HOW RUSSIA SEES ENERGY: A FIGHT

A glimpse into Russia’s perspective of its own sphere of energy influence. But only a glimpse.

The fight for energy resources in Black Sea region
23 July 2007 (Budapest Business Journal)

WHO
Russia, nations of the Black Sea region and the EU

WHAT
As a major non-OPEC producer of oil and gas supplies to Europe, Russia’s comprehensive analysis of the players and roles is interesting. The main takeaway: The EU is still seriously oil-dependent.
The Region (click to enlarge)

WHEN
Analysis in Russian newspaper “Nezavisimaya Gazeta” July 23.
2006: EU imported 80%+ of its oil, 50%+ of its natural gas. These figures are expected to increase.

WHERE
Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Iran and Georgia, countries in the Black Sea region involved in oil/natural gas development, production and pipelines, as well as Moldova, Azerbaijan, Greece and other countries with Black Sea ports doing oil and gas shipping.

WHY
- Main exporter: Russia
- Control of pipeline transport but in need of Russian product to carry: Ukraine, Romania
- Central Asia producers in need of Russian infrastructure: Turkmenistan,. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran.
- The EU dependent on all systems and producers.
One of the pipelines. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
“…new transportation routes are projected for oil to pass through the Black Sea on the Balkan pipeline, from the Caspian countries through Caucausus and…through Turkey and the Mediterranean Sea.”