This detailed, scenario-based analysis considers potential European natural gas supply outcomes this winter. Relations between Moscow and the West have deteriorated to arguably the lowest levels since the Cold War over Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine. Increasingly strict economic sanctions have been initiated by western governments and intergovernmental organizations against strategic sectors of Russia’s economy… Keep reading →
Western sanctions against strategic portions of Russia’s economy are ratcheting up in the aftermath of a passenger jet crash in a section of Eastern Ukraine controlled by Russian-supported rebels. The Malaysian jet was brought down by a surface-to-air missile that appears to have been supplied by Russia to rebels operating in the region who are… Keep reading →
It appears confirmed that a Russian surface-to-air missile fired by Ukrainian separatists loyal to the Kremlin took down a Malaysian passenger jet over Eastern Ukraine yesterday. If it is in fact confirmed the Putin regime supplied the weapon, “there will be serious diplomatic consequences,” Kenneth Yalowitz, a retired senior US diplomat who served several tours… Keep reading →
The Rockies Express (REX) natural gas pipeline, originally designed to transport gas from production centers located in the western US, has reversed some of its flow capacity in the opposite direction as a result of booming gas production from eastern shale resources like the Marcellus. Initially, a lateral pipeline extension will ship moderate gas volumes… Keep reading →
In May, Breaking Energy covered the G7 energy ministers’ special meeting in Rome. Back on the agenda thanks to the Ukraine crisis was European energy security, which is a topic of continuous deliberation, failed attempts at improving the European status quo such as the Nabucco pipeline project and, above all, complacency. Member states discussed how… Keep reading →
Global energy investment requirements through 2035 amount to $2.5 trillion annually, with $40 trillion devoted to maintaining current supply levels and developing incremental sources to meet anticipated demand. An additional $8 trillion is needed for energy efficiency measures, according the to the OECD’s energy watchdog. [International New York Times] The EPA’s newly-released plan to cut… Keep reading →
Ukraine’s deadline for paying its Russian natural gas debt – roughly $2 billion owed to Gazprom – expired last night. Gazprom has said it will shut off gas supplies at 10:00 Moscow time June 3rd, meaning European nations receiving gas via pipelines that transit Ukraine could also be cut off. [Radio Free Europe] The Nigerian… Keep reading →
A Russian natural gas supply cutoff to Ukraine due to unpaid bills in the amount of $3.51 billion – which could occur next month – would also indirectly impact the European Union. Over half of Russia’s gas exports to Europe transit the Ukraine. A recent Bloomberg article draws the conclusion that it will be extremely difficult for Europe… Keep reading →
The story of how net metering and onsite residential solar is eating way utilities’ profit margins is getting old, so what can these companies do about it? This piece suggest two strategies. “Clean Power Finance’s new partnership with North American Power demonstrates one of two ways in which a retail electricity provider (REP) can profit from selling… Keep reading →
On Friday, President Obama met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House and seemed to dismiss the notion that Russia would “turn off the tap to Europe” by calling it “unrealistic”. He added that natural gas kept flowing even at the height of the Cold War. Both leaders appeared to be ready and… Keep reading →
