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Prepared by the
Institute for the Analysis of Global Security

January 21, 2004
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Terror's Next Target
Attacks on the West's oil and gas infrastructure -- from production facilities to pipelines and tankers -- are likely to be the next "mega" target of terrorists, and could wreak havoc with the world's economy, according to an in-depth IAGS analysis of the susceptibility of the energy industry featured in the latest Journal of International Security Affairs (Winter 2004).

Minding Its Business
Saudi Arabia, which has demonstrated its willingness to use its vast oil reserves as a foreign policy tool, has not acted to aid U.S. efforts to rebuild Iraq.

Fencing in looters and saboteurs in Iraq
Too many people in and outside of Iraq are hoping to deny Iraq a better future through a campaign of sabotage and plunder of the country's neglected oil facilities. The problem, and possible solutions.

Energy security and liquefied natural gas
Demand for natural gas has increased as have the security vulnerabilities presented by liquefied natural gas terminals and tankers.

Under the Radar

Oil, terrorism and drugs intermingle in Colombia
Seventy U.S. Special Forces soldiers are training Colombians to protect an oil pipeline.

Japan's struggle to secure future oil supply
Energy dependent Japan looks to Iran for oil, causing tension with the U.S.

Chad-Cameroon pipeline project put to test
Will the pipeline, partially financed by the World Bank, improve the lot of Chad and Cameroon or exacerbate existing corruption and strife?

Natural resource curse hits São Tomé
A tiny West African country illustrates a well known problem.

On the technology front

Fuel Cell Locomotive for Military and Commercial Railways
An international consortium is developing the world’s largest fuel cell vehicle, a 109 metric-ton, 1 MW locomotive.

Fuel cell power plant installed at NJ Sheraton
A stationary fuel cell will supply 250 kilowatts of electric power as well as heat to the Sheraton Edison Hotel, accounting for about 25% of the hotel's electricity and hot water.

Fuel cell scooters for Europe and China
Palcan's fuel cell powered scooter is designed to address the world's need for a low-end mass transport vehicle.

U.S. Air Force to get fuel cell bus
Fuel cell powered thirty-foot hybrid bus to be stationed at the Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii.


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Back Issues

Volkswagen AG and Archer Daniels Midland Announce Biodiesel Research Agreement

Volkswagen AG, one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker, and Archer Daniels Midland Company, one of the world's largest processors of soybeans, corn, wheat and cocoa, and a major producer of ethanol, announced a joint research agreement aimed at further developing and utilizing biodiesel fuels for the automotive industry. This marks the first time that one of the world's leading automakers has joined forces with a major global agricultural company to cooperate on the development of next-generation clean renewable fuels.

Biodiesel is refined from any animal fat or vegetable oil - such as rapeseed oil (commonly known as "canola") or soybean oil - through a process called transesterification. It can be used in conventional diesel engines, as a pure fuel or as part of a fuel mix with petroleum diesel. The use of cleaner burning biodiesel, which can power conventional diesel engines, substantially reduces emissions of carbon monoxide and particulate matter. As an alternative and renewable fuel, biodiesel of a special quality level can reduce overall global dependence on oil. According to the National Biodiesel Board, every gallon of biodiesel used has the potential to extend our petroleum reserves by four gallons.

"Given the tremendous environmental, economic and quality-related benefits of increased biodiesel usage, we believe this Joint Research Agreement will go a long way toward advancing and furthering the development of this vital renewable fuel choice," said Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. He added that, "Volkswagen has been a leader in the development of advanced clean diesel engines and this Agreement represents Volkswagen's commitment to introducing clean burning and renewable fuels into the automotive industry."

Mr. G. Allen Andreas, Chairman and Chief Executive of Archer Daniels Midland Company, said, "Biodiesel is one of the most promising renewable fuels on the horizon. This Agreement clearly demonstrates the shared commitment of both our companies to developing environmentally friendly next-generation alternative fuels that address global energy needs. We are proud to enter into this agreement together with Volkswagen and believe that advances in biodiesel will benefit the automotive industry, the driving public, farmers and the environment as a whole."



Also see:
Rentech announces progress on Australian coal-to-diesel project
National Biodiesel Board
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