By Arjun Kharpal U.K. regulator Ofgem has called for a full investigation into the country’s energy market, to “clear the air” over competition and whether the public is being ripped off. The move comes amid rising anger towards the so-called “Big Six” energy companies which have been accused of hiking energy bills to boost their… Keep reading →
In the second part of our series on Myanmar’s power sector, Breaking Energy takes a look at the pricing structure and future demand projections. Both are integral to understanding the third installment on independent power producers (IPPs) and foreign direct investment (FDI). See the first installment on challenges facing the newly-democratic nation here. The government… Keep reading →
National Geographic is running a special energy series and a recent article highlights steps companies and environmental groups are taking to reduce the impacts associated with shale gas and oil development. “Natural gas is a potential energy bounty for the country, and development is probably inevitable,” said Ben Ratner, a project manager for the nonprofit… Keep reading →
The US has gone from a net chemical importer in 2011 to an exporter with anticipated export revenue of almost $30 billion by 2018, thanks in large part to comparatively cheap natural gas and power prices. “US groups such as ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, Chevron and Phillips 66 are among the leaders in investing in new… Keep reading →
During his first stint as prime minister in 2006, Prime Minister Abe’s Nuclear Energy National Plan from December 2006 talked about a “re-recognition of the importance of energy security in industrialized nations” with the direction of energy policy not being “Nuclear energy “OR” Renewable energy but Nuclear energy “AND” Renewable energy.” As a previous article… Keep reading →
Not much time has passed since Yoichi Masuzoe, backed by Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, won Tokyo’s gubernatorial election in January 2014 against two candidates who were running on the promise to phase out nuclear power. In his victory speech he uttered: “The Fukushima disaster has left me without words, but reducing our dependence on… Keep reading →
The largest US nuclear plant owner Exelon said it may shut nuclear facilities to shore up its balance sheet if profits do not improve this year. Historically low natural gas prices and renewable energy sources have decreased the price the utility receives for the power it sells. “Exelon owns 10 nuclear power plants, six of… Keep reading →
The Japanese government has softened its anti-nuclear power strategy, which could open the way to existing reactor restarts and possibly even new plant construction. The post-Fukushima shutdown of the country’s nuclear fleet has led to increased electricity prices, eroded the trade balance and spiked fossil fuel imports, which are unsustainable conditions according to a new… Keep reading →
Germany’s massive build out of renewable power generation resources and simultaneous nuclear power phase out has resulted in a difficult situation where coal use and customers’ electric bills are rising. The country’s new energy minister, Sigmar Gabriel, discussed these issues in a policy speech on Tuesday. Read Breaking Energy coverage of the German energy situation… Keep reading →
The fortunes of natural gas will increasingly drive electricity pricing as it continues to displace coal, Black & Veatch forecasts in the latest Energy Market Perspective. Black & Veatch’s long-term forecast on electric power assumes a moderate economic rebound driving demand at a projected growth rate of 1.1% from 2013 through 2038. Growth in peak… Keep reading →
