While ballots continue to be counted across various battleground states, some analysts are suggesting that whether Republican Donald Trump is re-elected as president of the United States or Democrat Joe Biden wins, neither candidate would bring a complete win for the energy market. Meanwhile, some midstream companies recently stated that they plan to see a positive outlook positive regardless of election outcome.
As the world awaits the U.S. 2020 election results, OPEC and Russia are weighing additional cuts in oil production to support prices, but additional coronavirus lockdowns have prompted reconsideration.
On the climate front, we saw headlines this week about Putin ordering his government to try to meet Paris climate goals, at the same time as a new International Energy Agency analysis outlined the opportunities and challenges of China’s pledge to become carbon neutral by 2060.
Finally, if you are still trying to adjust to daylight savings time like us, you may be wondering if it actually helps to conserve energy. If you need help falling asleep or reading material when you are up earlier than normal this weekend, here are our five favorite stories to help you this weekend!
U.S. energy risk seen at lowest level in 50 years
Stemming from strong domestic oil and gas production, last year the United States enjoyed the greatest level of energy security since at least 1970. Natural Gas Intel breaks down how a new report, based on 37 different metrics, including geopolitical, economic, reliability, and environmental risk factors, the nation’s measure of overall domestic energy risk has declined more than 30% since 2011’s record high risk score of 100.9, to 70.1 in 2019.
Natural gas prices increasing this winter
The winter season plus so many people working from home or attending virtual classes have increased natural-gas prices to more than double their summer lows. Wall Street Journal reports on how the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that average daily gas consumption will be 5% more this winter than last due to colder temperatures and people burning more than usual to heat and power their homes.
Coming to you in the future: An energy-saving ‘liquid window’
Scientists developed a liquid window panel that can block the sun to regulate solar transmission, while trapping thermal heat that can be released through the day and night. Science Daily shows how this new technology helps to reduce energy consumption in buildings.
Floating offshore wind turbines may be coming soon!
Floating wind turbines have been catching more headlines lately since they can be used in deeper waters than existing ones, which opens more areas of coasts to wind power. E&E News reports on how a second phase of offshore wind development is about to get underway in the U.S., starting in Maine, with this new type of turbine.
New sensors can help to detect gas leaks fast
Researchers announced that that a natural-gas leak-detection tool that uses sensors and machine learning to locate leak points at oil and gas fields. Science Daily explains how this new technology can be used to help detect methane and ethane, as well as promising affordable sampling across vast natural gas infrastructure.
