Latest Articles about Energy

Harnessing Hydropower, Sparking Tensions: PRC Mega-Dam and India’s Water Security Fears
Executive Summary: The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has officially approved a 60-gigawatt hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet, estimated to cost over 1 trillion renminbi ($137 billion) and surpass the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam. The project aligns with national... MORE

Russia Expands Nuclear Energy Influence in Southeast Asia
Executive Summary: Russia is increasingly involved in Southeast Asia’s nuclear energy market, most recently vis-a-vis the signing of a new memorandum on the development of nuclear energy between Rosatom and Vietnam Electricity. Once established, nuclear energy cooperation creates long-term commitments associated with power plant maintenance,... MORE

European Union Continues Dependency on Russian LNG
Executive Summary: Russian LNG exports and production increased significantly in 2024. The export of hydrocarbons, including LNG, remains one key means by which Russia finances its war against Ukraine. Other large LNG producers, such as the United States and Qatar, prefer to sell their energy... MORE

Azerbaijan’s SOCAR Invests in Türkiye’s Energy Sector
Executive Summary: On January 6, the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) announced plans to invest in Türkiye’s energy sector, strengthening bilateral ties and allowing Baku to expand its influence in Europe and the Middle East. SOCAR is critical in meeting Türkiye’s... MORE

Occupied Abkhazia Faces Electricity Crisis
Executive Summary: Abkhazia is experiencing an energy shortage due to low water levels in the Enguri hydroelectric dam. Illegal cryptocurrency mining further exacerbates the shortage, which has increased Abkhazia’s reliance on Russian electricity. In September, Abkhazia blocked a law allowing Russian citizens to buy real... MORE

Iran’s Gas Export to Armenia: From Energy Imbalance in Iran to Russia’s Monopoly in the Armenian Gas Market
Executive Summary: The Iran-Armenia gas-for-electricity swap agreement allows both countries to address seasonal energy imbalances while enabling Iran to expand its influence in the South Caucasus region. Iran faces challenges through sanctions, electricity shortages, gas imbalance, and Russia’s dominance in Armenia’s gas market via Gazprom... MORE

Taiwan’s Energy Policy at Odds With Economic Needs
Executive Summary: Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te could be open to restarting the island’s nuclear power program, with Premier Cho Jung-tai suggesting the Legislative Yuan could discuss the topic, and pro-nuclear business executive Tung Tzu-hsien being appointed to a newly established National Climate Change Committee. Taiwan’s... MORE

Transformation of Caspian Sea Region Into Energy Hub Gaining Momentum (Part Two)
Executive Summary: The Caspian Sea region looks to become an international energy hub as the European Union seeks alternatives to its energy dependence on Russia through the export of natural gas from littoral Caspian Sea states. Moscow is concerned about the prospect of the Caspian... MORE

Kazakhstan and the West Look to Strengthen Rare-Earth Cooperation
Executive Summary: In June, Kazakhstan voiced its plans to declassify data on rare-earth and rare-metal deposits as well as a renewed effort to attract Western investment to mine and process the country’s vast reserves. Russia’s war against Ukraine has exposed the European Union and Western... MORE

Türkiye Strengthens Pivot Toward China
Executive Summary: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s visit to Xinjiang underscores an expanding partnership with China, signaling a shift in Türkiye’s approach to the Uyghur issue and demonstrating a renewed focus on strengthening bilateral ties. Ankara seeks greater Chinese investment and a reduction in their trade imbalance amid severe economic struggles... MORE