Iron ore cost-effective for steel mills as price diverges from scrap
Some Chinese steel mills are responding to the strong domestic scrap price by switching back to using higher proportions of iron ore in the burden mix.
CERAWeek: GM’s Barra calls for expanded EV tax credits, drive toward a zero-emissions future
Emissions, agility and autonomous vehicles were the focus of General Motors CEO Mary Barra’s luncheon address to energy industry executives, March 7, at CERAWeek by IHS Markit.
EIA updates layers to U.S. Energy Mapping System
(Thu, 08 Mar 2018) EIAâs U.S. Energy Mapping System is an interactive, comprehensive visual reference for energy infrastructure in the United States. Several layers in the system were recently updated, allowing users to see locations of several types of energy infrastructure, including wind turbines, coal mines, oil and natural gas wells, high-voltage electric transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, and U.S. border-crossing points of electric transmission lines and liquids and natural gas pipelines.
Blockchain efforts look to improve trade execution, breakdown data silos
Blockchain’s use by the global energy industry in the years ahead is the subject du jour at industry gatherings these days. Annette Hugh elaborates in her latest blog post.
Steel or bourbon? Trump may need both
From the legendary Pittsburgh steelworker to the things he may own -- blue jeans, bourbon and Harley-Davidson motorcycles -- President Donald Trump’s trade policy and the reaction to it have been both ironic and iconic.
Average U.S. coal mining productivity increases as production falls
(Wed, 07 Mar 2018) Coal mining productivity in the United States increased 26% over the past five years, reaching 6.8 tons per miner hour in 2017, up from 5.4 tons per miner hour in 2012, according to EIAâs Annual Coal Report and data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
Trump’s proposed tariffs introduce uncertainty
Getting inside President Donald Trump’s head was an early theme Monday at CERAWeek by IHS Markit.
Positive U.S. ethanol margins are driving ethanol production growth
(Tue, 06 Mar 2018) Estimated ethanol production margins at U.S. corn ethanol plants averaged 22 cents per gallon (gal) in 2017. Last year was the fifth consecutive year that margins have averaged more than 20 cents/gal, which has helped drive consistent ethanol production growth over that period.
Short-Term Energy Outlook
(Tue, 06 Mar 2018) North Sea Brent crude oil spot prices averaged $65 per barrel (b) in February, a decrease of $4/b from the January level and the first month-over-month average decrease since June 2017. EIA forecasts Brent spot prices will average about $62/b in both 2018 and 2019 compared with an average of $54/b in 2017.
Sudan and South Sudan Country Analysis Brief
(Mon, 05 Mar 2018) South Sudan was officially recognized as an independent nation state in July 2011 following a referendum held in January 2011, when the South Sudanese voted overwhelmingly in favor of secession. Since the split, Sudan and South Sudanâs oil production has declined because of continued domestic political instability and conflict between the two countries.