Corning and US solar manufacturers join forces to produce American-made panels
The companies announced on Thursday that Corning, a technology company, has signed a deal to produce the first solar panel made entirely of American components. The alliance between Georgia's Suniva and Corning, a panel manufacturer, is an important milestone in efforts to create a U.S. manufacturing sector for solar that can compete with China. Heliene, based in Canada, produces panels in Minnesota. Corning, through its subsidiary Hemlock Semiconductor, produces silicon wafers, polysilicon and other raw materials for the solar industry in Michigan.
US oil licenses and authorizations for Venezuela
Since the United States first imposed sanctions against Venezuela's energy industry in 2019, it has granted licenses to certain oil companies, allowing them to export Venezuela's oil into specific destinations. Washington imposed sanctions after international observers reported irregularities at elections which have kept Nicolas Maduro on the throne repeatedly. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, announced on Wednesday that he would revoke a license for a U.S. oil producer Chevron Corp. He accused Maduro of not making progress in electoral reforms or migrant return. According to data from vessel monitoring, in January crude exports via active U.S.
US Senate confirms Trump's trade chief Greer before Canada and Mexico tariffs
The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to confirm Jamieson Grer as U.S. trade representative, giving the veteran of Donald Trump's first term of trade wars the full authority of his new position just days before the March 4 deadline that will punish imports from Canada or Mexico with 25% tariffs. Greer's nomination was confirmed by a majority of senators, even though voting is still ongoing. Greer is a Washington-based trade lawyer and former chief of staff of the USTR Robert Lighthizer. She will take over the office at a time when Mexican and Canadian officials are trying to convince the Trump administration that the efforts they have made to secure the U.S.
Oil trade group calls for national ethanol policy in the US after EPA approves Midwest expansion
The American Petroleum Institute, a trade group, pushed for a national policy on gasoline blends with higher ethanol levels on Monday after President Donald Trump’s administration announced on Friday that it would expand sales of this product in certain Midwestern States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on February 21 that it would support an April 28th implementation date in response to a request by eight Midwest Governors for year-round sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (also known as E15). The EPA is taking action to allow E15 as well as the more readily available E10 blends of fuel to be sold in the summer months…
Prices of EUROPE GAS close lower due to easing supply concerns
On Monday, the benchmark Dutch wholesale gas prices for the first month fell as a result of easing fears about supply. This was at a time when European leaders were meeting to discuss strategies on any possible peace agreement between Ukraine & Russia. The benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF hub was almost 6% lower, closing at 47.72 Euros per megawatt-hour (MWh), compared to the level it closed on January 20. Meanwhile, the April contract was 5.6% lower, closing at 48.05 Euros/MWh. Other contracts also fell. The British month-ahead contract closed at 118.04 cents per therm, 4.80 pence less.
US Energy Secretary attacks "sinister" net zero goals and singles out Britain
Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy secretary, called Monday's pledge to reach net zero carbon emission by 2050 "a sinister goal" and criticized British efforts to meet clean energy targets. The former president Joe Biden has set an ambitious goal for 2021: to reduce emissions to zero by 2050 in order to combat climate change. This will be achieved in part through subsidies that encourage the expansion of clean energy sources and electric vehicles. Wright said that his top priority at an Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) event was for the government "to get out of the way" for the production of coal, oil and gas.
Lavrov and Rubio discuss removal of 'barriers,' set up by the previous U.S. Administration, Russia claims
In a Saturday phone call, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio about the situation in Ukraine as well as the "unilateral obstacles" that were set up by the previous U.S. Administration. Peace talks to end the war in Ukraine will begin in the next few days, after U.S. president Donald Trump shocked European Allies when he called Russian President Vladimir Putin and declared an immediate start to talks. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that during the Saturday call, initiated by the U.S., Lavrov, Rubio and their respective presidents agreed to restore "mutually respect interstate dialogue".
US Judge rejects Republican challenge to Biden's ESG investment rule
A federal judge in Texas upheld a rule that was adopted by Democratic former president Joe Biden that allowed socially conscious investments by employee retirement plans. The judge said it remained valid after a U.S. Supreme Court decision that curbed the regulatory powers of agencies. U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, in Amarillo Texas, has rejected the arguments of 26 Republican-led States, oil drilling company Liberty Energy, and an oil and Gas trade group, that this rule is inconsistent with federal laws. The U.S. Department of Labor adopted the rule in 2022…
Trump creates Energy Council to promote US oil and gas
The administration of President Donald Trump announced on Friday that it had granted a licence to Commonwealth LNG for the export of liquefied gas in Louisiana. This is the first time since former president Joe Biden stopped exports at the beginning of last year. Exports to Asia and Europe are approved. Trump signed an executive directive in the Oval Office Friday, creating a new Energy Council to be headed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The council will work to increase U.S. oil and gas production. The U.S. already ranks as the largest fossil fuel producer in the world.
The EPA chief wants to recover $20 billion in climate funding
He said that the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to terminate contracts signed by the previous administration for the distribution of $20 billion in grant funds to fund clean energy projects and transportation in disadvantaged areas. In a message on X, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that he would ask the Inspector-General, Congress, and Justice Departments to work together with the agency in order to terminate the contracts with eight regional organizations who were named as financial agents, and rescind the grant money that was awarded under the Biden EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
Trump administration approves sustainable aviation fuel refinery loan
The energy department of President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that it had approved the disbursement to Calumet of a loan guaranteed which was finalized just days before his election. This loan guarantee is for the expansion of an aviation fuel refinery located in Montana. Montana Renewables' refinery in Great Falls, Montana, opened its doors in late 2022. It produces biofuels in the amount of 140 million gallons per year. The loan will enable it to increase production to 315 millions gallons per annum and produce approximately half of North American SAF.
US Energy Secretary criticizes net-zero policy in new order
According to a Wednesday order by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the U.S. Department of Energy prioritizes expanding energy production above achieving net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases. The secretarial orders are meant to align the Department with President Donald Trump's priorities. Trump has called climate changes a hoax, and has pledged to maximize oil and gas production which is already at record levels. According to the order, "Net-zero policy raises energy costs for American households and businesses. It said that the Department would…
Clean energy companies pressure US lawmakers to protect subsides
On Wednesday, U.S. clean energy companies will be heading to Capitol Hill to urge Republican legislators not to eliminate lucrative tax credits that are contained in the landmark climate change legislation of former president Joe Biden. Members of Congress of both parties are being met by hundreds of representatives of firms from the solar, wind, and other renewable energy sectors to promote their role in creating employment and investment, as well as lowering electricity prices and meeting the soaring demand for power from data centers. Republican areas have benefitted from the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act since its enactment in 2022…
Senate confirms Chris Wright, a fracking executive, as Trump's Energy Secretary
The U.S. Senate confirmed Chris Wright as President Donald Trump's Energy Secretary on Monday. Wright is a fracking executive. Seven Democrats and an Independent who caucuses alongside Democrats crossed the aisle. Wright, 60 years old, has been the CEO of Liberty Energy, since 2011. He announced that he would step down as soon as the confirmation was received. In a Liberty Energy report published last year, he wrote that he believed climate change caused by humans is real but its dangers are "distant" and "uncertain." He also stated that government policies to combat climate change are doomed to failure. Wright will oversee an agency with a budget of around $50 billion.
Engie continues to see a strong US demand for renewables
Edouard Neviaski, executive vice president of French power company Engie, said that the U.S. is still a major market for the company in terms of renewable energy projects. The U.S. president Donald Trump ordered a stop to spending on the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These climate and infrastructure laws were signed into law in 2009 by his predecessor Joe Biden. Engie signed 4.3 gigawatts in power purchase agreements globally in 2024. This is up from 2.7 gigawatts in 2023. Neviaski stated that there is a high demand for such contracts in the United States. There are some questions about the development of certain renewable projects.
US Democratic lawmakers ask Trump about his blockage of federal grants for clean energy
U.S. Democratic legislators Friday sent letters asking two federal agencies to explain why federal funds were frozen on clean energy investments and federal funds that would lower energy costs for American customers. The agencies had violated federal law, the lawmakers said. Senate Democrats asked the newly confirmed Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin on Friday to explain why his organization froze federal funding that was already obligated for grantees. They claimed that this agency had violated federal law. Democrats on the Senate Environment Committee asked Zeldin to explain why the agency had "clawed-back" funds already committed…
Senate Democrats question EPA's blocking of federal grants committed
Senate Democrats asked the newly confirmed Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin on Friday to explain why his agency frozen federal funds already committed to grantees. They claimed the agency had violated federal law. Democrats in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee asked Zeldin to explain why the agency had "clawed-back" funds already committed, after hearing complaints from constituents that they were unable access funds for projects such as solar energy and others already underway. The senators wrote that federal law and regulations required that funds be given to grantees in the absence of proof of misuse.
NFE Mexico LNG plant is producing at capacity, the company claims
The company said that it has shipped nine loads from its floating LNG plant off the coast of Mexico, which is operated by U.S. firm New Fortress Energy. Its production rate is 20% higher than its capacity. NFE is struggling to find LNG on long-term contracts for its power generation operations. The company has been trying to improve its finances and raise cash by taking on partners in its primary businesses. It also sold some assets after deferring a dividend for shareholders last year. The Fast LNG floating project, located in Altamira on the Mexican Atlantic coast, has had a rough start in commercial operations.
Handelsblatt reports that Scholz, Germany's Scholz, welcomes the U.S. energy policy turnaround
The German newspaper Handelsblatt reported that German chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed U.S. president Donald Trump's plans to increase oil and gas exports. He said it was good for Europe and Germany. Scholz stated in an interview that the move will help with the transition towards climate neutrality. This phase would last until the middle of this century. The chancellor stated that "more supply on the market will mean lower energy prices". Scholz praised Trump's desire to build new terminals of liquefied gas (LNG), which his predecessor Joe Biden had not done. Scholz stated that he has always been against stopping the expansion LNG terminals within the United States.
Oil industry unlikely rush to Alaska despite Trump’s call for drilling
U.S. companies will not expand their development in Alaska or the Arctic after President Donald Trump signed an executive order that allows them to do so. Industry representatives and company officials said this, pointing out that a future president would be able to reverse Trump's decision. U.S. Oil Production is Already at Record Levels. This is largely due to the increased production of oil in more accessible areas such as Texas and New Mexico. Companies have also limited their spending on new projects, focusing on returning cash to investors. The executive order will reopen vast regions for drilling and mining and speed up permits for projects.
