Japan radiation leak evokes Three Mile Island

The radiation leak in Japan immediately recalls memories of accidents at the Chernobyl and Three Mile Island power stations, and how it unfolds will be a critical test for international acceptance of nuclear energy. The Fukushima incident, brought on by the biggest earthquake ever recorded in Japan, took a turn for the worse on Saturday after a blast... 

Analysis: Stocks-oil relation looks as it did in 2008 recession

The trading pattern of the prices of stocks and crude oil looks worryingly like it did just before the last recession. Oil and equity prices rise and fall more or less in tandem when demand and economic growth expectations dictate prices. But the short-term relationship has been turned on its head in recent weeks with investors worried that political... 

As oil muddies outlook, Fed policy less certain

Surging oil prices are deepening a split inside the Federal Reserve, blurring the likely direction of U.S. monetary policy and making next week’s policy meeting all the more contentious. The sharp rise in energy costs, precipitated by a wave of pro-democracy uprisings across the Arab world, could affect the economy in different ways, by retarding... 

Alcoa Among Thought Leaders Featured in a “Lessons Learned” Publication on Environmental Leadership

Alcoa’s was among a select group of thought leaders featured in the inaugural edition of Insider Knowledge Report, a compilation of lessons learned from corporate environmental, sustainability and energy decision-makers. The report was published by Environmental Leader, the on-line source for energy and environmental business news. Alcoa’s approach... 

John Wood Group PLC (‘Wood Group’, the ‘Group’) Announces Disposal of Well Support Division for $2.8 Billion

Wood Group, the international energy services company, today announces it has entered into a conditional agreement to sell its Well Support Division to GE for cash consideration of $2.8 billion (the “Disposal”). Following the Disposal, the Board of Directors intends that Wood Group will return cash of not less than $1.7 billion to shareholders... 

Universal Lubricants Expands to Meet Growing Demand for Cleaner, Greener Re-Refined Oil

One of the country’s oldest lubricant manufacturing and distribution companies, Wichita’s Universal Lubricants (UL) established in 1929, is poised for double-digit growth for the foreseeable future thanks to a technologically advanced and highly capable re-refinery, and efficiencies gained through its environmentally-friendly closed-loop... 

Egypt unrest may push oil above $110: Kuwait official

Global oil prices could exceed $110 a barrel if political unrest in Egypt continues, a member of Kuwait’s Supreme Petroleum Council said on Sunday. Oil prices have spiked due to tension in Egypt. Brent crude hit $100 per barrel for the first time since 2008 on fears instability could spread through the Middle East, which together with North Africa... 

S&P 500 eyes best week in nine

Stocks were headed for their best week in nine on Friday as the market defied calls for a pullback despite signs of rotation into defensive and lagging sectors that could intensify in coming weeks. Signs of improvement in the economy and strong corporate earnings have propelled stock prices but tapering volume, meager gains and declining numbers of... 

PJM Moves Toward Pay-for-Performance Pricing

Beacon Power Corporation a leading provider of fast-response energy storage systems and services to support a more stable, reliable and efficient electricity grid, announced that the PJM Interconnection recently began the formal process to implement pay-for-performance regulation pricing in its geographic area, the largest electricity market in the... 

FreeWave Technologies Chosen by OG&E for its Smart Grid Project

FreeWave Technologies manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radio solutions for mission critical data transmission, today announced it has been selected by OG&E for its comprehensive smart grid deployment. As part of this project, OG&E will utilize FreeWave’s FGR2-PE wireless radio solution for...