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The last decade has been especially grueling for Ecuador’s economically vital oil industry. Plummeting investment, heavily corroded infrastructure, endemic corruption, violent protests, severe oil spills and rising insecurity are all weighing on operations. The sharp decline in oil production is weighing heavily on government finances at a time of increased spending due to a national security crisis. To rescue the economically crucial industry and boost fiscal revenue, President Daniel Noboa launched a $47 billion plan to revive Ecuador’s…
Wireless charging for electric vehicles (EVs) is quickly becoming a serious commercial option, backed by global safety standards, proven technology, and major funding from governments. This "park and charge" technology is now an official part of the growing EV market, aiming to make owning an electric car much simpler for consumers. The core idea is simple: charge a car just by parking it over a special pad. Industry experts view this hands-free approach as a key way to boost EV adoption because it solves the hassle of plugging in cables.…
The world’s power grids need a major upgrade to keep pace with growing rates of electrification and the ever-increasing energy demands of big data. A cleaner energy landscape means a whole lot more electricity demand, as we switch from gas-powered vehicles and appliances to newer, cleaner models that need to plug into the grid to charge. This means that expanding grid capacity and making our aging grids smarter and more flexible will be essential to maintaining energy security for the future – but grid infrastructure remains woefully…
The recent increase in gold prices in the United States and around the world has been driven by a confluence of economic, financial, and political factors. This environment, where gold has outperformed U.S. GDP and the four major U.S. stock markets, began in 2000 and has continued to date (see Exhibits 1, 2, 3). We outline 13 reasons why gold has outperformed most major investments and why it is likely to continue attracting individual and institutional investors. 1. A haven during uncertain times. Throughout history, people —…
Crude oil prices are set for another weekly decline today, after President Trump announced there were plans to meet with Russia’s Vladimir Putin in a couple of weeks to discuss an end to the war in the Ukraine. The hypothetical possibility of peace has ha traders prepare for a rebound in Russia oil exports, which would add to what most observers are calling a looming supply glut. This pressured prices further, after the IEA updated its glut prediction, now expecting the supply overhang to reach 2.4 million barrels daily in 2026, after adding…
