Today's Energy Pulse
Scania pilots vehicle‑to‑grid power for heavy‑duty electric trucks
Scania showcased one of the first V2G systems for heavy‑duty electric trucks using the Megawatt Charging System (MCS). The pilot demonstrated bi‑directional power flow, letting trucks feed stored electricity back to the grid while parked, with real‑time communication enabling dynamic charging and discharging. The company also opened orders for trucks equipped with an extra battery pack and MCS.
Also developing:
There’s Something in the Air in South Portland, Maine
South Portland, Maine’s first year of fenceline monitoring revealed benzene concentrations above state limits at two petroleum tank farms—Citgo and Buckeye Partners. The Citgo site averaged 2.18 µg/m³ (limit 1.28 µg/m³) and Buckeye peaked at 3.05 µg/m³, with a short‑term spike of 11.8 µg/m³ recorded near Citgo. More than 12,600 residents live within a mile of the tanks, raising concerns about long‑term cancer risk and acute respiratory effects. Both companies cite ongoing mitigation efforts while regulators evaluate enforcement options.
Countries Agree to Historic Emergency Oil Reserve Release
The International Energy Agency (IEA) announced a coordinated release of 400 million barrels of oil from the strategic reserves of its 32 member nations, the largest emergency drawdown in its history. The move is designed to offset the abrupt loss of...
BP Pays Big Money for US Gulf Block
BP announced a $21 million bid for a single offshore lease block in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The purchase stands out in an otherwise muted lease sale that has attracted limited interest from other operators. The transaction comes as geopolitical...
Trump Says U.S. Will Tap Strategic Petroleum Reserve As Iran War Surges Gas Prices
President Donald Trump announced that the United States will draw 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve over the next four months, the first release since 2022. The move comes as the U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran has pushed...
West Virginia Commission Revises AEP Rate Case Decision
The West Virginia Public Service Commission revisited its August 2025 rate‑case ruling for AEP’s Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power, raising the approved revenue increase to $91 million—just 36 % of the original $250 million request—and setting the allowed return on equity (ROE) at 9.25%....
Disruptions Reinforce China's Self-Sufficiency Drive
China is intensifying its drive for energy self‑sufficiency by accelerating investments in low‑carbon technologies such as solar, wind, batteries and electric vehicles. The ongoing war in the Middle East, which has disrupted oil and gas imports, underscores Beijing’s anxiety over...
Mideast War Brings Fresh Risks for Low-Carbon Investments
The Gulf conflict has jolted oil and gas supplies, reinforcing the long‑term economic case for clean‑energy projects. Yet the immediate fallout—rising inflation and tighter credit—could choke funding for low‑carbon initiatives. Analysts warn that the war’s duration and the speed of...
Sustained $90‑$100 Oil Drives $3 Gasoline Spike
Oil is the only commodity that is used in every single sector of the US economy. It is a commodity like no other. So it really matters how long it stays elevated, and when I say elevated, anything north of...
Russia's Yamal LNG Maintains Focus on Exports to Europe
Yamal LNG, Russia’s Arctic liquefied natural gas project, has announced that its current cargoes will be shipped exclusively to European markets. This decision comes despite a surge in Asian demand driven by the Middle East conflict and the restart of...
G7 Explores Ship Escorts in Gulf as Middle East War Threatens Energy Supply Routes
G7 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Russia sanctions while confronting the ripple effects of the U.S.–Israeli conflict on Iran and global energy markets. They agreed to deepen coordination with Gulf partners to safeguard shipping lanes and stabilize oil supplies. A...
IEA Ignores Demand Solutions, Relies Solely on Supply
Final comment on IEA release: If the shortfall is such that it requires a 400 million barrels release, surely demand measures should had been approved too: fuel switching (oil-to-coal, gas-to-coal); societal behaviour (lower highway speed limits, lower AC/heating use), and...
Smart Thermostats Could Save BC Hydro Billions
How a Smart Thermostat Can Save Billions for BC Hydro - and Consumers Catherine Jefferey, energy policy advisor, @cleanenergycan , B.C. about a new report, "Distributed Energy Resource Potential Study." bcpoli #cdnpoli https://youtu.be/OPFL9Rdg9u4
Birchcliff Energy Ltd. Announces the Filing of Its Audited Financial Statements and Other Disclosure Documents for the Year Ended December...
Birchcliff Energy filed its audited 2025 financial statements and annual information form, confirming record annual average production and a significant reduction in debt. The company reaffirmed its 2026 guidance, emphasizing an unhedged exposure to natural gas, oil and NGLs and...
Energy Stocks Poised for Long-Term Surge, Not Short-Term Fluke
Energy stocks are leading the market again, yet many investors still think this is just a short-term trend. It’s not. Here is an important reminder: Most oil companies are generating free cash flow near historical highs with WTI above $80. This likely marks the...
Former Premier Glen Clark Delivers Feisty BC Electrification Insights
Former Premier Glen Clark Leads Discussion of BC Electrification Jae Mather and I were the other two panellists. Great discussion...sometimes a little feisty. Interesting insights into BCH from Clark. #bcpoli #cdnpoli https://youtu.be/dvR8OjC4Te4
Sodium-Ion Batteries Hit the Midwestern Grid in First-of-Its-Kind Pilot
Peak Energy and RWE Americas are launching the first sodium‑ion battery storage pilot on the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) network in eastern Wisconsin. The passively cooled system, branded GS1.1, promises to cut the lifetime cost of stored electricity by...
IEA Plans to Release 400 Million Barrels of Oil to Curb the Impact of War in Iran
The International Energy Agency announced it will release 400 million barrels of oil from members' emergency reserves, the largest drawdown in its history and more than double the 2022 release for Ukraine. The volume represents roughly 20 days of oil...
Centre Holds Back on Fuel Exports Ban Due to Logistics, Tax Hurdles as West Asia Conflict Rages
India has postponed a full ban on fuel exports despite a supply squeeze triggered by the Iran‑related West Asia conflict. The delay stems from logistical bottlenecks, the risk of breaching existing export contracts, and the need for a tax waiver...
War Abroad Drives Today’s $4 Gas Prices
If you don’t think an international war affects you I would encourage you to figure out why gas is like $4 right now
EPB of Chattanooga Deploys Battery-Based Microgrids for Savings, Resilience
EPB of Chattanooga has commissioned five battery‑based microgrids delivering 29 MW of power and 58 MWh of storage across two sites, bringing its front‑of‑meter storage to 45 MW/95 MWh. The utility plans to add another 45 MW of storage within 12 months and reach 100‑150 MW...
Trump’s Flawed Math Inflates Refinery Value Absurdly
Here is the Trump Administration's math: Over 30 years the refinery will buy $125B of shale oil and sell $175B of refined products, therefore it's worth $300B. LOL. That is like saying my house is worth $22+ million based on 30...
New Brownsville Refinery Not $300 Billion, Permits Approved June
Clearly truth and facts don't matter to a lot of people, but the level of disinformation about the new refinery in Brownsville by @realDonaldTrump @JohnCornyn @PressSec @SecretaryWright @energy @SecretaryBurgum is really stunning. It's not a $300 billion refinery. The developers announced in...
With No Charterers, Marinakis Outfit Converts 8,800 TEU Quartet to Tankers
Greek shipping magnate Evangelos Marinakis’ Capital Maritime & Trading is converting four 8,800‑TEU container ship orders into Suezmax oil tankers after failing to secure charter contracts. The vessels were originally contracted with HD Hyundai Samho in December 2025 at $116.6 million...
Brent Oil Stalls Near $95 Resistance, RSI Overbought
#BrentOil Comp Doji Candle and Sideways. Support $84.1, $80, $73.2, $66.8. Resistance $95, $100, $108.2. RSI 70 Overbought. Top Bollinger Band $105.6. Midpoint Line $85.3. Bottom Band $64.9.
Coverage of Corporate Intrigue Hinges on Familiar Characters
There's a lot of amazing coverage on the internal machinations at @Chevron. Follow @Sheila_Dang for all the developments.
SolaTrim Launches SolEmber Line of Fire-Protection Array Skirting
SolaTrim announced the SolEmber mesh system, a fire‑storm ember‑blocking shield for residential solar arrays on sloped roofs. The product uses 304 stainless‑steel and a low‑visibility black powder‑coat, meeting ASTM E2886, Class A fire‑rating, and WUI/IWUI certifications. SolEmber is positioned as a code‑compliant...
Rapid Deep Dive: Reopening Hormuz Strait Energy Implications
So much energy geopolitics, a weekly show is not enough. Check out our new rapid response deep dive on key Iran-related energy questions like this episode’s look at what it would take to reopen the strait of Hormuz. Great...
Trump Seeks Defense Production Act to Boost California Offshore Oil
NEWS: President Trump is preparing to invoke Cold War-era powers to pave the way for renewed oil production off the California coast. The move to summon Defense Production Act authorities is set to preempt state laws & ease permitting for...
Trump Confirms US Join IEA Oil Release, Plans SPR Refill
President Trump has formally confirmed the US is participating in the IEA emergency oil stock release. “We’ll do that and then we’ll fill it up,” Trump said referring to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. “Right now, we’ll reduce it a little...
Hormuz Closure Could Redefine US‑Iran Power Balance
The Strait of Hormuz is turning into the key test of strength between the US and Iran. I've been thinking about what happens if it stays closed for an extended period. My conclusions might surprise you. https://t.co/mPXBo8HuqY
Oil Above $100 Forces Nationwide Price Adjustments
Oil prices sourced to $120 a barrel on Sunday before dropping to $104. As Billy Bob Thornton notes in this TV clip, at $100+ per barrel, "every product in America has to readjust its price"
NEP Would've Guaranteed $80+ Oil Price For
Fun reminder: the National Energy Program would have locked-in a price of $63+ inflation from 1980 (capped if it exceeded global oil prices) for the Albian Sands oil sands project. If I'm not mistaken, the $80/bbl plus inflation price was...
MP Calls for Expanded Canadian Strategic Oil Reserves
I've come out of class to learn that the MP for Battle River - Crowfoot has proposed that Canada increase our strategic oil reserves to provide for resilience for oil-dependent regions from disruptions such as those we're seeing today? This...
Oil Pricing Shifted From Negotiations to OPEC Quota Control
yes, it did but it was also followed by a complete revolution in how oil prices were set. Before oil companies negotiated a posted price with OPEC. Afterwards OPEC set prices thru production quotas I♥️historical comparisons, but not everything is directly...
Scrapping Net Zero Increases UK's Dependence on Gas
ANALYSIS: Badenoch and Farage might not want to admit it, but Conservative and Reform plans to scrap net zero whilst boosting the North Sea would actually make the UK even more reliant on gas imports 🤔 https://t.co/gSdA6f5Jco https://t.co/wc4Dc5Vlnm
US Price Lag Could Shrink, but Strait Closure Threatens Economy
US price-to-production response is typically ~6 months. In an exceptional situation, like now, maybe we could get that down to ~4 months? But if the Strait is still closed in 4 months the entire global economy is pretty well screwed.
WTI Prices Dip While Volatility Hits Six-Year Peak
WTI crude oil remains well off its intraday high from Monday, but implied volatility - from the $OVX - continues to climb to fresh 6-year highs... https://t.co/VDf2X5NDWk
Britain Must Drill Nat Gas Amid Iran Conflict
Great talking with @Freddygray31 & @JacobHeilbrunn about the war in Iran and the future of energy in the Mideast and Britain. (As I've said before, the Brits gotta start drilling for nat gas.)
Oil Producers Give Vague Forecasts, No Concrete Evidence
This kind of messaging is so twisted No confirmation from oil producers (in fact all we’ve heard is “no we’re not changing our calculus guidance) just “you will see X happening.” Did Harold Hamm call? Is there an influx of roughnecks heading...
Japan Leads Largest G7 Emergency Oil Release
Thank you to Prime Minister Takaichi of Japan for her and the Japanese government’s support for the largest ever emergency oil stock release by @IEA Member countries to address the disruptions in the market
Rising Oil Prices Boost Putin as Sanctions Ease
High oil prices are great for Putin. At $85 per barrel, Urals oil price is now the highest since 2022. High prices also mean the EU's maritime services ban in its 20th sanctions package is dead and pressure in the...
Price Spikes Cause Pain, Not Physical Shortages
Price spikes will hurt a lot, but they're the luxury position--much better to have pump price pain than outright physical shortages, as will be suffered by much of the developing world. This is how you guarantee shortages in this context. https://t.co/jRUy3woUSl
30 Billion Barrels Ready to Counter Hormuz Price Spike
Awesome. This is exactly the policy we need. By my analysis, we can get these 30 billion barrels of refined petroleum products to market in the next few days, which will really help mitigate the price spikes from the closure of...
Hormuz Crisis Slashes Gulf Lease Bids Despite Oil Surge
The Hormuz crisis just wrecked Trump's second Big Beautiful Gulf Lease Sale. Sale 1 (Dec): $279M in bids Sale 2 (Today): $46.9M Even with oil prices surging, offshore bidding collapsed. https://t.co/wtW22EKdFE
Preparedness Can Mitigate Hormuz Closure Impacts
Employ America Statement on the Coordinated IEA Release. https://t.co/goQS5uJUUS No stockpile release can compare to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, but with the right preparation, there are still ways to make it helpful at the margin. https://t.co/K549sAsIrM
$3 Billion Refinery Approved Under Biden, Not $300 B
What's interesting about this is that it's a $3 billion (not $300 billion) refinery that got its permits in 2024 during the Biden Administration. https://t.co/RRuBFYg9rk
EU Considers Lifting Sanctions on Dutch Oil Trader
Sanctions news: EU is weighing lifting its Russian sanctions against oil trader Niels Troost. Diplomats told the FT the designation of the Dutch trader was "legally weaker" than other listings. Discussions on-going. Decision subject to approval by 17 March https://t.co/JxBkaf5Xzx
Kazakhstan Boosts OPEC+ Output, Iran War Cuts Exports
OPEC+ crude production rose more than 400 kbpd m/m in February according to just-released OPEC data, with the bulk driven by the ongoing Kazakh recovery. Unfortunately it's immediately worthless given GCC crude exports were throttled immediately thereafter by Iran War. https://t.co/jTQxOjrt4b
Thai Ship Burns Near Oman Amid Hormuz Transit Controversy
for whom?! Iranian tankers shipping Iranian oil? Right now there's a Thai cargo ship on fire off the Coast of Oman that tried to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Maybe ask them if they think its working out "very well"
Clean Energy Cuts UK Gas Imports More Than Drilling
Analysis: Why clean energy will cut UK gas imports by (much) more than North Sea drilling The latest debate over new licenses has been lacking one key ingredient: Perspective Here's our take in chart form – and I'm happy to debate the numbers https://t.co/gSdA6f5Jco https://t.co/cGRgr5PrjG