Jan 2003

Diplomatic relations between the US and Saudi Arabia, once staunch allies, are strained. Reports of terrorist connections in the kingdom have made the US wary of their main crude supplier at a time when the world’s biggest oil consumer is looking to diversify its supply sources from the Middle East and maintain its security of supply. Alternative suppliers are waiting in the wings, writes James Gavin

There is a growing consensus that the balance between US gas supply and demand will be tight. Some analysts suggest a crisis could occur as early as this winter. In addition, volatile prices make planning, hedging and investment more difficult, Ellen Lask reports

The New Year will see renewed efforts to push a comprehensive energy policy bill through the US Congress. But there will almost certainly be a firm shift to the right, now that the Republicans have regained control of the Senate and increased their majority in the House of Representatives. Victoria Thomas reports

After success in Texas, the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea, Vanco Energy, the Houston-based independent, has turned its attention to Africa, where its owner expects to multiply past success many times over, reports Derek Bamber

The fall of Enron has left a trail of devastation in the US energy-trading market, with several other companies struggling to stay afloat. Almost every entity in the industry, innocent or otherwise, has been caught up in the chaos created by principals who honoured profits over principles, Anne Feltus reports

He has been called a hands-on manager, a nuts-and-bolts person, a stern taskmaster, a control freak, a penny pincher, detail-oriented and no-nonsense. Ask Richard Kinder, chairman and chief executive officer of Houston-based Kinder Morgan, and he will agree that those labels apply. Anne Feltus talks to him

With North America’s mainstay natural gas basins showing advanced signs of maturity, the region’s industry is faced with embarking on a radical shift to high-end prospects in the Arctic, offshore and Rocky Mountain regions, writes WJ Simpson

Decisions could be made this year that untangle the mess of political, economic and regulatory issues standing in the way of freeing up the vast stranded natural gas reserves of Alaska’s North Slope and Canada’s Mackenzie Delta/Beaufort Sea, writes WJ Simpson

The US has a reputation as a hydrocarbons guzzler, but wind-power projects are coming to the fore as the country looks to increase electricity supply from renewable sources, Anne Feltus reports

Worldwide political uncertainties, price volatility in refined oil products, oil company restructuring and new trading opportunities all tend to be positive factors for the independent storage business. Accordingly, 2002 was generally a good one for terminal operators and the signs are that 2003 will also provide strong flows through tanks, Martin Quinlan writes

Singapore consistently confounds the pessimists. Insiders had forecast that the growth of refining capacity in Asia’s boom economies would lead to a decline in the country’s supply role. In reality, Singapore’s independent storage facilities are busier than ever, Martin Quinlan writes

For terminal operators at the gateway ports supplying the European hinterland, 2002 was a much better year than 2001. Uncertainties in the Middle East, an increase in the number of products grades, the return of contangoes and some new trading patterns have all helped business, Martin Quinlan writes

Power companies are complaining that UK electricity prices are too low – threatening future investment and the viability of the power market itself. Callum McCarthy, head of the country’s energy regulator, Ofgem, is not convinced. He talked to Derek Brower

After 15 years of stubborn efforts, bargaining, disputes and false hopes, the European Union (EU) is confidently looking forward to a complete opening of the electricity and gas markets in its 15 member countries, writes Helen Avati

The European Union (EU) agreed a new deadline for opening its energy markets, in December. Although a victory in principle for liberalisation, at present there is anything but a level playing field in the EU gas and electricity markets. David Townsend reports

The arrival of the first wave of new countries acceding to the European Union, in 2004, will change the energy landscape of the continent. David Townsend looks at some of the implications for the natural gas and electricity sectors from these newcomers

The year ahead could see a number of changes in the electricity sector, as the French market opens further to competition and a first tranche of EdF is put up for auction. All of which could dampen the criticism aimed at the country for its lack of progress in meeting EU targets, writes Helen Avati

The last year hit UK generators - particularly BE - very hard. But there has been a bear market in energy worldwide and Enron's demise gave the industry an early festive hangover, leaving it nursing a collective sore head By Trevor Sikorski Caminus

In 2003, the UK government will publish a proposed energy policy which could usher in a host of new low carbon technologies, fundamentally revamping the energy landscape. What needs to be considered and what are the implications? By Dr Catherine Mitchell Warwick Business School

Liberalisation of Europe's electricity and gas markets is resulting in convergence between the two sectors and in industry restructuring. Are sparks flying - and what can the global industry learn from this? By Silvia Pariente-David and Claude-Albane Swanson PA Consulting

New EU legislation controlling industrial pollution may improve the atmosphere but there will be ramifications for utilities to consider By Victoria Joy Addleshaw Booth & Co

Japan's initial liberalisation in the 1990s heralded an industry renaissance. Now, as the market prepares to open further, will it retain its eastern promise? By David Hayes ENERGY CONSULTANT

While tax may typically be relegated to the bottom of the business agenda, appropriate tax planning will still reap rewards By Nicola Corp and Neil Strathdee Ernst & Young