Ahead of the new European Commission’s highly anticipated publication of “proposals on a more closely-linked single energy market” in the first quarter of 2015 as part of a drive to loosen Europe’s energy dependence on Russia, leaked non-papers drawn up by governments of EU member states on the topic are being circulated in Brussels, according… Keep reading →
Analysts and economists are trying to figure out how falling oil prices impact various economic sectors. Many 401ks and pension funds invest in oil companies, but as long as funds are diversified they should not be hit too badly by the oil price decline. “But this is precisely why investment advisers tell us to diversify,… Keep reading →
In a rare move, Toyota Motor Corp. announced last week that it will allow other firms to use its nearly 6,000 patents related to fuel cells. It said it wants to spread the technology globally while spurring competition for further development. Tesla made a similar patent announcement last year. The success of FCVs largely depends… Keep reading →
Solar power continues to be a high-revving jobs engine in the United States, surging to 173,807 positions industrywide by late 2014, a 21.8 percent increase over a year earlier, according to an annual survey released on Thursday. High-profile trade cases brought by Oregon-based SolarWorld Industries Americas have put a focus on solar manufacturing in the… Keep reading →
The renewable energy future for the U.S. might not be what you expect. Will there be more solar? Sure, but solar heating and cooling systems as much as photovoltaic panels will be important contributors. And the number of giant wind turbines envisioned whirring across the land – and over coastal waters – is kind of… Keep reading →
Michael Liebreich, chairman of the advisory board at Bloomberg New Energy Finance, said: “The orthodox view of unlimited oil demand growth simply does not hold in a world of super-efficient engines, electric vehicles, desperate air pollution problems, and action on climate. The US economy has grown by 8.9% since 2007, while demand for finished petroleum… Keep reading →
Governor Brown was sworn into office yesterday and gave his fourth inaugural address, which also doubled as his State of the State. Though he touched on a variety of other proposals, the Governor kept his laser focused on climate and energy issues. He proposed three ambitious goals to be accomplished within the next 15 years:
Increase from one-third to 50 percent our electricity derived from renewable sources
Reduce today’s petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to 50 percent
Double the efficiency of existing buildings and make heating fuels cleaner
Cold weather has returned to much of the United States, and the wind energy industry is pivoting off the big chill to tout their turbines’ ability to provide cheap electricity when fuel prices for other sources skyrocket. The American Wind Energy Association said Wednesday that new research shows during last year’s dramatic January icy spell,… Keep reading →
Energy sources and related commodities have driven national security issues ever since the modern nation-state was born with the Peace of Westphalia. Oak made Spain and England’s stout sailing ships. Water energy and wind drove mills and moved water. Wood and coal moved steamships. Then came the almost magical commodity of oil, packed with energy. World War II… Keep reading →
Environmentalists are Wrong about Port Ambrose LNG
By Edward DodgeThe proposed Port Ambrose deepwater LNG terminal near New York City has been denounced by environmentalists as a dirty and dangerous export terminal in disguise. The reality is that LNG is the safest and cleanest fuel available and natural gas is critical in efforts to eliminate air pollution and save lives in New York City.… Keep reading →