The biggest and most promising European shale gas deposits are located in Poland. The EIA estimates that the Polish shale gas reserves cover more than 300 years of domestic consumption. The unconventional reserves exceed the conventional ones by the factor of 32. So far 109 licences have been granted to national and international groups in Poland. Poland imported more than 10bn cubic metres of natural gas from Russia in 2011. On top of it, coal is used for 90% of electric power generation. Therefore the political support for the development of domestic shale gas production is exemplary.

• March 16, 2012

Teck Resources LimitedLimited ("Teck", TSX: TCK.A and TCK.B, NYSE: TCK) and the National Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center of the Ministry of Agriculture of China (NATESC) announced today that they have signed an agreement to demonstrate and promote zinc fertilizer use in China.

• March 16, 2012

The Georgian President received a Kyrgyz governmental delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Gulnara Asymbekova.

• March 15, 2012

During the workshop a general overview of the renewable energy sector developments in the EU and Azerbaijan was presented and discussions were organized focusing on the specific topics such as economic incentives, funding mechanisms, administrative procedures for the approval of wind projects and grid access and planning. A new INOGATE project, with an important component focusing on the renewable energy and energy efficiency was also presented.

• March 15, 2012

The US has asked Russia to carry an ultimatum to the leaders of Iran, warning that upcoming six-nation talks on the Iranian nuclear program will be the "last chance" for progress before it pursues a military option, the leading Moscow daily Kommersant reported today (in Russian).

• March 15, 2012

Tajikistan and Pakistan discussed the current relationship and the opportunities for further enhancing of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the energy and industry, Asia-Plus reported with the reference to the Tajik ministry of energy and industries.

• March 14, 2012

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has met with visiting Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, telling his Turkmen guest that Ukraine would like to be "fully engaged…to enhance [Turkmen natural] gas exploration and shipment."

• March 14, 2012

The Obama administration is leaving open the possibility of giving Moscow certain secret data on U.S. interceptor missiles due to help protect Europe from any Iranian missile strike.

• March 14, 2012