For example, the three stocks listed below have all jumped over 30% in morning trade. But why are investors buying their shares? Let's find out.

Lion Energy Ltd (ASX: LIO)

The Lion Energy share price is up 80% to 4.5 cents. This follows news that it has obtained development approval from the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA), the relevant planning agency of the Queensland State Government, for its hydrogen generation and refuelling hub project in the Port of Brisbane.

Lion Energy's hub is geared towards heavy mobility fleets. It has an early focus on supplying hydrogen to domestic public bus fleets, truck fleets, and fuel cell gensets for the construction and mining industry. The facility will be one of the first of its scale in Queensland.

Peak Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: PEK)

The Peak Rare Earths share price is up 67% to 31 cents. This has been driven by the release of the final set of assay results from its critical minerals exploration program. This program is targeting the multi-commodity potential of the Ngualla carbonatite system.

According to the release, the ASX penny stock's assays from the Breccia Zone confirm outstanding high-grade thick intercepts of fluorspar. Management believes this supports the potential of a globally significant fluorspar deposit.

It also highlights that the prospectivity of the Breccia Zone is further enhanced by significant high-grade rare earth mineralisation, as well as elevated levels of niobium.

Sierra Rutile Holdings Ltd (ASX: SRX)

The Sierra Rutile share price is up 35% to 10.5 cents. This morning, the Africa focused mineral sands company announced the receipt of an on-market takeover offer.

According to the release, PRM Services has offered to acquire all of the ASX penny stock's shares that it does not own at a price of 9.5 cents cash per share.

The company has urged its shareholders to take no action and made the following statement:

Sierra Rutile shareholders who sell their shares to PRM Services on-market will be unable to participate in any increase in the offer price or any competing proposal should there be such an increase or any competing proposal is forthcoming.

PRM Services currently has an 11.46% stake in Sierra Rutile.

The post 3 ASX penny stocks exploding over 30% on big news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The producer of Indonesian oil and gas and explorer of Australian hydrogen has signed a memorandum of understanding with BLK Auto. Together, the companies plan to increase opportunities for hydrogen use in Australia's transport sector.

At the time of writing, the Lion Energy share price is 10.5 cents, 28.05% higher than its previous closing price.

Let's take a closer look at today's news from Lion Energy.

Lion Energy looks to decarbonise vehicle fleets

Tuesday's proving to be a great day for the Lion Energy share price after the company announced a new agreement with Queensland-based hydrogen vehicle importer BLK Auto.

Last month, BLK Auto, alongside its partner, hydrogen vehicle supplier Hyzon Motors (NASDAQ: HYZN), unveiled Australia's first hydrogen-powered bus.

Now, BLK Auto will be collaborating with Lion Energy. The two will provide hydrogen transport solutions and infrastructure for Australian businesses looking to decarbonise their vehicle fleets.

Lion's chair Tom Soulsby commented on the news driving the company's share price higher today, saying:

We are very pleased to work with quality operators like BLK Auto on helping the bus industry meet its zero-emission targets. There is a complementarity in our plans, so working together will enhance the hydrogen proposition for bus operators.

The memorandum of understanding is non-binding and will be in place for the next 2 years.

Lion Energy cautions that there's a possibility the companies won't find a suitable hydrogen opportunity.

Lion Energy share price snapshot

Today's gains have added to the Lion Energy share price's recent strong performance on the ASX.

Right now, the company's stock's value is 330% higher than it was at the start of 2021. It has also gained 168% over the last 30 days.

The post Here's why the Lion Energy (ASX: LIO) share price is roaring 28% higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What is the climate report and what does it say?

In short, the latest IPCC report is not good news for the environment. The report estimates that global warming will reach 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030 based on our current trajectory. Additionally, the study found that global temperatures have increased by 1.1 degrees since the industrialisation period. Unfortunately, Australia is even worse than the global average, with a 1.4 degree elevation.

Key takeaways:

• Global temperatures likely to increase 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030 without action,
• Reforestation and carbon removal would be needed to get back under 1.5 degrees,
• Severe draughts, floods, and fires expected to increase,
• Australia needs to aim for Net-zero in the 2030s,
• Call for no more oil, coal, or gas exploration or infrastructure.

Eerily, the IPCC's climate report lands as catastrophic wildfires tear through Greece.

Why does this matter for ASX 200 shares

This could have a significant impact on the Australian share market, with many companies having exposure to natural resources reliant industries such as coal mining, oil drilling, and gas extraction, which are all energy-intensive activities with high carbon emissions.

ASX 200 shares such as Santos Ltd (ASX: STO), Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL), and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) are all being sold off today following the news.

Professor Lesley Hughes, who is a Pro-Vice-Chancellor and biologist at Macquarie University, said:

There must be no new oil, coal or gas exploration or infrastructure. We have got to stop subsidising fossil fuels. We've got to electrify everything and then run everything from renewable energy. We've got to change our diets.

Similarly, United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres highlighted there should not be any new coal plants built after this year. Meanwhile, the existing coal plants should be phased out by 2030 in OECD countries.

Obviously, if tighter regulations are put on oil, gas, and coal companies, this would likely cause pressure on the share prices of ASX companies in those industries.

On the other hand, Guterres also said, "By 2030, solar and wind capacity should quadruple and renewable energy investments should triple to maintain a net-zero trajectory by mid-century."

Such a rapid growth proposition could create a positive tailwind for renewable companies. Some ASX shares outside the top 200 that are geared towards renewables are enjoying a boost today. These names include Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL), Lion Energy Ltd. (ASX: LIO), and Genex Power Ltd (ASX: GNX)

The post What could the latest climate report mean for ASX 200 shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, it is giving back a good portion of these gains on Friday morning. In early trade the Lion Energy share price is down a sizeable 23% to 7.5 cents.

Why is the Lion Energy share price crashing lower?

This morning the company returned from a trading halt following the release of a response to a query from the ASX.

That query sought more information relating to the company's recent green hydrogen strategy presentation.

While the company provided a thorough response, some investors may be disappointed with its plans. Others could be taking profit off the table today following the strong gains earlier in the week.

How did Lion Energy respond?

Lion Energy has released an additional presentation with further clarification on its plans and progress.

It commented: "To date, Lion has progressed its Hydrogen Strategy by assessing the hydrogen industry and growth opportunities in Australia and undertaking a preliminary and high-level review of the opportunities which may be available for Lion to participate in this industry. Lion has registered a business name (Lion H2 Energy) which will be used to further progress Lion's Hydrogen Strategy. No material costs have been incurred in progressing the Hydrogen Strategy to date."

The company is now at stage two of its strategy. It explained that this stage includes a number of activities that will be undertaken at a cost of approximately $0.5 million over a six-month period.

This includes the establishment of a team of hydrogen experts, which will form a Hydrogen Advisory Board. It will also see the appointment of experts to systematically analyse optimal electrolyser locations in Australia and the review of the best value and fit for purpose solar, wind and electrolyser technologies.

In addition, the company will review potential opportunities in which Lion may be able to combine its expertise and resources with a suitable market and partner to progress a green hydrogen development using the identified electrolyser locations and appropriate technologies.

Finally, it may also expand the scope of the Advisory board to review opportunities in H2 distribution and hydrogen fuel cells for heavy equipment and vehicles.

After which, there are stages three and four, which include feasibility studies and then the development of facilities.

Plenty of work ahead for the company!

The post Why the Lion Energy (ASX:LIO) share price is crashing 23% lower today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It's worth noting that the energy producer's shares soared to an all-time record high of 10 cents. However, some profit-taking led its shares to drop to 9.6 cents, up 20.9% before the halt went into effect.

Why is the Lion Energy share price zooming higher?

A possible catalyst for the rise in Lion Energy shares today could be the release of its green hydrogen strategy presentation.

According to the update, Lion Energy has been busy positioning itself in the production of green hydrogen towards resources and technology markets.

The company established a team of hydrogen experts, which will form a Hydrogen Advisory Board to analyse optimal electrolyser locations in Australia.

The company's roadmap highlights securing land rights if there is market potential for hydrogen or ammonia. It further noted that it will determine the best value and fit for purpose solar, wind, and electrolyser technology.

In addition, Lion Energy will seek to appoint an experienced feasibility study consultant who can aid on the decision-making process.

The company hopes to establish joint ventures with international firms to build large scale solar/wind farms with energy storage facilities. This in turn would lead to the sale of green hydrogen to domestic and international markets.

Lion executive chair, Tom Soulsby commented:

We are excited to venture into green hydrogen to participate in the energy transition and to leverage Australia's comparative advantage in renewable energy. We are actively working on delivering against our objectives stated above and will make further announcements in due course.

So why is Lion Energy in a trading halt?

In late afternoon trade, Lion Energy shares were placed in a trading halt at the request of the company.

In the release, Lion Energy cited Chapter 11 of the ASX listing rules to the green hydrogen strategy.

According to the ASX, Chapter 11 falls under the title of 'Significant transactions.' This essentially means if a company proposes to make a significant change to the nature of its activities, it must provide details to the ASX before the change.

While the reason for the halt is somewhat ambiguous, investors will have to wait until this Friday or before to find out. It is expected once the announcement is provided to the ASX, the trading halt will be lifted.

Lion Energy share price summary

The Lion Energy share price continued its impressive run today before going into a trading halt. The company's shares have accelerated over 440% in the past 12 months, with close to 300% on year-to-date gains.

Lion Energy commands a market capitalisation of roughly $23 million, with approximately 238.5 million shares on issue.

The post Here's why the Lion Energy (ASX:LIO) share price is in a trading halt appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the energy producer's shares are fetching 6.3 cents apiece, up an incredible 65.79%.

Lion's capital raising efforts

Investors are driving up the Lion shares as the company provided some positive developments in morning trade.

According to the release, Lion advised it is undertaking a capital raise to fund its operations and green hydrogen strategy.

So far, the company has received $0.93 million from professional and sophisticated investors. However, Lion is seeking shareholder approval for 2 other tranches, to receive a total of $2.8 million in the placement.

The first tranche consists of 31.1 million new shares, utilising the company's 15% placement capacity under listing rule 7.1. This allows up to 15% of its shares to be issued without shareholder approval.

The 1:1 attached options to the placement are subject to shareholder approval at the annual general meeting scheduled in July.

The second tranche has been committed through convertible notes for the amount of $1.51 million from new and existing investors. The unsecured notes have a maturity date of 31 December 2021. Each share issued from the convertible notes will include a 1:1 option and earn an interest of 12% per annum. The entire second tranche is subject to shareholder approval.

The third and final tranche will be issued to the company directors for the value of up to $350,000. Again, this is subject to shareholder approval.

All three tranches are issued at a price of 3 cents per share and fall under the same terms set out by the company. The options contain a strike price of 4 cents per share, with a 2-year expiry from the date of issue.

Furthermore, the board revealed that it plans to issue a total of 18,050,000 performance rights to the directors and officers. This is part of the remuneration package, and each performance right can be converted to one ordinary share. A shareholder will have the right to vote for or against this proposal at the general meeting.

Management commentary

Lion executive chair, Tom Soulsby welcomed the partnership, saying:

We are pleased to work with the team at Peak to support Lion's legacy business and related new hydrogen studies and our potential foray into the Australian clean energy space. Peak brings a wealth of experience in supporting companies with green hydrogen and renewable investment businesses in Australia.

The proceeds of the placement will be used towards advancing the onshore seismic operations in the East Seram PSC. In addition, remaining funds will be allocated to studying hydrogen production on Seram Island, working capital, and exploring business opportunities in green hydrogen.

Lion share price snapshot

In the past 12 months, the Lion share price has jumped more than 270% and is up over 150% year-to-date. The company's shares reached a 52-week high of 9.2 cents just last week.

On valuation metrics, Lion presides a market capitalisation of roughly $13.2 million, with 207 million shares outstanding.

The post Why the Lion Energy (ASX:LIO) share price is soaring 65% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Yes, Lion opened at 3 cents a share this morning. That's pretty much the price this company has been bumping along at for the past few months. But shortly after open, a rocket was lit under Lion shares and they soared as high as 8.5 cents. That was a gain of more than 183% at one point.

Even after the company settled at 6.5 cents a share, it's still an eye-popping 132% gain. Just for some context, that gain would have turned $10,000 worth of Lion Energy shares yesterday into a $23,210 position in 24 hours.

Lion is now in a trading halt, frozen at 6.5 cents a share. But let's take a look at what sparked this incredible share price appreciation today.

Lion Energy share price rockets on oil find

Today's dramatic share price appreciation is almost certainly the result of Lion Energy's announcement to the markets this morning before open. In this announcement, Lion informed investors that one of its ventures – the Oseil Oil Field – houses significantly higher oil reserves than was previously anticipated.

According to the company, Oseil's proven and probable reserves are now estimated at 4.37 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMbbl). Lion Energy has a 2.5% interest in Oseil. That means the company now estimates that its share of these oil reserves now stands at 0.109 MMbbl. That's a 203% increase on what its precious estimates were. 

Further, Lion Energy has also upgraded its estimates for Oseil's 'undeveloped' reserves. It was previously estimated that Oseil held 0.281 MMbbl in unproven reserves. That has been upgraded to 1.796 MMbbl.

With these massive upgrades in this oil field's estimated reserves, it's no surprise investors reacted so bullishly this morning.

What about the share trading halt?

As mentioned earlier, Lion Energy shares are now (as of 11:47 am) in a trading halt after their stellar performance this morning. At 12:53 pm, the company released a further release stating that the company has requested a trading halt, pending the release of an announcement.

Lion tells us that it will remain halted until 15 April at the latest. That's all we know for now. But Lion Energy shareholders will no doubt be pretty pleased with what has happened today. At the current share price, Lion Energy has a market capitalisation of $12.58 million.

The post Here's why Lion Energy (ASX:LIO) shares rocketed 132% this morning appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.