Policy risk
Commissioning change
Ferc chairman Joseph Kelliher talks with David Watkins about his views on the US energy markets, the Ferc's competition review and what needs doing next
Italians win Yukos auction – for Gazprom
EniNeftegaz , a Russian joint-venture between Italian companies Eni (with a 60% stake) and Enel (with a 40% stake) is the second winner in a round of auctions selling off the assets of Russian oil giant Yukos.
Finding the way forward
US wholesale power markets are currently the subject of much concern. As Ferc begins a review to improve competition, Edison Electric Institute's Richard McMahon suggests some key ways to move forward
Troubled waters
Nord Stream, the planned gas pipeline that will link the super giant Russian gas fields of Siberia directly with Europe, looks set to offer an important solution to the EU's energy security concerns. But even before under-sea construction has begun, the…
Exclusive – Gore calls for 2010 climate change treaty
Former US vice-president, Al Gore, today called for a new climate change treaty, which would bring the US and China on board, to come into force at the start of 2010
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…
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
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
EC launches new vision for energy policy
The European Commission has today proposed a new energy policy for Europe that focuses on fighting climate change and making Europe’s internal energy market more competitive.
Allegheny Power proposes Maryland plan
Allegheny Power, the electric delivery subsidiary of investor-owned utility Allegheny Energy, has proposed a rate stabilisation and transition plan for its Maryland residential customers.
EC takes firm line on emission allowances
As Phase II of the EU ETS comes in to effect, the EC has slashed the national allocation plans of more than ten member states, writes Oliver Holtaway
Gateway to Europe
Turkey has ambitious plans to open its rapidly-growing gas market up to competition. Yesim Akcollu looks at how realistic these plans are