Paul Messad

Asian Development Bank commits $700mn to support Kyrgyz Republic’s energy strategy

The Asian Development Bank and the Kyrgyz Republic have signed a financing agreement to strengthen energy infrastructure, climate resilience and regional connectivity, with over $700mn committed through 2027.

UK urged to choose between carbon capture and aviation fuels

A study from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies finds that energy-from-waste with carbon capture delivers nearly twice the climate benefit of converting waste into aviation fuel.

ConocoPhillips, Repsol and Santos revive Alaskan oil with Nuna and Pikka

Alaska is set to record its highest oil production increase in 40 years, driven by two key projects that extend the operational life of the TAPS pipeline and reinforce the United States' strategic presence in the Arctic.
en_11402020201140540

TotalEnergies strengthens position in Nigeria with 90% stake in OPL257

TotalEnergies increases its stake to 90% in Nigeria’s offshore block OPL257 following an asset exchange deal with Conoil Producing Limited.

TotalEnergies and Chevron compete for 40% stake in Mopane oil field in Namibia

TotalEnergies and Chevron are seeking to acquire a 40% stake in the Mopane oil field in Namibia, owned by Galp, as part of a strategy to secure new resources in a high-potential offshore basin.

Sipperec renews electricity concession contract with EDF and Enedis

Signed for 25 years, the new concession contract between Sipperec, EDF and Enedis covers 87 municipalities in the Île-de-France region and commits the parties to managing and developing the public electricity distribution network until 2051.
en_114019181130540

The CRE assesses the gradual restart of retail energy markets

The French Energy Regulatory Commission publishes its 2023–2024 report, detailing the crisis impact on gas and electricity markets and the measures deployed to support competition and rebuild consumer trust.

Rosneft sells 11% of KPC to ease sanctions pressure

The reduction of Rosneft’s stake in Kurdistan Pipeline Company shifts control of the main Kurdish oil pipeline and recalibrates the balance between US sanctions, export financing and regional crude governance.

Lukoil puts pressure on Sofia to finalise refinery divestment

Russian group Lukoil seeks to sell its assets in Bulgaria after the state placed its refinery under special administration, amid heightened US sanctions against the Russian oil industry.
en_114019181145540

Washington launches new sale of 80 million offshore oil acres

US authorities will hold a large offshore oil block sale in the Gulf of America in March, covering nearly 80 million acres under favourable fiscal terms.

Sinopec to invest $437 million in hydrotreatment unit in Algeria

Sonatrach awarded Chinese company Sinopec a contract to build a new hydrotreatment unit in Arzew, aimed at significantly increasing the country's gasoline production.

Over 80 countries push for roadmap on fossil fuel phase-out at COP30

Gathered in Belém, states from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe support the adoption of a timeline for the gradual withdrawal from fossil fuels, despite expected resistance from several producer countries.
en_114019191130540

Chevron in advanced talks to acquire Lukoil’s international assets

The American major could take over part of Lukoil’s non-Russian portfolio, under strict oversight from the U.S. administration, following the collapse of a deal with Swiss trader Gunvor.

Europeans tighten the noose around Iran with targeted IAEA resolution

The E3 and the United States submit a resolution to the IAEA to formalise Iran's non-cooperation following the June strikes, consolidating the legal basis for tougher energy and financial sanctions.

Lukoil shuts down 430 petrol stations in Finland under US sanctions pressure

Finnish fuel distributor Teboil, owned by Russian group Lukoil, will gradually cease operations as fuel stocks run out, following economic sanctions imposed by the United States.
en_114019191129540

Exxon to close its ethylene plant in Scotland amid market pressures

ExxonMobil will shut down its Fife chemical site in February 2026, citing high costs, weak demand and a UK regulatory environment unfavourable to industrial investment.

Orlen acquires 7.6% of Ekofisk project as DNO reallocates assets

Polish state-owned group Orlen strengthens its North Sea presence by acquiring DNO’s stake in Ekofisk, while the Norwegian company shifts focus to fast-return projects.

UK creates taskforce to strengthen energy resilience after Heathrow outage

The United Kingdom launches a taskforce led by the Energy Minister to strengthen the security of the national power grid after a full shutdown at Heathrow Airport caused by a substation fire.
en_1140290969540

Syria signs strategic oil deal with ConocoPhillips and Nova Terra Energy

The Syrian Petroleum Company has signed a memorandum of understanding with ConocoPhillips and Nova Terra Energy to develop gas fields and boost exploration amid ongoing energy shortages.

India targets $68bn in Japanese investment to boost gas and hydrogen

New Delhi is seeking $68bn in Japanese investment to accelerate gas projects, develop hydrogen and expand LNG import capacity amid increased openness to foreign capital.