Once So Chic and Swooshy, Freeways Are Falling Out of Favor
Several cities face pressure to tear down the 1960s-era mega-roads and reinstate pedestrian-friendly streets. Jane Jacobs told you so!
Saudi Arabia Country Analysis Brief
(Fri, 20 Oct 2017) In 2016, Saudi Arabia was the largest exporter of total petroleum liquids (crude oil and petroleum products), with exports mostly destined to Asian and European markets. Saudi Arabia has 16% of the world's proved oil reserves, is the largest exporter of total petroleum liquids in the world, and maintains the world's largest crude oil production capacity at roughly 12 million barrels per day.
Intensity of U.S. energy use in manufacturing decreases as output outpaces fuel use
(Thu, 19 Oct 2017) The energy intensity of U.S. manufacturing has continued to decrease, according to the latest data from EIAâs Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey (MECS). From 2010 to 2014, manufacturing fuel consumption increased by 4.7%, while real gross output increased by 9.6%âor more than twice that rateâresulting in a 4.4% decrease in energy intensity.
Europe’s Fastest-Growing Economy Could Be Headed for Trouble
Much of the growth in Romania is the product of a consumer bonanza, and economists worry that the good times cannot last given a lack of investment.
Crude oil and petroleum product exports reach record levels in the first half of 2017
(Wed, 18 Oct 2017) Crude oil exports in the first half of 2017 increased by more than 300,000 barrels per day (b/d) from the first half of 2016 to 784,000 b/d, a 57% increase. Petroleum product exports also grew over the same period. Crude oil and propane exports each reached record highs of 0.9 million b/d, and distillate exports reached a record high of 1.3 million b/d.
Energy Use and Energy Intensity of U.S. ManufacturingâData from the 2014 Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey (MECS)
(Wed, 18 Oct 2017) Energy intensity in manufacturing in the United States decreased from 2010 to 2014.U.S. manufacturing overall fuel intensity decreased by 4.4% from 3.016 thousand British thermal units (Btu) per dollar of output in 2010 to 2.882 thousand Btu in 2014. U.S. manufacturing fuel consumption rose 4.7% from 2010 to 2014, although real gross output increased more rapidly at 9.6%.
Pig iron, scrap, steel trade hit by electrode shortage
The steel industry’s current hot topic, tight electrode supply and higher pricing, threatens to cut steel output and raise mill costs.This is leading traders to debate the impact across various steel mills and applications.
U.S. coal production fell in first half of 2017 after increasing in late 2016
(Tue, 17 Oct 2017) U.S. coal production averaged 192 million short tons (MMst) per quarter in the first half of 2017, a slight decrease from the second half of 2016 but still above levels reached in the first half of 2016. The recent decline in production was a result of weaker demand for steam coal, about half of which is mined in Wyoming and Montana.
U.S. crude oil production expected to increase through end of 2017, setting up record 2018
(Mon, 16 Oct 2017) EIA forecasts that U.S crude oil production will average 9.4 million barrels per day (b/d) in the second half of 2017, 340,000 b/d more than in the first half of 2017. Production in 2018 is expected to average 9.9 million b/d, surpassing the previous high of 9.6 million b/d set in 1970, based on projections in EIAâs <em>Short-Term Energy Outlook</em> (STEO).
Spark and dark spreads indicate profitability of natural gas, coal power plants
(Fri, 13 Oct 2017) Relative profits for some natural gas- and coal-fired generators in several Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states may have decreased since 2016 because of higher natural gas and coal prices and lower wholesale electricity prices. A common measure of profitability for power plants within a region is the difference between their input fuel costs, such as the cost of coal or natural gas, and their wholesale power price