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Maguire: China's energy, clean technology and power milestones by 2025
In 2025, China's electricity production and exports of clean energy technologies reached record levels. LNG and coal imports decreased and crude oil imports increased in yet another dynamic year. As 2026 begins, here's an overview of China's key domestic and international impacts on the energy market. Power Shifts Imports of coal and liquefied gas from China have both dropped dramatically in 2025 compared to the year before, as the country's energy system becomes cleaner and less dependent on fossil fuels. According to Kpler, the commodities intelligence firm, total LNG imports were 66.6 metric tons in?2025. This was a drop of 11.6 million tons, or 15 percent, from 2024, and marked the lowest import amount since 2022. A prolonged manufacturing slump and reduced industrial activity were the main reasons for a decline in LNG demand. China's power producers increased gas-fired electric production by 5% to a new record in 2025, helping to highlight the total demand for natural gases even though LNG imports declined. Gas's share in China's electric network has dropped to its lowest level for many years, at 2.8%. This shows that gas plays a very minor role within the sector. Kpler data show that China's thermal coal imports, which is used to power power stations, fell by 11%, or 40 million metric tons, last year. This was the lowest import total since 2022. Power firms are trying to reduce the use of coal in power generation, while Beijing is trying to support the domestic coal mining industry by managing the phase out of coal usage for power. Imports for metallurgical coke, which is used by steelmakers to make steel, fell 24%, as the construction industry in the country, still struggling, continued to reduce demand for building material. Imports of the coke used in blast-furnaces?rose by 45% in 2012 as domestic supplies dried out following a fall in steel production to seven-year lows. China's overall demand for construction materials will remain weak until the property sector recovers. CLEANING UP China's appetite to coal and gas decreased last year but domestic production of "clean" electricity increased. According to the think tank Ember in 2025 clean electricity supplies will reach 4,326 Terawatt Hours (TWh), a 15.4% increase from the previous year. The main factors behind the rise in clean power were a 43% increase in solar production and a 14% expansion in wind output. Power firms could reduce coal-fired production and increase overall electricity supply in 2025, despite the fact that the country's massive manufacturing sector was still running below capacity because of tepid consumer demand both locally and internationally. In fact, China's total output of electricity increased by 5%, reaching a record 10,421 terawatt hours. This was the seventh consecutive year that China's electricity production grew by at least 4%. In 2026, China is likely to continue its clean energy production momentum by deploying more solar, wind, and battery storage systems, many of which are made at home. CRUDE GROWTH After a rare drop in crude oil purchases in 2024 (compared to 2024), China's crude oil purchases increased in 2025. This shattered expectations that China's oil imports were in perpetual decline. According to Kpler the total crude oil imports in 2017 were 3.75 billion barils, an increase of 43 million barrels or 1.1% from last year. Beijing believes that the stockpiles of crude oil are an important buffer against global geopolitical risks. Stockbuilding will continue through 2026 and, along with a recovery in industrial activity, could support China's oil import orders. EXPORTED SUPPLUS China is expected to continue its export of solar panels, battery storage systems, and electric vehicles in China through 2026. The world's largest manufacturer of clean energy technology - which also includes parts for wind farms and power grids, as well as heating and cooling system - produces much more than can be consumed in the home. China's clean tech exports are expected to reach $222 billion in 2025, a 20% increase. Batteries generated the highest export revenue, with $82 billion, followed by EV exports at $69 billion. Both were a?annual records. Ember estimates that China's exports for grid components, heating and cooling equipment and other products will also reach new highs by 2025. These are expected to be around $19 billion in the first case and $17 billion in the second. Exports of photovoltaic modules dropped by 8% to $30 billion. This was due to the slowdown in global demand for renewables after a surge of years. China will continue to have a significant influence in the global energy system, even if other top markets, such as Europe and Southeast Asia, do not expand their clean power networks. These are the opinions of the columnist, an author for. You like this article? Check it out Open Interest The new global financial commentary source (ROI) is your go-to for all the latest news and analysis. ROI provides data-driven, thought-provoking analysis on everything from soybeans to swap rates. The markets are changing faster than ever. ROI can help you keep up. Follow ROI on You can find us on LinkedIn.
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Heathrow's scanners will end the dreaded search for laptops and liquids
New specialist scanners will allow passengers to travel through Heathrow's security without having to dig in their hand luggage to find shampoos, laptops and water bottles. Heathrow announced on Friday that it had fully rolled out CT scanners in all of its security lanes at the four terminals. If there are no queues, travellers can now pass through security without having to put their liquids into plastic bags or remove their tablets. They will all be checked using the high-resolution, 3D scanning technology. The machines are being used by many airports around the world to improve security. New York, Hong Kong, and Dubai have all started using them. The machines allow passengers to bring containers up to 2 litres, depending on the regulations of each country. This ends a 20 year old rule that only allowed 100 ml bottles (3.4 fl. oz.) through security. This created a mini toiletries market. In 2006, Britain implemented a 100-ml rule for liquids at airports after police foiled an attack plot by militants using liquid explosives?at Heathrow. Heathrow is currently applying for a third runway. The airport said that the upgrade in technology cost them 1 billion pounds ($1.35billion). Sarah Young reports. $1 = 0.7407 pounds
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FedEx will restructure its operations and cut 500 jobs up to the French border
FedEx announced on Friday it would 'cut up to 500 positions 'and invest a maximum of?78million euros ($91.58million) in a major overhaul of its domestic operations. The company announced that it would reduce the number of stations from 103 to 86, simplify its network and eliminate overlap infrastructure. The U.S. courier firm stated that "the French courier and express transportation market is dominated... by a highly competitive sector... with cost pressures." It added that the overhaul could create over 770 new jobs in full- and part time?operations, with priority given to employees who are already working. FedEx stated that there would be no changes made to its international air networks as part of the program and that it will launch a formal consultation process with employee representatives, in accordance with French labour laws.
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Bloomberg News reports that CK Hutchison is exploring a split sale of ports worldwide
Bloomberg News, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported that CK Hutchison was considering a restructured'sale' of dozens ports to a global consortium. This would involve breaking 'the transaction up into smaller parcels, each with a different ownership structure. CK Hutchison - based in the 'Chinese controlled territory' of Hong Kong - has been heavily criticized by Beijing after it announced plans last year to'sell 43 ports across the 23 countries including two near the Panama Canal, to a consortium headed by BlackRock - and Italian billionaire Gianluigi Aponte’s family-controlled MSC shipping group. The report stated that under the proposed arrangement, China's COSCO Shipping Corp, a state-owned company, could have a larger stake in ports in regions that are more aligned to?Beijing such as Africa. Bloomberg reported that other members of the consortium including Aponte’s Terminal Investement and BlackRock would have greater control on assets elsewhere. According to the report, China told COSCO that a similar?structure was acceptable. However, talks are still at an early stage, and some key details need to be finalised. CK Hutchison didn't immediately respond to a comment request. (Reporting and editing by Nivedita Battacharjee in Bengaluru.
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French and Benelux Stocks-Factors To Watch On 23 Jan
Here are some company news and stories that could impact the markets in France and Benelux or even individual stocks. Ageas SA: Belgian and Dutch insurance group Ageas reported that its reinsurance unit Ageas Re had achieved inflows at a rate of 379 millions euros on 'January 1, 2026 compared with 206 million euro a year before. Its partnership activity in-force books now stand at 435million euros after the renewal campaign. ARGAN SA - French real estate firm Argan reported a full-year rental revenue of 212 millions euros, and recurring net profit of 154.8million euros. Its end-December Portfolio was valued at 4,07 billion euros without duties. Argan forecast 2026 rental revenues of 220 millions euros?with a 3.65 euro dividend per share. BNP PARIBAS : According to Les Echos, the French bank BNPParibas has announced a voluntary exit plan at its asset management subsidiary, affecting approximately 1,200 positions worldwide. This represents around 20% of their workforce. COVIVIO SA : French real estate company Covivio has announced that it will acquire a Meininger Hotel in Porto, Portugal. The hotel features 228 rooms with?834 beds. The deal is expected to close in the second half 2028. GL?EVENTS?SA: French event and exhibition services -company GL Events reported a full-year revenue of 1.72 billion Euros. MICHELIN: French tire maker Michelin has completed the acquisition Cooley Group, creating a global leader for industrial coated fabrics. The deal was financed by available cash and preserved the company's solid financial position. PIERRE ET Vacances SA: French holiday resort operator Pierre et Vacances has reported a first-quarter revenue totaling 387.3 million Euros with a occupancy rate of almost 70%. STEF SA: French temperature-controlled logistics company Stef reported fourth-quarter revenue of 1,347.1 million euros. SWORD GROUP SE : The IT firm Sword Group SE has reported a revenue of 90.8 million euros for the fourth quarter 2025. VIOHALCO SA. The Belgian-Greek metals-and-cable manufacturer Viohalco has appointed Michail Sassinopoulos to the position of chairman, and Ippokratis Ioannis Sassinopoulos to the role of executive vice-chairman. VOLTALIA SA : French renewable energy -company Voltalia has signed a credit facility of 244 million euro with 12 banks. This includes?146.6 millions euros revolving loan and 97.7million euros term loan. The debt maturity is extended until 2026. Pan-European market data: European Equities speed guide................... FTSE ?Eurotop 300 index.............................. DJ STOXX index...................................... Top 10 STOXX sectors........................... Top 10 EUROSTOXX sectors...................... Top 10 Eurotop 300 sectors..................... Top 25 European pct gainers....................... Top 25 European pct losers........................ Main stock markets: Dow Jones............... Wall Street report ..... Nikkei 225............. Tokyo report............ FTSE 100............... London report........... Xetra DAX............. Frankfurt items......... CAC-40................. Paris items............ World Indices..................................... survey of world bourse outlook......... European Asset Allocation........................ News at a glance: Top News............. Equities.............. Main oil report........... Main currency report..... (Gdansk Newsroom)
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Maguire: China's energy, clean technology and power milestones by 2025
In 2025, China's electricity production and exports of clean energy technologies reached record levels. LNG and coal imports decreased and crude oil imports increased in another dynamic year. As 2026 begins, here's an overview of China's key domestic and international impacts on the energy market. Power Shifts Imports of coal and liquefied gas from China have both dropped dramatically in 2025 compared to the year before, as the country's energy system becomes cleaner and less dependent on fossil fuels. According to Kpler, the commodities intelligence firm, total LNG imports were 66.6 metric tons in?2025. This was a drop of 11.6 million metric ton or 15% from 2024, and marked the lowest import amount since 2022. A prolonged manufacturing slump and reduced industrial activity were the main reasons for the decline in LNG demand. China's power producers increased gas-fired electric production by 5% to a new record in 2025, helping to highlight the total demand for natural gases even though LNG imports declined. Gas's share in China's electric network has dropped to its lowest level for many years, at 2.8%. This shows that gas plays a very minor role within the sector. Kpler data show that China's thermal coal imports, which is used to power power stations, fell by 11%, or 40 million metric tons, last year. This was the lowest import total since 2022. Power firms are trying to reduce the use of coal in power generation, while Beijing is attempting to support the domestic coal mining industry by managing the phase out of coal usage for power. Imports for metallurgical coke, which is used by steelmakers to make steel, fell 24%, as the construction industry in the country, still struggling, continued to reduce demand for building material. Imports of the coke used in blast-furnaces?rose by 45% in 2012 as domestic supplies dried out following a fall in steel production to'seven-year lows. China's overall demand for construction materials will remain weak until the property sector recovers. CLEANING UP Although China's appetite to coal and gas decreased last year, the domestic production of "clean electricity" continued to grow. According to the think tank Ember in 2025 clean electricity supplies will reach 4,326 Terawatt Hours (TWh), a 15.4% increase from the previous year. The main factors behind the rise in clean power were a 43% increase in solar production and a 14% expansion in wind output. Power firms could reduce coal-fired production and increase overall electricity supply in 2025, despite the fact that the country's massive manufacturing sector was still running below capacity because of a tepid demand from local and international consumers. In fact, China's total output of electricity increased by at least 4% for the seventh consecutive year. In 2026, China is likely to continue its clean energy production momentum by deploying more solar, wind, and battery storage systems, many of which are made at home. CRUDE GROWTH After a rare drop in crude oil purchases in 2024 (compared to 2024), China's crude purchases increased in 2025. This shattered expectations that China's oil imports were in perpetual decline. According to Kpler the total crude oil imports in 2017 were 3.75 billion barils, an increase of 43 million barrels or 1.1% from last year. Beijing believes that the stockpiles of crude oil are an important buffer against global geopolitical risks. Stockbuilding will continue through 2026 and, along with a recovery in industrial activity, could support China's oil import orders. EXPORTED SUPPLUS China is expected to continue its export of solar panels, battery storage systems, and electric vehicles in China through 2026. The world's largest manufacturer of clean energy technology - which also includes parts for wind farms and power grids, as well as heating and cooling system - produces much more than can be consumed in the home. China's clean tech exports are expected to reach $222 billion in 2025, a 20% increase. Batteries generated the highest export revenue, with $82 billion, followed by EV exports at $69 billion. Both were a?annual records. Ember estimates that China's exports for grid components, heating and cooling equipment and other products will also reach new highs by 2025. These are expected to be around $19 billion in the first case and $17 billion in the second. Export sales of photovoltaic modules dropped by 8% to $30 billion. This is because the global rush towards renewables has slowed down after a surge of years. China will continue to have a significant influence in the global energy system, even if other top markets, such as Europe and Southeast Asia, do not expand their clean power networks. These are the opinions of the columnist, an author for. You like this article? Check it out Open Interest The new global financial commentary source (ROI) is your go-to for all the latest news and analysis. ROI provides data-driven, thought-provoking analysis on everything from soybeans to swap rates. The markets are changing faster than ever. ROI can help you keep up. Follow ROI on You can find us on LinkedIn.
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Trump's new Cadillac is on its way ahead of the Air Force One plane
Donald Trump, the president of the United States, is now getting new transportation on the ground as well as in the air. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed on social media that it began transporting Trump this week to Davos in Switzerland in newly delivered Cadillac SUVs. The vehicles look like modified Cadillac Escalades. However, the?agency has not confirmed that. In a press release, Secret Service Director Sean Curran stated that he was "excited" to continue our long-standing relationship with General Motors by adding these vehicles to the fleet of our protective vehicles. Curran visited a GM plant in Warren, Michigan, after a March meeting between Trump, GM CEO Mary Barra and Curran to discuss 'next-generation armored vehicles. Trump brought up the possibility of buying Cadillac SUVs during the meeting with Barra. GM and the 'Secret Service did not respond to questions on Thursday about the new SUVs. When not using the presidential limousine, the president usually travels in a?Chevrolet Suburban that is armored. Homeland Security Department and Secret Service awarded GM a contract worth $14.8 million in September 2024 for the?development of GM's next-generation presidential limo nicknamed "The Beast". This could reach up to $40.8 millions by?2029. The contract was modified in August to include an option for funding of $13.5 million. In March, the Secret Service posted a picture from the visit. It showed a Cadillac Escalade SUV with the presidential banner and a large image of the seal. The vehicle looks similar to that which Trump used this week. Separately, the U.S. Air Force said that Trump was "on track" to get a brand new plane by summer. He had been downgraded from a Boeing to a 757 on Tuesday night after a "minor electric issue". Trump accepted in May a luxury Boeing jetliner to temporarily serve as Air Force One while Boeing's two delayed planes arrived. The former Qatari aircraft, which has a luxurious interior and is 13 years old, will be retrofitted for hundreds of millions of dollars. The Air Force stated that it expects to deliver the aircraft no later than the summer of 2026. It also said it "is closely coordinating with appropriate government entities" in order to meet the mission and security requirements. The Air Force announced last month that the delivery of the first two Air Force One jets, ordered from Boeing, had been postponed by an additional year, to mid-2028. This is the latest setback in a long line of delays. (Reporting and editing by Jamie Freed in Washington, David Shepardson from Washington)
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Indonesia finds 10 bodies on crashed surveillance aircraft
The Indonesian search and rescue agency said that rescuers found 10 bodies on Friday from a fishery supevision plane?that had gone missing at the weekend in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. On Saturday, around 1:30 pm local time (0530 GMT), the?ATR42-500 turboprop belonging to aviation group Indonesia Air Transport lost contact with airtraffic control in South Sulawesi's Maros area. The plane was chartered for air surveillance by Indonesia's Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry. The passengers were staff from the ministry. Andi Sultan, a South Sulawesi rescue agency official, revealed through?tears in a video that authorities had found the ninth and tenth bodies on Friday morning. He added that the evacuation was still underway. Separately, the agency announced on its Instagram page that 10 bodies had been found. Rescuers found the wreckage in various locations around Mount Bulusaraung, in the Maros region. This is about 1,500 km northeast of Jakarta, the capital of this sprawling island nation. The chief of Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee, which investigates accidents in transport, has revealed to local media that the KNKT is investigating the contents found inside the black?box. This was the first fatal crash in Indonesia involving the ATR 42 manufactured by Franco Italian planemaker ATR, since?more? than a decade. Trigana Air Service ATR 42 300 crashed in 2015 into a mountainside in Indonesia's Papua Region, killing all 54 passengers. In 2021, a Boeing 737-500 operated by airline Sriwijaya Co crash into the Java Sea killing 62 people. (Reporting and editing by David Stanway; Stanley Widianto)
Adani Green's quarterly profits slump due to higher finance costs
Adani Green Energy, a company in India, reported a 99% decline in its third-quarter profits on Friday. Higher finance costs increased?its expenses while offsetting gains from?strong power sales and improved capacity utilization.
Adani Group’s green arm shares were down 13.8%. Stocks of the Adani Group fell between 2% and 11%, after the U.S. SEC requested court approval to email summons to Gautam and Sagar in a $265 million fraud and bribery case.
Adani Green's profit consolidated fell to 50 million rupees (544,051.88) in the quarter ending December 31 from 4.74 billion rupees one year earlier.
The company's earnings were largely absorbed by a?sharp increase of 27.14% in expenses, to 29.61 billion rupies and a 35.73 % surge in finance costs.
The company has also received a total of?1.03 billion rupies from its joint ventures and associates. This is a modest cushion for earnings.
According to projections from the government, power consumption in India is expected to increase as the economy grows. This will require an estimated 40% growth in coal-fired capacities to reach more than 307 Gigawatts by 2030.
As part of this effort, the country plans to double its renewable energy capacity to 500 gigawatts. It currently gets about a third its electricity from thermal plants.
The company's finance costs include borrowings, currency gains and losses, derivative hedges to manage exposures in foreign currencies as well as interest.
The renewable energy 'arm' of billionaire Gautam adani’s group, which operates?wind,?solar and hybrid assets in India, reported that revenue from power supplies rose 21%, to 19.93 billion rupees. This was aided by 5.6 GW capacity additions during the last year.
The company also said that the growth was due to the strong performance of its plants and the commissioning new capacity in resource-rich areas in Khavda in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
(source: Reuters)