platforms optimise mill throughput and reduce unexpected downtime, while AI-driven geology and mine-planning tools improve resource recovery. As miners and steel makers establish joint ventures to obtain feedstock, expedite logistics, and protect against commodity price volatility, regional supply-chain integration is becoming more and more integrated. However, the industry continues to confront obstacles like as fluctuations in the price of raw materials, infrastructural shortages in developing nations, and stricter environmental, social, and governance (ESG) laws. The foundation for a more competitive and sustainable APAC mining-steel complex in the next ten years is being laid by governments through carbon-pricing schemes, low-emissions finance frameworks, and incentives for green-steel initiatives. How can this report add value to an organization?Product/Innovation Strategy: The APAC mining steel industry market is segmented based on various applications, production methodology, and end-products, which provides valuable insights. By end-use application segment includes transportation (automotive and other transportation), building, construction, and infrastructure, consumer goods and appliances, industrial equipment and manufacturing, packaging, and others. By production methodology, the market is categorized into a blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF), direct reduced iron-electric arc furnace (DRI-EAF), and other emerging technologies. Lastly, the end products include carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, high-strength steel, and Strategy: The APAC mining steel industry market has been growing. The market offers enormous opportunities for existing and emerging market players. Some of the strategies covered in this segment are mergers and acquisitions, product launches, partnerships and collaborations, business expansions, and investments. The strategies preferred by companies to maintain and strengthen their market position primarily include product Strategy: The key players in the APAC mining steel industry market analyzed and profiled in the study include professionals with expertise in the mining and steel industry. Additionally, a comprehensive competitive landscape such as partnerships, agreements, and collaborations are expected to aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the market. APAC Mining Steel Industry Market Trends, Drivers and Challenges Trends Green-steel and decarbonization: Rapid uptake of electric-arc furnaces (EAFs) and hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) to lower CO? emissions. Digitalization & automation: Deployment of AI-driven mine planning, IoT-enabled asset monitoring, and "smart mills" to boost operational efficiency. Regional supply-chain integration: Closer coordination between iron-ore miners and steelmakers - especially in Australia, India, and Southeast Asia - to secure feedstock and stabilize costs. EAF-scrap circularity: Growing scrap collection and recycling networks in urban APAC centers support more flexible, lower-capex EAF steel production. Consolidation & M&A: Larger players acquiring upstream mining assets or downstream rolling mills to capture value across the value chain. Drivers Infrastructure & urbanization: Continued government spending on transport, housing, and utilities in India, ASEAN, and China fuels long-term steel demand. Automotive & white-goods growth: Rising consumer incomes and electrification trends drive higher-quality steel consumption for EVs and appliances. Policy incentives: Carbon-pricing schemes, tax rebates for low-carbon projects, and resource-nation mining royalties shape investment decisions. Cost-efficiency pressures: Volatile coal and iron-ore prices push firms to adopt energy-efficient technologies and vertical integration. Challenges Raw-material volatility: Iron-ore, coking-coal, and natural-gas price swings erode margins and complicate long-term planning. Regulatory & ESG scrutiny: Stricter environmental standards, community-land disputes, and lender ESG policies can delay projects and raise funding costs. Infrastructure bottlenecks: Inadequate rail, port, and power in emerging APAC markets hamper mine-to-mill throughput. Overcapacity risk: China's steel surplus and intermittent export restrictions create pricing uncertainty for regional producers. Skill & safety gaps: Recruiting skilled technicians for automated operations and maintaining safety standards in remote mining sites remain persistent hurdles. Key Market Players and Competition SynopsisThe companies that are profiled in the Asia-Pacific mining steel industry market have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts who have analyzed company coverage, product portfolio, and market of the prominent names in this market are: NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION China Ansteel Group Corporation Limited China Jianlong Steel Industriai Co Ltd. Tata Steel JSW JFE Steel Corporation Shandong Lenser materials Co.,LTD. HYUNDAI STEEL Jindal Steel & Power Limited SAIL Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 129 Forecast Period 2025 - 2035 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $711.6 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2035 $1085.6 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.3% Regions Covered Asia Pacific Market Dynamics Overview Market Drivers Urbanization and Infrastructure Growth Public-Private Investments in Infrastructure Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment Automation in Mining and Steel Production Processes Increased Demand from Emerging Markets Market Restraints Volatility in Raw Material Prices Geopolitical and Trade Tensions Market Opportunities Growing Demand for Specialty Steel Products Technological Innovation in Steelmaking Supply Chain Overview Value Chain Analysis Key Iron Ore Producing Nations and Mining Capacity Key Coking Coal Exporting Nations Supply Chain Constraints Impact of Geopolitical Issues on Steel Production Pricing Analysis Market Map (Stakeholder Mapping across Value Chain) Steel Production Scenario Production Capacity Outlook (2024-2034) Regulatory Landscape Stakeholder Analysis Installed Capacity by Production Process (Blast Furnace-BOF and DRI-EAF) Upcoming Projects and Capacity Additions (2025-2035) Ongoing Investments Scrap Recycling Market Overview Emission Reduction Initiatives (Mining Steel Industry Transition) Green-Steel Market Outlook Market Size and Growth Forecast (2024-2034) Impact of Green Steel on Conventional Steel Market Challenges and Enablers for Green-Steel Adoption Market Segmentation End-Use Application Transportation (Automotive and Other Transportation) Building, Construction, and Infrastructure Consumer Goods and Appliances Industrial Equipment and Manufacturing Packaging Others Production Methodology Blast Furnace-Basic Oxygen Furnace (BF-BOF) Direct Reduced Iron - Electric Arc Furnace (DRI-EAF) Other Emerging Technologies End Products Carbon Steel Alloy Steel Stainless Steel High-Strength Steel Others For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Asia-Pacific Mining Steel Industry Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio

Heritage and hardware: My trip to Shenzhen surprises and charms in equal measure
Heritage and hardware: My trip to Shenzhen surprises and charms in equal measure

The National

time24-07-2025

  • Business
  • The National

Heritage and hardware: My trip to Shenzhen surprises and charms in equal measure

Some great cities can overwhelm you with centuries of architecture and culture, but Shenzhen in China offers something entirely different: a chance to experience a land in transformation. When the Chinese government declared the city as the country's first Special Economic Zone in 1980, farmlands gave way to industrial corridors as companies including national behemoths Huawei and Tencent – both founded in the city – thrived under the favourable economic conditions. Arriving in Shenzhen The shedding of rural origins is visible from the air, as my Emirates flight descends towards the southern Chinese city – completing a near-eight-hour journey from Dubai across the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian subcontinent and mainland Southeast Asia. The approach into Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport reveals a city of planned zones, punctuated by green spaces such as the expansive Lianhuashan Park and Shenzhen Bay Park. Along the southern edge are the deep blue waters of the South China Sea stretching towards Hong Kong and Macau. The airport itself, which is reportedly set to add a third runway this year, is understated. Clearing customs is relatively swift, and within half an hour of landing, I'm moving through a grand hall filled with filtered natural light. The terminal is wide, open – said to resemble a manta ray – and free of extravagant displays. It provides an early glimpse of a city built for functionality and logistics rather than spectacle. The 40-minute drive down the coastal Guangshen Expressway towards the city centre reveals more of the evolution. Land once made up of ricefields and marshes – threaded through the irrigation channels that gave Shenzhen, meaning 'deep drains', its name – is now occupied by dense districts that are home to more than 17 million people. I spot the outlines of Longgang, a major manufacturing hub of electronics such as smartphones and power supply units, and Futian, the city's administrative and commercial core. The glimmering outlines of China Resources Tower, shaped like a bamboo shoot, and the twin-glass Tencent Seafront Towers also rise in the distance as we near the slick Conrad Shenzhen hotel in the Nanshan district. Tech walk in Huaqiangbei One of the nine districts that make up Shenzhen, Nanshan is a quiet area, known for its tech campuses, public parks and universities. It provides a needed charge before I am thrust into the colour and frenzy of Huaqiangbei – the world's largest electronics market and, for many entrepreneurs, the main reason to visit Shenzhen. The market's scale hits me first. The strip may be only 800 metres long, but it's flanked by multistorey buildings packed with nearly 40,000 vendors. Most of the buildings don't carry signs stating any specific wares or brands. You simply step in and get enveloped by endless booths – a sea of motherboards, loose cables, LED strips, soldering kits, phone cases and even neck massagers. Behind booths, shopkeepers invite you to check the merchandise while keyboard and drum beats reverberate as customers test digital music pads nearby. Though the market invites wandering, most people come here to get things done, whether it's seeking the latest podcast microphones, drones or mobile camera stands. Deals are made through translation apps, and haggling is expected. Payments happen in cash or via the easy-to-use Alipay app. I leave with a bundle of phone cords, a battery charger, two one-terabyte USB drives and a white eye massager shaped like a sleeping mask, all for 200 yuan (Dh102). While Huaqiangbei feels initially chaotic, its sheer purposefulness is another reflection of Shenzhen as a city where things get done without fuss or ceremony. Balance of science and culture The buzz dims as I take a 40-minute taxi across Guangming district to reach the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum. Opened in May, the museum stands as a sign of Shenzhen's planned shift from manufacturing hub to tech powerhouse. That ambition crystallises in the building itself. The sleek glass and steel facade, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, resembles a spacecraft. The atrium, bound by curved silver walls and a large Chinese flag in the centre, feels like an airport terminal. Hundreds of students and families move towards kiosks selling entry tickets, priced at 50 yuan for adults. Inside, the museum's purpose is clear: spark a love of science early. Exhibitions span four permanent halls and lean heavily on gamification. In the robotics and sustainability zones, children bang on taiko drums. The harder they strike, the more virtual energy is generated. A screen tracks an animated character racing towards a finish line, making learning a fun competition between friends. Nearby, robotic arms assemble coffee orders, while humanoid robots greet visitors. Other exhibits envision futures where technology works alongside humans, from robot surgeons to automated valet parking. The messaging aims to inspire excitement at the opportunities technology offers up, rather than a fear of change. But for all of its positioning as a tech and manufacturing hub, Shenzhen also maintains its respect for the past. The city's own heritage is preserved and celebrated at Shenzhen Museum in Futian District and, more vividly, at the Splendid China Folk Culture Village. Located about 18km from the city centre, the sprawling 30-hectare site is divided into more than 20 sections, each replicating ethnic villages of China's officially recognised minority communities. You can traverse wooden stilt homes of the Dong people native to Guizhou Province, marvel at the intricate carvings of the Miao community and witness the swirling fan dance of the Dai people from Yunnan Province. The village is vast, and the highlight of my stay was renting a buggy, for 50 yuan an hour, to explore the site at a languid pace. Cruising through its sections, I felt like I was inside a picture book, unfolding as I passed mini replicas of the Great Wall and a similarly scaled-down Forbidden City. Lovingly preserved and charmingly quaint, the village should take up a priority spot on any Shenzhen itinerary. Artistic alleyways A 25-minute taxi ride away can have you experiencing the creative side of Shenzhen. The entrance to Dafen Oil Painting Village is a nondescript alley off a busy road, but once inside, the noise recedes as you arrive at a central courtyard from which narrow alleyways fan out to hundreds of tiny studios and galleries. There are painters at work in almost every doorway. From the outside, some spaces appear no bigger than shoeboxes, others are more elaborate. I see a woman painting porcelain dolls beside a man copying Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night, seemingly from memory. Other artists recreate everything from traditional Chinese landscapes to vibrant video game characters such as Sonic the Hedgehog. Once known for its mass production of cheap knock-offs of western masterpieces, the village's reputation has changed over the past decade with galleries such as Sunrise Art Centre and TNT Contemporary Art Space now showcasing original work by local and regional artists. Yes, you can haggle and take an accurate recreation home, but you can also pause and soak in the atmosphere. Get lost in the alleyways and find art you didn't know you needed, or sit in one of the courtyard cafes where students gather and elderly men play chess. Unlike Huaqiangbei, there's no commercial urgency here. The fact that art is being made is all that matters. Halal dining in Shenzhen My final stop is a quiet dinner inside Muslim Hotel Restaurant, a modest but enduring presence in Shenzhen's city centre. A TripAdvisor find, its name appeared on top lists of halal restaurants to try – also including Turkish-inspired Mevlana and Muslim Noodles Restaurant – with the added distinction that it's been operating for more than 40 years. The menu reflects the culinary heritage of China's north-western Muslim communities, but adapted to the tastes of the southern port city. I order sauteed mushroom and spinach, beef baked dumplings and spicy chicken noodles for 204 yuan. It's a homely and hearty meal that underscores the cohesion of Shenzhen, where tech markets and futuristic museums seamlessly sit alongside historical villages and culinary stalwarts. It all forms part of a larger story in a city whose potential is still being written.

Construction Materials Market to Exceed USD 1.57 Trillion by 2025, Fueled by Booming Residential and Commercial Construction
Construction Materials Market to Exceed USD 1.57 Trillion by 2025, Fueled by Booming Residential and Commercial Construction

Globe and Mail

time21-07-2025

  • Business
  • Globe and Mail

Construction Materials Market to Exceed USD 1.57 Trillion by 2025, Fueled by Booming Residential and Commercial Construction

The global construction materials market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.57 Tn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 2.47 Tn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2025 to 2032. Rising urbanization and the surge in infrastructure development projects in both developed and developing nations are set to significantly boost the demand for construction materials. Moreover, increasing investments in non-residential construction—particularly in commercial complexes, healthcare facilities, and transportation infrastructure—are anticipated to further propel market growth. Global Construction Materials Market Key Takeaways According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the global construction materials market size is projected to reach a whooping USD 2.47 Tn by 2032, up from USD 1.57 Tn in 2025. Global demand for construction materials is slated to increase at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period. Cement is expected to remain a highly sought-after material type during the assessment period, generating a market revenue of around USD 0.47 Tn in 2025. Residential construction is likely to remain the most lucrative application for construction materials, accounting for a global market share of 43.9% in 2025. North America is slated to lead the industry, accounting for more than 3/5 of the global construction materials market share in 2025. As per CMI's new construction materials market analysis, Asia Pacific is poised to witness fastest growth over the forecast period. Residential and Commercial Construction Boom Spurring Market Growth Coherent Market Insights' latest construction materials market report highlights key factors driving market growth. One such key growth driver is the ongoing boom in residential and commercial construction. Rapid urbanization and population growth in emerging economies like China and India are increasing demand for housing and commercial infrastructure, such as shopping malls and office spaces. This rising demand is expected to fuel consumption of construction materials over the forecast period. Fluctuating Raw Material Prices Limiting Market Growth The future construction materials market outlook looks optimistic. However, fluctuating prices of essential raw materials may constrain market growth to some extent during the forecast period. Key construction materials like cement, lumber, and steel often experience high price volatility due to factors like geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and inflation. This pricing instability can negatively impact construction materials market demand, as it raises project costs and delays construction activities. Buy this Complete Business Research Report: Increasing Infrastructure Spending Creating Growth Opportunities Governments in nations like China and the United States are significantly investing in large-scale infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, bridges, and smart cities. For example, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, total construction spending in the United States reached approximately USD 841 billion during the first five months of 2025. This continued increase in infrastructure investment is anticipated to generate substantial growth opportunities for construction material companies throughout the forecast period. Impact of AI on the Construction Materials Market Artificial Intelligence (AI) is positively impacting the construction materials market. It enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and improves decision-making. AI helps manufacturers forecast demand, optimize inventory, and streamline supply chain operations. In construction, AI-driven technologies enable real-time quality control, automate material testing, and support development of innovative, sustainable materials. AI also facilitates smart construction planning by integrating material data with project timelines, leading to reduced waste and improved resource utilization. Overall, AI is fostering a more data-driven and sustainable approach in the construction materials industry. Emerging Construction Materials Market Trends Sustainability and green building trends are significantly driving the growth of the construction materials industry. Homeowners and builders are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of construction practices. This is boosting demand for recyclable, low-carbon, and energy-efficient materials. Another prominent growth-shaping trend in the construction materials market is the increasing renovation and remodeling activities. Homeowners, especially in developed nations, are increasing investments in home renovation projects. This trend is expected to fuel sales of construction materials like cement and metals. Technological advancements in building materials are positively shaping the target industry. Leading companies are striving to develop eco-friendly, sustainable, and lightweight materials, such as green cement and precast concrete, to improve construction efficiency and help end users comply with environmental regulations. Many industry players are shifting their focus towards creating smart construction materials, including self-healing concrete and carbon fiber composites that offer energy efficiency and longer durability. For instance, in 2024, Basilisk Self-Healing Concrete was launched in the United States. These innovations are expected to boost the construction materials industry value and growth. Rise of prefabrication and modular construction is unlocking new growth opportunities for construction material companies. There is a growing trend towards using prefab and modular construction techniques across various regions. This drives demand for specialized materials for off-site manufacturing and usage. Analyst's View 'The global construction materials industry is poised to experience strong growth, owing to expanding residential and commercial construction activities, increased infrastructure investments, rising adoption of green building practices, and ongoing advancements in building material technologies,' said Yash Doshi, a senior analyst at CMI. Current Events and Their Impact on the Construction Materials Market Competitor Insights Key companies listed in the construction materials market research report: - HeidelbergCement - LafargeHolcim - CRH plc - Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. - Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. - Lehigh Hanson, Inc. - Boral Limited - Saint-Gobain - Groupe Eiffage - Taiheiyo Cement Corporation - Anhui Conch Cement Company - China National Building Material Group Corporation - UltraTech Cement Limited - Knauf GIPS KG - James Hardie Industries plc - Kiewit Corporation - Fletcher Building Limited - Sika AG - Ytong (Xella Group) - BASF SE Key Developments In April 2024, Navrattan Group announced plans to introduce green cement in India. This eco‑friendly alternative to conventional Portland cement is designed to reduce carbon emissions and lessen the environmental impact of concrete production, while maintaining performance and durability. In October 2024, CRH Ventures introduced a new accelerator program, Sustainable Building Materials. This program is aimed specifically at early‑stage startups in ConTech and ClimateTech. Its mission is to support market‑ready solutions that minimize waste, reduce emissions, and improve energy efficiency across the construction value chain. In January 2024, Heidelberg Materials launched evoBuild, a new global brand for low-carbon and circular products. This move is aimed at strengthening the company's presence in the building materials industry.

3 No-Brainer Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $200
3 No-Brainer Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $200

Yahoo

time19-07-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

3 No-Brainer Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $200

Written by Rajiv Nanjapla at The Motley Fool Canada Rapid urbanization, the rise in industrial activities, the electrification of transportation, and the expansion of data centres resulting from increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) could continue to drive global energy demand in the years to come. Given the favourable environment, I am bullish on the following three energy stocks, which are currently trading below $200. Enbridge Enbridge (TSX:ENB) is one of the top energy stocks to have in your portfolio due to its regulated and low-risk assets, consistent dividend growth, and healthy growth prospects. The company operates a diversified asset base, generating cash flows from over 200 assets. Its regulated asset base and long-term contracts provide stability to its financials. Supported by these reliable cash flows, ENB stock has been paying dividends since 1955. Also, it has raised its dividends uninterruptedly since 1995 at an annualized rate of 9%. Its current dividend payout of $0.9425/share translates into a forward dividend yield of 6.1%. Moreover, Enbridge has identified $50 billion in growth opportunities spanning over the next five years. Meanwhile, the company plans to make capital investments of $9 billion to $10 billion annually to expand its asset base. Given its healthy liquidity position, the energy giant is well-positioned to fund its growth initiatives. Further, ENB stock maintains a sustainable payout ratio of 60–70% of its DCF (discounted cash flows). Additionally, considering its solid underlying business and healthy growth prospects, management expects to raise its dividend by 3% annually until 2026 and 5% thereafter. ENB trades at a reasonable NTM (next 12 months) price-to-sales multiple of 2.7, making it an attractive investment opportunity for investors. Canadian Natural Resources Another energy stock I am bullish on is Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ), a leading producer of crude oil and natural gas. The Calgary-based energy company operates large, low-risk, and high-value reserves that require lower capital reinvestments. Besides, its efficient and effective operations have led to lower breakeven oil prices, thereby driving its financials and cash flows. Supported by its healthy cash flows, the company has increased its dividends at a 21% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) over the past 25 years. It currently offers a healthy forward dividend yield of 5.5%. Further, CNQ plans to invest $6 billion this year, thereby strengthening its production capabilities. Amid its growth initiatives, the company's management predicts that its total production this year will come in between 1,510 and 1,555 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/d). The midpoint of this guidance represents a 12.5% increase from the previous year. Notably, OPEC (the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is predicting a rise in oil demand this quarter, which could support oil prices. Therefore, increased production and higher oil prices could drive CNQ's financial performance in the coming quarters, making it an ideal buy. Northland Power Northland Power (TSX:NPI), which develops, owns, and operates a diversified energy infrastructure, is my final pick. It has an economic interest in approximately 3.4 gigawatts of power-producing facilities. The company has outperformed the S&P/TSX Composite Index this year, with returns exceeding 33%. The improvement in broader equity markets and progress the company has made in developing some of its key projects appear to have made investors optimistic, driving its stock price higher. Meanwhile, the company sells most of the energy produced from its facilities through long-term contracts, which account for approximately 90% of its revenue. The weighted average life of these contracts stands at 15 years. Therefore, its financials are less susceptible to volatile market conditions. Further, the company has 2.2 gigawatts of projects under construction, which could support its financial growth in the years to come. The management expects its adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) to grow at a 7–10% CAGR through 2027. Therefore, I expect Northland Power, which currently offers a healthy forward dividend yield of 5.2%, to continue paying dividends at a higher rate. Its valuation also looks attractive, with its NTM price-to-earnings multiple at 14.6. The post 3 No-Brainer Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $200 appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada. More reading 10 Stocks Every Canadian Should Own in 2025 [PREMIUM PICKS] Market Volatility Toolkit A Commonsense Cash Back Credit Card We Love Fool contributor Rajiv Nanjapla has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Canadian Natural Resources and Enbridge. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 2025 Sign in to access your portfolio

Annexation blues: Residents in Edmonton's future growth area grapple with growing pains
Annexation blues: Residents in Edmonton's future growth area grapple with growing pains

CBC

time18-07-2025

  • Business
  • CBC

Annexation blues: Residents in Edmonton's future growth area grapple with growing pains

Nearly six years after Edmonton's biggest annexation in decades, residents who live in what the city calls its future growth area are anxious about what is to come. For landscaper Jacob Morris, Edmonton's growth continues to be a bittersweet feeling. His family first arrived in what is now the future growth area in 1891. They've had their current farm for close to 45 years and run a number of businesses including a landscaping company and an RV storage yard. The land used to be part of Leduc County, but was added to the city's boundary during the 2019 annexation along with nearly 9,000 hectares of land. The area is mostly farms and is zoned for agriculture. What once was a very rural community had suddenly become part of the province's capital city. Morris said as the city gets closer, so do potential clients for his business. But it hasn't been without some downsides. "We're still feeling maybe some of the negatives." He said construction waste, garbage dumping and deteriorating roads were a few of the problems they've been dealing with since the annexation. Morris recalls speaking with the different city divisions at an open house during the annexation process. "I remember the road table people being very confident the road conditions would be as good or better." But now Morris says the road quality has made it hard to attract business for the RV storage. At the same time, heaps of garbage are dumped near or on the family property. While the city has had workers remove trash, it keeps piling up. Unlike most of Edmonton, there is minimal infrastructure and few services in the area, and there likely won't be for years, until development begins. City pre-planning for south expansion The city's current plan calls for the eventual greenfield development of the region, where new residential communities will be built on the previously undeveloped land and farmland. It's expected to begin by the time the city reaches 1.5 million. Planners have opened the door for a service study of the future growth area to be completed by the end of 2026. This will help map out arterial roads, substations, and other necessary infrastructure to support future neighbourhoods. "It's a really exciting project," city planner Jason Cunha said. "We're pretty confident at least in Alberta, no one's ever done this kind of infrastructure planning for this large of an area in either of the major cities." The city plan for growth is set to population hikes rather than time, based on increments of 250,000, but developers are pushing for a faster timeline. Developers say growth needed faster A report from developer advocacy group BILD Edmonton Metro is making a case for the city to move faster on development for the future growth area, calling for a thoughtful plan to quickly develop the region. "It takes quite a long time to do the planning. We know that the land in the southwest particularly has been absorbed very quickly, much faster than anyone anticipated," BILD Edmonton Metro vice-president Lindsey Butterfield told CBC. The report also argues growth into undeveloped lands is not as costly as past city councils have said, using the Windermere and Heritage Valley developments as examples. The report does not take into account some costs like police and transit. Holdouts After the city's planning and servicing is complete and developers are green lit for greenfield development, many landowners will be expected to sell their lots as developers move in. "We have had instances in other places where the owners said they don't want to sell," said Sandeep Agrawal, a professor in the School of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Alberta. Although he admits holdouts were rare with previous city annexations. "That actually caused a lot of issues to the municipality that annexed the land, because it was their opinion that this is how the growth would proceed." As the city gets ready to start development, Morris admits he's worried about what's to come. For each generation of family farmers, there has been a need to adapt. More than anything, Morris says he wants to ensure his family and his children can keep their farm, and continue living off the land as they have. "It's very important to us."

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