Latest news
USA: Coal production at lowest level in 20 years
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), coal production in the USA plunged to its lowest level in 20 years, totaling 996 million short tons at the end of 2013, or a 2% decrease compared to 2012 levels. It is the first time in 20 years that annual coal production was below 1 billion short tons.
read more... 12/02/2014
Is the US close to its energy independence?
Looking at the whole U.S. energy picture, which includes natural gas, coal, nuclear, crude oil and renewables, the country is close to being self-sufficient. As a result of the hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, the U.S. is set to become the world’s largest oil and natural gas producer. The American energy boom is also drastically reducing oil and gas imports at a time when much of the world is becoming more reliant on energy imports.
read more... 10/02/2014
Daily: European coal prices tumble on milder weather, weaker demand
Crude oil prices climbed more than $2 to touch one-month highs on Friday, buoyed by a considerable increase in gasoline and heating oil as supplies eased and refiners closed plants for maintenance. Meanwhile, Brent crude oil futures closed $2.38 higher at $109.57, the highest level since January 2. U.S. crude settled up $2.04 to $99.88 a barrel, hitting its highest point since December 27. Brent- WTI spread extended 34 cents to $9.69 a barrel.
read more... 10/02/2014
Wind: Spain’s main electricity source
According to the Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE), in 2013 wind power was the main source of energy in Spain, covering almost 21 percent of total demand and producing something like 54,478 GWh of electricity last year, nuclear power produced 20.8 percent of the country’s energy requirements, followed by hydroelectric power which met 14.4 % of demand, almost doubling in comparison to a year before. Combined-cycle plants accounted for 9.6 percent, coal-fueled plants 14.6 percent while solar photovoltaic only 3.1 percent.
read more... 31/01/2014
Poland to build two new nuclear power plants
Poland's government has announced on Tuesday its intention to go ahead with the plans to build two nuclear power plants. Currently, the country produces 90 percent of its electricity from coal but wants to diversify its fuel sources, making its energy sector more efficient. Poland has opted for nuclear, in a move which aims also to help meet the environmental requirements of the European Union.
read more... 30/01/2014