Javier Blas

08Apr

China’s Coal Playbook Is Winning

As the world grapples with yet another global energy shock, one reality is becoming increasingly clear: China prepared for this moment and is emerging as a winner. China has prioritized energy security, anchoring its economy in abundant domestic coal while simultaneously investing in electrification and renewables. Today, that approach is paying dividends. China’s resilience offers […]
11Mar

Another Global Pivot to Coal?

War in the Middle East is continuing to upend energy markets. With natural gas supply dramatically reduced with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and natural gas prices soaring globally, the pivot to coal has begun. Buyers from Europe to Asia are scrambling for natural gas substitutes. Rising prices for thermal coal – still […]
30Dec

2024 in Review

Happy almost new year! Before we turn the page on 2024, it’s worth looking back on the stories and major developments that shaped – even reshaped – the energy landscape over the past 12 months. Years of warnings about rapidly eroding grid reliability collided with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA’s) regulatory agenda and the […]
04Dec

Europe’s Masterclass on What Not to Do

The trajectory for the nation’s electricity supply is alarming. Reserve margins are rapidly eroding, power demand is soaring and the price of electricity has jumped nearly 30% since 2019. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency keeping its boot on the neck of the power sector and the Department of the Interior deciding in the 11th hour […]
31Jul

Pssst: Global Coal Use Hit Another Record in 2023

Where is the U.S. failing miserably in the climate fight? Look no further than the development and bungled deployment of advanced coal technology, namely carbon capture and storage (CCS). Why is coal technology so important? Simply, coal remains the world’s leading fuel for electricity generation and the world has never used more. Global coal use […]
27Sep

A Transition to Deindustrialization?

The European energy crisis is not over. The fear of natural gas rationing may have abated but the costs of Europe’s energy policy missteps continue to reverberate. There has been so much energy demand destruction in Europe from high energy prices that European economies are barely keeping their heads above water. In fact, for some, […]
16Mar

COAL TO The Rescue in Europe

The Wall Street Journal recently pointed out an uncomfortable truth for the keep-it-in-the-ground crowd: Germany avoided energy shortfalls over the past year by turning to coal. In fact, for the second year running, coal use in Germany has grown. Coal now provides a full third of the nation’s power as use of natural gas has […]
07Dec

Sailing into the Dark Doldrums

Europe’s energy crisis is finally getting its first real test. Winter has arrived and despite full gas inventories and aggressive action to slash energy demand, there’s a palpable sense across the continent that the lights staying on will come down to the weather. As Bloomberg’s commodities columnist, Javier Blas, recently observed, “The problem is, energy […]
10Aug

Global Coal Use is on the Rise  

While domestic energy policy continues to dominate headlines, it’s important policymakers don’t lose perspective on global energy reality. For all the talk of energy transition, the global story is one of energy addition where renewable sources of power are largely being added in addition to existing infrastructure and fuels. The world can’t pump enough oil, […]