Author: Graham Foster

In today’s unpredictable world, many people are finding comfort in preparing for potential crises. This idea of “prepping” can be especially beneficial when looking at your personal finances. With rising oil and gas prices, the looming threat of high inflation is becoming a real concern. Instead of letting anxiety take over, consider some straightforward strategies to help stabilize your finances. Focus on Why You Invest It can be distressing to watch your investment portfolio drop on your phone. However, it’s crucial to remember your reasons for investing. A personal motto like “I chose to live below my means and invest…

Global oil prices jumped over $90 a barrel on Friday. This surge comes as more oil production in the Middle East faces shutdowns and investors prepare for a lengthy conflict in the region. US President Donald Trump stated that there would be “no deal” with Iran unless they agree to “unconditional surrender.” Meanwhile, Qatar’s energy minister warned that oil prices could soar to $150 a barrel if the war does not end soon. A key Middle Eastern oil benchmark has already surpassed $100 a barrel due to ongoing tensions, prompting refineries to secure shipments that bypass the Strait of Hormuz.…

Google and Xcel Energy Unite for Major Battery Project Google and Xcel Energy recently announced a significant collaboration aiming to create the largest battery project in terms of energy capacity worldwide. This battery will serve a new Google data center in Minnesota, which will be fueled by 1.6 gigawatts of renewable energy. The planned battery will have a capacity of 300 megawatts with a storage capability of 30 gigawatt-hours. Developed by Form Energy, this innovative battery uses iron-air technology, allowing it to provide power for extended periods, particularly during high-demand times. Form Energy claims its system can deliver energy efficiently…

Rerouting of LNG Tanker Highlights Growing Competition for Gas Supplies Amid Iran Conflict A recent incident involving an LNG tanker originally destined for France has drawn attention to the intensifying competition for global gas supplies, particularly in the context of the conflict in Iran. This shift in routing underscores how geopolitical issues can influence energy markets and supply chains. As tensions rise, countries are becoming increasingly strategic about securing their energy resources. With the demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) growing in Asia, the rerouting of the tanker reflects a broader trend where suppliers must adapt quickly to shifting market…

China has made some progress in reducing emissions from energy and industry, thanks in part to a significant growth in solar energy. According to recent official statistics, emissions dropped by 0.3% in 2025, even as total energy consumption rose by 3.5%. This decline sets the stage for China’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy and clean technologies, especially as it prepares to finalize its five-year plan next week. The share of clean energy in power generation reached 40% in 2025, an increase from 37% the previous year, with solar power now surpassing wind energy. There were also modest gains in hydro…

Sunrun, the leading provider of residential solar and battery subscriptions in the United States, reported a decline in both subscriber additions and installation volumes for the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year. In their latest earnings report, Sunrun revealed that their key metrics for “subscriber value” also saw a downturn. The gross subscriber value fell by 2%, reaching $50,165, while net subscriber value dropped significantly by 30% to $9,098. Additionally, the cost to acquire each subscriber increased by 8% year-over-year. Despite these challenges, Danny Abajian, Sunrun’s Chief Financial Officer, highlighted some positive signs that could help the…

One of Europe’s most ambitious green hydrogen initiatives has received the go-ahead for final investment, bringing some positive news to a sector that has faced several setbacks recently. Moeve, a $12 billion energy company backed by the UAE’s Mubadala and the U.S. private equity firm Carlyle, is set to announce that its board has approved the first phase of what aims to be Europe’s largest renewable hydrogen facility. This initial phase of the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley project in southern Spain will see an investment of over €1 billion, which includes more than €300 million in EU grants. The plan…

Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) is optimistic about its earnings growth, projecting an annual increase of 6% to 8% through 2030. This forecast is a slight improvement compared to estimates from the previous year, as stated by company officials during a recent earnings call. Ralph LaRossa, PSEG’s chair and CEO, mentioned that developments in New Jersey might enhance these growth expectations. He noted potential opportunities for the company to engage in contracts for existing and future generating capacity, which are not currently part of its planned investments. LaRossa further explained that the current supply-demand situation in New Jersey has led…

The California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) has made a significant decision, unanimously voting to require state load-serving entities (LSEs) to secure an additional 6 gigawatts (GW) of power from 2029 to 2032. This move aims to address an expected shortfall in reliability caused by increasing demand for electricity. According to the directives from the CPUC, new resources must be either zero-emitting or meet the criteria outlined in the renewables portfolio standard program. Furthermore, LSEs are urged to explore viable projects that can still qualify for federal tax credits or other incentives. The plan sets a target of 2 GW to…

German startup Proxima Fusion is making headlines after securing €400 million in funding from Bavaria to develop a €2 billion test facility. This project represents one of Europe’s most ambitious steps toward harnessing fusion energy, a technology that remains largely unproven. Located in Munich, Proxima has signed an agreement to build the test plant just north of the city, with hopes of eventually establishing Europe’s first commercial fusion reactor, provided the trials yield positive results. Under the agreement, both Proxima and Bavaria will cover 20% of the total facility cost, while the federal government in Berlin is expected to contribute…