Christian Science Monitor | Energy/Environment

Water may reshape energy industry

Demand for fresh water could exceed supply by an estimated 40 percent by 2030, pushing up prices for the water-intensive energy industry. Soaring water prices would help wind, solar, and natural gas, but hurt coal and nuclear plants.

US eases natural gas glut with second export terminal (+video)

The Energy Department authorizes a second US terminal to export liquefied natural gas (LNG), ending months of speculation. LNG exports boost the prospects for domestic natural gas drillers and should help key allies, but they're also likely to boost prices for US consumers and manufacturers and they raise environmental concerns.

Forget ExxonMobil. Chevron is new leader in oil.

Although Chevron is smaller, it has eclipsed ExxonMobil as the best-managed international oil company. Chevron's stock has outperformed ExxonMobil's, it pays a higher dividend, and the company is reporting a slightly higher profit margin.

New fracking regulations upset just about everybody

Environmentalists and industry representatives are criticizing new draft regulations on hydraulic fracturing, a controversial drilling method that has helped spark an oil and gas boom. The shared discontent reflects the complexity of the debate surrounding hydraulic fracturing and natural gas use.

Canada boosts advertising budget for tar sands, Keystone XL

Canada has increased their expenditure on advertising for tar sands and the Keystone XL pipeline from $9 million in 2012, to $16.5 million in 2013, Peixe writes. The advertising campaign is targeted at Obama administration officials, hoping to sway their opinion on Keystone XL.

Ernest Moniz confirmed unanimously as Energy secretary

Ernest Moniz earned bipartisan approval Thursday as the Senate voted 97-0 to confirm the nuclear physicist as the next secretary of the Department of Energy. The support for Ernest Moniz is in contrast to divided opinions over Gina McCarthy, President Obama's pick to head the EPA.

Tesla Motors: Could electric cars 'refuel' faster than gas cars?

Tesla Motors has set its sights on 'battery-swapping' technology. In theory, that would mean drivers of Tesla Motors cars could recharge faster than the time it takes to fill up a tank of gas. It's a bit of a holy grail for an electric car industry eager to overcome 'range anxiety.'

How will the US capitalize on its oil boom?

Oil production is surging in the US, sending supply shockwaves through world markets. The US could become the world leader in more ways than one, Graeber writes, but only if it opens its oil spigot.

Who benefits when natural gas prices rise?

Stronger natural gas prices are good news for some and bad news for others, Rapier writes. Given their heavy investments in natural gas, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, along with Chesapeake, stand to benefit from the recovery in natural gas prices.

Arctic Council: China looks north for oil, gas, and fish

Arctic Council grants China observer status. The eight-member Arctic Council will be key to regulating the anticipated resource rush as warming temperatures further open the Arctic to oil and gas drilling and fishing.

Oil boom boosts US, but Europe could see decline

The benefits of the North American oil boom on this side of the Atlantic are well-documented – and the same technologies might help developing nations. But Europe's energy industry, which separately became a target of a price-fixing investigation, could emerge as a loser.

How's 3,587 miles per gallon for good gas mileage?

A car that goes 3,587 miles on a single gallon of gasoline is the winner of a global competition to develop the most fuel-efficient vehicle prototype. Using a mix of ingenuity, imagination, and skill, high schools and universities from around the world compete to discover who can go the farthest on a single gallon of gas.

Why wind farms kill eagles with federal impunity

Oil companies are prosecuted when a bird drowns in a waste pit. But the Obama administration has never fined or prosecuted a wind-energy company for similar protected bird deaths. An estimated 573,000 birds are killed by US wind farms each year.

Why natural gas exports would benefit clean energy

The renewable energy industry would benefit from higher natural gas prices since, as these fuels for electric power plants become dearer, renewable energy sources become more competitive, Cobb writes. Still, the renewable energy industry will probably stay largely mum in the fight over expanded exports of US natural gas.

White House Arctic strategy: What's next for oil, gas drilling?

The tension between conservation and oil and gas drilling is evident in the White House's new Arctic strategy paper. Shifting economic, climatic, and regulatory realities have contributed to what is at least a temporary pause in Arctic oil and gas drilling.

Nigeria oil production slides amid unrest

Nigeria relies almost exclusively on its energy sector for export earnings and 75 percent of federal government revenue, Graeber writes, but a long record of corruption, militancy and banditry has clouded Nigeria's oil prospects.

Ted Turner bison: Keep the calves, judge rules (+video)

Ted Turner bison agreement allowed state to transfer Yellowstone bison to billionaire's care for five years in exchange for their most of their calves. Judge upholds agreement, letting Ted Turner keep 150 bison calves.

Algeria after terrorist attack: Don't count on security promises

Algerian moves to increase security after a terrorist attack on a natural gas facility in January don't address the underlying security threat of doing business there. Energy and other companies must beware of the destabilizing rivalries among Algerian leaders, who use extremist groups for their own ends.

Tesla Motors: Lots of buzz. Is it warranted?

Tesla Motors is a bright spot amid high-profile, federally-funded electric car flops. Tesla Founder Musk has found a way to bring high-tech pizzazz to a 'green' car drawing comparisons to Steve Jobs and Apple.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels reach milestone

A monitoring station in Hawaii has measured carbon dioxide levels of 400 parts per million, a concentration not seen on Earth since the Pleistocene Era.