Many assume that it’s cheap labor that gives Chinese companies an edge at producing solar panels that cost less than those that come out of Europe or the United States. But a new study says uh-uh. Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and MIT said a bottom-up cost model they developed shows that a plant… Keep reading →
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 →
Brazilian billionaire Eike Batista faces regulatory scrutiny for potential illegal activity at petroleum company OGX. From luncheons with Madonna to reportedly selling his $19 million yacht for scrap, Batista’s highly-publicized fall from grace continues. [New York Times] Chinese national oil champion CNPC just bought into Novatek’s Yamal LNG venture, giving French Total and CNPC 20%… Keep reading →
China’s power market will more than double in size by 2030, with more than half of expected additions to come from renewables, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. “China’s power sector could attract investment as high as US$159 billion per year, with around half going to renewables…As a result of a cleaner energy mix, the… Keep reading →
That global oil demand hit record levels last year is not breaking news. But the US Energy Information Administration highlighted an important trend today, one that features in conversations about the future of energy consumption perhaps less frequently than it should. Demand growth in Asia, Central and South America and other regions has been strong enough… 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 →
America currently uses more air conditioning than the rest of the world combined. That could change. Stephen Lacey: August 13, 2013 America used to be the king of car sales, but China took that crown in 2009. America also used to be the world’s biggest polluter, but China now has that dubious distinction… Keep reading →
A recent Wall Street Journal article discussed major oil company reserve holdings and how investors should evaluate a company’s reserve quality, quantity and global geographic distribution. It is an interesting story about a very important topic, but a lack of clarity with regard to some of the methodology and terminology leaves many questions unanswered. However,… Keep reading →
The House passed the 2013 Nuclear Iran Prevention Act by a 400-20 vote facilitating broader economic sanctions and increased oversight for enforcing existing Iran sanctions. On July 31, 2013, the House of Representatives passed the 2013 Nuclear Iran Prevention Act (H.R. 850) aimed to impose tougher sanctions against Iran’s petroleum sector and other industries, in… Keep reading →
By Sri Jegarajah The risk of a disorderly decline in benchmark U.S. crude futures is growing after a four-week rally sent prices to 16-month highs and money managers amassed record bullish bets, defying an economic slowdown in China and the North American shale energy supply boom. WTI (West Texas Intermediate, the oil grade underpinning the U.S. crude futures… Keep reading →
