Policy risk
CFTC pushes on with regulatory sweep
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) moved to increase oversight of several unregulated energy contracts today, even though broader financial reform from Congress could negate the action.
OTC reform could strengthen support for energy position limits
The debate over derivatives regulation could provide momentum for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to impose position limits on energy trading proposed in January.
Reform bill passes Ag Committee before full Senate debate
The US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry has approved the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act, containing some of the strongest derivatives reforms proposed since the financial crisis.
Chinese CDM project approval drops
The Chinese government's approval rate for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects has dropped by over a third since December 2009, amid continued fears that Chinese CDM-generated Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) credits will not be allowed to be…
Tories plan to phase out UK Renewables Obligation
The Conservative Party has responded to rumours it is preparing to overhaul the UK's renewable energy policy by confirming that, if elected, it will phase out the government's Renewables Obligation scheme.
Tokyo carbon scheme: blueprint for Asia?
Tokyo’s recently launched carbon trading scheme could provide a blueprint for similar schemes across Asia, say carbon experts.
US energy secretary says clear clean energy signal needed
US energy secretary Steven Chu joined industry figures in underlining the need for a clear legislative signal to encourage investment in clean energy and emissions reductions technology at a Washington, DC conference this week.
Clearing exemption too close to call
Exempting commercial hedgers from mandatory clearing could create a loophole for the institutional investors often blamed for driving up commodity prices, according to the chief lawyer for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Obama launches new offshore drilling plan
In a joint announcement yesterday, US President Barack Obama and secretary of the interior Ken Salazar disclosed further details of efforts to strengthen energy security.
Q&A with the director of UNFCCC’s Sustainable Development Mechanisms
The UNFCCC has the tough challenge of creating and monitoring a market-based structure to urge the world to resolve climate change issues. John Kilani, director of the UNFCCC’s Sustainable Development Mechanisms programme talks to Lianna Brinded
Focus on India: Power market regulation
Despite a growing will to liberalise power markets in India, progress has been slow so far. However, regulatory changes are finally moving the market towards better transparency and competition, finds Katie Holliday
IEA: Power prices 2010 will depend on government finance spend & carbon prices
The cost of electricity for 2010 onwards will depend heavily on how governments plan to raise financial capital for electricity generation as well as the price of carbon, say the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)…
UNFCCC official: public and private sectors must work together on CDMs
The relationship between the public and private sector needs to be strengthened at a quicker pace to ensure the future of project-based mechanisms such as clean development mechanism (CDM) and joint implementation (JI) projects, says a United Nations…
Changes to UK interruptible gas contracts could cause supply outages in 2011
UK National Grid’s decision in January to tell large users on interruptible contracts to stop using gas is likely to be taken a stage further next time there is a cold snap, and could lead to the closure of thermal plants, warns a top official at the…
Power market must act on clearing to avoid mandatory limits, says EEX CEO
Individual participants in the European power markets need to be proactive on clearing if they are to avoid enforced mandatory limits, according to chief executive officer of the European Energy Exchange (EEX) Hans-Bernd Menzel.
Market cautious on Brazil’s 2010 oil bloc auction
News that Brazil is looking to auction more oil and gas blocs this year has met with a lukewarm reception from the oil markets as they await more clarity on the timing, production estimates and pending oil regulations, say analysts.
UK to focus on smart grids and nuclear power
Big investments into UK smart grids, offshore wind farms under the Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROC) scheme and nuclear power are on the agenda for both the Labour and Conservative parties in the run-up to the UK elections, as the country looks to…
Energy Risk: What's coming next?
Energy Risk brings you a snapshot of what's moving and shaking the markets with a special look at the continuing impact of the financial crisis on utilities.
US carbon experts see significant impetus for federal cap-and-trade
Experts remain optimistic about federal cap-and-trade legislation in the US, but believe regional schemes can step into the breach if a bill is not passed by the US Congress.
CFTC and Ferc continue turf war over transmission rights
Wholesale electricity market participants yesterday called for an exemption for energy end-users from legislation that could see the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) increase its jurisdictional powers over the sector.
Carbon traders foresee lacklustre market in 2010
Optimism in the carbon market has been curbed by the disappointing results of the Copenhagen climate change meeting in December 2009 and traders now expect muted market activity in 2010.
US coal states rally against EPA’s greenhouse gases plan
US senator John Rockefeller of West Virginia introduced legislation today to suspend potential Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation of greenhouse gases from stationary sources for two years.
Iraq: the new hope for oil supply security?
As international oil companies wade into Iraq, forecasts for Iraqi production now stand as high as 10 million b/d within the decade. However political uncertainty and poor infrastructure leads analysts to caution against relying on Iraq as the next hope…