CCS “essential for UK’s future”
Labour has accused the UK Government of failing to show the leadership needed to drive forward a ground-breaking green technology.
Fears over Scots oil as Grangemouth stays shut
First Minister Alex Salmond has warned of “huge uncertainty” hanging over the future of the Grangemouth oil refinery as he called for a solution to the industrial dispute.
‘Huge potential’ of carbon storage in the North Sea
Storing Europe’s carbon emissions under the North Sea could be as lucrative for the north-east as oil and gas, experts have claimed.
MP criticises ‘piecemeal’ approach to copter safety
An MP has criticised plans to hold five separate inquiries into North Sea helicopter safety as a “piecemeal” approach that will “do nothing” to allay offshore workers’ concerns.
Scientists warn carbon capture scheme could trigger North Sea earthquakes
Exclusive: Experts have warned that earthquakes could be triggered near North Sea pipelines and platforms if plans to store carbon emissions under the seabed go ahead.
Government could step in over helicopter safety fears, says Prime Minister
Exclusive: Prime Minister David Cameron has suggested that the UK Government could step in and take action to address concerns over helicopter safety in the North Sea oil and gas industry.
New Islands turbine projects set for subsidies boost
The islands could be in line for scores of new windfarm schemes after the UK Government confirmed plans to offer special incentives.
Wind turbine pressure can explode bats, warn scientists
Windfarms in the north and north-east are causing bats to explode, experts have claimed.
Super Puma crash probe chair sets out timetable
The chairwoman of a powerful Westminster committee investigating helicopter safety in the North Sea wants its inquiry to start within weeks – but believes a wider probe may also be needed.
MPs to launch helicopter safety inquiry after Super Puma crashes
A powerful group of MPs launched an inquiry last night into helicopter safety in the North Sea oil and gas industry.
Unions demand full inquiry into Shetland helicopter tragedy
The Trades Union Congress passed an emergency motion yesterday calling for an independent public inquiry into helicopter safety in the North Sea.
Scotland ‘would need cuts and tax rises’ to set up oil fund, says report
The UK Government claimed yesterday that an independent Scotland would need to find £12.5billion in cuts and tax rises to set up a Norwegian-style oil fund.
North Sea decommissioning bill would soar after independence, warns Osborne
The UK Government will suggest today that the bill for cleaning up the North Sea in coming decades would rise from £300 to £3,800 per person if Scotland votes to become independent.
Helicopter tragedy death rate ‘small’, says aviation expert
A leading aviation expert has claimed that the death rate from helicopter crashes in the North Sea is “small”.
MP calls for special Commons debate over Super Puma safety fears
A Scots MP will seek a special debate at Westminster on North Sea helicopter safety when the parliament’s recess ends next week.
Government blunder after map erases every harbour north of Dundee
An embarrassing blunder has led to the UK Government suggesting that there are no ports in the north of Scotland.
Renewables boost for islands after transmission cost plans revealed
Plans to cut the cost of transmitting electricity from the islands and northern Scotland have been unveiled, paving the way for new investment in renewables.
Oil firms named on rogue investigators list
Two oil companies are named on a secret list of firms linked to rogue private investigators, it emerged yesterday.
Treasury set to launch major study into UK fuel prices
A CUT-PRICE fuel scheme for Scottish motorists will move a step closer to reality today under plans to help hard-pressed families in rural areas.
War of words as new figures predict multibillion-pound fall in oil cash
Official forecasts for future tax revenues from North Sea oil and gas have been cut again – triggering a fresh war of words in the battle over Scottish independence.
MPs to launch carbon capture inquiry
A group of MPs will launch an inquiry into a groundbreaking green energy technology which could be pioneered in the north-east.
Independence vote could see Scotland miss out on £1billion carbon capture project
THE north-east could miss out on £1billion of funding to develop a pioneering green energy technology if Scotland votes for independence.
Piper Alpha prosecutions ‘worth considering’, says MP
A north-east MP suggested yesterday that prosecutions could still be launched over the Piper Alpha disaster.
Energy Minister targets Highlands for wind industry trip
UK Energy Minister Michael Fallon wants to travel to the north-west Highlands to investigate ways that the area can be used to boost the offshore wind industry.
Subsea boom in north east Scotland could be under threat if skills shortage continues
The UK’s energy minister has warned that the world-leading subsea industry could leave the north-east if it continues to struggle to attract enough skilled workers.