Energy – Baker Institute Blog

Challenges ahead for US refiners?

February 2, 2021am75

U.S. oil refiners have had a great run in recent years. World-class technical sophistication has combined with the shale boom (and an inadvertent assist from policy) to drive a dramatic shift in the competitiveness of U.S. refiners, moving the U.S. from a large net importer of refined products to now being one the largest net exporters. But market events in 2020 signal changes to come that will challenge the industry’s global competitiveness. Continue Reading →

Electric Vehicles: A Small Window for Safety and Stability, A Large Arena For Research

January 21, 2021am75

The assumption that a lithium ion battery (LIB) powered electric vehicle is inherently safer and the risks are lower than those of gas-powered cars is based on a limited understanding of battery chemistry and fire science and considers only one segment of an overall complex picture. Continue Reading →

Why have U.S. natural gas prices INCREASED post-COVID?!?

November 10, 2020am75

As prices of gas in Europe and Asia dropped precipitously due to the pandemic’s outbreak, there has been a notable exception: in the U.S., prices remained relatively steady and even rose at times. Continue Reading →

“Green LNG” – A Pathway For Natural Gas In An ESG Future?

October 27, 2020am75

The natural gas industry faces increasing pressure to do more to help achieve climate change objectives and ESG goals. A new product—Green LNG—could help ensure that natural gas keeps its role in the energy transition, if the LNG industry can convert Green LNG into a uniform, tradable commodity. Continue Reading →

What To Do About The Future Of Oil Companies. Hint: Football Fields Don’t Mow Themselves!

October 27, 2020am75

Investors are increasingly worried about the sustainability of the big oil company business model. So am I! Do you know what would really help? Mowing the lawn… Continue Reading →

The 800-lb gorilla between US shale producers and a big comeback: Decline rates

August 31, 2020am75

It’s been a rough year for US shale producers. Prices collapsed, investment collapsed, the rig count collapsed, jobs collapsed. And production collapsed. Things are looking up now, though recovery will not be as swift as in the last big price collapse in 2015. Continue Reading →

Abundant, But Not. Australia’s Gas Policy Problem

July 21, 2020am75

LNG exports have increased the domestic natural gas price in the eastern part of Australia, and domestic gas users are grumbling. But that’s not the whole story and, as it often is the case, things are not as simple as they appear. Continue Reading →