Energy Sector News Related to Transportation
The energy sector and transportation industry are closely linked. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that about 28% of total U.S. energy consumption in 2021 was for the transportation of people and goods. Major energy sources used for transportation include petroleum products (such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel and propane), biofuels (ethanol and biomass-based distillates), natural gas and electricity. In 2021, petroleum products accounted for about 90% of U.S. transportation sector energy use, followed by biofuels (about 6%) and natural gas (about 4%). Electricity made up less than 1% of the total transportation sector energy use.
Check back here for the latest news and insights on energy and transportation, or take a look at these resources:
Webinar | Carbon Neutral Cargo: How are the Container and Dry Bulk Markets Approaching the IMO’s 2030/2050 Emissions Targets? (click “register now” to watch on demand)
White Paper | Turning Your Fleet Green Isn’t Just About Electrification
White Paper | The State of Sustainability in Transportation
A recent big corporate writedown in the oil and gas sector was a big deal. But in this week’s Drilling Deep podcast, host John Kingston discusses that maybe it isn’t quite as big a deal as some people were making it out to be. And then we’ll shift gears and talk about one aspect of […]
Biodiesel blending is on the ropes awaiting congressional action on reinstating a tax credit.
The industry has become incredibly successful at producing lots of natural gas. That was a problem for Chevron.
A recent report by JPMorgan Chase sees a diesel market reaction coming as a result of IMO 2020, but its tone and forecast are restrained and hint at a market that is on the verge of any sort of spike in prices. In an exhaustive 100-plus-page report published by the team led by analyst Phil […]
There’s still a lot that needs to happen, and Chris Midgley sees that as having potential impact on the diesel market.
Host John Kingston gives his take on last week’s OPEC meeting, the fact that we haven’t seen IMO 2020 yet in diesel prices and chats up Dave Osiecki about what’s to come in 2020.
The electrification of commercial trucks is edging closer but the industry first must go through a “messy middle” that sorts out the future of diesel and other alternative fuels.
Volvo Trucks is building on sales of electric trucks for urban transport in Europe with battery-electric concepts for construction and regional distribution.
The group is widening its cuts but in the complex math that is OPEC, the announcement sounds more than the actual reductions are likely to be.
Rising demand for electric vehicles — including medium and heavy trucks — means an increased need for smart grids with smart charging to power those vehicles. Even that may not be enough.
Taking out stuff that you don’t need is part of the strategy to increase Canadian crude-by-rail shipments
The hype surrounding zero-emission electric trucks is evolving into real-world results for two major freight haulers. Both Penske Truck Leasing and NFI Industries have crossed 10,000 miles of battery-powered, zero-emissions freight hauling.
A Solar Energy Industries Association study says U.S. tariffs on crystalline silicon solar cells have pushed solar panel prices in the U.S. 43-57% above the global average price.
Electric powertrain manufacturer Lightning Systems announced a $41 million funding round to help meet growing demand for electric powertrains in U.S. commercial fleets. BP Ventures led the investment round, which was announced Dec. 3, with additional funds from Cupola Infrastructure Income Fund. Colorado-based Lightning Systems designs and manufactures zero-emission, all-electric powertrains for commercial fleets — […]
Recent reports out of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas paint a gloomy picture regarding prospects in the U.S. oil industry. Even as U.S. crude and total petroleum production continue to set records, that is happening while surrounded by cutbacks in operations that are leading to less spending and fewer jobs. That’s obvious in the […]
The move, intended to align the Spanish energy giant with the Paris Agreement goals, will cut the value of its oil and gas assets by $5.3 billion.
All the numbers at your fingertips to help you navigate figuring out what’s going on at OPEC this coming week.
Will California’s steps against parts of drilling technology cost some drivers their jobs?
Workhorse Group has secured a $41 million loan in its third hedge fund deal in a year that the electric truck maker said will let it build out a backlog of 1,100 orders for lightweight commercial delivery vans.
CEO Andy Marsh talks clean hydrogen, a new push into on-road vehicles – and why China does not figure into the five-year revenue plan.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric truck maker Nikola Motor and Chinese battery-electric truck maker BYD teamed up to make an emissions-free beer delivery to the arena where the NHL Champion St. Louis Blues play hockey.
Kayla Matthews writes about the changes coming to the shipping and logistics industry as IMO 2020 takes effect in less than six weeks.
Brian Aoaeh writes about changes in the energy/fuel mix over the next 30 years in developed and developing economies.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric truck startup Nikola Corp. is touting a high-storage battery that could increase the current range of electric passenger cars from 300 to 600 miles with no increase in battery size.
What was behind the historic rise and sudden fall in global LNG floating storage?
The broader issue for Carbo is the weak oil and gas market that has impacted the oil patch.
John Lewis will now use carbon-neutral renewable biomethane to power hundreds of its delivery trucks by 2021.
The plant, one of the world’s largest, is designed to support the automaker’s hydrogen truck and passenger vehicle fleets.
The annual report by OPEC that reviews and forecasts every corner of the world’s oil producing and consuming sectors should be read with happiness by anybody who needs to buy fuel… including truckers. OPEC’s World Oil Outlook is one of several 100-plus page reports that are published every year by a variety of leading energy […]
Uncertainty clouds future of Chinese hydrogen subsidies and impact on the Canadian fuel cell manufacturer.
Workhorse Group signed several partnership deals to leverage its intellectual property in electric trucks and drones in the third quarter while more than doubling its loss of a year ago.
General Motors Co. confirmed the sale of its shuttered Lordstown Assembly complex in northeast Ohio to startup Lordstown Motors Corp., which plans to build a battery-powered electric pickup truck focused on fleet customers.
Shipping liquified natural gas by rail is a controversial topic. Read what Jim Blaze thinks about the idea in his latest commentary.
The impact of IMO 2020 on oil markets is going to be less than projected, at least according to a newly published forecast by OPEC. The cartel, in its voluminous World Oil Outlook report, said it has seen several shifts in oil markets that have led it to believe the transition to lower-sulfur marine fuels […]
With diesel fuel powering 97% of all heavy-duty trucks, it seems silly to predict its industry dominance will end. But don’t tell that to California where the good can be the enemy of the great.
Debt loads are high, prices are stuck and new capital is reluctant to move into the space.
ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Royal Dutch Shell reported earnings this week: we discuss the implications for freight.
Canadian province will allow producers to exceed limits exclusively for rail shipments to meet higher demand.
Navistar is skipping the chase for incentives on demonstration electric trucks to consult with customers on custom-built zero-emission medium-duty models with total cost of ownership rivaling a diesel truck.
Truckers and trucking companies worried about IMO 2020’s impact on diesel prices would have received no comfort from what executives said.
Shippers will shun container lines that lack transparency or overcharge for low-sulfur fuels.
Diesel is a sideshow at the Argus Media conference but the impact on it is always in the background.
Independent trucking group calls the rule “unrealistic”; environmental coalition says it doesn’t go far enough.
Hyundai Motor Co. is expanding its fuel cell ambitions to heavy-duty trucks and trailers with a pair of concepts for next week’s North American Commercial Vehicle show in Atlanta.
Fuel-cell maker not worried about China’s decision to slash hydrogen vehicle incentives.
The signal that IMO 2020 is here isn’t going to be one big moment. There are other signs to watch for.
French calls for mandatory slow steaming continue, but the introduction of low-sulfur bunkers could see container lines accelerate services as fuel markets are played for competitive advantage.
It’s the first step in a broader plan to transform the site into an emission-free freight terminal.
The explosion and fire were near a refinery, but initial reports that they were at a refinery were incorrect.
Market Voice Ben Thrower writes about electric vehicles – and their potential impact on the U.S. energy grid.
European shippers have joined with leading container line analyst Drewry to bring order to the “who pays what” implementation of IMO low-sulfur fuels.
Motiv Power Systems, which converts medium-duty trucks from gasoline to run on zero-emission electricity from batteries, is getting $60 million in equity funding from Winnebago Industries Inc. and a private holding company in Colorado.
A report released the same day as the tanker incident shows why it’s hard to envision higher prices.
An influx of new container ships has hiked the average size of vessels deployed on the trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe trades, reports Alphaliner.
Reports have been surfacing that the Alberta government could grant more crude-by-rail contracts.
The first news led to a spike that pulled back. But prices were higher as the U.S. trading day began.
European logistics giant could bring its famed, eco-friendly distribution centers to North America as its global expansion continues
Deutsche Post-owned EV major StreetScooter has announced plans to expand to the U.S. market, commencing pilot tests early next year with DHL Express.
New pipelines are proving bad news for truckers, according to this RBN Energy report.
Maersk expects ample supplies of low-sulfur fuels to be available in most ports, but warns shippers to expect higher costs.
The American Trucking Associations is working with UrbanVolt to sustainably makeover member facilities in a cash-free affinity deal in which companies would pay UrbanVolt about 30% of the money they save on energy bills.
For a window on future demand for U.S. crude oil, look to international markets, as ever-more U.S. volumes head to sea.
Drewry expects service levels to be cut by lines if shippers prove unwilling to foot the bill for mandatory low-sulfur fuels.
If oil prices are going to start moving in reaction to IMO 2020, the last two weeks may have been the time with the first signs of that occurring. There were enough movements in the market – except for the overall outright price – that could at least lead market observers to speculate that something […]
The urgency to get zero-emissions trucks into testing in climate-conscious California continues with Penske Truck Leasing’s purchase of a Kalmar Ottawa battery-electric model.
File this one under the category of “be careful what you wish for.” In a letter to the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) filed as part of a long series of comments by many made to the federal agency, Phillips 66, a leading refiner, brings up the impact on IMO 2020 if a […]
This Green New Deal for Freight Transport is a series of cost-effective practical steps, using existing technologies to achieve zero emission freight transport by 2050.
Anheuser-Busch is one of the biggest customers in line for hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric trucks from Nikola Corp., iNow, it is jumping into California’s electric truck demonstration race with 21 BYD battery-electric beer delivery trucks.
Maintaining strict emissions regulations and levying a carbon tax on freight movement will help reduce mortality rates due to air pollution.
Rod Sims, the chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, has barked at the many monopolists inhabiting Australia, including the world’s biggest coal export port, the Port of Newcastle.
A weekly look at what occurred in the oil markets of the U.S. and the world this past week and what’s ahead. The Dallas Federal Reserve Board’s quarterly survey of conditions out in the oil patch is positive for the trucking sector only in one sense – production looks like it is going to continue […]
Cummins and Hyundai Motor Group will work on fuel cell electric systems for heavy-duty truck makers in North America as well as stationery fuel cells for data centers and critical infrastruture.
As California tightens trucking emissions, natural gas seen as most viable in market currently.
U.S. trucking operators, heed this warning from Asia. Maritime experts say that after the IMO 2020 deadline, fuel availability will be uncertain, scrubbers won’t work, stockpiles will “evaporate” and fuel prices will “go through the roof”.
But batteries have a better future in more regional hauls.
Germany has unveiled a climate package which experts believe is not ambitious enough, coinciding with the time Germany inches closer to an economic recession.
Wind technology may be a solution for rail industry.
Getting to Zero Coalition, which includes Maersk Line, calls for “commercially viable zero-emission vessels” to be deployed on deep sea trade by 2030.
The weekly average retail diesel price posted Monday by the Department of Energy (DOE) was in the top 20 biggest one-week increases in the history of the data series – and particularly steep compared to upward moves in the last seven years. The DOE/Energy Information Administration (EIA) price posted Monday was $3.081/gallon, up from $2.987/gallon, […]
Whether its a small renewable diesel plant or a big refinery expansion, growth is ongoing.
After a week in which oil and diesel prices rose and fell like a tanker on a wind-whipped ocean, FreightWaves Radio will have a wide-ranging discussion about petroleum prices on this weekend’s edition, broadcast over SiriusXM Road Dog Trucking. Co-host John Kingston will be joined by S&P Global Platts senior editor Brian Scheid and FreightWaves’ […]
As the world’s top producer of oil, the United States is more than capable of withstanding the global effects of the Saudi Arabian refinery attack.
Hilcorp makes headway in Alaska buying out BP’s Alaska assets.
Fuel cell startup Loop Engency received a cash infusion from engine maker Cummins Inc. on Sept. 18. It was Cummins second investment in fuel cells this month.
Daimler Trucks and Buses has entered a long-term supply agreement for lithium-ion batter technology for its coming range of electric trucks.
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman at Tuesday press conference discussing status of country’s oil industry. And just like that, the great Saudi oil crisis of 2019 might be over. In a press conference carried over the Internet, a significant step for the usually publicity-shy kingdom, Saudi energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said […]
Oil markets completed their first full day of trading following the drone attacks on Saudi processing facilities, with the global crude Brent benchmark rising more than 14% at the close and heading back up toward where prices were when trading began late Sunday U.S. time. The one comforting fact for truckers is that ultra low […]
A market covers its shorts but also ponders the vulnerability of the Saudi oil system.
Diesel prices could spike by over 20% overnight due to the market coming to grips with the biggest blackswan event to hit oil in over a decade. On Friday night, while most of the U.S. was settling in for a weekend of high school, college and professional football, the world’s second largest oil producer was […]
The drone attacks were a combination of low-tech equipment versus an oil giant, creating more disruption than any time in recent history.
World No. 2 producer shuts in half of production due to overnight attacks.
A refinery in the Caribbean that was closed in 2012 is springing back to life, and it has a role in IMO 2020 compliance.
Higher transport costs are a price worth paying to cut carbon emissions, says a U.K. government energy czar. Ship owners beg to differ.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association explained its goals towards the future, which involve the creation of a comprehensive plan to enable zero-emission mobility across Europe.
Greenhouse gas regulations are the sticks and incentives are the carrots in driving the heavy-duty truck and commercial vehicle industry to embrace electrification.
Final investment decisions for new global LNG export plants are surging, a negative for future thermal coal demand.
Cummins Inc. closed its $290 million purchase of fuel cell maker Hydrogenics on September 9, the second major investment in fuel cell technology in less than a week.
Markets for diesel are trending where theyve been for the last year.
Pilot eLCV projects are planned in the U.S. next year with local production a long-term aim.
The decline in U.S. coal production could cost the railroads billions in lost revenue.
