Chinese renewable energy entrepreneur Li Hejun has officially become a billionaire, thanks to a sharp rise in the market value of his company, Hanergy Solar Group. “Solar energy entrepreneurs and investors in China have been upbeat about the industry’s prospects after the government recently announced higher-than-expected prices will be paid for solar power.” [Forbes] The… Keep reading →
“There has rarely been a more compelling time to invest in energy,” said Barclays analysts in their latest Global Energy Outlook, released this morning. Here are four key takeaways: Oil price risk has swung from downside to upside, thanks to geopolitical risk. Geopolitical risk has supplanted US production growth as the big global story in… Keep reading →
It’s the stuff of sci-fi movies: a nuclear explosion far overhead or a massive solar flare knocks out electricity for a large chunk, or even all, of the US. But electromagnetic pulses and geomagnetic disturbances, such as large solar flares and storms can, in fact, impact grid functioning. And Maine has become the first state… Keep reading →
Even if environmental opposition to the Keystone XL Pipeline manages to prevent its construction, it will fail to achieve environmental groups’ objective of preventing development of the oil sands production at the origination point, according to Charles Dewhurst, US Natural Resources practice leader for accounting and consulting firm BDO. “Environmental groups are very concerned that… Keep reading →
US energy policy is on hold for now, but several top-tier energy issues issues will be front and center when the House and Senate return to Capitol Hill after the August recess, according to Frank Maisano, Senior principal in law firm Bracewell Giuliani’s Government Relations and Strategic Communications Practice. Energy watchers should be on the… Keep reading →
A new study from consultancy IHS Cera has concluded that construction of the Keystone XL pipeline would not have a material impact on US greenhouse gas emissions, in part because the replacement for volumes from Canadian oil sands would most likely have the same carbon footprint. Breaking Energy has reported on comments in the past… Keep reading →
The closing of the American West just over a century ago was thought to be the end of a long chapter of human exploration that was as inspiring and enriching as it often was destructive and painful. New evidence that the far northern reaches of the globe are becoming increasingly passable and habitable means that… Keep reading →
The tight oil being developed in North America is certainly not the lowest-cost oil in the world. But of the opportunities available to major oil companies, relatively low cost is just one of many advantages it offers over other sources of production. “The shale revolution has changed the competitive landscape, because every investment decision we… Keep reading →
The US is the only country with an Arctic coastline that has not yet ratified the Law of the Sea Treaty, which could put it at a disadvantage in laying claim to what could be substantial resources on its outer continental shelf. The Law of the Sea Treaty – or more formally, the United Nations… Keep reading →
Keystone XL and US Politics: A Sad State of Affairs
By Jared AndersonRyan Lizza’s New Yorker article about the Keystone XL Pipeline project is both insightful and depressing. The piece dissects the issue’s genesis and history, finding the proposed pipeline to be a climate change symbol seized by wealthy activists seeking to influence national politics, while advancing their own political ambitions. Unfortunately, in selecting Keystone XL opposition… Keep reading →