Key themes from the Q2 Platts Global Polyolefin Outlook
Our analysts discuss the demand/supply fundamentals of polypropylene, the likelihood of a bullish supply case for PP, and what the key demand centers for the polyolefin will be.
PRB 8,400 coal production down but not out
The share of lower heat 8,400 Btu/lb coal produced in the Powder River Basin continues to decline but is unlikely to go away, say market sources.
Where will all the new US olefins go?
Will growing supplies of shale-driven olefins expansions in the North American market outstrip the ability of units downstream to take in product?
Latin America grapples with lack of petrochemical investment
Beyond Mexico, proposed petrochemical expansions have fallen by the wayside in Latin America.
H2 2016: What is the outlook for China's volatile steel market?
Paul Bartholomew focuses on China and the steel price volatility witnessed in the first half of the year and what we could potentially see over the second half of 2016.
Steel trade is trending: Now a main point in the US conversation on #GlobalTrade
Steel trade may not be hash-tagged on social media as much as Steph or LeBron, but American steelmakers are hitting shots from almost every spot on the floor as they take aim against what they steadfastly maintain are illegally traded steel imports.
Extended policies case shows reduced energy use, emissions, more renewables, efficiency
(Tue, 28 Jun 2016) Tax credits and efficiency standards for appliances and vehicles have been key drivers for increasing renewable energy use and energy efficiency in the United States. Extending these policies and increasing the stringency of the Clean Power Plan beyond 2030 would reduce energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by reducing motor fuel use and energy use in buildings by increasing efficiency and by increasing the share of solar and wind in the electricity generation mix.
Did new drilling techniques hasten Bakken output fall? — Fuel for Thought
About nine months ago, analysts at Petrologica began questioning the oil production data coming out of North Dakota.
Proposed standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles would reduce diesel consumption
(Mon, 27 Jun 2016) Proposed fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards would increase fuel economy and reduce diesel consumption in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The first phase of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle standards was recently implemented, starting with model year 2014. The proposed Phase 2 standards would take effect in model year 2021 for most medium- and heavy-duty vehicle classes and increase in stringency through model year 2027.
Extended Policies case
(Mon, 27 Jun 2016) This report, the third of five Issues in Focus articles from Annual Energy Outlook 2016, discusses the results of the Extended Policies case which includes selected policies that go beyond current laws and regulations. In the Extended Policies case, existing tax credits that have scheduled reductions and sunset dates are assumed to remain unchanged through 2040. Other efficiency policies, including corporate average fuel economy standards, appliance standards, and building codes, are expanded beyond current provisions; and the U.S.