Global

Energy prices may be falling and the “global economy has been in the toilet,” but Raymond James Energy analysts believe energy stocks are at the bottom of a cyclical downturn, and as “strong commodity fundamentals” become visible in the first quarter,” the stocks will begin to rise again. In the Stat of the Week Monday, the analysts noted that balance sheets are stronger, the industry has consolidated and absolute energy prices are “meaningfully higher today” than they were in the last downturn in 1999.

Despite the drop in natural gas prices, the global recession and energy security issues, Canadian and Alaskan officials — on the governing side anyway — remain optimistic that an Arctic natural gas pipeline is in the offing. But — and there are several buts — officials on both sides still have come to no agreement as to what route the pipe should take and whether there should be one pipe or two. About the only agreement that could be had at the Arctic Gas Symposium in Houston Thursday was that an over-the-top route across the Beaufort Sea may be out of the picture.

Despite the drop in natural gas prices, the global recession and energy security issues, Canadian and Alaskan officials — on the governing side anyway — remain optimistic that an Arctic natural gas pipeline is in the offing. But — and there are several buts — officials on both sides still have come to no agreement as to what route the pipe should take and whether there should be one pipe or two. About the only agreement that could be had at the Arctic Gas Symposium in Houston Thursday was that an over-the-top route across the Beaufort Sea may be out of the picture.

Mirant’s diversified global portfolio and growing gas merchant business in North America sent third quarter earnings soaring, with earnings from operations totaling $234 million or 67 cents per diluted share, compared to $119 million or 35 cents per diluted share for the third quarter, 2000. CEO Marce Fuller said the earnings have given the Atlanta-based company “increasing confidence in our ability to achieve earnings per share of $2.55 to $2.65 next year, and to grow off that base by at least 20% on average in subsequent years.”

Far from abandoning its future North American natural gas focus, Dynegy Inc.’s CEO Chuck Watson affirmed last week that the company’s purchase of UK-based BG Group PLC’s natural gas storage facilities and assets is only replicating the Houston-based marketer’s successful model, saying it will be the “cornerstone” of its European energy network, providing a “springboard for faster growth” globally.

Far from abandoning its future North American natural gas focus, Dynegy Inc.’s CEO Chuck Watson said Monday that the company’s purchase of UK-based BG Group PLC’s natural gas storage facilities and assets is only replicating the Houston-based marketer’s successful model, saying it will be the “cornerstone” of its European energy network, providing a “springboard for faster growth” globally.

Shell Gas & Power and El Paso Global LNG announced plans to build Mexico’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal, a 1.3 Bcf/d facility in Altamira, Tamaulipas on Mexico’s northeastern coastline. Initial investment costs are estimated to be up to $300 million, and the regasification terminal is expected to start importing LNG in the first half of 2004.

Shell Gas & Power and El Paso Global LNG announced plans to build Mexico’s first LNG import terminal, a 1.3 Bcf/d facility in Altamira, Tamaulipas on Mexico’s northeastern coastline. Initial investment costs are estimated to be up to $300 million, and the regasification terminal is expected to start importation of LNG in the first half of 2004.

Edison Mission Energy, the global independent power productionsubsidiary of Rosemead, CA-based Edison International, is quietlyretrenching and reorganizing its worldwide presence in a move thathas resulted in 100 workers being laid off.