Seven of the Deadliest Infrastructure Failures Throughout History
A bridge collapse in Italy that killed at least 20 people was the latest disaster to raise worries about aging or improperly built bridges, dams and other structures.
USDA Provides Food Safety Tips to Keep Foodborne Illness Out of the Classroom
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing food safety recommendations for those who may be impacted by a major winter storm on the East Coast.
Offshore discoveries in the Mediterranean could increase Egyptâs natural gas production
(Tue, 14 Aug 2018) Natural gas production in Egypt has been in decline, falling from a 2009 peak of 5.8 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) to 3.9 Bcf/d in 2016, based on estimates in BPâs <em>Statistical Review of World Energy</em>. The startup of a number of natural gas development projects located offshore in the eastern Mediterranean Sea near Egyptâs northern coast has significantly altered the outlook for the regionâs natural gas markets.
U.S. refineries running at near-record highs
(Mon, 13 Aug 2018) For the week ending July 6, 2018, the four-week average of U.S. gross refinery inputs surpassed 18 million barrels per day (b/d) for the first time on record. U.S. refineries are running at record levels in response to robust domestic and international demand for motor gasoline and distillate fuel oil.
Higher economic growth in Africa could lead to more energy use, especially in industry
(Thu, 09 Aug 2018) Africa, with its wealth of natural resources and fast-growing population, may have a significant impact on international energy markets over the next 25 years. The <em>International Energy Outlook 2018</em> (IEO2018) analyzed uncertainty associated with future energy demand growth in Africa by examining a sensitivity case in which a faster rate of economic growth in Africaâcompared with the IEO2018 Reference caseâresults in greater energy consumption and a larger manufacturing sector through 2040.
Average U.S. construction costs for solar and wind continued to fall in 2016
(Wed, 08 Aug 2018) Based on 2016 EIA data for newly constructed utility-scale electric generators (those with a capacity greater than one megawatt) in the United States, annual capacity-weighted average construction costs for solar photovoltaic systems and onshore wind turbines declined, while construction costs for natural gas generators increased slightly. These three technologies accounted for about 93% of total electric generating capacity added in 2016. Across the United States, investment in electric generating capacity in 2016 increased more than 50% from 2015.
Indiaâs future energy use depends on its rate of economic growth
(Tue, 07 Aug 2018) Indiaâs economic development is likely to have a considerable impact on future international energy marketsâincluding U.S. energy exportsâbecause of the countryâs large population and potential for growth. India is predicted to be one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the next 30 years, yet how that growth will occur remains uncertain.
EIA electricity sales data for Puerto Rico show rate of recovery since hurricanes
(Mon, 06 Aug 2018) New EIA data series indicate that total electricity sales in Puerto Rico have returned to pre-Hurricane Maria levels as of April and May 2018 after the longest blackout in U.S. history. However, residential electricity sales appear to continue to lag historical levels, reflecting some continued outages.
Imran Khan’s First Test: Pakistan’s Troubled Economy
Mr. Khan has promised to improve the country’s economic fortunes, but Pakistan is torn between two financial powers: China and the International Monetary Fund.
U.S. coal shipments reach their lowest levels in years
(Fri, 03 Aug 2018) The 661 million short tons (MMst) of coal consumed in the electric power sector in 2017 was the lowest amount of coal consumed since 1983, and 2017 was the fourth consecutive year that U.S. coal consumption and coal shipments by all transport modes declined. Nearly 70% of the coal consumed in the power sector in 2017 was shipped either completely or in part by rail, with the remainder shipped by river barge, truck, and other methods.