Most, if not all, wars have been trade wars connected with some sort of material interest. As geopolitical risks multiply and conventional energy reserves decline, could the accelerated development of renewable energy prove to be the only way to avoid an inevitable spiral of war and disaster?
Read moreIn its relentless quest for energy to fuel its booming economy, India, the second largest buyer of Iranian oil, has struck a neat diplomatic balance: Delhi has managed to maintain friendly ties and oil shipments from Tehran without antagonising Washington, while keeping Baghdad on the hook as it takes the necessary steps to fill the gaps left by international sanctions on the Iranian regime.
Read moreThe discovery of shale gas has been the biggest driver in the reversal of decades of decline in U.S. oil production and has already transformed North Dakota, for example, into an economic powerhouse, boasting the nation's lowest unemployment rate and fastest-growing GDP, as well as an oil production level surpassing that of some OPEC nations. But will Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom with not only the largest proven oil reserves but also the largest repository – by far – of low-cost oil reserves, allow the U.S. oil boom at its expense?
Read moreEven as America looks towards an energy-independent future, debate continues to stir over the importance of green energy and natural gas exports. And although some have argued that government intervention is hindering industry growth, the threat of significant market failures can also hurt long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
Read moreUntil recently, Tunisia was considered to be a minor league and relatively underexplored venue in Africa's rapidly expanding oil & gas scene. This situation has quickly changed with new bid rounds and forced relinquishments creating an opportunity for new companies to come in.
Read moreThe first gas has started flowing from Israel's supergiant Tamar gasfield in the Levant Basin. Where it will go will redraw the Mediterranean energy map and the geopolitics that goes along with it.
Read moreIf government estimates are accurate, Cyprus may be sitting on an amazing 60 trillion cubic feet of natural gas – enough to cover 40 percent of the European Union’s gas supplies. The complication however comes in that Russia, a strong ally of Cyprus, is already Europe’s largest supplier of natural gas; and neither Russia nor the European Union are willing to give up their “pawn” in an ongoing energy struggle.
Read moreThis where we stand, and it's a fairly bleak view: Peak oil is almost here, and nothing new (with the possible but unlikely exception of Iraq) is coming online anytime soon and while the clock is ticking – forward movement on developing renewable energy resources has been sadly inadequate. In the meantime, the idea that shale reservoirs will lead the U.S. to energy independence will soon enough be recognized as unrealistic hype. There are no easy solutions, no viable quick fixes, and no magic fluids.
Read moreThe collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s saw Russian embark on a strategic retreat from the Middle East, with a dramatic decline in both its presence and influence. But recent events, particularly in Syria and Libya, suggest that Russia may be regaining its past standing – not just in the region, but also as a major global player.
Read moreJunior oil companies may not have the reach, nor the resources, of major oil firms, yet some still manage to turn up massive profits – thanks to the economic principle that the management of small oil & gas properties are run more efficiently and profitably by small companies. In Canada, the junior oil & gas sector is thriving, particularly as more companies turn away from risky overseas venture and plant their feet firmly in homeland soil.
Read moreGrowing environmental concerns has meant that oil and gas pipelines are no longer being built as rapidly as they used to be. A new remote-sensing technology, with research beginning in space, however aims to detect dangerous leaks in pipelines quickly and efficiently. The clincher: This technology is not only affordable; it saves money and could eventually save the industry.
Read moreThe Mediterranean has joined the shale game, but as most of Europe's Mediterranean countries drag their feet, all eyes are on Israel, Turkey, and Algeria. For Israel, it will be a slow road without the majors. For Algeria, it's full speed ahead, in theory—but the foreign interest is just dabbling for now due to a lack of shale infrastructure. For Turkey, the situation is more promising thanks to a renewed interest by the majors and a near-perfect blend of good governance and attractive fiscals.
Read moreKenya has become the hottest oil and gas venue in East Africa since big discoveries were made in the country's virgin oilfields last April. All eyes are on Kenya in 2013 to see how quickly – and economically they can develop those discoveries into production.
Read moreAs we begin a new year we wanted to take a look at the current energy landscape and see what the future holds for the global economy, America's oil and gas boom, whether renewables will continue to be a favourite amongst investors and whether we should be focusing more attention on conservation and energy efficiency rather than our continuous effort to increase supply.
Read moreDespite booming oil production in North America on the back of the shale revolution, many industry forecasts still expect oil prices to remain above $100 a barrel in 2013 – the third consecutive year that oil prices have gone above the triple digit mark. And with the world economy still struggling to recover from numerous crises, any geopolitical difficulty, particularly in West Africa or the Middle East, may easily cause the price of oil to double – with dire effects on the struggling world financial system.
Read more2012 has been a stellar year for oil and gas. From East Africa to North America, new technology, major new discoveries, an unparalleled appetite for exploration and a metamorphosing perception of risk have changed the playing field. We're looking at potential rather than existing production, and here are our Top 5 picks for this year:
Read moreThere’s been plenty of talk about potentially radical US foreign policy changes as a result of the shale boom. While one shouldn’t expect any dramatic US foreign policy move away from the Middle East, factors are influencing a greater focus on Asia. Only one thing is certain in this transforming world: The shale boom is real and the implications are many and difficult to predict.
Read moreAs Washington hunts ill-defined al-Qaeda groups in the Middle East and Africa, and concerns itself with Iran's eventual nuclear potential, it has a much more pressing problem at home: Its energy grid is vulnerable to anyone with basic weapons and know-how.
Read moreThe "shale revolution" has been grabbing a great deal of headlines for some time now. A favourite topic of investors, sector commentators and analysts – many claim we are about to enter a new energy era with cheap and abundant shale gas leading the charge. But on closer examination the incredible claims and figures behind many of the plays just don't add up.
Read moreHistorically, energy companies have been less than keen to invest in areas such as Sudan, Iraq and Yemen – where political and social instability down the years often spelled danger for both infrastructure and personnel. Today however, with political risk no longer limited to just developing countries, more and more energy companies, particularly the junior oil and gas companies, are venturing into Africa and the Middle East – creating an opportunity for risk comparison with so-called “safer investments”.
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