Gavin Maguire

The collapse of France's government on Wednesday could have far-reaching consequences for Europe's energy markets and send regional electricity costs soaring.

Natural gas prices in Asia, Europe and North America have climbed by around 30% to 50% so far in 2024, and look set to keep rising over the coming months as forecasts for cold weather trigger higher heating demand in key consumer hubs.

China's power firms are on track to cut coal's share of annual electricity generation to below 60% for the first time in 2024, which would mark a major milestone in the country's efforts to transition energy production away from fossil fuels.

Austrian power generators are well positioned to withstand the loss of pipeline gas supplies from Russia thanks to record wind power output alongside the highest hydro generation total in over a decade.

President-elect Donald Trump's support for the fossil fuel sector and climate scepticism have sparked dismay throughout the global climate tracking community, and fears that his policies may reverse global energy transition momentum.

United States exports of LNG to Europe are set to jump in the coming weeks after the price spread between domestic natural gas and Europe's main gas pricing hub hit one-year highs.

Wholesale power prices across key economies in mainland Europe have climbed to their highest levels in over a year, dealing a fresh blow to the region's businesses that are already battling weak demand and fragile consumer sentiment.

Oil and gas producers in the United States expect to find it easier to ramp up production and exploration under the incoming second administration of Donald Trump. Finding local and lucrative markets for their wares may be the bigger challenge.

Brazil is set to import nearly 900,000 metric tons of thermal coal this month, the highest monthly tally on record and three times the monthly average for 2024 so far, according to data from ship-tracking firm Kpler.

Europe's natural gas-fired electricity generation and associated emissions fell to multi-year lows over the first three quarters of 2024, but are set to rebound sharply towards year-end as solar output drops just as demand for heating climbs.