Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM) delivered a solid set of results for the third quarter of 2025, even though earnings came in slightly below what Wall Street expected. The company reported net income of $0.62 per share, just $0.02 short of analyst forecasts.

Revenue for the quarter reached $1.17 billion, supported by strong performance in its lithium business. Record lithium sales volumes played a major role in boosting the company’s top line, showing how quickly demand has improved across global battery markets.

Lithium Momentum Pushes SQM Toward a Strong 2025

• Gross profit climbed 23.1% year-over-year to $345.8 million, marking a strong rebound after a period of weaker prices earlier in the cycle.

Reuters noted that SQM benefited from rising lithium prices as electric vehicle (EV) demand recovered and large-scale battery storage projects expanded around the world. With these trends gaining strength, SQM raised its 2025 global lithium demand growth forecast to more than 20%, up from its earlier estimate of around 17%.

Looking ahead, SQM maintains a positive outlook for the market. The company plans to invest $2.7 billion over the next three years to expand lithium production capacity in Chile. SQM expects lithium prices to stay on an upward trend in the fourth quarter of 2025 as demand from EVs and energy storage systems continues to accelerate.

China’s Bullish Outlook Sparks a Market Rally

While SQM’s results were strong on their own, global sentiment around lithium improved even more after China’s Ganfeng Lithium issued a highly optimistic forecast. According to Bloomberg, Ganfeng Chairman Li Liangbin projected 30% growth in lithium demand next year. His comments immediately triggered a sharp rally in both lithium prices and mining stocks.

The most-active lithium carbonate futures contract on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange jumped 9%, hitting the daily upper limit of 95,200 yuan per ton (around $13,400). Investors reacted quickly, sending shares of major producers higher. SQM’s stock rose as much as 14%, and Albemarle shares climbed about 9.3% during the rally.

This price surge helped strengthen SQM’s quarterly financials. The company reported net income of $178.4 million, a 36% jump from $131.4 million a year earlier.

Revenue climbed 8.9%, rising from $1.08 billion to $1.17 billion over the same period. With growing investor confidence, SQM’s U.S.-listed shares touched $64.60, their highest level in more than two years.

• CHECK OUT: LIVE LITHIUM PRICES 
• MUST READ: Top 5 Lithium Producers Powering the Battery Market in 2025 

Lithium Market Shifts Into Recovery

Despite these strong results, the lithium industry is still navigating a market that has gone through significant volatility. Lithium prices cooled sharply after reaching record highs in 2022, as supply growth outpaced demand. This pressured margins for SQM, Albemarle, and other major producers.

However, the second half of 2025 brought a noticeable turnaround. SQM said demand between July and September was stronger than expected.

CEO Ricardo Ramos told analysts that although the market remained volatile, SQM was “cautiously optimistic” about the coming months. He emphasized that fundamentals remain strong because demand is rising not just for electric vehicles but also from energy storage systems, which are becoming essential for renewable power grids.

SQM Sees Sharp Demand Jump Ahead of Codelco Deal

Additionally, the mining giant expects global lithium demand in 2025 to exceed 1.5 million metric tons, representing a 25% jump from 2024. Demand could rise further to 1.7 million metric tons by 2026, according to Pablo Hernandez, vice president of strategy and development for SQM’s Chilean lithium division.

However, even with stronger demand signals, he noted that the company remains conservative when estimating next year’s growth.

The company is also preparing to finalize its long-awaited partnership with state-owned miner Codelco. The joint venture will expand lithium extraction in the Atacama salt flat. With China’s market regulator now approving the deal, the final step is receiving a sign-off from Chile’s comptroller. CEO Ricardo Ramos said he is confident the deal will close before the end of the year.

JP Morgan Raises Long-Term Lithium Price Forecast

JP Morgan raised its long-term outlook for lithium prices as demand stayed strong and mining costs climbed. Earlier this year, the bank cut its long-term spodumene forecast to $1,100 per ton. After reassessing global trends, it now sees that number as too low and has increased its estimate to $1,300 per ton.

Why the Upgrade?

• Stronger Demand: Rapid EV and energy storage growth is expected to keep long-term demand elevated. Rising capital and operating costs also mean new projects need higher prices to advance.

• Market Alignment: Investors already assume long-term prices in the $1,200–$1,300 per ton range. JP Morgan’s new forecast better reflects market sentiment and helps identify trading inflection points.

• Supply Discipline: Australian miners say operations at Bald Hill, Wodgina, and Ngungaju won’t restart until prices exceed $1,200 per ton. JP Morgan sees similar discipline emerging in China, reducing the risk of oversupply.

The bank kept its long-term lithium carbonate and hydroxide assumptions at $15,000 per ton, calling these levels “incentive prices” for downstream investment. In the near term, JP Morgan lifted its 2026–2027 spodumene outlook from $800 per ton to $1,100–$1,200 per ton as it expects a tighter market and potential deficits.

The Bottom Line

SQM is benefiting from a fast-improving lithium market driven by strong EV and battery storage momentum. Rising prices, improved demand, and growing investor enthusiasm are lifting the company’s performance. Although volatility remains, SQM enters 2026 with record volumes, a solid financial foundation, and a clearer long-term strategy supported by disciplined supply and a stronger pricing outlook.

• READ MORE: China’s Grip on Lithium Tightens as Global Supply Struggles to Keep Up

The post SQM Bets Big With $2.7 Billion Expansion as Lithium Prices Rebound and Demand Surges appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Honda is taking a new step toward its climate goals by supporting farmers across the United States. The company has joined Carbon by Indigo, a leading regenerative agriculture program that helps farmers improve soil health, capture carbon, and boost their income. Through this partnership, Honda is backing 1,800 metric tons of soil carbon removals, which brings the company closer to its long-term decarbonization targets.

Mahjabeen Qadir, sustainability strategy lead at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC, said:

“For over 40 years, Honda has supported farmers near our Ohio operations through conservation programs that protect farmland and help expand access to markets for their crops. Now, Honda is building on that history by supporting regenerative agriculture practices that help farmers manage climate challenges and maintain healthy farmland for future generations.”

Regenerative Farming: A Simple Way to Heal Soil and Cut Emissions

Regenerative agriculture is becoming a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. It helps the soil store more carbon, keeps water in the ground, and strengthens farms against extreme weather.

Carbon by Indigo: Empowering Farmers With High-Value Carbon Credits

Farmers who join Carbon by Indigo receive guidance on practices like:

• Planting cover crops
• Reducing tillage
• Rotating crops
• Using nitrogen more efficiently

These methods build healthier soil and reduce runoff. They also improve air quality and make farmland more resilient over time.

The company produces high-quality agricultural soil carbon credits that help farmers strengthen their bottom line while enabling corporations to reduce risk by supporting carbon removals, emission reductions, and water benefits.

• Under its standard program, the company returns 75% of the carbon credit purchase price to the farmer.

In this case, farmers generate verified soil carbon credits that companies like Honda purchase to offset hard-to-eliminate emissions.

Carbon by Indigo Program Highlights

Dean Banks, CEO of Indigo Ag, said:

“Indigo proudly works with companies like Honda to take action on achieving their climate goals while creating impact for the communities in which they operate. The Carbon by Indigo program builds prosperity from the ground up, with tangible benefits for local communities and their environment: cleaner air and water, more resilient soil and crop production, additional income for farmers and their families, and a legacy of stewardship across generations.”

Water Conservation and Carbon Removal Go Hand in Hand

Even though water conditions vary by region, the project achieved a notable result: on average, each metric ton of carbon removed conserved approximately 69,000 gallons of water. This demonstrates how regenerative practices enable farmers to adapt to changing climate conditions while enhancing productivity.

Supporting 150 Farmers Across Five States

Honda’s investment supports about 150 farmers near its U.S. operations in Alabama, Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Altogether, these farmers manage 214,000 acres of farmland using regenerative methods.

Importantly, all carbon credits in the Carbon by Indigo program are independently verified by Aster Global Environmental Solutions and issued by the Climate Action Reserve, a widely trusted carbon registry.

READ MORE:

• Microsoft (MSFT) Signs $2.6 Million Soil Carbon Credit Deal with Agoro Carbon to Meet its Net-Zero Goals 
• Microsoft Buys 60,000 Soil Carbon Credits from Indigo’s Largest Carbon Crop 

Honda’s Road to Decarbonization: Cutting Emissions From Products and Operations

Honda has shown leadership in environmental efforts for over 50 years. Now, the company is moving quickly toward an electric and low-carbon future.

• It reported 296.86 million t-CO₂e in total global greenhouse gas emissions for FY2025. About 80% of these emissions come from product use (Scope 3 Category 11). The remaining 20% comes from direct operations and upstream/downstream activities.

Because of this, Honda is prioritizing emission cuts from product use and business operations. The company aims to reach full carbon neutrality by 2050, aiming to increase sales of electric and hybrid vehicles in North America and other major markets.

Triple Action to ZERO: Honda’s Framework for a Sustainable Future

Honda’s clean energy target is ambitious, and its environmental vision is shaped by its “Triple Action to ZERO” strategy, which includes:

1. Carbon Neutrality – achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions
2. Clean Energy – switching fully to carbon-free energy sources
3. Resource Circulation – creating products with sustainable and recyclable materials

These three actions connect to global climate and biodiversity goals. Honda also supports Nature-based Solutions, such as restoring forests and ecosystems, to increase its positive environmental impact.

Honda also trains suppliers through the Green Excellence Academy and supports dealerships through the Environmental Leadership Program, so the entire value chain can lower emissions.

Protecting Biodiversity Across the Globe

Honda is protecting ecosystems near its facilities through forest projects and greenbelt expansion. In Ohio, the company created the Honda Power of Dreams Forest, planting 85,000 trees over 40.5 hectares to restore riparian zones and create wildlife habitats.

Similar initiatives are underway in Europe and Brazil. In Belgium, Honda is restoring black poplar trees and building insect hotels and ponds to boost biodiversity. In the Amazon rainforest, Honda maintains 80% of its motorcycle test course as a protected conservation area and supports replanting endangered species like mahogany and rosewood.

A Long-Term Commitment to a Cleaner Future

Honda’s partnership with Carbon by Indigo reflects its broader mission to cut emissions, expand clean energy, and support sustainable communities. Through regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, circular manufacturing, and biodiversity programs, Honda is building a pathway toward a Zero Environmental Impact Society by 2050.

These efforts show how large companies can support climate solutions while strengthening local communities and protecting the planet for future generations.

• FURTHER READING: Scaling Sustainable Farming: AgreenaCarbon’s 2.3 Million Verified Carbon Credits Redefine Regenerative Agriculture 

The post Honda Backs U.S. Farmers With Regenerative Agriculture to Drive Its Net-Zero Future appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Japan is moving toward restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power station, the world’s largest by capacity. The move could change the country’s energy policy, which relies on atomic power to tackle high fuel costs, boost energy security, and reduce carbon emissions.

The nuclear plant is run by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), and the restart of its biggest units, No. 6 and No. 7, together producing about 2,710 megawatts (MW), could happen soon, if regulators and local authorities approve.

It is the governor of Niigata prefecture who moves to approve the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility. Hideyo Hanazumi plans to hold a press conference to announce his decision and said he will consult with the prefectural assembly. If the assembly also agrees, the restart will be officially authorized. He said during a media briefing:

“I would like to make a decision and express it soon.”

A Long Road Back: Why Japan’s Nuclear Revival Matters

After Fukushima in 2011, Japan shut down nearly all its reactors, and restarting them has been slow. By late 2024, only 14 reactors had started back up under the stricter post-Fukushima rules.

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, also called KK, has a total capacity of 8,212 MW, making it the largest nuclear power plant in the world. The facility has mostly sat unused since 2012. This happened after safety worries and stricter rules came in after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

In December, regulators lifted a de facto ban that had blocked TEPCO from loading fresh nuclear fuel into the plant. The company has done safety inspections and is now seeking approval from Niigata Prefecture. This includes getting the governor’s okay, as they have a lot of influence over the decision.

If approved, restarting even part of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa could dramatically boost Japan’s nuclear output. For TEPCO, this move may lower operating costs, reduce dependence on costly imported fuels, and improve its long-term financial outlook.

Japan’s Nuclear Comeback: The Bigger Picture

Nuclear’s share in Japan’s electricity mix has begun to rise, per the ISEP data. In fiscal year 2023, nuclear energy made up 8.5% of the country’s power generation. It is the highest level since before Fukushima. Fossil fuels, especially LNG and coal, still supply the bulk of power.

The country still has far to go. Many reactors remain offline as utility firms seek regulatory approval and local consent. The largest plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, could add back several gigawatts if its units restart. 

Policy now backs a larger nuclear role. The government’s strategic energy plan targets roughly 20% nuclear by 2040, alongside a big push for renewables (40–50%). These goals aim to cut fuel import bills and lower emissions, but they will require many more restarts, life extensions, or new builds.

The commercial case for more nuclear in Japan rests on several factors. Restarted reactors reduce costly LNG use and help utilities stabilize generation costs. They also provide steady, low-carbon baseload power that complements intermittent renewables.

On the other hand, safety upgrades, decommissioning risks, and local opposition impose large financial and political costs.

In short, Japan’s nuclear comeback is real but cautious. Progress relies on a few key factors:

• Regulatory approvals,
• Local consent, ongoing safety investments, and
• Nuclear’s ability to compete with cheaper renewables and storage as they grow.

Small but Mighty: Japan’s Growing Interests in SMR 

Japan is also studying the use of Small Modular Reactors, or SMRs, as part of its longer-term energy plan. These reactors are smaller and can be built in factories, which may reduce costs and construction time. They could help Japan add more nuclear power without the long delays that come with large plants. 

Several Japanese companies are already working with international partners to develop SMR designs. IHI, a leading equipment maker, is working with a U.S. firm, NuScale Power, on modular reactor technology. They have built full-scale mock-ups to test their engineering systems. 

Chubu Electric Power, one of the country’s major utilities, has also announced plans to invest in SMR projects at home and overseas. These steps show rising industry interest in this new type of reactor.

Even with this momentum, Japan’s SMR plans are still at an early stage. The government has not yet completed a full regulatory framework for these reactors. Safety rules, design standards, and licensing pathways still need more work before construction can begin. 

• Japan faces key economic questions. Can SMRs compete with renewables, large reactors, and imported fuels?

Because of these factors, experts expect SMRs to grow slowly. The Asian country may first use them for research or for exports before they appear in domestic power grids.

Still, as the country looks for low-carbon energy and more stable power supplies, SMRs are becoming part of the national discussion about the future of nuclear power.

• RELATED: NuScale Power Stock Surges After U.S.’s Biggest SMR Nuclear Deal

Hurdles Ahead: Safety, Costs, and Local Concerns

Even with regulatory and political momentum, restarting Kashiwazaki-Kariwa faces hurdles. Local consent remains a key issue: the governor needs the nod of the prefectural assembly. 

Safety is a major concern. TEPCO must run the plant under the tougher standards imposed after Fukushima. For residents near the plant, the disaster’s memory is still strong. This leads to local resistance in some communities.

There are financial risks, too. Restarting nuclear plants requires huge investments in safety upgrades, regulatory compliance, and community relations. If the market for electricity or nuclear power shifts, these costs could pose a burden.

Strategic Impact on Japan’s Energy Market

If put back online, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa could play a key role in lowering Japan’s import bill for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Japan is one of the world’s largest LNG importers, and atomic power offers a way to reduce its reliance on volatile markets.

More nuclear generation could also support Japan’s climate goals. The government’s energy roadmap targets a big increase in nuclear while also expanding renewables, aiming for a 40–50% renewable share by 2040. In that plan, nuclear provides a stable, carbon-free “baseload” to complement fluctuating solar and wind power.

The restart could also reshape investor sentiment. Utilities, financial institutions, and even global energy analysts are watching closely. A strong comeback of large nuclear power could show faith in Japan’s atomic revival. This might also encourage long-term investments in its nuclear industry.

Why the Restart is Significant Globally

Japan’s potential restart of the world’s largest nuclear plant comes at a moment when many countries are rethinking nuclear power. Rising energy prices, geopolitical instability, and stronger climate targets make nuclear more attractive. A revival in Japan could influence other nations to reconsider or expand their own nuclear programs.

For TEPCO, a successful restart strengthens its case for nuclear as a core part of its business. For the region, it offers more stable energy, local economic support, and lower emissions. And for Japan, it could signal that the nuclear sector is fully back in its long-term energy mix.

If the governor of Niigata approves the restart as expected, Japan may very soon add a major source of clean, reliable power — and a potent symbol of its atomic revival.

• READ MORE: Big American Nuclear Revival! Cameco, Brookfield, and Washington’s $80B Reactor Deal

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