Shell may cede Sakhalin-2 control

MOSCOW, Russia - Royal Dutch Shell has offered to cede control of the $22 billion Sakhalin-2 project, Russia's biggest single foreign investment, to state gas monopoly Gazprom after months of government pressure, industry sources said.

Such a deal would appear to mark a victory for the Kremlin, determined to wrest control over the "commanding heights" of the Russian economy, and a retreat by Shell.

Bush to Make Energy a 2007 Priority, Economic Aide Hubbard Says

President George W. Bush wants to make energy independence a domestic priority next year with an eye to gathering bipartisan support in the Democratic-controlled Congress, his chief economic adviser said.

Homeowner’s Insurance and Fire Extinguishers

Everybody is a shrink at heart, and we have seen it on the pages of Energy Bulletin lately. The powerdowners are working like sixty to figure out why we “doomers” are so damn stubborn and won’t sign up for their permaculture classes.

Britons Fume as U.K. Heat Bills Rise to Decade High

Nazrul Islam, who owns a liquor store in London's East End, says his natural-gas bill has climbed by a third during the past year. With temperatures poised to plunge, he can't contemplate cutting back on heat.

"I have two baby sons whom I have to keep warm," Islam, 30, said at his shop in Brick Lane. "I am really angry with British Gas." Islam's latest quarterly gas bill for the summer amounted to 140 pounds ($275), about the same amount he paid for during last year's winter heating season.

Australia: Oil companies 'thumbing nose at govt'

Queensland Nationals senator Barnaby Joyce has called on the federal government to mandate the uptake of biofuels as oil companies continue to fall well short of their targets.

The Iran oil bourse - a new direction?

U.K.: No new money for green energy

The government today launches the latest phase of its grant support system for renewable energy such as solar panels and wind turbines for public sector buildings such as schools - but there is no new money for the scheme in spite of the recent Stern Review.

Ghana: Crisis Action Solution Designs Solar Panels

A local non-profit making organisation based in Takoradi has successfully designed and produced solar panels as its contribution to solving the country’s energy crisis.

The solar panels, which have a lifespan of 30 years, are targeted towards the provision of solar energy for those who are off the national grid, especially rural communities.

The organisation, Crisis Action Solution Organisation (CASOLS), has also trained 164 users on the maintenance of the panels to ensure that buyers derive the maximum benefit from them.

Renewables Growth Fuels Demand for Min-Metals

The U.S. and global renewable industry has grown to a degree where its demands for mineral and metal, as well as financial and human, resources is altering supply/demand conditions in a range of key commodities markets, from corn and soybeans to copper and steel. Recent shortages of high-grade silicon have commanded the attention of industry analysts, as well as existing producers and new market entrants, many of whom are now rolling out plans to expand capacity.

Trading coal for oil may prove profitable

Would it be possible, then, to have a total net loss of energy and still make a profit because you leveraged $90 oil against $12 coal?

Gulf states weigh nuclear program

MANAMA, Bahrain: The leaders of six Gulf countries announced Sunday that they intended jointly to develop nuclear energy capability, sparking new concerns of an impending nuclear race in the oil-rich Gulf just as the international community considers imposing sanctions against Iran for its nuclear development efforts.

Japan announces 82.6 billion yen loan to Iraq for energy projects

TOKYO: Japan's Foreign Ministry announced Monday it would provide a 82.64 billion yen (US$707.53 million; €532.94 million) loan for Iraq to repair and upgrade the country's energy industry.

Oil sinks below $62, Saudi deepens Jan supply curbs

Oil prices eased below $62 on Monday, extending last week's losses, as concern over brimming global fuel inventories offset a likely second supply cut by OPEC and news of deepening Saudi export curbs.

Nissan planning new fuel-cell vehicle

TOKYO - Nissan Motor Co. announced plans Monday to launch a next-generation fuel cell vehicle in the early 2010s in Japan and North America as part of its mid-term environmental strategy.

Australian PM asks industry experts to examine carbon trading scheme

SYDNEY - Australian Prime Minister John Howard asked a panel of industry experts to examine how to set up an international carbon emissions trading scheme to help address global warming.

Raymond J. Learsy: An Energy Agenda For a Newly Energized Congress (Part IV)- Need For Urgent Congressional Oversight of Oil/Gas Futures Trading

The consumption of fossil fuels given their impact on our environment is dangerous to our civilization, but perhaps no less so than the high price of oil. One of the reasons why prices have escalated exponentially over the past few years is the lack of government oversight and transparency in oil futures trading both domestically and overseas.

Kurt Cobb: Mavens, mavens everywhere...

As the long somnolent American public began to wake up in large numbers to the dangers of global warming in the past year, those in the peak oil movement looked on in amazement. The first reaction for many might have been, "It's about time!" The second reaction might have been, "What are we doing wrong? Peak oil should be right up there with global warming in the list of dangers that humanity faces."

Bumpy time for Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels, which has delivered food to the elderly and disabled since 1954, is experiencing shortages of volunteer drivers and about four of 10 programs have waiting lists of needy clients.

The rapidly growing population of Americans age 85 and older is increasing the need for nutrition programs and high gasoline prices make it harder to recruit volunteers, says Peggy Ingraham of the Meals on Wheels Association of America.

Put A Termite In Your Tank

Bio breakthroughs are promising much better ways to make ethanol.