Energy Musings
An eclectic collection of stories and analyses by Allen Brooks, dealing with issues and developments within the energy industry that have potentially significant implications for executives operating oilfield service companies.
Energy Musings, October 18, 2022
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
October 18, 2022
On The Road Again
Summer is over and we just made our return drive from Rhode Island. Highlights: Lighter than normal traffic; fewer trucks; no lines at restaurants or gasoline stations. An uneven economy! READ MORE
Gas Versus Electric: Vehicle Use Determines Choice
Electric vehicles drive farther every year, and well exceed average American’s daily distance. We compare the statistics and economics of different types of cars. Range anxiety still governs. READ MORE
Biden’s Energy Policy Clashes With Geopolitics
From fist bumps to punches in the nose is our energy policy. Biden’s naked political push to stop OPEC+ from cutting production and hiking pump prices ahead of the election was fully exposed. READ MORE
Random Energy Topics And Our Thoughts
China Mounts Challenges To Global Clean Energy Industries
New Offshore Wind Technology Key To Better Economics?
Energy Musings, October 4, 2022
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
October 4, 2022
New Tool To Judge Renewable Energy Costs And Returns
A new paper examines Levelized Cost Of Energy’s flaws and why wind and solar are not capable of powering the economy. It develops a Full Cost of Electricity model. We need more fossil fuels. READ MORE
Fundamental Tenet Of Renewable Energy Is Crumbling
The religion that renewable energy costs will always decline is meeting reality. Costs are going up and renewable developers are looking for relief by asking their power buyers to pay more. READ MORE
Block Island Wind Celebrates Fifth Year Anniversary
Happy times reigned in Providence as politicians, labor leaders, wind developers, and environmentalists celebrated Block Island Wind’s 5th anniversary. They ignored it failing on power output. READ MORE
Random Energy Topics And Our Thoughts
The Cost Of Electricity Is Rising Everywhere
How Far Can You Go In An EV In Winter?
Energy Musings, September 20, 2022
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
September 20, 2022
Doubling Down On Renewables In An Energy Crisis – Dumb?
Policymakers in Europe believe the solution to their growing energy crisis is that they should build more renewable generating capacity. They do not deliver power on windless and cloudy days. READ MORE
Understanding Oil Price Volatility And Why It Will Stay High
Crude oil prices have been in a decline since peaking in June – down 30%. Economic recession fears have been the prime driver, but a lack of liquidity – less futures trading – is another issue. READ MORE
Random Energy Topics And Our Thoughts
IMF Breaks Down Drivers Of Global Inflation
Increased Oil Efficiency In Today’s Economy
Worrisome Outlook For The Upcoming Winter In U.S. Northeast
Green Energy Impact On Families And Homes
Energy Musings, September 6, 2022
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
September 6, 2022
New England Power Market Is Heading Toward Blackouts
Heat waves sweeping across America are stressing grids. Electrification of our economy will add substantial power demand as we shift to renewables and intermittent electricity risking blackouts. READ MORE
Britain Scrambles To Reverse Gas Storage Crisis
U.K.’s power regulator warned Britons their annual energy costs were jumping by 80% in October. Energy poverty is ahead and the government must find solutions to this energy crisis. READ MORE
Global Energy Markets At Risk Of Hurricane Disruptions?
The 2022 hurricane season is the slowest in 30 years. Tropical disturbances are emerging suggesting we may still see energy and economic disruptions with a human tragedy potential. READ MORE
Random Energy Topics And Our Thoughts
Dominion Challenges Virginia Wind Performance Standard
Are Women Really Better Drivers?
Energy Musings, August 23, 2022
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
August 23, 2022
Virginia Offshore Wind Project Approved But With A Twist
Dominion’s offshore wind project was approved by Virginia regulators. To protect customers from excessive costs from power shortfalls, regulators want a “performance standard” for the project. READ MORE
Current Economic Questions Force Look At Demographics
U.S. labor force participation and falling productivity worry economists. They should be considering recent projections showing a “smaller, older, and more urbanized” population in 2100. READ MORE
Interesting Energy Topics And Our Thoughts
Interesting Data On Vehicle Quality
Inflation Reduction Act Suddenly Renamed A Climate Bill
Interesting Long-Term Energy Outlook From IEA
READ MORE
Energy Musings, August 9, 2022
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
August 9, 2022
Connecticut Clean Energy Push Hits Oops Moment
Within hours of CT officials hyping a ban on buying diesel buses, an electric one burst into flames. All 12 BEBs in Connecticut were shut down. We look at the economics of BEBs. READ MORE
Germany’s Energy Clock Ticks Toward Zero Hour
Germans, and fellow Europeans, are heading into energy rationing. At the same time, Germany is debating keeping its three nuclear plants running, while renewables fail in delivering power. READ MORE
Random Energy Topics And Our Thoughts
Energy Performs Better In July On Oil Prices And Earnings
Is The Chinese EV Industry’s Nose Under The West’s Tent?
Bad News From Gallup About Climate Change
Electric Vehicles Continue To Be In The News
Energy Musings July 26, 2022
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
July 26, 2022
Energy Crisis Tied To Economic Chaos and Geopolitics
The energy crisis, intertwined with inflation, has driven a stable world into a colossal mess. We follow Adam Tooze as he draws polycrisis diagrams to explain the dynamics creating this mess. READ MORE
Europe’s Natural Gas Conundrum In A World Context
Nord Stream 1’s 10-day shutdown elevated Europe’s fears of a winter without Russian gas. The EU has a plan to cut gas use. It is splitting member unity risking worse long-term outcomes. READ MORE
Energy Crisis Prompts Questions About The Role Of ESG
Solving the energy crisis has highlighted why more investment is needed. The ESG movement is limiting a funding surge. ESG measures may be creating worse outcomes with pain for investors. READ MORE
Random Energy Topics And Thoughts
Bloomberg Trumpets U.S. EV Tipping Point
Renewable Energy Is Cheap But Look Out For The Future
Energy Musings, July 12, 2022
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
July 12, 2022
Recessions, Energy Poverty, ESG Agenda Rollbacks In-Play
Oil prices dropped 20% due to growing recession concerns and demand destruction. High energy prices put more people into energy poverty, as ESG agendas are being curbed. READ MORE
Mandate To Keep Lights On And Reach Green Energy Goals
California passed new energy legislation to help secure more fossil fuel energy. It also took approval of renewable energy projects away from local communities, handing it to the state. READ MORE
Challenging Economics And Landscape For Electric Vehicles
Enthusiasm for EVs rises with gasoline prices. We examine the debate over the future of EVs and gasoline demand and whether it means the demise of oil and gas companies. READ MORE
Random Energy Topics
In Europe, Energy Security Trumps Green Agendas This Winter
Last Month Was First Down Month In 2022 For Energy Equities
Energy Musings, June 28, 2022
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
June 28, 2022
When All Else Fails, Return To Proven Technology
The energy crisis has European countries scrambling to find replacement gas supplies for the Russian gas it previously used. To prevent power shortages, coal use is experiencing a rebirth. READ MORE
Will Offshore Wind Deliver The Power Economically?
The government’s push for offshore wind is roaring ahead driven by environmentalists. Reviews for approval of the projects suggest there may be downsides not being properly considered. READ MORE
Who Cares If Miami Is Six Meters Underwater In 100 Years?
Miami faces two issues – rising sea levels and higher water tables. Miami Beach has been working on an adoption plans despite some homeowners objecting. We can save the city. READ MORE
Random Energy Topic Thoughts
Updating The Block Island Wind Farm Performance
Gasoline Tax Suspension Gimmick Game
Energy Musings, June 14, 2022
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
June 14, 2022
Energy Stocks: Confounding Yet Still Rewarding
May continued Energy’s run as the sector with the top returns in the overall market. June seems to be continuing the trend, as Energy remains cheap on many investment metrics. READ MORE
Is ESG A Religion, A Helpful Guide, Or Just A Scam?
The ESG movement ran into a wall at a recent FT conference. A questioning presentation cost the presenter his job. Without clear standards and metrics, ESG investing has underwhelmed. READ MORE
Changing The Climate Debate – Epstein’s Fossil Future
After his Moral Case bestseller, Epstein’s new volume challenges in depth the anti-impact experts’ narrative that CO2 only creates bad outcomes. He reorients the framework discussion. READ MORE
Thoughts On Random Energy Topics
Rhode Island’s Electricity Fuel Sources
Energy And Food Markets Need To Worry About Hurricane Season
Energy Musings, May 31, 2022
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
May 31, 2022
Energy Mess Of 2022 Demands A Revised EU Plan
The 2021 Energy Crisis has morphed into the 2022 Energy Mess, the result of past investment and policy mistakes. The EU’s new plan will double down on misguided energy policy mistakes. READ MORE
The Changing Face Of The Automobile Industry
EVs experienced a growth spurt last year with the help of spiking fuel prices, more government support, and more model choices. Higher battery raw material costs are a problem for the future. READ MORE
Politicians: Read Smil’s New Book About Energy Transition
Vaclav Smil’s new book is a CliffsNotes guide to everything one needs to know about how energy, food, and materials work in our economy and why the transition will require decades to occur. READ MORE
Random Energy Topics And Our Thoughts
Our Laughs About The Electricity Industry
Two cartoons on current energy topics we found both amusing and telling.