Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 49

Friday, January 31, 2020

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 49

1          Oil Price Fundamental Daily Forecast
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/oil-price-fundamental-daily-forecast-hard-to-find-a-reason-to-be-long-over-the-weekend-629839

U.S. West Texas Intermediate and international-benchmark Brent crude oil futures are trading mixed on Friday, however, momentum is clearly to the downside as traders continue to worry about the coronavirus’ impact on global demand. Both futures contracts are in a position to post their fourth consecutive weekly loss.

2          Natural Gas Price Fundamental Daily Forecast
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/natural-gas-price-fundamental-daily-forecast-higher-close-will-indicate-selling-pressure-is-weakening-629824

Natural gas futures are trading nearly flat on Friday, shortly before the regular session opening, after hitting a new contract low earlier in the session. Even at multi-year lows, the selling pressure is so strong that even a relatively large storage withdrawal as reported by the government on Thursday, can’t stop the market from heading lower.

3          Lower Prices for PP, PS, PE, PET; Flat for PVC
https://www.ptonline.com/blog/post/lower-prices-for-pp-ps-pe-pet-flat-for-pvc
With ‘starring roles’ for PP and PS, prices of commodity resins were lower starting in 2019, with the exception of PVC, which stayed flat. For this month, and possibly February, resin prices of PE, PP, PS, PVC, and PET are generally projected to be flat. Driving the trend were continued lower feedstock prices globally, starting with crude oil, and globally higher supplier inventories, with lackluster seasonal demand.

4          Weekly resin report: Persistent demand for LD and LLD PE sends up prices
https://www.plasticstoday.com/resin-pricing/weekly-resin-report-persistent-demand-ld-and-lld-pe-sends-prices/151307291462302

During a very busy trading week, the flow of fresh railcar offers remained a tad on the light side, consistent with the weeks since the early December purge, reports the PlasticsExchange (Chicago) in its Market Update. Nevertheless, enough material was available to satisfy strong customer demand. Despite all upstream costs falling the week of Jan. 20, spot polyethylene (PE) prices were at a minimum fully steady to up $0.02/lb, while polypropylene (PP) prices gained an early cent and then relinquished it by the weekend.

5          Risk of oil supply disruptions can have an immediate effect on oil prices
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42675
Crude oil supply disruptions—realized or expected—can have large and immediate effects on crude oil prices. Two recent events, the September 2019 attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais (which disrupted crude oil volumes) and the January 2020 military operations in Iraq (which did not disrupt crude oil volumes), led to relatively large daily price changes and intraday price movements—movements within single trading days.

6          Oil Rebounds After WHO Update
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/oil_rebounds_after_who_update-31-jan-2020-160954-article/

Oil jumped after the World Health Organization said there’s no need for travel bans due to the coronavirus, but was still set for its worst month since May as the virus sapped the demand outlook.

7          Coronavirus Halts Flow Of Latin American Oil To China
https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Coronavirus-Halts-Flow-Of-Latin-American-Oil-To-China.html

The flow of oil traveling from Latin America to China has stopped in the wake of the deadly outbreak of the coronavirus that has sunk oil prices to three-month lows, with no oil making its way from Brazil or Colombia to China since last week, according to Bloomberg.

8          CAPP forecasts oil and gas spending will rise $2B this year
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/capp-projection-oil-gas-spending-1.5446169
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) says it expects about six per cent more will be invested in Canadian upstream energy this year than in 2019, taking the total to about $37 billion, which is about half as much as in 2014 when investment levels reached $81 billion.

9Imperial Oil’s quarterly profit beats estimates on higher crude prices
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-imperial-oil-results-idUSKBN1ZU1RR
Canada’s Imperial Oil Ltd (IMO.TO) edged past quarterly profit estimates on Friday, benefiting from a recovery in Canadian crude prices following Alberta’s mandated production cuts.

10        Exxon quarterly profit falls 5.2% on weak refining, chemical margins
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-exxon-mobil-results-idUSKBN1ZU1OI
Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N) reported a 5.2% drop in fourth-quarter profit on Friday, as assets sales propped up flat year-over-year oil and gas output and weakness in its refining and chemicals businesses.

11        Shell’s profit hit by lower prices
https://www.lngworldnews.com/shells-profit-hit-by-lower-prices/
The company reported a net profit of $2.9 billion for the quarter under review, 48 percent down on the $5.6 billion reported in the corresponding quarter of 2018.

12        Saudi petrochemicals giant posts rare loss
https://middle-east-online.com/en/saudi-petrochemicals-giant-posts-rare-loss
Saudi petrochemicals giant SABIC said on Wednesday it posted a rare loss in the fourth quarter of last year, due to low prices and the allocation of a huge emergency provision.

SABIC, the second-largest listed firm in the kingdom after oil giant Aramco, said it posted a loss of $192 million in the last three months of 2019 after its revenues fell by 18.5 percent.

13        PTTEP books higher profit helped by acquisitions
https://www.offshoreenergytoday.com/pttep-books-higher-profit-helped-by-acquisitions/
PTTEP on Thursday reported its 2019 net profit of $1.57 billion, increasing by 40% from from $1.12 billion in 2018 with respect to escalating sales volume from acquisitions projects and the purchase of additional stakes in the Bongkot field.

14        China oil imports from top supplier Saudi Arabia rise 47% in 2019: customs
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-economy-trade-oil-idUSKBN1ZU0EH
China’s crude oil imports from top supplier Saudi Arabia rose nearly 47% in 2019, with December shipments from the kingdom flat to a year earlier, customs data showed on Friday.

15        PU: U.S. Gulf Coast polyethylene projects face start-up delays
https://www.bicmagazine.com/industry/refining-petchem/pu-u-s-gulf-coast-polyethylene-projects-face-start-up-delays/

Petrochemical projects in the U.S. Gulf Coast to add polyethylene capacity expected to start by the end of 2019 have experienced issues including an explosion, pushing some production to later in 2020, as reported by Petrochemical Update.

16        Mexico’s Pemex chief pushes for state control over major offshore oil area Zama
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-oil-zama-idUSKBN1ZS298
Mexico’s state oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos, wants operational control over a major offshore oil area discovered by a consortium of private companies before development gets under way, its top official said on Wednesday.

17        Mexico sends rare cargoes of medium sour crude Isthmus to USGC
https://blogs.platts.com/2020/01/30/mexico-medium-sour-crude-isthmus-usgc/
Mexican state-owned oil producer Pemex exported three separate cargoes of the Mexican medium sour crude Isthmus to the US Gulf Coast between December and January.

18        US Oil and Gas Jobs Increase
https://www.rigzone.com/news/us_oil_and_gas_jobs_increase-30-jan-2020-160940-article/
The U.S. oil and gas industry employed 895,629 professionals in 2019.

That’s according to a new report from the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), which highlighted that this figure increased by 8,453 jobs from 2018.

19        Is This The End Of Canada’s Oil Sands?
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/Is-This-The-End-Of-Canadas-Oil-Sands.html
Another billion-dollar energy project is polarizing Canada once again, but this time, it’s got nothing to do with pipelines, or even LNG terminals. It’s the Frontier oil sands mine that the federal government of Justin Trudeau must approve or reject by the end of next month.

Recycling, Renewables and Sustainable Business 20

Friday, January 31, 2020

Recycling, Renewables and Sustainable Business 20

1          EIA expects U.S. electricity generation from renewables to soon surpass nuclear and coal
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42655
In the latest long-term projections, the U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects electricity generation from renewable sources such as wind and solar to surpass nuclear and coal by 2021 and to surpass natural gas in 2045. In the Annual Energy Outlook 2020 (AEO2020) Reference case, the share of renewables in the U.S. electricity generation mix increases from 19% in 2019 to 38% in 2050.

2          Electric Vehicle Batteries Will ‘Dwarf’ The Grid’s Energy-Storage Needs
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2020/01/29/electric-vehicle-batteries-could-dwarf-the-grids-energy-storage-needs/

There will be more than enough batteries in electric vehicles by 2050 to support a grid that runs on solar and wind—if the two are connected by smart chargers, according to experts at the International Renewable Energy Agency.

3          How Machine Learning Could Impact the Future of Renewable Energy
https://www.altenergymag.com/article/2019/10/how-machine-learning-could-impact-the-future-of-renewable-energy/32030/

More and more cities are looking to go green. And renewable energy is, if current trends hold, the future of the energy industry. But as renewable energy technologies like wind farms are implemented at larger scales than ever, local officials are running into their limitations. The energy production of wind farms is hard to predict, and this makes energy grid design difficult.

4          Corporations inked 19.5 GW of clean energy contracts in 2019
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2020/01/29/corporations-inked-19-5-gw-of-clean-energy-contracts-in-2019/

With businesses more eager than ever to make bold clean energy promises, the global market for corporate renewable energy power purchase agreements continues to surge. Last year, corporations contracted an unprecedented volume of renewable energy projects, up more than 40% from the previous year’s record, finds Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).

5          Credit Suisse, others back initiative to factor CO2 cuts into shipping finance
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-shipping-environment-finance-idUSKBN1ZT2GU
Credit Suisse (CSGN.S), BNP Paribas (BNPP.PA) and French public investment bank Bpifrance are the latest lenders to join an initiative to link provision of shipping finance to cuts in carbon dioxide emissions.

6          Change climate policy now to avert oil market crisis, warns thinktank
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/31/change-climate-policy-now-to-avert-oil-market-crisis-warns-thinktank

The oil industry is at risk of a global market shock that could halve the value of fossil fuel investments if governments delay setting policies to tackle the climate crisis, according to new analysis.

7          Can Seawater Batteries Replace Lithium?
https://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Renewable-Energy/Can-Seawater-Batteries-Replace-Lithium.html
Lithium and cobalt: the two components of a rechargeable battery that have spurred a research and development rush may eventually meet their match in the future, in a simple element available in abundance in seawater.

8          Tesla hits new storage record as PV installs tumble year-on-year
https://www.pv-tech.org/news/51963
Tesla’s PV roll-out of 173MW this year is a far cry from the volumes it had recorded in 2017 (522MW) and 2018 (326MW). Image credit: PV Tech. Tesla has anticipated a solid 2020 on the renewable deployment front after its figures for 2019 proved stellar for storage installs but far less so for PV additions.

9          Arkema keen to ride bifacial wave with new polymer solution launch
https://www.pv-tech.org/news/51967
Materials firm Arkema is lining up a bifacial-ready backsheet polymer solution for release this year, having identified the trend for bifacial panels to represent a significant opportunity for the group.

10        The truth about compostable plastics
https://www.plasticstoday.com/sustainability/truth-about-compostable-plastics/14384319762324
Being “green” has its rules, and they are often confusing. To quote Kermit, “It isn’t easy being green.” A big part of the problem in getting people to dispose of their waste properly is educating them on the rules.

11        Tesla Earnings Report: Top Takeaways
https://cleantechnica.com/2020/01/30/tesla-earnings-report-top-takeaways/

Below are a number of top takeaways from Tesla’s latest shareholder letter and conference call. Perhaps these thing stood out to you as well. Perhaps they will light a spark in your brain.

12        Here’s How Renewable Energy Benefits the Wastewater Industry
https://www.altenergymag.com/article/2020/01/heres-how-renewable-energy-benefits-the-wastewater-industry/32592

The gap between the demand for clean water and the world’s supply of it will only widen in the coming decades. Wildly inconsistent access to potable water sources is one major challenge in the world today when it comes to hydration.

13        The First Phase of the Transition is About Electricity, Not Primary Energy
https://about.bnef.com/blog/the-first-phase-of-the-transition-is-about-electricity-not-primary-energy/
Primary energy might be the right lens through which to think about energy when there are few alternatives to fossil fuels, or if you’re an oil, gas, or coal company, for which primary energy describes the product you sell. However the world economy does not run on primary energy, it runs on final energy. That’s the energy we consume to heat and light our buildings, run our vehicles, and power industry.

14        Fed has a role in combating climate change risk, Powell says
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-fed-climatechange-idUSKBN1ZT031
While the overall U.S. response to climate change is up to elected officials, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday, the Fed can play a part in keeping global warming from destabilizing U.S. banks and financial markets.

15        Environment Canada to release science review backing need for plastics ban
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/environment-canada-report-plastics-ban-1.5445611
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last June the government was getting ready to prohibit the production and sale of single-use plastics in Canada, such as drinking straws, takeout containers and plastic cutlery.

16        Study doubts LNG fuel’s life-cycle GHG emissions benefit
https://www.lngworldnews.com/study-doubts-lng-fuels-life-cycle-ghg-emissions-benefit/
A paper by the International Council on Clean Transportation takes into consideration the life-cycle GHG emissions of LNG, marine gas oil (MGO), very low sulfur fuel oil, and heavy fuel oil when used in engines suitable for international shipping, including cruise ships.

17        EIA’s Annual Energy Outlook 2020 projects consumption growing more slowly than production
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42635
The AEO2020 Reference case also projects the share of U.S. electricity generation from renewable sources to double from 19% of total generation in 2019 to 38% by 2050. Solar contributes the most to the growth, more than tripling from 14% of total renewable generation in 2019 to 46% by 2050. Although coal and nuclear generation decline through the mid-2020s as a result of capacity retirements, their generation stabilizes over the longer term as the more economically viable plants remain in service.

Business Intelligence and Analytics 49

Friday, January 31, 2020

Business Intelligence and Analytics 49

1          Four Skills Tomorrow’s Innovation Workforce Will Need
https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/four-skills-tomorrows-innovation-workforce-will-need/
This article is part of an MIT SMR initiative exploring how technology is reshaping the practice of management. Throughout history, new technologies have demanded step shifts in the skills that companies need. Like the First Industrial Revolution’s steam-powered factories, the Second Industrial Revolution’s mass-production tools and techniques, and the Third Industrial Revolution’s internet-based technologies, the Fourth Industrial Revolution — currently being driven by the convergence of new digital, biological, and physical technologies — is changing the nature of work as we know it.

2          Five Major AI And ML Trends For 2020
https://medium.com/@gopalk99913/five-major-ai-and-ml-trends-for-2020-3a2ac540a699
Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are trendy expressions that almost everybody has heard nowadays. However, even individuals who aren’t acquainted with them experience these technologies consistently. Research shows that 77% of the devices that we now use have AI incorporated with them.

3          Digital Innovation is Everywhere
https://www.informationweek.com/strategic-cio/executive-insights-and-innovation/digital-innovation-is-everywhere/a/d-id/1336843

Here are 6 digital innovation technologies and how they could be deployed in various markets. It’s not just about the customers. Businesses are increasingly betting on digitization to win in the marketplace. A Gartner survey found that 67% of business leaders believed they would no longer be competitive if they weren’t significantly more digital by 2020.

4          Is R becoming Irrelevant compared to Python in Data Science
https://decisionstats.com/2020/01/30/is-r-becoming-irrelevant-compared-to-python-in-data-science/
The language R which once claimed to bury SAS language in data science is increasingly losing share of market and share of mind in data science.

5          5 Excellent Big Data Tools for Fostering a Digital Workplace
https://www.smartdatacollective.com/5-excellent-big-data-tools-for-fostering-a-digital-workplace/
The future of business relies heavily on big data advancements. One of the biggest strides that the technology sector has made for corporations involves the creation of the digital workplace with AI, machine learning and other big data tools.

6          Data Science Success – 3 Tips to Consider
https://101.datascience.community/2020/01/29/data-science-success-3-tips-to-consider/
Previously, we looked at some Challenges of Data Science Projects. They can be difficult, and they do not alway succeed. Below are 3 techniques to help your next project become a data science success

7          Getting practical about the future of work
https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/getting-practical-about-the-future-of-work

What story will people tell about your organization over the next ten years? Will they celebrate an enthusiastic innovator that thrived by adapting workforce skills and ways of working to the demands of the new economy? Or will they blame poor financial or operational results, unhappy employees, and community disruption on a short-sighted or delayed talent strategy?

8          Going international with SEO: How to make your WordPress site globally friendly
https://www.searchenginewatch.com/2020/01/30/going-international-with-seo-how-to-make-your-wordpress-site-globally-friendly/

International expansion is an expected ambition for progressive websites. The online nature of this global reach means that the uncertainties, legal dangers, and cultural hazards are minimized. The world is at your fingertips, and the costs in reaching it successfully are minimal.

9          Amazon Gets Into the AutoML Race with AutoGluon: Some AutoML Architectures
https://www.kdnuggets.com/2020/01/amazon-automl-autogluon-architectures-know-about.html
A few days ago, Amazon announced the release of AutoGloun, a new toolkit that simplifies the creation of deep learning models with just a few lines of code. The release marks Amazon’s entrance in the ultra-competitive Automated machine learning(AutoML) space which is becoming one of the hottest trends for enterprise machine learning platforms.

10        Amazon vs Google: The Battle for Product Search
https://blog.searchmetrics.com/us/amazon-google-product-search/
In this analysis, we take a detailed look at how Amazon uses a combination of organic and paid listings to vie for shoppers’ clicks, which strategies Google follows in the battle for product search, and how Amazon continues to fight back.

11        Data Cleaning Steps for Small Businesses
https://www.business2community.com/small-business/data-cleaning-steps-for-small-businesses-02279331
While small businesses make a huge impact when put together, individually they’re often operating on small budgets. Which means small business owners need to be aware of every penny.

12        How to Keep Your Website Updated
https://www.business2community.com/web-design/how-to-keep-your-website-updated-02279048
You put in a lot of hard work and effort into building your website and you finally got it published. Then you spent time tweaking and adjusting it and now it’s working like a fine Swiss watch.

13        The Foundations of Becoming a Data-Driven Organization: An Expert Q&A
https://www.business2community.com/expert-interviews/the-foundations-of-becoming-a-data-driven-organization-an-expert-qa-02270978

Data is becoming a must-have for many companies today. According to IDC, the Big Data and business analytics industry reached $189 billion in 2019, and could reach an estimated $274 billion by 2022.

14        The Complete Guide on Customer Demand Forecasting in Retail
https://spd.group/machine-learning/demand-forecasting/
Demand is the key indicator for every business to consider before taking the first step or expanding in the chosen market segment. It drives economic growth while central banks and governments boost demand to end down-sliding. Demand Prediction, which is part of Predictive Analytics, implies an evaluation of the number of goods and services that consumers will probably buy in the future. The most critical business factors such as turnover, profit margins, cash flow, capital expenditure, risk assessment, mitigation plans, capacity planning, etc. are directly dependent on demand.

15        The 12 most valuable business intelligence certifications
http://www.techcentral.ie/HUnzC
Certifications are not required to work in BI, but they may help you get an edge by proving to employers that you have the right skillset. Below is our guide to some of the most sought-after BI certifications.

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 48

Friday, January 24, 2020

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 48

1          Oil Price Fundamental Daily Forecast
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/oil-price-fundamental-daily-forecast-coronavirus-quarantines-to-drive-down-energy-demand-628189

U.S. West Texas Intermediate and international-benchmark Brent crude oil futures are edging lower on Friday, shortly before the regular session opening. The markets are also headed for a steep weekly decline as concern that a virus in China may spread, hurting travel and fuel demand, overshadowed supply cuts. China is the world’s second largest oil consumer so any slowdown in travel would show up on demand forecasts.

2          Weekly resin report: Strong export demand pushes PP, PE prices higher
https://www.plasticstoday.com/resin-pricing/weekly-resin-report-strong-export-demand-pushes-pp-pe-prices-higher/21870530062264

Although completed volumes in the spot resin markets dropped last week compared with the week before, they remained well above year-ago levels, reported the PlasticsExchange (Chicago) in its Market Update. The flow of fresh railcar offers has declined from the pace seen during the fourth quarter and spot prices have firmed, cleaning up the lower end of the pricing spectrum. Processors initially balked at higher asking prices, but some came back late in the week and paid up for material.

3          Asian chemicals face tight supply, weak demand post-Lunar New Year
https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2020/01/22/10460741/asian-chemicals-face-tight-supply-weak-demand-post-lunar-new-year

The outlook on Asian petrochemicals and fuel products is mixed post-Lunar New Year, with supply of butadiene (BD), acrylonitrile (ACN) and isopropanol (IPA) tightening while other chemicals will face weak demand and rising fuel supply is expected.

4          Recycled plastics will feel the heat from consumer demand
https://blogs.platts.com/2020/01/22/recycled-plastics-consumer-demand-2020/
The global recycled plastics market will continue to grapple with unfavorable economics in 2020. In the long term, demand for recycled plastics is expected to grow significantly, along with recycling rates for core materials PET, PE and PP.

5          Virus Anxiety Has Oil Poised for Losing Streak
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/virus_anxiety_has_oil_poised_for_losing_streak-24-jan-2020-160881-article/

Oil is heading for the longest run of weekly losses since May on fears China’s coronavirus outbreak may dent demand amid plentiful global supplies, even as U.S. crude inventories unexpectedly declined.

6          Why The Coronavirus Is A Real Threat To Oil Markets
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Why-The-Coronavirus-Is-A-Real-Threat-To-Oil-Markets.html
It impairs your breathing, causes extreme fatigue and fevers. It kills. And beyond that, it’s keeping oil prices low by threatening to stifle oil demand in one of the world’s largest oil markets. It’s SARS CoV, better known as the SARS Coronavirus, and it’s shaping up to be the oil market’s biggest nemesis this year. And there’s no cure.

7          IEA’s Fatih Birol Sees 1 Million-Barrel Oil Market Surplus
https://www.hartenergy.com/news/ieas-fatih-birol-sees-1-million-barrel-oil-market-surplus-185435
A surplus of one million barrels per day (bbl/d) of oil is expected to keep a lid on prices in first-half 2020, International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol said Jan. 21.

8          U.S. LNG Booms As Natural Gas Prices Crash
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/US-LNG-Booms-As-Natural-Gas-Prices-Crash.html
Despite the current oversupply and depressed natural gas prices all over the world, the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is set for further growth, at least into the middle of this decade, as suppliers sanction new projects and major buyers ramp up imports.

9          EIA expects U.S. net natural gas exports to almost double by 2021
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42575
In its Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), released on January 14, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that U.S. natural gas exports will exceed natural gas imports by an average 7.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2020 (2.0 Bcf/d higher than in 2019) and 8.9 Bcf/d in 2021. Growth in U.S. net exports is led primarily by increases in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and pipeline exports to Mexico. Net natural gas exports more than doubled in 2019, compared with 2018, and EIA expects that they will almost double again by 2021 from 2019 levels.

10        U.S. crude oil production efficiency continues year-over-year improvements
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42595
U.S. oil production from tight formations increased in 2019, accounting for 64% of total U.S. crude oil production. This share grew because of the increasing productivity of new wells that were brought online during 2019.

11        US Energy Independence Fuels Persian Gulf Insecurity
https://www.rigzone.com/news/us_energy_independence_fuels_persian_gulf_insecurity-24-jan-2020-160883-article/

The U.S. drive for energy independence fuels Persian Gulf insecurity, according to a new report by Verisk Maplecroft. “As U.S. shale oil production has increased, and with Middle East oil exports to Asia now higher than to anywhere else globally, the role of the United States in guaranteeing security in the region as a quid-pro-quo for secure energy supplies has weakened,” Niamh McBurney, head of MENA at Verisk Maplecroft, said in the report.

12        Oil Geopolitical Risk Is Declining, Despite US-Iran Tensions
https://www.forbes.com/sites/randybrown/2020/01/23/oil-geopolitical-risk-is-declining-despite-us-iran-tensions/

The recent Middle East confrontations between the U.S. and Iran has done little to permanently push up the price of oil. Oil prices spiked on the days when there were acts of aggression, but quickly retraced as the other side contained its response. Was this moderation in oil volatility the result of adept diplomacy, or is it a more structural reduction in geopolitical risk?

13        Mexico goes ghost as its oil hedge bill spirals
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-oil-hedge-insight-idUSKBN1ZM1JJ

To frustrate speculators and contain an annual bill of more than $1 billion, Mexico is going to new lengths to mask its attempts to insure its revenue from oil sales against falling prices – no mean feat for a hedging program known as Wall Street’s biggest oil trade.

14        Booming Plastics Industry Faces Backlash as Data About Environmental Harm Grows
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16012020/plastics-marine-oceans-climate-change-oil-gas-carbon-emissions

Frustrated with the sight of plastic bags and styrofoam containers piling up in its harbor, the city of Charleston, South Carolina, rang in the new year with a promise to start enforcing a ban on single-use plastic containers and utensils.

15        What Will The Energy Sector Look Like In 2030?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/woodmackenzie/2020/01/24/what-will-the-energy-sector-look-like-in-2030/
The world we live in today is very different to 10 years ago. What change will the coming decade bring? I asked Wood Mackenzie’s analysts from across our business – energy transition, power and renewables, macro oils, petrochemicals, gas, upstream, corporate, economics, metals and mining – to imagine what 2030 could look like.

16        Global LNG Poised for Terrible Year
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/global_lng_poised_for_terrible_year-24-jan-2020-160885-article/

Liquefied natural gas prices are poised to test record lows this year thanks to an onslaught of new supply and warmer winter temperatures curbing consumption.

17        Keystone XL Takes Another Step Forward
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/keystone_xl_takes_another_step_forward-23-jan-2020-160872-article/

TC Energy Corp.’s long-delayed Keystone XL pipeline took another step forward with U.S. approval of a key stretch of construction. The Interior Department authorized construction across a swath of federal land in Montana, according to a release on Wednesday.

18        Nimble Singapore bunker market swiftly adjusts to IMO 2020
https://blogs.platts.com/2020/01/23/singapore-bunker-market-adjusts-imo2020/
The Singapore bunker market recorded its highest monthly sales volume for the year in December 2019, and uptake of low sulfur bunker fuel finally brought some optimism back into the market as it falls in line with IMO 2020.

19        Russian petrochemical giant ready for Moscow IPO
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-01-22/Russian-petrochemical-giant-ready-for-Moscow-IPO-NswNHYSVxK/index.html

Russian petrochemical company SIBUR said it’s ready for going public and Moscow is most probably to be the place. That’s according to Sergey Komyshan, the executive director at SIBUR.

20        SE Asia ethylene market strengthens on tighter supply, fresh demand
https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2020/01/24/10461407/se-asia-ethylene-market-strengthens-on-tighter-supply-fresh-demand

Ethylene prices in southeast Asia are buoyed by tightening supply and fresh spot demand. Spot availability for February-loading cargoes is curtailed by widespread operating rate cuts at regional naphtha-(liquefied petroleum gas) LPG crackers, as well as ongoing and upcoming cracker turnarounds in southeast Asia and the Middle East.

21        4 Promising Oil Trends To Watch In 2020
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/4-Promising-Oil-Trends-To-Watch-In-2020.html
Since the turn of the year, energy stocks have become a put owner’s dream–what with the energy sector virtually generating the worst returns of all US sectors.

And the harder you look, the worse it gets, making it nearly impossible to find value in this gridlocked mess.

Recycling, Renewables and Sustainable Business 19

Friday, January 24, 2020

Recycling, Renewables and Sustainable Business 19

1          BlackRock, partners eye initial $500 million for climate fund
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-davos-meeting-blackrock-idUSKBN1ZL0N6
A BlackRock-backed (BLK.N) group aims to raise an initial $500 million for a private equity fund that will invest in climate change-linked infrastructure upgrades in emerging markets.

2          Nestlé Plans to Invest About $2 Billion on Recycled Plastic Packaging
https://www.ptonline.com/news/nestle-plans-to-invest-about-2-billion-on-recycled-plastic-packaging
Nestlé announced that it will invest up to 2 billion Swiss francs ($2.1 billion) to ensure the high adoption rate of food-grade recycled plastics and to accelerate the development of innovative sustainable packaging solutions.

3          World’s consumption of materials hits record 100bn tonnes a year
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/22/worlds-consumption-of-materials-hits-record-100bn-tonnes-a-year

The amount of material consumed by humanity has passed 100bn tonnes every year, a report has revealed, but the proportion being recycled is falling. The climate and wildlife emergencies are driven by the unsustainable extraction of fossil fuels, metals, building materials and trees. The report’s authors warn that treating the world’s resources as limitless is leading towards global disaster.

4          Shell uses plastic waste to produce resin feedstocks
https://www.plasticstoday.com/sustainability/shell-uses-plastic-waste-produce-resin-feedstocks/127417080662263

Shell says that it has successfully made “high-end” chemicals using a liquid feedstock made from plastic waste using a pyrolysis process that is considered a breakthrough for hard-to-recycle plastics. The initiative advances Shell’s ambition to use one million tonnes of plastic waste a year in its global chemical plants by 2025.

5          Batteries Benefit From Ontario’s Bizarre Energy Market
https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/batteries-benefit-from-ontarios-bizarre-energy-market
Batteries are benefiting from a bizarre market setup in Ontario that has politicians canceling energy-saving programs while at the same time pledging to cut bills.

6          The Six Energy Paradoxes that slow the sector’s progress
https://energypost.eu/the-six-energy-paradoxes-that-slow-the-sectors-progress/
The longer I work in energy the more I realise how complicated it is, how reliant it is on regulation and thus how closely aligned energy is to politics. It is not just the fact that certain economies, such as Russia or Norway, are highly dependent on oil and gas revenues, it is also the choices and approaches that different countries take, all of which are different.

7          What Would an Accelerated Global Energy Transition Look Like?
https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/what-would-an-accelerated-global-energy-transition-look-like

The Accelerated Energy Transition (AET) reflects the potential for heightened preferences across society to meet the challenges presented by climate change. This is our realistic assessment of how the transition could progress much faster. It is a 2.5-degree pathway.

8          Stopping Global Warming Will Cost $50 Trillion: Morgan Stanley Report
https://www.forbes.com/sites/sergeiklebnikov/2019/10/24/stopping-global-warming-will-cost-50-trillion-morgan-stanley-report/

While estimates vary on the cost of halting global warming and reducing net carbon emissions to zero, a new report from Morgan Stanley analysts finds that to do so by 2050 the world will need to spend $50 trillion in five key areas of zero-carbon technology.

9          Is climate action a $26T opportunity? Number needs some scrutiny
https://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/environment-and-safety/is-climate-action-a-26t-opportunity-number-needs-some-scrutiny-245669/

“This is not simply an environmental issue. It is an economic issue. The estimates going forward in terms of the size of the prize for countries that are in this game early, developing technologies and deploying technologies that address some of the carbon-related issues, is enormous. It’s been estimated at a $26 trillion opportunity.” — Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, BNN Bloomberg, Jan. 7, 2020

10        $3.6 Billion Energy Storage Project Rising From Ashes Of Coal Power
https://cleantechnica.com/2020/01/22/3-6-billion-energy-storage-project-rising-from-ashes-of-coal-power-plant/

Whelp, that was fast. No sooner does the notorious coal-fired Navajo Generating Station shut its doors, when a massive renewable energy project jumps in to take its place. We’re talking about the proposed Navajo Energy Storage Station in Arizona, and it’s not just any old renewable energy project. It’s a 10-hour, 2,200 megawatt system, which puts it in the long duration storage category, which is something the US Department of Energy has been lusting after quite lustily.

11        The US is set to experience yet a new energy revolution: Offshore Wind
https://www.rystadenergy.com/newsevents/news/press-releases/the-us-is-set-to-experience-yet-a-new-energy-revolution-offshore-wind/

According to fresh research by Rystad Energy, installed offshore wind capacity in US waters could reach 20 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and annual investments in the sector could surpass $15 billion by the mid-2020s. Such a trajectory means capital expenditure in US offshore wind will likely exceed those in US offshore oil and gas within the next five years – a truly remarkable development.

12        Microgrids: An idea whose time has come?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/what-on-earth-newsletter-microgrids-green-energy-1.5437568
As the global population grows, so does the demand for electricity. But there are challenges, even now. More than a billion people around the world don’t have access to power grids. According to the Canada Energy Regulator, 200,000 people in Canada are not connected to the North American electrical grid and natural gas distribution pipeline systems.

13        Dow strikes agreement with Avangard to further circular economy goals
https://www.plasticstoday.com/recycling/dow-strikes-agreement-avangard-further-circular-economy-goals/197370842662286

Dow has struck a new deal with waste optimization leader Avangard Innovative (AI; Houston, TX) to further its circular economy goals. AI will supply post-consumer resin (PCR) pellets to Dow, an initiative Dow describes as a significant addition to its plastic circularity portfolio. The PCR-based materials will be available to North American customers later this year.

14        ESG framework | McKinsey
https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/five-ways-that-esg-creates-value

Your business, like every business, is deeply intertwined with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns. It makes sense, therefore, that a strong ESG proposition can create value—and in this article, we provide a framework for understanding the five key ways it can do so. But first, let’s briefly consider the individual elements of ESG:

15        Car Makers Ask Europe to Introduce Mandatory Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Targets
https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/europes-car-makers-ask-for-help-to-realize-green-deal-goals

European car manufacturers have warned of missed decarbonization targets and job losses unless the sector gets more support from policymakers. “At the very time when our industry is massively stepping up investments in zero-emission vehicles, the market is set to contract — not only in the EU but also globally — so the transition to carbon-neutrality needs to be very well managed by policymakers,” said Michael Manley, CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the current ACEA president.

16        ‘No more coal, no oil and gas expansion’ Qatari sovereign wealth fund investment boss says
https://www.energyvoice.com/oilandgas/219950/no-more-coal-no-oil-and-gas-expansion-qatari-sovereign-wealth-fund-investment-boss-says/

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund plans to shift into greener assets, according to Chief Executive Officer Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud.

“We’re not going to invest more in the coal business,” he said Wednesday in a Bloomberg TV interview in Davos, Switzerland.

17        Total to deploy 20,000 EV charging stations in the Netherlands
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2020/01/22/total-to-deploy-20000-ev-charging-stations-in-the-netherlands/

French oil company Total has won a contract tendered by Metropolitan Region Amsterdam (MRA) Electric to install 20,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

18        Is Climate Change Having an Impact on Manufacturing?
https://www.altenergymag.com/article/2020/01/is-climate-change-having-an-impact-on-manufacturing/32543

Climate change is a topic that’s on everyone’s mind. You can’t turn on the news or take a trip to the grocery store without hearing someone talking about sustainability and the impact that climate change is having on the world around us.

19        Study: PV, storage poised to become top energy job creators by mid-century
https://www.pv-tech.org/news/study-pv-storage-poised-to-become-top-energy-job-creators-by-mid-century

A new study has predicted solar will become the undisputed top global energy employer by 2050, spearheading a renewables job boom as fossil fuel industries shed millions of workers.

20        Coca-Cola and Pepsi defiant on plastic bottles and littering
https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/top-story/coca-cola-pepsi-defiant-plastic-bottles-littering-21-01-2020
Bea Perez told the BBC at Davos 2020 that customers like plastic bottles because they reseal and are lightweight.

Perez said the soft drinks giant could not stop using plastic bottles completely, as this could alienate customers and hit sales; additionally, she said using only aluminium and glass packaging could push up the firm’s carbon footprint – another key argument by plastic packaging firms.

21        Oil Chiefs at Davos Debate Tougher CO2 Cuts
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/oil_chiefs_at_davos_debate_tougher_co2_cuts-22-jan-2020-160860-article/

The bosses of some of the world’s biggest oil companies discussed adopting much more ambitious carbon targets at a closed-door meeting in Davos on Wednesday, a sign of how much pressure they’re under from activists and investors to address climate change.

22        EIA projects less than a quarter of the world’s electricity generated from coal by 2050
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42555
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) International Energy Outlook 2019 (IEO2019), global electric power generation from renewable sources will increase more than 20% throughout the projection period (2018–2050), providing almost half of the world’s electricity generation in 2050. In that same period, global coal-fired generation will decrease 13%, representing only 22% of the generation mix in 2050. EIA projects that worldwide electricity generation will grow by 1.8% per year through 2050.

Business Intelligence and Analytics 48

Friday, January 24, 2020

Business Intelligence and Analytics 48

1          Is Big Data Analytics Killing Other Jobs or Creating Them?
https://bigdataanalyticsnews.com/big-data-analytics-killing-jobs-or-creating/
Big data analytics can provide a significant number of benefits for businesses who want their strategies and decisions to be backed up by cold, hard data.

2          More people would trust a robot than their manager
https://www.fastcompany.com/90438842/more-people-would-trust-a-robot-than-their-manager-according-to-study

A recent study by Oracle and Future Workplace reveals that artificial intelligence is reshaping the way people view their workplace. In fact, 64% of those surveyed said they’d trust a robot more than they’d trust their manager.

3          The World Of Augmented Reality: 5 Unconventional Uses Of AR
https://www.smartdatacollective.com/world-of-augmented-reality-5-unconventional-uses-of-ar/
Whether you’ve been busy catching Pokemon or using Google Translate to convert an overseas street sign into English, the chances are that you’ve come across augmented reality at some point in recent years.

4          The Best New Geospatial Data Science Libraries In 2019
https://towardsdatascience.com/the-best-new-geospatial-data-science-libraries-in-2019-7f0174e2a0eb
As a Geospatial data scientist, 2019 brought some new tools that made my life easier. In this post, I am sharing the best of these new additions in the Python ecosystem and some resources to get you started. You will find tools that accelerate your Geospatial data science pipelines using GPU, advanced Geospatial Visualization tools and some simple, useful Geoprocessing tools. I hope you will find one or two from the list that can help you.

5          Top 7 Location Intelligence Companies in 2020
https://www.kdnuggets.com/2020/01/top-7-location-intelligence-companies-2020.html
Location intelligence (LI), or spatial intelligence, is the process of deriving meaningful insight from geospatial data relationships to solve a particular problem. It involves layering multiple data sets spatially and/or chronologically, for easy reference on a map, and its applications span industries, categories, and organizations.

6          Random Forest — A Powerful Ensemble Learning Algorithm
https://www.kdnuggets.com/2020/01/random-forest-powerful-ensemble-learning-algorithm.html
In the article Decision Tree Algorithm — Explained, we have learned about Decision Tree and how it is used to predict the class or value of the target variable by learning simple decision rules inferred from prior data(training data).

7          How Voice is Enhancing Service Across Industries
https://martechseries.com/mts-insights/guest-authors/voice-enhancing-service-across-industries/
Have you ever had a written message misinterpreted? Sent a text your spouse took one way when it was meant in completely another? Had an employee misunderstand a task and spend a week barking up the wrong tree? Or maybe a friend never saw your e-mail and you had to fly solo to the concert you just won tickets to?

8          10 Best Python IDEs & Code Editors [2020]
https://datafloq.com/read/10-best-python-ides-code-editors-2020/7572
Since its advent in 1991, Python has been the choice of coders due to its simple features that include ease of understanding and readability of code but not limited to just that. There have been lots of changes in the codebase over time due to the contribution from developers worldwide. Simple syntax and faster execution make Python a favorable language among programmers.

9          4 Reasons Text Message Marketing Kicks Ass (+ Tips and Examples)
https://www.business2community.com/digital-marketing/4-reasons-text-message-marketing-kicks-ass-tips-and-examples-02277835

Text message marketing is bigger than ever and just in time. Text messages have an open rate of 82 percent. That’s four out of every five people reading their texts within the first three minutes of receiving it.

10        7 B2B Marketing Trends to Embrace in 2020
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/b2b-marketing-trends/344732/
As a marketer, one of the biggest challenges is understanding what it is my audience wants.

What are they are looking for?

What do they need?

How can I help them?

11        Three Ways Blockchain Is Changing Customer Service in Retail
https://datafloq.com/read/three-ways-blockchain-changing-customer-service/7565
Ideally, one would place blockchain alongside machine learning and IoT as a technology that would open new doors for humanity. However, due to the polarizing reputation of the cryptocurrencies, blockchain nowadays isn’t subject to as much discussion in the tech circles as it truly deserves.

12        The seven sins of digital transformation implementation failure
https://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/operations/the-seven-sins-of-digital-transformation-implementation-failure-245695/

As your manufacturing firm seeks to diversify, improve operational efficiencies and increase market penetration (among other goals), embarking on an Industry 4.0 initiative is a likely first step. Using digital technologies to either create new (or alter existing) business processes, change culture and improve customer experience can be a daunting task. It probably won’t come as a surprise that implementing complicated new software can be challenging but there are many diverse reasons why failure can happen.

13        4 Major Changes the Future Workplace Will Experience
https://www.business2community.com/workplace-culture/4-major-changes-the-future-workplace-will-experience-02277790

The top players in the corporate game know that for them to succeed, they need to nail the challenges that the workplace of the future will bring.

For leaders, policymakers, and employees, the future will bring shifts that’ll cause uncertainty and will most likely result in companies needing to rebrand their core values and technologies.

14        Tips for Better Cloud Expense Management
https://www.business2community.com/cloud-computing/tips-for-better-cloud-expense-management-02277593

The term “cloud expense management” has been co-opted by many parties, from those selling employee expense management software hosted in the cloud, to telecom expense management software (TEM), to IT expense management software, to cloud cost management software which focuses on SaaS, IaaS, and/or PaaS services. For the purpose of today’s blog we will slant towards cloud management software and specifically key in on infrastructure, IaaS and PaaS offered as public cloud services.

15        How AI-powered content marketing can fuel your business growth
https://www.smartinsights.com/content-management/content-management-systems/how-ai-powered-content-marketing-can-fuel-your-business-growth/

AI is putting content marketers on the verge of becoming AI-first! AI is all set to revolutionize content. Is your business AI-ready?

16        The “Twin Threats” Facing Big Oil
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/The-Twin-Threats-Facing-Big-Oil.html
The global oil and gas industry is facing the “twin threats” of the loss of profitability and the loss of social acceptability as the climate crisis continues to worsen. The industry is not adequately responding to either of those threats, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

17        U.S.-China Trade Deal: Looking Beyond the Truce
https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/us-china-trade-deal-looking-beyond-truce/
According to Mauro Guillen, Wharton professor of management, while many challenges remain to be ironed out, the most important aspect of the agreement is that the two countries are finally talking. With the U.S. and Chinese economies being so tightly integrated, any outright confrontation, he believes, “would be a disaster for both countries and for the global economy.”

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 47

Friday, January 17, 2020

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 47

1          Oil Price Fundamental Daily Forecast
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/oil-price-fundamental-daily-forecast-6-626637
U.S. West Texas Intermediate and international-benchmark Brent crude oil futures are edging higher on Friday, grinding higher for a third day out of four. Despite what looks like to be a counter-trend bottoming process, the market is still trading lower for the week. However, it’s still in a position to turn higher if it continues to strengthen throughout the session.

2          EIA expects lower natural gas prices in 2020 as production outpaces demand
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42496
In its January 2020 Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that average U.S. natural gas prices will be 9% lower in 2020 than in 2019. EIA expects lower natural gas prices will be the result of continued production growth primarily in response to the following factors:

3          Weekly resin report: Middle-East tensions, depleted inventories spur buying surge
https://www.plasticstoday.com/resin-pricing/weekly-resin-report-middle-east-tensions-depleted-inventories-spur-buying-surge/51958920762223

Spot resin trading began the new year with a heavy flow of orders from both buyers and sellers, generating a high volume of completed transactions. The marketplace was spooked by military conflict in the Middle East, encouraging domestic buyers to secure additional material as a supply buffer, reports the PlasticsExchange (Chicago) in its weekly Market Update.

4          US-China Phase One Trade Deal Reaction
https://www.rigzone.com/news/uschina_phase_one_trade_deal_reaction-16-jan-2020-160814-article/
Mike Sommers, the president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, has described the phase one trade deal reached between the United States and China as “a positive step forward” but highlighted that “there’s more work to be done”.

5          Wood Mackenzie comments on US-China Phase 1 trade agreement
https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/16012020/wood-mackenzie-comments-on-us-china-phase-1-trade-agreement/

“Let’s be clear; US$52.4 billion over two years is a lot of energy. But neither the 5% tariff on US crude oil nor the 25% tariff on US LNG is to be reduced or removed by China under the Phase 1 deal. For China to massively increase imports of oil and LNG from the US while tariffs remain in place is going to be challenging.

6          Reading the tea leaves: China and commodities in 2020
https://blogs.platts.com/2020/01/16/china-and-commodities-in-2020/
China’s voracious demand for commodities and energy continued unabated in 2019 despite a slowing economy and uncertain external environment.

But what will be on the agenda in 2020 as the economy, environment and energy security come into greater focus? Here are are some key trends to watch over the coming year and what they mean for commodities.

7          OPEC expects lower demand for its oil as U.S. hits new milestone
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oil-opec-idUSKBN1ZE1KG
OPEC expects lower demand for its crude oil in 2020 even as global demand rises, it said on Wednesday, as rival producers grab market share and the United States looks set for another output record.

8          Oil ends higher, as trade deal progress spurs energy demand hopes
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-oil-idUSKBN1ZF05Q
il rose about 1% on Thursday, as progress on another major trade deal fed optimism that energy demand will grow in 2020, which offset bearish market comments from the International Energy Agency.

9          Oil Glut Overshadows Geopolitical Risk In 2020
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/Oil-Glut-Overshadows-Geopolitical-Risk-In-2020.html
In its January Oil Market Report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said that there is plenty of oil sloshing around, despite the U.S. and Iran nearly going to war. “We cannot know how the geopolitical situation will play out over time, but for now the risk of a major threat to oil supplies appears to have receded,” the IEA said. “As was the case following the attacks on Saudi Arabia in September, once the initial fears of a sustained supply shock subsided, the Brent price rapidly gave up its $4/bbl spike.”

10        Offshore investment to bolster Middle East oil and gas supply ambition
https://www.rystadenergy.com/newsevents/news/press-releases/offshore-investment-to-bolster-middle-east-oil-and-gas-supply-ambition/

The most bountiful petroleum plays in the Middle East may no longer be storied gushers from the past but more technical offshore areas. The most recent hydrocarbon production boom is underway in the Middle East, and this time, the race is spilling into offshore waters.

11        Oil Heads for Weekly Drop Amid Demand Concerns
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/oil_heads_for_weekly_drop_amid_demand_concerns-17-jan-2020-160824-article/

Oil held its biggest gain in almost two weeks on optimism a more conciliatory approach on trade from the U.S. will help revive growth, but was still headed for a weekly drop amid persistent demand concerns.

12        Heavy Crude Freezing Solid in Western Canada
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/heavy_crude_freezing_solid_in_western_canada-16-jan-2020-160813-article/

Temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit) and lower have descended on Alberta and Saskatchewan — cold enough to render the region’s viscous oil rock solid. To transport it, producers must blend in more of a lighter crude called condensate, thereby reducing the volume that can be shipped by pipeline and increasing transportation costs, according to Kevin Birn, IHS Markit’s director of North American crude oil markets.

13        U.S. natural gas exports to grow with new LNG capacity start-ups
https://www.lngworldnews.com/u-s-natural-gas-exports-to-grow-with-new-lng-capacity-start-ups/
In its Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), EIA said net natural gas exports are forecast to average 7.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2020 and 8.9 Bcf/d in 2021, a 3.6 Bcf/d increase from 2019. In 2017, the United States became a net natural gas exporter on an annual basis for the first time in 60 years.

14        U.S. firm GIP, Shell-Cosan venture plan to bid on Brazil refineries- sources
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-petrobras-divestiture-refineries-excl-idUSKBN1ZF1Z1
U.S.-based financial firm Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) is planning a joint bid with Brazil’s fuel distribution company Raízen for refineries put on the block by Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PETR4.SA), two sources with knowledge of the matter said.

15        Sinopec to review potential $16 billion U.S. gas deal with Cheniere – sources
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-sinopec-cheniere-lng-exclusive-idUSKBN1ZG1DL
China’s Sinopec, expected to be the next major Chinese buyer of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG), is planning to review terms of a potential $16 billion supply deal with Cheniere Energy after a sharp drop in LNG prices, industry officials said.

16        IEA Says Iraq Oil Supplies Vulnerable
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/iea_says_iraq_oil_supplies_vulnerable-16-jan-2020-160816-article/
Oil supplies from Iraq, the Middle East’s second-biggest producer, are “potentially vulnerable” amid rising political risks in the country and the broader region, the International Energy Agency warned.

17        Just How Serious Is The Shale Slowdown?
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/Just-How-Serious-Is-The-Shale-Slowdown.html
The EIA says that U.S. shale growth will slow down this year, but the agency still has growth at a rather optimistic 1.1 million barrels per day (mb/d), putting the annual 2020 average at 13.3 mb/d. The agency does see a more dramatic slowdown in 2021, with growth of just 0.4 mb/d.

18        Supplies of IMO compliant shipping fuels rising fast: IEA
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iea-imo-idUSKBN1ZF143
Global supplies of marine fuel compliant with new environmental rules are increasing fast as concerns over quality remain marginal, the International Energy Agency said on Thursday.

19        A surge of new plastic production is on the way
https://www.greenbiz.com/article/surge-new-plastic-production-way
As public concern about plastic pollution rises, consumers are reaching for canvas bags, metal straws and reusable water bottles. But while individuals fret over images of oceanic garbage gyres, the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries are pouring billions of dollars into new plants intended to make millions more tons of plastic than they now pump out.

20        2020 could mark start of downcycle for China’s petrochemical industry
https://www.britishplastics.co.uk/News/2020-could-marks-start-of-downcycle-for-china%E2%80%99s-petrochemica/

Wood Mackenzie has published a report predicting the start of a downcycle in China’s petrochemical industry.

21        Keystone XL Inches Forward
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/keystone_xl_inches_forward-15-jan-2020-160806-article/
TC Energy Corp. plans to begin pre-construction work on the Keystone XL oil pipeline next month, moving the long-delayed project forward even as opponents continue to fight it in court.

22        Factbox: Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC attracts billions from foreign investors
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-emirates-adnoc-strategy-factbox-idUSKBN1ZE16Z

Over the past three years, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has expanded its oil and gas business and quietly raised more than $19 billion in a variety of ways.

23        The future of natural gas in North America
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/electric-power-and-natural-gas/our-insights/the-future-of-natural-gas-in-north-america

Industry discussions about the future of gas in North America are polarizing. On one hand, the shale revolution keeps delivering, displacing liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports since the late 2000s, as abundant gas resources and technological innovation drove costs down. In the past few years, shale has entered a new phase with the rise of LNG exports from North America.

Recycling, Renewables and Sustainable Business 18

Friday, January 17, 2020

Recycling, Renewables and Sustainable Business 18

1          EIA expects U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions to decrease annually through 2021
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42515
In its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), released on January 14, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts year-over-year decreases in energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through 2021. After decreasing by 2.1% in 2019, energy-related CO2 emissions will decrease by 2.0% in 2020 and again by 1.5% in 2021 for a third consecutive year of declines.

2          EIA forecasts slower growth in natural gas-fired generation while renewable energy rises
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42497
In its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), released on January 14, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that generation from natural gas-fired power plants in the electric power sector will grow by 1.3% in 2020. This growth rate would be the slowest growth rate in natural gas generation since 2017. EIA forecasts that generation from nonhydropower renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, will grow by 15% in 2020—the fastest rate in four years. Forecast generation from coal-fired power plants declines by 13% in 2020.

3          Five Clean Energy Trends To Watch In 2020
https://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Renewable-Energy/Five-Clean-Energy-Trends-To-Watch-In-2020.html

At the start of 2020, analysts bravely stepped out on a limb to predict how the turbulent energy market and energy systems will evolve at the beginning of the new decade.  Clean energy and climate policy experts have shared in Forbes their forecasts for this year’s energy system in the United States with Silvio Marcacci, Communications Director for climate policy think tank Energy Innovation

4          A Forecast For The Next Decade Of Alternative Energy
https://www.forbes.com/sites/miriamtuerk/2020/01/16/a-forecast-for-the-next-decade-of-alternative-energy/

The 2020s will be a defining decade for alternative energy. Over the last decade, renewable energy costs dropped due to advancements in technology due to innovation and design, materials and manufacturing of wind turbines and solar panels. What will the next 10 years bring for alternative energy? Here are three trends that will define the 2020s.

5          ‘Renewables must grow four times faster to ensure sustainable future’
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2020/01/16/renewables-must-grow-four-times-faster-to-ensure-sustainable-future/

At the start of what has been billed as a ‘decade of action’, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has issued another call for a sustainable future. Stressing fossil fuel investment must be redirected, IRENA said annual renewable energy investment needs to more than double, from around $330 billion today to near $750 billion, to deploy renewable energy at the rate required.

6          Energy, Vehicles, Sustainability – 10 Predictions for 2020
https://about.bnef.com/blog/energy-vehicles-sustainability-10-predictions-for-2020/
Below are a set of predictions from BloombergNEF for what the year 2020 will bring for the low-carbon transition in energy, transport, commodities and sustainability.

7          US battery storage prospects lifted by policy progress, cost reduction –
https://blogs.platts.com/2020/01/15/us-battery-storage-policy-cost/
Battery storage deployment in the US is set for a rapid acceleration from 2020. That is one of the key takeaways from the latest S&P Global Platts Analytics’ US Power Storage Outlook, released to clients on December 18.

8          Commodities trader Trafigura to set emissions target this year
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-trafigura-idUSKBN1ZE0ZF
Global commodities trader Trafigura Group is looking to take a lead in the trading industry to tackle climate change and will set a target to reduce the intensity of its emissions this year, the company said in its annual responsibility report.

9          US-China tensions could slow global economy, UN warns
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jan/16/us-china-tensions-could-slow-global-economy-un-warns

The world economy risks suffering a sharp slowdown in 2020 that would derail international efforts to tackle the mounting climate emergency and heightened poverty around the world, the United Nations has warned.

10        Volkswagen to buy 20% of Chinese battery maker Guoxuan amid electric push
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-guoxan-m-a-volkswagen-exclusive-idUSKBN1ZG0EK
Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) is set to take a 20% stake in Chinese electric vehicle battery maker Guoxuan High-tech Co Ltd, two sources told Reuters, as the German firm accelerates its electric push into the world’s largest auto market.

11        Fiat Chrysler and Foxconn plan push into Chinese electric car market
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-fiat-chrysler-hon-hai-china-idUSKBN1ZF2LL
Automaker Fiat Chrysler (FCHA.MI) plans to set up a joint venture with the parent of iPhone assembler Foxconn to build electric cars and develop internet-connected vehicles in China, as it looks to make up ground in electric mobility.

12        Why ‘Autos Plus Tech’ Is the Best Path for Automated Vehicles
https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/why-autos-plus-tech-is-the-best-path-for-automated-vehicles/
Neither auto companies nor tech companies can come up with winning mobility offerings on their own. Instead, they will have to work together to create products, services, and business models to meet the needs of users.

13        Germany Seals $45B Coal Phase-Out Deal
https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/germany-seals-45b-coal-phase-out-deal
Germany’s federal and state governments agreed Thursday on the tricky terms of the country’s coal phase-out, with the total bill set to run to €40 billion ($44.6 billion) as hard-hit regions are compensated for their social and economic contributions to the energy transition.

14        Nestlé invests £1.5bn to drive recycled plastic innovation
https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/nestle-invests-1-6bn-drive-recycled-plastic-innovation-16-01-2020

he global food giant said the investment will accelerate the “development of innovative sustainable packaging solutions”. Nestlé said it will reduce its use of virgin plastics by one third by 2020 while working to “advance the circular economy and endeavour to clean up plastic waste from oceans, lakes and rivers”.

15        Late Surge in Offshore Wind Financings Helps 2019 Renewables Investment to Overtake 2018
https://about.bnef.com/blog/late-surge-in-offshore-wind-financings-helps-2019-renewables-investment-to-overtake-2018/

Investment in renewable energy capacity worldwide was $282.2 billion last year, up 1% from 2018’s $280.2 billion, with the world’s biggest market (China) slipping back, but its second-largest (the U.S.) hitting a new record.

16        Clear Blue Technologies Launches Energy-as-a-Service for Wireless Power
https://www.clearbluetechnologies.com/en/timeline/clear-blue-technologies-launches-energy-as-a-service-for-wireless-power

Clear Blue Technologies International Inc. (“Clear Blue” or “the Company”) (TSXV:CBLU) (FRANKFURT:0YA) announced today the launch of its Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) for wireless power. This new subscription-based service provides clean, wireless power for critical systems such as off-grid street lights, telecommunications systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

17        2019 was second-hottest year ever, more extreme weather ahead: WMO
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-climate-report-idUSKBN1ZE251
Last year was the Earth’s second-hottest since records began, and the world should brace itself for more extreme weather events like the bushfires ravaging much of Australia, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Wednesday.

18        Jinko claims two more efficiency records for bifacial panels
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2020/01/17/jinko-claims-two-more-efficiency-records-for-bifacial-panels/
The Chinese manufacturer has achieved conversion efficiencies of 21.82% and 22.49% for its p-type PERC and n-type HOT bifacial panels, respectively. The results were confirmed by Germany’s TÜV Rheinland.

19        Hyundai, Kia invest $110 million in UK electric van startup Arrival Ltd
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-electric-investment-idUSKBN1ZF0IS
Hyundai Motor Co (005380.KS) and sister firm Kia Motors Corp (000270.KS) are making the investment of 100 million euros ($110 million) in Arrival Ltd.

Founded in 2015 and based in London, Arrival has developed a boxy, futuristic-looking shuttle bus aimed at the commercial delivery market. The company said its van will have a range between charges of 300 miles.

20        Tesla says it plans to open China design and research center
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tesla-china-idUSKBN1ZF0RK
U.S. electric car maker Tesla plans to open a design and research center in China to make “Chinese-style” vehicles, the company said in a recruitment notice on its official WeChat account.

21        Investment giant’s move toward sustainability offers hope for climate activism
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/blackrock-climate-business-1.5427646
One of the reasons people are worried climate change will be almost impossible to stop is that pumping carbon into the atmosphere is simply way too profitable.

22        European Commission announces €1tn Green Deal ambition
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2020/01/15/european-commission-announces-e1tn-green-deal-ambition/
The commission threw down the gauntlet to EU member states and the European Parliament yesterday by emphasizing the urgency of pushing through the climate change funding arrangement as talks over the bloc’s next long-term budget near completion.

Business Intelligence and Analytics 47

Friday, January 17, 2020

Business Intelligence and Analytics 47

1          2020 Challenge: Unlearn to Change Your Frame
https://www.datasciencecentral.com/profiles/blogs/2020-challenge-unlearn-to-change-your-frame
Maybe the biggest challenge we face as a society is our ability to unlearn – to let go of – outdated concepts and beliefs in order to adopt new approaches. Our everyday lives are dominated by outdated concepts: change the oil every 3,000 miles, don’t wear white before Memorial Day, only senior management has the best ideas, don’t eat dessert until you’ve cleaned your plate, trade wars are easy to win, leeches work wonders on headaches, etc.

2          Will AI Dominate Digital Marketing in 2020?
https://www.business2community.com/digital-marketing/will-ai-dominate-digital-marketing-in-2020-02276105

We just entered 2020 and being a digital marketer, it is crucial to be attentive to the trends and technologies which can affect digital advertising and marketing. We often say “time flies,” and this is equally applicable to consumer interests which are constantly changing and are getting harder to understand inherently.

3          Top 9 Mobile Apps for Learning and Practicing Data Science
https://www.kdnuggets.com/2020/01/top-9-mobile-apps-learning-practicing-data-science.html
With a rapid rise in the usage of mobiles and mobile users, mobile apps have taken the place of desktop versions. Mobile apps have changed the way a particular task is performed. Now you don’t need to visit a restaurant to order and take away your food, you can do this by sitting at your home by using food ordering apps in just one click.

4          How IT Can Get Predictive Analytics Right
https://www.informationweek.com/big-data/ai-machine-learning/how-it-can-get-predictive-analytics-right/a/d-id/1336785

Understanding predictive analytics has become a key requisite for discovering customer needs and business opportunities from data. But the first steps in establishing a good predictive model lie in outlining data, its sources, and crucial data relationships. Those first steps will require good business resources to organize the details. IT can be that vital resource to quickly highlight opportunities that work effectively with data.

5          The retail supply chain network of the future
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/supply-chain-of-the-future-key-principles-in-building-an-omnichannel-distribution-network

The consumer product and retail landscape continues to evolve as companies race to catch up with leading e-tailers. Traditional brick-and-mortar retailers such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Walmart are expanding their online offerings and introducing new models, such as in-store fulfillment of online orders. Online players such as Amazon and Zalando are opening their own brick-and-mortar stores.

6          LinkedIn’s Faster Than Expected Growth, Podcast Ads Booming, & Facebook Updates Audience Insights
https://www.toprankblog.com/2020/01/digital-marketing-news-011720/
LinkedIn (client) is on pace to grow more rapidly than expected, with new forecast data predicting the professional social media platform will hit some 66.8 million active monthly users by 2022, and in 2020 it will see nearly $1.6 billion in advertising revenue, according to the forecast data.

7          Make Memorable Data Science Projects
https://towardsdatascience.com/make-memorable-data-science-projects-21885c36bec3
The data science job market is extremely competitive. There are many qualified candidates, and it can be difficult to differentiate them. For me, the easiest way to separate the strongest applicants from the weaker ones is through looking at their github or kaggle projects.

8          5 Most Preferred Programming Languages for AI Engineers in 2020
https://www.datasciencecentral.com/profiles/blogs/5-most-preferred-programming-languages-for-ai-engineers-in-2020

Near about 14% of the workforce or 375 million people worldwide could lose their jobs to AI and automation. Take a step back and look over the year that has gone by. What have you achieved? Are you being monolingual?

9          Hard Negotiations: Why a Softer Approach Yields Better Outcomes
https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/hard-negotiations-why-a-softer-approach-yields-better-outcomes/

The premise of our work is that the negotiation process can influence behavior after the negotiation. When we negotiate, we have some interests that are consonant, that are similar, congruent. And we have some interests that are really opposed to each other. As we negotiate, we’re trying to find common ground and bridge our differences.

10        Using advanced analytics in pharma to help the next-generation launch situation room
https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/pharmaceuticals-and-medical-products/our-insights/the-rise-of-the-next-generation-launch-room

A successful launch paves the way to long-term success for a drug or device, but pharma companies have only one shot at getting it right. Over the past few years, many industry leaders have set up launch situation rooms (LSRs) in which cross-functional teams with decision-making authority work together to adapt their launch plans to maximize market uptake. This approach has proved its worth in launch after launch, but it is now ripe for renewal.

11        How to Improve Your Content Creation: 15 Helpful Writing Tips
https://www.business2community.com/content-marketing/how-to-improve-your-content-creation-15-helpful-writing-tips-02276184

Content marketing has been proven time and again to be a useful strategy for reaching potential customers. To do it well, your content creation needs to be on point. A big part of that? Writing in a way that connects with your target audience and clearly shows them what makes your brand better than competitors.

12        7 Video Content Marketing Strategies to Skyrocket Engagement
https://buzzsumo.com/blog/7-video-content-marketing-strategies-to-skyrocket-engagement-2020/
Deciding whether to use video marketing isn’t a question anymore. 85 percent of people in the US watch online video every day. In Saudi Arabia, China, and Turkey, the figure is even higher: up to 95 percent.

Brands need video content to reach their audience and keep customers engaged. With the strategies below, you can create engaging videos that stand the test of time.

13        Data Will Lead Marketers Into a New World in 2020
https://www.targetmarketingmag.com/post/data-will-lead-marketers-into-a-new-world-in-2020/
The year 2020 sounds like some futuristic time period in a science fiction novel. At the dawn of this funny sounding year, maybe it’s good time to think about where all these data and technologies will lead us. If not for the entire human collective in this short article, but at the minimum, for us marketers.

14        5 Free Online Courses to Sharpen Your B2B Marketing Skills
https://www.toprankblog.com/2020/01/5-free-online-b2b-marketing-courses/
No matter how much you already know, in 2020’s always-on B2B marketing landscape there’s always more to learn.

15        Geovisualization with Open Data
https://www.kdnuggets.com/2020/01/open-data-germany-maps-viz.html
In this post I want to show how to use public available (open) data to create geo visualizations in python. Maps are a great way to communicate and compare information when working with geolocation data. There are many frameworks to plot maps, here I focus on matplotlib and geopandas (and give a glimpse of mplleaflet)

16        Eight Management Ideas to Embrace in the 2020s
https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/eight-management-ideas-to-embrace-in-the-2020s/

With that in mind, we turned to recent authors at MIT Sloan Management Reviewand asked them: As we enter the 2020s, what is one critical area where leaders and organizations should focus their efforts? The research and diverse expertise of our surveyed experts provides useful insights into the specific skills, investments, and processes that will help companies compete, thrive, and provide value for stakeholders in the years to come.

17        The 6 Stages of the Product Life Cycle
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/product-life-cycle
A product life cycle is the cycle that a product goes through, from development to decline. It’s typically broken up into six stages. Business owners and marketers use the product life cycle to make important decisions and strategies on advertising budgets, product prices, and packaging.

18        Key Graph Based Shortest Path Algorithms With Illustrations
https://www.datasciencecentral.com/profiles/blogs/illustration-of-key-graph-based-shortest-path-algorithms

While many of the programming libraries encapsulate the inner working details of graph and other algorithms, as a data scientist it helps a lot having a reasonably good familiarity of such details.  A solid understanding of the intuition behind such algorithms not only helps in appreciating the logic behind them but also helps in making conscious decisions about their applicability in real life cases.

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 46

Friday, January 10, 2020

Energy, Petrochemicals and Plastics 46

1          Natural gas prices in 2019 were the lowest in the past three years
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42455
In 2019, natural gas spot prices at the national benchmark Henry Hub in Louisiana averaged $2.57 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), about 60 cents per MMBtu lower than in 2018 and the lowest annual average price since 2016. Lower natural gas prices in 2019 supported higher consumption—particularly in the electric generation sector—and higher natural gas exports. Continued growth in domestic production of natural gas also supported lower natural gas prices throughout the year.

2          Divergent paths: Oil, natural gas going different directions
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-natgas-oil-graphic-idUSKBN1Z80ID
The oil-to-gas ratio, or the level at which oil trades compared with natural gas, recently reached 30-to-1, and could increase further as analysts expect average gas prices will fall for a second consecutive year in 2020 to their lowest level in over 20 years. That is because most U.S. drillers are not looking for gas.

3          Oil Price Fundamental Daily Forecast – Bullish Jobs Report Could Raise Hope for Increased Demand
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/oil-price-fundamental-daily-forecast-bullish-jobs-report-could-raise-hope-for-increased-demand-625024

U.S. West Texas Intermediate and international-benchmark Brent crude oil futures are trading sideways to higher on Friday as speculators continue to try to establish support after dumping risky long positions as the threat of war in the Middle East receded and investors expressed concerns over rising U.S. inventories.

4          Natural Gas Price Fundamental Daily Forecast
https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/natural-gas-price-fundamental-daily-forecast-traders-waiting-for-cold-weather-to-fuel-short-squeeze-rally-625009

Natural gas futures are edging lower on Friday shortly before the regular session opening. The market is coming down from a failed attempt to follow-through to the upside following Thursday’s higher close. Today’s intraday high at $2.176 also fell short of the high of the week at $2.185.

5          Volume Resin Prices Flat or Down
https://www.ptonline.com/articles/volume-resin-prices-are-flat-or-down
Prices of nearly all volume resins were largely expected to bottom out by the end of 2019, and flat pricing was generally projected for the start of this new decade. Factors driving the downward trajectory included lower feedstock prices, supply outpacing demand, and an overall global demand slowdown and lower global prices.

6          Weekly resin report: Historically low resin prices ring in new year
https://www.plasticstoday.com/resin-pricing/weekly-resin-report-historically-low-resin-prices-ring-new-year/167894244362176

Most commodity resin prices fell sharply during 2019, but the variance among grades also highlighted distinct differences in sub-markets. High-density polyethylene (PE) resins, including film, blow mold and injection materials, each eroded $0.12 to 0.14/lb over the course of the year; film and injection linear-low-density PE dropped a solid 9 cents; while low-density PE for injection lost a nickel and snugly supplied low-density film only shed a single cent. The vast majority of new PE production was sold into the export market, which continuously rocketed into record monthly volumes.

7          INSIGHT: ICIS index charts 17% fall in global petchem prices in 2019
https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2020/01/07/10457594/insight-icis-index-charts-17-fall-in-global-petchem-prices-in-2019

Propylene prices on the US Gulf Coast were 31% lower year on year, for example. Ethylene prices were down 28% year on year in northeast Asia. Northwest European markets appeared to be less volatile although no region escaped the steep 20% plus fall in methanol contract prices over the course of the year. Prices in the US may have bucked a more general downward price trend earlier in the year but by mid year, the regional ICIS indexes (IPEXs) were heading south. The most recent monthly global IPEX value (for December 2019) reflects a 2.7% fall in the US Gulf Coast index component.

8          Petrochemicals: Weak Margins Sweep Asia
https://aogdigital.com/news/474295-petrochemicals-weak-margins-sweep-asia
Asian petrochemical makers, who are unable to pass down sky-high feedstock costs, are resorting to run cuts or extending cracker shutdown periods to tie through the bad times.

9          Global oil and gas discoveries reach four-year high in 2019, boosted by ExxonMobil’s Guyana success
https://www.rystadenergy.com/newsevents/news/press-releases/global-oil-and-gas-discoveries-reach-four-year-high-in-2019/

The world’s oil and gas explorers powered ahead and discovered 12.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) in 2019, the highest volume since 2015, according to estimates from Rystad Energy. Last year recorded 26 discoveries of more than 100 million boe, with offshore regions dominating the list of new oil and gas deposits.

10        Why Oil Markets Don’t Have To Worry About World War 3
https://oilprice.com/Geopolitics/International/Why-Oil-Markets-Dont-Have-To-Worry-About-World-War-3.html

In a series of moves, Trump has successfully distracted public attention from his impeachment. With some targeted strikes on Hezbollah in Iraq and Syria and the intentionally spectacular public assassination of a key Iranian general – who could have been taken out any time over the course of the past couple of years – the President has relieved much of the domestic pressure that had been building.

11        Fluor, Kiewit win multibillion-dollar contract to build new petrochemical facility outside Edmonton
https://www.on-sitemag.com/financing/fluor-kiewit-win-multibillion-dollar-contract-to-build-new-petrochemcial-facility-outside-edmonton/1003966544/

The Canadian and Kuwaiti companies developing a new multibillion-dollar petrochemical facility in Alberta have awarded a lump sum construction contract to a 50/50 partnership between Fluor Canada Ltd. and Kiewit Construction Services ULC.

12        Three Ways Oil Companies Can Prevent An Investor Exodus
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Three-Ways-Oil-Companies-Can-Prevent-An-Investor-Exodus.html

Money continues to flow from the sector to better performing index funds and/or other “greener energy” sectors, as evidenced by shrinking stocks and the sector’s weighting in the S&P 500 dropping from 13% at the height of the shale boom to just 5% currently. So, how are E&P strategies changing?

13        Mexico’s Mega Oil Hedge Cost “Around” $1 Billion
https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Mexicos-Mega-Oil-Hedge-Cost-Around-1-Billion.html

The largest oil hedge in the world cost Mexico “around $1 billion” for 2020, Mexico’s Finance Minister Arturo Herrera said on Thursday, according to Reuters. Herrera had said the cost of the hedge would be revealed on Thursday.

14        Mexico’s president doubles down on nationalist line: no oil auctions
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-oil-auctions-idUSKBN1Z729H
Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Wednesday his government was not contemplating reopening oil and gas auctions this year, ending hopes his left-leaning government will soon spur private investment in the energy sector.

15        U.S. weekly LNG exports jump
https://www.lngworldnews.com/u-s-weekly-lng-exports-jump/
Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that a total of 19 vessels with a combined LNG-carrying capacity of 68 Bcf departed the United States between January 2 and January 8, 2020.

16        Energy Hedge Fund Is Bullish on Canada
https://www.rigzone.com/news/wire/energy_hedge_fund_is_bullish_on_canada-10-jan-2020-160768-article/

After big wins shorting U.S. shale companies last year, one energy hedge fund is turning its sights on the beaten-down Canadian oil sector.

17        Low Gas Prices Crush Appalachia Shale Boom
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Natural-Gas/Low-Gas-Prices-Crush-Appalachia-Shale-Boom.html
Gas production in Appalachia declined by about 1 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) over the past 30 days, bringing output down to an average of 32.7 Bcf/d, according to S&P Global Platts Analytics. That helped drag down overall U.S. gas production to 91.8 Bcf/d, a 1.7 percent decline from 93.4 Bcf/d in November.

18        Oil Workers Wanted with More Tech, Less Roughneck
https://www.rigzone.com/news/oil_workers_wanted_with_more_tech_less_roughneck-09-jan-2020-160752-article/

The oil industry is facing a talent challenge, caused in part due to the aging nature of its workforce, market conditions and a decline in interest by potential recruits to seek employment in the industry. One solution the oil business is adopting is investment in new innovative technologies, which cuts costs and boosts productivity.

19        Operational production costs have fallen globally, led by the United Kingdom
https://www.rystadenergy.com/newsevents/news/press-releases/operational-production-costs-have-fallen-globally/

Operational production costs in the oil and gas industry have fallen across the globe, with the United Kingdom emerging as a cost-cutting powerhouse among global offshore regions. A Rystad Energy analysis aimed at mitigating currency effects confirms this trend, after examining regional opex reduction per barrel, measured in local currency. The results are clear – from 2014 to 2018 the UK reduced operational production costs by 31%, followed by Norway and the United States with opex reductions of 19% and 15%, respectively.