article thumbnail

Opinion: How Much Longer Can OPEC Hold Out?

Green Car Congress

However, OPEC has been in the line of fire from the western world in light of its stance of not reducing the production levels of its member nations (excluding Iran). Most view this as a strategy to squeeze the American shale production and other non-OPEC nations. It also has the fifth largest proven crude oil reserves in the world.

article thumbnail

Opinion: OPEC Divorce And Self-Destruction Thanks To Saudi Oil Strategy?

Green Car Congress

Together, the three quotes provide a framework for analyzing Saudi options heading into the December 4 OPEC meeting in Vienna and its choices vis-à-vis the OPEC outsiders (all members but Saudi Arabia and its Gulf Arab allies, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar): reconciliation, separation, or divorce. If You’re a Free Range Oil Producer.

Oil 150
article thumbnail

BP Statistical Review finds global oil share down for 12th year in a row, coal share up to highest level since 1969; renewables at 2%

Green Car Congress

The “Arab Spring” affected oil and gas supplies—most notably the complete, albeit temporary, loss of Libyan supply—while the tragic Fukushima accident in Japan had knock-on effects for nuclear and other energy sources around the world. Oil consumption reached 88 million barrels per day (bpd) after a below average rise of 0.6

Coal 261
article thumbnail

Opinion: Saudis Could Face An Open Revolt At Next OPEC Meeting

Green Car Congress

OPEC next gathers December 4 in Vienna, just over a year since Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al-Naimi announced at the previous OPEC winter meeting the Saudi decision to let the oil market determine oil prices rather than to continue Saudi Arabia's role of guarantor of $100+/bbl oil. million barrels/day in 2014 to 7.55

article thumbnail

IRENA report finds renewable power costs at parity or below fossil fuels in many parts of world

Green Car Congress

The report, “ Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2014 ”, concludes that biomass, hydropower, geothermal and onshore wind are all competitive with or cheaper than coal, oil and gas-fired power stations, even without financial support and despite falling oil prices. Average expected production was to be 174 MW.

Renewable 150
article thumbnail

Opinion: Is Russia Plotting To Bring Down OPEC?

Green Car Congress

The Saudi decision to let the market set prices and to pursue market share, has led to steep declines in crude and petroleum product prices. The decision also has impacted natural gas export prices negatively, since, for Russia's long-term supply agreements, they wholly or partially are indexed to oil prices.

Russia 150
article thumbnail

Opinion: Saudi Oil Strategy: Brilliant Or Suicide?

Green Car Congress

In October, Saudi sources first prepared the market with statements that the country would be comfortable with oil prices as low as $80 per barrel for “a year or two.” At the November OPEC meeting, the Saudi oil minister, Ali Al-Naimi, publicly announced Saudi Arabia would allow market forces to set prices.