Environment-Renewables
Brian O'Cathain, CEO, Afren
Brian O'Cathain, CEO of oil exploration company Afren, talks with Eithne Treanor about the risks and rewards facing small oil companies in Africa.
UBS, Diapason launch first biofuels index
Swiss bank UBS and Swiss commodity firm Diapason Commodities Management Investors launch the first commodity-based index for biological fuels.
UBS, Diapason to launch first biofuels index
Swiss bank UBS and Swiss commodity firm Diapason Commodities Management Investors are to launch the first commodity-based index for biological fuels.
A comeback for coal
With gas prices soaring, it seems inevitable that coal - the Cinderella of energy resources - is bound to return to the forefront. But how long will it last? asks Eric Fishnaut
Icecap completes first closing of its carbon portfolio
Icecap, the carbon emissions group, has today reached first closing of its carbon portfolio having raised aggregate commitments to buy 15 million tonnes of carbon credits from the Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation markets.
FPL/Constellation merger could be tip of iceberg
High gas prices look set to usher in a wave of fresh consolidation in the utility sector, as companies strive to save costs
Possible CME move for Nymex muddies the waters
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange's potential bid for a stake in the New York Mercantile Exchange could further heighten tensions at Nymex over the agreed deal with General Atlantic. That's if the CME comes up with a concrete proposal
TFS hires ex-weather broker to emissions desk
Tradition Financial Services (TFS) has hired Frederique Leverett, formerly a weather derivatives broker, for its London-based emissions desk.
Counting on coal
NRG Energy's move to buy Texas Genco seems a wise one for a company with strong dark-spread exposure, but it has its risks, despite the target company being backed by an active hedging programme. Joe Marsh reports
UKPX to launch carbon spot contract on Climex
London-based energy exchange UKPX will co-operate with Dutch emissions exchange New Values to launch a UKPX spot contract for carbon emissions certificates.
Standard Bank invests in biodiesel
South Africa-based Standard Bank has entered the biodiesel sector with an $8 million equity investment in Biodiesel Energy Trading (BET).
HSBC is first major bank to go ‘carbon neutral’.
HSBC has reduced its net CO2 emissions to zero by reducing energy use, buying ‘green’ electricity and then offsetting the remaining CO2 emissions by investing in carbon projects.
EEX to launch carbon derivatives contract
The European Energy Exchange (EEX) plans to launch a futures contract for carbon emissions allowances in October, pending regulatory approval.
King coal still fired up
Despite the soaring cost of emissions reduction credits, the EU emissions trading scheme has yet to dampen utilities’ demand for coal. But, finds Oliver Holtaway, it may affect their long-term investment decisions