(From Michigan Green) – Energy’s future may have come to light with Exxon Mobil Corp.’s proposed purchase of XTO Energy. If ExxonMobil’s predictions are right, unconventional formations such as shale would provide significantly more of this country’s generation and transportation fuels.
Texas-based XTO, which has the resource equivalent of 45 trillion cubic feet of shale gas, shale oil and coal-bed methane, might be the perfect fit for ExxonMobil — or any deep-pocketed oil partner, for that matter. Indeed, Big Oil has made huge profits from high-priced gasoline in recent years and that money must get reinvested. By betting on natural gas, ExxonMobil is saying that fossil fuels will remain paramount but that tighter air quality restrictions are coming; natural gas emits far fewer emissions than either oil or coal.
“This is not a near-term decision; this is about the next 10, 20, 30 years,” says Rex W. Tillerson, Exxon Mobil Corp.’s chief executive, in a conference call. “We think there will be significant demand for natural gas in the future.”
The $31 billion deal that also includes the acquisition of $10 billion in XTO debt is expected to conclude in the second quarter of 2010. ExxonMobil’s venture comes atop earlier estimates this year from the Potential Gas Committee that said the country’s natural gas reserves are 35 percent greater than two years ago. Reserve levels now stand at more than 2,000 trillion cubic feet, it says, which is the most they have been in 44 years.
The increase is because of shale, which is a sedimentary rock that is less porous than sandstone where traditional natural gas is found. While explorers have always known that such formations are filled with gas, it has only been in recent years that retrieving those resources has been technologically feasible. With horizontal drilling, producers can move laterally beneath cities and neighborhoods to extract the product.
http://www.michigangreen.org/article690.html
GLOBE-Net - Global offshore wind farm capacity will grow at a compound annual rate of 32 percent in the coming decade, according to a new report by energy consulting firm ODS-Petrodata.
The International Offshore Wind Market to 2020 report predicts that by the end of 2020 global offshore wind farm capacity will have soared to 55 gigawatts, or enough to power almost 37 million European homes. Current installed capacity is under two gigawatts.
Based on an analysis of more than 700 projects and prospects in the company’s database, ODS-Petrodata forecasts USD 61.4 billion of capital expenditure in the sector between now and 2014. For 2016 to 2020, total capital expenditure could be double that.
http://www.globe-net.com/other_news/listing.cfm?type=2&newsID=4585
You may have already heard about the Living Zero Home Tour, which is a traveling and interactive exhibit featuring ENERGY STAR products, eco-friendly construction methods, and innovative technologies that drastically reduce energy consumption—while at the same time saving on energy bills.
Last week, Good Morning America aired a short video clip about the tour and how compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can help save money and energy at home. With lighting comprising 11%-20% of annual household energy consumption, CFLs are important component of net-zero energy buildings and provide a return on their purchase within two years.
Zero-Energy Homes combine state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity. The combination results in a home that produces its own energy—as much or more than it needs. Even though the home might be connected to a utility grid, it has net-zero energy consumption from the utility provider.
The U.S. Department of Energy has partnered with building professionals and organizations to further develop the Zero Energy Homes concept. The Living Zero Home Tour is an example of these partnerships. To learn more and see a Zero Energy Home, check out the Living Zero Home Tour when it’s in a city near you.
Article by Chris Stewart, a senior communicator at DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which assists EERE in providing technical content for many of its Web sites.
(GLOBE-Net) – North America’s leaders wrapped up their two-day summit in Guadalajara, Mexico this week with official declarations on climate change and energy. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, U.S. President Barack Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon participated in the North American Leader’s Summit, an annual event started as part of the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) initiative. The declaration on climate change and clean energy reiterated commitments — including that “developed countries [should reduce] emissions by at least 80% compared to 1990 or more recent years by 2050″ — made at the G8 summit earlier this summer.
http://www.globe-net.com/other_news/listing.cfm?type=2&newsID=4531
A new report from the New York-based Natural Resources Defense Council contends that Michigan’s power needs can be solved by aggressively moving to wind power, biomass, solar and other renewable energy sources along with implementing energy efficiency programs.
The Michigan Public Service Commission is scheduled to make recommendations later this month to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality on the need for power and availability of a cleaner alternative to coal.
The remainder of this article can be read here http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20090811/FREE/908119986
The biggest opportunity to improve the nation’s energy situation is a major investment program to make homes and businesses more efficient, according to a study released Wednesday by the consulting firm McKinsey. An investment of $520 billion in improvements like sealing ducts and replacing inefficient appliances could produce $1.2 trillion in savings on energy bills through 2020, the study found. The rest of this article can be seen here http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/30/business/energy-environment/30energy.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Check out the news release below. Your electric rates are going up!!!
MPSC Issues Summer 2009 Energy Appraisal May 01, 2009
May 1, 2009
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today released the “Michigan Energy Appraisal: Summer 2009.” The appraisal, published since 1978, reviews the projected prices and availability of energy in Michigan over the summer months.
The demand for energy in Michigan is expected to continue its decline in 2009. These declines are due to the continuing reduction in the level of economic activity in the state and the nation. Should the economy begin to show resumed growth in the later part of 2009, energy demand may begin to pick up, which would serve to offset the degree of the declines shown in these forecasts. Given the anticipated demand levels, no supply issues are anticipated; petroleum and natural gas prices are expected to remain relatively stable. It should be noted that the uncertainty of the economy also translates into a higher level of uncertainty in these projections which are based on the future course of the state’s economy.
Electricity – The availability of electricity over the summer is assured given the anticipated decline in projected sales. Electricity prices could increase depending on two rate cases currently pending action by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Both Detroit Edison and Consumers Energy have requested significant increases in electricity prices. These increases average 8.3 percent across all customer classes, with the largest increase having been requested for the rates charged to residential customers.
Natural Gas – Lower natural gas prices, and lower demand, are also expected to ensure sufficient supply and lower heating costs for the coming winter compared to last year. Total annual natural gas sales in Michigan for 2009 are projected to be 767.1 billion cubic feet (Bcf), a decrease of 0.1 percent over 2008. This is based on normal weather for the remainder of the year. Despite the colder than normal weather during the first quarter of 2009, the lower level of economic activity has served as an offset, holding demand essentially flat.
Petroleum – Increases in surplus world oil production capacity can more than offset most anticipated supply problems, which means gasoline and other petroleum product prices should remain near current levels for the balance of the year. World oil demand is expected to decrease in 2009 by 1.35 million barrels per day (m/b/d) to a total of 85.8 m/b/d. This projection is from the Energy Information Administration’s April 2009 “Short-Term Energy Outlook.” Global oil prices fell precipitously in the last half of 2008, as recessionary effects caused oil demand to fall. The price of crude oil dropped from a high of $137 per barrel in July of 2008 to a low near $36 in December. Currently crude oil prices are approximately $50 per barrel.
Motor Gasoline – For 2009, gasoline consumption is projected to continue its decline, falling an additional 4.1 percent from 2008 levels, which would be the fifth consecutive year of declining demand. Total gasoline use in Michigan is projected to total 4.1 billion gallons for 2009. Gasoline use, based on the 2009 projection, will be down nearly 762 million gallons since 2004, the last year in which gasoline demand increased.
Distillate Fuel Oil – Michigan’s 2009 distillate sales are projected to continue to decline by an additional 7.7 percent to just over 1.1 billion gallons. Diesel fuel remains the prime component of distillate demand, with the majority being used by trucks on highways. The current economic slowdown is the primary cause for the continued decline in demand as fewer good are shipped by trucks and rail.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – This act contains several provisions that deal with the energy sector, including loans and investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy technology. Michigan has seen increased funding for the Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program, the State Energy Program, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grants program, and Smart Grid investments.
The Michigan Energy Appraisal is prepared every six months. The Energy Appraisal is available on the Commission’s Web site at: http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/mpsc/reports/energy (http://cis.state.mi.us/mpsc/reports/energy). The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.
Michigan’s Energy Future Today – DELEG’s Newest Cable Show Hits the Airwaves Statewide Keeping Consumers Informed About Michigan’s New Energy Economy
April 14, 2009 - Michigan’s Energy Future Today, a new cable show designed specifically for Michigan residents, will air on cable stations statewide beginning in April, Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) Communications Director Mario L. Morrow announced today. The new program will cover a wide range of topics including renewable energy, green jobs, advanced energy technologies, and energy efficiency.
“This show will be an important vehicle in giving Michigan residents an inside look at how Michigan is transitioning into a leader in emerging energy industries and diversifying into a new energy economy which helps retain and create new jobs for Michigan workers,” said Morrow.
This month’s program features DELEG Director and Michigan’s Chief Energy Officer, Stanley “Skip” Pruss who provides an overview of Michigan’s plans for its energy future, including how DELEG is focusing on the new energy economy. Also featured is DELEG Deputy Director Andy Levin who discusses DELEG’s first-ever Green Today, Jobs Tomorrow Conference that will be held May 11 at the Lansing Center to focus on workforce and economic development for Michigan’s emerging green economy. The show is hosted by Deputy Director Liesl Clark.
Future episodes of the 30-minute show will feature partners who are working to attract new investments, showcase employers who are creating new energy jobs, and provide consumer tips for energy efficiency and savings.
Michigan’s Energy Future Today will be released to more than 80 cable stations statewide and is expected to run multiple times throughout each month. New shows will be produced monthly. Check local listings for air dates and times.
In her 2009 State of the State address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm called on the Legislature to enact a bold but achievable energy standard: by the year 2020, Michigan will reduce its use of imported fossil fuels for generating electricity by 45 percent. Michigan will reach this goal by increasing its use of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and other new technologies. To help meet this ambitious new standard, Granholm offered a series of job creating proposals including increasing renewable energy use through entrepreneurship, putting Michigan utilities in the energy efficiency business; creating the Michigan Energy Corps; and launching Michigan Saves.
The Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) is investing in Michigan’s future by preparing for the new energy economy, helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.
