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News roundup (15th of January, 2012).

Highlights: IAEA hopes for military facility access · Ontario to eliminate coal-power plants · Report says black carbon causes twice the damage it was thought before.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* Feature on Iran: “U.N. nuclear watchdog eyes Iran deal, Parchin visit” [Reuters]; “Iran: Khamenei's ban on nuclear weapons binding” [CapeCodTimes.com].

* “Egypt moves to solve power outages at Hurghada resorts” [AMEinfo].

* “Iraq to increase southern oil storage” [AMEinfo].

* “Russia, Bangladesh Ink Arms, Energy Deals” [RIA Novosti].

* “Russia’s chief auditor to check Gazprom and Rosneft” [RT, via EinNews].

* UK: “£46million boost for 132 local energy schemes” [DECC].

* “UK opposes Arctic drilling ban” [OilVoice].

* UK: “Green Investment Bank backs Shanks £750m waste infrastructure project” [BusinessGreen].

* “CCS body dismisses Labour funding cut alarm” [Utility Week].

* UK: “Hitachi nuclear reactor design to be assessed” [DECC]. Also at WNN.

* Norway: “Offers for ownership interests in APA 2012” [Norwegian Petroleum Directorate].

* “François Hollande: invest in renewable energy to avert 'catastrophe'” [The Guardian].

* “LADWP's just-approved solar FIT program reportedly the nation's largest” [Smart Grid News].

* “OSHA finds 58 violations at Hoover Dam near Vegas” [San Francisco Chronicle].

* “Ontario to eliminate coal-fired power plants” [PennEnergy].

* “Court denies challenge to EPA ethanol ruling” [The Hill].

* “Nuclear bilateral for Argentina and UAE” [WNN].

* “Malaysia’s Taib family assets face Swiss freeze” [CleanBiz.Asia].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “China spending props up ailing global clean energy sector” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “French energy groups lose their momentum” [Financial Times].

* “Offshore transmission report sparks value-for-money debate” [Utility Week]. Also at The Guardian.

* “Breaking the Oil Monopoly With Renewable Fuel” [AoL Energy].

* “Mandated Ethanol-Gasoline Blending: Good or Bad?” [AoL Energy].

* “IEA Head Sees Further Decline in Crude Production Unlikely in 2013” [WSJ].

* “Seasonal oil demand behind Saudi output cut” [Financial Times].

* “Nigeria's oil thieves say government leaves them no choice” [Yahoo!].

* “Is Shell really Arctic ready” [Financial Times].

* “Groups: Nuclear Energy Institute Is Pushing NRC To Shortchange Environmental Review Of Long-Term Radioactive Waste Storage” [Yahoo!].

* Black carbon a powerful climate pollutant: international study” [Reuters].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “ExxonMobil knew in 1984 MTBE would contaminate ground” [FuelFix].

* “Key Offshore Transmission Line To Be Built For U.S. East Coast Wind Power” [Yale e360].

* “Nordex hit by US and China cuts” [ReNews].

* “North Sea pipeline shit after leak found” [Financial Times].

* “Well pleased with the APA 2012 awards” [Statoil].

* “Areva and EDF defend project costs” [Financial Times].

* “German manufacturer backs away from offshore foundations” [Windpower Monthly].

* “National Grid Puts Together a Smart Grid Dream Team” [AoL Energy].

* “Siemens wins 11.5MW federal bid” [ReNews].

* “San Antonio utility signs 25-year wind power agreement” [FuelFix].

* “Solar struggles don’t deter supplier for San Antonio mega-project” [FuelFix].

* “ETI, Loughborough University, Johnson Matthey & Caterpillar launch £4.5M exhaust efficiency project” [ETI].

* “Chinese firm could replace Centrica as EDF nuclear partner” [Utility Week].

* “Project to slash cost of blades” [ReNews].

* “8GW offshore features in Belgian 100% RES plan” [Windpower Monthly].

* “Fukushima Daiichi 4 frame takes shape” [WNN].

* “Chevron set to win Lithuanian shale gas license” [Yahoo!].

* “Strabag shelves offshore wind plans” [ReNews].

* “Jordan awards $187 mln wind project to South Korea's Kepco” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “India’s green sector to get $2.75 bln boost from Welspun Energy ” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* Vestas: “Canadian giant in the wings” [ReNews].

* “CPS solar partner says it’s sticking with deal” [FuelFix].

* “Turbines go up at Armistead” [ReNews].

* “Marubeni eyes Hitachi 5MW model” [ReCharge News].

* “Phoenix plugs in PV plant” [ReNews].

* “State mulls Invenergy expansion” [ReNews].

* “News Summary: ConocoPhillips selling some assets” [Yahoo!].

* “La. AG’s oil spill tab nears $24M” [FuelFix].

* “Uni plans test berths in Newport” [ReNews].

* “US Oil Sands receives favourable ruling from Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining” [OilVoice].

Of Interest

* The Economist Arctic Summit. More information here.

News roundup (14th of January, 2012).

Highlights: Malaysia to except crude palm oil of export taxes · More details on the UK Public Accounts committee report · New rules for US Nuclear disposal · BNEF finds decline in new reneable projects investment during 2012.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* Feature on Iran: “Netanyahu conundrum faces Iranian riddle” [Reuters]; “Iran could reach key point for nuclear bomb by mid-2014: U.S. experts” [Reuters].

* “Israeli environmental groups launch protest against gas exports” [Platts].

* More details on yesterday’s announcement: “Public Accounts Committee: Ofto regime 'heavily skewed towards investors'” [Utility Week]. The report can be read here. Also related: “Policy paper Offshore wind sector strategy: call for views” [Gov.uk]. With: “BIS calls for offshore guidance” [ReNews] and SSE response to the report can be read here.

* UK: “Energy leaders urge for greater investments in renewables and low-carbon, climate friendly projects” [DECC]. Related: “Abu Dhabi plans to spend $90 billion on projects in 2013-2017” [OilVoice].

* UK: “£125m Green Deal cashback scheme opens” [DECC].

* UK: “Labour accuses government of 'stringing along' CCS industry” [BusinessGreen].

* France-EDF: “Agreement on the repayment of the CSPE deficit” [EDF].

* “Spanish coal miners struggle as government subsidy payments delayed” [Platts].

* “U.S. regulators, Deutsche Bank in settlement talks in manipulation case” [FuelFix].

* “Venezuela, U.S. Start Talks to Mend Ties” [WSJ].

* “New start for US nuclear disposal” [WNN].

* US: “NRC begins Special Inspection at Susquehanna nuclear power plant” [PennEnergy].

* “China to become full member of renewable energy agency” [CleanBiz.Asia]. Related: “IRENA Sets Goal to Double Global Renewable Energy Capacity by 2030, Welcomes China to Its Ranks” [Renewable Energy World].

* “Japan turns to private sector to boost green infrastructure build out” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Malaysia to set crude palm oil export tax for February at zero” [Bloomberg].

* “BP relieved by latest oil spill settlement” [UPI]. Also: “Judge allows expert’s reports on ill-fated rig” [FuelFix].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “The Energy-Policy Efficiency Gap: Was There Ever Support for Gasoline Taxes?” [NBER].

* “Adapting to Climate Change: The Remarkable Decline in the U.S. Temperature-Mortality Relationship over the 20th Century” [NBER].

* “New investment in clean energy fell 11% in 2012” [BNEF]. Related materias: “Global trends in clean energy investment – Q4 2012 fact pack” [BNEF].

* “Nurturing UK cleantech Enterprise four steps to improve low carbon innovation” [Green Alliance].

* “UK tidal power has huge potential, say scientists” [BBC]. Also at Yale e360.

* “California is years behind on wave energy projects” [Examiner.com].

* “NREL analysis calculates value of thermal energy storage for concentrating solar power” [PennEnergy].

* “2013 Oil and Gas Market Outlook” [AoL Energy].

* “Oil Boomtowns: Plenty Of Jobs, But No Place To Live” [AoL Jobs].

* “Algeria’s shifting gas export strategy – Between policy an market constraints” [OIES].

* “Regulation & The Environment: Pondering Israel’s natural gas export policy” [The Barrel].

* “Propane gaining ground as alternative vehicle fuel” [FuelFix].

* “Poll: Europeans overwhelmingly favour renewables over shale gas” [BusinessGreen].

* “High oil-price ‘fueling US shale output’” [Financial Times].

* “Technology draws bead on hydraulic fracturing” [FuelFix].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “Pars Oil & Gas Company announces friendship pipeline to carry Iran's gas to Iraq and Syria” [OilVoice].

* “EDF Energy’s nuclear power stations record best output for seven years” [EDF].

* “ARMZ to delist Uranium One” [WNN].

* “Shareholder calls for Vestas probe” [ReNews].

* “Vestas gets 42MW Uruguay order” [ReCharge News].

* “Japan hands over Himalayan solar power project” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “China looking to connect idled wind farm capacity to grid” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “TransCanada tasked with $5 billion pipe” [UPI].

* “Environmental approval for new Fermi unit” [WNN].

* “Alstom to provide parts and equipment for eleven gas turbines in Libya” [Alstom].

* “Lundin Petroleum spuds exploration well on the Ogna prospect in the southern North Sea” [OilVoice].

* “Fagen hits Big time in Minnesota” [ReNews].

* Vietnam: “Hydroelectric plants enjoy profit deluge” [VietNamNet].

* “Scotia Gas Networks breaks cover to accept RIIO price control” [Utility Week].

* “Ulstein wins Baltic 2 contract” [ReNews].

* “Duke completes Los Vientos wind power projects in Texas” [PennEnergy].

* “BP, Sempra's Wind Farm Now Online” [Yahoo!].

* “Sprott makes C$500,000 loan” [ReNews].

* “IFC group backs Tanzanian wind” [ReCharge News].

* “Metso upgrades systems for 890 MW coal fired power station in India” [PennEnergy].

* “GIB lets £30.4m go to waste” [ReNews].

* “Plain sailing for Gwynt y Môr” [ReNews].

* “Samsung finds Scottish roots” [ReNews].

* “Scottish Offshore Renewable Projects Face Risks from Grid Delays” [Renewable Energy World].

* “Vattenfall hits brake at Kentish Flats” [ReNews].

* “Altairnano scores Hawaii storage deal” [ReNews].

* “Kedco bags 25MW Derry bio” [ReNews].

* “Winter storm cuts N. Dakota oil production” [UPI].

* “Pushback grounds 80MW Pantego” [ReNews].

* “Some Illinois coal plants looking to clean up” [Chicago Tribune].

* “Halliburton uses clean-burning U.S. natural gas to power a complete hydraulic fracturing fleet” [OilVoice].

* “McDermott announces $230 million deal with Pemex” [FuelFix].

* “Cuadrilla mulls future investor growth plans” [City A.M.].

* “Wintershall continues success in Norway” [OilVoice].

* “Petrobras creates program to assess potential and use of natural gas” [PennEnergy].

* Nordex: “N117/2400 makes the grade” [ReNews].

* “Multi-Junction Solar Cell to Break Efficiency Barrier?” [Science Daily].

Of Interest

* Oxford Energy Forum, Issue 90, November 2012 [read here].

* ”Cost-effectiveness ofCohesion Policy Investments in Energy Efficiency” [European Parliament, shared by Cornwall Energy].

News roundup (13th of January weekend, 2012).

Highlights: Saudi Arabia plans SR$500b on power projects by 2023 · UK Parliamentary committee says costs of connecting offshore wind farms could reach £17bn · Greece to raise energy bills for households to help state energy company recover costs.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* “Domestic climate laws are essential, says UN” [The Guardian].

* On Iran sanctions and talks: “Iran's Revolutionary Guards hold exercises in Strait of Hormuz” [Reuters]; “Netanyahu denies wasting money on Iran attack plans” [Reuters].

* “Iran invests heavily in natural gas cars” [AutoBlog].

* “Saudi Arabia to spend over SR500bn on power projects by 2023” [AMEinfo].

* “Saudi Arabia moves to keep oil prices above $100” [AMEinfo].

* UK: “Plan to link offshore windfarms to grid could cost £17bn” [The Guardian]. Also at The Independent.

* “Greece raises electricity prices by up to 15 pct” [Reuters].

* “Poland Approaches 40 Shale Gas Wells” [Natural Gas Europe].

* “Bulgaria's Energy Minister Vows Oil, Gas Exploration in All Black Sea Blocks” [Novinite].

* “Alaska Gov. Pushes FERC To Speed Review Of Hydro Project” [Law360].

* “Groups deliver comments on New York drilling” [FuelFix].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “Pioneering Global Atlas for renewable energy goes online” [AMEinfo].

* “Value-for-money study examines pay at top” [Financial Times].

* “FTSE-100 chiefs offer best investor value” [Financial Times].

* “UAE power consumption braces for double digit growth by 2020, attracting $25bn investment surge” [AMEinfo].

* “Emissions limits could cut climate damage by two-thirds - study” [Reuters].

* “US scientists in fresh alert over effects of global warming” [The Guardian].

* “Australia wrestles with climate change” [Financial Times].

* “Will a New Scheme For Clean Energy Investment Break Up the Dirty Energy Stranglehold?” [AlterNet, via EinNews].

* “Kenya: Plugged in to Progress With Geothermal Energy in Kenya” [AllAfrica].

* “Arctic exploration moves at glacial pace” [Financial Times].

* “Comment: Cyprus Hydrocarbons Rights - Landing the Best Deal Possible” [Famagusta Gazette, via EinNews].

* Podcast: “Fuel oil 2012 and outlook: fundamental changes on horizon” [Platts].

* “Eagle Ford drilling fuels income surge for all, despite recession” [FuelFix].

* “‘Fracking’ success sparking talk of oil shale boom” [The Hill].

* Audio: “Coal Loses Crown As King Of Power Generation” [npr].

* “Road salt miners hit by warm US winter” [Financial Times].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund Buys Stake in Utility ACWA Power (2)” [BNEF].

* “Iberdrola rethinks on Scottish Power sale” [Financial Times].

* “Russia’s Gazprom and Sintez rush for Greek gas company” [RT, via EinNews].

* “Federal agency grants Quincy hydropower permits” [Connect Tristates].

* “Centre of Waste Management inks MoU with Masdar to develop strategic initiatives and projects” [AMEinfo].

* “Commercial flight uses fuel produced from natural gas” [FuelFix].

* “Berkley Renewables Closes Private Placement” [MarketWatch, via EinNews].

* “Dana Gas, Taqa move in opposite directions” [AMEinfo].

* “Pioneering waste plant a step closer” [Financial Times].

* “Encana CEO Eresman Retires” [WSJ].

News roundup (11th of January, 2012).

Highlights: IAEA pessimistic on talks with Iran, as the country readies to meet Russia · EU commission to debate energy tax levels · Japan to reverse body set for nuclear phase out.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* Iran sanctions and talks: “IAEA chief says not optimistic on Iran nuclear talks” [Reuters]; “Russia alarmed by lack of deal with Iran on nuclear talks” [Reuters]; “Russia: Iran, P5+1 talks set for Istanbul” [UPI]; “Spain seizes valves bound for Iran's nuclear program: ministry” [Reuters]; “Iran nuclear plant returns to energy grid” [PennEnergy]. A paper on the topic: “Undestanding Iran Under Sanctions – Oil and the National Budget” [OIES].

* “EU to revive debate on minimum energy tax levels” [Reuters].

* UK: “'Moderates' take Energy Bill reins” [ReNews].

* UK: “MP calls for Green Deal pot to cover upfront costs, not cashback” [Utility Week].

* “AP Interview: Poland to press on with shale gas” [Hufffington Post].

* “EPA raps Shell for Arctic air violations” [FuelFix]. Also: “Shell may have moved rig to avoid taxes: U.S. lawmaker” [Reuters] with “Lifeboats may be leaking fuel in Arctic waters” [FuelFix].

* US: “Incoming Senate energy chair stands firm in opposition to expanded LNG exports” [Platts].

* “California Announces Preliminary Regulations for Hydraulic Fracturing” [AoL Energy].

* “China Working to Cut Idled Wind Farm Capacity, Official Says” [BNEF].

* “India hits the road with national electric vehicle plan” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Japan seeks to reverse commitment to phase out nuclear power” [The Guardian].

* “Japan to Set Up Fund to Spur Clean Energy Investment, NHK Says” [BNEF].

* “AMSC v Sinovel case in top court” [ReCharge News].

* “BP seeks to cut Gulf oil spill exposure by up to $3.4B” [FuelFix]. Related: “Judge approves Gulf oil spill medical benefits settlement” [FuelFix] and “Rig victim’s widow says Gulf disaster caused ‘inferno of grief’” [FuelFix].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “Survey: More energy production is fine (but not at the expense of clean water)” [Smart Grid News].

* “David Cameron is irresponsible to omit climate change from his G8 priorities” [The Guardian].

* “Clean Energy 4Q12 and 2012 Press Release ” [Pipeline, shared by Cornwall Energy].

* Solar: “UK alternatives: Mostly cloudy” [EIU].

* “Middle East solar markets could hit 3.5GW by 2015” [Energy Live News].

* “Tax credit moves wind industry to ramp up construction plans” [FuelFix].

* US: “Ethanol Mandates Come Under Renewed Attack Over Costs: Infographic” [AoL Energy].

* “Turkey beats Norway as Europe’s largest oil producer” [Energy Market Price].

* “Brazil oil auctions: they are really, really happening (really)” [Financial Times].

* “Trends for Equities in the Oil and Gas Sector” [AoL Energy].

* “West Virginia’s Don Garvin: sometimes caught betwixt and between oil and the greens” [The Barrel].

* “Gas Storage in Great Britain” [OIES].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “Cost agreement over new nuclear reactors powers up EDF talks” [Daily Mail]. Related: “EDF, China Guangdong In Talks Over UK Nuclear Partnership -Sources ” [WSJ] and “EDF strikes nuclear-backed power deal with Network Rail” [Utility Week].

* “Grid link bid for Aberdeen offshore” [ReNews].

* “Gazprom, Novatek discuss arctic LNG” [UPI].

* “Gazprom Neft starts tight oil work” [UPI].

* “ConocoPhillips Nears Full China Return” [WSJ].

* “Important U.S. Pipeline Is Back in Business” [The Motley Fool].

* “Maine PUC permits two gas utilities to serve same franchise area” [Platts].

* “Cuadrilla seeks deal with energy major” [Financial Times].

* “EDF announces the disposal of Exelon shares” [EDF].

* “Rurelec gains stake in 250 MW gas-fired power project” [PennEnergy].

* “EU bank grants €500m loan for German wind project” [Energy Live News].

* “$34.1m Polish bio a straw deal” [ReNews].

* “Vestas to remove Rønland blade” [ReNews].

* “PNA plans €60m Cherbourg expansion” [ReNews].

* “Vestas finalises new credit deal” [ReCharge News].

* “Storr Lochs to get £1.5m refit” [ReNews].

* “Myanmar turns to solar power thanks to Thailand’s SPCG” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “EOWDC seeks onshore works OK” [ReCharge News].

* “PNA plans €60m Cherbourg expansion” [ReNews].

* “Statkraft to manage Laos hydro” [ReNews].

* “Trinity College solar scheme passes planning examination” [BusinessGreen].

* “Swinerton Renewable Energy Awarded Contract to Construct and Operate 250MWac K Road Moapa Solar Plant” [Yahoo!].

* “Alun Griffiths relishes offshore first” [ReNews].

* Good Energy: “The latest on our generation plans - we’re buying a new wind farm site” [Good Energy].

* “REC to axe 46 at Moses Lake” [ReNews].

* “Navitus Bay roadshow ready to roll” [reNews].

* “Tullow Targets 1B Barrels with 40 Wells Planned for 2013” [Rigzone].

* “Valero refineries closed for repairs, maintenance” [BizJournals].

* “FoundOcean nabs Duddon contract” [ReCharge News].

* “BP Singapore retains top spot on MPA's 2012 list of top bunker suppliers” [Platts].

* “Uni cements turbine test rig bed” [ReNews].

* “First AP1000 operators get training” [WNN].

News roundup (10th of January, 2012).

Highlights: Australia imposes new sanctions to Iran · UK to keep RPI calculations with no mayor changes · NY 1bn green fund.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* “World Bank Focuses on Climate Change in Hunt For Fresh Strategy” [Bloomberg].

* “Australia hits Iran with sanctions” [UPI].

* “Smart power grids in Qatar soon” [The Peninsula].

* Ireland: “Delivering real benefits to Irish Citizens: these are the Telecoms and Energy Priorities of our EU Presidency” [DCENR]. Abridge version at reNews.

* “Turkey Turns To Coal To Loosen Iran, Russia Gas Reliance” [MEES].

* “Estonia to Retract Pledge on Wind Energy Subsidy Cap, Parts Says ” [Renewable Energy World].

* UK: “Renewables industry welcomes move to retain RPI calculation” [BusinessGreen].

* UK: “Green Investment Bank appoint Robert Mansley as new managing director” [Utility Week]. Also at reNews.

* UK: “Greg Barker: statement on OFT energy efficiency report” [DECC].

* UK: “Help at hand to stay warm this winter” [DECC].

* “Spanish fund sells Eur1 bil of power tariff deficit debt: report” [Platts].

* “Norway’s Oil Supplier Reputation Unharmed by Strike, IEA Says” [Bloomberg].

* US: “DOE Plunks $120 Million into Rare Earths Research Hub” [AoL Energy].

* “NY pledges $1bn in funding” [reNews].

* US: “Support grows for more offshore drilling oversight” [FuelFix].

* “Colorado Oil And Gas Drilling Regulations Receive Initial Approval” [Huffington Post].

* “Decision coming soon for 1,740 MW Santa Cruz hydroelectric projects, Argentina says” [HydroWorld].

* “Indian states aim to boost solar power” [UPI].

* “South Korea revises up LNG demand forecast for 2015 to 37.3 million mt” [Platts].

* “China's carbon intensity falls over 3.5 percent in 2012: official” [Reuters].

* “BP oil spill settlement payments exceed $1B mark” [FuelFix]. And: “Court rules BP must release spill data” [UPI].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “Post-election US Energy Policy Considerations” [AoL Energy].

* “Natural gas: Maybe not such a big threat to renewables?” [Smart Grid News].

* “Caribbean Holds Great Potential for Solar Development, but Opportunities Uneven ” [Renewable Energy World].

* “Determining Wind Turbine Reliability: Test, Test, then Test Again” [Renewable Energy World].

* “Grid operator: Texas electric transmission capacity will fall short of demand” [FuelFix].

* “U.S. can expect lower gas price in 2013” [UPI].

* “Cyberstalkers Threaten Pipeline Security” [New York Times].

* US: “Manufacturers go to war with oil industry over gas exports” [The Hill].

* “Saudi Arabia Slashed Oil Output in December ” [WSJ]. And: “Saudi oil propels Brent higher” [Financial Times].

* “Norwegian players face project delays on 'overheating' oil sector: Wood Mac” [Platts].

* “Oil Sands Development, Increasing Pollution Levels Linked” [AoL Energy].

* “Fracking Pushes U.S. Oil Production to Highest in 20 Years” [Bloomberg].

* “Coal-fired power dominates UK generation mix” [Platts].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “China to fund construction of biggest hydroelectric dam in Cote d'Ivoire” [Global Times].

* “Gazprom, Novatek JV for Yamal by year-end” [Interfax]. Also at WSJ.

* “Chile Approves 3.1 GW of Solar PV Projects” [Renewable Energy World].

* “Alstom bags €90m Vietnam hydro” [reNews].

* “Polish nuclear site contract awarded” [WNN].

* “India firm plans $200 Million IPO to finance waste-to-energy plant” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Noble Group to help finance $2.2 bln Mongolia coal, rail project” [Yahoo!].

* “EDF Trading moves into the Midwest in deal with ConocoPhillips” [FuelFix].

* “EDF sparks up 38MW Rignano” [reNews].

* “Hanergy buys US PV company in acquisition trail” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Mainstream ties up export link” [reNews].

* “UAE outfit buys into US farm” [reNews].

* “Iconic hydro scheme gets £1.5 million refurbishment” [SSE].

* “ScottishPower Renewables Seeking Feedback On Updated Proposals For Dyfnant Forest Windfarm” [SSE].

* “DayStar in Greek PV deal” [reNews].

* “Gunfleet Sands 3 turbine installation set to begin” [Windpower Monthly].

* “Prowind switches to Siemens” [reNews].

* “Venture gets $4 mln from Bangalore solar sale” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Reef signs off at Gabbard” [reNews].

* “Harwell land released for re-use” [WNN].

* “O&G Companies Prepare for Intensifying Cyclone off Western Australia” [Rigzone].

* “Kinder Morgan to grow Trans Mountain pipeline expansion” [FuelFix].

* “Rangeland secures $200M for shale projects” [FuelFix].

* “Shell touts technology in search for alternative fuels” [FuelFix].

* “Wildlife refuge buys Connecticut Yankee land” [WNN].

* “Galion wakes image ‘a first’” [reNews].

News roundup (9th of January, 2012).

Highlights: Reports say Obama willing to plan a Climate summit · China boosts renewable project subsidies · UK Government places incentive for bioenergy entrepreneurs.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* “UK man sentenced in Texas for bid to sell weapons parts to Iran” [Reuters].

* “Iran to Extend Gas Pipeline to Iraq, Syria” [RIA Novosti].

* “UAE OPEC governor sees call on OPEC crude flat to falling in 2013” [Platts].

* “EIB Considering $131 Million Loan for Czech Energy Efficiency” [Bloomberg].

* UK: “Government reveals green progress in coalition audit” [BusinessGreen].

* UK: “£292,000 boost for bioenergy entrepreneurs” [DECC].

* “Scotland sees tax boost from North Sea oil” [UPI].

* “Norway to vote on opening two frontier Arctic areas to oil: minister” [Reuters].

* “Barack Obama 'seriously considering' hosting climate summit” [The Guardian].

* “US governors to focus on increasing natural gas use in 2013” [Platts].

* “Energy Department Awards $10 Million to Develop Advanced Biofuels” [Energy.gov].

* “DOE defers bidding for mini-hydro power sites” [Inquirer Business

* “Senate Proposal To Give U.S. Energy Revenues to States” [Rigzone].

* US: “Salazar cites ‘troubling sense’ about Arctic drilling mishaps” [FuelFix].

* “Venezuela court endorses Chavez inauguration delay” [Reuters].

* “China adds another 496 renewable projects to subsidy list ” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “China to Give Belarus $16 mln Chernobyl Aid” [RIA Novosti].

* “China solar sector a $3 bln windfall for balance-of-system suppliers” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Japan Signs First Bilateral Emissions Offset Pact With Mongolia” [BNEF].

* “Singapore bunker company Onsys Energy faces liquidation: court documents” [Platts].

* Norway: “Oil victims’ cases to Parliament” [Aftenbladet].

* “Transocean advised of rights at hearing on Gulf spill criminal charge” [FuelFix].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “Fatih Birol – Chief Economist, International Energy Agency” [BBC].

* “Fears grow of Brazil power shortages” [Financial Times].

* “US energy: state of (semi-) independence” [The Guardian].

* “Global contest seeks energy-efficient computer monitors” [Reuters].

* “Global Risks Report 2013: interconnected in the face of risk” [Swiss Re].

* “Renewables deliver 32% in Spain” [ReCharge News].

* “Severn Barrage could save UK from flooding and wind turbines – Hain” [The Telegraph].

* “World's largest distributed solar project is on... New Jersey pole-tops?!?” [Smart Grid News].

* “Answers about tax credit are still blowin’ in the wind” [FuelFix].

* “Japan’s new wind installations on the rebound” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Where's the smart meter money? Think China, India and Brazil” [Smart Grid News].

* “Ford and the EV-Backed, Solar-Powered, Cloud-Controlled Home” [AoL Energy].

* “Obama environmental picks seen focusing on oil boom” [FuelFix].

* “Oil and gas recovery vital for Scottish economy” [Energy Live News].

* “Oil groups must align strategy work” [Financial Times].

* “Arctic standards urged for oil drilling in forbidding region” [FuelFix].

* “How Far Have U.S. Oil Imports Fallen?” [CFR].

* “West African oil exports to Asia to rise in January” [Yahoo!].

* “'Frackademia': how Big Gas bought research on hydraulic fracturing” [The Guardian].

* “US propane prices starting to get dragged down by the shale boom” [The Barrel].

* “Fracking pushes U.S. oil output to highest level in 20 years” [FuelFix].

* “Gateway for UK nuclear skills development” [WNN].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “Finland Gets Nordic Investment Bank Loan to Boost Hydropower” [Bloomberg].

* “Coast Guard: Tanker that hit Bay Bridge was warned” [FuelFix].

* “Google drops $200m on Texas wind” [reNews].

* “Second cover assembly underway at Fukushima” [WNN].

* “Mitsui to Buy Stake in EDF’s 164-Megawatt Wind Project in Mexico” [BNEF].

* “First Solar buys Solar Chile for undisclosed sum” [FuelFix].

* “Good Energy Launches UK’s First Local Electricity Tariff” [Good Energy].

* “California Ratepayers to Receive Cap-and-Trade Dividend” [AoL Energy].

* “Eon sails past 2.5GW in US” [reNews].

* “ConocoPhillips closing Odessa office, according to report” [FuelFix].

* “Repsol begins production from one of Brazil's largest oil fields” [OilVoice].

* “Proserv seals £133m refinancing” [reNews].

* “Canada’s Caisse Invests $500 Million in 13 Invenergy Wind Farms” [BNEF].

* “TransCanada Plans $5.1 Billion Pipeline to LNG Terminal” [Bloomberg].

* “Brookfield fires back” [reNews].

* “DeWind replaces Canadian blades” [ReCharge News].

* “60MW Ontario build gets going” [reNews].

* “Triodos debuts Suffolk industrial park wind energy project” [BusinessGreen].

* “Enel plugs in 18MW Agreda” [reNews].

* “Axys, OADS target higher power” [reNews]

* “Statoil wants to cut using redundancy packages” [Aftenbladet].

* “Estonia’s self-balancing project ‘still feasible’” [Windpower Offshore].

* “Lightsource bags £54.4m funding” [reNews].

* “Nordex wraps up 50MW Jhimpir” [reNews].

* “Contractors to run Tenn., Texas nuclear plants” [FuelFix].

* “Phillips 66 moving Bakken oil by rail in $1B deal” [FuelFix].

* “Shell's US ultra-deepwater Perdido hub nears production capacity: president” [Platts].

* “Tesoro will convert Hawaii refinery to a terminal” [FuelFix].

* “Wartsila to supply major dual-fuel power plant to Jordan” [PennEnergy].

* “Transformer fire idles South Texas nuke plant unit” [Yahoo!].

* “Hess Sets 2013 Capital, Exploratory Budget at $6.8 Billion ” [WSJ].

* “HWEnergy confirmed as hot ticket” [reNews].

* “Subsea 7 ships renewables arm” [reNews].

* “Ocotillo greets the Sunrise” [reNews].

News roundup (8th of January, 2012).

Highlights: US Department of Interior to scrutinize Shell’s Arctic drilling plans· EIB gets capital injection for bioenergy innovation· Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator in the US to allocate transmission costs.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* On Iran sanctions: “Iran Aims At 5.5mn B/D Oil Output Capacity By 2016: Ghasemi” [MEES]; “Iran's oil money plummets” [UPI].

* “Syrian uranium worrying nations, IAEA” [UPI].

* “Iraqi Kurdistan starts independent crude oil exports” [Reuters].

* “Egypt struggles to buy oil as currency crisis deepens” [Reuters].

* “EIB to get €10bn capital injection” [reNews]. Related: “UK leads EU scheme to drive bioenergy innovation” [DECC].

* UK: “New obligations now in force for suppliers to tackle gas theft ” [Ofgem].

* “French offer 1GW second course” [reNews].

* “MISO proposes broader state authority to allocate transmission costs” [Platts].

* US: “Department of Interior to Assess Shell's Arctic Drilling Operations” [Rigzone].

* “US agency investigating after oil tanker hits bridge” [FuelFix].

* “DOE targets Chesapeake splash” [reNews].

* “Requirement for Wyo. oil-gas supe could be eased” [FuelFix].

* “Electric Cars Must Make Noises Can Hear Under U.S. Rule” [Bloomberg].

* “Requirement for Wyo. oil-gas supe could be eased” [FuelFix].

* “Brazil says no to power rationing” [ABC News].

* “South Korea to expand nuclear energy despite growing safety fears” [Reuters].

* “Still more promotion for China’s energy-efficient vehicles” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Transocean to be arraigned on criminal charge in Gulf disaster” [FuelFix].

* “Batista’s MMX in $1.86bn tax fine” [Financial Times].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “Energy and Arab Economic Development” [OIES].

* UK: “A shortfall cost recovery mechanism for energy supply company administration” [DECC].

* “Consumer Support for Clean Energy Held Steady in 2012, According to New Survey from Pike Research” [Yahoo!].

* “Japan’s New Wind Installations to Rise 8.2% to 92 Megawatts” [BNEF].

* “Oil Refiner Looks to Rejuvenate East Coast Business Models with Rail” [AoL Energy].

* “Tajikistan oil and gas: Boom ahead in Bokhtar?” [EIU].

* “Trillions and Billions: US Oil and Gas Sector Reviews Its Economic Footprint” [AoL Energy].

* “Resurgent US oil stokes pipeline clash” [Financial Times].

* “East Africa Gas – Potential for LNG Export” [OIES].

* “Deloitte report boosts natural gas exports” [FuelFix].

* “Study: Lake pollution tied to oil sands” [UPI].

* “Hong Kong deserves role in nuclear reactor risk management, experts say” [SCMP].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “Gazprom to invest €160 million in wind” [Windpower Monthly].

* “CNOOC's O&G Production in Bohai Bay Affected by Icy Conditions” [Rigzone].

* “Philippine renewable firm tipped to sign $2 bln deal” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Statoil goes ahead with $9 bil Norwegian Sea gas field project” [Platts].

* “Gas power units add 650MW to Iran’s power grid” [Tehran Times].

* “Korean companies to bid for Poland's nuclear program” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “EDF Renewable Energy Announces Operation and Financing of the Shiloh IV Wind Project” [Yahoo!].

* “Roxi Petroleum enters into an agreement to raise $40 million” [OilVoice].

* “Mega-Solar Matchmaking in California ” [Renewable Energy World].

* “DeWind switching out blades in PEI” [reNews].

* “Oxley nailing down turbine supply” [reNews].

* “US agency seeks feedback on LI-NYC site” [Windpower Offshore].

* “Costa Rica's ICE to build two new hydroelectric plants” [HydroWorld].

* “Argentine reactor moves into commissioning” [WNN].

* “Graphene Oxide Soaks Up Radioactive Waste: U.S., Russian Researchers Collaborate On Solution to Toxic Groundwater Woes” [Science Daily].

* “New lease of life for Paks” [WNN].

* “Invenergy pockets $500m” [reNews].

* “Blade failure prompts shutdown” [reNews].

* “Ostrander Point faces appeal” [reNews].

* “Consultation omissions behind Eon's Rampion windfarm withdrawal” [Utility Week].

* “RPT-Kurdistan starts independent crude oil exports” [Reuters].

* “Eon plans 108MW Moriston farm” [reNews].

* “2.2GW Yingli eyes solar crown” [reNews].

* “First Wind Projects 50 Percent Portfolio Growth in Coming Years Following Passage of Wind Energy Tax Credit” [Yahoo!].

* “Sacramento solar lights up” [reNews].

* “Siemens 'preferred supplier' on 400MW offshore project” [Windpower Monthly].

* “Liberian oil sector gains interest” [UPI].

* “Nigeria's NNPC taps 10 banks in move to clear fuel debts: source” [Yahoo!].

* “Showdown at San Onofre” [Huffington Post].

* “Yingli improves solar cell manufacturing process” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Heat still on TenneT over links” [ReCharge News].

* “Recurrent finishes 88MW of US PV” [ReCharge News].

* “Tradition Midstream moves into U.S. shale fields” [FuelFix].

* “New owner for EnergySolutions” [WNN].

* “Anglo names Cutifani as chief executive” [Financial Times].

* “British Gas boss Phil Bentley 'could walk away with £13m'” [Utility Week].

News roundup (7th of January, 2012).

Highlights: France set to aid solar sector · More than half of Japan’s municipalities support nuclear restart after safety and security assessments · New Permanent Secretary appointed at UK’s DECC · BP and Shell back ETI-led project to build the world longest wind turbine blade.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* On Iran Sanctions: “Iran oil export revenues down 45 pct since March-ISNA” [Reuters]; “Japan JX cuts 2013 Iran crude imports 'slightly' under renewed contract” [Platts]; “Turkey's Tupras to extend Iran oil purchase contract” [Reuters].

* “Ministry of Electricity considers hydrocarbon dependence” [Daily News Egypt, via EinNews].

* “Turkey courts allies for natural gas” [UPI].

* “EU warns Bolivia after it nationalises Spanish power plants” [Energy Live News].

* “David Cameron turns hit man over top energy and climate job” [The Guardian]. Also: “Breaking: Stephen Lovegrove appointed new Permanent Secretary at DECC” [BusinessGreen].

* UK: “Consultation on amendments to the Independent Report on Metering Arrangements criteria for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)” [Ofgem].

* “British group pans wind farm compensation” [UPI].

* “France launches emergency plan for struggling solar sector” [Reuters].

* “Obama to nominate Washington governor as EPA chief, source says” [FuelFix].

* “Argentina cuts oil export tax as it seeks to lure investment” [Reuters].

* “Majority of local leaders approve Japanese restarts” [WNN].

* “Energy independence for India?” [UPI].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “Powering down to save energy need not be a turn-off” [IEA].

* “Regulatory revival near for U.S. energy industry” [FuelFix].

* “Brazil's hot, dry summer may lead to energy rationing” [Reuters]. With: “Analysis: Brazil's once-envied energy matrix a victim of "hubris"” [Reuters].

* “Falling energy costs cut euro zone factory prices” [Reuters].

* “Rio+20 and the Future of Clean Energy ” [Renewable Energy World].

* UK: “Green deal's upfront fees 'put people off upgrading homes'” [BusinessGreen]. With: “Investors spooked by 'complex' UK Energy Bill” [The Telegraph].

* Scotland: “Pinsent Masons energy investment report welcomed” [SNP, shared by Cornwall Energy].

* “The call of sirens: Is India really a good solar market?” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Gearing Up For U.S. Offshore Wind Power” [MarineLink.com].

* “UK new car emissions continue to fall” [BusinessGreen].

* “Biofuel production threatens air quality and crop yields, study finds” [The Guardian].

* “Palm oil sector pins hopes on improving environmental record” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “US pessimistic about 2013 despite jump in oil price” [CGES].

* “China oil demand growth to accelerate this year on improved economy: analysts” [Platts].

* “Despite troubles, Africa beckons as oil frontier” [FuelFix].

* “New Frontiers: A once-booming Florida oil industry tries to get back to the past” [Platts].

* “Oil Norway tempts redundant Danes” [Aftenbladet].

* “Tapping vast gas reserves vital to Asia’s future: report” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “China and coal – spot the difference” [Financial Times].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “BP, Shell Back Development of World’s Longest Wind Turbine Blade” [BNEF]. Also at reNews.

* “BP opens giant Kansas wind farm” [UPI].

* Shell: “Tow line tied to grounded oil rig barge” [UPI].

* “Algae.Tec Plans $200 Million Bond Sale to Fund Clean-Fuel Plants” [BNEF].

* “Tanker hits San Francisco Bay Bridge, Coast Guard says” [Reuters].

* “Pars Oil & Gas announces $25 billion invested in upstream sector, Qasemi” [OilVoice].

* “Joint venture settles on Russian turbine site” [WNN].

* “Williams Partners Seeks FERC Approval to Expand Natural Gas Service to New York City” [Yahoo!].

* “Brazil's Itaipu hydropower plant sets new production record in 2012” [HydroWorld].

* “Alstom bags €250m Ethiopia hydro” [reNews].

* “True Green Capital Management Brings 12.3 Megawatts of Solar Energy to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst” [Yahoo!].

* “Harmony suspends SA mine amid unrest” [Financial Times].

* “Laidlaw to stay and Bentley to leave in British Gas shake up” [Utility Week].

* “Solar Mosaic’s Crowdfunding Beats Treasuries With 4.5% Return” [BNEF].

* “TransCanada: Nebraska evaluation report on Keystone XL re-route released” [OilVoice].

* “Statoil in New Field Development Offshore Canada” [MarineLink.com].

* “Turbines roll for Fred Olsen” [reNews].

* “Suzlon Unit to Supply Wind Turbines at Infinergy, Triodos Parks” [BNEF].

* “Repower confirmed at UK wind duo” [reNews].

* “EDF Renewable Energy Announces Operation of the 150 Megawatt Bobcat Bluff Wind Project” [Yahoo!].

* “Vestas extends Iowa service deal” [reNews].

* “SeaRenergy in North Sea substations deal” [reNews].

* “Petronas Carigali Awards AHTS Supply Contract to Perdana Petroleum” [Rigzone].

* “Lundin starts drilling offshore Norway” [UPI].

* “Gran Tierra Energy Announces Successful Oil Flow Tests in Colombia and Argentina” [Yahoo!].

* “JinkoSolar Honoured as the Most Promising Enterprise by China Energy News” [PR Newswire].

* “Exclusive: U.S. nuclear lab removes Chinese tech over security fears” [Reuters].

* “URANIUM: $5.5M drilling program planned at Waterbury Lake” [Canada Mining Journal].

* “Consol Energy sells coal assets in Canada” [Canada Mining Journal].

Of Interest

* “New Path to More Efficient Organic Solar Cells Uncovered” [Science Daily].

News roundup (6th of January weekend, 2012).

Highlights: US to probe coal export’s royalties · Qatar and Turkey in talks for LNG plant · Iran affirms sanctions not affecting trade.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* On Iran Sanctions: “EU says Iran not responded to nuclear talks proposal” [Reuters]. And: “Despite sanctions, Iran says agricultural exports booming” [Reuters], “Iran reports $72bn in foreign trade” [AMEinfo] and “Iran says West cannot do more against its oil sector”[AMEinfo].

* “Turkey to talk to Qatar about LNG plant as demand booms” [Reuters].

* “Lebanon to re-launch Deir Ammar plant tender” [AMEinfo].

* “Iceland bets on oil to boost fragile economy” [Reuters].

* “France won't buy troubled Petroplus refinery: Hollande” [Reuters].

* “US senators seek probe into royalties on coal exports” [Reuters]. Also at Platts.

* US: “Dems dig in against spending cuts to clean energy programs” [The Hill].

* “U.S. evaluates pollution, jobs at coal plant near Grand Canyon” [Reuters].

* “Mexico's motorists get lucky break on gasoline prices” [Platts].

* “94% Renewable Electricity By 2017 Is Goal For Nicaragua” [CleanTechnica].

* Pakistan: “Wapda, USAID discuss financing of hydropower projects” [The News].

* “Morocco says may launch subsidies reform in June” [Reuters].

* “Maryland court says Dominion can export LNG from Cove Point terminal” [Platts].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “"Cliff" concerns give way to earnings focus” [Reuters].

* “Pulling Carbon Dioxide Out of Thin Air” [New York Times].

* “German solar power installations at record high in 2012” [Reuters].

* “Behind the wind turbine war is a lack of policy and joined-up thinking” [The Guardian].

* “China Windpower Sees ‘Significant’ Profit Drop on Sales, Output” [BNEF].

* “Biofuels cause pollution, not as green as thought - study” [Reuters].

* “The Cost of Biofuels in Guatemala” [New York Times].

* “Fuel shortages in Malawi: Running on empty ” [The Economist].

* “Our protest must shortcircuit the fossil fuel interests blocking Barack Obama” [The Guardian].

* “Dealmakers warm to chance of oil tie-ups” [Financial Times].

* “EPA fracking study may dodge some tough questions” [Yahoo!].

* “US coal power plant retirements top 9,000 MW in 2012” [Reuters].

* “Court should order US NRC to resume Yucca review: petition” [Platts].

* “ANALYIS: Fifty-six US nuclear units to shut for refueling in 2013” [Platts].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “Exxon Mobil proceeds with $14 bln Canada oil field” [Reuters].

* “ExxonMobil Egypt renews its contract with the Egyptian Drilling Company for additional five-years” [AMEinfo].

* “Weather disrupts Shell efforts to free Alaska oil rig” [Reuters].

* “Eon pulls Rampion wind application” [reNews].

* “Work restarts on China's biggest nuclear power plant: Xinhua” [Reuters].

* “Axion Power Notes Certifications For Energy Storage Hub” [Renew Grid].

* “Sweetwater to Supply Cellulosic Sugar to Wisconsin Ethanol Plant” [BNEF].

* “SSE flicks switch on zero carbon home energy storage trial” [BusinessGreen].

* “Petrobras burns cash in the dry weather” [Interfax].

* “Colombia to load 19 crude cargoes in January: program” [Platts].

News roundup (4th of January, 2012).

Highlights: Although EU says date for talks with Iran not set, the Middle East country says they will be held in January · Repsol to sue Bridas over YPF deal · IAEA publishes 2013 agenda.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* IAEA: “The Outlook for 2013: Nuclear-Related Meetings and Events for the Coming Year” [IAEA].

* Iran sanctions: “Iran says talks with big powers to be held in January” [Reuters]. And: “EU says no date for Iran talks, hopes for next round soon” [Reuters].

* “Damascus blames "terrorists" for petrol station blast” [Reuters].

* “Turkey signs power production deal with UAE” [Energy Live News].

* “Bulgaria will be able to import gas from Europe in 2014” [Energy Market Price].

* UK: “Environmental Audit Committee publishes report on Energy Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme ” [Parliament]. Related: “MPs warn against compensating heavy industry for low-carbon costs” [The Guardian] and “UK carbon support for energy-intensives needs tightening: panel” [Platts].

* UK: “Wind farm protesters backed by planning minister Nick Boles” [The Telegraph].

* UK: “MoD backs Falklands wind” [reNews].

* “Iceland awards oil and gas exploration licenses, gives Petoro stake” [Platts].

* “Nebraska report says Keystone XL still crosses aquifer” [Reuters].

* “Canada upbeat on N. Gateway prospects” [UPI].

* Indonesia: “Yudhoyono calls for electric-powered public transport” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “China delays consumption tax on gasoline blend components: traders” [Platts].

* “Repsol to sue Bridas over YPF shale deal” [Reuters].

* “Leni in High Court over Malta sale” [Financial Times].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “The unwelcome renaissance: Europe’s energy policy delivers the worst of all possible worlds” [The Economist].

* “Cheaper to upgrade than to repair after each storm?” [Smart Grid News].

* “New energy efficiency measurement tools for buildings” [Electrical Efficiency Magazine].

* UK: “Treasury pot ‘could boost energy users’ “windfall profits”‘” [Energy Live News].

* “The why, when and how of full-circle customer engagement” [Smart Grid News].

* “Report: Global electric vehicle sales to grow rapidly through 2020” [FuelFix].

* “China’s oil and natural gas sectors ready to roar in 2013” [Platts].

* “Subsidies for Big Oil?” [AoL Energy].

* ““The Alaska accident could have occurred in Norway,” expert says” [Aftenbladet].

* “Bans and Rules Muddy Prospects for Gas Drilling” [New York Times].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “BP tells Halliburton to come clean” [UPI].

* “Israel to repower Golan Heights wind farm” [Windpower Monthly].

* “Enel eyes third Mexican venture” [reNews].

* “Enbridge to Undertake Additional $0.4 Billion Canadian Mainline Expansion” [Yahoo!].

* “Petrobras announces new post-salt discovery in Marlim Sul, Campos Basin” [OilVoice].

* “E.ON pulls Rampion application for extra consultation” [ReCharge News].

* “Magnolia Petroleum announces acquisition of 985 net acres in Bakken formation” [OilVoice].

* “Algeria's Sonatrach makes two oil, gas finds with foreign partners” [MEES].

* “RWE has a gas with surplus wind” [reNews].

* “Vermonters flip switch at 10MW scheme” [reNews].

* “470MW Flat Ridge 2 powers up” [reNews].

* “SolarCity expects 60% capacity boost as US homes embrace PV” [ReCharge News].

* “Pura Vida Sells 52% Stake in Exploration Permit Offshore Morocco” [Rigzone].

* “BP Wind Energy and Sempra complete 470MW Kansas plant” [ReCharge News].

* “BG Group secures $1.8bn for LNG project” [Energy Live News].

* “Successful year for Warm Home Discount scheme” [SSE].

* “Helix disposals create deep-water operator takeover bait” [FuelFix].

* “India MRPL commissions new single-buoy mooring facility for crude tankers” [Platts].

* “Consol sells mining properties in Canada” [BizJournals].

* “Anglo sells Brazil iron ore stakes” [Financial Times].

* “New Western Energy completes acquisition of 8 leases totaling 1,520 acres and 106 oil wells in Rogers County from Pioneer Oil Development LLC” [OilVoice].

* “Comet Ridge Spuds Second CSG Pilot Well Onshore Queensland” [Rigzone].

* “Ten more years for Smolensk reactor” [WNN].

* “Power Grid Corporation's outlook negative: Standard & Poor's” [Economic Times].

News roundup (3rd of January, 2012).

Highlights: US Congress to have a new energy subcommittee · Russia joins OECD NEA, in talks with Belarus for a nuclear safety cooperation agreement · US Department of Justice announced settlement with Transocean on 2010 Gulf Oil spill for the sum of $1.4Bn.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* “Iran's private oil sector says sanctions 'ineffective'” [AMEinfo].

* “EU agrees measures to speed up grid links for renewables” [ReCharge News].

* “Russia joins the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency” [NEI].

* “Belarus, Russia to sign nuclear safety cooperation agreement” [BELTA].

* UK: “MP: Cut wealthy pensioners’ winter fuel payment” [Energy Live News].

* UK: “Decision on the methodology for closing out the DPCR4 Losses Incentive Mechanism” [Ofgem].

* UK: “Energy Best Deal: Centre for Sustainable Energy evaluation report 2012” [Ofgem, and notes here].

* Scotland: “Salmond: oil and gas is “sunrise sector”” [Energy Live News].

* US: “House Oversight adds energy subcommittee” [The Hill].

* US: “Markey seeks contingency plans Shell had before rig accident” [FuelFix].

* US: “Suitors sought for NY offshore” [reNews].

* US: “Republicans shake up Senate energy panel team” [The Hill].

* US: “Sen. Flake to push oil-and-gas permitting on Energy panel” [The Hill].

* US: “Maryland backs $3.3m offshore surveys” [reNews].

* “New York state buildings ordered to improve energy efficiency by 20 per cent” [BusinessGreen].

* “Argentina's president urges Falklands talks with Britain” [Reuters].

* India (nuclear): “Indian protest movement spreads” [WNN].

* “Sudan, South Sudan Forces Clash Along Border ” [WSJ].

* “Transocean to pay $1.4 billion for role in BP oil spill” [Reuters]. Also at Platts.

* “Peru's indigenous people take battle over gas exploration to court” [The Guardian].

* “Suntech to be sued by German wafer maker” [CleanBiz.Asia].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “Davos Preview: Energy 'Architecture' Issues A Global Priority” [AoL Energy].

* “Commentary: Developing American’s new energy future” [FuelFix].

* “Energy theft: From bad to worse (and what some utilities are doing about it)” [Smart Grid News].

* “Carbon market activity highest on record” [Bloomberg NEF].

* Vietnam: “Hydropower 2012: Gray picture” [VietNamNet].

* “Solar power – question of subsidies” [Financial Times].

* “Latin America and Caribbean solar markets to ‘explode’” [Energy Live News].

* “Solar Industry Poised to Lead U.S. Job Growth in 2013 - Solar Energy International (SEI) Responds with Online Solar Training Schedule” [Yahoo!].

* “Bright outlook for smart grid technologies and commercial DR” [Smart Grid News].

* “Brazil 2012 ethanol exports surge to highest since 2009” [Platts].

* “Iran-Iraq alliance and the right price of oil” [OilVoice].

* “Why Shell Should Just Quit Its Alaska Drilling Fiasco” [Forbes].

* “Floods blamed for 16 pipeline spills” [Miami Herald].

* “A lot fewer oil and natural gas rigs in action in the US, but it isn’t showing up in production numbers” [The Barrel].

* “Report: Gas drilling safe under proposed rules” [FuelFix].

* “Now an export point, Niagara gas border hub sees new volatility” [Platts].

* “Wastage eating up significant volumes of gas in Bangladesh” [Platts].

* “Territorial Spate to Slow Offshore Gas Progress in the Philippines” [PennEnergy].

* “Tainted reaction masks nuclear procurement” [Financial Times].

* “Substantially increasing U.S. nuclear capacity without building new reactors” [PennEnergy].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “Gulf will add 21,000 km in 5 years to its current pipe network, 14% of planned global pipeline network” [AMEinfo].

* “EDF sells majority stake in Catalina” [reNews].

* “EDF Energy misses its own deadline over funding talks for nuclear plants” [The Times]. And: “EDF inquiry puts brakes on UK nuclear plans” [Financial Times].

* “OE to take plunge at Wave Hub” [reNews].

* “Slow start to Pakistan's renewable power plans” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Vestas bags 90MW Chile build” [reNews].

* “IHA announces partnership with China Society for Hydropower Engineering” [HydroWorld].

* “Abengoa says first solar-thermal plant in South America done” [ReCharge News].

* “48MW Linowo cranks up in Poland” [reNews].

* “New Falklands wind farm gives British military a boost ” [BusinessGreen].

* Statoil: “Completed appraisal well in Johan Sverdrup” [Statoil].

* “Valero joint venture plans oil dock at Sabine-Neches” [FuelFix].

* “Substantial signs of gas in Aphrodite-2 well: Israel Opportunity Fund” [Platts].

* “ConocoPhillips-Karoon Gas JV Resumes Drilling in Greater Poseidon” [Rigzone].

* “ExxonMobil commissions Singapore petrochemical plant expansion” [OilVoice].

* “New tree protesters attempt to block Keystone XL” [FuelFix].

* “Dejour Energy secures $6.5 million in local backing for Kokopelli drilling expansion” [OilVoice].

* “Alicat to build Eon offshore craft” [reNews].

* “PetroRabigh halts refinery after power cut” [AMEinfo].

* “U.S. oil company latest to move on Morocco” [UPI].

* “China Sunergy has big solar plans for Turkey” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Bumi Resources hit by derivatives losses” [Financial Times].

* “Qinetiq has designs on SubHub” [reNews].

* “WPL wraps purchase of 600 MW natural gas-fired Riverside Energy Center” [PennEnergy].

* “Goodrich Petroleum Announces 2013 Capital Expenditure Budget, Guidance And Operational Update” [Yahoo!].

* “Kitimat LNG Project Receives Christmas Eve Boost” [AoL Energy].

* “EPURON: Strong Growth of French Wind Farm Portfolio” [Yahoo!].

Of Interest

* “Can a 'green' company engage in tax avoidance? ” [BusinessGreen].

News roundup (2nd of January, 2012).

Highlights: Lebanon and India to open bids for Gas and Coal respectively · Motion in Alaska to ban hydraulic fracturing · Pakistan to boost wind power.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* “Iran says captures two U.S.-made miniature surveillance drones” [Reuters]. Video (Hormuz naval drill): “Iran shows new combat helicopter” [Reuters].

* “Lebanon opens bidding for East Med gas” [UPI].

* “Ukraine looks to replace gas with coal” [UPI].

* UK: “Government backs new Low Emission Zones with £2m grants” [BusinessGreen].

* “Alaska Proposes Changes to Hydraulic Fracturing Rules” [Rigzone].

* US: “Murkowski briefed on grounded rig as stormy seas thwart response” [FuelFix].

* “US state to tax electric car users” [Energy Live News].

* US: “Nebraska asked to wait on Keystone XL” [UPI].

* “House GOP aide heads to oil industry group” [The Hill].

* “India offers 17 coal blocks for exploration in inaugural auction” [Platts].

* “Alternative energy: Pakistan intends to generate 3,200 MW through wind power” [The Express Tribune].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “The Perverse Economics of the Electric Grid” [Forbes].

* UK: “Renewables Roadmap reveals path to a greener energy mix” [BusinessGreen].

* US: “Energy’s momentum drives real estate projects” [FuelFix].

* “Cost of combating climate change surges as world delays - study” [Reuters].

* “Survey Shows Support For Clean Energy, Opportunity For EVs & Smart Grid” [CleanTecnica].

* UK: “Calls to count costs of energy efficiency schemes as industry considers Cert and Cesp figures” [Utility Week].

* UK: “Is the future bright for on-farm renewables?” [Farmers Weekly].

* “Solar Energy in Germany up by 45% in 2012” [Energy Market Price].

* On the US Power Tax extension: “US 'fiscal cliff' agreement calms utilities' fears on tax rates” [Platts]; “Wind Energy PTC Extension Underlines Lobby's Growing Heft in DC” [AoL Energy]; “US biodiesel makers expect jolt after tax credit renewal, fraud fix” [Platts].

* “US wind investment set to fall” [Financial Times].

* “CCS is a necessity for a world hooked on fossil fuels” [IEA].

* “Exxon Yellowstone oil spill made worse by delay-report” [Reuters].

* “Oil market in 2012: A year in review” [CGES].

* “South Sudan's oil production hasn't trickled down to basic services” [The Guardian].

* “Russia’s 2012 Oil Output Rises to Post-Soviet Record on Prices” [Bloomberg].

* “Oil products become South Korea's largest export earner in 2012 on 9% rise” [Platts].

* “Natural Gas Trading Strategy” [AoL Energy].

* “Methane leaks erode green credentials of natural gas” [Nature].

* “In U.S., the Lure of Export May Further Fuel Natural Gas Boom” [Yale e360].

* Nuclear: “Global ups and downs” [WNN].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “DESERTEC Foundation Begins Work on Asian Super Grid for Renewable Energy” [Ecopreneurship].

* “EBRD’s $70m loan for Ukrainian coal sector” [Energy Live News].

* “Cost for Shah Deniz II tops $28 billion” [UPI].

* “Iberdrola says 'au revoir' to French wind farms in €350m deal” [BusinessGreen].

* “International Consortium including GE acquires 32 wind farms in France” [PennEnergy].

* “Buffett to build world’s largest photovoltaic solar project” [FuelFix].

* “BP Begins Production From Skarv Field, Norway” [BP].

* “Layoffs loom at Moventas” [reNews].

* “South Korean units restart after probe” [WNN].

* “Australia's Exoma Energy regroups after CNOOC share subscription falters” [Platts].

* “Alstom to retrofit turbines at Eskom's Kriel coal-fired power station” [PennEnergy].

* “Altivia Corp. ended 2012 with a $125 million deal” [FuelFix].

* “Algonquin Power buys Illinois wind farm for $148.9 million” [Platts].

* “Thames Water adds wind turbine to renewables portfolio at Crossness sewage works” [Utility Week].

* Goldwin: “Ecuador joins the wind club” [reNews].

* “Sunergy starts production at 150MW Turkish module plant” [ReCharge News].

* “CLP Hong Kong extends free electric vehicle charging through 2013” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “China searching for more gas for winter” [UPI].

* “Canada eyes more Athabasca oil sands work” [UPI].

* “SunPower sells 579MW of California PV to MidAmerican” [ReCharge News].

* “Three new wind farms connected to Romanian grid” [Energy Live News].

* “Keppel FELS Delivers Jackup Rig to Saudi Aramco Ahead of Schedule” [Rigzone].

* “Application in for Finnish repository” [WNN].

* “TransAtlantic Petroleum Announces 2013 Capital Expenditure Budget and Production Guidance, Provides Operations Update, and Announces Organizational Enhancements” [Yahoo!].

* “Longyuan Power breaks 10GW line in wind installations” [Windpower Monthly].

* “Longwei Petroleum Raises Full-Year Guidance with Increased Revenue Contribution from its Huajie Facility” [Yahoo!].

* “Posco-ledgroup secures Canadamine stake” [Financial Times].

* “Environment protests hit Sumatra gold mine” [Financial Times].

* “Award-Winning PV Cell Pushes Efficiency Higher ” [Renewable Energy World].

* “World's First LNG Fuelled PSV Charter Extended” [MarineLink.com].

News roundup (1st of January, 2013).

Highlights: US Congress fiscal cliff bill approved ·Shell conical drilling in Alaska rig ran aground after storm · Fiscal-cliff discussion to spare wind.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* “Iran warns off foreign planes during naval drill: report” [Reuters].

* “Saudi Arabia to develop Midyan gas field soon” [AMEinfo].

* US: “With final vote, Congress resolves "fiscal cliff" drama” [Reuters]; “Wind tax credit in Senate fiscal cliff legislation” [FuelFix]. Related: “Statement from the President, as released by the White House” [Reuters] and “Senate's "fiscal cliff" bill adds $4 trillion to deficits: CBO” [Reuters].

* US (State of Washington): “Lawmaker wants hydropower recognized as renewal energy” [Seattle Times].

* “Chinese Government Blocks CNOOC-Exoma Supplemental Farm-in Deal” [Rigzone].

* Indonesia: “Govt approves 47 oil and gas PODs in 2012” [Jakarta Post].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “Green roofs could grow energy savings for London firms” [BusinessGreen].

* UK: “13 green business predictions for 2013” [BusinessGreen].

* “What Mattered in Energy Innovation This Year” [MIT Technology Review].

* “Renewable Energy Review: United Kingdom ” [Renewable Energy World].

* “US net oil import dependence in October started with a six” [Platts].

* “Shale revolution will not dent $100 oil” [Financial Times].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “Shell’s Kulluk drilling rig runs aground near Alaskan island” [FuelFix]. With: “Runaway Oil Rig Off Alaska Under Control, Shell Says” [New York Post] and: “Kulluk drilling rig accident stokes fresh fears on Arctic drilling” [FuelFix].

* “Remaking BP has yet to pay off” [Financial Times].

* “BG Group secures $1.8bn US Ex-Im Loan” [OilVoice].

* “NSE, ConocoPhillips Deepens Canning Basin Shale Exploration Well” [Rigzone].

* “Statoil makes investment decision for the Mariner project” [OilVoice].

* “China Pearl River Estuary Oil Flows” [MarineLink.com].

* “Offshore W. Africa Drilling Contract” [MarineLink.com].

* “Aker Solutions signs Alvheim contract” [OilVoice].

* “Videocon completes land acquisition for power plant” [Business Standard, via EinNews].

* “PG&E electric bills will rise in January but natural gas costs will decline” [Mercury News, via EinNews].

News roundup (31st of December, 2012).

Highlights: DOE offers $20m funds for integrated solar and fossil projects · Nuclear restart in Japan pending to approval of safety rules · Fiscal-cliff discussion to spare wind.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* “Syria says rebels attack gas pipeline” [CapeCodTimes.com].

* “SNP puts wind up councils” [reNews].

* US: “DOE Offering $20mn for Projects That Integrate Solar and Fossil Fuels ” [Renewable Energy World].

* “Emerging Senate fiscal-cliff plan throws lifeline to wind projects” [The Hill].

* US: “Rep. Markey joins lawsuit in defense of SEC oil payments rule” [The Hill].

* “Alaska proposes new rules to regulate fracking” [Platts].

* “Peru 's Energy Sector Plans US$1.7 Billion Annual Investments Until 2016” [Bernama].

* “Brazil regulator gives hydro nod” [reNews].

* “Japan won't restart nuclear reactors until new safety standard set” [Platts]. Related information also here at UPI.

* “HK makes long overdue moves to ban polluting vehicles” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Indian government officials attend U.S. smart grid technology training” [PennEnergy].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “Japanese Corporations Seek To Profit from Renewable Energy Generation ” [Renewable Energy World].

* “Demand for Clean-Energy Credits in India Doubled in December” [Bloomberg NEF].

* “Renewable Energy Review: Romania” [Renewable Energy World].

* “Good idea of hydropower plant developer brings bad things to local farmers” [VietNamNet].

* “Bringing Solar Power And New Investment To Africa” [Big Think].

* “Intersolar China Highlights Important Solar Industry Issues” [Renewable Energy World].

* “Biomass Industry Outlook 2013: Dogged by Regulatory Uncertainty ” [Renewable Energy World].

* “Petrodollars: Australia’s domestic tension between domestic and export LNG prices” [The Barrel].

* “Stormy Outlook for Sino-Japanese Relations on Senkaku Islands Spate” [Rigzone].

* “When fracking came to suburban Texas” [PennEnergy].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “Iberdrola in 321MW onshore sale” [reNews]. Also at ReCharge News.

* “Sinopec, Conoco Shale Gas Venture” [Yahoo!].

* “S.Korea to restart one of two troubled reactors this week” [Reuters].

* “Solarstrom Sells Five German Solar Plants to Private Investor” [Bloomberg NEF].

* “Chinese a step closer to Africa mine deal” [Financial Times].

* “Silvermere Energy says pipeline in Mustang Island remains shut down” [Reuters].

* “McMoRan Exploration has “limited success” in ultradeep well” [FuelFix].

* “BPZ Energy Announces Receipt of Peruvian Supreme Decree to Amend Block Z-1 License Agreement” [Yahoo!].

* “Oil Search Dilutes Interests in Yemen with Sale of Block 3 Stake to Total” [Rigzone].

* “Geothermal Provides Baseload Power for Christmas in California ” [Renewable Energy World].

News roundup (30th of December weekend, 2012).

Highlights: UK Government tightens rules on North Sea operators, guaranteeing financial and operationally capable of manage oil spills· Bolivia nationalises Iberdrola´s electricity distribution subsidiaries · Iran-Iraq gas pipeline construction to start in 2013.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* UK: “Energy company staff working at climate ministry” [The Guardian].

* UK: “North sea insurance rules tightened” [Financial Times].

* US: “Wind credit proponents prepare for 'fiscal-cliff' agreement without extension” [The Hill].

* “Bolivia nationalises Iberdrola electricity distributors” [Financial Times]. Also at Yahoo!.

* “Japanese PM visits Fukushima nuke plant” [UPI].

* “Noble Discoverer Investigation: Arctic Drill Ship Used By Shell Ordered To Stay In Alaska” [Huffington Post].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* Scotland: “Renewables firms fear independence” [Scotsman].

* “In Brazil, a river dam collides with the past” [Los Angeles Times].

* “Sun shines on renewable energy as economic force” [AMEinfo].

* “Electric car sales in UK expected to double in 2013 as prices start to fall” [The Guardian].

* “Opec cartel to reap record $1tn” [Financial Times].

* “Summit in Abu Dhabi to address challenges in Enhanced Oil Recovery” [AMEinfo].

* “Louisiana attorney general says money low for BP suits” [The Advertiser, via EinNews].

* “What the price of gold is telling us about the price of oil, 2012 edition” [Platts].

* “Tax on natural gas could bring wide benefits” [Tampa Bay Times, via EinNews].

* “Nuclear Options Vex Europe” [WSJ].

* “Greenpeace strikes out at Philippines’ nuclear ambitions ” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Miners ready to take punt on rare earths” [Financial Times].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “Construction of Iran-Iraq gas pipeline to commence next year” [AMEinfo].

* “Russia to Up Oil Exports to Belarus in Q1 2013 - Transneft” [RIA Novosti].

* “Stranded Shell drilling rig being towed to safe harbor” [FuelFix and more info here].

* “China worker links country’s first residential PV system to grid” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “French firm hits back at fears of Chinese nuclear tech transfer” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Dana Gas makes significant new gas discoveries in Egypt” [AMEinfo].

* “First electricity flows from Ningde nuclear plant” [WNN].

* “First concrete at Tianwan 3” [WNN].

* “Yingli teams up with Longyuan to power Tibetan households” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Southern Co. faces risks on Mississippi power plant” [FuelFix].

* “World’s largest clean energy consumer to become vendor” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Revival of Hitachi the Company Is a Detriment to Hitachi the City” [New York Times].

* “Toshiba sale shows nuclear-industry concerns” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “ORPIC floats tenders of Sohar Refinery expansion” [AMEinfo].

News roundup (28th of December, 2012).

Highlights: Iran starts Hormuz Strait naval drill · Japanese government sets nuclear phase out programme · Polish government delays implementation of EU emission targets 4 years.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* Iran sanctions: “Iran starts navy drills in Strait of Hormuz: IRNA” [Reuters]. Related: “Special Report: Inside the West's economic war with Iran” [Reuters].

* “Iran says Saudi Arabia encouraging Pakistan to cancel pipeline project” [AMEinfo].

* “Lebanon schedules first offshore oil and gas sale” [PennEnergy].

* “France probes EDF over China ties” [Financial Times].

* “Poland defers emissions restrictions to 2020 from 2016” [Platts].

* “Turkey stops releasing crude oil import data by source country” [Platts].

* “Government accuses BP of being evasive on Gulf spill flow rate” [FuelFix].

* “Japan's new government to restart nuclear reactors - Nikkei” [Reuters]. And: “Japan's new government sticks to three-year nuclear safety goal” [Reuters]

* “Beijing steps up program to scrap polluting cars” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Taiwan to explore oil and gas in South China Sea” [Energy Live News].

* “AP Exclusive: Photos show NKorea nuclear readiness” [CapeCodTime.com].

* Pakistan: “Oil and Gas Development Company: Wellhead gas price” [OilVoice].

* Statoil: “Evacuation injures eight oil workers’ hearing” [Aftenbladet].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* Platt’s Insight Magazine: Global Energy Outlook 2013 [Platts].

* “Chevron’s CEO: Affordable energy is crucial” [FuelFix].

* UK: “Coalition's energy policy blamed for insulation job losses” [The Guardian].

* India: “Govt may miss rural electrification target due to difficult terrains” [Panchabuta].

* “Carbon Taxes Make Ireland Even Greener” [New York Times].

* Renewable Energy Review: India [Renewable Energy World].

* “Pricing sunshine” [The Economist].

* “Threats to the Power Grid and the Advances in Cyber Security to Thwart Them” [AoL Energy].

* “Europe’s high sulfur gasoil: reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated” [The Barrel].

* “New petroleum engineering leader says safety is group’s focus” [FuelFix].

* “Five Ways to Forecast Natural Gas Market Activity” [AoL Energy].

* “Drillers Make Switch To Use of Natural Gas ” [WSJ].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “Argentina: Pan American Energy to invest $3.4B” [Businessweek].

* “Canadian Solar to Buy Four Solar Projects for $37 Million” [Businessweek].

* “YPF signs $1.5bn shale field deal” [Financial Times]. Also at Yahoo!.

* “Gazprom launches construction of Southern Corridor pipeline section ” [Panarmenian, via EinNews].

* “LUKoil to Begin Active Phase of Uzbekistan Projects in 2013” [RIA Novosti].

* US: “Developers of Wind Farms Run a Race Against the Calendar” [New York Times].

* “Solar-powered lamp-post provides ray of light for Mali” [The Guardian].

* “Largest Kansas wind farm set to go online” [UPI].

* “Alstom to build a combined heat and power plant in Germany” [Energy Market Price].

* “German firm takes firm foothold in vital China PV market” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Africa gets hydro boost” [reNews].

* “Mississippi Coal Power Plant Could Face Delays And Cost Overruns In Kemper County ” [Huffington Post].

* “Carrizo Oil & Gas selling UK subsidiary, North Sea field for $184M” [FuelFix].

* “Exxon Mobil starts up Singapore unit” [FuelFix].

* “Operators restart Unit 2 at PPL Susquehanna” [PennEnergy].

* “Sempra, BP's Wind Farm in Operation” [Yahoo!].

* “Nuclear Output Rampus Up for Fifth Day on Duke, PPL Units” [Businessweek].

* “Chapelcross nuclear plant defuels third reactor” [Energy Live News].

* “Statoil Awards Aker Gullfaks South Topside Modification Contract” [Rigzone].

* “Adira Energy granted extension of drill contract on its Yitzhak license, offshore Israel” [OilVoice].

* “CNOOC announces two new projects started production successfully” [OilVoice].

* “Toyota Offering Incentives Up To $7,500 For RAV4 EV” [CleanTechnica].

* “AEHI Sees Path to Completing Proposed Nuclear Power Plant Based on 2012 Industry Success, ISU Nuclear Training Designation a Key Component” [Yahoo!].

* “Pars Oil & Gas Company announces Iran attains self-sufficiency in building offshore structures” [OilVoice].

* “ERHC Energy Inc. Commences Rights Offering” [Yahoo!].

* “Coast Guard assisting drilling rig stranded near Alaska” [FuelFix].

Of Interest

* “How does an electrically-assisted bicycle work?” [Electrical Efficiency Magazine].

News roundup (27th of December, 2012).

Highlights: If threats against Iran cease, the country will consider giving IAEA access to military facility · Japanese government to review nuclear phase out · EPA Administrator resigns.

Regulation, Policy, Politics & Legal

* “Iran will open suspect military base if threats dropped: report” [Reuters].

* “Russia, China Launch Stage Two in Joint Nuclear Plant Project” [RIA Novosti].

* “Lisa Jackson Resigns: EPA Administrator Stepping Down ” [Huffington Post]. Also at Platts. Related: “Next EPA administrator pick faces tough confirmation battle” [FuelFix].

* Norway: “Breaches Oseberg C safety regulations” [Aftenbladet].

* “Abe to review plans to end nuclear power” [UPI].

* “China "highly vigilant" over Japanese fighters flying over disputed islands” [Reuters].

* “Sudan, South Sudan accuse each other of border attacks” [Reuters].

* “Deckhands go it alone in BP case” [FuelFix].

* “Tokyo Electric sued by U.S. sailors exposed to radiation” [FuelFix].

* “LDK Solar Announces Arbitration Ruling” [PR Newswire].

Analysis, opinion and reports

* “ICE–the mouse that roared–takes on the Big Board” [The Barrel].

* “Energy Sector Disruption: Three Political Lessons from 2012” [AoL Energy].

* “The Top 9 Energy Numbers From 2012” [Forbes].

* UK: “What future for the Climate Change Committee” [Financial Times].

* “European carbon market loses 30% of its value in 2012” [Energy Market Price].

* “BNEF Chief Executive Michael Liebreich’s VIP Comment: running on deep sand in 2012 – what we got right, and what we got wrong” [Bloomberg NEF].

* “UK groups look to asset sales for boost” [Financial Times].

* “Homeowners Confused About Savings from Energy Efficiency Products” [AZoCleantech.com].

* “Demand puts Emec on crest of a wave” [Aftenbladet].

* “10 home energy management trends for 2013” [Smart Grid News].

* “Ten Solar Energy Predictions for 2013” [Renewable Energy World].

* Renewable Energy Review of the day: Germany [via Renewable Energy World].

* “Simplifying the energy storage customer landscape” [Smart Grid News].

* “The Next 10 Years: Making the most of all that data” [Renewable Grid News].

* “It’s official: China’s new energy vehicle push is a flop ” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Ethanol Makers Get Creative With Corn” [WSJ].

* “Oil Boom Spurs New Investment” [WSJ].

* “China's oil demand hits record levels” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Oil and gas – hey big spenders” [Financial Times].

* “Russia's Role in European Gas Pipeline Politics” [AoL Energy].

* “Running On Empty, Japanese Economy Can’t Forsake Nuclear Energy” [IBT].

* “Nuclear Output Gains as TVA Connects Plant to Power Grid” [Businessweek].

* “Is nuclear power necessary for solving climate change?” [The Guardian].

Projects, Business & Markets

* “Ukrainian Naftogaz will receive 3.7 billion dollars loan from China” [Energy Market Price].

* “Eletrobras to get $1.9 bln Caixa loan for Brazil nuclear plant” [Reuters].

* “Korea’s Hanwha SolarOne gets $475 mln China loan” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “British offshore wind farm near completion” [UPI].

* “Toshiba in Talks to Sell Part of Westinghouse Nuclear-Power Unit ” [WSJ].

* “Noble fixing problems on Discoverer after Arctic drilling season” [FuelFix].

* “Saudi Kayan, Sadara, SAAC form joint venture to build world's largest butanol plant” [AMEinfo].

* “Keppel O&M Bags Three New Contracts worth $343M” [Rigzone].

* “Pars Oil & Gas Company announces two petrochemical projects coming online” [OilVoice].

* “Chevron Has Two More Natural-Gas Discoveries Offshore Australia” [Rigzone].

* “Solabob sparks African economies with solar systems” [BusinessGreen].

* “Magnum Hunter Resources Announces Closing of Williston Basin Properties” [Yahoo!].

* “China’s hydro king to bet $218 mln on solar and wind” [CleanBiz.Asia].

* “Shell’s Ursa makes waves in offshore industry” [FuelFix].

* “Vale to sell stake in oil and gas concession” [OilVoice].

* “Sino Hydro and ZPC sign on for Kariba hydroelectric power project upgrade” [HydroWorld]. Also at CleanTechnica.

* “Sting in 2012 tail for Falck” [reNews].

* “Statoil expands its exploration portfolio in Brazil” [OilVoice].

* “Lundin Increases Ownership in Offshore Brynhild Field” [Rigzone].

* “NSE Progresses Drilling of Shale Exploration Well Onshore Canning Basin” [Rigzone].

* “Ivanhoe Energy completes transfer of China's Zitong Block to Shell China” [OilVoice].

* “McMoRan Exploration Co. updates Gulf of Mexico exploration and development activities” [OilVoice].

* “TH Heavy Engineering Bags Services Contract for Project Offshore India” [Rigzone].

* “Aker Solutions signs Alvheim contract” [OilVoice].

* “Nam Cheong Bags Contract Wins for Three Offshore Support Vessels” [Rigzone].

* “Dong's ex-boss Eldrup to chair Danish offshore centre” [ReCharge News].

* “Nuclear Market Opportunities in India - 2012” [Yahoo!].

* “Weldex opening school for crane drivers at energy park” [Aftenbladet].

* “The First Petrol Station under GAZPROM Brand Opens in Romania” [Web Newswire, via EinNews].

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