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Fossil Fuels
Are central banks selling Treasuries to the public? McGeever
Are central banks selling Treasuries in the midst of the controversial U.S. war in "the Middle East"? It's likely yes, but the situation is complex. The foreign Treasuries in the custody of the New York Federal Reserve have just fallen to their lowest level in 16 years, below $3 trillion. This indicates that foreign central banks are dumping assets at a 'increasingly fast pace. The decline in Fed "custody' holdings, as I wrote last Monday, has been eye-catching. Deutsche Bank strategists estimate the $75 billion drop in the four-week period ending March 19, pointed to $60 billion net selling by
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Energy Markets
Dollar drops as gold nears 2-week-high amid hopes of an end to the Iran war
On Wednesday, gold was near a two-week-high - after a month that saw its largest monthly loss for nearly 17 years. The U.S. Dollar and Treasury yields fell on signs of a de-escalation of the war against Iran. Gold spot was up 1.8% to $4,755.50 an ounce at 1159 GMT after rising by 2% earlier, reaching its highest level since the 19th of March. U.S. gold futures for delivery in April rose 2.3% to $4.783.50. Donald Trump, the U.S. president and Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State of the United States have both said that the end of war against
Natural Gas
Natural Gas
Data centers forced to become more flexible by the US grid
In times of high demand for electricity, the U.S. tech industry is being pressured to reduce its power consumption. This comes amid growing public concerns that Big Tech's massive energy needs in expanding data centers will'max out' the country's electrical grid. When utilities and grid operators ask for it, the power industry and its regulators are increasingly pushing tech companies to make a concession that was previously unthinkable - they're asking them to?scale?back their energy consumption in giant server farms called data centers. The majority of the attempts to make data centres more flexible are in pilot mode. Data centers...
Power Markets
JERA's exec claims that there is no immediate shortage of LNG in Japan, but they are currently in negotiations for additional supply.
JERA, Japan’s largest power generator, is not facing a shortage of liquefied gas, despite the U.S. and Israel’s war against?Iran. However, JERA is in talks with long-term suppliers about possible additional supplies, according to a senior executive on Saturday. Global CEO Yukio KANI said that Japan's biggest LNG buyer, Global, handles around 35 million metric tonnes of super-chilled gas annually. Around 27 million tons of this fuel are used in Japan, with about 5% passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has disrupted the shipping in the'strait', which is a conduit for 80% of the world's fossil fuel?supplies. Kani, speaking...
Energy Markets
Germany releases oil reserves to combat the energy price spike caused by Iran war
Katherina Reiche, Germany's Economy minister, said that the International Energy Agency has recommended the release 400 million barrels from its stockpiles. This is the largest?such move? in IEA's history. Reiche confirmed to reporters in Berlin that the government intends to limit petrol price increases to one per day at filling station and introduce "more stringent antitrust regulations of the sector." She did not provide a definite time frame for these measures but said that the United States, Japan and other countries would contribute the most to the release. Reiche stated that the situation is tense as oil supplies are strained...
Nuclear Power
Greenpeace activists confront Macron at the nuclear summit in France
Two Greenpeace activists rushed onto the stage during a global nuclear summit held in France on February 2, interrupting Emmanuel Macron, President of France and Rafael Grossi, U.N. nuclear watchdog chief. The protesters were dressed in black suits with ties and held banners that bore the Greenpeace logo, and read "Nuclear Power= Energy Insecurity", and "Nuclear Power fuels Russia's War". Macron was shouted by one of the protesters, "Why are we still buying Uranium from Russia?" The president responded, "We produce nuclear power ourselves." According to the latest data from the French government, France not only has its own uranium-enrichment...
Energy Markets
Petronas' profit drops for the third consecutive year as oil price pressures weigh on margins
Petroliam Nasional Bhd, the Malaysian state-owned energy company Petronas, or Petroliam Nasional, reported a profit after tax of 45.4 billion ringgit ($11.68 billion) in 2025 compared to 55.1 billion ringgit in 2024. Revenues fell from 320 million ringgit to 266.1 billion rmb ($68.44billion) over the same period. Petroliam Nasional (or Petronas) reported a profit of $45.4 billion after taxes in 2025, compared to $55.1 billion in 2024. Revenues fell from 320 billion to 266.1 billion Ringgit ($68.44 Billion) during the same time period. Tengku Taufik Tengku, the Chief Executive Officer of Tengku Muhammad Tengku Aziz, said that oil prices were...
Natural Gas
The US AI boom is facing an electric shock
The race for artificial intelligence dominance by Big Tech may soon hit a bump in the road as U.S. power grids struggle with keeping up with hyperscalers who spend big. Microsoft, Amazon and Alphabet, among other technology giants in the US, announced in recent months that they plan to spend $600 billion in AI by 2026. Some investors are already concerned about the profitability of this strategy due to the investment wave. The ambitious U.S. AI plans will be hindered by severe power-infrastructure bottlenecks including turbine shortages and slow grid expansion. The processing and cooling of data centers that are...
Natural Gas Utilities
Shell and Metlen sign a deal for LNG trading and supply.
Metlen, a Greek company, announced on Wednesday that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shell to collaborate on the supply and trading of liquefied gas. Greek energy companies are seeking to replace Russian gas with U.S. LNG in central and southern Europe. Metlen is a London and Athens listed energy and metals company. The agreement will allow it to trade and secure between 0.5 billion cubic metres of LNG per year from 2027 until '2031. Deliveries are routed through Greece's Revithoussa terminal and Alexandroupolis. The agreement also envisages the use of the Vertical Gas corridor, a route...
Natural Gas
Trump announces that Japan will invest in energy and industrial projects in Ohio Texas and Georgia
The administration of President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Japan would?finance three projects worth $36 billion, including an oil-export facility in Texas, a diamond plant in Georgia, and a natural-gas power plant in Ohio. Trump stated on Truth Social that the projects were part of Japan's $550 Billion U.S. Investment pledge, as part a trade agreement that reduced Trump's tariffs against Japanese imports by 15%. Trump gave very few details on the projects. In a statement, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the Portsmouth, Ohio, power plant would be the world's largest natural gas-fired generation facility with a capacity?9.2...
Oil Equipment
Saudi and US firms partner on northeast Syria Energy Project
Two people who have direct knowledge of the plan say that Saudi Arabian and U.S. firms will form a consortium to explore and produce oil and gas in northeastern Syria. Sources said that Baker Hughes, Hunt Energy, and Argent LNG plan to partner with TAQA on the project. The project would cover four to five exploration blocks in the northeastern area. The project is the latest in an array of large-scale business deals that have spanned Syria's entire economy, since the former autocrat Bashar Al-Assad was overthrown by Islamist rebels who became rulers a year earlier and after the U.S....
Natural Gas
EUROPE GAS - Prices rise on colder weather and weaker winds
Dutch and British wholesale gasoline prices rose Friday morning due to colder weather forecasts, and a weaker wind output. The benchmark 'Dutch front month contract at TTF hub increased by 1.16 euros to 34.97 Euros per Megawatt Hour (MWh) as of 0925 GMST, according to LSEG data. LSEG data shows that the contract reached a high intraday of 35.17 during earlier trading, its highest level since August 1, last year. The Dutch March price was 0.69 euros higher, at 33.42 Euros/MWh. The UK price for February was 3.67 pence more expensive? at 91.17 pennies per therm. This week, prices have...
Energy Markets
Prices for EUROPE GAS rise and reverse earlier losses
Dutch wholesale gas prices increased on Wednesday. They reversed earlier losses due to concerns about liquefied gas (LNG) supply if tensions escalate in Iran. LSEG data shows that the benchmark Dutch front-month 'contract' at TTF hub is up?1.42 Euros?at 32.55 Euros per megawatt hour by 1213 GMT. This is the highest level recorded since October 7, last year. The Dutch March rate was 31.66 Euros/MWh, an increase of 1.28 euros. The British day-ahead contract was down 0.40 pennies at 82.80 pence/therm. Iran warned its neighbours that it could strike U.S. military bases if Washington interferes with protests, despite the fact...
Natural Gas
Edison CEO: Group accelerates green investments; EDF eyes minority stake sale
Edison's green investment will increase the Italian utility’s borrowings, said its CEO. EDF, the parent company, plans to sell a majority stake in the unit, to avoid an increase in its debt. The Italian utility announced earlier on Thursday that it will begin working on renewable projects in Italy with a combined power of more than 500 megawatts. Edison CEO Nicola Monti said in an interview that "EDF had many investments to be made in France, particularly in the nuclear sector. The intention to open (our) capital – only for a minor stake – is to allow Edison implement its...
Environment
EU changes carbon market to reduce price volatility
After pressure from various governments, including Italy, to change the system in order to reduce soaring energy costs triggered by the Iran War, the European Commission made a proposal on Wednesday. The EU proposal would stop the automatic cancellation of excess carbon allowances in the ETS. Instead, spare permits will be kept in a "special reserve" as a buffer for future supply, and could then be released if the price of carbon spikes. If there are currently more than 400 millions permits in the ETS's "market stability reserve", then the excess will be invalidated. The EU has designed the supply...
Brazil recruits bank managers to fight deforestation
Brazil has been fighting to protect the Amazon for many years, but now it is enlisting new allies to help in this fight: bankers. The new rule, which takes effect Wednesday, requires that banks check whether rural loan applicants have deforestation in their farms by using government tools based on satellite images. Farmers applying for government-funded rural credits must provide proof of deforestation permissions if bank managers detect clearing in the Amazon or Woodlands since?2019. Andre Lima is the head of Brazil's Environment Ministry, which leads efforts against deforestation. Brazil's powerful agricultural sector has reacted negatively to the new policy....
Sources say that India has no immediate plans to restart offshore mining auctions
Two'sources' familiar with the issue have said that India will not 'go ahead with auctioning off deep-sea mine rights due to a lack in technological preparedness, and a low response from potential bidders. India announced its first offshore mineral block auction in November 2024. It included three lime mud, three construction sands, and seven polymetallic blocks. The blocks contained minerals such as cobalt and copper that are essential for solar panels and electric vehicles. In December of last year, the government cancelled the auction because there was a lack of interest. Reports said that the first batch of offshore minerals...
Pollution
Carbon Emissions
Stellantis and China's Leapmotor sign a carbon credit deal for Europe and UK
Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology entered into an agreement to transfer carbon credits generated in Europe and the UK over the remainder of 2026 to Stellantis subsidiaries. The agreement covers all credits generated from the sale and registrations of battery electric vehicles, range-extended models and electric cars under 'the Leapmotor Brand' between March 31 and December 31, said a company filing in an exchange on Tuesday. Leapmotor said that the deal would help it expand its revenue sources as well as fulfill its "corporate social responsibility". Stellantis and Leapmotor have a joint venture to sell the Chinese electric vehicle maker's vehicles in...
Crude Oil
Mexican Navy says that a petroleum tanker and natural seabed are likely to be responsible for Gulf Coast spill
Mexican officials confirmed on Thursday that an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is due to both natural 'causes' and a petroleum 'tanker, which authorities are attempting to identify. Raymundo Morales is the Mexican navy's head. He said that satellite images showed an oil slick near the coast and that any of the 13 vessels which had passed by the area may have been responsible. Morales stated that four of the vessels were still in Mexican waters, and being inspected by the Navy. Mexico has asked for international assistance to inspect the nine remaining vessels, which are now in...
Pollution
Research shows that battery-electric cars will reach 23% of the market in EU and Norway by 2026.
As EVs get cheaper and emissions targets are met, the market will be supported by a battery-electric vehicle share of 23% in 2026 in 'the European Union and Norway and a share of?28% in '2027. European 'campaign' groups say Europe is on the right track in its transition to electric vehicles and that it can be profitable for the carmakers. They pushed the European Commission last December to reverse the effective ban on the sale of new internal combustion engines cars starting 2035. T&E stated that 'battery-electric cars prices have fallen in average by 4 percent in 2025 due to...
Pollution
Europol's operation against illegal waste trade leads to arrests of more than 330 people
Europol announced on Wednesday that more than 330?people?were arrested in 70?countries as part of a crackdown against organised crime 'networks' accused of?trafficking illicit waste?in Europe and exporting them to Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The authorities seized 127.149 metric tonnes of waste and 602 tons of polluting agents, along with 75 tons?of plant protection chemicals and 2.3 tons?of mercury, as well as nearly?10 millions euros ($11.6 million) of cash and bank account. Officials said that the seized 'waste' could have generated illicit profits of at least 31 million euros. The Guardia Civil of Spain, which was involved in the operation...
Pollution
China plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions per unit GDP by approximately 3.8% in 2026
According to documents released by the Chinese government on Thursday, China will reduce its carbon intensity - or carbon emissions per unit gross domestic product - by 17% in its current five year plan. This is an acceleration of the previous period between 2020 and '2025. China's new five-year plan released on Thursday called for the replacement of 30 million metric tonnes per year with renewables, and pushing towards peak coal. However, it did not set further limits on coal use. China's carbon intensity was reduced by 12% during the five-year plan which ended last year. According to a report...
Pollution
Argentina is voting to relax glacier protections as it pushes for mining investments
Despite growing protests by environmental groups, Argentine legislators are preparing to pass sweeping amendments that would 'loosen a glacier protection act from 2010'. President Javier Milei is seeking to?unlock millions of dollars worth of mining investment. The proposed reform is driven by a change in?authority?over glacier protection. The current Glacier Law protects all glaciers that are identified by a scientific inventory. Activities such as oil exploration, mining and infrastructure development in these areas are prohibited. The bill that the Argentine Senate will debate on Thursday would allow each province to establish its own standards in protecting glaciers and their periglacial...
Pollution
Verona protests ahead of Olympics closing ceremony
The protest was against the housing costs, and the environmental concerns associated with the Winter Games. The "Olympics?" rally was organized by university groups and associations that oppose hosting an event they say disrupts forests, pours concrete onto fragile land and deepens social inequality. The rally, "Olympics? "We're here to protect our territory against speculation...and from the impossible cost of attending events," Giannina, a 76 year old activist said. Tickets were priced between 950 euros and 2,900 euros. The ceremony began at 8:30 pm (1930 GMT), inside Verona’s ancient Roman Arena. The banner said: "Fewer Games, more homes." Francesca (34),...
Pollution
US orders restrictions on new FEMA disaster deployments during DHS shutdown
Internal messages obtained by showed that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which is under the administration of President Donald Trump, has ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to suspend the deployment of hundreds of relief workers in disaster-affected regions around the country. FEMA, which is a part of DHS, has been operating largely despite the partial shutdown. The shutdown occurred after Republicans and Democrats were unable to reach an agreement?on immigration reforms. DHS has issued an order to stop all DHS-funded travel as of 2/18/26. This will last until the end of the budget lapse. According to an...
Carbon Emissions
California and Connecticut prepare a 'attack' on Trump's repealing of US climate regulations
Attorneys General from California and Connecticut have announced a "multi-state plan of attack" to combat President Donald Trump's decision to repeal the federal climate regulation for'vehicles'. The Environmental Protection Agency rescinded last week the "endangerment findings" which said that greenhouse gas emissions from cars endanger the public's health. Trump called this "the biggest deregulatory measure in the history of the United States." Connecticut Attorney General William Tong stated in an interview that "we're going to take action" and described efforts to determine standing, claims, and other elements of the?suit. "We are putting together the best possible plan of action." The...
Pollution
Havana's trash piles up as US oil chokehold stops garbage trucks
The U.S. effort to prevent oil reaching the Caribbean's largest island has resulted in a swarm of flies and the smell of rotten foodstuffs. This is one of the visible effects of the U.S. attempt. Cubadebate, a state-run news outlet, reported that fuel shortages had caused only 44 out of Havana’s 106 garbage trucks to continue operating. This slowed down the garbage collection. Residents have been sorting through cardboard boxes, used plastic bags, rags, and other waste to find scraps that they can reuse, but motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists must avoid the huge piles. Jose Ramon Cruz said that the...
Pollution
Cuba's Havana is piled high with garbage as US chokehold stops garbage trucks
Havana's garbage piles up on the streets, attracting hordes flies, and smelling of rotten foods. This is one of the visible effects of the U.S. effort to prevent oil reaching the Caribbean's largest island. Cubadebate, a state-run news outlet, reported that only 44 out of 106 Havana's rubbish trucks could continue to operate due to fuel shortages. This slowed down garbage collection. Residents sorted through the piles of cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, rags and used bags to find scraps that they could reuse, but motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists were forced to avoid the massive heaps. Jose Ramon Cruz, a local...
Pollution
Italian PM Meloni offers debt suspension to African states affected by climate shock
Giorgia meloni, the Italian prime minister, said that Italy and their 'African partners' had centered their recent talks on a re-evaluation of the continent's?debt burden. Rome offered countries a chance for them to suspend payments when they are hit by extreme weather events. Meloni, at the end of the second Italy-Africa meeting in Addis Ababa, said: "Today we once again focused on a central issue for?Africa which is debt." "We launched a wide initiative on debt conversion for joint development project. We are adding debt suspension clauses to?this for nations that have been affected by extreme weather events. Meloni will...
Wind Farms
New York files suit against the Trump administration for a halt on two offshore wind project
New York's Attorney General sued the Trump Administration on Friday over the suspension of construction on two offshore?wind farms that it says are needed to power a million homes and reduce the state's reliance on fossil-fuels. Letitia J., New York's Attorney General, has filed two separate lawsuits asking the federal court in Washington not to allow President Donald Trump's freeze of federal offshore leases owned by Equinor from Norway and Orsted from Denmark on December 22, 2018. The Interior Department said that it had halted the project due to complaints from?the Pentagon, that wind turbines can cause radar interference which...
Japan’s KEPCO Buys Majority Stake in Ireland’s Simply Blue Energy
Japan’s Kansai Electric Power Co. (KEPCO) has signed a share subscription agreement with Ireland’s Simply Blue Group’s offshore wind development arm, Simply Blue Energy OSW (SBE OSW).The strategic investment marks KEPCO’s first investment involving management participation in an offshore wind developer.KEPCO will acquire a majority stake in SBE OSW through its wholly owned subsidiary, KPIC Netherlands BV.Simply Blue Energy OSW is actively engaged in multiple offshore wind projects across Europe and elsewhere and possesses extensive experience and expertise in offshore wind development from the early stages of project formation.With KEPCO’s investment, SBE OSW aims to accelerate the expansion of its...
L&T Joins Hitachi Energy to Support TenneT’s 2GW Offshore Wind Grid Scheme
India’s EPC contractor Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been hired to deliver High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converters in support of the Dutch-German transmission system operator (TSO) TenneT’s 2GW offshore wind grid program in the North Sea.Collaborating with Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader in electrification, L&T has been nominated by TenneT to deliver HVDC converter stations, as part of the initiative that aims to accelerate the integration of large-scale renewable energy into the European power grid, particularly across the German and Dutch sectors of the North Sea.The collaboration brings together complementary strengths in advanced technology, engineering excellence, and end-to-end...