Economic

It’s too soon to tell whether exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Lower 48 or more LNG from Alaska to global markets makes economic sense. But if it does, Royal Dutch Shell would be game to potentially participate. More immediately, though, the major’s LNG business is focused on efforts to develop floating liquefaction, which it calls floating LNG (FLNG).

It’s too soon to tell whether exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Lower 48 or more LNG from Alaska to global markets makes economic sense. But if it does, Royal Dutch Shell would be game to potentially participate. More immediately, though, the major’s LNG business is focused on efforts to develop floating liquefaction, which it calls floating LNG (FLNG).

A combination of rising natural gas prices, the stumbling residential housing market and general economic weakness has led to above-average increases in past-due payments at many local distribution companies (LDC), particularly in the eastern United States, according to Moody’s Investors Service.

The days of $3/MMBtu natural gas may be gone, but with unconventional U.S. production economic at $6-7/MMBtu, medium-term domestic prices aren’t likely to match the $18-20 highs fetched by liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes overseas — which in turn could deter some LNG imports for as long as five years, according to energy analysts.

After a fairly lazy Monday in the markets, energy traders on Tuesday witnessed a shake-up as economic concerns in the United States spurred a significant liquidation in the liquids and natural gas futures. Despite storm uncertainty swirling in the Atlantic, August natural gas put in a low of $11.376 before closing at $11.477, down 48.2 cents from Monday’s finish.

The days of $3/MMBtu natural gas may be gone, but with unconventional U.S. gas production becoming economic at $6-7/MMBtu, medium-term domestic prices aren’t likely to match the $18-20 highs fetched by liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes overseas — which in turn could deter some LNG imports for as long as five years, according to energy analysts.

Senate Democrats Thursday were forced to accept a Republican-crafted economic stimulus package that was stripped of any tax credits for renewable energy and subsidies to offset the heating bills of low-income households.

Dashing the hopes of renewable energy advocates and some lawmakers, the $150 billion economic stimulus package ironed out by the Bush administration and Capitol Hill leaders last week failed to include an extension for renewable energy tax credits that are set to expire at the end of the year.

Backers of the beleaguered Weaver’s Cove liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal proposed for Fall River, MA, recently released an economic analysis of the region’s gas supply and demand outlook. The analysis says the project would lead to lower gas prices, as well as lower power prices since much of New England’s power comes from gas-fired generators.