Sep 2002

OMV is consolidating its position as a central European energy firm with a strong focus on regional marketing, but also exploration and production around the world. Despite a recent blip in its trading performance, it is pursuing ambitious growth plans. David Townsend spoke to the chairman and CEO, Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer

Already substantial, natural gas’ share of primary energy consumption and electricity generation is rising fast. Although nuclear power could remain a significant force in some countries, gas will account for over half of the expected increase in energy for electricity generation over the next two decades, eroding the dominance of coal. Derek Bamber looks at the rise of gas as a generating fuel

The construction boom in gas-fired power plants could overtax the US’ gas storage system as new generating plants come into operation. Anne Feltus takes a look at the alternatives for boosting capacity

With LNG spearheading the expansion of the international natural gas industry, competitive pressures are set to intensify in the next few years. In a follow-up to his article on emerging corporate strategies, in the July edition of Petroleum Economist, Fred Thackeray examines the impact of ExxonMobil’s planned venture in Qatar and other developments

Gazprom has bigger gas reserves and production than any other company in the world. The trouble, writes Isabel Gorst, is that most of its 100%-owned 26 trillion cubic metres of gas lie in daunting locations in remote Siberia or beneath the frozen waters of the Arctic oceans

Acknowledged as a world leader in gas monetisation, over the last 20 years, Trinidad and Tobago has seen $4bn of foreign and domestic investment in gas-based projects. But its ability to fight off competition is under question, writes David Renwick

Despite the market turmoil following the demise of Enron, Ice’s business plan continues to crystallise. Liz Bossley talks to Stephanie Trabia, CEO of the exchange’s UK subsidiary, about the firm’s expansion plans

Already short of oil products, Brazil’s import requirement is set to shoot up in the next few years, unless there are major new investments in additional capacity. As things stand, imports could reach about 0.67m b/d by 2010, according to a recent report by the oil and gas regulator. Tom Nicholls reports

After two good years, the worldwide refining industry saw its profits decline to desperately low levels this spring. Although fundamentals are improving, it seems refiners will always be at the mercy of unpredictable price swings, Martin Quinlan writes

Economic growth in the Middle East is expected to slow down this year, amid falling oil output and continuing political uncertainty. However, it is not all gloom. Several countries attempts to diversify away from over-reliance on energy are beginning to pay dividends and regional stock markets, for now, appear to be weathering the storm. David Townsend reports

With the world’s third-largest gas reserves Qatar is positioning itself as a major gas exporter – so far, 2002 has seen significant progress in several projects, which aim to boost production in the coming years. In addition, the country is driving many of the ambitious plans to integrate the Gulf regional energy market. David Townsend reports

It has been an eventful year for energy trading, resulting in a period of market timidity and inaction. But as the market prepares to gear up for the winter, can clearing services live up to their promised potential?

There is general agreement that appropriate tariffs are essential to any rapid development of electricity supply, and there is complete disagreement as to what constitutes an appropriate tariff

Polish power reform continues but the direction seems to have changed. The new concept sees a few large companies utilising economies of scale and synergy effects

Caribbean Islands are seen by many as a paradise, but is this perception reflected in reality for power system developers?

Looking at current energy technologies, emission dynamics, environmental consequences, and the growing demand for energy in the US and around the world, some investors see a need and a profit in going back to the future

A global approach to trading is the foundation for a leading practice. But are energy companies in a position to exploit arbitrage opportunities?

With pressure to cut costs and increase value, the emphasis is now on networks to do the work that once relied on engineers. Networks have to be intelligent and reliable but most of all, they have to be integrated