Rising USGC sour prices prompt more imports: In the LOOP
US crude imports into the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port appear to be on an upswing in May alongside the recent increase in regional sour crude prices.
Tax credits and solar tariffs affect timing of projected renewable power plant deployment
(Tue, 15 May 2018) The timing and magnitude of adding wind- and solar-powered electricity generators to the U.S. grid are sensitive to federal policies, especially federal tax credits that are currently scheduled to expire or diminish by 2022. In addition to the Reference case of EIAâs latest <em>Annual Energy Outlook 2018</em> (AEO2018), which reflects current laws and regulations, three side cases show the potential effects of extending or eliminating certain tax credits.
Most of Americaâs propane exports go to countries in Asia
(Mon, 14 May 2018) In 2017, the United States exported 905,000 barrels per day (b/d) of propane, with the largest volumes going to supply petrochemical feedstock demand in Asian countries. Four of the top five countries receiving U.S. propane exports are in Asia—Japan, China, South Korea, and Singapore.
Alternative Policies in Power Generation and Energy Demand Markets
(Mon, 14 May 2018) EIA analyses sensitivities around policies affecting the U.S. energy system using alternative scenarios to the <em>Annual Energy Outlook 2018</em> (AEO2018) Reference case in the areas of renewable electric generation and end-use efficiency. This article presents results from two sets of alternative policy scenarios. The first set of cases looks at renewable tax credits and examines the impacts of tariffs on imported solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules.
Diversification pays dividends for South Korean thermal coal buyers
By taking an inventive approach to purchasing and shipping imported thermal coal, South Korean buyers have been able to keep in check the marketing muscle of traditional suppliers and save money on power station fuel costs.
Countries in and around the Middle East are adding coal-fired power plants
(Fri, 11 May 2018) Planned coal-fired capacity additions from a number of countries in and around the Middle East will add 41 gigawatts (GW) of new electric generating capacity over the next decade, based on announced projects and projects currently in the permitting process. Another 3 GW of coal-fired capacity is currently under construction in these countries.
EIA raises crude oil, gasoline price forecasts for 2018
(Thu, 10 May 2018) EIAâs May <em>Short-Term Energy Outlook</em> (STEO) forecasts that Brent crude oil prices will average $71 per barrel (b) in 2018, $7/b higher than forecast in last monthâs STEO. Correspondingly, EIAâs forecast for regular gasoline retail prices increased to an average of $2.79/gallon (g) in 2018, $0.15/g higher that in last monthâs STEO. Monthly average Brent crude oil spot prices have increased in 9 of the past 10 months, most recently averaging $72/b in April.
Solar surpasses biomass to become third-most prevalent renewable electricity source
(Wed, 09 May 2018) Electricity generation from solar resources in the United States reached 77 million megawatthours (MWh) in 2017, surpassing for the first time annual generation from biomass resources, which generated 64 million MWh in 2017. Among renewable sources, only hydro and wind generated more electricity in 2017, at 300 million MWh and 254 million MWh, respectively.
Analysis: An Iranian exodus could open more doors for US crudes in Europe
The potential reduction of Iranian crude into the European market as result of renewed sanctions will likely benefit US crude exporters, which have enjoyed an increasingly large share of that market, an S&P Global Platts analysis showed May 8.
Factbox: Energy, metals impact of Trump's decision to reimpose Iran sanctions
US President Donald Trump's plan to leave the Iran nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions could have major impacts for global oil, natural gas, metals and petrochemical markets.