SNL Energy Whitepapers
Free whitepapers on important industry issues, written by SNL Energy's expert analysts.

Game On: 2010 Prospects for Coal to Natural Gas Switching
March 2010

The weak electricity demand and oversupply of natural gas that characterized 2009 translated immediately to reduced coal burn and rapid inventory build at coal plants, particularly in the Eastern U.S. Firming spot and forward prices for natural gas over the winter brought some relief to coal-based utilities, but how much displacement can we expect as we move into the spring and summer of 2010? An examination of current pricing trends and wobbly fundamentals suggest the potential for steam coal displacement once again this summer, though perhaps not as severe as 2009 when switching accounted for about a 6% reduction in coal generation compared to 2008.

SNL Kagan Whitepapers

Renewable Electricity: Tracking State Output and Standards
July 2009

In this report, SNL Energy estimates the progress of individual states in achieving supply targets for renewable electricity established by their respective renewable portfolio standards (RPS). Summary measures are presented for each state and in a weighted aggregate, including amount of intrastate electric deliveries subject to RPS, current and eligible renewable generation, future targets, and planned renewable capacity additions. The analysis also enables comparisons with the federal Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) contained in the Waxman-Markey legislation.

Coal vs. Natural Gas: Counting the Displacement Potential
April 2009

In view of natural gas prices returning to pre-2002 levels, SNL Energy investigated the question of how much coal burn could be displaced by natural gas in power generation. While many estimates to this question have been publicized to date, SNL Energy presents internal analysis substantiated by information from its power plant and fuel delivery databases and analysis of fuel economics in power generation. Included in this report are links to tables and tools employed in the analysis.

More details on the topics covered in SNL Energy Whitepapers are available with a subscription to SNL Energy Unlimited. To learn more or subscribe, contact Energy Sales at  EnergySales@snl.com; 866.296.3743.