A new study conducted by the University of Texas at Austin in conjunction with the Environmental Defense Fund and 10 oil companies pinpointed methane emissions sources at natural gas production operations. “Researchers found 19% of pneumatic devices accounted for 95% of the emissions from those devices. Meanwhile, 20% of the wells that vent emissions to the atmosphere during unloading operations accounted for 65-83% of those emissions…”Companies involved were Anadarko Petroleum Corp., BG Group PLC, Chevron Corp., ConocoPhillips, Encana Oil & Gas USA Inc., Pioneer Natural Resources Co., SWEPI LP (Shell), Statoil ASA, Southwestern Energy Co., and XTO Energy Inc.” [Oil & Gas Journal]

Several reasons were discussed regarding underperformance at the utility-scale Ivanpah concentrated solar plant in California, but it appears weather is likely the largest contributing factor. And variability in solar irradiance can significantly impact revenue for solar project owners. “The wind and sun are free resources. But if the weather isn’t cooperating, developers can take a big financial hit. Ivanpah, which is operated by NRG Energy and partly owned by Google and BrightSource, generated hundreds of thousands of dollars less than expected.” [The Energy Collective]

Malaysian oil and gas firm Petronas is progressing toward a deal with Argentina’s YPF to invest $550 million to drill 35 wells in the massive Vaca Meurta shale gas field. “In March 2015 the first of three annual phases for development of the La Amarga Chica bloc in Neuquen province will begin,” the statement said.” [Reuters via Rigzone]