Crude prices rose as much as 4 percent on Thursday amid optimism over equity markets helped offset a surprise increase in U.S. oil inventory levels. [CNBC]

A new report released Wednesday highlights the gains the energy storage industry is making, and predicts its continued growth in the coming year. [The Washington Post]

A court in the Netherlands has ruled that a joint venture by Royal Dutch Shell and Exxon Mobil, must compensate homeowners for declines in the value of their properties because of earthquakes linked at the Groningen field. [The NY Times]