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Search results for: “climate model”

  • Coal mining: the economics?

    Coal mining: the economics?

    Coal is ridiculously cheap, providing thermal energy at around 1c/kWh while also generating a 10% IRR on new investment. But CO2 intensity is also very high at 0.55kg/kWh (thermal basis). Capex, opex and cost breakdowns are in the data-file.

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  • Glass fiber: the economics?

    Glass fiber: the economics?

    This data-file models the economics of producing glass fiber, the key component in fiberglass for wind turbines; but also a light-weight insulating material. Marginal cost is likely $2,000/ton, with a CO2 intensity of 1.5 tons/ton. Some Chinese product is 50% cheaper but 2x more CO2 intensive.

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  • LNG regasification: the economics?

    LNG regasification: the economics?

    This data-file captures the economics for a typical LNG regas facility. We estimate that a fixed plant with 75-80% utilization requires a spread near to $0.5-0.8/mcf on its gas imports, in order to earn a 5-10% IRR. But there is asymmetric upside amidst gas shortages.

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  • Fuel retail: economics of a petrol station?

    Fuel retail: economics of a petrol station?

    This data-file captures the economics for a fuel-retailing “petrol station” to earn a 10% IRR. A typical EBIT marginย is 17c/gallon; with a c6% margin on direct fuel sales; plus 10-20% of revenues from convenience retail at a higher, c25-30% margin.

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  • Japan: nuclear restart tracker?

    Japan: nuclear restart tracker?

    This data-file on ย looks through 17 major nuclear plants in Japan with 45GW of operable capacity, covering the key parameters and re-start news on each facility. Japan’s nuclear restart had ramped output back to 78TWH pa by 2023, and may rise by a further 100 TWH by 2030, to meet targets for 20% nuclear in…

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  • Oil storage terminals: the economics?

    Oil storage terminals: the economics?

    This data-file captures the economics of constructing an oil storage terminal (aka a “tank farm”). A typical facility needs to charge a $1.5/bbl storage spread to earn a 10% IRR over a 30-year life. Capex costs per kWh of energy are 97% lower than grid-scale batteries. It may become more challenging to finance new facilities…

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  • Energy security: the return of long-term contracts?

    Energy security: the return of long-term contracts?

    Spot markets have delivered more and more โ€˜commodities on demandโ€™. But is this model fit for energy transition? Many markets are now short, causing explosive price rises. Sufficient volumes may still not be available at any price. This note considers a renaissance for long-term contracts.

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  • Formaldehyde production: the economics?

    Formaldehyde production: the economics?

    Formaldehyde producton costs are captured in this data-file, covering one of the ‘top 50’ commodity chemicals intermediates (MDF, wind turbine blades, disinfectants). Marginal cost is $500/ton, a direct linear function of gas prices. Embedded CO2 is 0.75 tons/ton, of which 90% is from methanol inputs.

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  • Sulphur recovery units: Claus process economics?

    Sulphur recovery units: Claus process economics?

    This data-file captures the economics of producing sulphur from H2S via the Claus process, yielding an important input for phosphate fertilizers and metals. Cash costs are $40-60/ton and marginal costs are $100/ton. CO2 intensity is low at 0.1 tons/ton. Data-file explores shortages in energy transition?

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  • European shale: an overview?

    European shale: an overview?

    Europe has 15 TCM of technically recoverable shale gas resources. This data-file aims to provide a helpful overview, as we expect exploration to re-accelerate. Ukraine has the best shale in Europe, which may even be a motivation for Russian aggression. Other countries with good potential, held back only by sentiment are Romania, Germany, UK, Bulgaria…

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