Author: Graham Foster

A new report by the North American Electric Reliability Corp. highlights serious concerns about the gas and power systems in New York and New England, particularly during extreme cold weather. The report indicates a lack of spare pipeline capacity in these areas, which could severely threaten energy reliability. The study conducted by the Northeast Power Coordinating Council reveals that the natural gas infrastructure in both regions is fully utilized during periods of extreme cold. This means that the available supply may not be sufficient to meet the demands placed on it. According to NPCC, many gas-fired power plants in the…

Key Highlights: Funding for solar, energy storage, and smart grid projects saw a significant decline in the last quarter of 2024, marking a sluggish year for renewable energy investments, as revealed by Mercom Capital Group. Venture capital and public funding took major hits, with solar venture capital falling 36% year-over-year and energy storage down 60% by the end of 2024. Public funding for solar also fell by 59% over the past year due to dropping stock prices. The uncertain market conditions likely stem from investors’ apprehensions about the future of clean energy under the Trump administration, a trend that could…

In Australia, being an electrician might not have the glamor of a TV career, but for Jordan Dowsett, it has been a lucrative choice. After appearing on “Love Island Australia,” he decided to work as an electrician in the remote outback, where there is a high demand for skilled workers. Currently, the need for electricians is growing, with some able to earn as much as A$200,000 (US$124,000) per year—almost double the national average salary. Dowsett describes his job as having both benefits and challenges. He works 12-hour shifts and lives in temporary quarters, but appreciates the good pay and time…

Venture Global, a US energy company, had a rocky start during its first day of trading, seeing its stock dip below its initial listing price. This comes after the company significantly reduced its offering earlier in the week, indicating a challenging environment for initial public offerings (IPOs) on Wall Street. When trading began on the New York Stock Exchange, Venture Global’s shares fell by 5% to $23.76, but they later bounced back to $24. This decline contrasts sharply with the average 14% gain seen on the first day for companies valued at over $50 million last year, as reported by…

BHP has reportedly decided against pursuing a new offer for rival Anglo American due to a significant increase in Anglo’s share price, making any potential deal too costly for the Australian mining giant. In the past year, Anglo American has undertaken a major restructuring initiative, which gained investor approval and coincided with BHP’s earlier attempt to acquire the company for £39 billion. This plan includes selling off its coal, platinum, and diamond operations. Sources familiar with the matter reveal that while BHP has been observing Anglo’s developments, it considers the current share valuation too high for a new bid. Over…

President Donald Trump is taking steps to accelerate the development of power plants that will serve artificial intelligence data centers. He announced this initiative alongside an energy emergency declaration during a recent statement. “I can get the approvals done myself without having to go through years of waiting,” Trump said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He aims to facilitate immediate construction of these plants using emergency measures. Earlier in the week, Trump met with various founders of the Stargate Project at the White House. This venture, which includes significant players like SoftBank and OpenAI, plans to invest…

Key Highlights: In the upcoming five to ten years, enhancing access to data and improving processes related to Distributed Energy Resources (DER) interconnections is crucial for utilities and grid operators, as noted in a recent U.S. Department of Energy report. The report highlights various challenges in interconnecting different types of DER technologies, such as wind, solar, and energy storage. Delays in interconnection can significantly deter developers from pursuing projects in certain states, especially in non-residential markets. Contextual Insights: Between 2010 and 2023, the number of residential rooftop solar systems in the U.S. skyrocketed from 89,000 to 4.7 million. Meanwhile, the…

Sri Lanka has decided to cancel a power purchase agreement with the Adani Group, specifically its renewable energy unit, amid corruption allegations that surfaced in the United States last year. These allegations have prompted a closer look at some of Adani’s overseas projects. During a cabinet meeting led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake last month, officials decided to withdraw the agreement involving two wind power projects worth $442 million. They have also called for a committee to examine the terms of the project. This document, marked as “Urgent & Confidential,” was dated January 2, and the news was first reported…

In recent discussions about energy policy, terms like "cutting red tape" and "streamlining processes" have become common. These ideas are generally appealing for boosting business and reducing unnecessary regulations. However, when it comes to the U.S. fossil fuel sector, evidence suggests that these changes have not significantly increased production or efficiency. Despite attempts to accelerate […]

President Donald Trump’s hopes for a new oil boom might hit a wall due to Wall Street’s hesitance to back another round of drilling, according to shale industry leaders. Experts from Rystad Energy and Wood Mackenzie predict that oil production in the U.S. during Trump’s second term may increase by no more than 1.3 million barrels per day. This figure falls short of the 1.9 million barrels per day surge seen under President Joe Biden and is significantly lower than the dramatic increases of the past decade. Shale executives express that external pressures from investors and the realities of fluctuating…