Clean power hits records as metals markets shift - Sep 19, 2025

As of September 19, today’s news features developments in clean energy, market dynamics in metals, and U.S. legislative activities. Texas and California are driving U.S. clean power supplies to record highs so far in 2025, and are building a widening lead over the rest of the country in terms of the share of total power generated from clean energy sources. Combined clean power output from the main power systems in California and Texas hit new highs during January to August and increased by 10% from the same months in 2024, data from LSEG shows. Meanwhile, Octopus Energy has hired Goldman Sachs to spin off Kraken Technology, the software platform powering the UK utility’s back office and energy-related processes. Turning to market updates, the global aluminium sector indicates looming supply challenges. Historically characterized by surplus, analysts warn that this could shift dramatically toward deficits, propelling prices from around 2,700 dollars to over 3,000 dollars per metric ton, according to Citi. This transformation may reshape trading dynamics on the London Metal Exchange (LME) amid ongoing inventory disputes. In the copper market, prices have shown strength, rising due to renewed demand signals from China as buyers restock inventories ahead of a major national holiday. The benchmark copper price climbed to approximately 9,975.50 dollars per ton, even as previous highs of 10,192.50 dollars were challenged with recent profit-taking. Looking at broader scenarios, Intel's partnership with Nvidia is stirring discussions regarding its impact on Asian chipmakers like TSMC. Nvidia's investment, making it a significant stakeholder in Intel, could bolster U.S. semiconductor capabilities but also intensify competition within the sector. While TSMC would benefit from an Intel resurgence, the heavy reliance on Taiwan for chip manufacturing amplifies the stakes involved. On the international front, the House has passed a stopgap bill to avert a government shutdown, maintaining current federal funding levels through November 21. The narrow approval reflects significant partisan tensions, with additional incentives included to address security concerns following recent political violence. Finally, a report highlights the rapid growth of clean energy jobs in the U.S., emphasizing that this sector expanded significantly last year. However, there are concerns that recent policy shifts might endanger this progress, potentially undermining the industry's growth trajectory and overall economic stability.