This quote is not in reference to the highly-politicized Keystone XL oil pipeline project, as one might first assume, but was made with regard to New England natural gas pipeline constraints that cause spot prices to soar during demand spikes. Utilities often opt not to pay for more expensive uninterruptable supply, forcing them into the… Keep reading →
Countering the Russian incursion into Crimea, the House Energy and Power Committee is debating multiplying American LNG exports, and sending shale gas in liquid form to countries overseas, a move that consultants say will raise US electricity prices. A knock-on effect of sending more shale gas abroad is that US electricity companies that have gas-fired… Keep reading →
The New York Times’ Coral Davenport tally’s the emissions numbers on Keystone XL which show the oil infrastructure project would likely have a limited impact on climate change. The anti-Keystone movement largely acknowledges this, but says the fact that presidential approval is required makes it a potent climate change symbol that indicates the United States’… Keep reading →
Following Russian annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, tensions between the West and the Kremlin have been dangerously simmering. Meanwhile, the spotlight has moved to Eastern Ukraine where unmarked soldiers appear to be keen on destabilizing the situation further. Anti-Ukrainian agitators seized government buildings and police stations making a mockery of Kiev’s sovereignty. This sets up an ideal breeding… Keep reading →
The Atlantic Council presents a pessimistic view regarding the prospect of smooth natural gas flow through Ukraine to European customers. Russia’s continued aggression and, in the Council’s view, strong possibility that Russia will occupy additional Ukrainian territory makes gas supply disruptions likely. European support for Ukraine could also impact Russian gas supplies that do not… Keep reading →
Coal consumption has been increasing in past months as natural gas prices pushed upwards and coal stocks dipped lower. With natural gas the peak-load fuel of choice for many utilities, base load summer cooling could be powered by lots of comparatively cheaper coal – with gas peaker plants firing up when demand surges and thus… Keep reading →
Russia’s Gazprom twice increased natural gas prices charged to its Ukrainian counterpart last week. The initial increase was largely expected, as it represented the removal of a discount offered in conjunction with financial assistance – ie loans – from the Russian government. However, after violent protests led Ukraine’s Russian-leaning president to leave office, Russia rescinded… Keep reading →
States are battling to entice Tesla Motors to construct a $5 billion lithium-ion battery plant within their borders that could bring as many as 6,500 jobs. This Greentech Media article highlights recent news coming from each potential location – Texas, Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona – and suggests reasons why the factory should be built… Keep reading →
Skip down about halfway through this article if you’ve been following coverage of the Ukraine situation’s impact on European gas markets. The interesting stuff is towards the end where analysts discuss Gazprom’s gas pricing strategy aimed to undercut competition post-2020. It’s funny that the piece basically debunks its own headline. [Financial Times] US natural gas… Keep reading →
In one of the better pieces dealing with European gas supply issues associated with the Russia-Ukraine political crisis, this article cites a recent study published by the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies which pinpoints Ukrainian fiscal instability as the most likely cause of a European gas supply disruption. “The difficulties that Naftogaz Ukrainy is having,… Keep reading →
