EUCI Blog

By Mark Jaffe, EUCI energy writer U.S. natural gas net exports are set to rise nearly 30% to 20.5 billion cubic feet a day by 2027, spurred by five new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities, according to the federal Energy Information Administration (EIA). Already the world’s largest LNG exporter, the EIA is projecting LNG…

By Mark Jaffe, EUCI energy writer The war in Iran, while upending world energy markets, may have some winners in U.S. liquefied gas (LNG) exports and renewable energy, according to an analysis by industry risk consultant DNV. Still, the war is exacting a heavy and lasting toll. “Without knowing the duration and possible escalation of…

By Mark Jaffe, EUCI energy writer The U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran have roiled energy markets and may lead to a reordering of energy priorities, but at least in the short run will not have the same impacts as previous geopolitical disruptions, according to Rystad Energy. For example, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine,…

By Mark Jaffe, EUCI energy writer The sea lanes vital to the global oil market are under pressure from geopolitical events as shipments through five critical maritime “chokepoints” drop and insurance rates rise, according to a Rystad Energy analysis. In 2023, more than 71 million barrels a day (bpd) of oil and 26 billion cubic…

By Mark Jaffe, EUCI energy writer Rising natural gas prices – spurred increasing exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) – are set to push up electricity prices at the same time new demands are being placed upon electric grids, according to an Institute for Energy Economics and Finance Analysis (IEEFA) study. Natural gas generation become…

By Mark Jaffe, EUCI energy writer Frosty New England may not seem the best region for full-scale home-heating electrification, but while such a move might double demand, it could reduce the combined cost of natural gas and electricity by 29%, according to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study. With its cold winters, significant rural…

By Mark Jaffe, EUCI energy writer A combination of demand for refined products and limited refining capacity will keep margins high through 2035 for the global refining industry, but a drop in demand for gasoline and the rise in biofuels will pressure the sector after 2040, according to consultant Rystad Energy. “Refining margins are expected…

By Mark Jaffe, EUCI energy writer Natural gas inventories heading into the winter heating season are at their highest level since 2016, 6% above the five-year average, but electric reliability regulators remain concerned about the impact of freezing temperatures on deliveries to power plants. “While the natural gas industry is making progress on commercial practices…

Brent Crude Tumbles Below $75 a Barrel, Erasing 2024 Gains September 3, 2024 Brent erased its 2024 gains as concerns about demand in the world’s two biggest economies overshadow heightened geopolitical risks. The global benchmark dropped below $75 a barrel and touched the lowest intraday price since December 2023. Read more

Canada has become the main exporter of oil to the U.S. meeting demand from refineries Energize Weekly, August 14, 2024 Canada has become the main source of imported oil for U.S. refineries, accounting for 60 percent of crude imports as of January 2024 – almost doubling its share in 10 years, according to the federal…

Energy companies win dismissal of Baltimore’s climate change case July 11, 2024 A Maryland judge on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit by the city of Baltimore seeking to hold energy giants such as Exxon Mobil(XOM.N), opens new tab, BP(BP.L), opens new tab and Chevron(CVX.N), opens new tab responsible for climate change, saying the case went beyond…

Maine’s largest natural gas provider, Unitil, to acquire Bangor Natural Gas Company Jul 9, 2024 The largest provider of natural gas in Maine, Unitil, has agreed to purchase the Bangor Natural Gas Company, the state’s second-largest provider, the Unitil Corporation announced Tuesday. Unitil said it will pay $70.9 million to PHC Utilities, a subsidiary of…