Explore every episode of the podcast The Energy Desk
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speculative Positioning & Miscalculated Market Risks | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:32:58 | |
For the full show notes and research behind the episode, visit here. In this discussion, Alex and special guest Mohit Arora, VP of Risk Analytics at Mobius, dive into current trends and statistical models in energy markets, focusing on WTI and Brent positioning, speculative metrics, and the impact of geopolitical and economic factors. They also explore broader economic indicators, the evolving role of AI and robotics in manufacturing, and the potential implications of U.S. trade negotiations and global energy dependencies. | |||
| Will OPEC Regret Its Early Unwind? | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:45:38 | |
Access the resources and data behind this episode in the show notes. This episode analyzes the ongoing US-China tariffs, their impact on US energy exports, and the resulting shifts in global energy markets. It also discusses OPEC's production policies, the global demand for oil and gas, and the potential geopolitical and economic ramifications involving key players like the EU, China, and Russia. | |||
| Risks & Opportunities After ‘Liberation Day’ | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:44:06 | |
Access the research behind the episode in the show notes. Alex and Zane discuss the sweeping market impact of Trump's new tariffs, with commodities and equities tumbling across the board. They analyze exemptions for energy products, OPEC's surprise production increase, and debate whether AI-driven manufacturing could ultimately increase domestic energy demand despite current bearish sentiment. | |||
| Tariffs & Weather Impacts on Regional Prices | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:47:36 | |
Find the research behind the episode here. On this episode, hosts Alex Melvin and Zane Curry discuss various updates in regional pricing, tariffs, and the global crude and gas markets. Key topics include Western Canadian crude differentials, Mexican crude pricing trends, the Transmountain expansion project's impact on Canadian crude flow, and the geopolitical implications involving Venezuelan and Iranian crude in relation to India and China. A deeper dive into North American gas markets reveals significant changes in basis pricing, particularly in West Texas, southeastern U.S., and western markets. The discussion also touches on long-term natural gas pricing influenced by asset-backed securities (ABS) deals and projected LNG demand. The hosts conclude by discussing the broader market implications of these developments. | |||
| Energy demand, OPEC's number game, and Powell's Fed | 24 Mar 2025 | 00:33:58 | |
Find the research behind the episode here. In this episode, Zane and Alex discuss the arrival of spring and explore several energy-related topics. Key points include OPEC's production plans, U.S. import tariffs on Canadian and Mexican energy, and recent changes in the global energy market. They also touch upon renewable energy trends in Texas, highlighting records in wind and solar output, and consider broader economic indicators in the U.S. and Europe. The episode wraps up with a discussion on market volatility and future energy consumption. | |||
| Will Russian Gas Return to the EU? | 17 Mar 2025 | 00:40:25 | |
Find the research behind the episode here. This episode covers the unexpected weather changes, the Russia-Ukraine conflict's impact on global energy markets, and the complexities of EU gas imports and storage. The discussion includes US and EU gas inventory levels, temperature normals, regulatory issues in the US Northeast, and OPEC's recent production changes. The episode also examines Russian energy diversification to Asian markets and sets up future discussions on demand trends and recession concerns. | |||
| The Thing About Peak Demand | 10 Mar 2025 | 00:35:40 | |
Find the research behind the episode and the show notes here. In this episode, Alex and Zane discuss Montana's current trade relationships and fuel prices, the implications of rising energy demand in developing nations, and forecast trends for global coal consumption. They explore the geopolitical and economic impacts of energy consumption, focusing on the ongoing necessity for coal and other energy sources amidst efforts to limit gas use in the Western hemisphere. They highlight key players in coal mining and mineral supply, particularly China’s dominance, while addressing the challenges and ethical issues associated with transporting and exporting energy resources. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the future importance of critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, and lithium in global geopolitics. | |||
| Geopolitical Crossroads for Global Crude Markets | 03 Mar 2025 | 00:34:06 | |
Find the research behind the episode in the show notes here. The discussion centers around recent developments affecting the crude oil market, including President Trump's revocation of Chevron's special license in Venezuela, reaffirming Canadian and Mexican oil tariffs, and the potential long-term impacts on U.S. refiners. The conversation delves into the specifics of Venezuelan oil production, the historical context of U.S.-Venezuelan relations, the implications of Canadian and Mexican crude tariffs on North American refining, and the consequences of production issues in Mexico. The discussion also touches on the broader OPEC dynamics, the role of key global players like Saudi Arabia and Iran, and potential foreign investments in regions like Kurdistan and Kazakhstan. The episode closes with a brief mention of India's growing demand for refining capacity and how it could shape future oil markets. | |||
| Greenland, Nuclear, & National Security | 24 Feb 2025 | 00:46:35 | |
Find the research behind this episode in the show notes here. In this episode, the hosts discuss the current state and future potential of nuclear power worldwide, detailing the number of nuclear reactors and their capacity in leading countries like the U.S., China, and France. They explore the pressing need for expanding nuclear capacity in the U.S. in light of growing demand from data centers, AI, and crypto mining. The challenges of uranium supply, regulatory hurdles, and differing construction timelines are also examined. The conversation touches on government efficiency, the complexities of nuclear technology selection, and the strategic importance of Greenland’s rare earth elements and Arctic shipping routes. The episode concludes with a brief update on recent fossil fuel market trends, including natural gas withdrawal and crude oil inventory levels. | |||
| Energy Markets & Russia-Ukraine Negotiations | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:47:56 | |
Find the research behind the episode here. This episode of the Energy Desk covers recent developments in OPEC data, the influence of geopolitical events on global energy markets, shifts in global oil and LNG demand forecasts, and the future of U.S. LNG exports. The discussion also touches on the impact of changes in energy transport routes and the interdependence of renewables and fossil fuels. | |||
| European Gas, Maximum Pressure 2.0, and US Trade Spats | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:32:31 | |
Find the full show notes and the research behind the episode here. Mobius Risk Group's Energy Desk discusses recent developments in global energy markets, covering topics such as European natural gas prices influenced by weather and inventory levels, the impact of geopolitical events on oil production in Iran and Venezuela, and the implications of U.S. tariffs on energy trade with China, Canada, and Mexico. | |||
| AI Disruptions, Energy Demand, and Geopolitical Ripple Effects | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:46:19 | |
Find full show notes and the research behind this episode here. In this episode of the Energy Desk, experts from Mobius Risk Group discuss recent trends in global energy markets, including the influence of AI developments on energy consumption, the fluctuating natural gas and crude oil inventories, and geopolitical dynamics involving the US, India, and Russia. They also discuss the potential implications of executive orders, climate forecasts, and market speculations on future energy prices. | |||
| The Bullish & Bearish Impacts of New Trump Administration Policies | 27 Jan 2025 | 00:39:19 | |
Find the show notes and the research behind this episode here. | |||
| Signals in Regional Cash and Spec Positioning | 20 Jan 2025 | 00:41:35 | |
Find the show notes and research behind the episode here. In this episode of 'The Energy Desk,' the team from Mobius Risk Group delves into the macro and fundamental trends impacting the global energy markets as of January 17th. The discussion begins with a deep dive into the regional and broader natural gas markets, highlighting the impact of colder than normal weather on cash market pricing and regional differentials. Crucial insights cover the effects of sustained cold and freeze-offs on natural gas supplies and storage. The conversation then shifts to crude markets, focusing on the recent U.S. sanctions on Russia's tankers, how it impacts global crude logistics and regional consumption, and potential shifts brought on by the incoming Trump administration's policies. The episode wraps up with speculations on U.S. crude exports, OPEC's strategy, and regional market dynamics, particularly in the Midwest and West Coast of the U.S. | |||
| Crude Diffs, Sanctions, & Impacts on US Refineries with Sarah Blome | 13 Jan 2025 | 00:38:04 | |
Find the research behind this episode here. In this episode, Alex Melvin is joined by Sarah Blome to discuss the complexities of global crude oil markets with guest Sarah Bloom. The conversation covers the impact of different crude grades on stakeholders and the implications of sanctions on Iran and Venezuela. They delve into the nuances of U.S. refining capabilities, pipeline infrastructure, and the challenges facing U.S. crude production. Additionally, insights are provided on potential changes in global supply chains and tariffs that could affect the U.S. energy landscape. | |||
| Crude Stocks & Cold Shocks | 06 Jan 2025 | 00:33:19 | |
Energy markets begin the new year with swift changes to weather, supplies, and economic stimulus. Find the research and full show notes here. | |||
| U.S. Natural Gas and Global Energy Dynamics | 23 Dec 2024 | 00:37:32 | |
Find the full show notes and research behind the episode here. In this episode of the Energy Desk, hosts discuss the pre-Christmas market rally, notably for natural gas, despite warmer-than-expected weather forecasts. They discuss the recent increase in natural gas prices, comparing the current January 25 contract to earlier periods. Factors such as LNG infrastructure delays, additional supply from the Corpus Christi area, and global demand shifts are examined. The hosts touch on the DOE's LNG review, highlighting potential economic and environmental impacts and the effects on U.S. consumers. They also explore global crude oil demand, particularly in China, and the implications of shifting production and export strategies. Additionally, the podcast covers NERC's long-term reliability assessment, focusing on increasing U.S. demand driven by industrial growth and population migration. The episode concludes with discussions on market liquidity around the holidays and anticipations for early 2025. 00:00 Pre-Christmas Energy Market Overview 00:12 Natural Gas Market Rally 02:33 LNG Infrastructure and Market Impact 05:44 Regulatory Updates and DOE Review 09:32 Global Energy Demand and Supply Dynamics 16:47 NERC's 2024 Reliability Assessment 23:13 Crude Oil Market Analysis 26:33 Speculative Positioning and Market Sentiment 36:40 Liquidity Risks and Year-End Market Movements | |||
| OPEC and Global Crude Inventories | 16 Dec 2024 | 00:49:08 | |
Find the research behind the podcast episode here. This discussion examines the current geopolitical dynamics and their impact on energy markets. Key points include the rapid developments in Syria, the fall of the Assad regime, and the implications for international actors, including the US, Russia, and regional forces. The Iraq-Kurdistan pipeline dispute and its potential effects on negotiations are covered. Additionally, the conversation highlights the US-Russia tensions over Ukraine and Syria. OPEC's revised global oil demand forecasts for 2024 and 2025 are analyzed in light of recent geopolitical shifts. The US-Canada energy trade discussions and contrasting perspectives from Ontario and Alberta premiers are explored. The script also includes an analysis of natural gas storage reports and the effects of weather-dependent energy production in the US and Europe. | |||
| OPEC Cuts, Weather Impacts, and Geopolitical Risks | 09 Dec 2024 | 00:40:18 | |
Find the research behind the episode and show notes here. In this episode, we return from a hiatus to discuss the latest developments in the oil market, particularly focusing on recent OPEC decisions, global oil production data, and implications. The conversation also delves into U.S. natural gas market dynamics, European weather impacts on energy supplies, the ongoing situation in Syria, and the political and economic destabilization in regions like Europe and South Korea. The episode wraps with a detailed discussion on U.S. nuclear build efficiency compared to other nations and its implications for future energy policies, especially regarding big tech's demand for new nuclear capacity. | |||
| Macro v. Fundamentals | 25 Nov 2024 | 00:36:30 | |
Find the full show notes and research behind the episode here. The episode covers various macroeconomic topics, including consumer and household loan defaults in the US, the state of the housing market, the employment landscape, and inflation trends. Discussions highlight an underlying weakness in the US economy, potential job report revisions, and rising loan delinquencies across household loan types. The episode also reviews the global economic situation, particularly the impact of a strong US dollar on energy markets, geopolitical tensions, and recessionary fears in Europe. Key insights on natural gas market volatility and weather pattern influences are discussed. Additionally, the conversation touches on China’s declining crude imports and refinery runs, and the implications of OPEC's future production increases. | |||
| OPEC v. DOE, A Strong Dollar, & TTF's Premium | 18 Nov 2024 | 00:47:22 | |
Find the research behind the episode in the show notes here. In this week's episode, hosts Alex and Zane dive into the complexities of OPEC and DOE reporting discrepancies, examining the implications of overproduction by key nations like Kazakhstan, Iraq, and UAE. They analyze the impact of recent currency movements, particularly the strengthening dollar, on energy markets and explore concerning trends in European gas markets amidst weather-driven demand shifts and reduced wind generation. | |||
| New Policies & The Fate of 'Liquid Gold' | 11 Nov 2024 | 00:41:37 | |
Find show notes and the research behind this episode here. New energy and trade priorities in the US, EU, and Asia after this week's election. | |||
| Deglobalization of Refined Products | 04 Nov 2024 | 00:47:07 | |
Find the notes and the research charts behind the podcast here. Dissecting new refinery capacity, U.S. production growth, Guyana's supply outlook, and the bearish natural gas markets start to winter '24-'25. | |||
| Power, Elections, and Volatility | 28 Oct 2024 | 00:48:17 | |
Find show notes and the research referenced on the episode here. Dissecting potential effects of each presidential candidate's policies on the US' role in global energy markets. Plus, how power price volatility and seasonal resource constraints pass through to traditional energies like natural gas. | |||
| Where China Fits in Global Crude Markets | 21 Oct 2024 | 00:40:54 | |
For show notes and research content, visit Mobius' website. In this podcast episode, Alex and Zane provide an in-depth analysis of global energy markets, focusing on current trends, forecasts, and strategic implications. They begin by examining the European gas market, noting the EU's robust gas stocks at 95%, and explore factors like Norway's maintenance impact and LNG inventories. The conversation broadens to North America, addressing natural gas storage trends and the effect of warmer-than-normal weather on market prices. Key factors such as production levels, salt storage, and the Matterhorn Express pipeline are also discussed. Shifting to crude markets, they analyze China's economic data, real estate sector challenges, and the impact of property sector stimulus on oil imports. The episode further covers OPEC and IEA forecast revisions, the implications of changing global oil demand estimates, and geopolitical influences involving Iran and Israel. | |||
| Oversupplied gas? Undersupplied oil? | 14 Oct 2024 | 00:44:52 | |
Get the show notes and the research discussed in the episode. In this episode, Zane Curry and Alex Melvin discuss a recent report on the tech sector's energy demands, highlighted by a lecture from former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. The focus is on the unrealistic expectations of meeting energy needs with current renewable technologies and the potential for a shift towards natural gas. The discussion extends to global energy dynamics, touching on the impact of AI on energy demand, the future of nuclear energy, and the competitive landscape between electric vehicles and hybrids. It also delves into current natural gas and oil market conditions, the potential effects of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and the implications for energy supply and demand. | |||
| Inside Power Markets: Capacity Auctions, Batteries, and Shifting Economics | 07 Oct 2024 | 00:28:56 | |
For detailed show notes and the research behind the episode, visit Mobius Risk Group. In this episode of Energy Desk, host Alex Melvin explores the shifting dynamics of power markets with guest Rishi Sahay from Mobius. They discuss PJM's record-breaking capacity auction, highlighting the impact of increased load growth expectations and retiring coal plants. The conversation delves into the evolving role of battery storage, transitioning from ancillary services to energy arbitrage. Sahay explains the challenges baseload generators face in adapting to increased renewable penetration, particularly the "duck curve" phenomenon. The episode also touches on long-duration energy storage technologies, the future of natural gas in the energy mix, and the persistent hurdles in transmission infrastructure development. It provides a comprehensive look at the technological and policy trends shaping today's power markets. | |||
| Port Strikes, Industrial Demand, and OPEC Signals | 30 Sep 2024 | 00:30:53 | |
Click here for additional show notes, including the research materials discussed in this episode. In this episode of 'The Energy Desk' by Mobius Risk Group, hosts Zane Curry and Alex Melvin dive into key trends shaping global energy markets, starting with the potential U.S. port strike and its economic implications. They discuss the impact on freight, the labor market, and inflation. The episode also covers OPEC's latest moves affecting oil production, industrial activity in the U.S. and Germany, and China's recent economic stimulus measures. Lastly, they touch on the European diesel market, U.S. natural gas trends, and the potential effects of LNG bunkering and inventory levels in Asia. | |||
| Rate Cuts, Storage Levels, and the East-West Gas Divide | 23 Sep 2024 | 00:31:44 | |
Please take a look at the show notes and the research deck that was discussed on the podcast. In this Energy Desk episode, Mobius Risk Group hosts delve into various macro and fundamental trends impacting global energy markets. They discuss the recent Federal Reserve rate cut, historical context, and effects on crude markets. The conversation covers regional gas markets, spotlighting Pennsylvania and Cushing inventory levels, and explores the relevance of U.S. nuclear power, highlighted by Microsoft's deal with Constellation Energy. The episode aims to comprehensively understand these topics, blending market analysis with historical data and future outlooks. 00:00 Introduction to the Energy Desk 00:27 Overview of Today's Topics 00:49 Impact of Recent Fed Rate Cut 02:15 Crude Market Reactions and Speculations 04:09 Unemployment Rate and Economic Indicators 06:59 Crude Inventory Levels and Cushing Analysis 14:36 Nuclear Power and Big Tech Investments 20:32 Regional Gas Markets and Storage Dynamics 29:50 Conclusion and Future Topics | |||
| Hurricanes, Recessions, and Speculators | 16 Sep 2024 | 00:39:15 | |
Please take a look at the show notes and the research deck that was discussed on the podcast. In this installment of 'The Energy Desk,' Alex Melvin and Zane Curry delve into the historical impacts of recessions on petroleum consumption, analyze current economic indicators, and discuss recent macroeconomic events affecting the global energy market. The conversation covers the complexities of supply-side dynamics, the influence of global events like hurricanes and geopolitical risks on energy markets, and spec positioning in Brent, WTI, and other products. They also touch upon the potential implications of the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting and its expected impact on the energy sector. The episode is packed with data-driven insights and scenarios, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners interested in the nuanced movements of energy markets. Show Timeline 00:00 Introduction to the Energy Desk Series 00:52 Discussion on Economic Indicators and Recession Impact 02:24 Analysis of Historical Recessions and Petroleum Consumption 07:31 Global Energy Market Trends and Export Dynamics 14:32 Hurricane Season and Its Impact on Energy Markets 22:28 Speculative Positioning and Market Reactions 32:38 Upcoming Federal Reserve Meeting and Economic Outlook 38:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts | |||
| The Price of Anti-Nuclear Policy and Our OPEC Outlook | 09 Sep 2024 | 00:25:26 | |
Please take a look at the show notes and the research deck that was discussed on the podcast. In this episode of the Energy Desk, a limited series by Mobius Risk Group, hosts Alex and Zane delve into macro and fundamental trends shaping global energy markets. They discuss the latest developments from OPEC, including the implications of recent production decisions and market reactions. The discussion then shifts to nuclear energy, comparing Germany's energy transition efforts with the potential benefits of maintaining and expanding nuclear power. They also reflect on the broader energy mix, the role of renewable vs. traditional sources, and implications for the U.S. energy policy. The episode concludes with observations on energy demand trends and the future of nuclear innovation. 00:00 Introduction to the Energy Desk 01:35 OPEC's Recent Developments and Market Impact 05:50 Saudi OSP Data and Market Reactions 11:50 Germany's Energy Transition and Nuclear Power 20:31 Future of Nuclear Energy and Fusion Technology 23:53 Conclusion and Listener Engagement | |||
| Price Wars and Power: Tech giants place bets on reliability and crude markets brace for production | 02 Sep 2024 | 00:25:53 | |
Find show notes and more at Mobius Risk Group. Hosts discuss current macro and fundamental trends in global energy markets. They address the growing demand for reliable power due to data centers and AI, highlighting major investments by Amazon, Meta, and X-AI in nuclear, geothermal, and gas turbines. The episode also delves into record natural gas consumption data and the accelerated Guyanese oil production, notably affecting U.S. imports. Furthermore, the conversation explores geopolitical impacts, such as the Libyan conflict's effect on oil supply and the potential responses from other OPEC members. The hosts conclude with thoughts on the sustainability of these trends and the ongoing dynamics between OPEC and U.S. shale production. 00:00 Introduction to The Energy Desk 00:46 Focus on Reliable Energy for Data Centers 04:29 Natural Gas Demand and Power Generation 06:19 Guyana's Rapid Oil Production Growth 11:35 Libya's Oil Production Challenges 15:39 OPEC and Global Oil Market Dynamics 22:59 Conclusion and Future Outlook | |||
| Trailer for The Energy Desk | 02 Sep 2024 | 00:00:30 | |
Welcome to the Energy Desk. A limited series from Mobius Risk Group on the macro and fundamental trends shaping global energy markets. If you like what you hear and you want us to keep this series going, make sure you let us know by following wherever you get your podcasts or dropping a note to amelvin@mobiusriskgroup.com | |||