Iran offers one of the most direct export routes, particularly for Turkmen gas.

BBC: Oil flows from the Caspian Sea

The company saw improving activity in North America, particularly related to drilling for natural gas, which helped offset weakness in other parts of the world.

FORBES: Halliburton's Valuation A Little Too Hefty

Messrs Paterson and Gordon also raise concerns that the transfer from Whitehall to Scotland of regulation, licensing, inspection and safety is a major undertaking, particularly in a mature region for oil and gas, with ageing equipment, hard-to-reach reserves and a looming boom in decommissioning.

BBC: Scottish independence: energy's alternating currents

So long as Washington stays open to sharing technology with the commercial satellite business, GeoEye can attack new markets for its imagery, particularly industries such as mining, oil and gas, insurance and transportation.

FORBES: In The Beltway Orbit: GeoEye

Selling gas in America for a pittance is not part of their script, particularly as everyone in the U.S. shale sector has left themselves overexposed.

FORBES: Why China Will Stop U.S. Energy Independence

In addition, progress in extracting natural gas from shale has created new opportunities for manufacturers in several industries, particularly chemicals and metals, thanks to more affordable energy and greater downstream demand.

FORBES: Manufacturing May Be Coming Back to the U.S., Long-Term

In 2013, the beads and bones of my childhood point to firm growth for Mozambique, with investment in the country's natural resources sectors, particularly coal and gas, the major driver while the power problems in Tanzania are unlikely to prevent it becoming one of Africa's economic growth stories.

BBC: African Viewpoint: Predictions for 2013