Natural resources and energy
Eskom’s problems highlight flaws in South Africa’s energy plans
On Sunday 8 February 2015, South African taxpayer-owned electricity utility Eskom achieved an unwelcome milestone after it imposed the sixth consecutive day of load shedding. With more days likely to
Oil sector expected to reduce investment in new projects
Despite the overall benefits for the global economy, the prolonged period of low oil prices is likely to reduce investment in new oil projects, raising the potential for economic and political
African energy producers face oil price pressure
While importing countries’ consumers are rejoicing at cheap oil prices, oil-producing countries in sub-Saharan Africa are facing severe fiscal downturns from the drastic shift in the global oil market. With global oil
Low oil prices bring instability to the global oil sector
A pro-longed period of low oil prices could have long-term consequences for the future of the oil industry and geopolitical stability of some oil exporting countries. Falling oil prices can be
Scotland stands to gain from renewable energy projects
Scotland’s renewable energy industry is not only helping it achieve its emissions targets, the large-scale energy projects that are currently underway in Scotland will create jobs, improve infrastructure, and can
Mexico’s oil and gas industry depends on greater security
As the oil and gas industry deals with a very unfavourable international market environment, Mexico’s current government can no longer ignore the risks posed by the country’s challenging security scenario.
Oil outlook for 2015
“Best two days in 3 years,” read a headline closing the final week before Christmas, an early gift for US equity traders – tonic enough for most to wash down the
Petrobras scandal threatens to derail pre-salts deposit development
Petrobras looked like a model for transparency in the energy sector and, with a recent discovery of large offshore deposits, was poised to make Brazil a regional energy superpower. However, a corruption scandal
Will Angola’s sovereign wealth fund allow it to adapt to falling oil prices?
Amidst declining global oil prices, Angola – Africa’s second largest oil producer – has announced plans to minimize its dependence on international commodity exports by dedicating part of its sovereign
Is genetic engineering a Black Swan for humanity?
Farming made civilization possible. Does crop technology spell the end of human existence? Some believe doom is a certainty. Fortunately, science is never certain and empirical evidence says no. by
