Latest news with #Littleton
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
Asia's only LNG bright spot may be about to get red hot
LITTLETON, Colorado, June 19 (Reuters) - Imports of LNG into Asia have contracted by a record amount during the first half of 2025, as slowing economic growth and trade tensions with the United States cooled demand for the super-chilled fuel. The only exception in Asia so far in 2025 has been Taiwan, which luckily for liquefied natural gas exporters is primed to substantially lift its gas dependence following the closure of its last remaining nuclear reactor last month. Indeed, forecasts for a stretch of above-normal temperatures this summer have the potential to sharply raise Taiwan's thermal power needs over the coming months, and may set the stage for a fresh rise in LNG orders by Taiwan's power producers. During the first half of 2025, all major LNG importers in Asia aside from Taiwan reduced LNG purchases from the same period a year ago, data from commodities data firm Kpler shows. As Asia imports roughly two-thirds of all LNG supplies, this widespread demand downturn in such a key region has placed several LNG exporters under strain, and has led to a 16% fall in Asia LNG spot prices so far this year. Five of the six largest LNG importers so far in 2025 are in Asia: Japan, China, South Korea, India and Taiwan. Between them, those countries have registered a collective 16 million metric ton drop in LNG imports during the first half of the year compared to the same months in 2024. Taiwan, which ranks sixth in LNG orders so far in 2025, has notched up a modest 100,000 ton increase in LNG orders from a year ago, Kpler data shows. But there are reasons Taiwan's appetite for LNG could climb further in the months ahead. The main driver of gas demand potential is the need for power firms to replace the power lost from the recent closure of Taiwan's last remaining nuclear reactor. Unit two of the Maanshan nuclear reactor was disconnected from Taiwan's grid around the middle of last month, which marked the end of a 40-year run for nuclear power in Taiwan. Power firms have been planning for the nuclear shutdown for months, and steadily reduced nuclear-powered electricity generation accordingly from around 1 terawatt hour (TWh) per month in 2024 to around 0.7 TWh in April, Ember data shows. As Taiwan's gas-fired power plants generate roughly 10 TWh a month and coal plants around 7.5 TWh a month, power firms have so far been able to accommodate the nuclear cuts with ease. The country's growing output from solar farms - which generate around 1.5 TWh of electricity a month over the summer - have also helped offset some of the loss of nuclear generation. Going forward, however, Taiwan's utilities will likely need to increase generation from all available resources in order to meet system demand needs, which tend to rise sharply over the summer due to higher cooling demand. Between 2022 and 2024, Taiwan's total electricity demand increased by an average of 23% between April and July, from around 22.4 TWh a month to 27.4 TWh a month, Ember data shows. With nuclear plants now out of the equation, natural gas and coal plants will need to provide most of that additional power, and already account for around 46% and 35% respectively of total electricity supplies. The challenge this year is that total demand could potentially rise by more than expected due to forecasts for a sustained stretch of above-normal temperatures this summer. Between now and the end of September, temperatures are expected to average around 28.4 degrees Celsius (83.1 degrees Fahrenheit) in Taipei, according to forecasts from LSEG. That forecast is around 5% more than the long-term average for that period, and indicates a likely sustained bout of strong air conditioner use across Taiwan. That in turn suggests that Taiwan's coal and gas plants could face a spate of above-normal capacity utilisation which may result in a speedier-than-normal draw on gas and coal inventories. That's good news for LNG exporters, who have been consistently disappointed by demand in Asia so far this year but may now be on the cusp of period of Taiwan-driven stronger interest in the region. The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters. Enjoying this column? Check out Reuters Open Interest (ROI), your essential new source for global financial commentary. ROI delivers thought-provoking, data-driven analysis of everything from swap rates to soybeans. Markets are moving faster than ever. ROI can help you keep up. Follow ROI on LinkedIn, opens new tab and X, opens new tab.
Fox News
2 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
NSAIDs vs. acetaminophen: What you need to know before your next headache
Most households have a stash of painkillers tucked away for surprise headaches or stubborn cramps. But some may not realize that all painkillers are not created equal, and they don't all treat the same kind of pain. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers fall into two main categories, according to MedLine Plus. The first is NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. "These reduce both pain and inflammation, but can irritate the stomach if not taken with food," Dr. Jessica Oswald, MD, MPH, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at UC San Diego Health, told Fox News Digital. The other medication, acetaminophen, also helps with pain and fever, but does not reduce inflammation, Oswald noted. Dr. Min "Frank" Wu, a physician at AdventHealth in Littleton, Colorado, elaborated on how these drugs work differently in the body. NSAIDs are effective in treating fever and pain relief, the doctor told Fox News Digital. These medications can alleviate a variety of symptoms related to arthritis, infection, back injury, headaches and muscle strain, along with other acute and chronic conditions that cause pain and inflammation, he said. "NSAIDs work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) throughout the body," he noted, which means they inhibit the production of "biological mediators" that cause inflammation and blood clotting. Acetaminophen, on the other hand, works by "inhibiting COX enzymes and modulating the endocannabinoid system in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to exert its effects," Wu said. As a pain reliever, acetaminophen is effective for migraines, according to the doctor. "In combination, acetaminophen/caffeine is recommended as a first-line agent by many European agencies," he noted. Acetaminophen's effectiveness for arthritic pain, however, is small and not clinically important, according to Wu. "It has not been shown to be effective for low back pain or radicular (nerve pain) in general," he added. Wu pointed out that acetaminophen appears to boost the pain-relief properties of other medications. "The combination of acetaminophen and NSAIDs has been shown to be more effective than either medication alone," Wu said. Oswald also spoke about this method, which she calls a "multimodal" approach. "In many cases, combining different types of pain relievers can be more effective than using just one," she told Fox News Digital. For example, an NSAID like ibuprofen along with acetaminophen and a topical cream "can work together to relieve pain more effectively," Oswald said. Research has shown that NSAIDs have multiple adverse effects and should be used with caution, both doctors pointed out. "They have been shown to cause gastrointestinal issues, and in severe cases can cause ulcers and bleeding," Wu noted. These side effects appear to be dependent on the size of the dose, the doctor added. "In many cases, combining different types of pain relievers can be more effective than using just one." There is evidence of increased gastric effects, kidney impairment and heart disease at higher doses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also issued warnings about cardiovascular risk. At high enough doses, it can (less commonly) cause liver damage, which can potentially be fatal, according to Wu. Oswald recommended that people with certain health conditions — such as kidney problems, heart issues or stomach ulcers — should talk to a doctor before using NSAIDs. Acetaminophen has been linked to a potential risk of liver injury and allergic reactions, according to the FDA. Rare but serious skin reactions have also been reported. "Acetaminophen is generally safer for most people, as long as they stay under 3,000 milligrams per day," Oswald added. After weighing the benefits and risks, the doctor said that people should "absolutely" keep both types of OTC medications on hand at home. "Having a few different options allows you to manage pain more effectively by targeting it in different ways," she said. For more Health articles, visit Ultimately, if pain doesn't improve or keeps coming back, it's best to consult a healthcare professional who can assess the cause and discuss other treatment options, including prescription medications.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan's solar surge lifts it into rarefied 25% club
LITTLETON, Colorado: Pakistan is rapidly emerging as a key leader in solar power deployment, and not just within emerging economies. The South Asian country has boosted solar electricity generation by over three times the global average so far this year, fueled by a more than fivefold rise in solar capacity imports since 2022, according to data from Ember. That combination of rapidly rising capacity and generation has propelled solar power from Pakistan's fifth-largest electricity source in 2023 to its largest in 2025. What's more, so far in 2025 solar power has accounted for 25% of Pakistan's utility-supplied electricity, which makes it one of fewer than 20 nations globally that have sourced a quarter or more of monthly electricity supplies from solar farms. EXCLUSIVE CLUB Over the first four months of 2025, solar farms generated an average of 25.3% of Pakistan's utility electricity supplies, Ember data shows. That average compares with a solar share of 8% globally, around 11% in China, 8% in the United States, and 7% in Europe. And while the average solar shares in the Northern Hemisphere will climb steadily through the summer months, very few countries will even come close to securing a quarter of all utility electricity supplies from solar farms any time soon. Indeed, only 17 countries have ever registered a 25% or more share of monthly utility electricity supplies from solar farms, according to Ember. Those nations are: Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Portugal and Spain. That list is heavily skewed toward Europe, where the power sector shock from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 sparked urgent and widespread power-sector reform and the rapid roll-out of renewable generation capacity. Indeed, Australia and Chile are the only nations aside from Pakistan that are outside Europe, and all included nations boast a far higher gross domestic product (GDP) per capita than Pakistan. IMPORT DRIVE The chief driver of Pakistan's solar surge has been an accelerating import binge of solar capacity modules from China. Between 2022 and 2024, Pakistan's imports of China-made solar components jumped fivefold from around 3,500 megawatts (MW) to a record 16,600 MW, according to Ember. Pakistan's share of China's total solar module exports also rose sharply, from 2 percent in 2022 to nearly 7 percent in 2024. And that import binge has continued into 2025. Over the first four months of the year, Pakistan imported just over 10,000 MW of solar components from China, compared with around 8,500 MW during the same period in 2024. That rise of nearly 18% in imported capacity has lifted Pakistan's share of China's solar exports to new highs too, with Pakistan accounting for around 12% of all of China's solar exports so far this year. SOLAR-CENTRIC The frantic deployment of imported solar modules across Pakistan in recent years has upended the country's electricity generation mix. So far in 2025, solar is by far the single largest source of electricity, followed by natural gas, nuclear reactors, coal plants and hydro dams. As solar farms were the fifth-largest supply source for electricity just two years ago, solar's pre-eminence so far this marks a sharp swing toward renewables within the country's utility network. In addition, the country is committed to much more growth in renewable energy generation capacity through the rest of this decade. Pakistan is targeting 60% of electricity supplies to come from renewable sources by 2030, according to the International Trade Administration. Through the first four months of 2025, renewable energy sources generated 28% of the country's electricity, so energy planners are aiming for a more than doubling in that share by the end of the decade. With solar modules representing the quickest and cheapest means to meet those goals, further rapid build-out of the country's solar farm system looks likely, which will cement Pakistan's status as a global solar superpower.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Pakistan's solar surge lifts it into rarefied 25% club
LITTLETON, Colorado, June 17 (Reuters) - Pakistan is rapidly emerging as a key leader in solar power deployment, and not just within emerging economies. The South Asian country has boosted solar electricity generation by over three times the global average so far this year, fuelled by a more than fivefold rise in solar capacity imports since 2022, according to data from Ember. That combination of rapidly rising capacity and generation has propelled solar power from Pakistan's fifth-largest electricity source in 2023 to its largest in 2025. What's more, so far in 2025 solar power has accounted for 25% of Pakistan's utility-supplied electricity, which makes it one of fewer than 20 nations globally that have sourced a quarter or more of monthly electricity supplies from solar farms. Over the first four months of 2025, solar farms generated an average of 25.3% of Pakistan's utility electricity supplies, Ember data shows. That average compares with a solar share of 8% globally, around 11% in China, 8% in the United States and 7% in Europe. And while the average solar shares in the Northern Hemisphere will climb steadily through the summer months, very few countries will even come close to securing a quarter of all utility electricity supplies from solar farms any time soon. Indeed, only 17 countries have ever registered a 25% or more share of monthly utility electricity supplies from solar farms, according to Ember. Those nations are: Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Portugal and Spain. That list is heavily skewed towards Europe, where the power sector shock from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 sparked urgent and widespread power-sector reform and the rapid roll-out of renewable generation capacity. Indeed, Australia and Chile are the only nations aside from Pakistan that are outside Europe, and all included nations boast a far higher gross domestic product (GDP) per capita than Pakistan. The chief driver of Pakistan's solar surge has been an accelerating import binge of solar capacity modules from China. Between 2022 and 2024, Pakistan's imports of China-made solar components jumped fivefold from around 3,500 megawatts (MW) to a record 16,600 MW, according to Ember. Pakistan's share of China's total solar module exports also rose sharply, from 2% in 2022 to nearly 7% in 2024. And that import binge has continued into 2025. Over the first four months of the year, Pakistan imported just over 10,000 MW of solar components from China, compared with around 8,500 MW during the same period in 2024. That rise of nearly 18% in imported capacity has lifted Pakistan's share of China's solar exports to new highs too, with Pakistan accounting for around 12% of all of China's solar exports so far this year. The frantic deployment of imported solar modules across Pakistan in recent years has upended the country's electricity generation mix. So far in 2025, solar is by far the single largest source of electricity, followed by natural gas, nuclear reactors, coal plants and hydro dams. As solar farms were the fifth-largest supply source for electricity just two years ago, solar's pre-eminence so far this marks a sharp swing towards renewables within the country's utility network. In addition, the country is committed to much more growth in renewable energy generation capacity through the rest of this decade. Pakistan is targeting 60% of electricity supplies to come from renewable sources by 2030, according to the International Trade Administration. Through the first four months of 2025, renewable energy sources generated 28% of the country's electricity, so energy planners are aiming for a more than doubling in that share by the end of the decade. With solar modules representing the quickest and cheapest means to meet those goals, further rapid build-out of the country's solar farm system looks likely, which will cement Pakistan's status as a global solar superpower. The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters. Enjoying this column? Check out Reuters Open Interest (ROI), your essential new source for global financial commentary. ROI delivers thought-provoking, data-driven analysis of everything from swap rates to soybeans. Markets are moving faster than ever. ROI can help you keep up. Follow ROI on LinkedIn, opens new tab and X, opens new tab.
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Toll Brothers at Ken-Caryl Ranch Community Opens in Littleton, Colorado
LITTLETON, Colo., June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL), the nation's leading builder of luxury homes, today announced the highly anticipated opening of Toll Brothers at Ken-Caryl Ranch, a community offering two collections of luxury homes in Jefferson County, Colorado. The Toll Brothers Sales Center is now open at 7200 South Wright Way in Littleton. Toll Brothers at Ken-Caryl Ranch is an extraordinary new home community offering two collections of luxury home designs with sophisticated finishes. One- and two-story single-family homes include flexible floor plans with 1,797 to 3,828+ square feet including 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2 to 5.5 baths, and 3-car garages. First-floor primary bedroom suites and options for 4-car garages are available on select home designs. Homes are priced from the mid-$700,000s. Toll Brothers at Ken-Caryl Ranch offers the last opportunity to build a new home in the highly desirable and amenity-rich community that is surrounded by miles of trails and quick mountain access. Homeowners will enjoy a quiet location with access to established master plan amenities including recreational facilities, an equestrian center, pools, and parks. 'Our new home collections located in the amenity-rich Ken-Caryl Ranch master plan truly exemplify the Toll Brothers luxury lifestyle that we're known for,' said Reggie Carveth, Division President of Toll Brothers in Colorado. 'We encourage home shoppers to visit soon to tour available home designs and be among the first to select their new home site in this stunning new community in a great location.' Toll Brothers customers will experience one-stop shopping at the Toll Brothers Design Studio. The state-of-the-art Design Studio allows customers to choose from a wide array of selections to personalize their dream home with the assistance of Toll Brothers professional Design Consultants. The community is located just 18 miles from downtown Denver, offering easy access to Colorado State Highway 470 and the Rocky Mountains. For more information on Toll Brothers at Ken-Caryl Ranch and Toll Brothers communities throughout Colorado, visit or call 877-431-2870. About Toll Brothers Toll Brothers, Inc., a Fortune 500 Company, is the nation's leading builder of luxury homes. The Company was founded 58 years ago in 1967 and became a public company in 1986. Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'TOL.' The Company serves first-time, move-up, empty-nester, active-adult, and second-home buyers, as well as urban and suburban renters. Toll Brothers builds in over 60 markets in 24 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington, as well as in the District of Columbia. The Company operates its own architectural, engineering, mortgage, title, land development, smart home technology, and landscape subsidiaries. The Company also develops master-planned and golf course communities as well as operates its own lumber distribution, house component assembly, and manufacturing operations. Toll Brothers has been one of Fortune magazine's World's Most Admired Companies™ for 10+ years in a row, and in 2024 the Company's Chairman and CEO Douglas C. Yearley, Jr. was named one of 25 Top CEOs by Barron's magazine. Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information visit From Fortune, ©2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
