Energy Roundup: Nigerian Oil Explodes, Peco Buys Wind, and More

Nigerian explosion cuts oil production by 12,000 barrels — An oil spill has closed a pipeline in Nigeria owned by Italian energy-giant Eni SpA and cut the company’s daily output by 12,000 barrels. On Saturday, Nigerian officials said a Friday explosion of another oil pipeline was sabotage, not a militant attack. Oil from Nigeria, the world’s eight-largest producer, is often the target of pirates and large criminal outfits. [Source: Reuters]

South Africa to start wind-power project — South Africa’s state-run energy utility Eskom plans to begin wind-turbine operation this year to boost its electricity supply. The company is looking to build 50 turbines that will produce two megawatts each before the year’s end. [Source: AFP]

Pennsylvania energy company to buy wind-generated electricity — The Pennsylvania state electric-and-gas utility Peco Energy announced plans to purchase 4,500 megawatt hours of wind-generated electricity, enough to fill 15 percent of the power needs for its Center City Philadelphia headquarters through the end of 2011. The move is part of Peco’s $15-million environmental initiaitve. [Source: Philadelphia Business Journal]

Continental to host first biofuel flight of its kind — In Houston, Continental Airlines will host on Wednesday the first biofuel-powered demonstration flight by a U.S. commercial airliner. Similar tests have already happened in Europe and New Zealand. [Source: Examiner]