JERA is on track to achieve 20% co-firing of ammonia at Hekinan Coal Power Plant in FY29
The head of the plant said that JERA, Japan's largest power generator, is on track to achieve a 20% ammonia-co-firing in fiscal 2029 at one unit?of?its Hekinan Thermal Power Station. This will be the first commercial use for ammonia as fuel. Mitsutaka ban, the head of Japan's biggest coal-fired plant, spoke to reporters during a presentation at the 4.1 gigawatt central Japan plant. Four large ammonia storage tanks are being built in the project. The project is still moving forward despite the waning momentum of global energy transition.
Egypt signs renewable energy contracts worth $1.8 billion
State TV reported that Egypt had signed renewable energy contracts worth $1.8 billion. Contracts were signed with Scatec, a Norwegian renewable energy developer and Sungrow from China. Officials say that without international support, Egypt's goal of having renewable energy make up 42% or its electricity mix by 2030 is at risk. Scatec will build a solar power plant in Upper Egypt’s Minya to produce electricity and energy storage stations, according to a statement from the Egyptian cabinet. The system would be able to generate 1.7 gigawatts and store them in battery systems that have a total capacity of four gigawatt-hours.
Commonwealth LNG receives US approval to export non-FTA products for 20 years
Commonwealth LNG, a U.S. company, has been granted a 20-year export license from the Department of Energy for liquefied?gas to be exported from its proposed Louisiana plant to countries that do not have free trade agreements. The company also received approval for 25 years of exports to FTA countries. The authorizations become effective either when the facility begins exporting commercially, or after seven years from the date of the grant. Commonwealth is attempting to build the first integrated LNG facility in the country, with its largest shareholder Kimmeridge supplying?gas produced from Eagle Ford shale to this plant.
Storm Goretti increases spot electricity prices in Western Europe
The intraday price of power across Western European markets increased on Friday, as Storm Goretti caused power outages and problems with power generation equipment. EPEX spot data revealed that the average "baseload" price for Germany was 90.44 euro ($105.31), while France's price was 87.35 euro/MWh at 1207 GMT. LSEG data showed that this is higher than the closing spot price on Thursday of 74.75 euro/MWh or 67.75 euro respectively. Sabrina Kernbichler, an Energy Aspects analyst, says that power demand in Germany was higher than expected on Friday due to Storm Goretti, and this has pushed up the intraday price.
German prompt prices will rise on Monday due to a weaker renewable supply
On Monday, German power prices will rise due to a decrease in renewable electricity production in the country. This is expected to offset a slight increase in demand. LSEG data revealed that the trading of German and 'French baseload day-ahead contracts for Monday hadn't started by 0901 GMT. Marcus Eriksson, LSEG analyst, says that residual load in Germany - which is the amount of energy demand that is left after renewables are subtracted – is expected to increase by 20 gigawatts on Monday to 35.7?GW. This is due to a lower renewable supply compared with?Friday.
The price of gas in Europe has risen after falling due to warmer weather forecasts
LONDON, January 9 - Dutch wholesale gas prices and British wholesale gasoline prices rose on Friday after falling the day before. However, drivers remained largely 'the same. LSEG data shows that the benchmark Dutch front-month 'contract at?the TTF Hub was up 0.30 Euros at 28.05 euro per megawatt hour by 0854 GMT. The Dutch March price increased by 0.16 euros?to 27,49 euros/MWh while the weekend price decreased by 0.90 euros to?28.40 euro/MWh. The British price in February was 0.53 cents higher, at?72.33 per therm.
American Electric Power signs fuel cell deal worth $2.65 billion
The American Electric Power Company announced on Thursday that its unit would buy a significant portion of the option it has for solid oxide fuel cells. This deal is worth approximately $2.65 billion and will be part of their plans to build a fuel-cell power generation facility. AEP signed an agreement with Bloom Energy in 2024 to acquire 100 Megawatts of'solid oxide fuel cell technology, with the option to buy an additional 900 MWs. AEP disclosed in a filing that the utility's unit had exercised this?option during the week. In early trading, shares of Bloom Energy rose 14% to $123,04, their highest level since November.
South Africa relaxes antitrust rules for companies facing high electricity costs
South Africa has loosened its antitrust regulations to allow firms battling high energy costs to build energy infrastructure together and negotiate contracts collectively. In a government announcement seen by on Tuesday, South Africa's Trade Minister Parks Tau stated that the new measure was meant to help?distressed industry. The Minerals Council of South Africa says that electricity costs have increased by over 900% in the last five years. High power prices are a major problem for smelters and steelmakers, especially in Africa's most developed economy. They also face competition from China, which has lower electricity costs.
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.