A new report evaluates shale energy development potential around the world and the degree to which freshwater access is likely to impact that development. Despite a fair amount of water related risk in many regions, the upside is tight resources are in early stages of exploration and production, giving stakeholders time to collaborate on water management issues. “This water-shale energy trade off poses significant social, environmental and financial challenges. And over time, competition for water as well as public concerns over hydraulic fracturing will likely increase as shale development expands internationally and global temperature and precipitation patterns shift. Every country contemplating shale development will share a common concern for access to freshwater, but it’s important to consider the localized factors that make every well unique. Global Shale Development [the report] also evaluates water availability for each shale play in 8 other countries either developing shale resources or most likely to develop them in the future: Algeria, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United States.” [World Resources International]

Swiss electric grid equipment manufacturer ABB announced a $4 billion share buyback program as part of its corporate restructuring in the face of a slower European business environment. “Energy-equipment suppliers have had to contend with a drastic decline in investment by utilities in Europe as government-subsidized spending in wind- and solar-powered electricity capacity amid sluggish economic growth have helped transform the region’s energy sector. France’s Alstom SA, ALO.FR +0.72% one of ABB’s main rivals, is selling most of its energy business to General Electric Co.” [Wall Street Journal]

Norway and Sweden forged a renewable energy agreement, but more generous tax incentives in Sweden are driving considerably more offshore wind turbine development than in Norway. “’Changes must be made now or there will be no significant investment in renewables in Norway, all investments will go to Sweden,’ Ola Elvestuen, leader of the Norwegian parliament’s Energy and Environment Committee, said by phone on Sept. 3. The country’s minority government relies on support from Elvestuen and his Liberal Party to get its budget passed.” [Bloomberg]