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Friday, 21 August 2026

35 briefs so farlast update 18:52 UTC

Key points

  • Brent Nears $94 as Washington Readies New Iran Economic Measures.
  • Trump Administration Shifts USD 500 Million Clean Steel Grant to Ohio Coal Furnace.
  • TVA Approves 2026 Resource Plan Centered on Gas for Data Centers.
  • Tesla Discontinues Solar Roof Tiles, Will Supply Only Solar Panels.
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Oil & Gas

Zenith Energy Australia Hired for Nine-Well Plug and Abandon Job in Timor Sea

Australia's Department of Industry, Science and Resources has engaged Zenith Energy Australia to run planning, engineering and regulatory work for the plugging and abandonment of the Laminaria and Corallina wells in the Timor Sea, according to Offshore Engineer OEDigital.

The scope covers nine wells across the two oil fields, Offshore Engineer OEDigital reported: six oil wells in Laminaria, and two oil wells plus one gas injection well in Corallina.

The work is split. Stage 1 covers detailed project planning, engineering design and securing regulatory approvals, with a decision on moving to stage 2 taken after that, according to Offshore Engineer OEDigital.

Zenith is described by Offshore Engineer OEDigital as an independent, engineer-led well engineering and project management company with approximately 10 years' experience in Australia's offshore energy sector.

Source: oedigital.com (opens in a new tab)1 sourcePermalink

Oil & Gas

Brent Nears $94 as Washington Readies New Iran Economic Measures

Brent crude traded near $94 a barrel and was heading for a weekly gain of about 6%, according to World Oil. West Texas Intermediate stood near $87 after five straight sessions of gains.

The move came as the U.S. administration prepared to detail a plan aimed at isolating Iran's economy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration would set out the initiative Monday, World Oil reported, after President Donald Trump called the push an "economic D-day".

Crude has climbed more than 50% this year following disruption to Middle East energy flows caused by the U.S.-Iran war, according to World Oil. That advance frames the current weekly gain: the 6% move sits on top of a rally that has already reset the benchmark well above where it began the year.

The five-session run in the U.S. benchmark points to sustained buying rather than a single-day reaction, with WTI holding near $87.

Source: worldoil.com (opens in a new tab)1 sourcePermalink

Stacked steel oil barrels in an industrial yard with a blurred rising price chart in the background at dawn.
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Oil & Gas

Petrobras in Direct Talks for Four Exploration Blocks in Ghana's Keta Basin

Petrobras has opened direct negotiations for exploration contracts covering four offshore blocks in Ghana, according to World Oil. The acreage sits in the offshore Keta basin, and Ghana's Ministry of Energy and Green Transition cleared the company's application to negotiate for the four blocks, World Oil reported.

The terms remain thin. World Oil reported that Petrobras has not identified which specific blocks are involved, nor disclosed potential ownership interests or planned exploration commitments.

Petrobras framed the step as consistent with its aim of replenishing oil and gas reserves by exploring new frontier areas both in Brazil and outside it, according to World Oil.

Direct negotiation, rather than a competitive licensing round, is the route being used here for the Keta basin acreage. The ministerial approval covers the negotiation stage only; a contract award is a separate step.

Source: worldoil.com (opens in a new tab)1 sourcePermalink