Global energy intensity continues to decline
(Tue, 12 Jul 2016) Worldwide energy intensity, measured as energy consumption per unit of gross domestic product (GDP), decreased by nearly one-third between 1990 and 2015.
EIA projects rise in U.S. crude oil and other liquid fuels production beyond 2017
(Mon, 11 Jul 2016) The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that U.S. petroleum and other liquid fuels production, which in addition to crude oil and condensate production includes natural gas plant liquids derived from natural gas processing as well as biofuels and volume gain at refineries, is projected to grow from 14.8 million barrels/day (b/d) in 2015 to 18.6 million b/d in 2040 in its Annual Energy Outlook 2016 (AEO2016) Reference case.
Brexit turmoil raises costs, risks in UK energy sector
Following the UK's vote to exit the EU, we look at both the business case and political risks for future UK energy sector investment, and assess the best way forward.
Clean Power Plan reduces projected coal production in all major U.S. supply regions
(Fri, 08 Jul 2016) U.S. coal production is projected to decline by about 26%, or 230 million tons, between 2015 and 2040 in EIA's <em>Annual Energy Outlook 2016</em> (AEO2016) Reference case, which assumes the implementation of the Clean Power Plan (CPP). In a scenario that assumes the CPP is never implemented (No CPP case), U.S. coal production remains close to 2015 levels through 2040.
US nuclear industry suffers shutdowns, pressured by power prices
Nuclear power, which for a long time was among the lowest-cost electricity sources, is now having trouble competing in the US.
EIA electricity generator data show power industry response to EPA mercury limits
(Thu, 07 Jul 2016) EIA recently released preliminary data from its annual survey of electric generators (EIA-860), which provides information on pollution control equipment at electric power plants. A significant amount of such equipment was recently installed in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS).
Steel industry energy consumption: Sensitivity to technology choice, fuel prices, and carbon prices
(Thu, 07 Jul 2016) Steel industry energy consumption in 2010 totaled 1,158 trillion British thermal units (Btu), representing 8% of total manufacturing energy consumption. Energy consumption in the steel industry is largely for crude steel production using basic oxygen furnace (BOF) and electric arc furnace (EAF) technologies. Overall energy intensity in EAF, used primarily to melt scrap steel, is significantly lower than in BOF which is used to create virgin steel from iron ore.
Clean Power Plan implementation choices by states could affect electricity generation mix
(Wed, 06 Jul 2016) In designing the Clean Power Plan, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provided states with implementation flexibility. Given the options available to states, EIA has produced several scenarios as part of an Issues in Focus analysis in the<em> Annual Energy Outlook 2016 </em>(AEO2016). Differences in emissions target types, emissions trading markets, and policy timelines have implications for electric capacity and generation in the United States.
Hydrocarbon gas liquids production and related industrial development
(Wed, 06 Jul 2016) Hydrocarbon gas liquids (HGL) are produced at refineries from crude oil and at natural gas processing plants from unprocessed natural gas. From 2010 to 2015, total HGL production increased by 42%. Natural gas processing plants accounted for all the increase, with recovered natural gas plant liquids (NGPL)?light hydrocarbon gases such as propane?rising by 58%, from 2.07 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2010 to 3.27 million b/d in 2015, while refinery output of HGL declined by 7%.
Confusion reigns in bunker and shipping markets
The largest and most admired bunker company vanishes overnight. Charter rates hit historic bottom only to sink even further. Only the unexpected is to be expected.