Senior Research Analyst

Wood Mackenzie partners with Special Olympics Asia Pacific to tackle gender gap in sport. SINGAPORE, March 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Wood Mackenzie, a global leader in analytics, insights and proprietary data across the energy and natural resources landscape, hosted an exclusive event in partnership with Special Olympics Asia Pacific (SOAP), titled "Women & Girls Rising Through Sport." Held at Wood Mackenzie's Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore, the event marked the International Women's Day 2026 theme, "Give To Gain," and spotlighted the transformative role of sport in empowering women and girls with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), a group that remains significantly underrepresented across the region. The collaboration reflects Wood Mackenzie's ongoing commitment to its Thrive program, which focuses on community engagement, wellness, sustainability, and Inclusion, Diversity & Belonging (ID&B). Across Asia Pacific, women account for just 30% of Special Olympics participants, underscoring persistent barriers to access, safety, and funding. By bringing together this dialogue with Special Olympics Asia Pacific, Wood Mackenzie aims to help close this gap and advance more inclusive participation in sport. "Inclusion isn't a box we tick. it's something we try to live through the way we work and the partnerships we choose" said Derryn Maade, Global Head of Metals & Mining at Wood Mackenzie. "Our Thrive program reflects that commitment in a tangible way, and partnering with Special Olympics Asia Pacific brings that commitment to life. The work they do to open doors for women and girls across our region is exactly the kind of impact we want to be part of." Jovina Choo, Senior Manager, Sports at Special Olympics Asia Pacific and Olympic Sailor, said, "Systemic barriers continue to limit the participation of women and girls with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across its region from inadequate transport and limited access to facilities, to safety concerns and persistent cultural biases. "Yet, across Asia Pacific, female athletes are rising above these challenges demonstrating resilience, redefining perceptions, and leading change. Through sport, they build confidence, develop skills, and inspire more inclusive communities. Together, we have the power to accelerate this progress. By contributing our time, voice, resources, and networks, we can break down barriers and create lasting change to ensure every woman and girl with IDD is heard, supported, and empowered both on and off the field." The evening featured a panel discussion moderated by Pippa Woodhead, Board Member of Special Olympics Asia Pacific. Titled "Women and Girls Rising Through Sport," the session brought together athletes, advocates, and community leaders, including: Jovina Choo, Senior Manager, Sports at Special Olympics Asia Pacific and Olympic Sailor Megan Tang, Special Olympics Singapore dance sport athlete and athlete leader Jasmine Lai, parent advocate and mother of Megan Tang James Andrade, Singapore Head, US-ASEAN Business Council and ASEAN special advisor Panellists shared personal and professional insights on overcoming systemic barriers, highlighting how access to sport can build confidence, foster independence, and unlock leadership opportunities for women with IDD. Drawing on ongoing Special Olympics research, the discussion reinforced that investing in female athletes delivers far-reaching benefits, not only for individuals, but for families, communities, and society at large. The event concluded with a call to action for organisations and individuals to support Special Olympics Asia Pacific's key funding priorities, including coach development, safe and inclusive training environments, and leadership pathways for female athletes. By aligning purpose with action, the partnership highlights a shared belief: when women and girls are empowered through sport, everyone stands to gain. For further information please contact: Wood Mackenzie Hla Myat Mon +65 8533 8860 [email protected] Special Olympic Asia Pacific Shree Ann Mathavan +6596634955 [email protected] Hla Myat Mon Wood Mackenzie [email protected]

Institutional warning: lithium carbonate prices rose 20% this week; lithium supply gap may appear as early as 2028. Mar 12, 2026 Recently, lithium carbonate prices have surged. According to data from Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) and research reports, the price of industrial-grade lithium carbonate rose nearly 20% weekly, reaching 170,000 yuan/ton; battery-grade lithium carbonate prices also fluctuated between 155,000 and 180,000 yuan/ton, a significant rebound from the lows at the end of 2025. This price level has directly driven a significant increase in the production cost of battery cells. Energy storage price surge: Cells lead the rise, systems follow, both volume and price increase! According to Wood Mackenzie's latest "Lithium Industry Energy Transition Outlook" report, under a scenario of accelerated energy transition, global lithium demand may exceed 13 million tons by 2050, more than double the baseline scenario forecast. Without substantial new investment, a supply gap could appear as early as 2028. Even under Wood Mackenzie's baseline scenario forecast, existing supply projects will struggle to meet demand beyond the mid-2030s, highlighting the necessity of continued investment across the entire value chain. Allan Pedersen, Research Director at Wood Mackenzie, stated, "The lithium market will enter a period of supply shortages much earlier than many in the industry anticipated. Under a positive climate scenario, we expect a supply gap to appear as early as 2028. If governments pursue net-zero emissions policies, the industry must act now. Projects approved today will determine the market balance during this crucial period of the 2030s." Electrification Drives Demand Growth Wood Mackenzie has developed four energy transition pathway models. In the delayed transition scenario, lithium demand will reach 5.6 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) by 2050; under the net-zero emissions scenario, this figure will reach 13.2 million tonnes of LCE. - In the delayed transition scenario, the market will remain well-supplied until 2037, after which a supply gap will appear. - In the national commitment scenario, the gap will appear around 2029, requiring an additional 6.7 million tonnes of LCE to meet projected demand by 2050. - Under the net-zero emissions scenario, the supply gap is projected to begin appearing in 2028 and continue until mid-century. An additional supply of approximately 8.5 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent is expected by 2050. Across all scenarios, electric vehicles (EVs) will remain the primary driver of demand growth, accounting for 72% to 80% of total lithium consumption. Under the national commitment scenario, EV penetration will reach approximately 75% by 2040, and 95% under the net-zero emissions scenario. The report also indicates that by mid-century, rechargeable batteries across all applications will account for 96% to 98% of total lithium consumption. "Electric vehicles remain the primary driver of lithium demand growth, but energy storage systems (ESS) are also a significant contributor," said Rebecca Grant, senior research analyst at Wood Mackenzie. "In our forward-looking scenario, demand for ESS will grow at a rate of 6% to 7% annually as renewable energy dominates new power capacity installations and the grid requires massive flexibility." Rapid demand growth will necessitate substantial new supply. Under the national commitment scenario, the supply gap will reach 6.7 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent by 2050. Under the net-zero emissions scenario, this gap will widen to 8.5 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent. Recycling will increase supply, but is unlikely to solve the near-term shortage. Recycled supply will grow at a rate of 13% to 16% annually, with significant recycled supply emerging in the 2040s as electric vehicle batteries reach the end of their lifespan. Wood Mackenzie notes that under a positive scenario, recycling will contribute 2.3 million to 2.7 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent by 2050. Meeting Demand Requires Unprecedented Investment According to Wood Mackenzie estimates, total investment needs are approximately $104 billion under a delayed transition scenario; under a net-zero emissions scenario, this figure would reach $276 billion. Investment Needs Under Different Scenarios: Delayed Transition: $104 billion; Base Scenario: $114 billion; National Commitment: $236 billion; Net-Zero Emissions: $276 billion Investment is projected to peak between 2030 and 2034, driven by new mining capacity, refining infrastructure, and regional supply chain needs. "Depending on how the energy transition unfolds, this will be an investment story of $100 billion to $275 billion," Grant stated. "Players who can allocate capital efficiently while addressing trade fragmentation and ensuring regional market access will be the winners." The conclusion remains consistent across all scenarios: lithium is indispensable for the energy transition, and the industry faces structural supply challenges requiring immediate action. Pedersen concluded, "Whether we follow the 1.5°C temperature control path or some other less ambitious path, lithium demand will exceed current supply plans. The question is not whether we need more lithium, but whether the industry can quickly mobilize capital to meet demand in an increasingly fragmented global trade environment."