Market Moves – Page 2 – The Methanist

Humanity is capable of astonishing feats from making atoms visible to landing probes on saturnian moons. In business though, there are limits of what should be done - or not.

The unholy alliance

July 2, 2014

2 Comments

In September 1815, 3 leading powers of the 19th century Europe…

FLNG – great technology, wrong business model

June 23, 2014

0 Comments

This blog is almost two years old now and I have been asked multiple…

We must get off Russian gas – and it’s not because of Putin or Ukraine

June 12, 2014

0 Comments

News on another potential Russian gas crisis is galore. Not a…

Dealing with Russia – what makes sense for European gas

March 24, 2014

0 Comments

It is hard to ignore Russia in today’s newscast and even those…

The Danube river – from backwater to energy artery

January 22, 2014

0 Comments

Some days ago I met an old couple from Düsseldorf in the tram.…

The shape of things to come – Methanopolis

December 18, 2013

0 Comments

Robert Kennedy said in a 1966 Cape town speech "There is a Chinese…

LNG startup companies and the investors game

December 4, 2013

0 Comments

No cash - no business. That’s stone old wisdom. Any LNG venture…

The value of bad news – only good news is toxic

November 11, 2013

0 Comments

Too much good news can kill an otherwise perfectly healthy project as it raises a lot of alarm bells. Those problems are not to be taken lightly and need careful planning and constant calibrating of the project. But denying that it’s there is not going to make things better as educated partners, customers, officials and investors will not miss out on it.

Why shale is good for mankind but bad for the US

October 14, 2013

0 Comments

But America needs to fix its addiction to easy money and the current crisis could have been the best thing happening to the country in a long while for its curative properties. Its going to be bluntet by the shale gas boom as this puts new easy money at the fingertips of politicians.

America is the new energy El Dorado – what about Europe now?

October 8, 2013

0 Comments

America rapidly transforms from the energy problem child to become the new el Dorado. The economy is pimped by all the investment going the other side of the Atlantic. The population is blessed with much cheaper fuel and lets not forget - the environment does better than any time after World War 2. Why cant we have that in Europe?

The emerald factor – LNG from Colombia

September 24, 2013

2 Comments

Many know Colombia for its Emeralds, even more for its wild past during the drug wars. The wars are over and visitors can enjoy one of the most beautiful counties on earth again. But to the energy man, Colombia rings for its huge super high quality coal reserves. But how is coal important to a LNG man?

Africas energy master plans – any good in them

September 3, 2013

4 Comments

I have seen many of those plans and they have never worked. Not because they are African. This stuff cannot work if you put it in Europe or North America. Because grand Master plans generally are impossible to realize. They inherently lack flexibility, which is necessary to deal with unforeseen events or twists and turns in the market or the international energy scene.

You’ll get what you are given – attitudes in LNG sales

August 27, 2013

0 Comments

Its hard to get LNG if you need it - its even downright impossible if you are competing in a pipeline gas driven market. Much of the blame lies with the buyers as I have pointed out in many posts. But the sellers attitudes are not helpful.

Leapfrogging – LNG for Africa

August 13, 2013

0 Comments

Many African countries are oil producers but they are also beset by frequent power outages. At the same time they flare Natural Gas in huge volumes. Infrastructure to bring that gas to power plants and then further distribute electricity is weak or non existent. That could be a blessing in disguise as the continent is on the verge of an energy revolution.

Beyond the thunderdome – pigshit and LNG

August 6, 2013

0 Comments

The pigshit produces methane which keeps Bartertowns lights going and vehicles fuelled in Mad Max. That huge tapestry of pigs is the films true moment to be remembered as this is innovation at its purest. Forget wind turbines and solar panels. In the future, we will get our fuel from hog-poo.

Natural Gas and Chaos theory – predicting unpredictability

July 23, 2013

0 Comments

Scientific chaos is not the same as your ordinary chaos. It simply means that it is impossible to predict exactly what will happen in all but the very simplest systems, even if every detail of its past and current conditions is known.

European Natural Gas prices – where are we headed

July 18, 2013

0 Comments

European natural gas prices are a shambles. The ones say that one can't make a living under those conditions as the price is to low for comfort. The others say that it's to high for gas to be competitive. Who is right? An off the beaten path analysis.
A couple of things were conveniently forgotten by those driving the portfolios. First gravity - everything that goes up eventually will come down. European energy utilities and gas traders deluded themselves into believing that the Bonanza would be never ending.

LNG on rails – networking fuel

July 15, 2013

0 Comments

Road transport might offer ultimate flexibility as one can easily bring anything just about anywhere but when that flexibility is not even needed it comes at a horrendous price. The main difference between a network model and point to point transport is that the network is a loose system of different nodal points between which lumps of whatever (in our case LNG) zip zap around. These nodal points supply smaller satellite distributors which in turn are the backbone of the supply system.

Why terrorists will hate the new LNG world

July 3, 2013

0 Comments

We cannot easily say that we did not try (in homeopathic doses) to wean ourselves off our addiction to imported hydrocarbons but who wants to take a reduction in lifestyle, even if that meant financing (directly or indirectly) some people that may wish to harm us. In simple words, we gave some of those who might want to kill us money - to increase their ability to do so. Plus our presence on their lands further stoked their ire. Not really smart but a reality we seemed had to live with so far. No more. The unconventional gas revolution has already done more for US national security than all nation building programs combined.

Nabucco is dead – but thats what fossils are

June 28, 2013

0 Comments

Wouldn't it make sense to try bringing the incredible gas wealth of the Middle East and the Caspain Sea to well paying European customers? OK, back to the moment when OMV was in heavy labor, just about to give birth to the Nabucco idea. Europe was a big fat gas pie for the newly liberalized Gas market players. The market grew to infinite proportions (at least in our wet dreams) and it was believed that no matter what volume of gas one threw at it, the market would gobble it up voraciously.

The coming methane age – will it ever end?

June 24, 2013

0 Comments

An offhand remark on my last post made me think a little more about how significant methane will become over the next decades and what will end the show - and when.

Lessons from Shtokman

June 19, 2013

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While the world was having a beauty sleep an earth moving event sent ripples through the Barents Sea - and made the infantile dreams of the classical energy monopolist in Europe (trust me - they are still an abundant species but they have learned to don the market gloves) a little less sweaty.

Diesel v/ LNG in European trucking – is EURO 6 leveling the field?

June 12, 2013

11 Comments

Those going for LNG as a fuel were always on the exotic side…

Cheap oil is over – what that means for LNG

June 4, 2013

0 Comments

Cheap oil is gone, expensive oil comes in. But that changes the architecture of the energy planet more than most would like to think.

LNG or emulsion fuels – whats it gonna be

May 28, 2013

2 Comments

It's a thorny question. And not one with a clear-cut answer possible.…

Dancing stars with hippos – flex for regas

April 12, 2013

0 Comments

LNG regasification has been a no-business for pretty much all of its history. The terminal owners/operators are pretty happy with this state of affairs as their life was real simple so far. Dont move and take in guaranteed returns - that was the mantra. All this will have to change if the LNG industry is serious about going normal.

Something is lurking beneath those waves

March 20, 2013

3 Comments

Methane Hydrates are known to the world as burning ice. It is an oddity to the energy industry and easily shrugged off but they are more imminent than many executives like to think. The LNG projects under construction today will bear its scars.

We are the Borg – resistance is futile

February 28, 2013

0 Comments

Many would be buyers are not very nimble when it comes to secure volumes of LNG. No surprise here, as many are behaving like the BORG from Star Trek. We are the BORG - resistance is futile. But is that really a recipe for success?

Why shale gas is great news for LNG

February 21, 2013

0 Comments

Shale looks like LNG's nemesis - on the surface at least. Look harder. It sure killed THE big hope of the LNG world - namely the prospect of the US becoming a premium LNG buyer. But this also has jump started LNG as a fuel.

LNG is cold (when it should be cool)

February 13, 2013

0 Comments

It’s incredible how misunderstood Natural Gas and especially LNG is by the general public. It’s the solution to many of our problems (at least energy wise) and still it has a bad name. That’s a shame as this stuff is so incredibly cool, it would have to be invented if it did not exist already.

Going nuclear – LNG’s natural friend

January 23, 2013

0 Comments

Nuke and LNG could not be more different. Nuclear power is the king of cheap baseload. Once built - it makes little sense to switch a nuclear power plant off just because of changes in the demand picture. LNG is the king of flexibility. It can be switched on and off very rapidly. And as said, as a liquid it stays nicely in a vehicles tank waiting to be regasified on demand and combusted in order to produce forward motion (or any other thing you do with internal combustion engines).

Beating the megatrains – the nimble revolution

January 17, 2013

2 Comments

LNG has been a history of ever larger liquefaction trains. It all culminated in the construction of the Qatari supertrains. One of those monsters is able to satisfy the needs of more than the entire gas consumption of a small country such as Austria. But do they make economic sense?

Another option for Central Asian gas

January 14, 2013

6 Comments

Central Asians are the strange region out of the Natural Gas world. They have lots of it. They would like to export it. But that's very hard. In the meantime, something much more worthwhile could be done with it.

LNG from the US – between drivel and miracle drug

January 10, 2013

7 Comments

Does anyone still remember the US LNG import adventure? Seems to be a long way off. Today, everyone talks about the US becoming a huge LNG exporter. Asia of course looks like a big nice ice cream on a hot summer day to a distressed LNG terminal operator. But there is also big competition on this premium LNG buying region.

What your experience is worth in a wormhole

January 7, 2013

0 Comments

Expertise can be a drawback. Sometimes it's outright deadly. Some things - sometimes - change so deeply, so radically that old experience does not even serve as a valid foundation for new learning anymore. It becomes so harmful - you must get rid of it - or else you face oblivion. In Natural gas - this happens right here - right now.

Is LNG – or is it not – a commodity?

January 3, 2013

0 Comments

To those outside the nebulous Natural Gas world, LNG is the stuff that evokes phantasies of miracle trades and fast riches. LNG has been dubbed a commodity many times over the last 10 years alone. But is the status deserved? A demystification.

Give to get – a winning way in LNG

December 24, 2012

0 Comments

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. We all know the quote from Einstein. But that's what happens in LNG all the time. Here is an alternative proposal.

The China LNG story – more toxic than the US story was

December 20, 2012

0 Comments

The US seems to be on the verge of becoming an LNG exporter. This, combined with new volumes from Australia, show the prospect of Asia being drowned in LNG. But there is a shiny white knight on the horizon. China with its ever-growing industries, with its endlessly expanding consumer markets, with its insatiable thirst for energy promises to become the new LNG El Dorado.

Business Development in Natural Gas – get the Frontschwein out

December 16, 2012

0 Comments

Business Developers have to become a Frontschwein in order to face the challenges of the European Natural Gas business. That's no easy feat for companies that are still pretty monopolistic - and stiff - in spirit.

LNG in the Black Sea – a pipedream?

December 10, 2012

0 Comments

The Ukraine has a LNG problem. It’s a major blunder and it looks like LNG in the region is doomed. As strange as it sounds, there might be a bright future for LNG in the Black Sea still.

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Comments

Testimonials

Human 2.0

Rudolf is in many ways a human 2.0 – very bright, good at languages, skills that cover the whole value chain of gas and the ability to question the conventional! The last is perhaps the most valuable, even if not all established “experts” want to listen. Frequently, time shows him right. His impatience is refreshing and a discussion with him is always enlightening!

Karen Sund - Founder

Sund Energy

Mastery

I met Rudi about a year ago (2015) when I was working on LNG Procurement with Emirates LNG. I needed very specific knowledge on contracts, market mechanisms and pricing. I tried a couple of sources to get smart, but it was not until I attended Rudi’s workshop on LNG contracts and prices that I really got to the core of everything. Rudi answered all my questions in simple language that was clear and easy to understand. Since then, whenever I have any question or something I am unclear on, I ask Rudi and I immediately get an answer. Not many people achieve mastery of anything at the level that Rudi has on the Gas and LNG industry. If you need to understand, really understand, then I highly recommend Rudi’s workshop.

Saleem Alavi - Captain

Emirates LNG

Knowledge and tenacity

I had the opportunity to share with Rudolf issues coming from a very challenging project, when we did all our best to achieve the better results in an uneasy business situation. I admired his deep knowledge of the LNG market and environment and his tenacity in looking for the best solution always. He is a clever manager with a clear view on the targets. It was definitely a pleasure to work with him.

Vincenzo Maria Emma - Head of Should Contract

ENEL

Inspires further investigation

I first discovered a certain Rudolf Huber while he was wrapping up at Fuel Emulsions International and starting at NeXtLNG. After setting me straight on my quest for the latest innovations with Marine fuels, I knew that the “Pit Bull” deserved special notice. Aside from having a passion for the Energy Business, he also has a teacher’s ability to inspire further investigation. He ventures an opinion where others don’t dare and he does so with wit that few who follow the sector can match. Rudolf champions realistic energy choices and is not afraid of shining BRIGHT lights on the changes ahead.

James D. Shepperd - Content Strategy PR Global

ESET

Tremendous visionary

I met Rudolf at the beginning of 2011, since we were both involved and working together within several European / Scandinavian projects for the development of technology, standardisation and legal aspect in the use of LNG as marine fuel and along its supply chain. Rudolf has vast expertise in, and perspective on, different aspects of LNG technologies, suppliers, infrastructures and supply chain options. He is able to provide a deep understanding and insight into these areas and is a conscientious and diligent source. Moreover, he is a tremendous visionary on the geopolitical, trading and technology aspects of energy, with a special remark for LNG traditional and small / mid magnitude chain. Rudolf has very proactive personal and working approach and is an excellent team worker and leader. Not least, he has a unique persuasive way of writing, negotiating and delivering speeches. I would certainly recommend him as an excellent expert and believe he would be a powerful asset for any company actively working in Oil and Gas. Thank you Rudolf! Marco

Marco Andreola - Owner Principal

Andreola & Associated Consulting

True Africa specialist

I was introduced to and met Rudi in Angola when he started to develop his Sub Saharan Africa network. At the time he worked for EconGas/OMV and he tried organizing longterm LNG supply for them under the unlikeliest of all circumstances. He figured that Africa would be the only place where this would be a realistic prospect for long term uncommitted supplies of LNG. Rudi did not hesitate, started in Africa from absolute zero and spawned relationships and personal friendships with incredible speed. When I met him I didn’t know much about LNG. Today I follow the LNG news on my continent with great interest and a much clearer understanding of the LNG trade. Whenever I have a job that involves venturing into the unknown, Rudi will always be my man.

Albert Namme - M.D/CEO

eXGas, Nigeria

Thrives under a challenge

I worked with Rudi on a key Europe-Middle East LNG supply chain transaction. He is incredibly driven and pushed the deal forward under very challenging internal and external circumstances. He is culturally astute and was able to navigate very successfully through the various subtleties within the global energy community. Also a great guy to work with!

Nomita Nair - Counsel

Allen & Overy

Proactive Business Developer

Rudolf is a true Business Developer. He questions everything, even his own logic and is not afraid to speak his mind. Rudolf had initiated our LNG activities in Africa and the Americas. He was THE authority to go to when issues arose in LNG but more generally when any issue the company did not know how deal with was on the plate. Rudolf is not a typical manager as we know it. He does not need a lot of structure and procedures and is extremely proactive when it comes to problem solving and making new contacts.

David Bergal - Portfolio Manager LNG & Natural Gas

Kinetrex Energy

Nothing but the facts

Rudolf is truly one of the brightest, most knowledgeable people in the world of LNG. He gives you the truth, not a version of it. He is not swayed, he can not be bought by the majors. Trust his word because it is always backed by facts!

Jim Gerber - Director

Terra Commodities Consulting

Reality check

While I disagree with Rudolf Huber on a few things, I’ve learned a fair bit from him., And his reasoning on fuel, economics, capabilities, financial and physical and thermal reality check. And I did not think so 6 months ago. Keep plugging Rudolf!

Eric Levy

Catalyst Recruiting, Inc

Informative, reliable, sensible and refreshing

I love your acute commentary, Rudolf, informative, reliable, sensible and refreshing. Let’s hope more follow your example and we start to realize the full potential of professional social media.

Gil Hardwick - Writer and Director

Environmental Film Group West

Rudolf Huber was featured in those quality publications

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