Latest Articles about Energy
Russia Eyes Iraqi Energy Sector
As Russia recently pledged to develop ties with Iraq, the Kremlin voiced hopes to secure a larger role in Iraqi energy sector. Following the April 10 meetings in Moscow between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki,... MORE
The Strategic Implications of Russian Move Against Hungary’s MOL
The European Union remains a passive bystander to Russia's attempted capture of MOL, the Hungarian oil and gas company (EDM, April 3, 6). The Kremlin-connected Surgut Neftegaz became the single largest shareholder in MOL, literally overnight, through surreptitious acquisition of Austrian OMV's entire 21.2 stake... MORE
LNG – Russia’s New Energy Blackmail Tool
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin recently explained: "Russia enjoys vast energy and mineral resources which serve as a basis to develop its economy; as an instrument to implement domestic and foreign policy. The role of the country on international energy markets determines, in many ways,... MORE
Turkmenistan Delays Russian Pipeline Project and Rejects Russian-Led Gas Cartel
Evidently disturbed by Turkmenistan's recent moves to crack Gazprom's monopsony, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has publicly instructed Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin and Gazprom CEO Aleksei Miller to "step up work with Turkmenistan" (Interfax, April 16). Putin was speaking on the day when Turkmenistan... MORE
German RWE Signs Groundbreaking Agreement for Turkmen Gas
On April 16 in Ashgabat, the German energy giant Rheinisch-Westfaelische Elektrizitaetswerk (RWE) entered into an agreement with Turkmenistan on offshore gas field development and gas deliveries. RWE board chairman Juergen Grossmann and Yagshgeldi Kakayev, head of the Turkmen State Agency for the Management and Use... MORE
Turkey’s Energy Minister Pressures Nabucco Partners
On April 17 Turkey's Energy Minister Hilmi Guler, attended a meeting on the future of the Turkish energy sector where he highlight the need to invest in renewable energy resources and diversify its hydrocarbon supplies. In that context, Guler sent important messages to Turkey's Nabucco... MORE
Gazprom Turns the Crisis Into an Opportunity -and a New Crisis
Russia's economy has achieved a modicum of stability after the meltdown that had spread with devastating force from the stock exchange to the financial sector and to industry. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in his report (rather resembling an instruction session) to the State Duma praised... MORE
As Gazprom Threatens the EU, Iran Presents an Alternative
On April 1 Iran's Oil Minister, Gholam-Hossein Nozari took another step in promoting his country's goal of becoming a major natural gas supplier to the EU when he announced in Damascus that, "In accordance with a project being developed, Iranian gas will be supplied to... MORE
Russian “National Identity” and the Ukraine-EU Pipeline Deal
Ukraine's gas pipeline deal with the EU on March 23 led to an avalanche of Russian outrage that had less to do with the agreement, but exposed the Kremlin's use of Russian national identity. Russia apparently felt 'betrayed' by Europe and Ukraine. Russian state-controlled media... MORE
Blast Reminds the EU of Moldova-Balkans Gas Transit Pipeline
Deliveries of Russian natural gas to Balkan countries via Ukraine and Moldova are down by approximately one half, following the April 1 explosion on the transit pipeline in Moldova. The blast is attributed to a landslide that followed days of heavy rain. It crushed the... MORE