Petro-Canada wants to work with Gazprom to develop a Baltic Sea liquefaction plant, with LNG delivery to the Petro-Canada joint venture Cacouna terminal near Quebec. The company says the outlook is good, with a Russian politician saying the proposed plant might go forward in 2007. Story by Reuters, via Metro News, here .
New Bedford Challenger Would Oppose LNG
Candidate for mayor of New Bedford, Massachusetts, Scott Lang, would “lend a hand” to Fall River against the Weaver’s Cove LNG terminal. The Herald News has the detailed story.
Mayor Lambert to Speak to Students About LNG
Fall River Mayor Lambert will speak this week at a forum for Bristol Community College students, encouraging them to oppose the Weaver’s Cove LNG terminal even though “the tide has turned” against the facility. The forum is organized by Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group and will include State Representative David Sullivan and Fire Chief David Thiboutot. Today’s Herald News has the story.
Industrial and Heating Demand May Fall This Winter; Prices May Follow in 2006
A survey conducted by Industrial Energy Consumers of America found that 54% of industrials surveyed said their natural gas demand would decrease this winter. Separately, weather forecaster WSI Corp. predicted a mild winter, with only the Northwest cooler than normal. Two analysts speaking to the Independent Petroleum Association of American last week said that they expect natural gas prices between $7 and $8 next year. Natural Gas Intelligence has all three stories [Subscription required]. Decreased demand and prices could affect the number of LNG terminals built in the U.S. and the supply available to them.
EIA: Little Correlation Between Futures and Henry Hub Spot Prices
EIA has released a new study suggesting that the price of natural gas futures contracts do not accurately predict the spot price realized at Henry Hub. Natural Gas Intelligence has a detailed report. [Subscription required]
Connecticut Raises Coastal Issues in Broadwater
The Day reports that Connecticut Governor Rell and DEP Commissioner McCarthy told FERC October 27 that the Broadwater LNG terminal, proposed for Long Island Sound, should be consistent the Connecticut’s coastal zone management laws. At this writing, the letter is not available in the FERC docket. If Connecticut successfully asserts Coastal Zone Management Act jurisdiction over Broadwater, it could stall or even halt the project. [Access to archived articles requires a fee.]
U.S. Ambassador Says Canada Has Minimal Influence in Fate of Maine LNG Projects
Canadian foes of the three LNG projects on the U.S. side of Passamaquoddy Bay yesterday disagreed with U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins, who said that Ottawa has little authority to impede the proposals. An article written by the Canadian Press is in yesterday’s Boston Globe.
See similar article in today’s Bangor Daily News. [Access to archived articles requires a fee.]
Indian Official Says U.S. Sanctions Will Not Hamper Iranian LNG Transactions
A top-ranking Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry official yesterday said that GE’s decision to withhold liquefaction equipment from Iran under alleged U.S. pressure will not impede LNG sales. Yesterday’s Platts LNG Daily has the details. [Subscription required]
Incidents in LNG-Shipping Sector Trouble Some Industry Insiders
Some industry officials are wondering if the minor mishaps involving LNG carriers may undermine LNG’s laudable safety record and distance skeptics in the public. An article in today’s TradeWinds has the story. [Subscription required]
FERC Issues Draft EIS for Cove Point Expansion Project
Today FERC issued the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Dominion Cove Point and Dominion Transmission, Inc.’s proposed Cove Point LNG Terminal Expansion Project. According to the FERC website, FERC’s environmental staff has concluded that the Cove Point Expansion would have limited adverse environmental impact with appropriate mitigating measures, as recommended. The DEIS can be found on the FERC website, under Docket No. CP05-130.