April 22, 2025 Latest Energy / Automotive News and Analysis
London, April 22, 2025 (Oilandgaspress) –- Europe’s benchmark natural gas prices fell by 2.5% on Tuesday after a four-day-long Easter holiday weekend as arrivals of LNG cargoes remain slightly above the seasonal average, easing concerns about gas storage refill in the spring and summer.
Dutch TTF Natural Gas Futures, the benchmark for Europe’s gas trading, fell by 2.5% at $49.97 (34.78 euros) per megawatt-hour (MWh) as of 11:28 a.m. in Amsterdam on Tuesday... Read More
BW Energy announce that second sidetrack DBM-1 ST2 well has confirmed the substantial oil discovery with good reservoir and fluid quality of the Bourdon prospect in the Dussafu Licence offshore Gabon, announced on 7 March 2025. Management estimates indicate 56 million barrels oil in place of which approximately 25 million barrels are considered recoverable.
“The appraisal well confirms the potential for establishing a new development cluster with a production facility following the MaBoMo blueprint. We expect at least four producing wells,” said Carl K. Arnet, CEO of BW Energy. “We continue to successfully expand the Dussafu reserve base which, together with multiple additional prospects yet to be to be drilled, will support long-term production and value-creation in Gabon.”
Initial data shows that oil from Bourdon field has the lowest viscosity of the Dussafu discoveries measuring an average of 3.5 centipoise (cp), compared to 5 cp and 7 cp for the Hibiscus / Tortue and Ruche fields, respectively. Evaluation of logging data and formation pressure measurements confirm approximately 11.2 metres of pay in an overall hydrocarbon column of 35.2 metres in the Gamba formation. The well was drilled by the Norve jack-up rig to a total depth of 4,731 metres.
Bourdon is located approximately 15 kilometres west of FPSO BW Adolo and 7.5 kilometres southeast of the MaBoMo facility. The discovery will enable the Company to book additional reserves not included in its 2024 Statement of Reserves. . Read Related News
TMC Announces Changes to Executives Toyota Motor Corporation announced today that it intends to implement changes to Executive Personnel following the 121st Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting.
Resigning Executives following the 121st Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting . Read Related News
Summit on the Future of Energy Security On 24 and 25 April 2025, the IEA and the UK government will convene an international Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London. UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband and IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol will co-host the event and feature among the keynote speakers.
The Summit will examine the geopolitical, technological and economic factors affecting energy security at the national and international level. It will provide leaders and decision makers from around the world with an opportunity to review the trends shaping global energy security – and reflect on the tools needed to address traditional and emerging energy security risks. Key areas include changes in demand, supply and trade of major fuels; the expanding role of electricity in many energy systems; the growth of clean energy technologies and their supply chains; and the availability of the minerals and metals required for many clean energy technologies.
60 governments from across the globe to take part in international Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London
The event is by invitation only. . Read Related News
Wood selected by TotalEnergies in Iraq Wood, a global leader in consulting and engineering, has been awarded two new engineering and procurement framework agreements worth $11 million by TotalEnergies EP Ratawi Hub as part of the Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP), a multi-energy project designed to enhance the development of Iraq’s natural resources and improve the country’s electricity supply at the Ratawi field in Iraq. Each of the new contracts has a three-year term under which Wood will support TotalEnergies to advance the Associated Gas Upstream Project (AGUP), a key part of the GGIP project.
The aim is to debottleneck and upgrade existing facilities to increase energy production capacity to 120,000 barrels of oil per day on completion of the first phase. Shaun Dewar, Senior Vice President of Operations, Middle East and Africa at Wood said: “We have an extensive track record in brownfield facility modifications and are committed to delivering safe, quality and innovative outcomes for TotalEnergies. Wood has supported the Ratawi field since 2023.
“We have held six recruitment days, hiring 70 Iraqis to work at the Ratawi operations hub across a range of disciplines including HSE, logistics, quality, construction, welding, electrical and document control.”
The contracts will be delivered by Wood’s teams in Basra and the United Arab Emirates, creating additional roles as the scopes progress. Wood currently employs over 4,000 people across the Middle East, having increased its headcount by 500 in 2024.
Wood is already providing engineering design, detailed design, procurement support, and construction and commissioning assistance for the first phase of the AGUP. . Read Related News
Shanghai Motor Show Mercedes on Tuesday said it is looking to regain a stronger foothold in China with more infotainment and new products. “We will introduce the most efficient and intelligent cars we have ever built,” said Mercedes-Benz chief executive Ola Källenius in Shanghai, describing the company’s vision as “supercomputers on wheels.” China is the most important market for the German car company and important for technical innovations, said Källenius. During his meeting with President Xi Jinping, he had emphasised that China and Mercedes are linked by a “deep friendship,” according to the chief executive.
Mercedes is also working with ByteDance, the Chinese company behind social media app TikTok, to integrate its artificial intelligence model into Mercedes cars in China, Källenius said. . Read Related News
Xpeng Motors Wins MSCI ESG “AAA” Highest Rating for Global Automakers for Two Consecutive Years Xpeng Motors released the ” 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance Report” (“ESG Report”), which fully demonstrated its outstanding achievements and firm commitment in the field of sustainable development. Adhering to the corporate mission of “becoming a smart technology company loved by global users”, Xpeng Motors continued to deepen its ESG practices in 2024, not only maintaining its technological leadership in the smart car industry, but also building a sustainable development ecosystem covering the entire value chain.XPeng Motors has always adhered to a full-stack self-developed R&D strategy, using technology to lead sustainable development, continuously optimizing its product R&D system, and is committed to providing users with smarter and more diverse high-quality products.
The ESG report shows that Xpeng Motors will invest about 6.46 billion yuan in product and technology R&D in 2024, with 574 new authorized patents and a total of 3,263 patents. Among them, Xpeng Motors has increased its R&D investment in the core software and hardware of smart cars, such as AI chips, intelligent assisted driving, super electric systems, and 5C super-charged AI batteries. In 2025, Xpeng Motors and Xpeng Huitian will also invest 9.5 billion yuan in R&D. Read Related News
Upcoming Mercedes‑Benz Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) sets the course for a new era The introduction of the modular, flexible and scalable Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) will usher in a new era starting in 2026. With it, Mercedes‑Benz is redefining the privately positioned van and taking it into the luxury segment with a special focus on the “Private Lounge”. The future model portfolio will range from practical, entry-segment family vehicles and exclusive VIP shuttles to luxurious limousines with an enormous amount of space, each in line with different customer requirements. By expanding the top-end of its model portfolio, Mercedes‑Benz Vans is defining a unique segment of its own that bestows true greatness to automotive luxury.
The Vision V show car provides a glimpse of the top-end version. It demonstrates Mercedes‑Benz Vans’ vision of combining generous space with maximum exclusivity and an unprecedented immersive, digital experience. The Vision V is a luxurious and elegant chauffeur-driven limousine that allows one to pamper themselves in a whole new world of comfort. Analogue craftsmanship merges with an immersive user experience to create a holistic experience with a cocooning effect. The sporty, elegant exterior underlines the iconic design and signals dynamism and status at the same time.
“The Vision V is the beginning of a new era for Mercedes‑Benz Vans. It demonstrates, in the truest sense of the word, how we bring luxury to a spacious cabin and define a new segment. With that, we set standards in design, comfort and an immersive user experience –while meeting the highest demands of our customers.”
Thomas Klein, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans
“The Mercedes‑Benz Vans have been iconic for decades. With the Vision V we take that heritage and transform it into a completely new context of highest luxury transportation. This show car embodies the perfect harmony between luxury and van design, setting a new benchmark for the future.”
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG Read Related News
Steer-by-wire becomes reality at Mercedes-Benz
.Mercedes‑Benz will be the first German car manufacturer to offer a production vehicle with steer-by-wire from 2026. This technology does not require a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Instead, the driver’s steering requests are transmitted quickly and directly via an electrical cable, i.e. “by wire”. The completely new steering feel provides an unparalleled customer experience with a wide range of advantages in everyday driving: handling is better and manoeuvring and parking become even easier. This is because steer-by-wire can further reduce the effort required and there is no longer a need to re-grip the steering wheel while parking.The functionality of steer-by-wire in detail: depending on the driving speed and situation, an actuator on the steering wheel (steering feedback unit; SFU) sends the driver’s steering signal to the steering rack (steering rack unit; SRU), which steers the wheels. The SFU also generates the steering feel typical of Mercedes‑Benz. Since the mechanical decoupling of the steering wheel and wheels eliminates steering torque, the tyre-road contact is calculated on a model-by-model basis with the help of the restoring forces of the steered wheels. The new steer-by-wire system from Mercedes-Benz has already completed more than one million test kilometres on test benches. Read Related News
Aces for Charity – Porsche donates 30,000 euro for a good cause
Not only was the 48th Porsche Tennis Grand Prix a success, but also the Aces for Charity fundraiser which has been a fixture for many years at the long-standing Stuttgart tournament. Porsche has donated 100 euro to charitable organisations for every ace struck. Up until the final, a total of 199 outright service winners were sent down and Porsche rounded the sum up to 30,000 euro. The money has been divided up equally between the ‟Stiftung Agapedia” and the ‟Stuttgarter Kinderstiftung” foundations. The cheques were handed over before the final on Centre Court by Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board, Production and Logistics of Porsche AG. The money will go towards funding projects and facilities for children in the Stuttgart region. Ekaterina Alexandrova played a major part in increasing the donation as the semifinalist delivered a total of 36 aces.
Finals day started with a special cultural highlight as the Stuttgart Ballet, which is supported by Porsche, presented an excerpt from ‟Lost Room” choreographed by Fabio Adorisio. In brilliant movement language, the dancers from the world-famous company themed memories, imagination and transience on Centre Court.The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is the flagship of Porsche’s worldwide involvement in women’s tennis. First played in Filderstadt in 1978, the long-standing Stuttgart tournament has been held in the city’s Porsche Arena since 2006.. Read More
CSignum, the leading provider of wireless technology extending IoT communications beneath the surface, has completed a £6 million Series A funding round. The investment will accelerate growth of its EM-2 family of products which are transforming the way critical wireless sensor data is transmitted from submerged environments to networks above.
The funding round was led by Archangels, Par Equity, and Scottish Enterprise with additional investment from British Business Investment (BBI), Raptor Group, Deep Future, SeaAhead’s Blue Angel Network, and notable individual US investors.
This new investment enables CSignum to expand its global presence, accelerate product development and address the growing demand for reliable, real-time data transmission for underwater and underground applications.
CSignum’s EM-2 solutions represent a breakthrough in wireless communication technology, capable of reliably transmitting data, via patented electromagnetic field signalling (EMFS), through environments including water, ice, soil, rock and concrete to networks above the surface – an ability no other wireless method has successfully achieved to date.Key applications for EM-2 systems include water quality and environmental monitoring, wireless under-ship monitoring, and security applications for critical underwater infrastructure such as offshore wind turbines and oil and gas platforms.
The company also offers CSignum Cloud, providing data services to complement its wireless systems. The company’s dashboard and analytics are successfully deployed on several river water quality monitoring projects.
CSignum is working with customers in the UK, EU and US markets, to address growing environmental regulatory requirements. With upcoming deadlines for compliance, including large-scale real-time monitoring mandates under the AMP8 initiatives, the demand for innovative, wireless solutions presents a significant growth opportunity for CSignum and its EM-2 technology. Issued by Frame on behalf of CSignum Read More
The manufacturing sector continues to groan under the weight of multiple grid failures and high energy costs, resulting in N1.11 trillion in alternative energy bills last year.
The figure, as disclosed by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Economic Review for the Second Half of 2024, is a significant increase (42 per cent) from N781.7 billion spent in 2023.
The developments indicate the government’s inefficiency in tackling the deteriorating economic condition.
The inflationary pressure, soaring cost of doing business and the poor power supply continue to weaken production, as evident by last year’s data. Electricity costs surged by over 200 per cent for Band A consumers last year when the new tariffs came into effect. This significantly increased manufacturing costs for manufacturers to decrying the impact on productivity.
While power availability marginally improved, manufacturers continue to face frequent power failures and higher costs as the country witnessed at least 12 national grid collapses in the year, the report said. Read More
US Commerce Department has announced plans to impose tariffs of up to 3,521% on imports of solar panels from four South East Asian countries. It comes after an investigation that began a year ago when several major solar equipment producers asked the administration of then-President Joe Biden to protect their US operations.
The proposed levies – targeting companies in Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam – are in response to allegations of subsidies from China and the dumping of unfairly cheap products in the US market.
A separate US government agency, the International Trade Commission, is due to reach a final decision on the new tariffs in June. The countervailing and anti-dumping duties, as these tariffs are known, vary between companies and the countries their products are made in. Some solar equipment exporters in Cambodia face the highest duties of 3,521% because of what was seen as a lack of cooperation with the Commerce Department investigation.: Read More
Following the reveal and official announcement of the reboot on 17 March, Renault is opening reservations for the Renault 5 Turbo 3E* “mini-supercar” on 22 April 2025, from 9am (CET). A modern, electric reboot of the legendary Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 of the 1980s, the new vehicle will be available from €155,000 including VAT as an introductory price, excluding options, accessories and personalisation choices (provisional recommended retail price, limited to the first 500 signatories in the Renault network of a priority order reservation, subject to change when sales open). It will be sold in Europe (including the UK), the Middle East, Japan and Australia.
*Vehicle not yet homologated – technical specifications subject to change through to homologation.
An exceptional car demands an exceptional marketing plan. From 22 April, customers wishing to place a secure order for one of the 1,980 numbered examples of Renault 5 Turbo 3E can complete the form on the dedicated page of the Renault website in their country. They will select a dealer who will contact them to make an appointment at the showroom. Here, they will sign a reservation form and make a payment of €50,0000. They will then have priority when Renault 5 Turbo 3E becomes available to buy. Customers can choose the number of their future car if they so wish (paying option).
In line with the principle of upfront funding, any dealers placing a reservation for a car – in their capacity as key partners – will contribute to its pre-financing, just like the customers.. This collective effort will contribute to financing the development of Renault 5 Turbo 3E. Read More
| Oil and Gas Blends | Units | Oil Price | Change |
| Crude Oil (WTI) | USD/bbl | $63.90 | Up |
| Crude Oil (Brent) | USD/bbl | $67.05 | Up |
| Bonny Light 22/04/25 CBN | USD/bbl | $70.24 | Down |
| Dubai | USD/bbl | $68.14 | Down |
| Natural Gas | USD/MMBtu | $3.08 | Down |
| Murban Crude | USD/bbl | $68.30 | Up |
| OPEC basket 21/04/25 | USD/bbl | $69.65 | Up |
To improve its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, the US Army has introduced the K1000 Ultra-Long Endurance Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
Developed by California-based Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, this solar-powered drone is now operational with the Army’s 1st Multi-Effects Battalion (MDEB) under the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF).
Solar drone for surveillance
According to a press release by the US Army, the highlight of the training was the network extension integration and deep sensing capability of High-Altitude Balloons (HABs) and the experimentation with K1000 ultra-long-endurance, solar-powered UAS.
“This is our first real exercise integrating government owned and operated ultra long-endurance UAS specifically designed for long-range deep sensing,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Mroszczyk, commander of 1 MDEB. This drone can fly up to 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers) and reach a maximum altitude of 20,000 feet (7,000 meters). Its top speed is 40 knots (74 kilometers/46 miles per hour).
One operator can control a fleet of K1000 drones using an easy-to-use, game-like interface. Read More
Nio Firefly is the latest EV creating buzz with its “swappable battery.”
Last December, the Shanghai-based electric vehicle company offered glimpses of its compact electric hatchback, the Firefly, at its Nio Day event in Guangzhou. Well, the wait is over, and it’s officially launched. The Nio Firefly is equipped with a 42.1 kWh Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which provides a claimed range of 420 kilometers (260 miles). This range is sufficient for zipping around the city and even longer day trips.
The Firefly can handle DC fast charging up to 100 kW, which is decent for a battery of this size.
However, Nio has a real advantage, especially in China: its battery swap technology. . Read More
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OilandGasPress Energy Newsbites and Analysis Roundup | Compiled by: OGP Staff, Segun Cole @oilandgaspress.
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