EU ETS Scheme Faces Renewal

November 27, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post

This week the EU will reveal new allocations for the next phase of the Europe-wide greenhouse gas emissions trading, a market worth 12 billion Euros and covering 11,000 installations throughout Europe. Since it was introduced many people have argued that the emission caps are too high in the scheme. Now some of Europe’s most influential … Read More

The End of Oil in Africa?

November 27, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post

As the oil price continues to rise, many African oil-importing countries are beginning to look at ways of lessening their dependence on the fuel. Whilst continuing high oil prices are good news for the 13 African countries which are net oil exporters, for the 42 oil-importing countries, higher prices are creating serious challenges.

EU’s Secret Rethink on Carbon Emissions

November 24, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post 1 Comment

The European Commission is arguing that Europe should set a new, unilateral, target for cutting CO2 emissions, agree legally binding plans to boost renewable energy and bring cars into its carbon trading scheme. The secret blueprint, drawn up by the Commission’s vice-president, Gunther Verheugen, marks a significant shift in thinking as officials in Brussels seek … Read More

Hong Kong Faces Flooding

November 24, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post

Once again here is the irony. Asia’s economies are booming. Energy consumption is set to sour. Much of this will be conventional energy, including fossil fuels. This will lead to climate change, that will devastate the region. So the  more the economies boom, eventually they will bust.

Shell Positioning Itself As Asian Energy Solutions Provider

November 24, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post

Shell’s subsidiary, Shell Global Solutions is attempting to position itself as the preferred partner for businesses in Asia in managing and developing their growing energy needs. And these needs are increasing rapidly. According to the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) International Energy Outlook 2006 report, world consumption is projected to increase by 71% from 2003 to 2030. 

The Arctic is not the Answer

November 23, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post

Greenland’s ice-caps may be melting at an alarming rate due to climate change, but that is not stopping the country issuing further oil and gas licenses. Twelve companies have advanced to the prequalification stage under the country’s latest licensing round. Greenland is offering eight blocks covering about 92,000 sq km for exploration off Central-West Greenland. … Read More

Oil Worker Killed in Nigeria

November 23, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post

A British oil worker has been killed and an Italian seriously wounded during a  botched attempt to free seven workers seized by Nigerian militants in the troubled Niger Delta. A Nigerian navy spokesman told the BBC that the remaining five foreign hostages had been rescued unharmed, while two militants were killed.

Achuar Take on Peruvian Government Over Pollution

November 22, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post

A rare victory for people power. The Guardian has reported how the Achuar Indians from the Amazon have managed to get the Peruvian government to take notice of their plight. For decades they had been saying that their land had been heavily polluted and their waters poisoned by oil exploration, but they had been consistently … Read More

EU Seeks Russian Energy Deal

November 22, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post

The European Union is urging Russia and its neighbours to commit to long-term energy contracts that will guarantee them affordable oil and natural gas supplies. The appeal came on the first day of a two-day conference of officials from the 25 EU nations and oil and gas exporting countries.

Oz Goes Nuclear

November 21, 2006By Andy RowellBlog Post 1 Comment

A report to Autralian Prime Minister John Howard has concluded that twenty-five nuclear reactors, mainly on the east coast, could be producing a third of Australia’s electricity needs by the year 2050. The cost of nuclear power would be substantially higher than fossil fuels, but the attachment of a price on carbon emissions could make … Read More