Western sanctions against strategic portions of Russia’s economy are ratcheting up in the aftermath of a passenger jet crash in a section of Eastern Ukraine controlled by Russian-supported rebels. The Malaysian jet was brought down by a surface-to-air missile that appears to have been supplied by Russia to rebels operating in the region who are… Keep reading →
Billionaire activist Tom Steyer came under the microscope last week when the New York Times profiled his role in managing a fund that invested heavily in Australian coal. Now a climate change mitigation crusader and democratic funder, some have called Steyer’s former Wall Street activity his Achilles’ heel, but many in the environmental community rushed… Keep reading →
It appears confirmed that a Russian surface-to-air missile fired by Ukrainian separatists loyal to the Kremlin took down a Malaysian passenger jet over Eastern Ukraine yesterday. If it is in fact confirmed the Putin regime supplied the weapon, “there will be serious diplomatic consequences,” Kenneth Yalowitz, a retired senior US diplomat who served several tours… Keep reading →
In May, Breaking Energy covered the G7 energy ministers’ special meeting in Rome. Back on the agenda thanks to the Ukraine crisis was European energy security, which is a topic of continuous deliberation, failed attempts at improving the European status quo such as the Nabucco pipeline project and, above all, complacency. Member states discussed how… Keep reading →
Global energy investment requirements through 2035 amount to $2.5 trillion annually, with $40 trillion devoted to maintaining current supply levels and developing incremental sources to meet anticipated demand. An additional $8 trillion is needed for energy efficiency measures, according the to the OECD’s energy watchdog. [International New York Times] The EPA’s newly-released plan to cut… Keep reading →
A Russian natural gas supply cutoff to Ukraine due to unpaid bills in the amount of $3.51 billion – which could occur next month – would also indirectly impact the European Union. Over half of Russia’s gas exports to Europe transit the Ukraine. A recent Bloomberg article draws the conclusion that it will be extremely difficult for Europe… Keep reading →
The story of how net metering and onsite residential solar is eating way utilities’ profit margins is getting old, so what can these companies do about it? This piece suggest two strategies. “Clean Power Finance’s new partnership with North American Power demonstrates one of two ways in which a retail electricity provider (REP) can profit from selling… Keep reading →
On Tuesday, G7 energy ministers wrapped up a special meeting in Rome discussing how Europe, which relies on Russia for about one third of its natural gas supplies, could replace Russian natural gas. DW (Deutsche Welle) reports that the meeting of ministers from the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Italy, France, and Japan is “part of… Keep reading →
Outgoing Eni CEO Paolo Scaroni sees the volatile standoff between Western powers and Russia over the Kremlin’s actions in Ukraine as a new low point for European energy security. Italian oil and gas company Eni serves as a conduit for gas sourced from Gazprom and delivered to European customers, a position that could be jeopardized… Keep reading →
The apparent strong-arm tactic may actually indicate Russian weakness. In a letter to leadership in European countries receiving Russian gas that first transits Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that unless immediate steps are taken to ensure Ukrainian national gas company Naftogaz pays in advance for supply, Gazprom could close the valves. The letter states:… Keep reading →
