Statoil has been proactively linking the contractual price of natural gas to European gas trading hubs and abandoning oil-linked pricing as Brussels pushes for market liberalization, consumers fight oil-linked prices and regional hubs gain liquidity. The change is slowly taking place in Eastern Europe, but “all of its German contracts and nearly all its UK,… Keep reading →
Australia has a lot going for it that other potential shale gas producers lack, like access to capital markets, existing infrastructure and a history of natural gas development. But natural gas development projects – conventional and unconventional – can be expensive and landed prices in Asia – despite proximity – could be higher than delivered… Keep reading →
Opposition to hydraulic fracturing of shales has become ‘hip’, embraced by students, long-time activists and the usual Hollywood suspects. Unfortunately, this generates a lot more noise than signal, as claims ranging from false to outrageous get the most attention. Politicians regularly respond to hysteria, but frequently with gestures and profound announcements of concern, and only… Keep reading →
A debate over the greenhouse gas emissions reduction benefits associated with burning natural gas versus coal to generate power began in 2010 when a Cornell University professor published a paper addressing methane leakage – methane being a potent greenhouse gas – from natural gas development. The paper found methane emissions at levels that would make… Keep reading →
As global natural gas fundamentals shift – with Asian demand expected to significantly increase, the US importing less and exporting more – European countries seek secure and reliable long-term supply from a diverse group of producers. An ambitious pipeline project dubbed the Southern Gas Corridor is part of that vision. European utilities have successfully renegotiated… Keep reading →
As the developed world enjoys an energy production renaissance, developing countries – particularly in Asia – look to lead global energy consumption growth and are expected to burn lots of coal along the way. The US Energy Information Administration Thursday released its International Energy Outlook that forecasts energy balances and consumption trends out to 2040.… Keep reading →
Celebrities: Constructive Addition to the Fracking Conversation?
By Jared AndersonThe noise level created by the debate over fracking in the US is reaching unprecedented levels. It seems everyone has a view on the controversial oil and gas development technology, some informed and many less so. A new video series features celebrities asking President Obama and several state leaders to ban the practice outright, but… Keep reading →