Mar 2006

Finding new recruits to replace an ageing workforce is a priority for the petroleum industry, particularly because energy companies need more manpower than ever before. With companies ramping up hiring targets and activity, training the influx of new employees will be the next test. Tom Nicholls writes

Foreign oil companies that invested over $10bn in 32 field-operating contracts in the country during the apertura petrolera have meekly acquiesced to the forced migration to tough new terms. The next target could be four massive synthetic-oil projects, as Venezuela tightens its grip on the oil and gas sector, writes Robert Olson

"I have a hunch: by the end of 2006, peak oil will have replaced global warming as the number one problem responsible people will be talking about" – Matthew Simmons. Interview by Ayesha Daya

Repsol YPF's reserves write-downs in South America are not just a disaster for the company. Unless the region's governments take action, the reliability of natural gas supplies across the continent could be under serious threat. Robert Olson writes

This year could see the go-ahead for one or even two more LNG trains, with more to follow – building on the three already operating and cementing Egypt's importance in the booming LNG business. Yet the country has achieved its success while shunning the established model for LNG projects in favour of its own unique formula, Martin Quinlan writes

With its coffers full, state-owned Sonatrach can focus on its ambitions of becoming a global company and increasing oil production to 2m b/d by 2010, writes Ayesha Daya

The glory days of Russian oil-production growth are over. Re-nationalisation and a harmful oil-tax regime are taking their toll, writes NJ Watson.

The loudest voices crying foul against Russia during the recent bust-up with Ukraine over gas were, not surprisingly, countries that used to be part of the Soviet bloc. NJ Watson looks at the steps they are taking to reduce their reliance on Russian gas supplies

Growth in storage capacity is failing to keep pace with burgeoning natural gas demand and could be a significant factor behind volatile prices, writes Anne Feltus

Faced with dwindling North Sea gas reserves, the UK government recently emphasised the potential of offshore storage in salt caverns. But other methods may prove more effective, writes Ian Lewis

Escalating world oil demand, dwindling supplies and the concern over supply interruptions have focused attention on alternative fuels and technologies. Biomass is one of them, writes Chris Webb

Tidal power is a relative newcomer to the renewables party, but its predictability – an advantage over competing renewable energy sources – is raising its profile in Europe and Asia, writes Chris Webb

The goals of economic growth and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions are mutually exclusive, if growth is dependent on burning of fossil fuels. A switch to nuclear generation is a partial solution, but brings intractable environmental issues. Liz Bossley looks at carbon capture and storage as a possible solution

Times are still good for shipping companies, although weaker growth in global oil demand and rising fleet capacity could dampen earnings this year. Martin Clark reports

While there is no rush among oil companies to return to shipping, there are signs of a mini revival, prompted by the growth of LNG trade, writes Martin Clark