The US State Department released its Final Environmental Impact Statement on the Keystone XL Pipeline project Friday, which received spirited reactions across the energy business and political spectrums. The findings were largely in line with previous Environmental Impact Statements, which concluded Canada’s oil sands resources would likely be developed regardless of the pipeline’s construction.… Keep reading →
As the President mentioned in his State of the Union address this week, we must prepare students with the skills necessary to succeed in the new economy — especially skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). By supporting education and job training, we can strengthen the work force and ensure that Americans who are willing to… Keep reading →
A Solar Foundation report shows U.S. solar industry jobs increased by 19.9 percent, 10 times faster than overall job growth. On January 27, 2014, the Solar Foundation (TSF), a non-profit research organization, released the 2013 National Solar Jobs Census, its fourth annual report on U.S. solar industry employment and projected growth. The report shows the… Keep reading →
Ben Franklin famously said, “If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.” This saying certainly holds true for smart grid deployment plans, which can cost utilities several hundred million dollars. Given these high stakes, good planning is essential. Many utilities have installed smart grids. Currently, 25% of U.S. electricity customers have smart meters, a key component of… Keep reading →
Opec member United Arab Emirates is reportedly considering investing in North American energy assets and possibly importing natural gas as part of the deal. Major oil producers across the Arabian Gulf region – including the Saudis – face tightening gas production and consumption fundamentals, as their domestic energy use soars, greater volumes of associated gas… Keep reading →
The Brookings Institution, a think tank in Washington D.C., recently published “Big Bets & Black Swans – A Presidential Briefing Book” with policy recommendations for President Obama in 2014. Among a plethora of issues addressed, Tim Boersma and Charles K. Ebinger also discuss lifting the ban on U.S. oil exports. Let’s briefly assess the validity… Keep reading →
Energy issue positives from President Obama’s State of the Union address Tuesday night: Crediting surging domestic oil and natural gas production for adding jobs, creating economic growth and revitalizing the manufacturing sector. Recognizing that because of domestic output the U.S. “is closer to energy independence than we have been in decades.” Pledging to “slash bureaucracy” and streamline… Keep reading →
Majority government-owned Danish utility Dong Energy recently brought in new investors that included two Danish pension funds and US investment bank Goldman Sachs. The Danish public strongly opposed Goldman’s involvement due to several aspects of the deal’s structure and the degree of control Goldman would receive with its 19% equity stake in the company. This… Keep reading →
As the United States transitions to cleaner, greener sources of power, the Energy Department is investing in technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from burning the fossil fuels that many areas of our country still rely upon. Recently, theNational Energy Technology Laboratory partnered with Great River Energy to increase operating efficiencies and reduce the emission of… Keep reading →
The highly controversial Keystone XL pipeline project – that would move Canadian oil sands crude from Alberta to the US Gulf Coast – took a step forward in the drawn-out approval process today when the State Department released its Final Environmental Impact Statement. The statement is mostly favorable – the executive summary is included below.… Keep reading →
