Energydesk
EU Coal plants mapped
The Guardian reports on a Greenpeace commissioned study by the University of Stuttgart suggesting coal power in Europe contributed towards 22,000 premature deaths in 2010 with up to 50 new plants coming on stream.
Over at Energydesk we've published the data and used it map all the planned new coal and lignite plants in Europe along with their owners (including RWE and EON). We've also produced a searchable map of every plant current and planned in the EU - along with it's health impact.
If you've got more data you think we should include - please get in touch.
UK
Ofgem works to reduce power of big-six
Not for the first time energy regulator Ofgem has announced steps it says will reduce the power of the big-six energy suppliers in the UK. Large suppliers and generators to trade fairly with smaller players or face cash penalties. Big six generators will also have to post the prices at which they buy and sell power.
New committee chair has Shell shares
The Telegraph reports that Sir Robert Smith MP, the interim chair of the commons' Energy and Climate change committee has more than £66,000 invested in oil and gas giant Shell. The news comes after current chair Tim Yeo MP stepped down amidst allegations that he lobbied for a green energy company. Committee member Peter Lilley MP also has links to the fossil fuel industry.
How excited should be get about UK shale?
Carbon Brief has had a look at the latest claims and counter claims and publishes three reasons not to get too caught up by the hype.
World
Make or break for US nuclear
The New York Times reports on a $14bn investment in two nuclear plants in the United States. If the two plants, to a new design, are built on time and on budget it could kickstart the industry around the world. If not, the paper muses, "Nuclear power could become a bypassed technology — like moon landings, Polaroid photos and cassette tapes."
IEA predicts summer spike in oil prices
The International Energy Agency (IEA) says a rush of new refineries coming on-stream in Asia could lead to unexpectedly steep demand for oil potentially pushing up prices.
Falling coal prices force Austrailian asset sales
The Austrailian coal mining boom appears to have come to an abrupt end. Platts reports that falling prices, partially due to lower demand from China, are forcing miners to sell assets and mothball mines.
Chevron: Polish shale early next decade
Global shale gas and oil resources are abundant but will take time to develop - according to Chevron CEO John Watson. Mr Watson warned that many shale "plays" such as those in Europe had not yet been fully studied. Regarding his firm's investments in Poland Mr Watson said production wouldn't occur until "early next decade".
