In 2012, the average American family spent 2.7 percent of their household income on home energy bills. While this might not sound like a lot, it adds up to almost $2,000 a year in energy costs. And much of that energy — 20 percent or more — is wasted on things like air leaks, poor insulation, and inefficient heating… Keep reading →
An improving investment climate –
Perceptions of Africa as an investment destination are changing rapidly and parts of Africa are increasingly considered very attractive for foreign direct investment. Compare this to similar findings as recently as three or four years ago, and it becomes clear that there has been a remarkable change in Africa’s image in a short period of time.
The statistics suggest that these changing perceptions are justified. Africa’s share of global foreign direct investment stands at 5.7% – an all-time high, of which, notably, 80% is directed towards sub-Saharan Africa1. In addition, there has been a marked increase in intra-African investment. While the majority of this inward investment has been focused on the traditional extractive industries, it is worth noting that there is also a long-term trend towards increasing investments in consumer facing industries, such as financial services. Kenya, for example, is harnessing such investment to establish itself as a regional commercial financial hub…
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 →
Thousands of miles of rail, inland waterways and coastal routes crisscross America moving products, energy and people. A new study out today confirms that thanks to its cleaner profile and low cost, greater use of natural gas as a marine and rail fuel is becoming a welcome reality. The study, performed by Gladstein, Neandross &… 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 →
New York’s “Reforming the Energy Vision” (REV) proceeding aims to reform the state’s long-standing electricity system to lay the groundwork for a cleaner and more efficient grid that allows for more customer choice and competition from third-party energy services companies. Forming the centerpiece of this 21st-century vision is a platform that would smoothly integrate innovative energy services… Keep reading →
Analysts and investors are trying to figure out the point at which oil prices fall too low for Venezuela to continue servicing its debt. The country’s export revenues are 95% oil reliant. “But this week’s fall in the oil price has further fomented worries of a possible default, pushing up Venezuelan bond yields to more than 18… 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 →
The 330-MW Sarulla geothermal power project stands to be the largest geothermal power project in Indonesia to date. A Latham & Watkins team led by partners Joseph Bevash, Clarinda Tjia-Dharmadi and Andrew Roche advised the lenders on the $US1.17 billion financing of the project. In this Q&A interview Tjia-Dharmadi discusses the significance of the deal, the unique financing challenges it presented, and the project’s potential to serve as a blueprint for future geothermal projects in Indonesia.
