IGU Special Projects 2009-2012 Triennium: Geopolitics and Natural Gas

Objective

• To understand and examine the interplay between economic and political factors in the development of  Natural Gas resources and analyse the political challenges, issues and consequences that accompany a shift to a more gas-intensive world.

Key Concerns

• Global energy security has become a major issue as producing and consuming countries compete for control of resources and markets.
• The top 5 producers (Russia, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE) hold nearly 67% of the world’s proven reserves. NOCs control more than 80% of the oil and gas resources, and there appears to be a trend towards ‘Resource Nationalism’.
• The uncertainty of the impact of the global economic crisis on energy demand and energy mix will result in insecurity for the gas sector.
• The recent emergence of the unconventional natural gas revolution in US may be a game changer in the geopolitical scene.

For further details, please see the Task Force 3 website which also includes contact details.