Australia has a lot going for it that other potential shale gas producers lack, like access to capital markets, existing infrastructure and a history of natural gas development. But natural gas development projects – conventional and unconventional – can be expensive and landed prices in Asia – despite proximity – could be higher than delivered LNG prices from other producing nations. Plants currently under construction will be completed, but the next wave of expansions and new projects could face headwinds from numerous directions. [Natural Gas Europe in cooperation with Stratfor]

The average US citizen knows little about the country’s energy supplies and delivery systems, but has strong opinions on energy-related issues. “A recent poll by the University of Texas at Austin found that only 14 percent of Americans said they read, see or hear about energy issues daily, down from 21 percent a year ago.” [Politico]

Major European storm shuts UK wind, nuclear capacity – coal- and gas-fired plants reportedly unaffected. [Argus]