S&P Global Market Intelligence editors' picks for the best stories for the week ended March 15.
1. Wildfires, robust capital plans dominate electric utility focus in Q4
Electric utilities in the U.S. are funneling billions of dollars into infrastructure to support long-term earnings growth amid the push for cleaner and smarter energy choices.
2. Plan to save Pa. nukes calls for zero-emission resource requirement
Pennsylvania lawmakers want electric distribution companies to get a portion of their electricity from zero-emission resources such as nuclear power to keep open plants declared to be at risk of shutting down.
3. Texas pipeline overbuild looms as companies rush to add Permian infrastructure
The race to transport ballooning oil and gas supplies from the Permian Basin to markets on the Gulf Coast risks turning into an infrastructure glut unless some pipeline companies either combine or cancel their projects.
4. Supermajors expected to play 'proactive role' in Permian consolidation
The next big shale deal between an integrated oil and gas company and an independent producer could involve one of the Permian Basin's biggest players, according to private equity investors and industry experts.
5. Oil companies look offshore to deepwater opportunities to grow production
Tight capital and long-cycle returns have seriously challenged the deepwater oil production industry for the last couple of years, however with some deepwater markets now being more cost effective, exploration and production companies are once again looking to expand their deepwater portfolios.
6. Mine sector eyes digitization, automation to solve array of challenges
Mining companies hold high hopes that technology and automation will help the industry solve problems related to resource depletion, employee safety and environmental impacts.
7. US coal exports rose 13.2% YOY in '18; Asia likely to drive 2019 seaborne demand
U.S. producers increased coal and petroleum coke exports 13.2% year over year in 2018, and several analysts said the industry's eyes should be on Asia for potential growth opportunities in 2019.