Archive for December, 2010
Energy regulator investigates prices
Dec 29th
Energy companies are under investigation by the industry regulator once again, over recent domestic price increases.
Ofgem will undertake a "comprehensive review" of the energy sector to ensure that power companies are "playing it straight with consumers".
New pricing plans issued by several of the big energy providers in recent months have seen the average annual profit margin on standard tariffs rise from £65 to £90.
The energy companies argue that the price rises are necessary, on account of rising commodity prices in the oil and gas markets – wholesale gas prices rose by 25 per cent this year – and the cost of transportation.
Ofgem is already investigating NPower, Scottish Power, Scottish and Southern Energy and EDF Energy over allegations of contract mis-selling.
Marcus Evans presents oil and gas industry events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts. 
British Gas owner anticipates huge profits
Dec 19th
Having announced plans to raise the price of domestic gas by seven per cent in December, Centrica – the company which owns British Gas – is set to record profits of £2.2 billion for 2010.
The company justified putting up energy tariffs just as the weather begins to turn cold, citing a 25 per cent increase in gas wholesale prices since April this year.
British Gas has acquired 270,000 new customers during 2010, but industry watchers expect the increased prices to see many households move to cheaper gas suppliers.
Also benefiting from tight energy markets, National Grid has this week announced that its operating profits for the first half of the year are up by nearly one third (31 per cent).
Marcus Evans presents oil and gas industry events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts. 
Oil and gas giant sells African assets
Dec 16th
BP’s restructuring in the aftermath of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster continues this week, as the oil and gas giant announced the sale of a number of African businesses.
The beleaguered company announced yesterday that it had sold stakes in fuel marketing businesses in Malawi, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia to a subsidiary of Trafigura.
BP had earmarked these assets for disposal prior to the disastrous oil spill that began in April and whose effects are still being felt throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
The cost of the clean-up operation is expected to come to around $40 billion – and BP has already sold off $14 billion of oil and gas assets since then.
A lot of the sales have been in non-core oil and gas business fields.
Marcus Evans presents oil and gas events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts. 
marcus evans Energy – Ghana expected to draw oil for the first time
Dec 15th
marcus evans Energy – Ghana expected to draw oil for the first time
Ghana is poised to begin pumping oil for the first time, kicking off a lucrative new industry expected to bring a billion US dollars annually to a part of the world where most people still get by on less than two dollars a day.
But critics warn the west African country, one of the most stable and democratic on the continent, has yet to pass crucial legislation to avoid what is known in Africa as the “resource curse”. In places like Congo and Nigeria, oil or mineral wealth has fuelled conflict instead of boosting desperately needed development.
Iseq-listed explorer Tullow Oil plc is leading a consortium that will start producing 55,000 barrels per day from rigs off Ghana’s Atlantic Ocean coast in the Jubilee Field, which was discovered three years ago and holds an estimated 1.8 billion barrels of oil.
As new wells are built over the next six months, daily output is expected to increase to around 120,000 barrels – about 10 per cent of the amount pumped by nearby Nigeria, one of the continent’s leading producers.
Those figures are likely to rise. In September, Tullow confirmed the existence of a second large offshore oil field called Owo that holds as much as 550 million barrels under the waters of the Gulf of Guinea.
marcus evans Energy presents cutting edge industry events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.
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Power Generation MEA Summit 2010
Dec 15th
Montebalito: Solar Panels to Power up the Middle East
 | Guillermo Bouzas from Grupo Montebalito, a sponsor at the marcus evans Power Generation MEA Summit 2010, discusses how to take advantage of solar energy in the Middle East and Africa. Interview with: Guillermo Bouzas, Senior Design – Industrial Engineer, Grupo Montebalito |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Having a diversified power generation portfolio is very important for ensuring a constant supply of energy to consumers, says Guillermo Bouzas, Senior Design – Industrial Engineer at Grupo Montebalito. However, it can be very windy one day and calm the next, therefore the sun is the most warranted energy resource of all in the Middle East and Africa. From a sponsor company at the marcus evans Power Generation MEA Summit 2010 taking place in Dubai, UAE, 29 November to 1 December, Bouzas shares his thoughts on how to take advantage of solar energy through rooftop solar panel installations.
Why are solar installations ideal for the Middle East and Africa?
Guillermo Bouzas: There is a great opportunity for building solar photovoltaic plants in the Middle East, as the resource of solar energy is available all year round. Power generation directors can initiate a new era in solar panel installations on rooftops, as the technology is just beginning to be taken up in the region.
What is the best way of taking advantage of this technology?
Guillermo Bouzas: It is important to have the generation facilities as close as possible to where the energy will be consumed. Solar panel installations can have a capacity of a few kilowatts to many megawatts, which can be re-powered as requirements grow.
Another advantage to solar panels is that they make no noise, produce no emissions and can be integrated into the design of the building to ensure minimum visual impact.
The best way is to let experts assess the company first and start off with a pilot solar plant on a rooftop to experience how it works and what results to expect, before making the decision to install more panels or to build more plants.
What is your outlook for the future?
Guillermo Bouzas: Solar photovoltaic panels have a great future because the solar resource is all around the world and does not belong to one region or country. The cost of the panels is 60 to 65 per cent of investment, therefore with prices decreasing, I see a bright future ahead.
Having a diversified power generation portfolio is very important; one day there can be a lot of wind and none the day after. As renewable resources are not constant, it is important to have different ways of generating electricity in the portfolio to ensure a constant supply to consumers. This makes the sun an ideal source of energy in this region – it shines every day of the year, some days sunnier than others, but always there.
What long-term strategies would you recommend?
Guillermo Bouzas: The Middle East and Africa need to open their eyes to how others are making use of photovoltaic panels. Solar technologies work really well and are a good source of generating energy for the future as people become more cautious of the effects of climate change. Investors will soon realise the benefits of such technologies after taking into account the availability of the resource in the region and the ease of installation.
Contact:
Sarin Kouyoumdjian-Gurunlian
Press Manager
marcus evans, Summits Division
Tel: + 357 22 849 313
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com
About the Power Generation MEA Summit 2010
This unique forum will take place at the Park Hyatt Dubai, UAE, 29 November – 1 December 2010. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The summit includes presentations on maximising output, achieving a cost-effective and diversified energy portfolio and efficient plant management strategies.
For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website at www.powergenerationmea.com
Please note that the summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.
About marcus evans Summits
marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-to-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com
All rights reserved. The above content may be republished or reproduced – kindly inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com
About Grupo Montebalito
Montebalito Energías Renovables S.L. (MER) was founded in 2006 as subsidiary of GRUPO MONTEBALITO S.A. with headquarters in Madrid. Mer is a platform for the development of renewable energy business focused on solar photovoltaic, independent from the real estate business, operating in a national and international scope, provided with a specialized engineering team work, legal advisor, finance and purchase department. The photovoltaic solar energy provides a lot of benefits, with high profitability and minimum maintenance.
For more information: www.montebalito.com
Power Generation MEA Summit 2010
Dec 15th
Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority:
The Successful Power Generation Model
 | Toufic Allaf, a speaker at the marcus evans Power Generation MEA Summit 2010, on how the Abu Dhabi power generation model is a success. Interview with: Toufic Allaf, Technical Advisor, Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Abu Dhabi has a successful power generation privatisation model in the region, highlights Toufic Allaf, Technical Advisor of the Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA). Private and international investors feel secure investing in Abu Dhabi, as the continuous supply of fuel and the purchase of water and electricity generated are both addressed in the Power & Water Purchase Agreement (PWPA). A speaker at the marcus evans Power Generation MEA Summit 2010 in Dubai, UAE, 29 November to 1 December, Allaf shares the unique features that make the Abu Dhabi model an attractive power generation investment model in the region.
How does Abu Dhabi secure a constant supply of water and electricity?
Toufic Allaf: ADWEA has in place a strategic implementation and transformation process with a structured methodology for linking operations to performance. This assures the alignment of operational targets and high level objectives within ADWEA Group. ADWEA, on the other hand, ensures alignment with the goals of the Abu Dhabi government and the 2030 vision.
Two of the pillars of our strategy are sustainability of supply and efficiency which addresses the companies’ operational efficiency. In addition, Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Company (ADWEC) issues a seven year forecast of supply / demand for ensuring the availability of supply from the generation companies will meet the expected demand. ADWEC works very closely with several entities, including municipalities, urban planning Council, developers and others to guarantee that the forecast takes into consideration all these factors.
What can others learn from your example? What is unique about the Abu Dhabi model?
Toufic Allaf: Abu Dhabi has a successful privatisation model in the region, with almost all generating capacities privatised. We exchange our experience with companies that are planning to adopt a model similar to ours, whether in conferences or on a one-to-one basis.
What makes our model unique is our investment environment. During the recent economic crisis ADWEA managed to secure the financial closing of one of our projects. Investors feel that their capital and returns are safe. We purchase their products and supply them with the fuel at agreed rates and formula.
What are some of the upcoming developments that power generation directors in the region should prepare for?
Toufic Allaf: There are large developments under construction and the production companies will have to cope with this. They need to be flexible enough to cope with changes every now and then. A production facility that takes into account meeting forecasted demand for electricity and water while meeting applicable regulatory requirements is the best formula for all power generation companies to consider.
Contact:
Sarin Kouyoumdjian-Gurunlian
Press Manager
marcus evans, Summits Division
Tel: + 357 22 849 313
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com
About the Power Generation MEA Summit 2010
This unique forum will take place at the Park Hyatt Dubai, UAE, 29 November – 1 December 2010. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The summit includes presentations on maximising output, achieving a cost-effective and diversified energy portfolio and efficient plant management strategies.
For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website at www.powergenerationmea.com
Please note that the summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.
About marcus evans Summits
marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-to-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com
All rights reserved. The above content may be republished or reproduced – kindly inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com
marcus evans energy – Growth in renewable energy sources
Dec 13th
marcus evans energy – Growth in renewable energy sources
Overall energy use declined by 9 per cent in 2009
The use of wind generated electricity in the Republic of Ireland grew by 28 per cent on average, each year between 2005 and 2009, according to a new report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
According to the report ‘Energy in Ireland’ overall renewable energy, which includes biomass such as wood chip boilers and biofuels for transport, grew by 15 per cent overall each year during the period.
The increase in the use of renewable energy sources, in addition to the decline in economic activity also resulted in a fall of energy-related CO2 emissions of more than 10 per cent in 2009.
Significantly the report also found the new vehicle registration tax and road tax systems had resulted in a dramatic increase in consumers choosing more fuel efficient vehicles in the A and B label bands.
The report found some 80 per cent of new cars bought in the first 11 months of 2010 were A and B label vehicles up from 25 per cent prior to the new tax band introduction.
The research also shows that overall energy use declined by 9 per cent in 2009, with sectors such as industry at 13 per cent, services at 12 per cent and transport at 10 per cent witnessing the greatest fall.
Commenting on the report, SEAI chief executive, Professor Owen Lewis said: “’Energy in Ireland’ 1990-2009 reflects important trends in our approach to, and management of, energy demand and supply in Ireland.
“We are seeing some positive results shine through as renewable energy continues to grow and energy efficiency continues to improve across all sections of society. As energy becomes more central to enterprise and our economy, it is increasingly important for us to keep a close eye on the emerging trends.”
marcus evans energy presents oil and gas industry events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.
marcus evans energy – Maxol to phase out sale of E85 bio fuel
Dec 12th
Irish-owned oil company Maxol says it is phasing out the sale of the ethanol-based E85 motor fuel.
The company says it has made the decision because the duty derogation on the fuel runs out at the end of this year. Maxol will start phasing out the marketing of this fuel from January 1, 2011.
The company said that, as a result of the Government incentive’s coming to an end, E85 will become significantly more expensive at the pump than normal unleaded petrol. It added that the ‘already extremely modest’ demand would inevitably disappear.
Maxol started offering E85 in 2005. It says it will continue to market E5 unleaded petrol, which is five per cent ethanol.
In a statement, Tom Noonan, chief executive of Maxol Group said that while bio fuels continue to be heavily marketed in the motor fuel business in places as the US, Sweden and Brazil, it appears that a similar policy is no longer fashionable in Ireland.
marcus evans Energy presents oil and gas industry events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts.
Oil falls again with China’s import low
Dec 11th
Oil managed to recover from earlier losses, with a fall in the US dollar counteracting signs that demand may be slowing down in China.
The American Petroleum Institute reported that supplies of crude oil had fallen by the middle of this week to represent 7.4 million barrels – the largest fall for two years time.
Crude oil had rebounded ahead of the US Energy Department weekly inventory – and Goldman Sachs saying that prices of oil will hike significantly by the year 2012.
The world’s biggest consumer of utilities, China, reported that 16 million tons more of crude oil was procured last month than it had sold – compared to the 22.9 million tons from September.
Marcus Evans presents oil and gas events, created by experienced professionals and with information presented by industry experts. 
marcus evans utilities – Unprecedented challenges facing utilites industry
Dec 6th
Remaining nimble in today’s business environment is one of the key challenges facing every individual organisation and industry.
According to Gary Avin of Florida-based utilities company LCEC, recognising the economic hardship facing its customers was a major step forward in steering the company through the current downturn. Avin will be a speaker at the marcus evans Utility Customer Experience, January 13-14, Boston
Located in an area that has the second highest foreclosure market in the US, yet was the fastest growing city in the country only a few years back, unprecedented challenges have presented themselves. Within a space of around four years, as the crisis gathered momentum, customers have found themselves in a dramatically changed landscape that many are struggling to adapt to.
The importance of reacting to this new reality is underpinned by meaningful engagement with customers to enable both sides to work together, Avin says.
He believes that among the key considerations for a company to remain nimble in today’s business climate is acknowledging and assisting customers that are experiencing economic hardship due to the economy.
“In the utility industry it is very important to listen to what our customers are saying. Our customers are struggling in paying their current bills and a lot of the shift now is to better prepare our customers to lower future bills. Right now energy conservation programmes, trying to find what appliances in the home are affecting their bills, are the greatest way of educating our customers to lower those bills.
“I believe you have to listen to what customers are saying, their hardships, and give them agencies in the community that can help them pay those bills, because the last thing that we want to do is have our customers be without power. Even though we are not in a regulated industry here in Florida, it’s very important to treat our customers as if they have a choice and they can go elsewhere. Once we have that mentality we provide better customer service to our customers. In the long run you have a more satisfied customer who understands that we are here to help them lower future bills and offer assist agencies in the community if available.”
A progressive step is educating customers about how to manage their bills, Avin explains.
“We have a campaign here to educate all our customers who are calling about a high bill concern or a bill that they were not able to pay. We focus greatly on trying to reduce future bills by those energy conservation, daily usage views. Customers are also looking for free energy advisors and home visits at times. Customers today are now more involved in web transactions, daily usage text messaging, where a threshold for daily usage is set. The ability to provide quick, instant information is how our customer base is really changing.”
The marcus evans Utility Customer Experience, will take place on January 13-14, in Boston.