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Bridge over troubled baltic water

In order to control the specifics of supplies, the European Commission initially tried to obtain a mandate from EU countries for negotiations with Russia on the conditions for building the gas pipeline – but without success. According to EU legislation, these decisions remain with member countries and Brussels only has a consultative voice in this […]

SAGGING SHELF: Future of Gas Extraction from Romanian Shelf Uncertain

Earlier this year the US energy major Exxon Mobil officially announced its intention to sell its 50% share in the Neptun Deep offshore project located on the Romanian Black Sea shelf. Although rumours of a sale had circulated since November 2019, no serious buyer has yet come forward. And here is why. Export issue still […]

Euro currency buy price growth and volatility concept with sign element made of clouds on blue background over sky, jet plane pull cloud up

SOARING GAS PRICES: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Spot prices for gas in Europe reached a historical high on 21 December 2021, exceeding $2,000 per thousand cubic metres of gas for the first time. By the end of January 2022, the price of gas had experienced a double downward correction. The situation in the European gas market remains complex however. According to Emily […]

Recent Posts

Geoeconomic dances around Iran – Pro and Contra

Renewed discussion of removing sanctions from Iran’s oil industry is becoming one of the most important issues on the current agenda.  The subject reflects a strategy whereby the United States and the EU are looking for solutions to the problem of an oil shortage in the here and now: they are under time pressure given the possibility of a full-scale oil embargo against Russia. 

Russia is halfway to losing the European energy market

The military conflict in Ukraine that began in February and the extensive sanctions against Russia that have been introduced following this have led to a volte-face in the European Union’s energy policy.  Under pressure from both external partners and its internal political elite, the EU has declared that it is prepared to abandon Russian gas, oil and coal completely by 2027.

While the world fears for the fate of Ukraine China is making deals

It is no exaggeration to say that the start of Russia’s military action in Ukraine and the ensuing sanctions against Russia have brought about a tectonic shift in the global economy, in which trade relations and links that have existed for decades risk being severed.  One of the areas most affected by the crisis is energy. 

Can Spain Ease the EU’s Gas Pain?

The conflict that flared up at the end of February between Russia and Ukraine has been a massive shock to the entire political landscape of the European Union. Its seismic waves are continuing to reverberate in all its economies’ markets and industries.

Something Blue – What Norway Can Offer Europe in the Face of New Energy Crisis

With the warmer months when gas storage facilities are usually filled for the next winter approaching, Europe is struggling to find ways to replace Russian gas with potential alternatives. Attention is naturally turning to Norway, the second largest gas supplier to the continent. 

Euro currency buy price growth and volatility concept with sign element made of clouds on blue background over sky, jet plane pull cloud up

SOARING GAS PRICES: WHO IS TO BLAME?

Spot prices for gas in Europe reached a historical high on 21 December 2021, exceeding $2,000 per thousand cubic metres of gas for the first time. By the end of January 2022, the price of gas had experienced a double downward correction. The situation in the European gas market remains complex however. According to Emily […]

UNITED STATES NOT AVERSE TO TESTING NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY IN THE EU

The situation in the European energy market is extremely complex and multi-layered in nature. On the one hand, there is a politically motivated battle to oust Russian energy resources and thrust politically motivated conditions for supplying hydrocarbons on Russian companies. On the other, the United States seems to have set itself the goal of developing […]

Crossroad signpost saying this way, that way, the other way concept for lost, confusion or decisions

New German government puts Nord Stream 2 on pause

The situation that has developed around Nord Stream 2 in recent months has become so confused that one almost wonders whether the pipeline exists at all.  European politicians mention the project so often though, that one would think it had been operating and pumping billions of cubic metres a year to the European Union for […]

Brussels’ Arctic Initiative Hits Drilling and Ricochets against Scandinavian Allies

The European Union’s new Arctic strategy, published in October 2021, contains the statement that “the EU is committed to ensuring that oil, coal and gas stay in the ground, including in Arctic regions.”  In order to achieve this goal, Brussels intends to secure the introduction of a ban on developing new oil, gas and coal […]

No green without blue: Europe could fall short of its energy goals without hydrogen imports

This winter, soaring energy prices have aggravated the economic burden for European businesses and residential customers alike. While solar and wind plants are falling short of satisfying energy needs, another factor has proved to be a shortage of reserves of natural gas and other fuels. Hydrogen could become an alternative major source of green power. […]

Tectonics of the Groningen Problem: Why the Gas Field is Struggling to Cease Production

Groningen is one of the largest gas fields in the world, and was a source of prosperity for the Netherlands for over half a century.  For several years now, however, it has been nothing but a serious headache for the Dutch government. Coronavirus and failures in energy transformation could hinder the field’s decommissioning. Why the […]