Feature
The missing link
With several countries now developing emissions trading schemes, UN-supervised project-based emissions credits could become the linking instrument that creates a global price signal for greenhouse gas abatement. But greater standardisation in the market…
Power struggle
After years of negotiations, market players believe that a tipping point in the liberalisation of European power markets could be near. But who will be in the driving seat, asks Oliver Holtaway
Designing a market
With Canada likely to embark on an emissions-trading scheme this year, Oliver Holtaway looks at the various forms it could take
The IFRS conundrum
Firms with a public listing in the EU need to adhere to complex accounting standards on financial instruments. Michiel Mannaerts and Pieter Veuger look at the latest implications for energy companies
Meeting the pace of change
Energy trading is advancing so quickly it's sometimes difficult for software to keep pace. Energy Risk's software survey reveals almost half of respondents changed systems in 2006. David Watkins reports
Can coal deliver?
US coal supply needs to increase by around 8% in the next five years to meet projected demand. For that to happen, huge investment is needed and prices are likely to rise, finds a Global Energy Decisions study
When M&As fail
US M&A activity plummeted in 2006, leading to fears that much-needed – but capital-intensive – infrastructure plans could be put on hold. Merging with infrastructure funds instead of private equity may be an easier way for utilities to jump some…
Staging a comeback
A change in public perception, energy supply concerns and green issues are all driving a nuclear power revival in the US. Technological advances, financial incentives and licence standardisation look set to smooth the process of new build, finds Neil O…
Powering debate
Concerns about energy supply security and climate change are causing a nuclear power renaissance in Europe. However, despite changing attitudes, the regulatory, political and financial barriers to nuclear new-build remain significant, finds Roderick Bruce
A dangerous precedent
European power market participants are up in arms over a draft law in Germany which, if passed, could devastate liquidity both in Germany and beyond by allowing the German Cartel Office to force some suppliers to price their power on a cost basis. Oliver…
2007 rankings result tables
A full breakdown of the top dealers and brokers, category by category, including: oil, natural gas, electricity, coal, environment, research, structured products, agricultural products and metals
Energy & Commodity Rankings
Energy : Leader of the pack Metals : UBS takes top metals spot
Projecting risk
Oil and gas projects have high investment stakes, so weighing up the risks and viability of a project against an existing portfolio is essential. Dan Patterson looks at some techniques
Compliance solutions
Compliance with regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley and Mifid is putting an increasing burden on energy-trading firms. Roderick Bruce looks at ways of overcoming the latest regulatory hurdles
UBS takes top metals spot
UBS has won top spot in this year's metals poll, pushing last year's winner, Barclays Capital, into second place. Goldman Sachs finishes in third position and HSBC in fourth, in a year characterised by volatile metal prices. By Mark Pengelly, with…
Calling for clarity
As a US federal carbon trading scheme begins to look increasingly likely, the current lack of a definitive regulatory framework is frustrating the forward planning of utilities and power suppliers, finds David Watkins
Deregulation backtrack
Montana's new Public Service Commissioner Ken Toole has long been against the deregulation of electricity markets and is now pushing for re-regulation in the state. He talks with David Watkins
Beyond compliance
Operational risk for the energy sector covers everything from production to transportation. Companies are now seeking sophisticated solutions to integrate op risk into wider risk-management programmes, as Oliver Holtaway reports
Leading the pack
Increased investment in the steadily growing commodity derivatives markets is paying off for many new entrants, but the old guard continues to maintain the biggest piece of the pie. Oliver Holtaway reports
Phase II takes shape
Despite the EC's tough stance on Phase II national allocation plans, carbon prices are drifting downwards. The potential for legal wrangling and uncertainty over the importing of project-based credits could be to blame, reports Henrik Hasselknippe
Full spectrum
In January, Duke Energy spun off its natural gas business into a stand-alone company – Spectra Energy. David Watkins talks with Martha Wyrsch, Spectra president and chief executive, about the benefits of a pure-play firm versus an energy superstore
Energy dominates Union address
President George Bush has set out bold plans for renewable energy in his annual State of the Union address.
Energy dominates State of the Union address
US President George Bush has set out bold plans for renewable energy in his annual State of the Union address.