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Apr 10, 2018

Oil on the water: Illicit hydrocarbons activity in the maritime domain

By Dr. Ian Ralby and Dr. David Soud

Oil and fuel theft is a significant global phenomenon, accounting for tens, if not hundreds, of billions of dollars annually. It typically takes place in the maritime domain, as oil tankers account for a fourth of global trade and law enforcement control over maritime spaces is often lacking.

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

EnergySource

Apr 5, 2018

Energy communities in transition: Central California and Eastern Kentucky

By David Livingston and Kayla Soren

Note: This blog is the first in a series examining the global energy transition through the lens of communities with a significant stake in the traditional energy economy. In examining the social, political, and economic dynamics, policy choices that are made or missed, and the approaches that seem most promising and scalable, there is the […]

Energy Transitions Oil and Gas

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Mar 30, 2018

The Saudi Public Investment Fund: The emerging financial vehicle behind Vision 2030

By Phillip Cornell

The $230 billion Public Investment Fund (PIF) is emerging as the central financial vehicle to consolidate and then exercise Saudi Arabian economic power in the service of goals outlined by the crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman (MbS). Its role in Saudi economic diversification makes the PIF the critical organ for realizing Vision 2030, and its […]

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Mar 26, 2018

Mexico’s presidential election: Energy reforms at risk

By David L. Goldwyn

Mexico’s historic and successful energy reforms are at risk in its upcoming Presidential elections. The leading candidate for the Presidency, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, referred to as AMLO, of the Morena party, has recently doubled down on his critiques of the reforms. He has pledged to review existing oil contracts, indicated he would require national […]

Energy Markets & Governance Mexico

EnergySource

Mar 20, 2018

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Key electric power decisions ahead

By Robert F. Ichord

Bilateral and global energy issues are front and center as the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, arrives in the United States. While the biggest focus might be on Saudi Arabia’s vital role as the world’s largest crude oil exporter and the impact that growing US oil production and market influence are having […]

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions

EnergySource

Mar 19, 2018

Saudi Aramco’s downstream push will increase its value

By Jean-Francois Seznec

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in the United States Monday to much fanfare. One of the hot topics during the crown prince’s visit is the long-expected, much-anticipated privatization of Saudi Aramco. One major unanswered question surrounding the plan for privatization is where Saudi leadership wants to locate the initial public offering (IPO) for […]

Energy Markets & Governance Oil and Gas

EnergySource

Mar 16, 2018

Efforts to preserve the Iran deal made harder by the president’s moving goal posts

By David Mortlock

From the campaign trail to the Oval Office, US President Donald J. Trump has made no secret of his opposition to the Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and has more recently called for legislation and a new agreement with key European allies to supplement the deal. With the May 12 […]

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

Report

Mar 15, 2018

Strategic oil product stockholding: International experience and US prospects

By Phillip Cornell

Reviewing existing oil product stockholding regimes worldwide, this report concludes that a decentralized and incremental implementation of strategic product reserves can allow the United States to address risks associated with oil product storage and delivery given the state of domestic infrastructure.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Mar 12, 2018

Global Energy Center working paper highlights risks of Nord Stream 2

By Global Energy Center

In a new working paper, Global Energy Center Senior Fellow Alan Riley highlights the risks that could stem from the construction of the contentious proposed Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, which would bring gas from Russia to Germany. In the working paper, Dr. Riley emphasizes that the proposed pipeline would have negative implications for European […]

Geopolitics & Energy Security Oil and Gas

Report

Mar 9, 2018

The collapse of the Venezuelan oil industry and its global consequences

By Francisco Monaldi

Venezuela is in a state of desperation as its oil industry—what are the factors leading to the oil collapse, sanctions options and their impact, the impacts of Russia’s and China’s increasing presence, and various short and long-term scenarios for the industry against a potential default?

Americas Energy & Environment

Experts