Allen Brooks

Energy Musings contains articles and analyses dealing with important issues and developments within the energy industry, including historical perspective, with potentially significant implications for executives planning their companies’ future. While published every two weeks, events and travel may alter that schedule. I welcome your comments and observations. Allen Brooks

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May 3, 2022

Dominion’s Huge Offshore Wind Farm Gets Pushback

The largest U.S. offshore wind farm by a utility is planned off Virginia. Its cost rose $2 billion to $9.8 billion. With rampant inflation, many customers are concerned about future cost increases. READ MORE

Battle Over EVs, Emissions, And Mining

Elon Musk has dominated the news with his Twitter takeover. His concern over lithium for Tesla’s batteries reflects a key challenge for the EV industry. Volvo’s EV emissions study is alarming. READ MORE

Coal Makes Comeback Upsetting Green Agenda

Almost daily there are announcements of new or reactivated coal-fired power plants and new coal mines, as utilities around the world are resorting to the dirty fuel because of the high price of gas. READ MORE

Thoughts On Various Energy Topics

An Alternative Supply Option For Europe’s Natural Gas Problem

Presidential Climate Envoy John Kerry And Natural Gas

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Energy Musings contains articles and analyses dealing with important issues and developments within the energy industry, including historical perspective, with potentially significant implications for executives planning their companies’ future. While published every two weeks, events and travel may alter that schedule. I welcome your comments and observations. Allen Brooks

Download the PDF

April 19, 2022

Is Wind Energy About To Follow The Route Of Solar?

It seems every country’s emissions reduction plan depends on more wind power. Everybody wants their own supply chain. China is positioned to change that plan like they did with solar. READ MORE

Germany Reconsiders Its Energy And Foreign Policies

After announcing a 180-degree turn in foreign and energy policies after Russia invaded Ukraine, Germany is having second thoughts because it is finding out the cost of these moves. READ MORE

Con Ed’s Rate Hike: The Point Of The Inflation Spear?

After shutting the Indian Point nuclear plant and pushing offshore wind, the inflationary impact of these moves is becoming evident. Con Edison is asking for an 11% electricity rate hike for 2023. READ MORE

The Reality Of The Global Energy Market Of The Future

RFF issued a report that enables comparing 19 scenarios from seven energy outlooks to 2050. READ MORE

Random Thoughts On Energy Topics Of Interest

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Energy Musings contains articles and analyses dealing with important issues and developments within the energy industry, including historical perspective, with potentially significant implications for executives planning their companies’ future. While published every two weeks, events and travel may alter that schedule. I welcome your comments and observations. Allen Brooks

Download the PDF

April 5, 2022

The Challenge EVs Face With Raw Material Inflation

The EV revolution is underway and promoted by the Biden administration. Inflation in the raw materials used in EVs has caused Tesla to raise prices and others to warn about higher costs. READ MORE

Joe Biden Promises U.S. LNG To Help Europe – Realistic?

The U.S. and E.U. have agreed to work together to boost U.S. LNG shipments to Europe to help get them off Russian natural gas. Plans sound good, but what is the reality of them happening? READ MORE

Offshore Wind Performance Raises Questions About Output

A review of the U.K.’s January’s daily offshore wind output shows significant variability. We examined monthly offshore wind’s performance against capacity that showed utilization issues. READ MORE

Random Energy Topics Of Note

Are We Moving More Or Less, And What Does It Mean?

High oil prices have analysts concerned about demand destruction. We look at data.

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Energy Musings contains articles and analyses dealing with important issues and developments within the energy industry, including historical perspective, with potentially significant implications for executives planning their companies’ future. While published every two weeks, events and travel may alter that schedule. I welcome your comments and observations. Allen Brooks

Download the PDF

March 22, 2022

The Worry Beads And Changing Times In The Energy Patch

Current focus is on the Russia/Ukraine war and its impact on energy markets. People should focus on more structural changes underway in the world due to higher inflation and interest rates. READ MORE

Europe Struggles To Determine Its Future Energy Mix

Europe is over a barrel because of its high dependence on Russian gas and coal imports. The EC unveiled a plan to cut dependence but lacking a cost estimate or a realistic timetable. READ MORE

A 1970s Oil Playbook – Deja vu All Over Again!

The idea of a windfall profits tax on oil companies has emerged to help price-shocked Americans. We revisit what happened the last time such a tax was in place. It hurt people and the industry. READ MORE

Controversial Daylight Savings Time And Saving Energy

Everyone is cheering the possible end to clock switching. The introduction and ending of DST have occurred several times in our history – each time beginning with overwhelming support. READ MORE

The Worry Beads And Changing Times In The Energy Patch

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Energy Musings contains articles and analyses dealing with important issues and developments within the energy industry, including historical perspective, with potentially significant implications for executives planning their companies’ future. While published every two weeks, events and travel may alter that schedule. I welcome your comments and observations. Allen Brooks

Download the PDF 

March 8, 2022

Offshore Wind And Its Version Of The Shale Land-Grab

BOEM held a sale for offshore wind leases off New York and New Jersey that set a record in high bids. The cost per acre and per MW reminded us of the land-grab frenzy of the shale boom. READ MORE

We Need A Neck Brace After Germany’s Energy Whiplash

Germany’s three-decade philosophy about how to deal with Russia led to tolerance and economic dependence. That philosophy was reversed in one speech, but what does it mean? READ MORE

Petroleum Is More Important In Our Lives Than Many Think

We show you two lists of critical items and everyday products we depend on that are made from petroleum. Many of them have no alternatives, showing our dependence on oil and gas. READ MORE

Thoughts On Random Energy Topics

Europe’s Infatuation With Heat Pumps Has A Long Way To Go

At 1% penetration rates, it will take years to make a dent in fossil fuel demand.

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