Caspian Energy: Phase II
Caspian energy production and export is entering its second phase. With the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC), Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum (BTE), and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) operating fully, regional and international focus has shifted to examining the second phase of Caspian energy production and export: Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Two, additional markets for Turkmen natural gas, and export of Kazakhstan's natural gas. A number major geopolitical question marks will affect the destiny of these energy sources: Russia's reassertiveness in the Caspian region, instability in Iran, transit disputes with Turkey, unclear U.S. policy toward the region, and amplification of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict resolution process.
Dr. Brenda Shaffer will discuss these geopolitical quagmires and their impact on the prospects for a new round of major production and export projects from the Caspian region.
