Surge Battery Metals (TSX-V: NILI | OTCQX: NILIF | FRA: DJ5C) delivered two strong updates from its Nevada North Lithium Project (NNLP) in February 2026. Together, these results confirm expansion potential, reinforce high-grade continuity, and advance technical work needed for the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS).

On February 17, Surge reported a major step-out success. The company drilled a 31-meter intercept grading 4,196 ppm lithium from surface in a hole located 640 meters southeast of the existing resource boundary. This intercept sits well above the current resource average grade of 3,010 ppm lithium. The wide step-out confirms that high-grade mineralization extends significantly beyond the defined resource footprint.

Just one week later, on February 25, Surge released the final batch of results from its 2025 core drilling program. These infill holes focused on upgrading inferred resources to higher confidence categories and collecting technical data for the PFS. The results returned some of the strongest intercepts drilled to date.

Together, these two updates strengthen the project’s scale, quality, and development readiness. 

Infill Drilling Confirms a Thick, High-Grade Core

The February 25 news highlighted Hole NNL-030 as a standout result. The hole intersected 116 meters, averaging 3,752 ppm lithium. Within that interval, a 32.1-meter zone graded 4,521 ppm lithium. These grades exceed the project’s current average and confirm the presence of a thick, ultra-high-grade core.

Hole NNL-032 also delivered strong results, returning 82.29 meters, averaging 3,664 ppm lithium. Hole NNL-036 intersected 78.63 meters, averaging 3,141 ppm lithium, including a deep 9.4-meter zone grading 4,580 ppm lithium.

These intercepts show both lateral and vertical continuity. They show that high-grade lithium persists across wide widths and at depth. Importantly, most of these zones occur near the surface. Near-surface mineralization reduces stripping requirements and can improve early-year mine economics.

The infill drilling supports resource upgrading efforts. It helps convert Inferred resources into Indicated and Measured categories. Higher confidence categories are critical for mine planning, financing, and permitting.

The results confirm that Nevada North’s high-grade core is consistent, thick, and scalable.

Mr. Greg Reimer, President & Chief Executive Officer and Director of Surge, stated, 

“This infill drilling is doing exactly what it was designed to do: upgrade the resource, confirm continuity of some of our best lithium intercepts, and de-risk the early years of a potential mine plan at Nevada North. Coupled with a robust PEA economic profile, we believe Nevada North is strongly positioned as we move forward with the development of our PFS. We look forward to updating the Mineral Resource Estimate as our next key milestone.”

Expansion Beyond the Current Resource Boundary

The February 17 step-out result adds a new dimension to the project story. The 31-meter intercept grading 4,196 ppm lithium occurred 640 meters beyond the existing resource area. This large extension demonstrates strong mineral continuity outside the current pit-constrained model.

Step-out drilling is important because it tests the limits of a deposit. A successful 640-meter extension suggests the deposit remains open and may support future resource growth.

Nevada North already hosts a pit-constrained Inferred Resource of 11.24 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) grading 3,010 ppm lithium at a 1,250 ppm cutoff. High-grade step-out intercepts increase confidence that future resource updates may expand both tonnage and overall contained lithium.

Highly anomalous soil values and geophysical surveys also suggest the clay horizons could extend even further. The mineralized zone currently spans more than 4,300 meters in strike length and over 1,500 meters in width. Continued drilling could increase the overall scale of the project.

This combination of strong infill and wide step-out success strengthens Nevada North’s long-term growth profile.

• SEE MORE: From Resource to Battery-Grade: How NILI Aims to Deliver 99% Purity Lithium

Advancing Toward Pre-Feasibility and Permitting

The 2025 drilling program did more than confirm grade. It also collected critical technical data required for the upcoming PFS and environmental permitting.

Hole NNL-035 was strategically positioned near Texas Spring to gather hydrogeological data. The hole successfully installed the Vibrating Wire Piezometers (VWPs) to monitor groundwater conditions. This data will help model basin hydrology and support environmental approvals.

The company also completed detailed geotechnical logging across all holes. High-resolution televiewer surveys mapped fault structures. Representative samples from each rock unit are now undergoing rock strength testing. These tests will help determine safe pit wall angles for future mine planning.

Remarkably, quality control procedures were rigorous. Of the 806 total samples analyzed, 134 were QA/QC samples. Certified reference standards, blanks, and duplicates were systematically inserted.

Standards are performed within acceptable limits. Duplicate samples fell within 10% tolerance. These results confirm strong analytical accuracy and reproducibility.

This technical work reduces development risk. This, in turn, ensures that the PFS is built on high-quality geological and engineering data.

Strategic Upside: By-Products and Strong Economics

In addition to lithium, the infill drilling consistently returned elevated cesium and rubidium values. Cesium reached up to 163 ppm and rubidium up to 349 ppm in association with the lithium core. Surge is evaluating the deportment of these elements in ongoing metallurgical studies.

If recoverable, these critical minerals could add value to the project economics. By-product potential can improve revenue streams and enhance overall project returns.

Nevada North already shows strong economic metrics from its Preliminary Economic Assessment. The PEA reports an after-tax NPV (8%) of approximately US$9.17 billion and an after-tax IRR of 22.8% at a lithium price of US$24,000 per tonne LCE. Operating costs are estimated at roughly US$5,243 per tonne LCE.

High grades play a central role in these economics. Thick intervals averaging 3,500–4,500 ppm lithium reduce the tonnage required to produce each unit of lithium. This supports lower operating costs and stronger early cash flow potential.

The joint venture with Evolution Mining also strengthens the project’s development pathway. Evolution is a globally recognized mining company with operational expertise. This partnership adds technical depth and financial strength to the Nevada North project.

A Strengthened Position in the U.S. Lithium Landscape

The United States is working to strengthen its domestic lithium supply chain. Federal incentives and policy measures emphasize secure, locally sourced battery materials. Projects that combine high grade, large scale, and technical readiness are well-positioned in this environment.

Nevada North now demonstrates three key strengths at once:

1. Proven high-grade core through infill drilling,
2. Expansion potential through 640-meter step-out success, and
3. Advancing technical data for PFS and permitting.

These updates reinforce Nevada North as one of the highest-grade lithium clay projects in the United States. They show both growth and de-risking in the same drilling campaign.

As global demand for lithium continues to rise, supply sources with strong grade, scale, and development momentum will stand out. Surge Battery Metals’ recent results highlight meaningful progress on all three fronts.

The company’s Nevada North Lithium Project is not only expanding. It is advancing toward higher confidence resources, improved technical definition, and future development milestones. These combined achievements strengthen Surge’s position within the evolving North American lithium supply chain.

• READ MORE: A Rising Lithium Player Powering America’s Clean Energy Future

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Canada has taken a major step in its mining history. The country recently approved the first large-scale uranium mine in more than 20 years. This new project is part of Canada’s effort to support clean energy and nuclear power production.

The federal and provincial governments approved the Phoenix In Situ Recovery (ISR) uranium mine. This mine is part of Denison Mines’ Wheeler River Project in Saskatchewan. This approval allows the construction of both the mine and its processing mill.

Phoenix will use ISR mining, a method seen as more environmentally friendly than traditional open-pit or underground mining. The technique uses liquid to dissolve uranium underground. It then brings the uranium to the surface for processing. This method reduces land disturbance compared to traditional methods.

With its license now issued and environmental reviews completed, construction is expected to take about two years. The project remains on track for its first production by mid-2028.

The approval is a milestone for Canada’s nuclear fuel sector. It signals renewed interest in uranium mining at a time when nuclear power is gaining traction as a low-carbon energy source.

A New Era for Canada’s Uranium Sector

Uranium is the key fuel for nuclear power plants. Nuclear power provides large amounts of low-carbon electricity around the world. As countries seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear energy is playing a growing role in clean energy strategies.

Canada is one of the world’s top uranium producers. Mines like Cigar Lake, McClean Lake, and Rabbit Lake in Saskatchewan have been supplying uranium for decades.

However, no new large mining projects had been approved at the federal level in over two decades before Phoenix. Canada can now boost uranium production. This will help support nuclear fuel supply chains at home and abroad.

The Phoenix mine will create economic benefits. This includes jobs during both construction and operations in northern Saskatchewan. It will also contribute to local tax revenue and community development.

Rising Power Needs Put Nuclear Back in Focus

Nuclear power accounts for a significant share of clean electricity globally. Nuclear reactors produce constant, reliable power that does not depend on weather like wind or solar. Many countries view nuclear energy as critical to meeting climate goals while maintaining grid stability.

As electric grids transition to cleaner energy sources, the demand for uranium — the core fuel for nuclear plants — is rising.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electricity demand grew by 3 % in 2025, following a 4.4 % increase in 2024. The agency expects demand to rise by about 3.6% each year from 2026 to 2030. This growth will come from industrial use, electrification, electric vehicles, cooling needs, and more data centers.

This growth underscores the need for reliable, low-carbon generation capacity. Nuclear energy is a strong candidate because it supplies large volumes of consistent electricity with low emissions.

Tech Sector Turns to Nuclear for 24/7 Power

As electricity demand grows, especially from data centers, tech companies are focusing on long-term power solutions.

Executives at NexGen Energy, developing Canada’s largest uranium project in Saskatchewan, say they’ve talked with data center providers. They discussed financing uranium mining projects and securing a long-term uranium supply. These talks aim to ensure stable fuel for nuclear plants that could help power future data infrastructure.

CEO Leigh Curyer said,

“It’s coming. You’ve seen it with automakers. These tech companies, they’re under an obligation to ensure the hundreds of billions that they are investing in the data centres are going to be powered.”

NexGen is working on the Rook I uranium project in Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin. This area is one of the richest for uranium and hosts Canada’s largest development-stage uranium project.

The company anticipates full government approval soon, and it aims for production around 2030. NexGen executives say the mine could supply more than 20 % of global uranium demand once operational.

NexGen’s discussions with data center operators focus on financing and long-term supply agreements. The idea is like car makers investing in battery material mines. They do this to secure vital supplies for electric vehicles.

These talks do not involve giving tech firms any control of NexGen. Instead, they focus on ways to help ensure uranium supply and potentially support early project development.

• MUST READ: From Now to 2060: How Canada’s SMRs and Maritime Nuclear Power Will Drive a Net-Zero Future

Why Tech Firms Are Interested in Nuclear Fuel

Modern data centers need a lot of electricity. This is especially true for those supporting AI, cloud computing, and large digital services. Power demand from data centers is a key driver of rising global electricity use, according to the IEA.

Unlike intermittent renewables, nuclear power provides 24/7 electricity that is not affected by weather. This reliability makes it attractive for companies that need stable energy for critical infrastructure.

Some technology firms have already signaled interest in long-term arrangements with nuclear energy providers. These supply arrangements might involve financing for mining, long-term fuel contracts, or offtake agreements when projects start production.

Long-term contracts for uranium can help companies lock in fuel supply for decades. This can reduce risks related to supply shortages or price volatility in commodity markets.The discussions show how energy security and climate goals are intersecting with corporate planning in the tech sector.

• SEE MORE: Project Matador: America’s $90B Nuclear Power Solution for AI, Semiconductors, and Data Centers

Tight Supply and Rising Prices Reshape the Market

The uranium market has tightened in recent years. Uranium prices have gone up. This rise shows supply issues and increasing interest in nuclear energy. Recent trading values put uranium at almost US$89 per pound, after briefly exceeding US$100 per pound in end of January.

Projections suggest that global nuclear capacity will need more fuel in coming decades as new reactors come online and existing ones are extended. Countries like China and India are expanding nuclear power to meet their growing electricity needs.

In Canada, new mines such as Phoenix and big projects like Rook I can fill global supply gaps. They also support national energy plans.

Global Supply Strain: U.S. and China Reshape the Uranium Market

The scramble for uranium supply is accelerating beyond Canada.

In the United States, a ban on Russian enriched uranium imports will take full effect in January 2028. Russia holds around 44% of the world’s uranium enrichment capacity. In 2023, it provided 27% of U.S. utility enrichment purchases, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights.

To reduce this dependence, the U.S. Department of Energy announced $2.7 billion in task orders to expand domestic enrichment capacity. The funding supports Centrus Energy, General Matter, and Orano Federal Services.

• Orano got $900 million to build a new enrichment facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. They expect to submit a license application in the first half of 2026.

Conversion capacity is also expanding. Solstice Advanced Materials plans to increase uranium conversion output by 20% at its Metropolis Works plant in Illinois. The facility is expected to exceed 10 kilotonnes of UF₆ production in 2026, and it is reportedly sold out through 2030.

At the same time, China’s nuclear buildout is adding pressure to global supply. China operates 58 reactors, with 34 more under construction. Citi Research estimates China’s uranium needs will rise from 35 million pounds in 2025 to 58 million pounds by 2030, equal to about 27% of global demand. Yet, China produces only around 4 million pounds domestically.

Global uranium demand could reach 400 million pounds by 2040, more than double today’s levels. Meanwhile, about 70% of post-2027 uranium requirements remain uncontracted, highlighting the growing supply gap.

S&P Global expects a uranium market upcycle until 2028, fueled by rising nuclear demand, especially from AI data centers. Global capacity is set to double, reaching 561-992 GW by 2050. Production jumps 141% to 141.2 million pounds by 2033, generating $14.9 billion revenue at $98.7/lb—65% above current prices.

Kazatomprom and Cameco will lead in 2025, generating $5.4 billion in revenue. This accounts for 86% of the group’s output. After 2028, NexGen and Denison will drive the supply wave, peaking at $1.6 billion in capex. Big Tech (Meta, AWS, Google, Microsoft) signs PPAs and equity deals.

Nuclear Fuel Security Becomes a Climate Strategy

The approval of a new mine after more than 20 years shows that uranium is regaining importance in global energy planning. The Phoenix ISR project and other potential mines reflect renewed confidence in nuclear fuel production.

Early interest from tech companies in securing uranium supply shows a shift in energy planning. As power demand increases, companies are exploring new clean energy options. They want stable, low-carbon electricity.

For countries pushing decarbonization, nuclear power — supported by a stable uranium supply — offers a path to reduce emissions while meeting baseload electricity demand.

In this context, the Canadian uranium sector is poised for growth. New mines and potential private sector involvement may strengthen nuclear fuel security, supporting both national and global energy transitions.

• READ MORE: India–Canada Near $2.8 Billion Uranium Deal, Cameco to Supply Nuclear Fuel

The post Canada Approves First Uranium Mine in 20 Years as Tech Giants Eye Nuclear Fuel for AI Power appeared first on Carbon Credits.

ENGIE has officially brought its Assú Sol photovoltaic complex into full commercial operation. The French utility secured final approval from Brazilian authorities on February 13, 2026, after completing construction in December 2025. With a total investment of BRL 3.3 billion, the project now stands as ENGIE’s largest operational solar asset worldwide.

Located in Rio Grande do Norte in northeast Brazil, Assú Sol has an installed capacity of 895 MWp. The complex spans 2,344 hectares and consists of 16 solar plants. At full output, it can generate enough electricity to meet the annual demand of roughly 850,000 people.

• In 2025, Brazil added 7.4 GW of new large-scale electricity generation capacity, driven primarily by over 2.81 GW of solar PV, according to the energy regulator Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (ANEEL).

• In August 2025, ABSOLAR reported Brazil’s solar capacity hit 60 GW and forecasted strong distributed generation growth through 2030.

By January 1, 2026, the country’s total large-scale power generation capacity reached 215.9 GW, with renewables accounting for 84.6% of the mix. ANEEL projects a 23.4% increase in renewable capacity in 2026, equivalent to an additional 9.14 GW.

However, while the scale is impressive, the project also reflects a deeper shift underway in Brazil’s renewable energy market.

Assú Sol Delivers at Scale: Advanced Tech Powers Brazil’s Largest Solar Plant

ENGIE completed the project over 30 months, keeping it on schedule and within budget. More than 4,500 direct jobs were created during construction. The development required over 1.5 million solar modules, extensive cabling, and new internal road infrastructure.

Importantly, the company adopted advanced construction technologies. Drone-based aerial mapping improved site planning. Automated graders linked to 3D models enhanced precision. In addition, ENGIE deployed Brazil’s first dedicated automatic pile-driving machine for a solar project.

As a result, execution was faster, safer, and more efficient. Assú Sol demonstrates that large-scale renewables can be delivered with industrial discipline. Yet commissioning marked only the beginning of a more complex challenge.

Assú Sol photovoltaic complex

Curtailment Pressures Test Solar Profitability

Despite reaching full operations, Assú Sol faces curtailment — a structural issue affecting Brazil’s clean energy sector since 2023. Curtailment occurs when renewable plants must reduce output because the grid cannot absorb all available electricity.

Brazil has added wind and solar capacity at record speed. At the same time, electricity demand has grown slowly. Distributed generation, especially rooftop solar, has also expanded rapidly. Consequently, supply often exceeds transmission capacity and real-time demand.

According to Reuters, ENGIE’s Brazil country manager Eduardo Sattamini confirmed that Assú Sol’s production has already been curtailed to balance the grid. Although specific volumes were not disclosed, the impact is material enough to prompt strategic adjustments.

In other words, renewable abundance does not automatically translate into revenue. Infrastructure constraints now shape project economics as much as generation capacity does.

How ENGIE Plans to Use Storage and Bitcoin

Reuters further revealed that to address this imbalance, ENGIE is evaluating two parallel strategies: battery storage and localized demand solutions such as bitcoin mining data centers.

Battery storage provides the most direct fix. By storing excess midday solar output and discharging it during peak demand hours, batteries reduce curtailment and improve grid stability. They also open access to ancillary service markets, strengthening revenue streams.

However, ENGIE is also studying a more unconventional model — using surplus electricity to power bitcoin mining operations. At first glance, the combination may seem unusual. Yet, from an energy economics perspective, it offers several compelling advantages.

Solar farms often produce maximum output during midday, precisely when grid demand can soften. Instead of shutting down generation, operators can redirect excess electricity to mining operations that can scale consumption up or down in real time.

This model delivers multiple strategic benefits.

• Lower carbon intensity: Solar-powered mining sharply reduces emissions compared to fossil-fuel-based operations, helping reposition crypto infrastructure within a cleaner energy framework.

• Flexible demand response: Mining facilities can quickly ramp power usage up or down, absorbing excess electricity during peak solar hours and easing pressure during grid stress.

• Stable long-term energy costs: Solar generation offers predictable operating expenses after initial capital deployment, protecting operators from volatile power markets.

• Improved asset utilization: Co-locating data centers with large solar plants maximizes land use and monetizes electricity that might otherwise be curtailed.

• Diversified revenue streams: Developers gain an additional income channel beyond wholesale power sales, strengthening overall project economics.

Of course, integration comes with challenges. Both solar infrastructure and mining facilities require significant upfront investment. Moreover, energy supply must remain balanced to avoid operational disruptions. Smart-grid systems and, ideally, battery storage will play a critical role in stabilizing performance.

Sattamini made clear that such initiatives would take time to implement. Nonetheless, the strategy signals an evolution in renewable business models — from pure generation toward integrated energy ecosystems.

Community Development and Long-Term Strategy

The company has also invested in the Assú region’s social infrastructure. It supported the construction of a school, a health center, and sports facilities. It improved access to water and provided agricultural equipment to local communities. Such initiatives enhance local acceptance and reinforce the long-term sustainability of the project.

ENGIE’s Renewable and Storage Capacity Goal

Looking ahead, it aims to reach 95 GW of renewable and storage capacity globally by 2030. More than 80% of its planned capital expenditure aligns with the European Taxonomy framework, focusing on low-carbon generation, infrastructure modernization, green gas, and storage technologies.

The company currently operates 15.7 GW of fully renewable installed capacity across hydropower, wind, and solar assets. It also manages 3,200 kilometers of transmission lines and 22 substations.

Some significant achievements include:

• In late 2025, ENGIE commissioned the Serra do Assuruá wind complex in Bahia, adding 846 MW of onshore wind capacity.
• Meanwhile, the Asa Branca transmission project continues to expand grid infrastructure across several states, with more than 1,000 kilometers planned upon completion.
• Another initiative, the Graúna transmission project, will further strengthen interconnections in southern Brazil.

These investments are critical. Without stronger transmission networks, renewable curtailment will persist. Therefore, grid expansion and flexibility solutions must advance alongside generation growth.

As renewable penetration rises, profitability depends not only on installed megawatts but also on flexibility, storage, and innovative demand-side solutions. In that context, combining solar power with storage or even bitcoin mining may redefine how excess clean energy is valued.

And Assú Sol is part of ENGIE’s broader renewable expansion in Brazil, setting an example for renewable markets facing maturity challenges.

• READ MORE: Sungrow Powers ENGIE’s €290M Vilvoorde Battery Park, Europe’s Largest of Its Kind 

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