CERA Finds Power Plant Costs Doubled

A new report from Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA) says the cost of building a new power plant has more than doubled since 2000. Wind energy showed the biggest rise in costs — 6 percent since the third quarter of 2007 and 108 percent since 2000 — as rising demand for wind turbines boosted equipment costs and time to deliver. CERA says costs fell slightly in the past six months,... 

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Roughnecks Get Maids as Shell, Exxon Battle Oil Worker Shortage

Donnie Lewis says he’d quit the coldest, dirtiest job he’s ever known — drilling in Canada’s oil-rich bogs for Suncor Energy Inc. — if it wasn’t for the free private room, maid service and five-course meals. “I wouldn’t do it if I had to share a room with six other fellows, all snoring and making a racket when you’re trying to get a few winks,”... 

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Oil companies discuss energy challenges

When some of the industry’s top executives gather in Houston next week to discuss global energy challenges, finding new and more effective ways to produce oil and gas — as well as alternatives to fossil fuels — will dominate the discussion. And, as the year progresses, expect to see industry leaders — including the chiefs of ConocoPhillips and Royal Dutch Shell PLC’s... 

More than ever, oil companies talking innovation

With dwindling oil supplies, pollution concerns and the ever-present threat of gas prices soaring again, talk of new and better ways to fuel cars, heat and cool homes, and power factories has never been greater. What’s more, the conversation is emanating increasingly from a source that’s been surprisingly quiet until recently ”” the oil companies themselves. When some of the industry’s...