The energy industry is a source of technological innovation and remarkable engineering. From the use of advanced machinery to extract previously inaccessible volumes of natural gas and shale oil to the management of global projects and the benefits of real-time intelligence, pioneers abound in one of the world’s most important areas of commerce and economic… Keep reading →
With gasoline prices lower than they’ve been in years, it’s easy to get complacent about weaning ourselves from petroleum. Sure, you might be spending less at the pump. But don’t forget the high cost our country pays for its over-dependence on oil – not just in terms of dollars, but in terms of national security, our economy… Keep reading →
Researchers from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis) found in a new study assessing the life cycle air quality impacts on human health of 10 alternatives to conventional gasoline vehicles “that electric vehicles (EVs) powered by electricity from natural gas or wind, water, or solar power are best for improving air quality, whereas vehicles powered by… Keep reading →
The oil market is filled with winners and losers. When oil prices decline, refiners generally win as their feedstock is less expensive, but producers lose as they get less money for their product. This highlights the attraction of vertical integration – operating both upstream production and downstream refining – which can insulate companies from oil… Keep reading →
Converting natural gas to liquid fuels using Fischer-Tropsch conversion is not a new idea but it has always been a big one, meaning it has always required very large and expensive production facilities. Royal Dutch Shell and South Africa’s Sasol have been the industry leaders in Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) for decades but their existing GTL plants… Keep reading →
As the volume of ethanol blended into the US gasoline supply increased from 3% to 10% over the past two decades, the fuel’s energy density decreased by 3%, according to the EIA. In an interesting example of how energy/environmental issues are often characterized by tradeoffs, greater volumes of ethanol added to gasoline decreases air pollution… Keep reading →
I recently had the opportunity to test drive the Tesla Model S P85, the high-performance version of the highly acclaimed all-electric luxury sedan. Like many drivers of the Model S, I was thoroughly impressed by the performance of this machine and after examining the engineering I am increasingly convinced that electric vehicles (EVs) are the… Keep reading →
Data for the first half of the year is trickling in on the world’s largest energy consumer. Here, we take a look at the trends behind the numbers. Crude imports are up, but that’s only half the story. Imports of crude oil rose 10.2% to around 6.13 million barrels per day in the first six… Keep reading →
A new documentary called Pump seeking to promote alternative fuels in the US takes aim at the existing downstream oil products complex and suggests change is afoot. The movie is due out in September and today Submarine Deluxe, in association with Fuel Freedom Foundation and iDeal Film Partners released the trailer that can be viewed… Keep reading →
Opinion: Low Oil Prices Need not Slow Electric Cars
By Peter Lehner and Yossie HollanderThe sudden decline in oil price has prompted some analysts to predict bad days ahead for electric and other fuel-efficient cars. While the price of oil may be low today, history teaches us that it will rise again. The true cost of our oil dependence remains high. Oil pollutes our air and water, is dangerously… Keep reading →