The interplay of market forces and political choices for 2021 is clearly at play in global energy markets this year. A growing focus on energy security is boosting coal and renewable consumption. How will this impact the ongoing recovery in global energy supply? Continue Reading
The Saudi leadership won a major concession from the U.S. while making a largely symbolic change in oil policy at last week’s OPEC+ meeting — and kept Russia on board with the plan. Consumers (and politicians) hoping for relief from rising prices at the pump are likely to be disappointed. Continue Reading
Secret power purchase agreements result in more expensive and less reliable electricity in many emerging markets. Nondisclosure often leads to over capacity and substantial debt risk, while discouraging investment and slowing deployment of new clean energy projects. Creating a global norm for PPA transparency is a zero-cost way to deliver the high-energy low carbon future we all need. Continue Reading
The Saudi leadership has repeatedly rebuffed requests from President Biden and leaders of oil-importing countries to accelerate production increases. But recent price differentials could signal an intent to quietly steer crude into Europe to replace Russian supplies. Continue Reading
What would happen if Russian gas stopped flowing to Europe? Recent gas cutoffs to Poland and Bulgaria are harbingers of a trend. Other countries’ decision on gas imports from Russia need to represent a definitive, unifying statement that the time for Russian dominance over EU gas imports is over. Continue Reading
As payments to Russian energy giants by other countries near their due dates, many ask whether this is the time when Russia may cut its gas deliveries to Europe completely — and, if so, what can the U.S. do? The authors explain why currently, more drastic actions such as invoking the Defense Production Act could prove counterproductive, unnecessary and harmful to U.S. trade policy. Continue Reading
Last month, China released its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for the energy sector. While clean and low-carbon may be the keywords on paper, in reality, Beijing will continue rely on coal to power its economy and energy transitions. Continue Reading