Forbes (February 12, 2012)
U.S. utilities are rushing to close coal-fired plants, especially less efficient plants that are over 40 years old. “Coal now provides about half of this country’s electric generation. But the energy picture is changing with the pending environmental rules and the newfound wealth of inexpensive shale gas.” In 25 years, coal’s share could be halved and natural gas could account for about 40% of electricity needs.
Tags: Coal, Electricity, Environment, Gas, U.S.
Bloomberg (June 1)
India loses more power than any other nation to electricity theft, almost a third of its annual 174GW supply. “The pilfering of almost enough power to charge California for a year lowers the annual income of Indian distribution companies by $16 billion and cuts output by 1.2 percent in the $1.3 trillion economy.” India hopes to reduce electricity theft with competition and privatization. Compared to state-owned firms, private companies are less tolerant of electricity theft. Their inspectors are less susceptible to bribes to look the other way.
India loses more power than any other nation to electricity theft, almost a third of its annual 174GW supply. “The pilfering of almost enough power to charge California for a year lowers the annual income of Indian distribution companies by $16 billion and cuts output by 1.2 percent in the $1.3 trillion economy.” India hopes to reduce electricity theft with competition and privatization. Compared to state-owned firms, private companies are less tolerant of electricity theft. Their inspectors are less susceptible to bribes to look the other way.
Tags: Competition, Electricity, India, Privatization, Theft
Financial Times (May 31)
Following Fukushima, Germany decided to close its nuclear power plants by 2036. The deadline has now been moved up to 2022. The 17 plants slated for closure generate a quarter of Germany’s supply. To offset this loss, “Angela Merkel committed Germany to doubling the amount of electricity from renewable sources to 35% this decade.”
Tags: Electricity, Germany, Merkel, Nuclear power, Renewable sources
Bloomberg (May 26)
Solar is sliding down the cost curve even as cell efficiency climbs. Solar may soon beat the electricity rates set by utilities. “The cost of solar cells, the main component in standard panels, has fallen 21 percent so far this year, and the cost of solar power is now about the same as the rate utilities charge for conventional power in the sunniest parts of California, Italy and Turkey.”
Tags: Cost, Efficiency, Electricity, Solar, Utilities
Reuters (April 25)
Profitability is expected to suffer at firms listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s first section. According to Barclays Capital, average net profit “will fall 12 percent this financial year, with the slide led by export-related industries such as auto and electronics firms.” Markets may already have factored this into share prices. There may even be some upside. “Some investors are encouraged by the speed at which power generation capacity has recovered since the quake, and initial plans to force large users to cut back by a quarter may be eased.” In addition, there are hopes that later in the year supply chains will stabilize and consumption will benefit from rebuilding and relief efforts.Profitability is expected to suffer at firms listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s first section. According to Barclays Capital, average net profit “will fall 12 percent this financial year, with the slide led by export-related industries such as auto and electronics firms.” Markets may already have factored this into share prices. There may even be some upside. “Some investors are encouraged by the speed at which power generation capacity has recovered since the quake, and initial plans to force large users to cut back by a quarter may be eased.” In addition, there are hopes that later in the year supply chains will stabilize and consumption will benefit from rebuilding and relief efforts.
Tags: Electricity, Forecast, Japan, Profit, Share prices, Supply chains, TSE
