November 6 2008

Global: Report Cites Strains on Energy System

The International Energy Agency, which advises industrialized nations, said that the world’s energy system was strained by dueling forces. First, growing consumption in developing nations was hindering the ability of producers to increase supply, which could result in a prolonged period of high and volatile prices. And second, higher demand could lead to serious changes in the world’s climate if carbon emissions are not curbed.

Bangladesh: Myanmar gas row highlights energy crisis in Bangladesh

A simmering dispute between Bangladesh and neighbouring Myanmar in a hydrocarbon-rich stretch of the Bay of Bengal has highlighted Dhaka's desperate plight over dwindling gas supplies, say analysts.

Bangladesh this week took the unusual step of deploying four naval ships to the disputed waters -- claimed by each nation as their own -- after its southeastern neighbour began gas exploration activities there.

Canada (British Columbia): ‘ Tape and twine ’ aid aging Hydro assets

BC Hydro is using "tape and twine" to keep some of its oldest power stations in operation, according to testimony at a hearing into electricity rates.

Hydro is seeking a 12.63-per-cent rate hike over two years for residential customers, and is proposing a massive ramp-up in capital spending to either upgrade or replace its heritage hydroelectric facilities around the province.

Dominican Republic: Blackouts spark protests across Dominican Republic

The protests against the power grid’s collapse spread to different towns in Cibao, whose inhabitants demand an end to the blackouts.

The north region’s service is uncertain despite the resumed operation at dawn yesterday of Puerto Plata’s San Felipe power plant, with 160 megawatts.

Uganda: Fuel shortage hits aid work in north

Aid workers in northern Uganda could scale down operations if a fuel shortage persists, officials told IRIN.

"Our operations for the past two weeks have been severely affected, we can't get all our staff to work locations because of the fuel shortage," Alex Otim, Gulu district local government secretary for works and rehabilitation, said.

Uganda: Uganda faces power shortage , says president

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni said on Wednesday that Uganda has since 2005 faced acute electricity supply shortage because of a prolonged drought and delay in constructing new power dams.

Museveni said this while commissioning the 50-megawatt heavy fuel oil thermal plant at Namanve, a few kilometers east of the capital Kampala.