News
Norway: DNV Launches RP for Shale Gas Extraction
DNV has launched a recommended practice (RP) for the entire life cycle of shale gas extraction, based on risk management principles, industry best practices and standards. The objective is for the RP to form the foundation for future development of a globally recognized standard for safe and sustain
Wood Mackenzie: Record USD 232 Billion Upstream M&A Spend in 2012
2012 was another record year for upstream M&A activity totalling $232 billion of spend according to Wood Mackenzie’s annual M&A review. The year was dominated by three major transactions in the second half of the year: Rosneft/TNK-BP; CNOOC/Nexen; and Freeport/Plains. Excluding these deals, while it
The Netherlands: DNV to Open New Strategic Research Unit
DNV will open a new Strategic Research Unit at DNV KEMA’s global headquarters in Arnhem, the Netherlands, which will focus exclusively on the further development of smart grids and super grids. Smart grids and super grids are key elements and a prerequisite to integrate large-scale renewable energy
Gazprom, Bangladesh PM Discuss Cooperation in Oil and Gas Sector
The Gazprom headquarters hosted a working meeting between Vitaly Markelov, Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee and Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.The parties discussed the issues of bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector. For instance, t
2012: Record Year for Upstream M&A Activity, Wood Mackenzie Says
2012 was another record year for upstream M&A activity totalling $232 billion of spend according to Wood Mackenzie’s annual M&A review. The year was dominated by three major transactions in the second half of the year: Rosneft/TNK-BP; CNOOC/Nexen; and Freeport/Plains. Excluding these deals, while it
Sea Level Threatens Iconic Beach Resorts, Scientist Says
A leading coastal scientist has warned that some of the world’s best known beach resorts may not survive projected sea level rises and that problems caused by changing sea levels are compounded by a lack of political will and short-term coastal management initiatives. Professor Andrew Cooper, Profes
GDF Suez Wins Four Exploration Licences Off Norway
The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy awarded shares in four exploration licences to GDF SUEZ, within the “Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) round” 2012. In total, 40 companies were awarded 51 new licences. Within the four licences attributed to GDF SUEZ, two are located in the North Sea and
Russia: Gazprom Sees Decline in Gas Sales
Gazprom of Russia said its net sales of gas decreased by RUB 157,934 million, or 8%, to RUB 1,829,396 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 net sales of gas to Europe and other countries
Gasunie: Dutch Gas Demand Hits Winter Peak
Due to the cold winter temperatures in the Netherlands and neighbouring countries, Gasunie’s gas transmission network has been operating flat-out. Over 500 million m3 natural gas flowed through the grid last Monday and Tuesday. The average daily volume in January is 380 million m3. The record for th
BP Releases Energy Outlook 2030, UK
Strong growth in production from unconventional sources of gas and oil will have a major impact on global energy markets to 2030, redefining expectations for major economies and rebalancing global trade flows, according to BP’s latest Energy Outlook 2030. This is the third annual edition of the Outl
UK: SeaRoc Appointed Principal Contractor on Teesside Offshore Wind Farm
International marine engineering company SeaRoc has been appointed Principal Contractor to oversee the completion of the offshore wind farm construction at Teesside Offshore Wind Farm on behalf of EDF Energy Renewables. The project has now also reached an important milestone with the installation of
Wood Group PSN Wins Golden Eagle Contract (UK)
Wood Group PSN (WGPSN) has secured a US$50 million contract with Nexen Petroleum UK Limited to carry out the hook-up and commissioning of the Golden Eagle Area Development (GEAD) project in the UK North Sea. The Golden Eagle field will be developed using two platforms – a wellhead platform and a pro
TAQA Evacuates Non-Core Crew from Cormorant Alpha (UK)
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA) has concluded the planned reduction of non-core personnel from the Cormorant Alpha platform in the northern UK North Sea following the detection of hydrocarbons in one leg of the platform. There were 159 people on board when the incident was discovered o
Noreco: Huntigton Development Progressing Well (UK)
Norwegian Energy Company ASA (Noreco), an oil firm with a stake in E.ON Ruhrgas UK E&P-operated Huntington field, reports that the development of the field is progressing well. Noreco has reported that all five risers have now been connected to the floating production platform Voyageur Spirit. The r