Softbank is now undertaking a review of solar power plant projects on Hokkaido island. The Kyodo News agency reported that Softbank Corp is reviewing solar power projects that it is planning to build at the northernmost island of Japan.

Chesapeake Energy Appoints New CEO In a stunning move, Chesapeake Energy Corp has hired Robert Douglas Lawler to become its new Chief Executive Officer.

Japan opens fund for Africa Resource Projects Japan is planning to grant US$2 billion financial support for Japanese firms in the next five year. The available funding would enable them to continue their natural resources development projects in Africa.

Saudi Arabian shares increase led by property and petrochemical companies. The majority of the increases in the benchmark stock index of Saudi Arabia was attained in the last four months.

In an announcement, oil blocks in Indonesia are now available for bidding. The Indonesian government announced the opening of a rights tender for twenty one oil and gas exploration blocks last Friday.

Summit Midsteam announced the operation of the Polar System at the North Dakota project. Summit Midstream Partners, LLC announced today that the operations of the Polar Crude Oil and Water Gathering System ("Polar System") in the Bakken Shale Play in Williams County, North Dakota have commenced near full capacity.

UMW Holdings to sell off 39% of its oil and gas subsidiary through an IPO. The Malaysian industrial to automotive conglomerate, UMW Holdings Bhd, is preparing plans to sell of 39% of its oil and gas production unit through an initial public offer.

Elliott Management withdraws proxy fight with three board seats on the Hess board prior to elections.

JA Solar Holdings Co is ready to pay off US$119 million for interest and principal on bonds it had issued.

New Zealand's sale of Meridian Energy may be the largest IPO of a company in the country. State owned power company Meridian Energy's 49% would be offered to an initial public offer of its shares by the third quarter of the year.