Hurriyet: Role of S Caucasus, Caspian Basin in energy security

If the Caspian Basin and Central Asia’s hydrocarbon reserves could be transported to European markets without interruption of any external factor, they would provide the energy needs of the old continent for at least hundred years, according to estimates by independent researchers. This would consequently free Europe from reliance on a Russian monopoly.

Thus, the desire to conquer or to purchase alternative hydrocarbon reserves of the Caspian Basin at low prices with long-term contracts could be seen as a significant factor pushing actors – such as the U.S. and the European Union, regional leader states like Russia, China and Iran, in the aftermath of the dissolution the U.S.S.R. – into serious regional geo-economical activities.  MORE