Friday 29 November 2013

IEA sees 60% gas demand increase in Asia by 2035

IEA sees 60% gas demand increase in Asia by 2035:

"The International Energy Agency (IEA) sees a central role for natural gas in the next 20 years, with the unconventional resources accounting for about a third of the natural gas produced worldwide.

“Out of all the fossil fuels, natural gas has the highest absolute growth. The global demand for natural gas increases by half over the period to 2035,” Keisuke Sadamori from the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in occasion of the conference European Formula 2013 in Oslo.

According to a note released by Wintershall on Friday, this means that the share of natural gas in the global energy mix would approach 25% by 2035.

The IEA sees a 13% increase in European gas consumption in the period 2011-2035 and a sharp rise in demand in Asia.

China, India and the Middle East are expected to surge by 60%. "

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Europe's energy price headache becoming a migraine - IEA | Reuters

Europe's energy price headache becoming a migraine - IEA | Reuters:

"* EU should focus on efficiency, single market, new sources

* EU also needs to renegotiate gas contracts

* Competitiveness headache likely to get worse

By Barbara Lewis

BRUSSELS, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Europe's energy prices will stay up to three times higher than in the United States for the next 20 years, unless the region can develop domestic supplies and increase efficiency, the International Energy Agency's chief economist said.

Concern among EU nations about the impact of energy costs on their already suffering industry is intensifying, with some member states debating a freeze on prices and stripping away renewable subsidies.

"There may be a narrowing of the gap, but if no new policies are put in place, Europe will still have two to three times higher gas prices than the United States for 20 years," Fatih Birol told a Brussels meeting."

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Businesses in Egypt optimistic despite political turmoil - FT.com

Businesses in Egypt optimistic despite political turmoil - FT.com:

"Signs of an improvement in business sentiment are emerging in Egypt despite continuing political instability as the military-backed authorities continue their crackdown on Islamists ousted from power in July.
After a disastrous summer for the country’s businesses after the coup that toppled Mohamed Morsi, the elected Islamist president, gloom still overshadows the economy but entrepreneurs in some sectors are now reporting a pick-up in activity and a gradual return of confidence."

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BBC News - Can Dubai's first skyscraper cope with new competition?

BBC News - Can Dubai's first skyscraper cope with new competition?:

"

Dubai's first skyscraper was a curious sight when it opened in 1979 - surrounded by miles of empty desert, many believed it would struggle to attract tenants.

However it rapidly filled up and has gone on to become a famous local landmark.

But with so many newer, flashier buildings on offer - can it really continue to compete?

Howard Johnson reports."

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▶ CrossTalk: Winning Ukraine? - YouTube

▶ CrossTalk: Winning Ukraine? - YouTube:

"Why didn't Ukraine sign the free trade deal with the EU? Is this deal a recipe for economic suicide? Why can't Russia, the EU and Ukraine sit down at the negotiating table? And does the EU operate on double standards? CrossTalking with Mark Sleboda, Lilit Gevorgyan and John Laughland.


"

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Ukraine and the European Union: Day of the gangster pygmy | The Economist

Ukraine and the European Union: Day of the gangster pygmy | The Economist:

"

HISTORY, as every schoolboy knows, is often shaped by the courage, zeal and evil of titanic leaders. Less famously, it is sometimes swayed by the venality and self-interest of pygmies. That is frequently the case in the countries of the former Soviet Union, and seemed this week to be the tawdry fate of Ukraine. Viktor Yanukovych, its president, decided against signing a trade deal with the European Union. In the process he appeared to hand victory to Vladimir Putin in a struggle with the EU over Ukraine’s geopolitical orientation. Yet for all the dismay he caused, this might prove a better outcome than it looks—if the Europeans stick to their guns."

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Putin's mindset, and what it has to do with Ukraine – Amanpour - CNN.com Blogs

Putin's mindset, and what it has to do with Ukraine – Amanpour - CNN.com Blogs:

"


For days, Ukrainians have been protesting in support of closer ties with the West, and a European free-trade deal. But Ukraine's president has rejected that deal, instead casting his lot with Russia - many say because of pressure from President Vladimir Putin. What's going on? Former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov talks with CNN's Christiane Amanpour about the mindset of his former boss, Vladimir Putin, what it means for Ukraine - and Russia." 'via Blog this'

Iran: following North Korea's path? - YouTube

Iran: following North Korea's path? - YouTube:

"The historic deal agreed by Tehran over its nuclear activities has been compared with the false promises proffered by North Korea in the past. FT's Comment editor Frederick Studemann asks Chatham House's Dr Patricia Lewis and Gideon Rachman, the FT's chief foreign affairs commentator, if these comparisons are fair.


"

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▶ Rafsanjani on Iran's nuclear deal - YouTube

▶ Rafsanjani on Iran's nuclear deal - YouTube:

"In a rare video interview, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, one of Iran's most influential political leaders, talks to FT editor Lionel Barber about whether investors can be confident that Iran's interim deal has lifted the threat of war


"

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‘Another president may sign it’: EU eyes Ukraine opposition as Kiev rejects trade deal — RT News



"Ukraine has rejected a key integration deal with Europe. The EU ‘keeps the door open’ for Kiev, but doubts it would happen under the current government. It comes as opposition holds thousands-strong protests against the rejection.

The deal was rejected on Friday in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, where European leaders have gathered. Unlike Moldova, Azerbaijan and Georgia, which initialed association agreements with the EU, Ukraine stuck to its decision not to integrate with the union.

Even after announcing that there would be no deal, Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovich went to the summit to personally explain his government’s move. He said it would be too painful for Ukrainian economy at present."

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MIDEAST STOCKS-Dubai up 1.6 pct on Expo 2020 win but ends well off high | Reuters

MIDEAST STOCKS-Dubai up 1.6 pct on Expo 2020 win but ends well off high | Reuters:

"* Dubai index ends back below 3,000 points

* Many funds think market fully valued for now -survey

* But any pull-back unlikely to be sharp

* Petrochemical, retail shares boost Saudi

* Egypt continues downtrend as politics weigh

By Nadia Saleem

DUBAI, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Dubai's share index rose 1.6 percent to close at a five-year on Thursday after the emirate was chosen to host World Expo 2020, but the market closed far off its intra-day high, suggesting many investors feel it is already fully valued for now.

The emirate will be the first Middle Eastern location to host the world's fair, which will trigger billions of dollars of investment in coming years. Real estate and hospitality firms will benefit from Expo-related infrastructure spending in the long term.

There may be immediate gains for economy; investment bank EFG-Hermes raised its 2014 gross domestic product growth forecast for the United Arab Emirates to 5.4 percent from 4.5 percent, citing an Expo-related boost to investor confidence among other factors."

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