Energy & natural
resources

Briefings in English - 2010

Industrial operators and developers, infrastructure funds, strategic investors, advisers and pension funds were among the delegates at the fourth annual Infrastructure Investors Forum Europe on 2 February. In a fascinating session they focused on and discussed new approaches and strategies for the next generation of infrastructure investing in Europe. This publication discusses the key themes. (February 2010)

Policy makers and power investors are increasingly focusing on the possibilities of renewable energy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, drawn by an abundance of solar energy, growing demand for electricity, declining fossil fuel reserves in many states and the desire of other states to diversify their energy mix on a sustainable basis. A number of high-profile projects have been launched. However, beneath the publicity, the reality is more nuanced. For renewable energy really to take off in the region, a number of technological and commercial challenges must be overcome and significant policy changes made. This guide briefly reviews the demand for renewable energy and the resources available, before examining some of the challenges that have to be faced to meet that demand. It then suggests what governments in the region could do to encourage greater private sector investment in renewable energy projects. The attached country briefings provide an analysis of relevant legal developments and recent projects in key parts of the region. (February 2010)

The outcome of the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen has been regarded by many as a huge disappointment. In terms of achieving a binding and unambiguous global solution, Copenhagen seems to have been something of a missed opportunity. However, this should not overshadow the fact that industry all over the world is going to have to brace itself against a storm of regional and sectoral regulatory activity directed at combating climate change. This review explores what precisely is looming on the horizon. (January 2010)

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