US natural gas prices have trended lower since the summer, but homeowners will likely pay slightly more for the heating fuel than last winter. “For consumers, prices will be about 6.8% higher than last winter, as gas utilities sell more expensive fuel they bought in the spring and summer, according to the U.S. Energy Information… Keep reading →
Marcellus Gas Production Anticipated to Increase, Lead the Nation in November: The State Journal (West Virginia): The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Drilling Productivity Report, released Oct. 14, revealed that the Marcellus Shale play is anticipated to produce more gas than other reported regions in November. The Marcellus region is expected to produce 16,045 million cubic feet of… Keep reading →
The Renewable Fuel Standard was designed to introduce increasing volumes of biofuels into the US liquid transportation fuel system as part of the 2005 Energy Policy Act. The standard has been expanded over time with greater focus given to advanced biofuels like cellulosic ethanol that do not use food crops as a direct feedstock. Blending… Keep reading →
The EU Commission yesterday released the first “Energy Security Stress Tests” in the wake of the Ukraine crisis. On its behalf, the European Network of Transmission System Operators for gas (ENTSOG) modeled two disruption scenarios for a period of one or six months: Complete halt of Russian gas imports to the EU Disruption of Russian… Keep reading →
Last week we welcomed the Department of Energy’s new Deputy Secretary, Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall. On Friday, Energy Department employees got a visit from Vice President Joe Biden, who administered a ceremonial oath of office to Dr. Sherwood-Randall in the Forrestal Auditorium at Energy Department headquarters. Check out photos from Deputy Secretary Sherwood-Randall’s swearing-in ceremony in the photo… Keep reading →
Ankara’s security and political concerns may drive it to establish buffer zones unilaterally, while Washington’s hesitance could cost it a coalition. Since the armed phase of the rebellion against Bashar al-Assad began in summer 2011, Turkey has been intent on setting up safe havens and accompanying no-fly zones in northern Syria to protect areas held… Keep reading →
On 24 September 2014, the Indian Supreme Court cancelled 214 out of the 218 existing coal-mining licenses. The only mining licences which were not cancelled were four coal blocks made to Government controlled undertakings linked to major state power projects, and which did not involve a joint venture with a private company.
The decision follows a report from federal auditors in 2012, which found that India had lost roughly US $33bn due to coalfield rights being sold off cheaply. The audit report was supported by an earlier judgment of the Indian Supreme Court on 25 August 2014 where the Court declared that all 218 coal mining licenses both to private and state companies were assigned illegally by the central government in a process that lacked transparency and was arbitrary and illegal.
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 →
Russian and Chinese leadership signed a host of preliminary agreements yesterday covering everything from oil & gas, to nuclear power, finance, satellite navigation and high-speed rail. Russia has long been skeptical about cozying too close to China, which is both a huge market and potential business partner, but also a competitor and potential rival. It… Keep reading →
