Energy trading
The state of straight-through processing in energy markets
Integrated front- to back-office processes in energy trading still lag those of financial markets considerably, putting energy markets at a big disadvantage. Lianna Brinded takes a look at why this is the case, and whether change is on the way
Gulf of Mexico oil spill to delay BP drilling projects
BP’s Gulf of Mexico oil spill could lead to production delays throughout the industry while safety regulation tightens up.
New approaches to energy credit risk management
The aftermath of the financial crisis led to some innovative approaches to tackling energy credit risk. Pauline McCallion looks at developments and asks whether proposed US and European regulation will help or hinder innovation in this space
Tackling the credit insurance challenge
Credit insurance was one of the main risks for energy buyers in 2009 and looks set to stick around in 2010. Wayne Mitchell, head of corporate sales at npower, discusses how using an energy-trading approach can help energy suppliers and customers manage…
Deal could trigger downgrade for E.ON US and subsidiaries
German power and gas company E.ON's decision to sell its US subsidiary to PPL Corporation for $7.625 billion has resulted in a ratings review and possible downgrade for E.ON US.
First US offshore wind farm approved
The first US offshore wind farm has been approved by the US government in an area of the Outer Continental Shelf, with the potential to eventually provide 1 million megawatts of offshore energy.
CFTC pushes on with regulatory sweep
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) moved to increase oversight of several unregulated energy contracts today, even though broader financial reform from Congress could negate the action.
OTC reform could strengthen support for energy position limits
The debate over derivatives regulation could provide momentum for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to impose position limits on energy trading proposed in January.
JP Morgan LNG launch shows growing interest in market
JP Morgan’s move into liquefied natural gas (LNG) last week is indicative of growing interest and expectations for the future of the sector.
Limits on metal derivatives meet opposition
The commodity market is divided on position limits for metal derivatives.
Changes to UK interruptible gas contracts could cause supply outages in 2011
UK National Grid’s decision in January to tell large users on interruptible contracts to stop using gas is likely to be taken a stage further next time there is a cold snap, and could lead to the closure of thermal plants, warns a top official at the…
UK to focus on smart grids and nuclear power
Big investments into UK smart grids, offshore wind farms under the Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROC) scheme and nuclear power are on the agenda for both the Labour and Conservative parties in the run-up to the UK elections, as the country looks to…
BP and Devon team up to develop oil sands play
BP and Devon Energy have entered into a joint venture that will use the latter’s in-situ production expertise to develop BP’s Kirby oil sands leases in Alberta, Canada.
New US coalition targets fair electricity transmission
The Coalition for Fair Transmission Policy (CFTP) has been launched in Washington, DC to campaign for more efficient development of the US electricity grid.
Two-thirds of ETRM users plan new systems in 2010
Some 67% of respondents to Energy Risk’s 2010 Software Survey say they will be investing in new energy trading risk management (ETRM) systems this year, to tackle dissatisfaction with the speed and usability of existing software systems, as well as…
Hedge funds will return to energy markets in H2
Energy hedge fund investors will return to the market in the second half of the year, as these investment managers see prices rise towards the end of 2010, say analysts.
Energy Risk: What's coming next?
Energy Risk brings you a snapshot of what's moving and shaking the markets.
US shale extraction technique under investigation
US oil and gas shale production - seen as a vital contributor to US energy needs - is under investigation due to environmental fears over extraction techniques.
Oil price of $70-80/bbl expected in 2010
Oil prices are expected to remain between $70 and $80 per barrel (bbl) this year, according to a consensus of industry experts speaking at the IP Week conference in London.
JP Morgan and RBS Sempra Commodities agree $1.7bn deal
RBS Sempra Commodities has sold its global oil, global metals, and European power and gas assets to JP Morgan for $1.7 billion.
FirstEnergy and Allegheny announce $8.5bn merger
FirstEnergy and Allegheny Energy have announced an $8.5 billion stock-for-stock merger transaction that would create a diversified generation portfolio including 2,200 megawatts (MW) of renewables.
More legislation threatens EPA regulation of GHGs
The chairman of the US House Agriculture Committee has introduced bipartisan legislation designed to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act.
Obama boosts biofuels and clean coal
US President Barack Obama has announced a series of measures designed to boost biofuel production and reduce US dependence on foreign oil.