It’s common knowledge that the air in China is bad. After all, the country uses 50% of the world’s coal. But just how bad the air is – is it unhealthy or lightly polluted? – is more than just semantics. It’s been the source of debate and controversy between the US and Chinese governments. In… Keep reading →
Here’s an interesting discussion of ExxonMobil’s involvement in the “stranded asset” debate. Robert Rapier seeks to clarify Exxon’s worldview and the company’s response to recent climate action shareholder resolutions. He asks, how much time per day do you devote to planning how you’ll spend your lottery winnings? “You may fantasize about what you would do… Keep reading →
Users of critical infrastructure – for example, the electrical grid – are not really known for being blessed with outstanding customer service from their respective providers. Instead, for operators/providers – i.e. utilities – of a public good such as electricity, customers seem not to be the primary consideration given that utilities have a legal “obligation… Keep reading →
To stave off temperature increases that could pose immense risk, more forceful action is needed to trim anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions – beginning now – according to the latest in a series of new reports from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The report says the required remaking of the global energy picture can… Keep reading →
Replacing water for hydraulic fracturing operations with carbon dioxide is long-term prospect, but an attractive one. As part of its ecomagination program the company is trying to figure out the best way to get the super-cooled gas to deliver proppant. “GE, which is making a push into oilfield technology, is studying how a chilled form… Keep reading →
It was finally time to prove the concept. If you can drive your electric vehicle (EV) not just around the corner, but also a thousand miles down the highway to south Florida in one day, then I think you’ve proven you really don’t need petroleum any more. Here’s how it went. (Well, you may not… Keep reading →
Across Alabama, manufacturing facilities are participating in a program aimed at increasing competitiveness through efficient production processes, reducing waste, lowering costs, growing jobs and encouraging innovation. The program, called E3, is a joint federal initiative between the Energy Department’s State Energy Program (SEP), the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Labor, the Small Business Administration and the… Keep reading →
This piece is short on details, but reports scientists have found a way to do gas-to-liquids on the high seas at a cost of around $3 to $6 per gallon. “For us in the military, in the Navy, we have some pretty unusual and different kinds of challenges,” said Cullom. “We don’t necessarily go to… Keep reading →
Most consumers have pre-conceived notions about hybrid cars. They think they’re expensive go-carts driven by smug vegans on their way to Whole Foods. However, hybrid cars are starting to evolve. They’re becoming faster, cheaper, and more stylish. Let’s debunk a few myths in hopes of improving their reputation. Myth #1: Hybrid Cars Don’t Have the… Keep reading →
A competitive marketplace is the sowing field for innovation and investment. Look no further than the advanced hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling that launched America’s ongoing shale energy revolution. Shale development features cutting-edge technology to increase output and efficiency and to make operations as safe and clean as possible. An example of this can be… Keep reading →
