Prices rise on increased demand for electricity and uncertainty about Russian flows
Dutch and British wholesale prices for gas rose on Friday, as a result of a surge in demand from power plants and a decrease in wind speed. There is also uncertainty over Russian gas supplies to Europe due to the imminent end of the Ukraine transit agreement. The benchmark contract for the Dutch TTF hub rose by 0.30 euros to 43.58 euro per megawatt-hour (MWh), which is $13.68/mmBtu by 0955 GMT. Meanwhile, the contract for the next day was up 0.75 euros at 43.40 euro/MWh. The day-ahead contract in Britain was 1.2 p higher, at 107.60 pence per therm.
NW Europe Fuel oil Imports at 3-year High
A rush to replenish scarce supply of high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) pushed Northwest European imports of residual fuel oil to their highest in three years in November, analysts told Reuters.The Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) area, Europe's main trading and refining hub, received around 450,000 barrels per day (bpd) of all types of fuel oil in November, the highest monthly volume since November 2021.That compared with an average of 332,000 bpd over January-October this year, according to trade analytics firm Kpler.Residual fuel oil is one of the key products refined from crude oil and is widely used in the maritime and construction industries.
In 2025, the global diesel price will be supported by refinery closures
Analysts and traders said that the global diesel market would likely see a price boost in 2025 due to the closing of around 1% of the refining capacity. This will offset the current weakness of the market and the structural downward pressure caused by the shift towards cleaner fuels. Markets end 2024 in a shaky state, despite the peak season demand. Margins in key energy hubs around the world, such as Singapore, Northwest Europe, and the Gulf of the United States, have fallen from November's high levels, due to the return of some refineries after maintenance shutdowns.
US Diesel Exports to ARA Set to Rise
Diesel shipments from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Europe's main trading and refining hub, the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region, are set to rise owing to improving export margins on the back of scarce supply in Europe and rising U.S. refinery production, according to traders and ship tracking data.Europe is seeking higher transatlantic diesel imports, as weaker export margins for shipments from east of Suez slowed flows on that route in the last two months. Rising European gasoil demand also prompted higher transatlantic imports.Independently held gasoil stocks in ARA fell for the third consecutive week on Thursday to 2.13 million tons…
Document shows that the EU Commission has set a 50% storage target by February 2025.
The European Commission announced on Friday that Europe had set a target to have its gas storage 50% full by February 1, 2025. This is to ensure supply security amid cold weather forecasts and fears of Russian gas disruption. It is important to ensure that the gas supplies of the EU do not fall too low during the winter months, and that the supply remains stable in light of the end expected for Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine's transit route. The goal of setting the target for February to an average minimum around 50% is to strengthen the security of the gas supply…
Prices for gas in Europe are not much different despite the cold weather forecast
Analysts said that the Dutch and British wholesale prices of gas were not much different on Thursday, but could rise due to forecasts for colder weather conditions and reduced wind speeds. By 0922 GMT, the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF hub had fallen by 0.10 euros to 46.41 Euro per megawatt hour or MWh (or $14.60/mmbtu). The Dutch day-ahead contract fell 0.20 euros, to 46.40 Euros/MWh. The day-ahead contract in Britain fell 1.15 pence, to 115.27 pence per therm. Ulrich Weber, LSEG analyst, says that a significant…
EUROPE GAS prices hit an all-time high amid cold weather and supply concerns
Dutch and British wholesale prices for gas hit an intraday record on Thursday, amid concerns about the Russian storage and supply inventories falling below last year's levels and a forecast of cold weather. LSEG data show that the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF hub had risen 0.86 euros to 47.67 euros a megawatt hour at 1012 GMT. This was a new intraday high. The British day-ahead contract increased 2.15 pence, to 119.25 pence per thermo, the highest intraday levels since November 2023. Analysts at Engie’s EnergyScan stated in a morning report that "concerns about EU gas stock...
Prices of EUROPE Gas are lower as Middle East Risk Premiums recede
Dutch and British wholesale prices of gas fell on Monday, as the market reduced its Middle East premium following Israel's weekend retaliation attack against Iran and forecasts for milder weather. LSEG data shows that the benchmark front-month gas contract at Dutch TTF hub dropped by 1.25 Euros to 42.25 Euros per megawatt hour by 0915 GMT. The front-month contract in the British market fell 2.75 pence, to 107.25 p/therm. And the day-ahead was down by 1.75 pence. Analysts at ING said that gas prices could trade lower today, as the markets are of the opinion that the Middle East may deescalate following the events over the weekend.
EUROPE GAS-Prices trade at narrow range amid mild weather forecast and low demand
Dutch and British wholesale price rose slightly, but were contained to a small range on Monday morning due to lower demand. LSEG data shows that the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF hub increased by 0.87 euros to 40.22 Euro per megawatt hour at 0934 GMT. The contract for December was 0.25 euros higher, at 40.00 Euro/MWh. The day-ahead contract in the British market was up 2.25 cents at 98.50 pennies per therm. LSEG data shows that the average temperature in Northwest Europe was 4 degrees Celsius higher than the normal seasonal average. The weather will remain mild through October.
Alcoa and Ignis are close to signing a joint funding agreement for Spain's aluminium plant
Alcoa announced on Wednesday that it is "progressing", towards a strategic agreement of cooperation with the Spanish renewable energy company Ignis, to fund the operations of the U.S. Metal Producer's aluminum plant in northwest Spain. Alcoa announced that the proposed agreement would see Alcoa contribute 75 million Euros ($81 million), and Ignis make an initial 25 million Euro investment, giving Ignis 25% ownership of San Ciprian in Galicia. Alcoa, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said it would provide up to 100 million more euros if needed, prioritizing future cash flows. Alcoa will share any additional funding with Ignis in a 75-25 split.
Canada regulator suspends Imperial's application to extend Norman Wells oil permits
The Canada Energy Regulator announced on Tuesday that Imperial Oil has put its application to extend life of the remote Norman Wells oil-and-gas facility in Canada's Northwest Territories on hold until a report on environmental assessment is completed. The Norman Wells site is located on nine islands, both natural and artificial in the Mackenzie River (Canada's longest river) and near the town of Norman Wells. Imperial, owned by Exxon Mobil Corp., requested last year that its Norman Wells Operating Permit, due to expire Dec. 31, 2024, be extended by an additional 10 years.
The UK has committed up to $28.5 billion for carbon capture projects
The government announced on Friday that it will invest up to 21.7 billion pounds (up to $28.5 billion) in 25 years for the development of carbon capture and storage technology to reduce emissions from energy, industry, and hydrogen production. Britain has set a target of achieving net zero emissions in 2050. CCS is needed to reduce emissions from industries that are energy-intensive and to create jobs. In a press release, Chancellor of Exchequer Rachel Reeves stated that "this game-changing technology" will bring 4,000 jobs to communities in Merseyside & Teesside as well as billions of dollars of private investment.
Britain has pledged up to 21,7 billion pounds for cleaner energy
The government announced on Friday that it will invest up to 28.46 billion pounds (21.7 billion pounds) in the development of carbon capture and storage and hydrogen technology for northern England. Britain has set a target of achieving net zero emissions in 2050. CCS is needed to reduce emissions from industries that are energy-intensive and to create jobs. The Chancellor of Exchequer Rachel Reeves stated that "this game-changing technology" will create 4,000 jobs in communities in Merseyside, and Teesside. This will ignite growth in these industrial corelands and power up the rest the country.
The price of gasoline in Europe is rising due to concerns about Middle East tensions
Dutch and British wholesale prices of gas edged up on Monday morning due to concerns about the Middle East conflict escalation. Israel is increasing its attacks on Lebanon and Yemen. However, strong storage inventories limited further upside potential. LSEG data show that the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF Hub was up 0.77 euros at 38.88 Euros per Megawatt Hour (MWh), which is $12.68 mmBtu by 0823 GMT. The contract for November was up by 0.50 euros, at 39.15 Euro/MWh. The front-month contract on the British market was 1,76 pence more expensive, at 39.50 cents per therm.
Cuba and Florida prepare for Tropical Storm Helene's impact
The U.S. National Weather Service reported that Tropical Storm Helene will cause mudslides, flooding and major hurricane-like conditions in Cuba. It is then expected to reach major hurricane status on Thursday when it reaches Florida with a life-threatening ocean tide. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said that Helene was moving northwest at a speed of 45 mph with sustained winds up to 72 kph. Forecasters say Helene is expected to strengthen rapidly over the warm waters of Gulf of Mexico, resulting in a major hurricane with winds up to 115 mph. State and national authorities in the U.S.
Palm oil gains for the third consecutive session and logs a weekly gain
The price of palm oil in Malaysia rose for the third consecutive session on Friday, and also logged a gain over the week, thanks to the strength of rival Dalian contracts. However, lower crude oil prices and concerns about demand capped this rise. The benchmark palm-oil contract for December delivery at the Bursa Derivatives Exchange in Malaysia closed 72 ringgit or 1.86% higher, closing at 3,948 Ringgit ($940.00) per metric ton. After two weeks of falling prices, the contract rose 3.5% in this week's trading. Maybank Research analyst…
APA Mulls $1B Permian Assets Sale, say sources
APA Corp is exploring the sale of oil and gas drilling properties spread across parts of the Permian basin of Texas and New Mexico, in a deal that could be valued at about $1 billion, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.APA, which owns the properties through its Apache subsidiary, is working with investment bankers at RBC Richardson Barr and Truist Securities on the sale process, the sources said, requesting anonymity as the discussions are confidential.APA's move to offload the drilling sites comes as the Houston-based company looks to revamp its operations to focus on its shale operations…
Sources say that the owner of energy producer Maverick is interested in selling it for $3 billion.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the private equity owner of Maverick Natural Resources has been exploring the possibility of selling the U.S. oil-and-gas producer for a price that would be around $3 billion including debt. Sources said that the Houston-based exploration company, owned by the energy-focused investment group EIG, was working with Jefferies investment bankers on the sale process. They requested anonymity because the discussions were confidential. Sources said that potential buyers such as oil and gas producers, other investment firms would be required to assume nearly $800,000,000 of Maverick’s debt.
Equinor Increases Ownership in Linnorm Discovery
Equinor will acquire Shell’s equity in and operatorship of the Linnorm discovery in the Norwegian Sea. Under this agreement, Equinor will acquire a 30% interest in the PL 255 covering the Linnorm discovery, conditional upon taking over the operatorship from A/S Norske Shell. The deal is expected to close during the first quarter of 2024.The Linnorm discovery in the Norwegian Sea was proven in 2005 and is the largest undeveloped gas discovery on the NCS. Linnorm is estimated to contain around 25-30 billion cubic meters (bcm)of recoverable gas resources.
The Top 10 Offshore Wind Energy Trends to Watch in 2023
The drivers for global offshore wind growth look good for 2023. Global offshore wind is forecast to grow from over 60 GW at the end of 2022 to 240 GW by 2030 and over 410 GW by 2035. But the sunny outlook must be balanced with some building dark clouds. As we prepare for the new year, let us look at ten factors that will shape the offshore wind sector in 2023.1. Solid foundations: Optimism for the supply chain is founded on declared and inferred offshore wind deployment targets by a growing number of countries of over 400 GW, driven by energy transition and energy security policies.2.
