Centrus receives $900 Million DOE Task Order as US pushes for domestic uranium enrichment
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a $900 million task order to Centrus Energy, a nuclear fuel supplier based in the United States, to increase uranium enrichment capacity at the Piketon site, Ohio. This is part of Washington's efforts to reduce its reliance on Russian supplies. The award is part of a $2.7 billion worth of enrichment-related tasks orders?the Energy Department announced to three companies on Monday -- American Centrifuge?Operating (a Centrus Energy division), General Matter, and Orano Federal Services. The agency said that the awards are intended to increase domestic uranium enrichment in the next decade.
Phillips 66 claims that two Gulf Coast refineries are capable of processing 100,000 bpd Venezuelan crude
Kevin Mitchell, Chief Financial officer of Phillips 66, said on a Tuesday conference call that the refiner can use Venezuelan crude in two U.S. Gulf 'Coast refining facilities as production increases. Mitchell, speaking at the Goldman?Sachs?Energy, CleanTech & Utilities Conference, said that its Lake Charles refinery and Sweeny refining plant in Texas can process 100,000 barrels of Venezuelan crudes each day. Donald Trump announced over the weekend that the U.S. will "take control" after U.S. troops ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. This could allow U.S. companies to access the vast oil reserves of Venezuela.
Wind power surge cuts spot prices but frost-related demands lend support
The European prompt power price fell on Tuesday, ahead of a near-tripling of German wind power expected on Wednesday and a more-than-doubling of French wind energy volumes. However, the prices remained relatively high as icy weather?supported?demand. The LSEG analyst Naser Hazemi wrote that "higher wind energy generation leads to a lower residual load on several markets, including Germany." He was referring to fewer thermal plant requirements. He added that "demand is expected in many countries to increase". LSEG data showed that French day-ahead basis load was down 10.4% to 107.5 euros per Megawatt hour by 0910 GMT.
Vistra buys Cogentrix Energy for $4.7 billion amid rising power demand
Utility Vistra announced on Monday that it has agreed to purchase Cogentrix Energy from Quantum Capital Group for $4.7 billion. The company is looking to meet the growing demand for power. The shares of the company increased by nearly 5% during extended trading. The Texas-based electricity company said that the deal included $2.3 billion cash, $900 millions in Vistra shares and $1.5 billion of debt. Tax benefits are expected to offset some of this amount. This deal follows Vistra’s $1.9 billion purchase of seven gas-fired power plants from Lotus Infrastructure Partners in May 2025. The combined capacity was nearly 2,600 Megawatts.
Japan's Osaka Gas begins unit at new 1,25-GW gas fired power plant in Himeji
Osaka Gas said that it had started commercial operations at its new 1,25-gigawatt, gas-fired power station in Himeji, Western Japan, on Jan. The company that also provides electricity said the plant consists of two 622.6 megawatt units. The No.2 unit is expected to start operations in May. According to a statement from the company, this facility uses natural gas as fuel and a high-efficiency gas-turbine combined-cycle system for power generation. Osaka Gas will increase its domestic thermal power production capacity to 3.2 GW from 2 GW once both units come online.
US Natural Gas Futures Fall Ahead of Warmer Weather, Slow Demand
U.S. natural gas futures began the year on a weak note on Friday, weighed down by forecasts for warmer weather and expectations of slower demand growth.Front-month gas futures for February delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange were 9.6 cents, or 2.6%, lower at $3.59 per million British thermal units. The contract posted a 1.5% gain in 2025, after rising over 44% in 2024. "There were concerns that the La Nina was breaking down a little bit, leading to warmer temperatures. There's also some concern internationally of LNG supplies supposedly building faster than anticipated…
US Natural Gas Falls Over 5% Ahead of Above Normal Temperatures
U.S. natural gas futures fell over 5% on Tuesday, pressured by forecasts of above normal temperatures next week, though the market was set for a second consecutive yearly gain led by record gas flows to liquefied natural gas export plants. Front-month gas futures for February delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange traded 20.3 cents lower, or 5.1%, to $3.77 per million British thermal units. The contract was up over 4% so far this year. "The weather factor continues to dominate near-term price direction and with latest updates to the 1–2-week forecasts…
What just happened? Ten charts that will help you understand the market in 2025
The past year will not be forgotten soon. The conventional wisdom about investor behavior and economics was often challenged in 2025 as technology, energy, and geopolitics influenced markets in unexpected ways. Here are ten charts that explain what happened in the year 2025, and what this might mean for 2019. Donald?Trump’s "America First " agenda was a key driver of market growth in 2025, particularly during the first half. The U.S. President wasted no time in delivering on campaign promises to move?from "free" trade to "fair trade". The Baker-Bloom David model measures the uncertainty of U.S. Trade Policy.
The Dutch benchmark is expected to finish the year 40% lower than last year's price.
The Dutch and British gas wholesale prices were not much changed on Wednesday morning as wind power output curbed gas plant demand. However, the benchmark Dutch contract for the front month of 2025 is expected to be around 40% lower than it was at the beginning of the year. LSEG data shows that the benchmark Dutch front-month contract was up 0.32 euros at 28.12 Euros per megawatt hour or $9.66 /mmBtu at 0904 GMT. LSEG data shows that this is a 42% drop from the last transaction on December 31, 2020 of 48.40 eur/MWh. The Dutch benchmark fell despite Europe's?efforts to phase-out remaining Russian gas imports.
What just happened? Ten charts that will help you understand the market in 2025
The past year will not be forgotten soon. The conventional wisdom about investor behavior and economics was often challenged in 2025 as technology, energy, and geopolitics influenced markets in unexpected ways. Here are 10 charts to help you understand what happened in the year 2025, and what that might mean for 2019. Donald Trump's?America First? agenda was a key market driver for 2025, particularly during the first half of the calendar year. The U.S. President wasted no time in delivering on his promises made in his campaign to switch from "free" trade to "fair" trading. The Baker-Bloom David model measures the uncertainty of U.S.
US Natural Gas Futures Rise as Forecasts Predict Colder Weather
U.S. natural gas futures rose on Friday in thin-volume trading and were on track for a weekly gain, ending a two-week losing streak, as forecasts pointed to colder weather and increased demand in the weeks ahead.Front-month gas futures for January delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange were up 4.4 cents, or 1% at $4.29 per million British thermal units. The contract was up 8.5% so far this week.Prices reached their highest level since December 11, at $4.593 in the previous session, before settling 3.8% lower for the day."There's going to be thinner volume on the holiday week…
Turkey claims that Russia provided $9 billion to it for the Akkuyu Nuclear Plant
The Turkish energy minister announced that Russia has provided $9 billion in new financing for the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which is being built by Rosatom, the state-owned nuclear energy company of Moscow. Ankara expects the 'power' plant to be operational by 2026. Rosatom will build Turkey's first nucleo power station in Mersin, a Mediterranean province. The agreement signed in 2010 is worth $20 billion. The plant had been expected to become operational this year but was delayed. This (financing), will be most likely used in 2026-2027.
Russia builds its first LNG tanker of the ice class and plans to build two more by 2026
Interfax, citing the CEO of the company, reported that 'Russia's leading tanker group Sovcomflot' received its first Russian-built Ice-class tanker built for liquefied gas from Zvezda Shipyard. It plans to order two more in the next year. Due to Ukraine-related sanction, Russia has difficulty in securing gas carriers. This is especially true for vessels that can?cut through thick Arctic ice?and serve LNG projects. Zvezda is Russia's most advanced shipbuilding facility. It specializes in building large?Arc7 tankers capable of breaking through up to 2 meter thick ice. These vessels were designed to transport LNG for Arctic projects.
US Natural Gas Futures Rise Alongside LNG Export Demand
U.S. natural gas futures rose 4% on Tuesday, boosted by record gas flows to liquefied natural gas export plants and forecasts for more demand than previously expected over the next two weeks.Front-month gas futures for January delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange rose 15.3 cents, or 4%, at $4.105 per million British thermal units by 08:59 AM ET. Priced ended 0.5% lower on Monday. "The demand for LNG is very strong and they're keeping those numbers near record high. So, that's definitely supporting the market right now," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst for Price Futures Group.Average gas flows to the eight large U.S.
Analyst: Myanmar to resume LNG imports following cargo received last month
Myanmar will resume LNG imports in 2019 after receiving half of a cargo of the super-chilled fuel last month. This marks an end to a four-year-long hiatus of shipments. After the civil war, shipments of LNG to Southeast Asia were stopped. Since then, Myanmar has experienced gas shortages and widespread blackouts. Analyst Nelson Xiong said that Kpler expected Myanmar to import 0.4 millions tons of LNG by 2026. Two'restarted' or upgraded LNG to power projects will ramp up to a total 500 megawatts. According to Kpler?data…
ComBio Brazil expects revenues to reach $430 million as corn ethanol customers increase production
Commercial director Ricardo Blandy, Brazil's biggest supplier of renewable thermal power for industrial clients, said that ComBio expects its revenue to triple to?about $430 million in five years due to the growing demand from corn ethanol producers. Blandy stated that there are?25 corn-ethanol plants in Brazil. Another 18 are currently under construction, and another 19 are still in the planning stages. Biofuel production is increasing, and biomass supply has become tighter. Blandy stated that in states such as Mato Grosso - Brazil's largest corn ethanol producer - the availability of biomass to feed steam boilers is a major issue…
The LNG tanker Kunpeng loads cargo at a Russian plant in violation of sanctions
Ship-tracking data showed that a liquefied gas tanker loaded a cargo at Russia's Portovaya?LNG plant, which is under Western sanctions due to Moscow's conflict in Ukraine. According to data provided by analytics firm Kpler, the Kunpeng arrived in Portovaya's LNG terminal on December 18, was unloaded on that day and left with a cargo of natural gas on December 21. LSEG data shows that the tanker arrived and left the terminal at the same dates. It is the first time that a vessel, Kunpeng, not subject to sanctions, has picked up LNG from a designated LNG project.
Japan's JERA receives government subsidy on US ammonia imports
JERA, Japan's largest power generator, has received a 15-year government subsidy to cover the?difference between coal and ammonia prices. It aims to import ammonia to its planned U.S. The government has agreed to provide a subsidy for 15 years, covering the?difference between ammonia and coal prices. JERA aims to import ammonia from its planned?U.S. plant in 2029. JERA, CF Industries, and Mitsui Trading formed a joint-venture in April to build the Blue Point Project, one of the largest ammonia plants with low carbon emissions in the world. The project is estimated to cost $4 billion.
Japan will increase public funding for nuclear power renewal
Japan has announced plans to increase public funding for its crippled nucleopower sector. This is essential, say experts, to kick-start an industry that was previously financed by utilities owned by shareholders. Japan closed all 54 reactors in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The public was concerned about safety standards and shut them down. Only 14 out of 33 reactors that were available to restart are operational due to stricter rules and in some cases opposition from locals. The recovery of the…
Woodside's new CEO must navigate LNG projects with high costs through glut risk
Woodside Energy is facing a leadership shake up after Meg O'Neill's unexpected departure for the top position at?BP. This comes at a time when the Australian company is trying to deliver on key projects in a?braced?for a glut of supply. Analysts say that the oil and gas company will continue to pursue its global growth strategy. This requires continued investment in new assets as well as continuity in mature fields. After project delays and rising costs, it will be important to advance the Louisiana LNG project. The Louisiana LNG project, valued at $17.5 billion, will be Woodside's key project.