Latest news with #Caspian
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Azerbaijan's SOCAR inks oil exploration deals with ExxonMobil and BP
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) has reportedly signed new agreements with Exxon Mobil and bp for oil and gas exploration in the country. This collaboration aims to sustain Azerbaijan's oil output, which is projected to remain at approximately 582,000 barrels per day (bpd) or the next five years with the help of Western energy investments. At the Baku Energy Week conference, the two companies formalised their partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU), reported Reuters, citing three sources. ExxonMobil is expected to enhance Azerbaijan's onshore production, which currently represents just 5% of its total oil output. ExxonMobil vice-president of global exploration John Ardill said: "In the years to come, we will be able to talk about the potential size of the resource and what the economics might look like.' SOCAR vice-president for geology Arzu Javadova emphasised that the current stage of the agreement is to evaluate project options, with no immediate plans for drilling exploration wells. ExxonMobil also holds stakes in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil development project and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, which is a key route for Caspian crude to reach Turkey and European markets. SOCAR is expected to announce the divestment of stakes in the Karabakh and Ashrafi-Dan Ulduzu-Aypara offshore oil and gas fields to bp. BP is expected to take over as the operator of the Karabakh project. The move follows bp's expression of interest last year through an MOU with SOCAR. The fields were previously part of a contract with Equinor, which withdrew in 2017 to concentrate on its core assets. In addition to oil, Azerbaijan is also focusing on expanding its natural gas exports. President Ilham Aliyev disclosed at the conference that the country aims to boost its natural gas exports by eight billion cubic metres (bcm) by 2030, building on the 25bcm exported in 2024. BP also announced a final investment decision on the Shafag solar plant project, a 240MW venture in the Jabrayil district of Azerbaijan. The project, estimated to cost $200m (£147.95m), is a collaboration between bp's solar unit, Lightsource BP, SOCAR, and the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund, with completion targeted for mid-2027. "Azerbaijan's SOCAR inks oil exploration deals with ExxonMobil and BP" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists grow concerned over devastating phenomenon impacting world's largest landlocked body of water: 'It is advisable to start action as soon as possible'
Coastal ports on the Caspian Sea could be left high and dry — and crucial habitats could be strongly affected — if the sea's level continues to drop with increasing global temperatures, a recent study reported. The research warned of risks to humans as well as protected species. Researchers led by University of Leeds faculty explored the possible impacts of projected declines in the sea's level by as much as 21 meters (about 70 feet) by the end of the century. They published their findings in April in the journal Communications Earth & Environment. The water level of the Caspian Sea — the world's largest landlocked water body — is declining as global temperatures increase, because more water is evaporating than flowing in, a university report about the study explained. The researchers concluded that, even if global temperature changes are limited to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels, the Caspian Sea will likely drop 16 to 32 feet. This 2-degree mark is considered by many scientists to be a key threshold for efforts to limit the most severe effects on Earth's climate. Recent assessments consider it likely that the world will exceed this temperature increase. The new findings estimate that more than 27 million acres of the Caspian Sea — an area larger than Iceland — would dry up under even this more optimistic climate scenario. According to the new study, the sea level change under this scenario will "critically disrupt key ecosystems" as well as "reduce existing marine protected area coverage by up to 94%, and render billions of dollars of civil and industrial infrastructure obsolete." Per the report, the Caspian coast is home to more than 15 million people — in Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. They rely on it for fishing, shipping, and trade. The research indicated that, depending on the scenario, Northern Caspian communities and port equipment could end up anywhere from six to 60 miles from the shoreline of a dried-up sea. Dropping water levels will also reduce the breeding habitat of endangered Caspian seals and will limit access to rivers where several species of sturgeon spawn, per the research. A drying sea will also cause the loss of lagoons and other shallow-water habitats crucial to other fish and migratory birds. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The researchers noted that their findings come at a key juncture. "Some Caspian Sea level decline appears unavoidable," Simon Goodman, who supervised the research, said in the University of Leeds report. "It should be possible to find ways to protect biodiversity while safeguarding human interests and well-being ... [but] it is advisable to start action as soon as possible to give the best chance of success." Included on the researchers' list of recommendations are investments in biodiversity monitoring, conservation, and sustainable development. They advocated for helping coastal communities diversify their economies. They also argued for creating protected areas with flexible borders, to accommodate shifting habitats. The recommendations also included cuts to heat-trapping pollution on a global scale — to limit the warming that carries with it risks to the Caspian and the world. These cuts require work for companies and countries — and individuals can also contribute, through efforts ranging from reconsidering what we eat to limiting the carbon pollution of our homes. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Observer
21-05-2025
- Observer
Marsis: Masirah's Sanctuary of Wings
Just beyond the southern edge of Masirah Island, where the ocean begins to breathe in wider rhythms and the horizon opens into emptiness, lies Marsis—a flat, low-lying islet that is both fiercely protected and quietly extraordinary. Though only a short distance from Masirah's coast, Marsis is not open to the public. Access is strictly controlled, granted only with permission from environmental authorities. And for good reason: Marsis is a sanctuary, not just in name, but in every sense of the word. It is alive with wings. To set foot on Marsis—on the rare days when the sea is calm enough and permission has been granted—is to enter a realm ruled by birds. The soundscape is unlike anywhere else on the Omani coast: a chorus of screeches, whistles, flaps, and cries that rises with the wind. Thousands of birds, sometimes in synchronised flight, sometimes scattered like flecks of ink across the shore, make this islet their temporary home. Amal al Junaibi, a local entrepreneur, explains: 'Marsis Island may be tiny, but it plays a big role in protecting birdlife around Masirah. It's one of the few places where seabirds can nest and lay their eggs undisturbed. Its quiet, untouched nature makes it a crucial sanctuary that reminds us how important it is to protect these fragile ecosystems.' Ospreys perch sentinel-like on the rocks, scanning the water for fish. Western reef herons, both in white and slate-grey morphs, wade along the tidal edges. Caspian terns—the world's largest terns—swoop with powerful grace, while Saunders's terns, delicate and nimble, dart and dip closer to the surface. Sooty gulls, bold and noisy, claim the open flats, jostling for space. Flamingos, tall and ghostly pink, are sometimes seen in the nearby shallows, especially during the cooler months, feeding in the tidal flats with surreal elegance. Their presence, though occasional, adds to the ecological richness of the area—reminders of the regional connectivity of Oman's coastal ecosystems. The diversity is staggering. Depending on the season, one might also spot whimbrels, ruddy turnstones, grey plovers, bar-tailed godwits, and greater sand plovers, many of them long-distance migrants resting before their journeys stretch onward across continents. In total, over 40 species of birds have been observed in and around Marsis, making it one of the richest birding sites in the region. What makes Marsis exceptional is not just the sheer variety of birds—it's the fact that so many of them nest here. The islet's surface, seemingly barren at first glance, is in fact delicately patterned with shallow nests. Bird eggs—speckled, fragile, and perfectly camouflaged—are tucked into the sand, marking the beginning of countless lifecycles in this raw and vulnerable environment. 'Marsis Island is incredibly important for bird nesting,' said Andrew Wilson, founding director at Future Seas Global SPC, 'the birds are incredibly sensitive to disturbance during the nesting season—birds scared from the ground by visitors can leave nests unguarded from predators, with the eggs exposed to direct sunlight... all things that interfere with survival during the incubation process.' Marsis lies within the Masirah Island Important Bird Area, as recognised by BirdLife International. This designation reflects the islet's critical role in supporting globally significant populations of seabirds and migratory species. Additional information about bird species, their nesting habits, and migration seasons is publicly available through BirdLife's database and other conservation platforms. Yet Marsis remains utterly undeveloped. There are no trails, no shelters, no structures. And that's exactly how it must stay. The absence of human interference is what allows this place to function as a cradle of life. Conservationists know this. So do the local communities, who have long respected Marsis's role in the ecosystem and the unspoken rule: this is not a place to visit casually, it is a place to protect. As Oman deepens its environmental commitments and expands its understanding of marine and coastal ecosystems, Marsis stands as a vital marker of what can still be preserved when restraint and reverence guide policy. It is not an island for tourism. It is an island for existence; raw, feathered, and fleeting. There are few places left like it. Fewer still that are both known and left alone. Marsis is one of them. A sanctuary of wings, eggs, and silence—a place where life gathers, rests, and begins again.
Malaysian Reserve
19-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Petronas expands gas portfolio in Turkmenistan
PETROLIAM Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has strengthened its long-standing presence in Turkmenistan's upstream energy sector by signing a new production sharing contract (PSC) for the gas and condensate-rich Block I concession in the Caspian Sea, alongside partners XRG, state enterprise Hazarnebit and state concern Turkmennebit. The deal also includes a long-term gas sales agreement (GSA) with state concern Turkmengas, cementing the consortium's commitment to support Turkmenistan's energy security goals and its ambitions to diversify natural gas exports. Under the new PSC terms, Petronas will retain operatorship with a 57% participating interest. Its consortium partner, United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based XRG, will hold 38%, while Hazarnebit will take a 5% stake. Block I, which currently yields approximately 400 million cu ft of natural gas per day, is estimated to contain over seven trillion cu ft of recoverable gas resources. The block holds significant long-term development potential, with room for expanded production capacity to cater to rising regional and global demand. Petronas executive VP and CEO of upstream Mohd Jukris Abdul Wahab said the agreement reaffirms the Malaysian energy giant's enduring role in the country. 'As the first international operator in Turkmenistan's energy sector close to three decades ago, this milestone reinforces our presence and signifies our continued expansion in the upstream sector. 'We are privileged to contribute to the ongoing advancement of the nation's energy industry and remain committed to fostering long-term partnerships with XRG, Hazarnebit, Turkmennebit and Turkmengas,' he said. XRG president of international gas Mohamed Al Aryani described the deal as 'an important milestone' in the company's global growth strategy, noting its align- ment with the deepening diplomatic and commercial ties between the UAE and Turkmenistan. 'It strengthens XRG's presence in the Caspian region, expands our resource base and reflects our ambition to be a reliable supplier of cleaner energy to meet the world's evolving needs,' he said. 'By deepening our partnership with Petronas, Turkmennebit and Turkmengas, we are advancing energy security and economic development, while creating long-term value for all stakeholders,' Al Aryani added. Petronas first entered Turkmenistan in 1996 and has since operated Block I and the associated Gas Treatment Plant and Onshore Gas Terminal (GTPOGT) in Kiyanly. The latest agreement underscores the group's strategy of strengthening its international gas portfolio while supporting host countries in achieving their long-term energy transition and economic development objectives. — TMR This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on presence of sediments in reservoir, Western Disturbances and more (Week 110)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the Western Disturbances, consider the following statements: 1. These are east-moving rain-bearing wind systems that originate beyond Afghanistan and Iran. 2. These winds pick up moisture only from the Mediterranean Sea. 3. They are embedded within the subtropical westerly jet stream — a high-altitude, fast-moving air current that flows from west to east in the Earth's atmosphere — that lies over the Himalayan and Tibetan highlands. 4. They are most common during the summer months (April to June). How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — Western Disturbances are rain-bearing wind systems that begin east of Afghanistan and Iran and pick up moisture from the Mediterranean, Black, Caspian, and Arabian Seas. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is not correct. — These are examples of extratropical cyclones caused by low-pressure zones created by the interplay of polar and tropical winds. Western Disturbances are embedded in the subtropical westerly jet stream, which is a high-altitude, fast-moving air movement that runs from west to east in the Earth's atmosphere and passes over the Himalayan and Tibetan highlands. Hence, statement 3 is correct. — They are most abundant during the boreal winter months (December to March) and have an impact on the weather in India, notably the northwest, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. — Experts believe that rising global temperatures are influencing the customary behaviour of Western Disturbances. For example, a 2024 study published in the journal Weather and Climate Dynamics found that Western Disturbances that occur in winter have increased dramatically over the western and central Himalayas and the Hindu Kush in the last 70 years. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Etna, Dukono, Mauna Loa, and Merapi were recently in the news. These are (a) Region in Sahara Desert (b) Forest region in Amazon Rainforests (c) Volcanoes (d) Artificial Islands Explanation — There may be as many as 50 to 80 new volcanic eruptions worldwide at any given time, but only the most significant ones—Etna, Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Merapi, Eyjafjallajökull, or Fagradalsfjall—make headlines when they happen. — Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano and one of the largest in the world. Its recorded volcanic activity dates back to 1500 B.C. Since then, it has erupted more than 200 times. — One of the most famous long-term eruptions was Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. — Dukono in Indonesia started erupting in August 1933 and is still continuing. Santa Maria in Guatemala began erupting in June 1922 and continues to this day. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Recently, the Pushkar Kumbh has begun at Keshav Prayag, which is located in: (a) Uttar Pradesh (b) Maharashtra (c) Rajasthan (d) Uttarakhand Explanation — After a 12-year, the Pushkar Kumbh has returned to Keshav Prayag, located in the border village of Mana in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. According to authorities, the number of pilgrims visiting Badrinath Dham and Mana village has significantly increased. — District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari stated that the pedestrian route to Keshav Prayag in Mana village has been repaired in anticipation of the Pushkar Kumbh. Signboards in several languages have been put up for the comfort of devotees travelling along the route. He stated that the tehsil administration has been directed to perform regular monitoring to ensure the event runs well. — After a 12-year hiatus, the Pushkar Kumbh is returning to Mana, a border village in Chamoli district. According to religious tradition, the Pushkar Kumbh takes place at Keshav Prayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers near Mana village, once every 12 years when Jupiter enters the Gemini sign. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the presence of sediments in the reservoir, consider the following statements: 1. Sediment reduces reservoir capacity and hampers hydropower output. 2. Flushing of reservoirs releases stored water to remove sediment build-up — sand, silt and clay — that settles in reservoirs over time. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — With the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in limbo and the government having already completed the first flushing exercise at Baglihar and Salal, its two run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Water Commission (CWC) has now recommended that such flushing become a monthly occurrence. — Flushing is releasing stored water to eliminate sediment buildup—sand, silt, and clay—that accumulates in reservoirs over time. Sediment diminishes reservoir capacity and lowers hydropower output. By flushing these particles out on a regular basis, operators restore storage capacity and increase turbine performance, assuring consistent power generation and extending the life of hydroelectric plants. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. — However, Pakistan has consistently opposed this effort, citing the fact that flushing, or the discharge of stored water to remove debris, can temporarily increase downstream flow. Recharging, or replenishing the reservoir by closing gates, can lower the volume available for later release. — Making flushing a monthly process is part of the government's short-term strategy to use Indus waters after the treaty was suspended following the Pahalgam terror assault. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has granted preliminary permissions to carry out an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study for a proposed 1,000 MW Upper Bhavani pumped hydropower project in the Nilgiri Hills. This hydropower project is near to: (a) Mukurthi National Park (b) Kudremukh National Park (c) Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (d) Chandoli National Park Explanation — An expert panel of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has granted preliminary permission to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study for a proposed 1,000 MW Upper Bhavani pumped hydropower project in the Nilgiri Hills, which are located in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats. — NTPC Tamil Nadu Energy Company Limited, a joint venture of National Thermal Power Corporation Limited and Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO), is developing the pumped hydropower or pumped storage project, which aims to generate 1,000 MW of power from the Upper Bhavani Dam and Avalanche-Emerald reservoirs in the Nilgiris. — The project will require 167.85 hectares of land, 56.35 hectares of which are forest land and 111.50 hectares of which are non-forest land, and will be placed within 1 kilometre of Mukurthi National Park. The Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered species found only in this section of the Western Ghats, is the national park's star attraction. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 109 and 110) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 110) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 110) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 110) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 109) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 109) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
