Energy and Mining
Oil and Energy Sectors Vulnerable to Corruption in North Africa
The North Africa Journal | Corruption in North Africa is a widespread and is a deeply rooted problem. So much so that the activists that are driving the revolts in the Arab world say many of ills that have been crippling economic, social and political progress originate from corruption. While corrupt acts such as paying bribery are widespread in administrations and bureaucracies, the business sector is particularly affected by corrupt practices as well.
Despite Revolt and New Politics, it’s Business as Usual for Energy Sector in Egypt
Having been affected in early 2011 by what they call “Force Majeure,” oil companies remain very active on the Egyptian exploration front. With violence erupting in January, most major companies had to scale back their expectations, only to resume normal activities after the departure of Hosni Mubarak....
Growing Concerns Over Transparency of Oil Sales by Libyan Rebels
[The North Africa Journal] Reports that opposition forces in Libya will begin exporting crude oil from areas under their control raise concerns about the transparency of oil revenues, Human Rights Watch said today. Libya’s people have a right to information about a major national resource, Human Rights Watch said. The New York-based organization called on the self-appointed opposition authority, the Interim Transitional National Council, to respect internationally accepted standards of transparency for all sales of crude oil and gas that it arranges. In contrast, oil and gas transactions by the Gaddafi government have been opaque and lacked accountability for many years....
Why Desertec Could Succeed
There is no doubt that the development of Desertec will be a challenge for its architects, promoters and supporters. Technical difficulties will add to financing and regulatory issues never anticipated before, further magnified by cultural differences that exist between countries involved in this giant project. But despite all the difficulties of the world, the project must succeed and there is plenty of evidence and good reasons why I think it will....
A Nuclear North Africa
Oil and gas remain critical sources of power and energy for North African nations. In the medium term, hydrocarbons will remain the predominant sources of energy, whether it is for the OPEC countries of Algeria and Libya or the less-oil-endowed nations of Tunisia and Morocco. But in the longer term, the nuclear option appears interesting to all as oil reserves are depleted and securing new sources of energy is a strategic priority. ...
North Africa to Play an Increasing Role in Mediterranean Downstream
PFC Energy: The Mediterranean oil product markets have historically been dominated by the Western European Med markets (France, Italy and Spain), both in terms of demand (47% of demand in 2008) and in terms of refining production (48% of supply in 2008). Going forward, however, Western European markets will see their weight progressively decline, due to a decline in demand and to challenges for some of its refineries....
Gulf Keystone to Sell Algerian Permit to Focus on Kurdistan Operations
Bermuda-based oil company Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd. says it is looking to sell its interest in the Hassi Ba Hamou permit (HBH). ...
Libya to Adjust Domestic Oil and Gas Prices, Seeks to Curb Consumption
The Libyan authorities are looking for ways to reduce domestic consumption of crude oil. ...
Algeria in Anadarko’s 2009 Capital Program
The Algerian exploration sector will continue to benefit from Anadarko Petroleum’s 2009 capital program. ...