Morgan Stanley analysts floated the idea that Russia’s President Putin could order state-controlled natural gas export monopoly Gazprom to cut supplies to European firms in retaliation for western-imposed economic sanctions. It appears the incremental damage such a move would cause to Russia’s economy makes using the “gas weapon” unlikely, but the Putin regime is not… Keep reading →
Plan Follows Final Capstone Roundtable on Reducing Methane Emissions Washington, D.C. – Building on the President’s Climate Action Plan, today the White House and the Department of Energy hosted the fifth in a series of meetings on reducing methane emissions from natural gas systems. Following the meeting, Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz announced several… Keep reading →
Geopolitical turmoil and security threats in major producing regions are never good for oil market stability, and while global benchmark oil prices have been cruising through an historic range-bound lack of volatility for an extended period, geopolitical headwinds show no sign of abating in the near term according to Barclays’ research. The bank forecasts 2014 Brent… Keep reading →
The energy industry – oil & gas sector in particular – is bracing itself for a massive wave of retirements over the short to medium term, which has been dubbed “The Great Shift Change.” As the industry prepares for this turnover, companies are looking to the next generation of candidates with skills ranging from finance,… Keep reading →
Fuel stability woes challenge the increase of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) biodiesel beyond the current B5, or 5% blend. Mercedes-Benz and some other original engine manufacturers (OEM’s) will not warranty their engines when blends of B6 or higher are used. The reason is due to poor oxidation stability that causes the fuel to biodegrade… Keep reading →
Social media can be a fun way to keep up with friends, play games and kill time, but it can also be a source of real-time news and a platform used to disseminate critical information during emergencies. You’d be hard pressed to read an online news article or watch a news broadcast on television without… Keep reading →
With growing awareness of the risks from cyber attacks, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) this past April took steps to enhance U.S. cyber security standards. Their plan seeks to improve the resiliency of critical network operations in electric generation, distribution and transmission systems. The ripple effects of compliance will be felt throughout the U.S.… Keep reading →
The latest round of economic sanctions against Russia enacted by the US and European Union are designed to blunt Russia’s ability to tap western technology and expertise needed to develop complex oil deposits and shale resources. “The biggest edge that Western energy companies still have is their technological edge — that’s why these sanctions have… Keep reading →
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… Keep reading →
Opinion: Climate, US Oil Exports and Energy ‘Less Dependence’
By Bennett ResnikCongress is currently involved in a highly polarizing and critical topic regarding America’s future: energy sources and the economic and environmental costs of our current regulations and policies. Several Senate and House committee hearings reflect this: hearing on “Laboratories of Democracy: The Economic Impacts of State Energy Policies,” “Modernizing the Business of Environmental Regulation and… Keep reading →