ARC ENERGY IDEAS

Oil and gas E&P share prices in both the United States and Canada have been underperforming compared to the broad indices. This week’s podcast discusses the causes and what it could turn things around.  A critical ingredient for improvement is that companies prove they can make money in an era of abundant supply and lower price levels, while lowering their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk. Specific to Canada, improved market access is critical.  And while pipelines are still progressing, alternative modes of oil transportation are evolving too --- with the potential for creating Canadian oil export diversity, optionality and resiliency.This podcast refers to our SnapChart “The Market Disconnect” that shows indices for upstream oil and gas equities. It also references the past ARC commentary “Issues that are Weighing on Oil and Gas Investment”.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This week we interview Chris Slubicki President and CEO of Modern Resources, a Western Canadian oil and gas producer that is an environmental leader.  Chris is an advocate for the Canadian oil and gas industry, his video about the reality of global energy demand and Canada’s unique position for leadership has racked up 140,000 views. Our discussion covers a range of topics including the weak prices for western Canadian natural gas and the implications for companies and the economy. We also discuss how Modern Resources cut their methane emissions to nearly zero at new well sites.Use this link to watch Chris’s widely viewed video “Canadian Energy Leadership”. Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

Climate change is a pressing issue caused by greenhouse gas emissions. This week’s podcast examines global, US and Canadian emissions and ways to make reductions. To compare GHG emissions in Canada and the United States, see past ARC Commentary “Canada’s GHG Emission Reality”.  We also reference a few papers in this podcast: one by Nature Conservancy that concluded natural solutions could achieve 37% of Paris climate goals; another by Yale360 reported that planting 1.2 trillion trees would store ten years of carbon emissions.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

The Trump Administration announced the United States would not extend the sanction waivers for countries importing Iranian crude oil. This week’s podcast ponders the implications from the lost Iranian barrels along with other factors shaping global oil markets including US production, OPEC plus supply, and world demand growth.This podcast references Saudi Aramco’s Prospectus for their recent bond offering.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

The Permian Basin has made the United States the world’s largest oil producer. The oil field is now the biggest in the world, producing more than Ghawar in Saudi Arabia.  This week’s podcast gives an on-the-ground perspective of the the giant oil play.As referenced in the podcast, here is a link to ARC commentary and trip photos, Betting on More Growth from the Permian. Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

Alberta voted for change on April 16th giving Jason Kenney’s United Conservative Party (UCP) a majority win. This week’s podcast reviews the UCP’s energy platform, providing a guide of what to expect next. Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This week we interview Evan Wilson from the Canadian Wind Energy Association. Evan talks about the potential for more low cost wind farms in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Both provinces have excellent wind resources and require new generation projects due to the phase out of coal power. We explore the pros and cons of wind, and the potential for new commercial models that industrial consumers and communities may start to procure wind power directly.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This week we interview Ian Anderson the President and CEO of Trans Mountain Corporation, the proponent of the hotly debated TMX pipeline expansion project. Ian explains the history of the existing pipeline -- which moves crude oil and refined products from Alberta to Canada’s West Coast -- and the planned expansion project. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the Canadian government’s historical decision to buy the pipeline last year, indigenous consultation and the next steps in the lengthy process. Ian helps clarify the facts on marine safety, explaining why the TMX has some of the most rigorous marine safety practices in the world. As referenced in the podcast, here is a link to the National Energy Board’s February 2019 Reconsideration Report that is over 600 pages long and contains detailed information on the project.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

The energy world’s top leaders and influencers recently gathered in Houston for the annual IHS Markit CERAWeek. In this week’s podcast we discuss the major themes and takeaways of the conference that is often called the Super Bowl of the energy industry. As referenced in the podcast here is a link to videos of CERAWeek 2019, also see related ARC commentary CERAWeek 2019: Trends and Transitions.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This week we interview Alex Pourbaix the President and CEO of Cenovus Energy, Canada’s largest SAGD oil sands producer. Alex explains that the oil sands are not what they used to be; new barrels are lower cost and lower carbon. The discussion covers a range of topics including; the Alberta Government’s production curtailment, pipelines and crude-by-rail, plus the potential for lower cost rail modalities in the future.  We finish on the contentious Bill C-69 that aims to overhaul the review process for major infrastructure projects in Canada.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/