Energy Realism this past week focused on the importance of low-cost natural gas and how the power grid must remain reliable, also giving Americans low prices, as more renewables and electric cars penetrate the market. Jude Clemente brings a reality check for those obsessing over more wind and solar power: low-cost natural gas even over the long-term will make it harder for renewables to compete. The irony is that low-cost gas is actually the enabling force behind more wind and solar because it is the overwhelming backup for their natural intermittency. Just as importantly, low-cost gas brings a competitive advantage for our emerging hydrogen industry. Recently promoted as “huge” by climate envoy John Kerry, Jillian Evanko describes the opportunities that we have in the $125 billion global hydrogren market. Another key concern for greens is that high levels of wind, solar, and electric cars will require an immense mining revolution that many environmentalists themselves oppose. David Foster & Mark Ritchie explain how new frameworks and responsible mining initiatives are central to the Biden administration’s pledge to “Build Back Better.” Electric cars in particular will need a reliable grid with affordable power rates, or the American public will simply not embrace them. Devin Hartman & Beth Garza report on five truths about grid reliability and deregulation that must hold as we move forward on climate policy. There is evidence of a strong market advantage where reforms enhance competition and choice. Indeed, Richard Axelbaum & Phillip Irace conclude by reviewing why Texas ERCOT’s CEO was let go, offering a valuable lesson for utility executives. Essential Reading Michael Held, Michael Baumann, ResearchGate As compared to the internal combustion engine, battery-powered electric vehicles can have higher greenhouse gas emissions in their production phase but lower emissions during their usage. There are still many open questions that have to be further addressed for a reliable environmental assessment of electric transport. In the News Count on Coal Jacobin Marie J. French, Poltiico Abby Smith, Washington Examiner Kiyerra Lake, WLNS Henry Sanderson, Financial Times Tariq Fancy, USA Today Björn Lomborg, Fox News Bloomberg Meredith Angwin, Atomic Insights Jonathan Stempel, Reuters Allison Herren Lee, SEC Kristin Musulin, Utility Dive Stephanie Catarino Wissman, American Petroleum Institute Reuters Kpler In this broadcast interview, Reid I'Anson from Kpler answers the question of CNBC's Sri Jegarajah. Topics: Impact on Biden's new Green Deal on the shale oil producers; Oil majors ahe... NowThis Earth Is that 'green' product actually environmentally friendly? Here's the scoop on greenwashing and how you can spot it. CNBC Television Tariq Fancy, former BlackRock CIO of sustainable investing, wrote an op-ed stating that "the financial services industry is duping the American public with pro-environment, sustainab... Mayer Brown Join us for partner Christina Thomas’s overview of the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s ESG regulations — and what she expects will change in the near future, with a new presi... |