The Ukrainian state-controlled natural gas company Naftogaz has its work set out for it as the Soviet vestige seeks to cut reliance on Russia’s Gazprom. “Ukraine has one of the most important transit pipelines for Russian gas exports to the rest of Europe. Fifteen percent of the EU’s imported gas flows through Ukraine. At the same time, Ukraine is dependent on Russia for half of its own annual gas demand of around 50 billion cubic meters. Since 2005, Naftogaz and Gazprom have been locked in a bitter political battle over prices and transit fees.” [Carnegie Europe]

With the company facing strong headwinds amid falling oil prices – the firm recently announced layoffs – long-time CEO and board chairman Steven Farris is retiring, the company said this morning. “It has been a privilege to lead one of the top independent oil and gas producers and work alongside some of the best professionals in the business,” Farris said in a statement. [Fuel Fix]

The solar-powered airplane – Solar Impulse 2 – that will attempt to fly around the world this year with zero liquid fuel just announced the route it will take on this historic mission. “Si2 will take-off from Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, in late February or early March and return by late July or early August 2015. The route includes stops in Muscat, Oman; Ahmedabad and Varanasi, India; Mandalay, Myanmar; and Chongqing and Nanjing, China. After crossing the Pacific Ocean via Hawaii, Si2 will fly across the Continental U.S.A. stopping in three locations – Phoenix, and New York City at JFK. A location in the Midwest will be decided dependent on weather conditions. After crossing the Atlantic, the final legs include a stop-over in Southern Europe or North Africa before arriving back in Abu Dhabi.” [CleanTechnica]