Achim Steiner: shale gas rush 'a liability' in efforts slow climate change

Shale gas could turn out to be "a liability" to global efforts limit climate change, the United Nations' top environmental official has warned.

Canada’s Energy Board Studying Keystone Pipe and Fittings

Canada’s National Energy Board is investigating whether some steel pipe and fittings on TransCanada Corp. (TRP)’s Keystone oil pipeline are below standards.

Japan plan keeps nuclear as key energy source

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan unveiled its first draft energy policy since the Fukushima meltdowns three years ago, saying nuclear power remains an important source of electricity for the country.

UK oil and gas industry revamp to add £200bn to economy

The UK government will fast-track the implementation of retired businessman Sir Ian Wood's recommendations for maximising the UK's remaining offshore oil and gas resources.

Nuclear leaks bill will be paid by taxpayer

The private consortium that will manage the decommissioning of Britain's ageing Magnox nuclear reactors will not be held financially liable if they suffer a major radioactive incident – even if it costs billions of pounds to clear up, it has emerged.

WTI Crude Slips With Brent to Pare Sixth Weekly Advance

West Texas Intermediate crude fell, paring a sixth consecutive weekly gain, on speculation prices have climbed more than justified as the heating season nears its end.

Noble Energy plans to sell China oilfield stake - source

Feb 21 (Reuters) - Noble Energy Inc has hired investment bank Lazard Ltd to help arrange the sale of its majority stake in a small oilfield that it owns with Sinopec off northeastern China, a person familiar with the situation said.

Threats to energy companies risk 'the lights going out', warns Centrica chief

Centrica, the owner of British Gas, has warned that the intense political debate over gas and electricity prices has put Britain at risk of blackouts as soon as next year.

Ecuador pursued China oil deal while pledging to protect Yasuni, papers show

The Ecuadorian government was negotiating a secret $1bn deal with a Chinese bank to drill for oil under the Yasuni national park in the Amazon while pursuing a high-profile scheme to keep the oil under the ground in return for international donations, according to a government document seen by the Guardian.

Energy crisis saps power from South African economy: experts

Port Elizabeth (South Africa) (AFP) - The South African economy, the biggest in Africa and a top emerging market, is being held back badly by a crisis at the sclerotic state-owned electricity provider Eskom, experts say.

Water shortages could disrupt Britain's electricity supply, researchers warn

Parts of Britain may be under water after the worst floods in half a century, but a team of top academics from Newcastle and Oxford University is warning that the country is at risk of water shortages that could shut down power stations and paralyse electricity supplies.

Japan Wind Lobby Says Environment Assessments Curbing New Work

TOKYO -- Japan’s effort to obtain more power from wind turbines is being held up by requirements for developers to conduct environmental impact assessments, undermining government support for the industry, a lobby group said.

Leaks in Natural Gas System Seen Exceeding EPA Estimate

A study funded by a foundation tied to the pioneer of hydraulic fracturing found methane leaks from drilling and transporting natural gas are greater than U.S. estimates, undercutting the fuel’s climate benefits.

Energy companies make concessions after 800,000 customers leave 'big six'

The scramble to win new energy customers amid growing complaints about the "big six" power companies intensified on Friday with an independent supplier cutting its prices and one of the large providers promising to pay back annual credit balances.

Solar lasers, ocean power and volcanoes: unusual energy sources of the future

(CNN) -- Fossil fuels are going to run out. This much we know. No one is entirely certain when they will run out exactly, but we know it will happen eventually.

OPEC Oil Output Rises as Group Sees More Demand Growth

OPEC crude production gained for a second month in January as the group boosted its forecast for global oil-demand growth this year.

Wind of change sweeps through energy policy in the Caribbean

Aruba in the southern Caribbean has 107,000 people, a lot of wind and sun and, until very recently, one very big problem.

Germany’s Clean-Energy Plan Faces Resistance to Power Lines

BERLIN — Germany’s resolve to embrace a clean-energy future may soon face another test of not-in-my-backyard public resistance.

INSIGHT-Nuclear deal heightens tension between Iran president and Guards

BEIRUT, Feb 9 (Reuters) - The article on Iran's semi-official Fars news agency appeared routine: the minister of roads and urban development said the ministry does not have a contract with construction firm Khatam al Anbia to complete a major highway heading north from Tehran.

Energy futures rise broadly as demand increases

Energy futures rose broadly Friday on signs that demand for fuel was increasing. Metals prices were little changed and crop futures were mixed.

European parliament votes for stronger climate targets

The European parliament voted on Wednesday to require member states to meet binding national targets on renewable energy, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions.

Centre for Global Energy Studies Says Closing After 24 Years

The Centre for Global Energy Studies, a consulting firm founded by a former Saudi Arabian oil minister, said it’s closing after 24 years.

BP rules out UK shale gas drilling – for now

BP has ruled itself out of drilling for shale gas in the UK, at least for now – indicating it fears its damaged safety record from the Gulf of Mexico spill would make it a target for protesters.

Fukushima Wash-Up Fears in U.S. Belie Radiation Risks: Energy

Seaborne radiation from Japan’s wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant will wash up on the West Coast of the U.S. this year.

Parched, California Cuts Off Tap to Agencies

LOS ANGELES — Responding to one of the worst droughts in California’s history, state officials announced on Friday that they would cut off the water to local agencies serving 25 million residents and about 750,000 acres of farmland.

Natural Gas Futures Drop on Outlook for Milder February Weather

Natural gas fell for a second day in New York as forecasts for milder weather in February signaled reduced demand for heating fuel.

Iran dismisses Barack Obama's claim that sanctions prompted nuclear talks

Iran has said comments in Barack Obama's State of the Union speech about how sanctions linked to its nuclear programme had forced Tehran to the negotiating table were "unrealistic and unconstructive".

Keystone Report Said Likely to Disappoint Foes on Climate

The U.S. State Department is preparing a report that will probably disappoint environmental groups and opponents of the Keystone pipeline, according to people who have been briefed on the draft of the document.