All Energy Voices
New technology could mean tar sands production in USThe US Department of Energy has unveiled a new technology that can be used to make US oil sands and heavy oil economically viable for refining.
EPA nominee Gina McCarthy says coal a 'significant' energy sourceGina McCarthy, President Obama’s pick to lead the EPA, told a Senate panel on Thursday that coal will remain important in the US energy mix and that if confirmed that she will be flexible in applying new pollution rules for coal-fueled power plants.
France's geothermal 'fracking' conundrumFrance has banned fracking but is now planning to tap into geothermal energy which requires a process similar to fracking, Alic writes. The oil industry likely sees an opportunity to reverse the fracking ban.
Gina McCarthy: How would she change EPA?Gina McCarthy's Senate nomination hearing was as much about the role of the Environmental Protection Agency as her ability to direct it. How should Gina McCarthy enforce regulations on oil, gas, and coal, and do those regulations hurt or help the economy?
Will high natural gas prices increase coal use?As the price of natural gas rises, coal consumption will increase both domestically and internationally to meet rising electricity demand during the next several decades, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration.
Obama budget boosts 'green energy,' but no olive branch to GOPPresident Obama's budget calls for increased investing in clean-energy technology and the ending of tax preferences for the oil and gas industry. The 2014 budget proposal is in line with the president's 'all-of-the-above' energy policy, but does little to reach across the aisle.
Sarah Palin Tesla slam: Is electric carmaker really a 'loser'?Sarah Palin attacked Tesla in a Facebook post recently, lumping the electric car company in with other federally-funded, clean-energy failures. While Fisker Automotive is a fair target, Sarah Palin doesn't have the same argument when it comes to the more-successful Tesla Motors.
Will Warren Buffett buy China's bankrupt Suntech solar company?Suntech stock has rallied on rumors that Warren Buffet may buy the bankrupt Chinese solar company. No one’s quite sure why Warren Buffett might want to buy Suntech, Alic writes, and there has been no confirmation from MidAmerican Holdings that any deal is in the works.
Ernest Moniz: Where would he take Energy Department?If confirmed as energy secretary, Ernest Moniz would take over the department during a time of fiscal austerity and controversy over failed investments in clean-energy companies. Mr. Moniz's confirmation hearing Tuesday hinted at a renewed focus on the agency's research and development roots.
Another energy boom is on the wayThe next energy boom will be natural gas, although it could take a while to take off.
Paris Marathon captures energy of runners' footstepsClean energy was generated from the Paris Marathon thanks to the installation of energy-harvesting tiles, Burgess writes. The tiles are made from recycled truck tires and can generate as much as eight watts of kinetic energy from each footfall.
Clean-energy standards could cost Colorado consumers billionsClean energy requirements under consideration by the Colorado State Legislature would require some utilities to increase energy from renewable sources by 150 percent, Tracey writes, which would result in higher electricity costs.
How North Sea oil helped Margaret ThatcherWhile Margaret Thatcher was reforming Britain's economy, new oil discoveries in the North Sea were turning the nation into an energy powerhouse. The surge in resources and employment softened the oil-price shocks of the late 1970s and helped Prime Minister Thatcher pull the country out of economic stagnation.
Alberta mulls new emissions rules to allay Keystone XL pipeline concernsAlberta is considering new rules that would require the oil industry to cut greenhouse gas emissions tied to oil sands production by as much as 40 percent per barrel, Graeber writes. The measure may be part of the government's push to allay Washington's concerns about the Keystone XL pipeline.
Is the future of oil in Tunisia?Oil industry veteran John Nelson talks to OilPrice.com about the developing interest in Tunisia's energy resources. New bid rounds and forced relinquishments have created an opportunity for new companies to take interest in Tunisia's oil resources.
How US energy policy fails to address climate changeTo manage energy supplies and climate change risks, the United States has done little in terms of policy that makes sense given the gravity of the climate change challenges it and the world face, Cobb writes.
Why is the Mafia investing in renewable energy?The renewable energy industry is apparently becoming a favorite playground for the underworld, Alic writes. Lucrative government subsidies for the construction of wind farms and a fairly lax regulatory system have made renewable energy attractive to the Mafia.
Wind industry in holding pattern, awaiting new tax rulesAs long as construction starts before year-end, wind and geothermal properties are eligible for the Production Tax Credit. The problem, Hinckley writes, is no one is exactly sure what it means to begin construction.
Tax day 2013: Saving energy can save you money on taxesAs tax day 2013 approaches, look for tax savings from energy efficiency. Energy-saving appliances are more prevalent than ever. Making your home more energy efficient can generate tax credits come tax day.
Watch out: WTI-Brent spread is narrowingThe $20 per barrel gap between Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate crude has closed to $13 to $14 a barrel. WTI prices are moving up, but forces pushing energy prices up may be weakening.
