Developing the abundant natural gas resources discovered offshore Israel is a complicated endeavor that involves considerable geopolitical diplomacy in addition to the traditional commercial details that must be worked out when building multi-billion dollar energy projects. “Natural gas is both a geopolitical tool and a target in Israel, where a newfound bonanza of resources has… Keep reading →
Tax reform talk is heating up in Congress as they hurry to pass a tax extenders bill before year end. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley wants the controversial wind energy production tax credit included in the bill. “I’m concerned about rumors that some are working to leave out or shorten the extension of the wind energy… Keep reading →
The Egyptian government wants the country to receive 20% of its power from renewable energy sources by 2020 and will auction 2GW of wind power capacity and 2GW of solar capacity next month to advance that goal. The country desperately needs to bolster its power generation capacity so it will also seek bids for 4… Keep reading →
Natural gas production from the Marcellus shale formation – primarily from West Virginia and Pennsylvania – exceeded 15 billion cubic feet per day through July, equivalent to 21% of total 2013 US marketed gas production. With the rig count essentially stable, increases in drilling productivity are driving output growth. “…production from new wells is more… Keep reading →
Piping Israeli gas to liquefaction plants in Egypt is the most commercially logical option but remains politically risky. The announcement of a letter of intent between the partners in Israel’s giant Tamar natural gas field and the Spanish owners of a liquefied natural gas plant on Egypt’s Nile Delta coast is a major breakthrough, one… Keep reading →
Many investors were left scratching their heads after BG Group sacked chief executive Chris Finlayson earlier this week after a little over a year on the job. The company has faced headwinds in Brazil and crisis in Egypt, but Finlayson’s performance was not terrible, all things considered. BG has gone through 3 CEO’s and 4… Keep reading →
In a story rife with geopolitical implications, reports indicate the consortium developing Israel’s Leviathan gas field – which includes US-based Noble Energy – could be close to signing supply deals with Turkey and Egypt instead of sending to gas to Greece and/or Cyprus as previously planned. In an ironic reversal of fortune, Israeli gas could… Keep reading →
National Geographic is running a special energy series and a recent article highlights steps companies and environmental groups are taking to reduce the impacts associated with shale gas and oil development. “Natural gas is a potential energy bounty for the country, and development is probably inevitable,” said Ben Ratner, a project manager for the nonprofit… Keep reading →
A deal to buy Israeli natural gas can help mitigate the kingdom’s energy shortage and steer Amman away from problematic nuclear plans, but it risks stirring domestic opposition. In February, two private Jordanian firms signed a contract with a private U.S.-Israeli consortium to import natural gas from Israel’s giant Tamar field, located under the bed… Keep reading →
The military chief has some strong assets and likely staying power, but he will still face great pressure if he is elected as anticipated, since the benchmark for success will be his ability to satisfy an Egyptian polity filled with unrealistically high socioeconomic expectations. The February 24 resignation of Egypt’s cabinet has fed expectations that… Keep reading →
