Download
1 / 15
150 likes | 222 Views
This article examines the financial issues affecting energy security globally, with a focus on trends in oil consumption, GDP, and energy consumption dynamics. Based on data from BP’s 2012 Statistical Review of World Energy, the slow growth in oil supply has diverse impacts on consumption patterns across different regions. Countries facing high oil prices without subsidies are experiencing reduced discretionary spending, layoffs, and potential recession. The text delves into various risk scenarios and examples like Greece, facing economic turmoil due to oil dependency, and Egypt transforming from an oil exporter to an importer. India's struggles with inadequate energy supply, rising subsidies, and coal shortages are also discussed as contributing factors to economic challenges. The article underscores the rising risk of unemployment, slower economic growth, and fiscal challenges governments are encountering globally. Moreover, it addresses specific problems faced by nations like Greece, with financial strains in the energy sector and burgeoning civil unrest. In conclusion, it highlights the potential repercussions of these financial issues on energy structures, international alliances, and the broader world trade landscape.
E N D
Financial Issues Affecting Energy Security Gail E. Tverberg – Oct. 26, 2012 – AES 2012
World GDP, Oil Consumption, and Energy Consumption move in tandem, downward
Oil supply recently growing slowly, price high Based on data from BP’s 2012 Statistical Review of World Energy.
Issue is one of slowing growth in oil supply Based on BP’s 2012 Statistical Review of World Energy data
Impact on consumption is very different, for different parts of the world Based on BP’s 2012 Statistical Review of World Energy data
Basic Issues – Countries without subsidies • High oil prices -> reduced discretionary spending-> layoffs and recession • Government tax revenue lower + Government entitlement payments higher = Government in trouble • Interest rates rise -> Past debt unaffordable
Countries with declining oil consumption at risk for recession • Most at risk • Oil importing countries • High oil consumption/ total energy • Can’t regulate own currency • Debt from previous high growth • Eventually hits lower risk countries, too
Energy security risk example: Greece • Tourism biggest industry – oil dependent • Lots of previous debt-based growth • Now: Rising unemployment; multinational companies leaving; taxes not sufficient to pay for entitlements
Other European countries with bailouts have similar pattern Based on data of EIA and BP’s 2012 Statistical Review of World Energy
Egypt: Oil exporter becoming importer • Food prices rise with oil prices • Funds for food subsidies dries up • Political instability Based on BP’s 2012 Statistical Review of World Energy
India: Rapid growth, energy supply not able to keep up • Oil supply barely rising since 2005 • Amount used keeps growing • Very difficult to keep up diesel subsidies • Growing gap puts pressure on rupee
India: Coal supply also a problem • Coal used in electricity production • Supply not keeping up with demand; imports expensive • Imbalance looks likely to get worse • At some point, cuts back on electricity availability
Basic issue is that people and governments become poorer • More unemployed • Economic growth slows down • Governments have big gap between income and outgo • Harder to pay subsidies • Harder to pay “entitlements” (unemployment insurance, etc.) • More prone to big changes
Particulars of today’s problems • Greece • Financial problems in electricity and natural gas sectors • High solar feed in costs a problem • Customers applied for low rates, or can’t pay rates • Sell off assets to outsiders (Portugal – Chinese) • Fuel changes • Slashed feed-in tariffs on solar, not approving new permits • Moving toward lignite for electricity production • General problems • More electricity theft • More copper wire theft • Petroleum fuel smuggling, adulteration, and cheating
Particulars of today’s problems (cont.) • Civil unrest • Egypt, Greece, etc. • Could lead to damage to energy structures • Nuclear a particular concern • Dissolution of alliances • Euro breakup under discussion • Catalonia wants independence from Spain • Declining world trade
