Author: Stu

Romania Drilling for Nat Gas in Black Sea: Neptun Deep Project Set to Transform EU Energy Landscape

Europe’s largest new natural gas development is officially underway. In the Black Sea, 160 km off Romania’s coast, drilling has begun on the Neptun Deep project — a landmark initiative that promises to nearly double Romania’s domestic gas output, turn the country into a net exporter, and bolster energy security across Central and Eastern Europe.The […]

The Climate Activists Strike Back – Energy Realities Podcast

Buckle up as we take a look at how the Climate Scare Mongers are still up to their old tricks. 1. Climate Activism and “Striking Back” The hosts discuss how climate activists continue their efforts despite reduced federal support in the US. They’re operating more quietly through local jurisdictions and industry partnerships, using tactics like: […]

Wind and Nuclear Output Drops in China, Solved by Increased Coal Output

China’s power sector delivered a clear reminder in April 2026 that even the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy giant still leans heavily on coal when the wind doesn’t blow or nuclear plants go offline for maintenance. According to data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics, thermal power generation (overwhelmingly coal, with a smaller share of natural […]

Tankers Entering Hormuz During Iran War Are Exiting with Cargo — But Many Are Going Dark on AIS

A small but determined group of shipowners is successfully running the gauntlet through the Strait of Hormuz. According to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, at least 19 oil- and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-carrying ships without Iranian links have both entered the Persian Gulf and exited with cargo since March 1, 2026 — the period since […]

Since 2007, Shale Gas Has Saved U.S. Consumers Approximately $200 Billion Annually — A Quiet Revolution in Affordability

A new analysis from the Energy Institute at Haas at UC Berkeley quantifies what many in the energy sector have long known: the shale gas revolution, powered by hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, has delivered extraordinary savings to American consumers. According to Lucas Davis’s May 2026 working paper and accompanying blog post, shale gas has […]

US Plans New Russian Oil Waiver as Iran War Crunches Supplies

The Trump administration is preparing to issue a new sanctions waiver allowing buyers to purchase Russian crude oil and petroleum products already loaded onto tankers, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg. The move follows the quiet lapse of the previous general license on May 16 and comes as the US-Israel conflict […]

Alaska LNG Locks in ConocoPhillips on 30-Year Gas Supply Deal — FID for Phase One Pipeline Now Within Reach

In a major breakthrough for Alaska’s long-awaited natural gas infrastructure, Glenfarne Alaska LNG announced on May 18, 2026, a 30-year gas sales precedent agreement with ConocoPhillips Alaska. The deal supplies natural gas from Alaska’s North Slope for Phase One of the Alaska LNG project. Combined with existing agreements from ExxonMobil, Hilcorp Alaska, and Great Bear […]

Are Data Centers Driving up Electricity Rates? Who is Responsible?

Electricity bills are rising across much of the United States, sparking heated debate. With AI fueling explosive data center growth, many point to hyperscale facilities as the culprit behind higher rates. But a new independent analysis from Energy + Environmental Economics (E3), released May 18, 2026, alongside corroborating work from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), […]

Iran Launches Bitcoin-Backed “Hormuz Safe” Shipping Insurance for the Strait of Hormuz

Iran has launched a new state-backed digital maritime insurance platform called “Hormuz Safe” for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. The platform accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency payments, allowing instant blockchain-verified coverage in a clear attempt to bypass Western financial systems and sanctions. According to reports from […]

Oil Shortage Scenario is Starting to Surface

The warning signs are flashing brighter than ever. What began as a major supply disruption in the Middle East has rapidly evolved into a tightening global oil market where inventories are being drawn down at a record pace — and critically, not all of those barrels are actually accessible. A new analysis from Oilprice.com highlights […]