UK announces plans to reform subsidy schemes in order to accelerate green energy projects
The British Government on Friday announced plans to reform its flagship Contracts for Difference scheme (CfD), which will remove planning obstacles and accelerate green energy projects in particular offshore wind farms. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, (DESNZ), has announced that it will relax eligibility criteria for planning consent for offshore fixed-bottom wind and extend the CfD contract beyond its current 15 year term.
After the Russian attacks, Ukraine plans to import 800 million cubic meters of gas by April.
Ukraine will import 800 million cubic meters (mcms) of gas in February and march to compensate for the sometimes 40% decrease in production following Russian missile attacks on the sector. A senior industry source said on Friday. Since its invasion in 2022, Russia has launched many missiles and drones at Ukraine's electric sector. However, it has intensified attacks on gasfields over the past few weeks.
South Korea plans to build two large nuclear reactors and increase the use of renewable energy in its energy mix
The South Korean industry ministry announced that the country finalised a new plan for its energy mix on Friday. It envisages building two large nuclear power plants as well as one small reactor, by the year 2038. In a statement, the ministry stated that it also aims to ensure renewable energy of an average 7 gigawatts per year. South Korea's nuclear power production is expected to increase from 180.5 Terawatt-hours (TWh), in 2023, to 248.3 in 2038.
Palm oil to see fifth-week gain due to concerns over production
Malaysian palm futures were up on Friday, and on course for their fifth consecutive weekly gain. This would be the longest winning streak in three years. The market was supported by expectations of a weaker production. By midday, the benchmark contract for palm oil delivery in May on the Bursa Derivatives exchange had gained 58 Ringgit or 1.25% to 4,700 Ringgit ($1,063.83) per metric ton. This week, the contract has increased by 2.47%.
Anglo writes off De Beers and continues with business overhaul
Anglo American reported a $3.1billion loss on Thursday, after writing down its De Beers business. The company is continuing to shed unwanted assets. Anglo wants to concentrate on iron ore and copper assets following BHP's failed attempt at a takeover last year. This means that Anglo will spin off its diamond and platinum businesses following the sale of its nickel and coal mines.
Guyana will soon sign a oil deal with TotalEnergies led group
Energy Minister Vickram Bharrat said that Guyana is expecting to sign a production-sharing agreement soon with a French consortium led by TotalEnergies, which will allow the country to explore an off-shore area. Guyana, the fastest-growing oil producing country in the world, is on track to produce 940,000 barrels of crude oil per day this coming year. This is nearly 1% more than last year's output.
Cenovus' quarterly profit drops due to weak oil prices
Cenovus, a Canadian oil and natural gas company, reported a decline in profit for the fourth quarter on Thursday. Lower commodity prices and lower refining margins were offset by higher production. In mid-morning trade, the company's stock was down by 4.5%. The average Brent crude futures fell 3% in 2024 as the economy of the major consumer, China, remained weak. The…
The cold weather in the US boosts diesel prices, but masks economic challenges
Since the beginning of the year, the cold temperatures in the Northeast U.S. have led to an increase in demand for heating oil. This has helped to offset the slowdown in recent years due to reduced industrial activity. The Energy Information Administration (EIA), according to its data, reported that the U.S. inventory of distillate fuels - including diesel and heating oil - fell this month to its lowest seasonal level in 2014.
Palm closes over 3% higher due to stronger rival oils and output concerns
Malaysian palm futures closed more than 3% higher Wednesday. Prices were boosted by the stronger edible oils of rivals and concerns about production. Increased buying in anticipation of an industry conference was also supportive. The benchmark May palm oil contract on the Bursa Derivatives Market gained 169 Ringgit or 3.75%. It closed at 4,673 Ringgit ($1,052.95) per metric ton after hitting an intraday peak of 4,695 Ringgit.
Prices drop due to falling demand and temperature increases
The European power price fell on Wednesday, as the consumption is expected to drop sharply due to rising temperatures. LSEG's analysis showed that German exports of power were down, while the availability of thermal power stations was not significantly different. LSEG data shows that the French baseload electricity for Thursday was 101 euros ($105.38 per megawatt-hour (MWh) at 0945 GMT. This is a 15.8% decline.
Moldova names new Energy Minister
Dorin Dzungietu, a gas industry expert from Moldova, was appointed as the country's new Energy Minister by President Maia Sandu on Wednesday morning. He was sworn into office at the Presidential Office. Junghietu replaced Viktor Parlicov who was fired in December after failing to prepare for a possible stoppage of gas supplies for Moldova's separatist Transdniestria due to Ukraine refusing to extend their transit agreement with Russia.
Palm oil climbs as rival oils firmer and output concerns increase.
Malaysian palm futures prices rose on Wednesday due to stronger edible oils from rival producers and concerns about production. Increased buying in anticipation of an industry conference was also supportive. At midday, the benchmark May palm oil contract on Bursa Derivatives Exchange rose 82 ringgit or 1.82% to 4,586 Ringgit ($1,032.65) per metric ton. The contract dropped 0.84% on Monday.
Researchers find that China's clean-energy investments are on par with global fossil fuel investments.
According to a recent analysis by the U.K.-based Carbon Brief, China will invest 6.8 trillion yuan (about $940 billion) in clean energies in 2024. This is close to the global investment of $1.12 trillion made in fossil fuels. This was despite the fact that growth in China's investments in clean energy slowed to 7% in 2023 from 40% due to overcapacity. Over half of this investment was from China's rapidly growing electric vehicle…
Constellation skips first earnings call since spinoff
Constellation Energy, the U.S.'s largest nuclear power company, missed its quarterly investor call for the first since it went public three years ago. Constellation didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Analysts were surprised by the lack of a phone call. Constellation, based in Maryland, held a conference call with its management last month. It announced…
Venture Global rises after brokerages begin coverage with bullish rating
Venture Global shares reached a weekly peak on February 18th, after several brokerages began coverage of the company with bullish ratings despite its dull market debut in January. Venture Global shares rose 5.8% to $16.87. On January 24, the liquefied gas (LNG), provider started trading at New York Stock Exchange for $24.05 per stock, valuing the company as the largest gas exporter. Its market capitalization is $58.2 Billion.
Draft shows EU will work to more flexible filling targets for gas storage
A draft EU document revealed that the European Commission would work to develop more flexible targets so EU countries can fill their gas storage before winter. This follows concerns from some governments about Europe's strict deadlines for filling up. In 2022, after Russia cut gas supplies to Europe, the European Union introduced its current targets. Member countries must fill their storage caverns up to 90% capacity by November.
Japan has a plan to make green steel work.
The energy transition is a major challenge, and one of them is decarbonising steel production. This is especially true when consumers around the world are unwilling to pay more money for greener steel products. In order to achieve this, government policies and regulations will likely be used to set prices in a sector that is responsible for 8% of the global carbon emissions. It is a debate about which policies will produce the fastest and best results.
German wind volume to rise - a warning
The European spot price for Wednesday dropped on Tuesday, as German wind production volumes are expected to double. France is also set for a significant fall in consumption. The LSEG analyst Naser Hahemi wrote that "residual loads are down in Germany due to the increase in wind energy production." This is an indicator which shows how much conventional power plants can supply after variable renewable volumes have been fed into grids.
Air Liquide and TotalEnergies invest over 1 billion Euros in green hydrogen projects
Air Liquide, a French industrial gas company, announced on Tuesday a joint venture with TotalEnergies, a French oil giant. The two companies will develop in the Netherlands two large-scale low-carbon hydrogen plants. Air Liquide said in a press release that the two projects represented a combined investment totaling more than 1 billion euro ($1.05 billion). TotalEnergies wind farms will supply the first project in Rotterdam.
Japan has a plan to make green steel work.
The energy transition is a major challenge, and one of them is decarbonising steel production. This is especially true when consumers around the world are unwilling to pay a premium for greener steel products. In order to achieve this, government policies and regulations will likely be used to set prices in a sector that is responsible for 8% of the global carbon emissions. It is a debate about which policies will produce the fastest and best results.
