US oil company executives are reportedly exploring preliminary business opportunities in Iran that could emerge if economic sanctions are relaxed as part of an agreement regarding the country’s nuclear energy activities. The companies represented by these individuals were not identified. “It is forecast that by the visit of [the] American delegation this week and in… Keep reading →
More than $1 trillion in U.S. real estate debt from the last decade is starting to come due as oil prices drop, particularly in cities and towns centered around the energy business. “The 50 percent plunge in crude values since June is already dragging down property prices in Texas, according to Green Street Advisors LLC.… Keep reading →
Today the US Energy Information Administration slashed its 2015 oil price forecasts, but the statistical arm of the DOE still expects total oil output to increase to volumes not seen since 1972. As we reported last week, it will take some time before current lower oil price levels manifest in lower US oil production volumes.… Keep reading →
The claims and counterclaims about EPA’s proposed carbon pollution standards have filled the air: It will boost nuclear. It will expand renewables. It promotes energy efficiency. It will kill coal. It changes everything. It accomplishes almost nothing. Evaluating the impact of the so-called Clean Power Plan requires a clear view of how the new rule will work.… Keep reading →
All eyes have been on risks to Iraq’s continued ability to supply world markets with oil, but power generation is critical to keeping regional populations calm and facilitating oil industry operations. The violently-contested Baiji refinery supplies refined products to the domestic market, but there is also a 1,320 MW power plant nearby that supplies 10%… Keep reading →
Quick Take: We’ve talked a lot about the dangers utilities face if they ignore disruptive technologies such as solar + storage. Here’s another challenge. They could end up paying more for the cost of capital. Some analysts think utilities are blind to the coming realities and they are warning investors to stay away. – Jesse Berst Barclays… Keep reading →
The issue of exporting US crude oil – essentially banned since the 1970’s energy crisis – is gaining steam, as US domestic oil production volumes increase to levels few thought possible just a few years ago. Amid this environment of surging incremental production, certain high-profile industry and high-ranking government officials soften to the idea of… Keep reading →
Rising oil output in the US has already begun to alter the traditional price relationship between US and international crudes, and continued production growth could lead to a domestic glut of certain grades, adding to pressure to lift restrictions on crude exports. The stunning turnaround in the US’ oil fortunes has made plenty of headlines,… Keep reading →
While next year’s oil prices may be lower than this year’s, a sharp downturn in prices is not in the cards in 2014, according to Barclays analysts. “The oil market is in the midst of a turning point for fundamentals,” wrote Barclays analysts in a note to clients today. Non-Opec supply growth will exceed global… Keep reading →
The possibility of a rapprochement in nuclear talks between the US and Iran – though they did not produce a deal – had fueled a degree of oil market optimism about Iran’s reinstatement as a global oil supplier. But even if negotiations had proved successful, political and logistical hurdles would likely have stalled any significant return… Keep reading →
