Canadian government negations with energy industry representatives regarding a carbon emissions mitigation strategy have reportedly been underway for the past two years with little to show for the effort. A climate plan could improve the Keystone XL pipeline’s chances of being approved by the US government. [Reuters] The boom and bust cycle that characterizes PTC-dependent… Keep reading →
Deutsche Bank changed its recommendation on shares of Cabot Oil & Gas – a major Marcellus and Eagle Ford Shale operator – causing that stock to move in today’s trading session. The investment bank is also optimistic on the US refining sector – putting a buy rating on Phillips 66 – formerly ConocoPhillip’s refining division.… Keep reading →
The US oil and gas industry often points opponents to job creation and other economic benefits associated with their business activities. When environmental concerns are raised, highlighting job creation – a somewhat common industry communications strategy – confuses the conversation and fails to address the issue at hand. However, the Washington Post recently challenged the… Keep reading →
What can cost a billion dollars more each week before it even exists? At the end of September, the Louisiana governor’s office projected that a new gas to liquids project announced by Royal Dutch Shell would cost an estimated $12.5 billion. Less than a week into December, the multinational energy giant cancelled its plans amid… Keep reading →
The Audubon Society is upset with a US Department of Interior decision to allow wind farm operators to obtain permit extensions allowing accidental bird death or injury for up to 30 years. Interior says the permit extensions provide regulatory certainty to wind developers, but Audubon thinks the move fails to balance “the need for conservation… Keep reading →
The 2013 Chinese Year of the Snake (i.e., smart people who use others to achieve their goals) saw disappointing results from an industry smart grid strategy of convincing customers to change their behavior to mitigate inadequacies of the existing grid. Clearly, the demand response approach, while having some benefit, will not by itself ensure an… Keep reading →
How far below the ground surface do property rights extend? This question is being addressed in Texas Supreme Court and could result in the emergence of a new field of law. The case involves contamination from an oil and gas wastewater injection well that appears to have migrated onto adjacent farmland, according to a New… Keep reading →
In our recent interview with Solar Reserve CEO Kevin Smith, he filled us in on the company’s global ambitions, but was particularly proud of the Crescent Dunes concentrated solar power (CSP) project currently being constructed in the Nevada desert. This is the second video in a two-part series that provides an up-close look at the… Keep reading →
We guess that means Mrs. Claus would also be Canadian if the North Pole is included in the country’s Arctic claim. “Canada will still meet a Dec. 6 deadline for filing an application to the United Nations to extend its northern sea boundary, according to the daily Globe and Mail. But it now also plans… Keep reading →
A Brave New World Powered by Distributed Energy
By David CraneIn just a few years, Americans will soon produce the majority of the power they consume at their home or office, primarily through distributed solar arrays on their roof or over their driveways or parking lots. If they come up short, they can tap the battery in their electric car or an energy converting appliance… Keep reading →