Why Our New Plan for Repairing the L-Train Tunnel Is Best
It’s worth revisiting some of the assumptions behind the original plan to close down the East River subway tunnel.
EIA expects relatively flat natural gas prices, continued record production through 2020
(Thu, 17 Jan 2019) EIAâs January 2019 <em>Short-Term Energy Outlook</em> (STEO) expects several U.S. natural gas market trends from 2018 to continue into 2019 and 2020, including relatively stable Henry Hub natural gas prices and increasing natural gas production and exports. According to the STEO, total U.S. natural gas consumption is expected to increase slightly through 2020, with increases in the electric and industrial sectors offsetting decreases in the residential and commercial sectors.
Changes in marine fuel sulfur limits will put temporary upward pressure on diesel margins
(Tue, 15 Jan 2019) The January 2019 <em>Short-Term Energy Outlook</em> (STEO), released at noon today, for the first time includes analysis of the effect that upcoming changes to marine fuel sulfur specifications will have on crude oil and petroleum product markets. Beginning January 1, 2020, the International Maritime Organizationâs (IMO) new regulations limit the sulfur content in marine fuels used by ocean-going vessels to 0.5% by volume, a reduction from the previous limit of 3.5%.
Competing Against Chinese Loans, U.S. Companies Face Long Odds
The competition to build an oil refinery in Uganda is a case study in what America faces as it challenges China’s infrastructure lending program.
Relief for New York City’s Transit Deserts? Commuter Trains Might Help
A planned billion-dollar rail expansion in the Bronx is fueling a larger debate over using aboveground trains to supplement subway and bus service.
New electric generating capacity in 2019 will come from renewables and natural gas
(Thu, 10 Jan 2019) According to EIAâs latest inventory of electric generators, 23.7 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity additions and 8.3 GW of capacity retirements are expected for the U.S. electric power sector in 2019. The utility-scale capacity additions consist primarily of wind (46%), natural gas (34%), and solar photovoltaics (18%), with the remaining 2% consisting primarily of other renewables and battery storage capacity.
The Middle East, Africa, and Asia now drive nearly all global energy consumption growth
(Wed, 09 Jan 2019) Energy consumption in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa continues to grow rapidly, with about 20% growth in each region between 2010 and 2016, according to newly available data in EIAâs International Energy Statistics database. In particular, energy consumption has been increasing in the Middle East and Africa, driven by economic growth, increased access to energy markets, and quickly growing populations. Energy consumption in Asia continues to grow even as energy consumption in China declined between 2015 and 2016.
Wholesale power prices were generally higher in 2018, with both winter and summer spikes
(Tue, 08 Jan 2019) Wholesale electricity prices during 2018 at major trading hubs in the United States were generally higher than in 2017. Wholesale prices in 2018 ranged from 14% higher than in 2017 in the area served by the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) to 60% higher in the ERCOT electricity market serving most of Texas. Monthly wholesale electricity prices were also more volatile in 2018 than in 2017, seeing spikes during the winter and summer months.
Country Analysis Briefs
(Mon, 07 Jan 2019) In response to stakeholder feedback, the U.S. Energy Information Administration has revised the format of the Country Analysis Briefs. Future updates will be in two complementary formats: the Country Analysis Executive Summary provides an overview of recent developments in a country's energy sector and the Background Reference provides historical context. Archived versions will remain available in the original format.
Russia High-Rise Collapse an Emblem of Hardships in the Hinterlands
While the Kremlin pours money into the military, Russia’s infrastructure is crumbling, inviting more tragedies like the building collapse in southern Russia this week that killed 39.