The International Air Transport Association predicts that 7.2 billion passengers will fly in 2035, nearly doubling the 3.8 billion in 2016. So how do we make flying easier on the environment? Instead of petroleum, researchers have now developed new processes to ramp up production of bio-based fuel made from corncobs and wood chips.

Lukoil pushed oil production at Vladimir Filanovsky field in the Caspian Sea to 16,500 tonnes/day with the completion of the field’s eighth well. 

Brazil’s second and third presalt tender rounds held on Oct. 27 drew signature bonuses of $1.9 billion on six of eight blocks offered. Unlike concession regime rounds, production-sharing contract rounds are unbiddable and set in advance. Government profit-share rates were the primary factor in the bids, says Wood Mackenzie Ltd.

Privately held Cub Creek Energy, Highlands Ranch, Colo., has achieved average initial 30-day production of 2,404 boe/d from seven wells drilled on its Haley pad in Wattenberg field, Weld County, Colo.

The Western Energy Alliance and Independent Petroleum Association of America jointly sought injunctive relief for their members from impending compliance dates in January under the US Bureau of Land Management’s venting and flaring rule.

Benchmark crude oil prices on US and London markets rose on Oct. 27 with Brent crude oil rising above $60/bbl for the first time in more than 2 years.

Fatigue due to repetitive strain is the leading cause of failure in metal components and structures, but new research shows how crystalline structures called nanotwins can slow the accumulation of fatigue-related damage.