After a turbulent year for sustainability in 2025, many businesses are reassessing how to move forward on climate action. While the impacts of global warming are accelerating, political and regulatory support for climate initiatives has become increasingly uneven across regions. For companies navigating climate risk, sustainability disclosures, and reputational exposure, this uncertainty raises a critical question: how will climate action be credible and valued over the long term?
As we look to 2026, two clear themes are emerging. First, businesses need a steady, long-term approach to managing carbon emissions that is resilient to political shifts. Second, governments, global coalitions, and leading climate frameworks are reinforcing the role of high-integrity carbon credits—providing clearer rules for how credits can be used alongside decarbonization, establishing global quality standards, and offering guidance that protects companies from greenwashing accusations. Together, these developments signal an important evolution in how carbon credits fit into credible climate strategies.
Executive Takeaway
In 2026, credible climate action is no longer about choosing between decarbonization and carbon credits—it is about using both correctly. New guidance from global coalitions and frameworks such as The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is clarifying how high‑integrity carbon credits can complement sustained emissions reductions, mobilize global climate finance, and support transparent, defensible climate claims. For businesses, these developments reduce uncertainty and greenwashing risk while reinforcing the need for disciplined project selection, clear disclosures, and alignment between carbon credit attributes and their intended climate use.
Businesses Need a Steady, Long‑Term Strategy for Carbon Footprint Management
Global warming and climate change are happening, and they are not going away. Businesses and individuals are feeling the effects in very real ways. Higher temperatures are increasing our energy consumption and costs. (2) More frequent and severe storms are driving up insurance costs. (3) Tidal flooding events are more common. (4) While more talked about signs of global warming like shrinking glaciers and retreating sea ice feel like another world, global warming will increasingly affect all of us.
Businesses need to view carbon emissions are a long-term liability risk in addition to corporate environmental responsibility. Companies already face negative public and customer perception for greenhouse gas emissions, and regulatory penalties could increase over time. 2026 will have several new regulatory requirements in sustainability and climate. Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand have enhanced their climate-related disclosure requirements. (7) EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) also enters its definitive phase. This trend will only continue. As the effects of global warming build, the historical impacts that a business has not addressed become an increasing liability concern. advances
Advances in understanding climate science, developments in zero emission technology, and progress in greenhouse gas regulation teach us that climate action will not be an abrupt shift. It will be a long-term sustained transition by businesses, governments, and society. Good business leaders recognize the difference between short-term political fluctuations and long-term drivers like global warming. It is inefficient for businesses to reactively stop and start programs based on the trends of the moment. Successful business leaders recognize long-term drivers and maintain programs to create future competitive advantages. The best way to mitigate the liability of greenhouse gas emissions is with consistent progress and action over time. Businesses who continue to implement and advance their climate programs will reduce their historic greenhouse gas liability and position their companies for long-term success. This is also an important way for a business to show customers that it cares about its impact on the planet.
Carbon Credits are an Important Part of Climate Action, Especially in Times Like This
Widespread and consistent government support for the transition to a net-zero economy has been difficult to achieve. Progress is challenging when government programs stop and start with political changes. A major benefit of voluntary carbon projects is that they don’t rely on government support. They rely on climate finance from businesses and individuals who purchase carbon credits to take responsibility for their footprint by contributing to global greenhouse gas reduction. Carbon credits are a way for businesses and individuals to drive carbon reduction and sustainability independent of the politics of the moment.
Carbon markets also help reduce the cost to society for climate action by directing funding to projects that achieve the biggest impact at the lowest cost. Even long-time climate activist Bill Gates acknowledged that social well-being must be maintained while we address global warming. (1) With limited funds to drive economic growth, social welfare, and carbon reduction, it is in everyone’s best interest to make climate action as efficient as possible.
Lastly, while the priority is eliminating our own carbon emissions wherever possible, we know that is not enough. Our global carbon reduction needs are bigger than our ability to eliminate our emissions. Supporting high-quality voluntary carbon projects alongside science-aligned carbon reduction is the new formula for leading climate action.
Governments and Climate Leaders want Aggressive Carbon Reduction and Global Climate Finance
Government and climate leaders focused on achieving the greatest climate progress to recognize the value of carbon credits in climate action. The governments of UK, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Canada, New Zealand, Kenya, Panama, Peru, and Zambia are leading The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets which launched at London Climate Action Week 2025. The goal of The Coalition is to, “drive climate-positive growth and accelerate the pace of emissions reductions worldwide by strengthening the incentives businesses need to invest in high-integrity carbon credits across carbon markets, including voluntary and Article 6 markets.” (5) It recognizes that carbon credit markets are an under-used tool to drive investment to the global low-carbon transformation and put a value on the greenhouse gas (GHG). (5)
“With a $1.3 trillion annual climate finance gap, we must unlock the full potential of private sector action to accelerate emissions reductions and drive investment at scale.” Philippe Varin, Chair, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). (5)
Coalition partners include World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM), World Bank, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), which have worked closely with the Coalition to inform and shape the outputs.
The Coalition’s Shared Principles aim to align private sector action with national and global climate goals by providing direction, clarity, and confidence for companies to grow their voluntary carbon credit demand, alongside deep decarbonization, and to make credible claims regarding these actions. Companies who follow these rules ensure a high standard for carbon project integrity and also have important protection against greenwashing accusations. The Shared Principles include: (5)
- Use carbon credits in addition to decarbonization
Companies should prioritize measurable and sustained direct and indirect emissions reductions with carbon credits used in addition to decarbonization, in line with the mitigation hierarchy
- Use carbon credits with high environmental integrity
Companies should retire carbon credits of high environmental integrity
- Uphold fair price, social safeguards, and, where applicable, support co-benefits for people and nature
Companies should source carbon credits from activities that meet rigorous requirements for social, economic, and environmental safeguards
- Disclose carbon credit use publicly and transparently
Companies should publicly and transparently disclose how carbon credits are used as part of their climate strategies
- Make accurate, substantiated claims involving carbon credit use
Companies should ensure that claims involving carbon credits are clear, truthful, and substantiated, avoiding greenwashing and misleading representations
- Support growth of high-integrity carbon credit markets
In a rapidly evolving market for voluntary carbon credit use, companies should cooperate with other market participants to help improve market functionality.
SBTi and the Evolution of Business Climate Claims
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), the leading global framework for business climate action, is also undertaking its first broad revision of the Net Zero Standard. Among other changes, SBTi will add rules for the use of permanent carbon removals in business net-zero plans and recognition for addressing ongoing emissions with high-integrity carbon credits. The new Net Zero Standard is expected to be published in spring 2026 and becomes mandatory beginning January 1, 2028. There are two Key Elements of the Net Zero Standard Revision Related to Carbon Credits: (6)
- Companies can start using durable Carbon Removals now to achieve near-term and long-term carbon removal goals for Scope 1 Residual Emission requirements in their net-zero plan.
- SBTi will also recognize companies who use high-integrity carbon credits to address “ongoing emissions” (those released during the decarbonization journey), if they also achieved their carbon reduction goals for the year. SBTi states that by taking responsibility for these ongoing emissions, companies can help limit temperature overshoot, reduce transition risks, and support climate solutions.
This also reflects the increasing importance of aligning the attributes of a carbon reduction project with the intended use. SBTi identifies that only durable removal credits can be used for science-aligned global net-zero progress because the carbon removal has the same lifetime as carbon emitted. Non-durable carbon removals and carbon reductions/avoidances can be used to address ongoing emissions because they are not tied to a science-aligned net zero goal. This element of SBTi focuses instead on driving climate finance that supports the transition to a net-zero economy and invests in natural climate resilience.
SBTi also provides support for businesses who make climate claims when they follow these rules. The latest update on the Corporate Net Zero Standard Revision says, “Companies that meet the recognition criteria and public reporting criteria in CNZS-C25 shall be eligible to make claims related to Ongoing Emissions Responsibility. (6) Similar to The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets, companies who follow SBTi rules ensure a high standard for carbon project integrity and have important protection against greenwashing accusations. SBTi also provides sample statements on how to make a credible claim about addressing ongoing emissions: (6)
- “Between 2025 and 2030, we took responsibility for 50% of our ongoing emissions over the five-year target timeframe as a contribution to global net-zero, achieving SBTi Ongoing Emissions Responsibility Recognized status.” Mandatory elements:
- “We funded 100,000 t CO2e of third-party verified emissions reductions beyond our value chain to take responsibility for 50% of ongoing emissions as a contribution to global net-zero.”
- “We supported 800,000 tCO₂e of verified ex-post mitigation outcomes (40% of our total ongoing emissions) through emission reductions and carbon removals.”
It is worth mentioning that many, including SBTi, have moved away from the phrase “offsetting” because some interpreted it to suggest that carbon emissions have been cancelled. Instead, the climate science community is moving towards the view of carbon credits as a positive contribution to the global climate. At Terrapass we also increasingly refer to carbon credits as a climate contribution. However, “carbon offsetting” is historically and today one of the most widely recognized terms for climate action. Many people and companies who want to make a climate contribution still use this phrase. It is important to connect with everyone looking for help with climate action. For this reason, Terrapass still references carbon offsetting as we also transition towards climate contribution language.
Resolving Critical Needs for Business Climate Action
The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets and SBTi Net Zero Standard 2.0 solve problematic gaps in sustainability and climate action. Companies are not in the business of creating sustainability rules. They need independent organizations with scientific and administrative rigor to set rules that can be followed with confidence. Globally aligned standards for carbon project quality are essential. That was lacking historically and led to inconsistencies in project quality that drove much of the controversy about carbon markets. However, new global quality standards like ICVCM have addressed this gap, and we are seeing climate initiatives across the world align with this standard.
In addition to rules for project quality, we also need independent organizations that define how businesses should use carbon credits and promote their climate contributions. The new rules from The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets and SBTi drive climate progress by giving businesses confidence in how to use carbon credits and how to talk about it. This gives businesses much needed protection from greenwashing accusations by pointing to the rules created by independent global climate leaders.
Build a Credible Climate Strategy
If your organization is evaluating how carbon credits fit into your climate strategy — whether you’re
prioritizing decarbonization, addressing ongoing emissions, or navigating evolving disclosure and climate
claims guidance — Terrapass Advisors can help.
Our team works with businesses to assess project integrity, align carbon credit use with leading global
frameworks, and support transparent, defensible climate claims as part of a long-term sustainability strategy.
Get Started on Your Sustainability Journey
Sources:
(1) https://www.gatesnotes.com/home/home-page-topic/reader/three-tough-truths-about-climate
(2) https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/record-heat-rising
(3) https://www.usnews.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/climate-change-and-rates
(4) https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/us-high-tide-flooding-continues-to-break-records
(5) https://coalitiontogrowcarbonmarkets.org/shared-principles/
(6) https://sciencebasedtargets.org/developing-the-net-zero-standard
The post Climate Action in 2026: New Rules Add High-Integrity Carbon Credits to Aggressive Decarbonization appeared first on Terrapass.
Carbon Footprint
DOE Launches $500M Funding Drive to Strengthen U.S. Battery Supply Chains and Critical Minerals Processing
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a major funding initiative aimed at strengthening domestic battery supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals. The department introduced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) worth up to $500 million to expand U.S. capabilities in mineral processing, battery materials manufacturing, and recycling.
Significantly, these investments target industries such as grid storage, transportation, manufacturing, and national defense. At the same time, the initiative reflects growing concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities for minerals that power modern energy technologies.
According to Chris Wright, the United States has relied for too long on foreign suppliers to provide and process key materials used in battery manufacturing. Strengthening domestic supply chains, he explained, will help the country meet rising energy demand while maintaining economic and technological leadership.
Strengthening the Domestic Battery Supply Chain
The DOE’s new funding program focuses on boosting the United States’ ability to process, recycle, and manufacture battery materials domestically. Currently, many minerals used in advanced batteries are mined globally but processed overseas before reaching U.S. manufacturers.
This dependency creates supply risks and exposes the economy to geopolitical disruptions. As a result, the new funding program aims to build a more resilient supply chain across several stages of battery production. Explained in detail below:
Critical Mineral Processing
First, the program seeks to expand domestic processing of critical minerals. Many essential battery materials—including lithium, nickel, graphite, copper, and aluminum—require complex refining processes before they can be used in batteries. By investing in new processing facilities, the United States hopes to reduce reliance on foreign refining capacity and ensure a stable supply of materials for domestic industries.
Battery Recycling Technologies
Second, the initiative emphasizes recycling technologies. Recovering valuable metals from used batteries and manufacturing scrap can significantly reduce the need for new mining while improving supply security. Recycling also lowers environmental impacts by reducing waste and conserving natural resources.
Battery Manufacturing Capacity
Finally, the program aims to expand manufacturing capacity for battery materials and components within the United States. Increasing domestic production of battery precursors, cathode materials, and other key components will help support the entire North American battery supply chain.
The funding is supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocated billions of dollars to strengthen energy infrastructure and domestic manufacturing across the country.
Battery Storage Becomes a Major U.S. Energy Technology
The urgency behind these investments reflects the rapid growth of battery storage across the United States. In recent years, battery systems have emerged as a critical technology for managing modern power grids.
In fact, batteries became the largest form of energy storage in the country in 2024, surpassing traditional pumped hydro storage for the first time. This shift marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the U.S. electricity system.
At the same time, the number of battery projects expanded rapidly. Nearly 1,000 storage projects were either operating or under development across the country. Many of these projects are located in California and Texas, where large-scale renewable energy installations require flexible storage solutions to stabilize the electricity supply.
One notable example is the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility, one of the largest battery installations in the United States. Located in California, the facility pairs a natural gas power plant with massive battery storage systems that can deliver electricity when demand peaks.
As renewable energy capacity continues to grow, battery storage will play an increasingly important role in maintaining grid reliability and balancing intermittent energy sources such as solar and wind.
EV Battery Manufacturing Market Continues to Grow
The electric vehicle industry is another major driver behind rising battery demand. As EV adoption accelerates globally, automakers and battery companies are investing heavily in new manufacturing facilities.
In the United States, the electric vehicle battery manufacturing market is projected to grow steadily over the coming years. Industry estimates suggest the market will reach approximately $17.94 billion in 2026, increasing from $16.36 billion in 2025.
Looking further ahead, the sector is expected to expand significantly. By 2031, the market could reach around $28.46 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of nearly 9.7 percent.
Multiple factors fuel this growth. Federal incentives for clean energy technologies, rising consumer demand for electric vehicles, and large-scale investments in domestic manufacturing are all contributing to the expansion of the U.S. battery industry.
However, sustaining this growth will require reliable access to the minerals that power advanced batteries.
America’s Critical Mineral Supply Remains a Concern
To address supply risks, the U.S. Geological Survey expanded its official list of critical minerals in 2025. The updated list now includes 60 minerals, up from 50 identified in 2022.
Several new minerals were added due to their growing importance for the economy and national security. These additions include boron, copper, lead, metallurgical coal, phosphate, potash, rhenium, silicon, silver, and uranium.
Despite these efforts, the United States remains heavily dependent on imports for many critical minerals. As of 2024, the country relied entirely on foreign suppliers for twelve critical minerals. Meanwhile, more than half of the domestic demand for twenty-nine minerals came from imports.
Rare earth elements represent one of the most significant vulnerabilities because global supply chains remain highly concentrated. China continues to dominate the production and processing of these materials, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions.
As a result, U.S. policymakers are increasingly focused on strengthening domestic mining, processing, and recycling capabilities.
Global Demand for Energy Minerals Is Rising Fast
The push to secure mineral supply chains also reflects rapidly growing global demand for energy materials. According to the IEA, demand for key minerals used in clean energy technologies is expected to increase dramatically in the coming decades.
Lithium demand, for example, could grow fivefold by 2040 under current policy scenarios. Copper will likely remain the largest mineral market by value, while other materials such as nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements will also see strong growth.
Overall, the combined market value for six key energy minerals—copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements—could reach approximately $500 billion by 2040. This surge reflects the rapid expansion of electric vehicles, renewable power systems, battery storage, and other clean energy technologies.
Consequently, governments around the world are competing to secure reliable access to these strategic resources.
Against this backdrop, the DOE’s $500 million funding initiative represents an important step toward strengthening America’s position in the global battery economy. By expanding domestic processing, recycling, and manufacturing capacity, the United States aims to reduce supply risks while supporting the technologies that will power the future energy system.
- READ MORE: Unlocking the Power of Critical Minerals with US DOE’s $45 Million Investment: A Focus on Antimony
The post DOE Launches $500M Funding Drive to Strengthen U.S. Battery Supply Chains and Critical Minerals Processing appeared first on Carbon Credits.
Disseminated on behalf of Alaska Energy Metals Corporation.
On the surface, the global nickel market looks comfortable. Supply appears ample. Prices remain under pressure. Inventories continue to climb. However, this apparent balance hides a deeper problem. The world’s nickel supply has become heavily concentrated in one country, creating long-term risks that today’s surplus does not fully reflect.
The S&P Global Nickel CBS January 2026 report makes this point clear. While Indonesia continues to push large volumes of nickel into the market, warning signs are emerging. Policy uncertainty, slowing demand, and swelling inventories now shape the near-term outlook. At the same time, today’s oversupply is quietly setting the stage for future instability.
The Nickel Market is in Surplus, But Not in Balance
At first glance, the nickel market seems well supplied. S&P Global projects a 156,000-tonne surplus in 2026, even after Indonesia announced sharp cuts to its nickel ore quotas. This surplus explains why prices struggle to move higher, despite occasional rallies.
However, the quota cuts have not reduced output as much as expected. Indonesian smelters continue to run at high utilization rates. They rely on existing ore stockpiles and imports from the Philippines to keep production steady. As a result, global supply still runs ahead of demand.
This imbalance shows up clearly in inventories. LME nickel stocks climbed to 275,634 tonnes in January 2026, marking the largest inflows since 2019. Rising inventories signal that excess nickel has nowhere to go. Even Class 1 nickel remains widely available, keeping prices capped.
Weak Nickel Demand Keeps the Surplus Alive
Strong supply alone does not explain the surplus. Weak demand plays an equally important role.
S&P Global further analysed that in late 2025, manufacturing activity slowed across key regions. U.S. and Eurozone PMIs fell into contraction, weighed down by trade tariffs introduced under President Trump. These tariffs raised costs and disrupted supply chains, hurting industrial activity. At the same time, consumer confidence weakened, reducing demand for stainless steel and other nickel-intensive products.
China offered some support, but not enough to change the overall picture. Its PMI showed mild expansion, backed by measures in the 2026–2030 Five-Year Plan aimed at stabilizing the property sector. Even so, stainless steel production remains oversupplied, and EV battery makers continue to adjust designs to use less nickel.
As a result, near-term nickel demand growth stays muted. Despite this, speculative investors remain optimistic. Net long positions have stayed elevated for seven months, reflecting bets that supply disruptions will eventually outweigh weak fundamentals.
Is Oversupply More Than a Price Problem?
Oversupply does more than suppress prices. It distorts market balance.
When supply consistently exceeds demand, prices lose their ability to send clear signals. Even meaningful policy actions, such as Indonesia’s quota cuts, fail to trigger lasting price increases. The market simply absorbs the news and moves on.
At the same time, oversupply discourages investment outside low-cost regions. Higher-cost producers struggle to survive. In Australia, several operations have already cut output due to poor margins. These curtailments reduce supply diversity without tightening the market.
As a result, the world becomes more dependent on Indonesian nickel. While this keeps prices low today, it increases vulnerability tomorrow.
2030s Set to Flip the Nickel Market Balance
According to S&P Global, today’s surplus will not last forever.
The report projects that global nickel stocks will peak around 2028. After that, inventories begin to fall as demand improves and supply growth slows. By the early 2030s, the market balance flips.
By 2031, S&P Global expects the primary nickel balance to turn negative. EV battery demand accelerates as electrification expands. Stainless steel consumption recovers alongside global manufacturing. Meanwhile, Indonesian supply growth slows as easy expansions run out and regulatory risks increase.
Once inventories drop below comfortable weeks-of-consumption levels, prices respond quickly. S&P Global points to nickel prices rising toward $25,000 per tonne or higher, especially for Class 1 material.
Non-Indonesian Projects Hold the Key to Future Balance
As we understand now, oversupply is reshaping how the market thinks about security. During surplus periods, buyers focus on price. Origin matters less. Reliability takes a back seat. However, as balance tightens, priorities shift. A stable, politically secure supply becomes critical.
This is when non-Indonesian projects regain importance. Oversupply may delay their development, but it also ensures that fewer alternatives exist when demand rebounds. As a result, high-quality projects outside Indonesia gain strategic value.
AEMC’s Nikolai Project Stands Apart
This shifting market context brings Alaska Energy Metals Corp. (AEMC) into focus.
AEMC’s Eureka deposit, part of the Nikolai Nickel Project in Alaska, is now the largest known nickel resource in the United States. Importantly, the project is polymetallic. Alongside nickel, it hosts copper, cobalt, chromium, platinum, and palladium—materials critical to clean energy, infrastructure, and defense.
In March 2025, AEMC released an updated NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate, prepared by Stantec Consulting Services. The update significantly expanded the project’s scale.
The estimate includes:
- 1.19 billion tonnes of Indicated resources, up 46%
- 2.09 billion tonnes of Inferred resources, up 133%
- 61 billion pounds of contained nickel in the Indicated category
- 9.38 billion pounds of nickel in the Inferred category
On a nickel-equivalent basis, the resource exceeds 29 billion pounds, placing it among the world’s largest undeveloped nickel assets.
Long-Life Supply with Strong Economics
Beyond size, the project’s quality strengthens its case.
The Eureka deposit features a low strip ratio of about 1.6:1, which supports lower operating costs. A higher-grade core sits near the surface, reducing early capital requirements. Mineralization remains consistent and continuous, extending in multiple directions with room for expansion.
Early metallurgical work suggests the ore should respond well to conventional processing, avoiding complex or risky technologies. Together, these factors support a long-life, stable supply source—something the U.S. currently lacks.
Why AEMC Fits the U.S. Strategy
The United States faces a widening gap between critical mineral demand and domestic supply. Nickel ranks near the top of that list, driven by EVs, grid infrastructure, and defense needs.
AEMC aligns closely with this strategy. The company is advancing permitting under the FAST-41 framework, plans to deliver a Preliminary Economic Assessment in Q1 2026, and continues hydrometallurgical testing to support future U.S.-based refining.
In a market dominated by Indonesian supply, AEMC offers diversification, security, and scale.
Today’s nickel surplus keeps prices low and inventories high. However, it also hides growing structural risks.
As oversupply fades and demand accelerates, the market will need new, reliable sources of nickel. Projects like AEMC’s Nikolai are not competing with today’s surplus—they are preparing for tomorrow’s shortage.
And when balance finally tightens, supply security may matter just as much as price.
Live Nickel Spot Price
- MUST READ: AEMC’s Nikolai: America’s Answer to Indonesia’s Nickel Crunch
DISCLAIMER
New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com (“We” or “Us”) are not securities dealers or brokers, investment advisers, or financial advisers, and you should not rely on the information herein as investment advice. Alaska Energy Metals. (“Company”) made a one-time payment of $75,000 to provide marketing services for a term of three months. None of the owners, members, directors, or employees of New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com currently hold, or have any beneficial ownership in, any shares, stocks, or options of the companies mentioned.
This article is informational only and is solely for use by prospective investors in determining whether to seek additional information. It does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Examples that we provide of share price increases pertaining to a particular issuer from one referenced date to another represent arbitrarily chosen time periods and are no indication whatsoever of future stock prices for that issuer and are of no predictive value.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “plan,” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.
These factors include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s exploration and development plans, the potential of its mineral projects, financing activities, regulatory approvals, market conditions, and future objectives. Forward-looking information involves numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility, the state of financial markets for the Company’s securities, fluctuations in commodity prices, operational challenges, and changes in business plans.
Forward-looking information is based on several key expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and will be able to raise additional capital as required. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended.
There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis and annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2025, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances except as may be required by applicable law.
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Disseminated on behalf of Surge Battery Metals Inc.
The lithium market is experiencing a major rebound due to rising demand and tightening supply. Battery-grade lithium carbonate spot prices have jumped to about $24,086 per metric ton, based on data from Shanghai Metals Market (SMM). This marks a sharp increase from earlier lows in 2025, after a period of oversupply had weighed on the market.
What Causes Lithium Prices to Rebound
Several factors are behind the lithium price surge. First, the growth in stationary energy storage systems has been rapid. In 2025, demand for lithium in storage applications jumped about 71%, and analysts expect another 55% growth in 2026. As more utilities, data centers, and industrial players adopt battery storage, lithium demand continues to expand beyond just electric vehicles (EVs).
Second, China’s battery manufacturing sector is ramping up production to meet both domestic and global demand. Policy support for clean energy and EV adoption has helped absorb excess lithium that previously contributed to oversupply.
Meanwhile, regions like Europe and North America are boosting support for EVs and energy storage. European demand for batteries could reach 1 terawatt-hour by 2030. At the same time, U.S. incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act have already led to hundreds of new battery projects. These programs are driving additional lithium demand, putting further pressure on an already tight supply.
Third, supply constraints are becoming a concern. Forecasts for 2026 suggest a shift from surplus to a potential supply deficit of 22,000 to 80,000 metric tons, depending on how quickly new projects come online. This deficit is boosting hope among producers and investors. Prices might stay high if demand keeps outstripping supply.
Lithium’s Double Boost: AI + Data Center Batteries
Additional factors include rising interest in AI and data center batteries, which require large amounts of high-quality lithium. Emerging markets are generating new demand for battery-grade lithium. This adds to the existing need for electric vehicles. Coupled with a limited number of major lithium producers and delays in bringing new projects online, the market has become increasingly tight.
Other factors driving lithium prices up are the fast-growing need for batteries in AI data centers and energy storage systems. The global lithium-ion battery market for data centers was around $5.2 billion in 2024, per Prsedence Research. It is set to grow to nearly $17.7 billion by 2034, most of which will come from lithium batteries.
Lithium battery shipments for data center energy storage might rise over 80% in the next five years. Operators are expanding systems to support AI workloads that need steady power and load balancing. This surge in demand from new markets adds to the traditional battery needs of electric vehicles.
In short, the surge in lithium prices reflects a perfect storm of strong demand, constrained supply, and supportive policies. Investors and companies are taking note, as this environment signals higher revenues for producers. It also creates more opportunities for juniors to develop high-grade resources.
Surge Battery Metals Step Into the Spotlight
Surge Battery Metals (TSX-V: NILI | OTCQX: NILIF) is one such company advancing its position in the lithium supply chain. Surge focuses on the Nevada North Lithium Project (NNLP), which hosts the highest-grade lithium clay resource in the United States. It has a mineral resource estimate of 11.24 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) grading 3,010 ppm lithium at a 1,250 ppm cutoff.
The company has also seen strong investor interest in recent trading. In early 2026, its stock rose about 35%, and over the past month, it gained nearly 46%. This rally reflects the overall optimism in the lithium market. It also matches the strong gains of major producers like Albemarle. The increase shows growing confidence in NILI’s high-grade Nevada project and its potential role in meeting rising lithium demand.
In early January 2026, Surge announced a key executive hire to strengthen its commercial leadership. The company appointed Steffen Ball as Vice President of Commercial Development for Nevada North Lithium LLC, the joint venture between Surge and Evolution Mining. Mr. Ball brings senior experience from major automakers’ battery material sourcing teams, including roles at Nissan North America and Ford.
This appointment signals Surge’s focus on preparing the project for eventual production and strategic partnerships. It also shows the company’s plan to create a team with strong industry knowledge and connections in the lithium value chain.
Alongside personnel moves, Surge has attracted increased investment from institutional groups. The Quaternary Group, for example, increased its ownership in Surge by buying shares on the open market. Now, it holds about 7.8% of the company on an undiluted basis.
Nevada North: High-Grade, High Stakes
Surge Battery Metals stands out among junior lithium miners. Its main asset, the Nevada North Lithium Project, sits in a well-established U.S. mining region with strong infrastructure.
Early exploration shows lithium clay grades up to 7,630 ppm, with updated drill intercepts as high as 8,070 ppm, considered high for clay-based deposits. A Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) shows an after-tax NPV of US$9.2 billion. It also has an IRR of 22.8% when lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) is priced at US$24,000 per tonne.
The project could produce an average of 86,300 tonnes of LCE annually, peaking at 109,100 tonnes in Year 6. Operating costs are estimated at US$5,243 per tonne of LCE, giving Surge a competitive edge.
The project is now progressing toward a Pre-Feasibility Study targeted for completion in late 2026, led by global engineering firm Fluor Corporation.
Surge is expanding its resource base through drilling across several kilometers of strike. The company recently reported additional strong drill results from Nevada North. It announced a 30.6-meter intercept grading 4,196 ppm lithium from surface in a 640-meter step-out hole to the southeast.
In infill drilling, Surge also reported 116 meters averaging 3,752 ppm lithium, including 32.1 meters grading 4,521 ppm near surface, highlighting a strong high-grade core within the deposit. These results confirm that high-grade lithium extends beyond the current resource area.
The wide step-out distance also shows strong potential for further expansion. Consistent high grades near the surface can support future resource growth and strengthen the project’s development outlook.
Moreover, Nevada’s mining-friendly environment, with access to roads, power, and skilled labor, reduces development risk. Strategic hires with experience in battery supply chains signal the company’s readiness to move toward production and partnerships.
High-grade resources, strong economics, and a strategic location put Surge in a great spot in the growing lithium market.
From Clay to Clean Energy
The recent rise in lithium prices shows how supply and demand dynamics are shifting. As energy storage and electric vehicles expand, major companies are boosting their market positions. Higher lithium prices support stronger revenue forecasts and have led analysts to raise price targets on key stocks.
At the same time, projects further upstream, including junior developers like Surge, are gaining strategic significance. Investments in early-stage lithium resources help diversify supply beyond dominant producers and geographies. Surge’s focus on commercial leadership and resource development reflects how smaller companies can play a role in meeting future demand.
If lithium prices keep rising and demand stays strong, both current producers and new developers could gain. For mining giants, this could mean the expansion of production capacity and stronger earnings. For Surge and similar companies, it could support project financing and advancement toward commercial output.
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- READ MORE: Surge Battery Metals Strengthens Nevada North With High-Grade Expansion and Infill Success
DISCLAIMER
New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com (“We” or “Us”) are not securities dealers or brokers, investment advisers, or financial advisers, and you should not rely on the information herein as investment advice. Surge Battery Metals Inc. (“Company”) made a one-time payment of $75,000 to provide marketing services for a term of three months. None of the owners, members, directors, or employees of New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com currently hold, or have any beneficial ownership in, any shares, stocks, or options of the companies mentioned.
This article is informational only and is solely for use by prospective investors in determining whether to seek additional information. It does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Examples that we provide of share price increases pertaining to a particular issuer from one referenced date to another represent arbitrarily chosen time periods and are no indication whatsoever of future stock prices for that issuer and are of no predictive value.
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It is our policy that information contained in this profile was provided by the company, extracted from SEDAR+ and SEC filings, company websites, and other publicly available sources. We believe the sources and information are accurate and reliable but we cannot guarantee them.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “plan,” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.
These factors include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s exploration and development plans, the potential of its mineral projects, financing activities, regulatory approvals, market conditions, and future objectives. Forward-looking information involves numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility, the state of financial markets for the Company’s securities, fluctuations in commodity prices, operational challenges, and changes in business plans.
Forward-looking information is based on several key expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and will be able to raise additional capital as required. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended.
There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis and annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2025, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances except as may be required by applicable law.
The post Lithium Prices Climb Again in 2026, Sending Stocks Skyward appeared first on Carbon Credits.
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