Batteries that can store renewable energy for longer periods have been targeted as an energy revolution that could transform Africa’s power supply. “Tesla boss Elon Musk said the company had Africa in mind when it developed the wall-mounted energy source. Just like the mobile phone allowed the continent to surge ahead in internet connectivity, so a battery pack that can power a home or business could allow Africans to leapfrog the limits of the grid.

The company has promised to release the technology into the public domain, encouraging others to develop their own models using the open source data.” [The Guardian]

The standoff between Royal Dutch Shell, who are proposing to lease a terminal in the Port of Seattle for its Arctic drilling fleet, and the opponents who want to block the company’s plans for environmental protection has taken to the city’s waters. “The various groups organizing a “ShellNo Flotilla” for Saturday hope to attract 1,000 kayaks or other small boats, and are arranging temporary housing for people coming from elsewhere to train and participate.” [The NY Times]

American Eagle Energy became the fourth U.S. energy producer to file for bankruptcy protection in the aftermath of the big drop in world oil prices.”The Colorado-based company that buys and develops oil wells in the Bakken oil fields of North Dakota and Montana filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday in Denver’s bankruptcy court.

American Eagle Energy, which recently missed an interest payment on its debt, listed assets of $222 million and liabilities of $215 million.” [Forbes]