Replacing water for hydraulic fracturing operations with carbon dioxide is long-term prospect, but an attractive one. As part of its ecomagination program the company is trying to figure out the best way to get the super-cooled gas to deliver proppant. “GE, which is making a push into oilfield technology, is studying how a chilled form of CO2 known as a “super-critical fluid” – neither a liquid nor a solid – could be used as the new industry standard for hydraulic fracturing, the process commonly known as fracking.” [Reuters]

The Solar Impulse 2 is gearing up for an around the world flight that uses zero liquid fuel. Having already traversed Europe and the US in solar-powered aircraft, the next logical step is to fly around the world. “Would a successful trip pave the way for a new age of solar-powered sky cruising? That seems a little unlikely, but it would ensure a spot for Piccard and Borschberg in the annals of aviation history… and it just may get some more people excited about renewable energy.” [Engadget]

Norway’s Statoil made a new oil and gas discovery in the North Sea in close proximity to an existing field being developed. “By proving additional volumes in the area we increase the reserves base in the Valemon Unit area and add value to the Valemon field development,” Rummelhoff explained. [Natural Gas Europe]