A Closer Look at the IEA Storage Releases

The United States (U.S.) and its western allies have been increasing their pressure on Russia in response to the conflict in Ukraine. Undercutting Russian government finances is a priority for them. Energy exports are a key source of income for the Russian economy, and several different strategies have been employed (with varying degrees of success) to choke off the flow of petrodollars into Russia. Voluntary reductions by Western trading firms have been offset by increased purchases in the East by China and India. There are also more technical difficulties associated with payment vehicles and access to insurance for tankers that have created logistical obstacles.

Colin Ward

Research Fellow Mr. Ward has worked in all aspects of the energy industry from summer jobs on seismic rigs, to designing refineries,… Mr. Ward has worked in all aspects of the energy industry from summer jobs on seismic rigs, to designing refineries, upstream field development, consulting and strategy work, and now high-impact academic analysis of issues facing the energy system. Much of Mr. Ward’s work in recent years has focused on CCUS-related topics including upstream carbon intensity, CO2-EOR, blue hydrogen, hydrocarbon producer strategy in a carbon-constrained world, and blockchain-based carbon tracking and trading.

Expertise