Supply Chains

TREND: Down Go Electricity Prices

Wholesale electricity prices are in what appears to be a long-term downward spiral, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration. Prices across the country were down in 2012,…



Why Swooning SWU Prices Will Continue
Why Swooning SWU Prices Will Continue

Domestic competition is coming to the U.S. market for enriched uranium reactor fuel, with one competitor to what had been the only American firm making separative work units (SWUs) expanding…


Rare Earths: China Strikes Back

Rare earth minerals may continue to be potential weak links in the supply chain for many advanced energy technologies, including wind turbines, motors in electric vehicles, superconductors, and smart grid…


TREND: U.S., Energy Exporter

For many, the phrase “U.S. energy security” implies “energy imports.” The energy policy horizon for the past 40 years has been dominated by an overhanging fear that this country is…


End Game for Rare Earth Dispute?

The World Trade Organization (WTO) could soon take up a formal complaint that the U.S., Japan, and the European Union filed in mid-March against China’s near monopoly over the minerals…


Bulls Beating Bears in Shale Gas Inquiry

As the resource gets increased and more sophisticated scrutiny, natural gas from shale looks increasingly like a revolutionary force in energy markets. Most recently, the Washington-based environmental and energy think…


Solar Power’s Elephant in the Living Room

Solar power generation is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. This year, shipments of solar modules globally will exceed 7.8 gigawatts. Taking an average output of 200…