ARC ENERGY IDEAS

ARC Energy Research Institute debated Carbon Tracker on the risks of investing in fossil fuels at the Globe Capital Conference in Toronto last month. This week’s episode outlines the arguments and outcome of the debate. Next, we debunk the Economist February 6, 2019 lead article titled, “Crude awakening: The truth about Big Oil and climate change." The publication mistakenly argues that policy makers should stop the growth of oil production from companies like ExxonMobil to combat climate change.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This week’s podcast covers the latest twist in the Canadian oil pipeline saga, the delay in the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project. The postponement increases the call on crude-by-rail from Alberta. We also update the status of the other major Canadian oil pipeline projects, the TMX and the Keystone XL.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

The Chinese economy is still very consequential to energy and oil demand, making up one-third of all global growth. In this week’s podcast, we consider the implications from slower Chinese economic growth and more electric vehicles. Next, we cover highlights from the recently released BP Energy Outlook, including how a single use plastic ban could impact oil demand.This podcast references a chart comparing China Total Energy Demand vs Population. It also references past ARC commentaries, including the energy blog and pictures from Jackie’s summer vacation in China (China’s Energy Market: My View from the Bullet Train) and ARC’s past research on how a global ban on the sales of the internal combustion engine by 2040 would impact oil demand (The End of Oil Narratives are Misleading).Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This week we interview Susannah Pierce, LNG Canada’s Director of External Relations. LNG Canada will be the first major LNG project in the country, planning to deliver 1.8 Bcf/d of gas from British Columbia’s west coast to Asian markets by the mid 2020s. In our discussion, we learn more about the LNG Canada project including stakeholder relations. We also talk about the many Canadian LNG advantages, including carbon and cost competitiveness.This podcast references ARC commentaries, including LNG Breakeven Cost Comparisons and LNG Canada: Getting Back to the Objective.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

The US Green New Deal puts forward an aggressive plan for tackling climate change and social issues. On this week's podcast we explain the resolution, including why it could prove consequential.We also talk about the Cleantech sector, considering recent positive investment trends and the arguments for expanding the mainstream definition to include technology for greening oil and gas.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This week we interview James Cairns, CN Rail’s Vice President of Petroleum and Chemicals on the outlook for Canadian crude by rail considering the Alberta government production curtailment.  We also tackle some new modalities for moving heavy oil sands using rail, by moving pure bitumen in rail cars and by CanaPux for overseas shipments.This podcast references ARC's estimate of rail economics for reaching the US Gulf Coast: Will Canada Help Fill the Heavy Oil Shortage on the US Gulf Coast?Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This week’s podcast considers how Canada could help fill the gap created by the US sanctions on importing Venezuelan crude oil, explaining the potential for moving crude by rail from Canada to the US Gulf Coast.Next, we discuss the Alberta Government’s decision to start reducing production curtailments just one month into the policy. Finally, we cover a few legal challenges, the Canadian Supreme Court’s ruling on oil and gas environmental liabilities and the city of Victoria’s plan for a class action lawsuit to help with the costs of climate change.This podcast references past ARC Energy Research Institute commentary No One Wins at the Blame Game.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This week we tackle the Western Canadian natural gas markets that have faced weak prices for more than a year. What are the implications of the situation for producers, the economy and the resource owner, the citizens of Alberta?  Importantly, what actions can be taken to fix the market?This podcast references postcards from the early 1900s when natural gas was first discovered in Medicine Hat, Alberta.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

This week we interview Grant Arnold CEO of BluEarth Renewables on how and when renewables could disrupt the current electric utilities model.  What is the state of renewables in Alberta, Canada and beyond? What are the implications for natural gas generation, utilities and energy costs?Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/

There is a sense of relief that 2018 is over. The year ended with pipeline drama and low international oil prices. But, so far, the year is starting off better with prices moving up. This podcast considers what comes next, for WTI, Canadian oil, Western Canada activity levels, and pipelines.This episode reference how to listen to podcasts on your phone, a great way to multitask.Please review our disclaimer at: https://www.arcenergyinstitute.com/disclaimer/