Energy transition
Academic battle rages over oil speculation, high prices and volatility
In spite of attempts to impose commodity position limits in Europe and the US, a fierce battle continues to rage over whether speculation in oil is responsible for high prices and volatility. David Wigan reviews some of the arguments
Japan faces soaring cost of ditching nuclear power
After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan announced ambitions to phase out the use of nuclear generation. But faced with bulging energy imports and high prices, official enthusiasm for the plan has waned. By David Hayes
LNG derivatives suffer from lack of liquidity
The growth of LNG fuelled high hopes for the LNG derivatives market, causing exchanges to launch a variety of contracts during 2012. But firms say there’s a long way to go before a liquid market emerges. Jay Maroo investigates
European energy firms struggle with unclear Remit rules
Remit is ushering in an array of new reporting requirements designed to curb abuse in European energy markets. But firms are struggling to make sense of the requirements. Gillian Carr reports
Ferc cracks down on power market manipulation
The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has declared war on power market abuse, targeting allegations of manipulation by firms including Barclays, Constellation Energy and Deutsche Bank. Further investigations are expected to follow as the agency…
Energy Risk Europe: Firms weigh up data management systems for regulation
Sapient Global Markets, Vitol and Gazprom Marketing & Trading discuss how firms can prepare data management systems for regulatory requirements
Energy Risk Europe: Austrian Airlines risk manager rails against hedging
Austrian Airlines risk manager argues fuel hedging delays firms' adaptation to higher costs and should be avoided
CFTC clarification on physical gas deals welcomed
CFTC answers concerns over treatment of physical gas storage and transportation agreements under Dodd-Frank
Threat of downgrade hangs over North American power firms
Low natural gas prices, weak power demand and rising costs put pressure on credit ratings
Energy Risk Asia awards dinner
Energy Risk honoured success at the annual Asia awards dinner held in Singapore on September 26 following our Asia conference. We showcase the winners
Energy Risk Europe: The challenge ahead
A tough economic environment, sluggish trading activity and regulatory reform all left their mark on Energy Risk Europe this year, where market participants discussed the many threats looming over the industry and how to overcome these challenges…
Energy market focuses on counterparty risk
The critical importance of counterparty risk management was demonstrated by the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in September 2008. In response, banks and other energy market participants have been trying hard to improve their game. Gillian Carr reports
Special report: Oil
Energy Risk focuses on the world's most actively traded commodity
Uncleared margin rules threaten E&P hedging
Exploration and production companies can find it difficult to satisfy collateral demands when looking to hedge their output using derivatives. Now, Dodd-Frank threatens to make this even harder with margin requirements for uncleared trades. Alexander…
The uncertain impact of an SPR release
During September, speculation about a possible withdrawal from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve hit boiling point. Although such a release now appears to be unlikely, Jay Maroo investigates the impact any future withdrawal might have on oil traders and…
Natural gas producers step up hedging
Hedging by North American natural gas producers increases as prices rebound
Banks retreat from commodity derivatives
Increasing capital requirements and other regulatory constraints are cutting the headcount and risk-taking ability of banks in commodity and energy derivatives. Might this diminished role pave the way for less regulated participants to take their place?…
The unreliability of oil price forecasting
Oil price forecasts are notoriously unreliable, making life difficult for energy market participants attempting to manage their risks. Alexander Osipovich explores the reasons why analysts struggle to predict future prices
Influx into Italian electricity
Interest in Italian power trading has picked up lately, according to market participants. Nonetheless, the market remains dogged by challenges, including a lack of exchange liquidity and excess supply in the midst of an economic slump. Gillian Carr…
Q&A: Gary Demasi, director of global infrastructure, Google
As Google seeks to satisfy its enormous power needs from renewable sources, it has been on a shopping spree to buy green energy in the wholesale market. Gary Demasi, who oversees the firm's energy procurement, speaks to Alexander Osipovich about the deals
CFTC may alter stance on physical gas deals
Agency expected to respond to natural gas industry fears about Dodd-Frank swap definition
CFTC offers last-minute Dodd-Frank relief
Agency eases compliance burden for commodity and energy firms
Basis trading to emerge in European gas
Natural gas basis swaps increasingly used in over-the-counter market and could eventually trade on exchanges