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.
CISA turnaround towards iron ore financialization sees growing futures interest
CISA’s recent iron ore and steel derivatives conference indicates the group’s strong support for its members to join in futures trading.
OPEC's new blood seen healing wounds, boosting unity
OPEC is putting recent turbulence behind it, with Gabon officially joining the organization after a hiatus of more than 20 years.
Ineos director Tom Crotty on the group's petrochemical operations post-Brexit
Listen to Ineos director Tom Crotty discuss the state of the group's UK operations at present and going forwards in the aftermath of Brexit.
Mexico electricity market reforms attempt to reduce costs and develop new capacity
(Tue, 05 Jul 2016) Mexico is in the process of reforming much of its electricity industry. Earlier in 2016, Mexico opened up day-ahead and real-time trading in a new wholesale power market. Although wholesale prices briefly spiked for a handful of hours, average prices in most locations during the market's first six months of operation have ranged from 880 to 1,100 pesos per megawatthour (MWh), or about $48/MWh to $60/MWh.