According to today’s release of the US Energy Information Agency’s Short Term Energy Outlook (STEO), US emissions will continue to slide in 2009. They predict lower energy consumption as our economy shrinks 2% in the coming year. Their preliminary estimate of fossil fuel consumption in 2008 leads me to estimate carbon dioxide emissions fell at least 2.5% this past year, and their projections for 2009 would lead to a further reduction of (more…)
Archive for January, 2009
EIA: US carbon emissions to fall further in 2009
Tuesday, January 13th, 2009Fuel Efficiencies Rising: New Prius Gets 50 mpg
Monday, January 12th, 2009
The Detroit auto show is featuring some great progress in vehicle efficiency. The 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid boasts fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Honda will begin selling a larger version of its Insight that will get 40/43 mpg in April. But the king of efficiency remains the Prius, which is introducing a 2010 version within a few months that promises (more…)
In reversal, 4th quarter China carbon emissions fall
Friday, January 9th, 2009Driven by white-hot economic growth, China carbon dioxide emissions have been increasing at a rate that put fear in the hearts of most climate scientists. But the export-oriented growth of the past several years has imploded on a crash in demand for Chinese products from recession-hit consumers in Japan, the US, and Europe. After years of almost double-digit energy demand growth, (more…)
Russian oil decline accelerates & other supply concerns
Thursday, January 8th, 2009
With the price of oil pretty low below $45 per barrel and global demand falling, it seems to be a silly time to bring up supply worries. But recent numbers on Russian oil production and some other major non-OPEC producers show we need to keep our eye on this biggest source of world energy. (more…)
Europe Solar Price Falls to Record Low, Global Prices Begin Drop
Wednesday, January 7th, 2009
Solar prices have finally begun their downward trajectory in January, as revealed by the monthly survey just released on solarbuzz.com. Solar panels have not had the volatile prices of fossil fuels over the past year. Solar prices neither rose in early 2008 while coal, oil, and natural gas skyrocketed through early July nor did solar prices fall 60+% since July like those same fossil fuels. That steady price made solar look brilliant in the summer but it backfired when (more…)
SET’s First Webinar: 2008 Energy in Review
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009
I’m proud to announce that SET will co-host its first webinar! On Friday, Jan 9, at 9am US Eastern Standard Time, we will collaborate with our European partners at Leonardo Energy to present the Energy Year in Review for 2008. We will discuss the tumultuous energy trends of 2008 and potential implications for the upcoming year.
Details on the webinar are available at (more…)
Solar Campuses: A Success Story at UNC-Chapel Hill
Monday, January 5th, 2009
The story of solar at UNC-Chapel Hill is a story of student leadership. Civic engagement is an integral part of the rich history of this flagship public university of North Carolina. Once these top students from around the state, along with a sizable 18% from around the country and beyond, get out of class — they continue their education through extra-curricular and public service activities in the 600+ campus organizations. Over the years, (more…)
Energy in 2009 Part III: Coal Outlook
Friday, January 2nd, 2009
Coal was almost as volatile as oil and natural gas in 2008, with its global trade price down more than 50% since the summer. While North American natural gas and global oil prices are poised for rebound since they have fallen below the higher marginal cost of production, coal production costs remain below current prices by most accounts. Therefore, coal prices have substantial room to fall if economic conditions continue to deteriorate. Below are some thoughts on coal supply and demand as we all prepare for the year ahead. (more…)