MDN’s Energy Stories of Interest: Fri, Apr 25, 2025 [FREE ACCESS]

NATIONAL: Williams announces Chief Operating Officer appointment; AccuWeather looks at wildfire risk for USA oil, gas in 2025; The United States operates the world’s largest nuclear power plant fleet; Energy secretary aims to reassure oil bosses amid trade war; Trump emergency order accelerates oil and gas permitting; I voted to eliminate ROFR, and that was unwise; INTERNATIONAL: Oil gains as supply tightness counters trade concerns; Russia oil drilling at fastest pace in 5 years as curbs ease.

NATIONAL

Williams announces Chief Operating Officer appointment
Williams
Williams, a Tulsa-based energy company, announced the appointment of Larry Larsen as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective May 3, 2025, following the retirement of Micheal Dunn. Larsen, who joined Williams in 2017 as Senior Vice President of Delivery and Optimization, has over 30 years of industry experience, including roles at TC Energy and as a U.S. Army officer. His new role includes a $675,000 annual salary, a $1,187,500 restricted stock unit award, and eligibility for short- and long-term incentives. Larsen’s expertise in strategic leadership and operational excellence is expected to drive Williams’ focus on safety, reliability, and growth in clean energy solutions. The announcement coincides with Williams’ recognition for sustainability leadership, underscoring its commitment to economic, environmental, and social governance. This transition aims to strengthen Williams’ operational framework as it navigates the evolving energy landscape. [MDN: Williams is a major pipeline operator in the M-U region (and beyond). Who runs the company, especially the person in charge of operations, has a significant impact on the company. Congrats to Larry Larsen on his promotion.]

AccuWeather looks at wildfire risk for USA oil, gas in 2025
Rigzone
AccuWeather predicts that wildfires in the United States will burn seven to nine million acres in 2025, exceeding the historical average, following nearly one million acres already burned across 20 states this year. Lead long-range expert Paul Pastelok noted that while last year saw nine million acres burned, the current season is intensified by widespread drought, with nine percent of the nation in extreme or exceptional drought conditions. Springtime fires pose unique risks, particularly in drought-affected areas, with potential for rapid escalation as summer heat and dry vegetation increase fire triggers like lightning and wind. The oil and gas sector faces disruptions, particularly from wildfires near transportation routes like rails and roads, which could delay oil and gas shipping. Western Canada and regions like the Southeast, Southwest, and northern Rockies are expected to see heightened fire activity, though wetter conditions in some areas may mitigate risks. [MDN: A lot of hubbub about nothing. O&G is not somehow threatened by wildfires any more this year than any other year. We live in a time and culture when fear is used as a weapon to control people. Don’t be—either fearful or controlled.]

The United States operates the world’s largest nuclear power plant fleet
U.S. Energy Information Administration – Today in Energy
In 2024, the U.S. operated 94 nuclear reactors across 54 power plants, with a total capacity of nearly 97 gigawatts, making it the world’s largest commercial nuclear power fleet, followed by France, China, and Russia. Nuclear power generated 19% of U.S. electricity. Plant Vogtle in Georgia, expanded with two new 1.1-GW reactors in 2023 and 2024, became the largest U.S. nuclear plant at 4.5 GW, surpassing Arizona’s Palo Verde. These Vogtle reactors, along with one at Watts Bar, Tennessee, are the only new U.S. reactors since 1996. Despite 12 reactor closures since 2013, high capacity factors reflect improved operations and shorter outages. Policies like Department of Energy credits for California’s Diablo Canyon and a loan for restarting Michigan’s Palisades plant support continued operations. The U.S. Energy Information Administration provides detailed nuclear power data through various reports and real-time grid monitoring tools. [MDN: A few interesting things about this. We like nuclear energy. We didn’t know we are #1 in nukes like we are #1 in both oil and natural gas production. The world’s largest nuke plant generates 4.5 GW of electricity. The recently-announced gas-fired power plant in southwestern PA will be the same size (see Largest Gas-Fired Power Plant in the U.S. Coming in Western Pa.).]

Energy secretary aims to reassure oil bosses amid trade war
Bloomberg
During a visit to Oklahoma, Energy Secretary Chris Wright reassured U.S. oil companies that the turmoil from President Trump’s trade war would be short-lived, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to boosting crude oil production. Speaking at an energy conference, Wright, a former fracking executive, attributed market uncertainty to ongoing trade deal negotiations, predicting resolution within weeks. He and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum outlined plans to reduce barriers and expedite permitting, with Burgum promising approvals in as little as 14 days. Despite falling oil prices—down over 10% this month amid trade tensions and OPEC’s production increase—industry leaders like Devon Energy’s Clay Gaspar and Continental Resources’ Harold Hamm expressed optimism. However, Occidental Petroleum’s Vicki Hollub noted the lack of a cohesive energy strategy, though she remained hopeful about the administration’s potential to develop one. The event, hosted by Hamm, focused on powering AI development amid industry challenges. [MDN: This article was Bloomberg’s ongoing attempt to smear Trump and bash fossil energy. It missed.]

Trump emergency order accelerates oil and gas permitting
OilPrice.com
The Trump administration has drastically reduced the approval time for new oil, gas, uranium, and critical mineral projects to a maximum of 28 days, down from several years, by implementing “emergency permitting procedures” under a national energy emergency declared earlier this year. According to the Department of the Interior, these procedures also apply to coal, biofuels, geothermal energy, and kinetic hydropower, aiming to bolster energy security, which Secretary Doug Burgum equates to national security. The administration’s aggressive push to expedite American energy and mineral development, excluding wind energy, has sparked significant opposition from climate NGOs and the transition advocacy sector, who are preparing legal challenges. The moves test the boundaries of the 1946 Administrative Procedure Act, prompting the use of emergency declarations to bypass standard regulatory processes, as noted by analysts and reported by Reuters, highlighting a strategic effort to reshape energy policy swiftly. [MDN: The left’s favorite (and only remaining) tactic is to use foreign money to finance lawfare against the administration. We’re making progress, but more progress is needed. We must defund and expose the left for the cancer it is.]

I voted to eliminate ROFR, and that was unwise
RealClearEnergy
In the article, former FERC Commissioner Andy McKean reflects on his 2019 vote to eliminate the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) for incumbent utilities, a decision he now considers misguided. ROFR allowed utilities to prioritize building new transmission lines, ensuring grid reliability and cost efficiency. McKean supported its removal, influenced by arguments that competition would lower costs and accelerate clean energy projects. However, post-2019 developments revealed that non-utility developers often prioritize profits, leading to higher consumer costs and delayed projects. Data from the U.S. Department of Energy and regional grid operators show increased transmission costs and inefficiencies in states without ROFR. McKean now advocates reinstating ROFR, arguing it balances competition with reliability, protects consumers, and supports a stable transition to cleaner energy, urging policymakers to reconsider based on evidence from Iowa’s experience. [MDN: An obscure but important issue about who gets to build new electric transmission lines.]

INTERNATIONAL

Oil gains as supply tightness counters trade concerns
Bloomberg/Rigzone
Oil prices rose as producers signaled restraint in output growth, bolstered by a tight physical market and easing US-China trade tensions. West Texas Intermediate futures increased 0.8% to $62.79 per barrel, and Brent climbed to $66.55, following President Trump’s comments on ongoing trade talks with China, despite earlier Chinese dismissal of progress. Lower oil prices have prompted some producers to cut spending, with metrics like the WTI prompt spread indicating tight supplies. Geopolitical tensions persisted, with Russia’s attacks on Ukraine and stalled peace talks, alongside US demands on Russia regarding Ukraine’s military rights. A brief dip in prices occurred after reports of Iran seeking an interim deal, potentially easing supply risks. However, concerns over US tariffs, global economic slowdown, and OPEC+ internal strains, particularly with Kazakhstan, raised fears of faster-than-expected output increases, with OPEC+ set to meet on May 5 to decide June’s strategy. [MDN: Oil in the $60s is just dandy. Keep it right there.]

Russia oil drilling at fastest pace in 5 years as curbs ease
Bloomberg/Rigzone
Russia’s oil industry is experiencing a surge in drilling activity, reaching levels not seen in at least five years, as the country prepares for potential OPEC+ output limit relaxations and possible sanctions relief related to its invasion of Ukraine. Despite Western sanctions aimed at limiting access to advanced technologies, Russia’s crude and condensate production capacity remains stable at 11-11.5 million barrels per day, matching 2016 levels. The industry has adapted by retaining equipment and expertise from departing foreign firms, relying on local service companies, and sourcing alternative equipment. Drilling has focused on mature fields, particularly in western Siberia, with a shift toward advanced horizontal drilling, which now dominates production. However, exploration drilling has significantly declined due to market uncertainty, high borrowing costs, and restricted access to cutting-edge technologies for complex reserves, potentially impacting future output as reserves deplete by 2035. [MDN: So Russia is ramping up its oil drilling. The question is, who is buying all of that oil? Apparently, someone is, despite sanctions. Meaning our friends (like India) are buying Russian oil.]