London, December 18, 2024 (Oilandgaspress) –-Anxiety over charging is now the biggest barrier to EV adoption, new research shows.
Concern the public charging infrastructure is inadequate has overtaken range anxiety as the biggest barrier to electric car uptake amongst private car buyers, ahead of cost and quality. Nearly two fifths of private car buyers cited worries about charging infrastructure as the main reason they aren’t considering choosing a pure electric car, an exclusive survey by What Car? revealed.
A recent poll by leading EV charge point app ZapMap found that the public charging network is as important as ever.
Half of EV owners using public charging at least once a month, even when they have a homecharger installed at their residence. Read More
Vestas has secured a 217 MW order from SSE Generation Limited for the Strathy South wind energy project in Scotland, UK. Vestas will deliver 35 V162-6.2 MW wind turbines, and the order includes supply, delivery, installation, and commissioning of the turbines. This order marks the first deployment of V162-6.2 MW turbines in the UK. Upon completion, Vestas will service the turbines under a 20-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement designed to ensure optimised performance of the assets.
“This project marks another, positive first for Vestas in the UK. Last year we secured our first EnVentus order in the country. Now we’re delighted to partner with SSE on the first deployment in the UK of the larger V162-6.2 MW turbines. Vestas’ broad range of onshore wind solutions continue to deliver a robust solution for the UK electricity market”, states James Robinson, Country Manager and Director Sales UK for Vestas Northern and Central Europe.
Turbine delivery is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 with the project expected to be operational in third quarter 2027. Read More
Vestas wins 77 MW order in New Zealand
News release from Vestas Asia Pacific
Vestas is proud to announce the following order as part of our Q4 order intake:
| Country | Region | Customer | Project name | MW | Turbine variant | Service agreement | Delivery & commissioning |
| New Zealand | APAC | Mercury Energy | Kaiwaikawe | 77 | 12 x V162-6.4 MW | 30-year AOM 5000 service agreement | Delivery and commissioning in 2026 |
TechnipFMC has been awarded a substantial(1) contract by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited to supply Subsea 2.0® production systems for the Bonga North development in Nigeria. The contract covers the design and manufacture of subsea tree systems, manifolds, jumpers, controls, and services. Jonathan Landes, President, Subsea at TechnipFMC, commented: “Shell was the first to adopt our Subsea 2.0® configure-to-order solution, and continues to deploy it across multiple basins—underscoring its commitment to the technology globally. This award further positions us for future deepwater opportunities in the region.”
(1) For TechnipFMC, a “substantial” contract is between $250 million and $500 million. This award will be included in inbound orders in the fourth quarter of 2024. Read More
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has announced that its new production plan for fuel cells and a water electrolysis system to supply hydrogen was selected by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as a successful applicant for its Support Program for Building GX Supply Chains. This METI program is based on the Draft Act for a Smooth Transition to a Decarbonized, Growth-Oriented Economic Structure (GX Promotion Act). It aims to establish a domestic manufacturing supply chain in the GX field, such as for fuel cells and water electrolysis systems that are indispensable for the achievement of carbon neutrality. The program is designed to accelerate efforts ahead of the rest of the world by maximizing the strengths of Japan’s manufacturing supply chain and technology infrastructure, including small and medium enterprises.
Toyota will work with local governments, passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturers, and customers who use these vehicles to promote the creation of a hydrogen society and the widespread adoption of fuel cells. In this context, we aim to establish a strong position in the commercial truck market using hydrogen in 2030. The target will be the fuel cell market in Europe and America, where demand is expected to grow, with a goal of supplying 75,000 units.
Our target for the water electrolysis system is to have a cumulative business scale of 3 gigawatts by around 2030.
Toyota will continue its efforts to promote hydrogen in the value chain of producing as well as transporting, storing, and using in order to achieve carbon neutrality. Read More
Hydro Energi AS and Å Energi have signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) for the delivery of 438 GWh annually to Hydro’s Norwegian aluminium plants over a 10 year period.
The contract secures a total supply of 4.38 TWh of electricity to aluminium and renewable energy company Hydro from 2025 through 2034. The power from Å Energi will be delivered in Norwegian electricity price area NO3.
Long-term contracts are crucial for Hydro to continue to lead the way in low-carbon aluminium globally. Renewable power plays a pivotal role to produce aluminium in Norway with a carbon footprint about 75 percent less than the global average and is key for Hydro to succeed with its technology roadmap towards zero emissions by 2050.The long-term contract will be part of Hydro’s Nordic power portfolio, which consists of captive power production of 9.4 TWh a year and a long-term contract portfolio of around 10 TWh. As several existing long-term power agreements will begin to expire at the end of 2030, Hydro is actively pursuing a range of available sourcing options to meet the demand for renewable power to its operations. Read More
Toyota Times has begun a series of videos presenting “Biographies of Toyota Legends.” The first subject is Kenya Nakamura, who broke conventional wisdom and produced a number of historically significant cars. Join us as we explore his achievements and the man behind them. Read More
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) today announced executive-level personnel changes effective March 31 and April 1, 2025, and made nominations for Members of the Board to be proposed at the 100th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled on June 27, 2025. MHI also announced the appointment of current Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Eisaku Ito, as President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 1, 2025. He succeeds Seiji Izumisawa, who will take on the role of Chairman of the Board after six years as MHI’s top executive. These appointments were approved at a meeting of MHI’s Board of Directors held in Tokyo today. Mr. Ito will assume the role of President & CEO after serving as Executive Vice President, CTO, and Head of the Technology Strategy Office since April 2020, his latest position in a career that spans over 30 years at MHI. In a previous role, Mr. Ito promoted the development of a wide range of our company’s technologies and businesses, the improvement of business processes, and the marketing of new products and services. He also played an important role in responding to the rapid evolution of digitalization and AI technologies by establishing the Digital Innovation Headquarters. Going forward under Mr. Ito’s leadership, we will work to achieve further growth as one of Japan’s leading manufacturing and technology companies. Read More
KBR announced today that its ammonia technology has been selected by KazAzot for Kazakhstan’s first world-scale fertilizer complex. KBR will provide a technology license, proprietary engineering design, equipment, and catalyst solutions for KazAzot’s 2,000 metric tons per day ammonia plant to be built in Aktau. Through implementation of this project, KazAzot will address the food security needs of Kazakhstan and other neighboring countries.
“We are excited to support KazAzot in the development of this fertilizer facility in Kazakhstan and offer our innovative solutions for increasing self-reliance,” said Jay Ibrahim, President, KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions. “KBR’s leading PurifierTM ammonia technology seeks to deliver enhanced operational efficiency and a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional technologies.”
KBR is a world leader in ammonia technology and has been at the forefront of innovation in the ammonia market for decades. Since 1943, KBR has licensed, engineered, or constructed over 260 grassroot ammonia plants worldwide. Read More
| Oil and Gas Blends | Units | Oil Price | Change |
| Crude Oil (WTI) | USD/bbl | $70.51 | Up |
| Crude Oil (Brent) | USD/bbl | $73.58 | Up |
| Bonny Light 17/12/24 CBN | USD/bbl | $74.80 | Down |
| Dubai | USD/bbl | $73.13 | Down |
| Natural Gas | USD/MMBtu | $3.33 | Up |
| Murban Crude | USD/bbl | $73.80 | Up |
| OPEC basket 17/12/24 | USD/bbl | $73.43 | Down |
Honda and Nissan will begin negotiations over a potential merger, according to reports.
The Nikkei financial newspaper said on Tuesday that the two Japanese companies would start talks to help combat the increased global competition from bigger electric vehicle makers.
The firms, which are the second- and third-largest car manufacturers in Japan, had combined vehicle sales of 7.4m vehicles in 2023 but are having to compete with soaring sales from Chinese rivals such as BYD and Li Auto.
Nissan shares soared more than 20% in early trade on Wednesday. Read More
Honda is celebrating a quarter-century of hybrid-electric sales in America, a legacy that began with the original Honda Insight, the first mass production hybrid-electric vehicle ever sold in the United States, and continues today with hybrid-electric vehicles playing a key role in the company’s electrification strategy. Over 25% of Honda brand sales today are hybrid-electric vehicles, with the Civic, Accord and CR-V each powered by Honda’s award-winning two-motor hybrid-electric system. Launched in December 1999, the all-new Honda Insight was designed from the ground up as a hybrid with a combination of revolutionary technologies and it remains the most fuel-efficient non-BEV automobile ever sold in America with an EPA highway mileage rating of 70 mpg.Current Honda hybrid-electric models are made in the U.S. and Canada. The Honda CR-V hybrid is produced in three plants, including the East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio, the Indiana Auto Plant and the Alliston Auto Plant in Canada. The Accord hybrid is produced at the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio. The Civic Hatchback hybrid is produced at the Indiana Auto Plant, while the Civic Sedan hybrid is produced at the Alliston Auto Plant. Read More
American Honda revealed a new on-road motorcycle model developed exclusively for U.S. law-enforcement agencies, and available to order exclusively through the Powersports Fleet/Government Purchase Program. Based on the NT1100—the popular sport-touring model currently offered to European customers—the NT1100 Police is powered by the parallel-twin engine from the Africa Twin and comes with many of the same comfort-, convenience- and safety-focused features from the consumer-focused version of the NT1100, including a protective fairing, an adjustable windscreen, a plush seat, LED lighting and electronic rider aids. It is also outfitted with special components designed for policework, and it can be further customized with additional parts available through approved vendors. Read More
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it has decided to build a new plant in Japan to produce the next-generation fuel cell system being developed independently by Honda.
Honda aims to start operating the new plant in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2028 (FY2028), utilizing part of the land and buildings of the Powertrain Unit Factory, located in Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, which discontinued production of automobile powertrain components in October 2024. The new plant will be the first facility dedicated to the production of the fuel cell system being developed independently by Honda and will feature state-of-the-art equipment to achieve high-efficiency and high-quality production with annual production capacity of 30,000 units. Honda is expecting to receive a government subsidy for the production of next-generation fuel cell systems, including the establishment of the new plant, as it has qualified for a project led by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for the purpose of supporting the establishment of supply chains consisting of Japanese manufacturing companies in the GX (green transformation) * area, which is part of the nation’s initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Read More
Honda Europe has released its 2024 European Environmental Report outlining the company’s environmental sustainability performance across its products and operations throughout the region. Now in its 13th consecutive year of publication, the report plays a crucial role in mapping progress and highlighting key milestones in Honda’s goal to achieve global carbon neutrality for all products, operations, and corporate activities by 2050.
“Honda’s commitment to delivering carbon neutrality for all our products, services and corporate activities across the world by 2050 remains as strong as ever”, said Katsuhisa Okuda, President and Director of Honda Motor Europe. “Here in Europe, we have once again taken major strides towards hitting this target over the past financial year and Honda can look forward confidently to delivering on its environmental and sustainability goals”.
Honda’s European Environmental Report 2024
Covering the fiscal year from April 2023 to March 2024, this year’s report coincided with Honda’s celebration of 25 years since the introduction of its pioneering hybrid technology in Europe. Building on the current model lineup of fully electrified cars, that includes the latest Jazz, Civic, HR-V, ZR-V, CR-V and e:Ny1, Honda also unveiled both its new hybrid Prelude Concept and the state-of-the-art all-electric 0 Series.
Development of Honda e:PROGRESS, the intelligent vehicle charging service that allows users to quickly and easily access the least costly and lowest carbon electricity tariffs, also continued in 2024. Already established in the UK, where it can save drivers up to £2,000 each year in charging costs, the service was further expanded across Europe.
Beyond automobiles, Honda’s commitment to sustainability is highlighted throughout all of its operations. Key initiatives from the report include:
The SH125i Vetro scooter, featuring specially developed semi-translucent unpainted green body panels that are far more efficient to manufacture and deliver a 9.5% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the previous model.
Official opening of a solar-powered ‘green’ hydrogen production and vehicle re-fueling station, with capacity for 110 cars or 11 HGVs at Honda R&D Offenbach
‘Naked’ motorcycle deliveries from HMEL Ghent, reducing road transport use by 11% and limiting the requirement for packaging disposal upon arrival at Honda dealerships
Replacement of traditional gas and electrical heating systems at the Honda Italia Industriale S.P.A facility in Italy with four new heat pumps, resulting in a reduction of over 700 tons in CO2 emissions Read More
Dana Incorporated today announced the new AdvanTEK® 40 Pro axle system, the next evolution of its distinguished 40,000-pound 6×4 tandem axle system. Designed to meet evolving commercial vehicle fleet requirements with increased efficiency and enhanced overall productivity, the AdvanTEK 40 Pro axle system includes the fastest axle ratio at 2.05 for advanced engine downspeeding.
“The new AdvanTEK 40 Pro axle system is a testament to our focus on developing high-performance solutions that deliver tangible benefits for today’s professional fleets,” said Brian Pour, Senior Vice President and President of Commercial Vehicle Drive and Motion Systems at Dana. “Advanced design features ensure the ideal balance of efficiency and durability with package flexibility to adapt to unique operational demands.”
Engineered with innovative component technologies, the AdvanTEK 40 Pro axle system includes a range of design features that offer a marked progression in tandem axle design, providing fleets with a 6×4 system that enhances vehicle longevity and performance. Key features and benefits of the new system include:
• Broad ratio range with 18 total axle ratios, including the fastest at 2.05, enhances compatibility with downsped powertrains for more efficient performance
• High-capacity bearing system enabling fast ratios and increased torque throughout the system
• Higher weight-capacity design enables fleets to haul more payload for improved productivity
• Inter-axle differential (IAD) equipped with advanced coatings to better retain lubricant, offering superior protection and extending the life of the drivetrain
• Driver-controlled differential locking in either forward or rear axle allows the driver to enable locking based on the traction requirements, providing added flexibility
• Optional lubrication pump circulates lube in critical areas of the IAD during extreme conditions
The AdvanTEK 40 Pro axle system will be available for ordering in select original equipment manufacturer (OEM) 2025 data books. To learn more about the new axle system, contact your local Dana representative. Read More
Baker Hughes Rig Count: U.S. unchanged at 589 Canada -3 to 191
U.S. Rig Count is unchanged from last week at 589 with oil rigs unchanged at 482, gas rigs up 1 to 103 and miscellaneous rigs down 1 to 4.
Canada Rig Count is down 3 from last week to 191, with oil rigs down 4 to 120, gas rigs up 1 to 71 and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0.
International Rig Count is down 31 rigs from last month to 919 with land rigs down 14 to 712, offshore rigs down 17 to 207. International Rig Count is down 59 rigs from last year’s count of 978, with land rigs down 46, offshore rigs down 13.
The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is unchanged at 16, down 5 year-over-year.
The Worldwide Rig Count for October was 1,754, up 4 from the 1,751 counted in September 2024, and down 22, from the 1,776 counted in October 2023.
| Region | Period | Rig Count | Change |
| U.S.A | 13 December 2024 | 589 | +0 |
| Canada | 13 December 2024 | 191 | -3 |
| International | November 2024 | 919 | -31 |
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OilandGasPress Energy Newsbites and Analysis Roundup | Compiled by: OGP Staff, Segun Cole @oilandgaspress.
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