Quick Take: Pity poor Japan. They’ve never had much in fossil fuels, so they migrated to nuclear for electric power generation. Then the Fukushima disaster pulled the rug out from under nuclear, necessitating a head-long rush to renewables plus demand-side management. But integrating renewables at scale requires improvements in the grid, improvements that take time. We… Keep reading →
As global oil prices beat a hasty retreat from the relative highs of recent years – dropping roughly $20 per barrel in weeks – market watchers have attempted to diagnose the situation. A popular view now is that Saudi Arabia is willing to take a short-term budgetary hit from lower prices in order to force… Keep reading →
On September 12, 2014, the United States (“U.S.”) and European Union (“EU”) both announced expanded sanctions related to Russia and Ukraine. These measures seek to increase pressure on the Russian Government to stop threatening the territorial integrity of Ukraine. In general, the specific sanctions (i) target specific entities and individuals, (ii) limit access to financial markets, and (iii) prohibit certain oil related exports and activities.
When Mexico reformed its energy markets to attract foreign investment, analysts focused bullish outlooks on natural gas and petroleum. And without a doubt, the country will attract billions in new fossil fuel projects. Mexico is in a difficult position. Combine high prices for imported natural gas, limited hydropower and coal resources, creaky grid infrastructure, limited… Keep reading →
There is, by now, a general consensus that transitioning to a low-carbon economy is critical for mitigating the effects of climate change. Supporting carbon-cutting efforts entails a move away from fossil fuel-fired power generation and concurrently a shift towards low-carbon electricity sources. How much of a country’s energy should come from renewable sources is debatable… Keep reading →
Energy efficiency is a goldmine, but not everyone has the time or resources to dig. That’s why for the past seven years, over three hundred organizations have turned to EDF Climate Corps for hands-on help to cut costs and carbon pollution through better energy management. And every year, the program delivers results: this year’s class of fellows found $130 million… Keep reading →
Greece has initiated its tender process for offshore oil and gas (hydrocarbons) exploration as of August 26, 2014. The Greek Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change is seeking bid applications for its offshore oil and gas exploration in 20 block areas in the Ionian Sea and south of Crete. The Greek government is hoping this will aid the Greek economy by encouraging an influx of investment capital.
Still wondering why more nukes are not getting built in the West? In 2002, the Finland’s parliament approved the construction of Olkiluoto 3 expecting completion by 2009. To guard against cost over-runs, Finnish utility Teollisuuden Voima (TVO) signed a €3.2 billion (roughly US$4.2 billion at current exchange rate) fixed-price turnkey contract with a consortium including… Keep reading →
A previous article explained why the Arctic is currently a central theme in world politics. Canadian Professor Michael Byers established this thesis during a highly informative event hosted by the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) – entitled “Passing the Arctic Council Torch” – that brought together leading Arctic experts from government and academia… Keep reading →
A mixture of supply/demand fundamentals and economic indicators are pushing down prices for global benchmark crude grade Brent. The EIA concisely describes current global crude oil market dynamics in its Today in Energy brief. [EIA] Oil market observers are buzzing with theories seeking to explain why Saudi Arabia cut official selling prices for its crude… Keep reading →
