Policy risk
Expropriation - A very real risk
Expropriation or forced government renegotiation is a big risk for oil companies that is likely to increase in times of lower oil prices. Randel Young and Richard Devine look at how to safeguard against the worst effects
Meeting the credit challenge
The US power industry needs investment of up to $2 trillion by 2020, writes Richard McMahon of EEI. He urges dialogue between utilities and regulators to ensure effective credit policies are developed
Oil Storage Data - Taking Stock
Volatile prices and perceived problems with WTI as a benchmark have triggered renewed calls for weekly European stock data to supplement US data. An EC directive is currently being discussed, but not everyone is in favour of this, finds Rachel Morison
House unveils draft cap and trade bill
Democrats in the House of Representatives issued draft legislation today proposing an 83% carbon cap by 2050 and a national renewable energy requirement of 25% by 2025.
EPA finding could trigger GHG regulation
The US Government is reviewing a proposed finding submitted last week by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning the dangers posed to public health by greenhouse gas emissions.
US government to consider cap-and-trade legislation this year
Imminent draft climate change legislation could include a federal cap-and-trade scheme for CO2 emissions, but questions remain regarding market regulation, finds Pauline McCallion
EDF slammed by Tartam tariff pricing
The French government's implementation of regulated energy prices has hammered its state-owned champion's 2008 results and undermined market liberalisation. Roderick Bruce reports
Is it all over for over-the-counter?
Bills proposed in the US Congress to limit the influence of speculators and boost transparency could significantly alter the OTC commodity trading landscape. Roderick Bruce reports
Special Report Carbon Trading - US carbon market policy play
Carbon trading is gaining renewed support from the new US administration, but at the same time, it must contend with recession. Pauline McCallion discusses the outlook for current trading schemes and their likely interaction with any federal compliance…
US wind power - Finding funding
After record growth last year, US wind power is facing a funding squeeze as tax-related investment dries up. Pauline McCallion asks whether Government initiatives can buoy the sector through the economic downturn
Special Report Carbon Trading - Australia's CPRS getting to the start line
Australia is set to introduce a national emissions trading scheme in 2010. However, there is still much uncertainty surrounding the scheme. Katie Holliday looks at how companies are preparing for it
Regulation rethink
Calls for more regulation of the US power markets have subsided recently as fuel prices drop, and experts predict that a hybrid system of lighter regulation coupled with market-based pricing will become the new model across the country. Pauline McCallion…
Solar Power - Dark times for solar power
This year looks tough for solar power, with Spain, the largest market in 2008, capping new production. Finding private financing is harder, making clear feed-in tariff policies essential, finds Vanya Dragomanovich
EPA proposes first national GHG reporting requirements
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed the first comprehensive national system for reporting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Uncertain outlook for US public power
Moody's has forecast a stable credit outlook for the US public power electric utility sector in 2009, but says the recession and environmental regulations could present challenges.
CFTC acts to shut out grain futures speculators
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has approved new rules designed to reduce distortions in the soft commodity futures markets caused by speculative activity.
Regulatory risk hits US emissions markets
Worrying regulatory indecision in the US SO2 and NOx markets has angered traders and does not bode well for the implementation of a federal cap and trade scheme, finds Roderick Bruce
Italian power market hit by crisis decree
A proposed policy package from the Italian government in response to the financial crisis could cause further turmoil in the domestic power market, finds Rachel Morison
From Russia with hub
Ambitious plans to turn Baumgarten into Europe's most liquid gas hub face many challenges, but if successful could radically change the continent's gas trading landscape. Roderick Bruce reports
Ready for takeoff?
With aviation joining the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in 2012, Alex Meredith of Hunton & Williams asks whether the aviation sector is ready and looks at the potential impact on the carbon market
Oil change
George W. Bush ruled that the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve was to be released in significant amounts only in a national emergency. But incoming US president Barack Obama could change that, finds Susan Arterian
The next regulatory era
Market turmoil and political pressure are forcing the US CFTC to consider implementing new derivatives regulation or face potentially draconian rules imposed by Congress, write Gregory Mocek and Athena Velie
EU officials move to settle Russia / Ukraine gas dispute
The European Union today moved to end the impasse in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to resolve a natural gas supply dispute.