US Atlantic Coast refiners face new threat
The proposed partial reversal of Buckeye’s Laurel Pipeline would offer Midwest refiners easier access to the East Coast market.
Dishwashers are among the least-used appliances in American homes
(Mon, 19 Jun 2017) Compared with other major home appliances such as clothes washers, dryers, and cooking equipment, dishwashers are both less pervasive and less likely to be used when available. Of the 80 million households that have a dishwasher, 16 million (almost 20%) did not use their dishwasher in 2015, based on data from EIAâs Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS).
Competition between coal and natural gas affects power markets
(Fri, 16 Jun 2017) In 2016, natural gas provided 34% of total electricity generation, surpassing coal to become the leading generation source. Natural gas first exceeded coal as the most common electricity fuel on a monthly basis in April 2015 and on an annual basis in 2016. The increase in natural gas generation since 2005 is primarily a result of the continued cost competitiveness of natural gas relative to coal.
European mill consolidation concerns independent stockists, distributors
Mergers and acquisitions in European steelmaking could have important consequences downstream, with independent service centers increasingly nervous they will be squeezed out of the market.
Global oil markets expected to tighten in third quarter 2017, then loosen through 2018
(Thu, 15 Jun 2017) Forecast world production of crude oil and other liquids in 2017 and 2018 was revised slightly downward in the June edition of EIA's <em>Short-Term Energy Outlook</em> (STEO), which was issued after the May 25 announcement by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) of an extension to production cuts that were originally set to end this month.
Steel 232 investigation and the Russian investigation: On a collision course?
Findings of the Section 232 steel import investigation will likely be shared soon, and it will be interesting to see how imports from Russia are treated.
Wind and solar in March accounted for 10% of U.S. electricity generation for first time
(Wed, 14 Jun 2017) For the first time, monthly electricity generation from wind and solar (including utility-scale plants and small-scale systems) exceeded 10% of total electricity generation in the United States, based on March data in EIAâs Electric Power Monthly. Electricity generation from both of these energy sources has grown with increases in wind and solar generating capacity.
Egypt to put squeeze on Qatari LNG volumes
Egypt cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in June because of its alleged support for terrorist groups. Cairo currently relies heavily on Qatari LNG imports to make up its shortfall in domestic gas production.
Three Mile Island is the latest nuclear power plant to announce retirement plans
(Tue, 13 Jun 2017) At the end of May, Exelon, the owner of the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in southeastern Pennsylvania, announced its intention to retire the plant in 2019 unless the company is given assistance by the state to help keep the plant financially viable. Exelonâs announcement marks the sixth announced nuclear retirement in the past seven years.
Reporting oil companiesâ proved reserves in 2016 decline for second consecutive year
(Mon, 12 Jun 2017) Annual reports of 68 publicly traded oil companies indicated that their aggregate proved liquids reserves declined in 2016 for the second consecutive year. The decline in proved reserves was heavily concentrated in a few companies that reduced their estimated reserves from Canadian oil sands projects.