Oil and gas exploration is back. Energy giants are hunting to replenish reserves
Executives at the CERAWeek Conference in Houston, Texas, this week declared that global energy companies have returned to the basics, focusing their efforts on finding?new oil and gas sources. This marks the end of years of underinvestment. The'shale revolution' in the U.S. in recent years promised a flexible, abundant supply. However, growth in renewable energy sources like wind and sun raised doubts over long-term demand for oil. Oil and gas drillers have chosen to 'flood profits into dividends and stock buybacks rather than exploration. Production?in the Permian Basin of the U.S. will plateau as energy demand continues to grow.
EU Ministers call for a united front on the energy crisis
The European Union Finance Ministers will coordinate their response on Friday to the energy price surge caused by the Iran 'war. They will ensure that the measures help the most vulnerable and?move Europe away from fossil fuels while keeping fiscal costs and demand under control. Since the U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran began on 28 February, oil and gas prices have risen dramatically. This is similar to the energy crises Europe experienced after Russia invaded Ukraine 2022. In a document preparing for the ministers' discussions, the European Commission stated that "EU-level cooperation is essential to avoid?market fragmentation?
Sources say that India is looking for raw materials to make steel from Argentina, Indonesia and Oman
Two sources with direct knowledge said that India would hold talks next month with Argentina, Indonesia, and 'Oman to increase supplies of steelmaking raw materials like coking coal and ore and access technology. The talks ?are ?expected to begin next month at a global steel summit, described by the Indian government as the country's largest international conference-cum-exhibition, said the sources who did not wish to be identified as the plan was not yet public. India, which is the second-largest crude steel producer in the world after China, imports ferronickel for the production of stainless steel.
Iran has been seen as focusing on renewable energy investments with a focus on security and not climate.
Executives at the CERAWeek Conference in Houston said that energy security concerns, which once limited investment into renewable energy, could now accelerate its growth more than climate change worries. This is because oil and gas supplies are facing a new wave of uncertainty due to the war against Iran. The U.S. and Israeli war against Iran has?removed a?million barrels of oil per day from the global markets, causing energy prices to reach multi-year-highs and causing shortages of fuel in countries that rely on oil and natural gas flowing through Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian market is a catalyst and a slowdown for the European green energy race
Investors are wary of the market volatility and interest rate hikes expected in the future, as well as the slow permitting process. The 'war in Iran' and its associated surge in fossil fuel prices has prompted some politicians to push for more renewable energy. Nearly a month after the conflict in the Middle East that caused the "largest energy market disruption ever", countries that rely on oil and gas imports are looking for alternatives and scaling up green energy. The longer-term changes are more obvious, but the short-term picture is still mixed.
Philippines suspends spot electricity sales due to Middle East conflict
The Philippines announced on Thursday that it had suspended the sale of electricity at spot prices until further notice due to fuel supply risks and price volatility caused by Iran's war. The suspension was ordered by a decree declaring a national energy emergency in order to deal with fallout of the war, including disruptions in fuel procurement. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of the country said that it expected to finalise its modified pricing scheme by April 1. This suspension is in line with plans announced by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin in an article published this month…
Gas companies claim that Japan's demand for gas could fall if the war in Iran affects plastics supplies.
Gas company chiefs warned on Wednesday that Japan's gas consumption could fall if the war on Iran continues. Osaka Gas provides?gas? to factories. If these plants are forced into a production cutback due to a shortage of materials, Osaka Gas's sales of gas will fall, said Osaka Gas president Masataka Fujiwara at a press briefing. Tokyo Gas?also warned about the possible fallout of a naphtha shortage for manufacturers. Tokyo Gas President Shinichi SASAYAMA said in a separate press conference that any decision to reduce the activities of our customers…
China's coal-chemicals sector reaps the benefits as Iran war crushes its petrochemical rivals
China's coal-to-chemicals stock has risen by up to 30% since the Iran War began, as the industry?capitalizes on its ability to?turn domestic coal into petroleum and?other chemicals without relying upon shipments through Strait of Hormuz. The rise in oil prices due to Iran's close-to-closing of the Strait of Hormuz has been a boon to the coal-to chemicals sector. This industry has its roots in Germany during World War II and is almost unique. It transforms coal into petroleum products, gas, and other chemicals. Chinese coal prices are down despite the fact that the Gulf supply disruption has increased prices for chemicals, oil, and gas.
Arafura Australia says South Korea and Germany are exposed to a rare earths shortage.
The United States, Japan and Australia are locking down rare earths supply, leaving industrial giants Germany and South Korea vulnerable, according to the CEO of Australia’s Arafura Rare Earths. This company is currently negotiating final agreements for supply. The U.S. is leading a global push to diversify supply chains and secure new sources of supply after China, the world's largest producer of rare earths, placed export restrictions last year. This shook the automotive and defense industries. Only two Western companies produce at scale. Australia's Lynas Rare Earths, and MP Materials in the U.S. with its Mountain Pass?deposit.
Australia announces $1.4 billion in support for Rio's Boyne Aluminium Smelter
Australia announced a?A$2 Billion ($1.40 Billion) over ten years to support Rio Tinto's Boyne Smelters, the country's second largest aluminium smelter. Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres stated that the investment will be equally funded by both the federal government and Queensland's state governments. Rio Tinto will underwrite investment in energy assets. Rio Tinto announced in a separate press release that the initiative will help the Anglo Australian miner reduce emissions and maintain its competitiveness amid rising fossil fuel prices.
Russell: The war fuel crisis in Iran gives electric vehicles a boost for the long term.
The U.S. president Donald Trump is known for his support of fossil fuels. However, the war on Iran will likely result in an acceleration of energy transitions, particularly in Asia. Retail fuel prices have risen rapidly in the world's fastest-growing and most populous region since the U.S.-Israeli aerial campaign against Iran began on February 28. In Australia, for example, the cost of a litre?diesel has reached a record high of A$3 ($2.09), having risen by around 36% since "the war" began, while gasoline prices in Japan have risen by 18%.
Investors predict that the war in Iran will increase Chinese demand for renewable energy
Investors rush into Chinese renewable stocks betting that the oil shock caused by the Iran War will increase?global green energy demand, a sector China dominates. This 'portfolio' trend in Asia is a result of growing concerns about energy security in Asia and a growing distrust for Washington. It contrasts with the United States, which has shifted back to oil and gas. Aaron Costello, Cambridge Associates' head of Asia, said at a conference in Hong Kong that countries should now focus on energy security. They need to build their renewables and energy grids further, perhaps more nuclear power. And they should focus more on defense. The U.S.
Russell: The war fuel crisis in Iran gives electric vehicles a boost for the long term.
The U.S. president Donald Trump is known for his support of fossil fuels. However, the legacy of war against the?Iran will likely be an acceleration in the energy transition. This is especially true in Asia. Retail fuel prices have risen rapidly since the U.S.-Israeli aerial campaign began on February 28, causing the world's fastest growing region to be hit by the fallout. In Australia, for example, the cost of a litre (about 1.9 liters) of diesel has reached a record high of A$3, having risen by 36% or so since the start of the war. Meanwhile, in Japan, gasoline prices have jumped 18%.
Investors predict that the war in Iran will increase Chinese demand for renewable energy
Investors rush into Chinese renewable stocks, betting that the oil shock caused by the Iran War will boost global demand for the green energy sector, which China dominates. This portfolio?trend, spurred by?heightened concerns about energy security?and 'growing distrust of the U.S.'s reliability contrasts with the United States returning to oil and gas. "As you step back and the dust settles, or the price of crude oil begins to drop,... the countries need to now focus on energy safety," Aaron Costello, head Asia at Cambridge Associates told a Hong Kong conference on Monday. They need to build up their renewable energy, their energy grids.
Document threatening legal action by foreign investors against Vietnam for renewables
According to a document seen by the. Last year, the 'dispute' began when Vietnam cut subsidised electricity prices from solar and wind farms. It cited irregularities. Vietnam's energy industry is struggling with high prices and the risk of shortages due to the conflict in Iran. The chambers of commerce of the European Union, Britain and Japan in Vietnam, as well as South Korea, Thailand, and South Korea, sent a letter of joint concern to the government on Thursday. The chambers urge authorities to find a'mutual agreement'…
Total CEO: Iran war disruption that goes beyond 3-4 months is a systemic threat to the global economy
Patrick Pouyanne, CEO of TotalEnergies, said that a 'disruption in global energy supply from the U.S. and Israeli?war against Iran? lasting beyond three to four months would pose a serious systemic risk for the global economy. Pouyanne, speaking at the CERAWeek conference in Houston, said that the disruption of global fuel supplies was worse than disruptions to crude oil supply?because they were exacerbated by an export ban from China on products such as diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel. China banned exports in order to maintain sufficient fuel supplies at home during the crisis.
Lee, South Korea's Lee, calls for an energy-saving campaign that includes curbs on automobiles
The South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called on Tuesday for a nationwide energy-saving campaign due to the threat posed by the war in Iran. He said that public institutions would reduce their use of passenger cars. Kim Sung Whan, Energy Minister, told a cabinet meeting that curbs on private vehicles were for the time being voluntary but would be reviewed if energy alert levels increased. He said that the government would encourage staggered commute hours, as well as other conservation measures, to be taken by the 50 largest oil-consuming companies.
UN Climate chief: Iran war a'simple lesson' in fossil fuel dependency
The U.N. Climate Secretary will inform EU policymakers that the disruption of energy markets caused by the Iran War is an "abject" lesson in the dangers?of?relying?on fossil fuels. The European Union, despite being geographically distant from the Middle East crisis, has been affected by it through the soaring global energy prices. The European gas price has risen by 50% in the past two weeks. "Fossil?dependency is ripping national security and sovereignty away, and replacing them with subservience, rising costs, and Simon?Stiell will tell EU officials at a?Brussels event.
Macquarie Group Expresses Interest in Shell's European Onshore Renewables
Macquarie Group has expressed early interest in bidding for Shell's European onshore renewable energy business, according to people familiar with the matter, assets that could be valued at more than 1 billion euros ($1.15 billion), another person said.Shell is preparing to launch an auction for the assets in coming weeks, two of the sources said, as CEO Wael Sawan continues to scale back the company's low-carbon operations in favour of liquefied natural gas and upstream businesses.Macquarie and Shell declined to comment.Here are the key details:Shell's European onshore renewables could fetch 1billion -1.5 billion euros ($1.15-1.73 billion), o
China Calls for Gulf Conflict to End, Addressing Southeast Asia Energy Shortages
China called for an end to conflict in the Gulf and said the safety of waterways should not be disturbed on Thursday, adding that it was ready to work with Southeast Asia to address energy shortages as oil markets reel from supply shocks.While the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has allowed China to cast itself as the more reliable superpower, analysts say it is wary of global energy market uncertainty, not least because it needs the resources it has been stockpiling since the late 2000s to power the manufacturing sector underpinning its economy.Assisting Southeast Asia's 700 million people would be welcome relief to the region's oil importers…