Jul 1999

WORLD ENERGY DEMAND fell by 0.1 per cent in 1998, the first fall since 1982. And after almost a decade of relative stability in global energy markets, 1998 saw a number of other adverse changes, including the virtual collapse of crude oil prices.

Officially, cross-border trading is sacrosanct. Surely, the trans-European energy networks programme is all about real projects, funded by real money. Or is it? Could it be that the time has come for a cross-border trading directive - an industry charter - that really will create a single European market?

He came to the job vowing to make the office of energy regulator less confrontational. So how come Callum McCarthy has ruffled so many feathers? by Chris Webb Editor, Power Economics

Distribution companies have long been seen as a safe bet for investment. With regulated earnings and a captive market there appears to be little that could cast a shadow over such an acquisition. However, potential pitfalls do exist David Appleyard Deputy Editor, Power Economics

The UK has appointed the operator of its new gas commodity market following a review of the existing gas trading regime. What will the new market hold for participating traders when it launches on 1 October 1999?

After a number of false starts, the Hungarian power finance market finally took off in 1998 with the financing of two large projects that could herald a number of similar deals. Here we look at key factors behind this initial success and the prospects for further power project financing in Hungary

Thailand's plans to part-privatise the electricity infrastructure have run into a storm of trouble as the national economic crisis deepens and electricity industry union protests continue to escalate by David Hayes Freelance Journalist