MDN’s Energy Stories of Interest: Thu, Dec 4, 2025 [FREE ACCESS]

MARCELLUS/UTICA REGION: Utica Shale Academy receives grant for security equipment; OTHER U.S. REGIONS: Newlab and JERA partner to commercialize next-gen CO2 capture tech; Blame Dems for fueling New York’s ‘affordability’ crisis with their green-energy insanity; NATIONAL: South Korean companies to build ships in the U.S.; Williams leadership foresees moderate, sustained natural gas prices; 2025 was a no good, terrible, very bad year for the energy transition; INTERNATIONAL: Oil closes up as peace deal falls short; Russia oil revenue falls by a third; Europe’s green energy rush slashed emissions—and crippled the economy; Europe finds winter relief in LNG surge from US; Asia backs away as Europe becomes the LNG price-setter.

MARCELLUS/UTICA REGION

Utica Shale Academy receives grant for security equipment
Youngstown (OH) The Business Journal
The Utica Shale Academy is enhancing security at its under-construction interior welding lab and heavy equipment facility using a $29,490 School Safety and Security Grant from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Superintendent Bill Watson announced the project, which totals $39,320, will fund the installation of 12 cameras, recording equipment, and controlled badge access to monitor activity both inside and outside the building at 83 E. Main St. These upgrades aim to secure the facility, which features 27 welding bays for the dropout recovery school’s 170-plus at-risk students, ensuring safety across the campus focused on career-tech education and workforce certifications. [MDN: This unique and one-of-a-kind school continues to thrive and grow. We wish there were more shale-focused primary schools.]

OTHER U.S. REGIONS

Newlab and JERA partner to commercialize next-gen CO2 capture tech
Newlab
Newlab New Orleans and JERA, Japan’s largest power generation company, have partnered to commercialize next-generation carbon capture technologies for power plants. Through JERA Ventures, the collaboration aims to address the inefficiencies of traditional capture systems in combined-cycle gas turbines. By leveraging Louisiana’s industrial infrastructure, the partnership will connect startups with real-world environments to pilot advanced solutions like new solvents and membranes. This initiative seeks to de-risk and accelerate the deployment of decarbonization technologies to meet rising global energy demand, ultimately scaling successful innovations across Louisiana and international markets. [MDN: Whatever. We personally think carbon capture is a fool’s errand, but we understand it’s what “the market” is asking for. And we’re capitalists. So if the market wants to pay out the nose for carbon capture, let’s give it to them.]

Blame Dems for fueling New York’s ‘affordability’ crisis with their green-energy insanity
New York (NY) Post
An opinion piece from the New York Post Editorial Board attributes New York’s affordability crisis to the Democratic Party’s “green-energy insanity.” The article criticizes Governor Kathy Hochul and past administrations for banning fracking and closing nuclear plants like Indian Point, arguing these decisions increased costs while destabilizing the grid. Although Hochul recently paused specific mandates—such as the ban on gas stoves—to review their economic impact, the board insists this is insufficient. They urge the state to completely scrap its “radical green agenda” (i.e., the Climate Act), lift the fracking ban, and build new nuclear power plants to ensure reliable, affordable energy. [MDN: Don’t look for sanity in NY. We live here. Hochul is doing the minimum she can to avoid an uprising, but she and the Dems will never turn back from their green agenda. The state is toast.]

NATIONAL

South Korean companies to build ships in the U.S.
General Dynamics NASSCO
General Dynamics NASSCO, DSEC Co., Ltd., and Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. have signed a tri-party Memorandum of Agreement to collaborate on ship design and manufacturing automation within the U.S. market. Announced on December 3, 2025, this partnership aims to advance commercial, naval, and government shipbuilding projects, including the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Logistics Ship. The agreement builds upon decades of shared experience in U.S.-South Korean shipbuilding. NASSCO President Dave Carver noted that uniting these companies, with over 160 years of combined experience, creates significant opportunities for executing future shipbuilding generations. [MDN: Samsung Heavy Industries builds liquefied natural gas carriers (LNGC), container ships, drill ships, and floating production units for the oil and gas industry. Might we see the design and building of a Jones-Act compliant LNGC here in the U.S.? One can hope.]

Williams leadership foresees moderate, sustained natural gas prices
MarketMinute
Williams President and CEO Chad Zamarin forecasts that natural gas prices will remain moderate and sustained, even as long-term demand surges. This outlook, shared in late 2025, highlights the critical role of natural gas in supporting the global energy transition, particularly for electrification, data centers, and renewable energy integration. Zamarin notes that power demand could quadruple in the next decade, driven by AI and industrial reshoring, with 175 data centers planned within Williams’ pipeline footprint. To meet this exponential growth and ensure reliability, Williams emphasizes the urgent need for significant investment in infrastructure to bridge the gap between current supply capabilities and future needs. [MDN: Williams and its Transco pipeline is a MAJOR player in the M-U midstream. How they view the future is important. They are betting the company on how they view the future. Natural gas IS the future.]

2025 was a no good, terrible, very bad year for the energy transition
Forbes
In 2025, the global energy transition faced significant setbacks as major corporations like BP and Shell cancel billions in renewable energy investments, retreating to core fossil fuel operations. While figures like John Kerry attribute this reversal to fear of Donald Trump’s political influence, the article argues that economic realities—including inflation, supply chain hurdles, and low profitability—are the primary drivers. Despite decades of subsidies, renewable alternatives have largely failed to displace oil and gas, which still supply 80% of global energy. Consequently, experts suggest the current transition narrative is failing and requires a realistic revision as green projects prove economically unviable. [MDN: Excellent insights from David Blackmon into why unreliable renewables are bombing, big time.]

INTERNATIONAL

Oil closes up as peace deal falls short
Bloomberg
Oil prices rose slightly, with West Texas Intermediate settling at $58.95, following failed negotiations between US and Russian envoys regarding the war in Ukraine. The lack of a peace deal suggests continued sanctions on Russian supply, bolstering prices despite ongoing market concerns about oversupply. While a US government report showed a smaller-than-expected increase in crude stockpiles, gasoline inventories saw their largest rise since May. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions contributed a risk premium to the market, fueled by US rhetoric concerning potential strikes against drug cartels in Venezuela. Brent crude also posted modest gains, closing at $62.67 a barrel. [MDN: Still near or in the $60 range. Life is good.]

Russia oil revenue falls by a third
Bloomberg
Russia’s government oil proceeds shrank by nearly one-third in November compared to the previous year, driven by falling global crude prices and a stronger ruble. Oil-related taxes dropped 32% to 413.7 billion rubles, increasing fiscal pressure on a budget already strained by military spending for the war in Ukraine. Revenue was further impacted by new US sanctions on major producers Rosneft and Lukoil, which deepened discounts on Russian oil. Additionally, monthly revenue nearly halved due to quarterly tax schedules, while the stronger currency reduced the ruble value of dollar-denominated export earnings. [MDN: We need to keep the pressure on Russia to deny them money for Putin’s illegal war against Ukraine.]

Europe’s green energy rush slashed emissions—and crippled the economy
Wall Street Journal
Europe’s aggressive transition to green energy has successfully reduced emissions but at a severe economic cost, according to the Wall Street Journal. While the shift away from Russian gas initially drove up prices, experts argue that the massive investment required for renewable infrastructure—such as battery storage and redundant capacity—has kept energy costs stubbornly high. Consultants estimate that a “clean power” system in the U.K. won’t generate consumer savings until 2044, potentially inflicting long-term economic damage before then. This financial strain is cracking political consensus, fueling support for parties opposing green subsidies, and forcing industries to contend with uncompetitive energy prices compared to regions pursuing more flexible strategies. [MDN: Unreliable renewables have failed. That’s the bottom line. If was going to work anywhere, it would have been in Europe. It’s NOT WORKING. Can we all please return to rational reality?]

Europe finds winter relief in LNG surge from US
Bloomberg
Optimism pervaded the World LNG Summit in Istanbul as experts predicted Europe will successfully navigate the 2025 winter despite initial supply concerns. Following depleted inventories after the 2022 energy crisis, a significant surge in US liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports has stabilized the market, driving prices to their lowest levels since spring 2024. While new projects satisfy growing demand, industry leaders caution that volatility remains possible; with true supply abundance not expected until late next year, severe weather could still trigger price spikes, meaning Europe is not yet completely free from risk. [MDN: US LNG to the rescue! Europe is so lucky to have us. And they’re so stupid for banning the drilling and fracking of their own abundant supplies. Their stupidity is our profit.]

Asia backs away as Europe becomes the LNG price-setter
OilPrice.com
Asian LNG imports are projected to decline this year as high global prices drive nations toward domestic production and cheaper alternatives like coal and pipeline gas. Conversely, Europe is nearing record import levels, heavily relying on U.S. LNG to replenish critically low storage levels regardless of the high cost. This desperate European demand sustains elevated prices, further pricing out Asian buyers. Consequently, a distinct market divide is emerging: Europe is becoming increasingly dependent on U.S. exports, while Asia maintains flexibility by prioritizing energy security and diverse supply sources over expensive liquefied natural gas. [MDN: Makes sense. Look, Asia is twice as far to ship LNG to than is Europe (an extra 5,000 nautical miles). More distance/time equals more expense.]