UK LNG: foreign suppliers are failing to deliver

UK wholesale gas prices have been at a premium to the US market; however, this has failed to encourage LNG shippers, which have diverted tankers away from the UK. Cargo needs, capacity planning and concerns about the security of supply should be raised, given that market fundamentals are not at work. A supply failure, albeit temporary, must be corrected for the market to function efficiently.

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Trouble in North Africa threatens Europe's fuel supplies

As revolution sweeps through the Middle East and North Africa, the region's economic stability is increasingly at risk. It took only two days for Libya to descend into full-scale civil war, and Algeria remains on high alert. While the political mayhem is a threat to Europe's post-colonial legacy, Libya and Algeria stand out from the rest due to Europe's dependence on their oil and gas resources.

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G8 energy: all for none?

At the G8 summit in Russia, leaders once again demonstrated that these events are merely a meeting of minds, not a mechanism to create aligned policy. There was little unanimity on nuclear and it is clear that Russia, as a net exporter of gas, has different priorities.

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French energy markets in 2009: a departure from dirigisme?

2009 played host to some little-noted but important steps towards liberalization in the French gas and power markets. Although these developments were somewhat arcane and certainly modest in terms of tangible progress, they should be seen in the context of a society in which state-influence of the commanding heights remains a shibboleth.

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France: boosting hopes of a European shale gas boom

Shale gas production remains a niche activity, despite increased coverage in the press. Few countries produce shale gas and fewer still can ensure that its extraction techniques are actually environmentally safe. France is by no means alone in resisting shale production on environmental grounds, but has now come to realize that its mining laws prevent it from imposing a moratorium on the practice.

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France-Spain interconnector: receives EIB funding, but concerns over EU generation capacity remain

A E350m loan from the European Investment Bank is to boost a project for a new France-Spain interconnector. The EU is driving such projects as a crucial part of its objective of a single internal energy market. However, interconnectors are no substitute for investment in generation capacity, and with many nations banking on increasing imports, there may not be enough power to go round.

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European energy: Dutch are full of gas

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EDF: LNG trade shows embracing risk is far from reckless

The London-based trading arm of French electricity giant EDF has recently booked capacity at a regasification terminal in France for 2007. This small but significant move indicates that the firm is coming to terms with the need to compete in an increasingly open energy sector, where spot commodity trading will play a vital role.

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EC: turning timely attention to the interconnector infrastructure linking France and Spain

Spain abounds with solar and wind power capacity, and its numerous LNG import terminals and pipeline entry points make it a resource hub for Europe. However, poor gas and power interconnectors with France risk isolating the Iberian Peninsula and damaging its economic ties with Europe, so help from the EC could not come at a more opportune moment.

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Does Centrica's involvement in the EDF-BE deal still make sense?

In September 2008, EDF announced it was to acquire British Energy for GBP12.5 billion, with a 25% stake going to British utilities giant Centrica as part of the deal. In light of recent declines in commodity prices, Centrica's shareholders have raised questions over the company's involvement in the deal, however, over the long-term, the investment may turn out to be a shrewd move.

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