Energy Reform in Mexico: the Great National Soap Opera

The future of the petroleum company PEMEX in play

By Diego Fonseca, 30th April 2008

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The Mexican congress should debate how to extract the best profit from the diminishing supplies of petroleum and its elevated price before the business ends because it is surrounded by the laws of protection and environmental sustainability. However, while Mexico makes a gamble so that PEMEX and its economy earn competitiveness and sustainability in the short term, the politicians shut themselves in their dogmatisms and watch a different soap opera, states the author.

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Bolivia and the Energy Challenges in Latin America

The “anti-imperialist nationalism” of La Paz and Caracas stops investment in infrastructures

By Hugo San Martín Arzabe, 10th April 2008

energiabolvia.jpgThe uncertainty generated by the energy politics of the government of Evo Morales has a negative impact on investment, states the author. The current production of hydrocarbons is stagnant and unable to cover, in the case of natural gas, the exportation commitments with Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. In addition, in case of the liquids, the increasing requirements of Bolivia’s own internal market cannot be covered by hydrocarbons. It remains slightly contradictory because in 2002 Bolivia aspired to be the energetic core of the whole region.

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Ecological challenges: how to move from declarations to actions

The ostrich strategy (talk a lot…. and look the other way) must be left behind

By Ferran Requejo, 27th March 2008

contaminacionambiental.jpgThese years are decisive: the manner in which the main ecological problems (global warming, deforestation, erosion, soil desertification, the extinction of animal and plant species and the dearth of fresh water) are resolved (or not) will determine the quality of life of future generations. There are countries that have already rolled up their sleeves and gotten to work, but others (such as the United States, Australia and Spain) continue to practice the ostrich strategy; in other words, they hide behind mere rhetoric.

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Warsaw looks for new allies against Moscow

Will Donald Tusk succeed in calming the Russian spirits?

By Mercedes Herrero de la Fuente, 13th March 2008

tuskmerkel.jpgThe failed meetings between Warsaw and Moscow are numerous and complex. Poland continues to view Russia as a threat, but Donald Tusk’s brand new cabinet intends to confront its great neighbor with a new strategy: to promote negotiation in view of the conflict. The objective of Warsaw is two-fold: to win allies that reinforce their position with respect to Moscow and to promote a more united stance within the heart of the European Union, one critical of the Russian excesses.

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Chile hopes to overcome its ultra-dependence upon energy

Michelle Bachelet’s government supports hydroelectricity in Patagonia

By Juan Antonio Sacaluga, 21st February 2008

marcelotokman.jpgThe limit to energy sources poses a threat to the sustainability of Chile’s economic growth, which is a reason why Michelle Bachelet’s government strongly supports the development of hydroelectric energy in Patagonia. The initiative is tempting for Chilean and Spanish investors and the authorities, but ecologists, farmers, livestock farmers, fishermen, professionals and local cultural associations are making their concerns about the project known. The government’s objective is to have by 2011 or 2012 an energy grid that is more assured than the current one.

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The dispute for African Oil

Energy resources have become a key element of international security and peace

By Eloísa Vaello Marco, 8th November 2007

The discovery of an important oil reserve situated in the Gulf of Guinea between Santo Tomé and Príncipe and Guinea Ecuatorial has piqued American, French and Chinese interest in this African region. By 2010, daily production could surpass the current 3 million barrels and eventually reach 6 million, while the reserves are estimated to contain 24 billion barrels’ worth of oil. Let’s examine why it is so important that control and openness prevail in the exploitation agreements.

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