In contrast to what has been a common belief still ten years ago, the prevailing wisdom now is that U.S. natural gas demand can be met entirely with natural gas produced domestically and at relatively low prices (around $5/MMBtu). Moreover, there might even be the opportunity for the U.S. to become a net exporter of…
A Retrospective Review of Shale Gas Development in the United States: What Led to the Boom?
This paper reviews the economic, policy, and technology history of shale gas development in the United States. We aim primarily to answer the question of what led to the shale gas boom in the United States to help inform stakeholders in those countries that are attempting to develop their own shale gas resources. Our review…
Offshore grids for renewables: do we need a particular regulatory framework?
Onshore, generators are connected to the transmission grid by TSOs. This regulatory model could simply be extended to offshore (i.e. Germany), but the connection of offshore wind farms to shore is also an opportunity to test alternatives, i.e. the third party model (i.e. the UK) or the generator model (i.e. Sweden). In this paper, we…
Factors influencing shale gas production forecasting: Empirical studies of Barnett, Fayetteville, Haynesville, and Marcellus Shale plays
This paper reviews major findings and insights from a series of integrated geologic, engineering, economic, and econometric analyses performed on the four largest U.S. shale gas plays. Developments in the Barnett Shale, Fayetteville Shale, Haynesville Shale, and Marcellus Shale plays are explained on the basis of a comprehensive data set, including existing wells production histories,…
Economics and Politics of Shale Gas in Europe
In the wake of the dramatic growth in shale gas production in the United States, interest in shale gas exploration in Europe has been driven primarily by concerns over industrial competitiveness and energy security. A number of studies have been carried out to understand the success factors underpinning the US shale gas revolution and how…
The Synergies Between EU Climate and Renewable Energy Policies-Evidence from Portugal Using Integrated Modelling
In the current debate about the cost-effectiveness of the EU climate and energy policy, the coexistence of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and renewable energy targets, as well as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), have been subject to some criticism. In this paper we explore the interactions between EU climate and renewable energy targets…
Revisiting the Cost Escalation Curse of Nuclear Power: New Lessons from the French Experience
In several OECD countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and France, nuclear power is envisioned as having a role to play alongside renewables to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Leaving aside post-Fukushima-Daiichi safety concerns, the major issue for nuclear power is whether new builds could be achieved at reasonable costs. In fact, ever…
From Boom to Bust? A Critical Look at US Shale Gas Projections
U.S. shale gas production is generally expected to continue its fast rise of the last years. However, a cautious evaluation is needed. Shale gas resources are potentially overestimated and it is uncertain to what extent they can be economically produced. The adverse environmental effects of ever more wells being drilled may lead to a fall…
Decision Framework for Selecting Flexibility Mechanisms in Distribution Grids
Residential Welfare-Loss from Electricity Supply Interruptions in South Africa: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Distributed Energy Resource Subsidy Programs
This paper uses market data on income, electricity price, and electricity demand to estimate residential welfare loss caused by electricity supply interruptions in South Africa. The welfare-loss estimation (or “willingness-to-pay”) uses cross-sectional data from 16,851 South African households. A two-part (probit and OLS) estimation method is used to model price and income elasticities, and a…