Oct. 22 (AP) A single figure sets Venezuela apart from the rest of the world: 303 billion barrels of so-called proven oil reserves. But experts say the country's estimate is inherently problematic and far from proven — rooted in exaggerated, aging data from a corrupt government. The number has long been touted by politicians and... Continue Reading →
Venezuela oilfield hiring picks up as first wave of investment builds
Oct 19 (Reuters) - Oilfield service companies including Weatherford International, Baker Hughes, Halliburton and SLB are advertising dozens of jobs in Venezuela, according to company websites, an early sign that a Washington-backed plan to rebuild the country's energy industry is gaining traction. The hiring could help reverse a sanctions-era exodus of companies and professionals from... Continue Reading →
South Africa dismisses appeals against exploration in TotalEnergies Block 3B/4B
Oct 15 (Reuters) - South Africa's environment minister has dismissed a challenge lodged by conservationists against an environmental authorisation to allow exploration in TotalEnergies-operated Block 3B/4B off the country's West Coast. The decision by Environmental Affairs Minister David Maynier, dated October 13 and seen by Reuters, is the latest in a series of appeals and... Continue Reading →
Is the West’s 100-Year Venezuela Oil Bet About To Backfire?
Oct. 6 (oilprice.com) Centuries ago, the untamed jungles of Venezuela’s Orinoco Basin helped power the myth of El Dorado, a city made entirely of gold. But for the new adventurers staking a claim in the country’s black gold instead, there is no myth involved, but rather the world’s largest crude oil reserves of 303 billion... Continue Reading →
Halliburton Steers Clear of Sea Lion Project off Falkland Islands
Oct. 5 (OE) Halliburton has ruled out working on the Sea Lion oil project near the Falkland Islands after Argentine federal authorities raised questions over potential criminal and civil enforcement related to hydrocarbon activities around the disputed territory. The U.S. oilfield services provider said it had been in contact with Argentine federal authorities regarding any... Continue Reading →
Eco Atlantic’s Namibia Farm-Down to BP Clears Final Approval
Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas has received final ministerial approval to transfer a 60% participating interest in three exploration licenses offshore Namibia to BP, clearing the final governmental consent required for the transaction. The approval covers PEL97, PEL99 and PEL100 in the Walvis Basin, comprising the Cooper, Guy and Tamar licenses. BP Namibia Energy will... Continue Reading →
US senators hit deal on energy project permitting bill, vote after midterm elections
Sept 30 (Reuters) - US senators from both parties said on Wednesday they have reached a deal to reform laws on the permitting of large energy and infrastructure projects, though a vote will not occur before the midterm elections. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the years-long effort by Congress to overhaul federal permitting,... Continue Reading →
Venezuela’s Oil Comeback Could Cost More Than $100 Billion
Sept. 27 (oilprice.com) The Trump Administration is touting the new oil order in Venezuela as a tremendous opportunity for reviving the industry in the world’s biggest crude oil resource holder. The U.S.-led restructuring of the sector kicked out Russian and Chinese companies out of previously awarded concessions, and spurred a flurry of oil deals with... Continue Reading →
US Senate inches closer to US infrastructure permitting reform bill
Sept 24 (Reuters) - The US Senate is nearing a deal to reform laws to speed up permitting of large infrastructure projects after the White House compromised on how renewable energy is treated, though a vote is uncertain before the midterm elections, a top Senate Democrat said on Thursday. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, the top Democrat... Continue Reading →
Lessons for Guyana’s next oil auction: Faster awards, seismic data
Sept. 21 (oilnow.gy) Guyana’s first competitive offshore licensing round attracted global energy companies and tested stronger fiscal terms. However, the government will need to improve the speed, certainty, and data supporting the process before offering more blocks. The government has indicated an interest in another licensing round as it seeks to widen exploration beyond the... Continue Reading →