Snowtown II windfarm to power 180,000 homes
The second stage of South Australia's largest wind farm was officially launched yesterday, ahead of time and under budget.
Video: Frog takes leap with stretcher handling
Last month, Reflex Marine demonstrated how the latest edition of its Frog offshore personnel transfer system can handle stretcher cases. Energy caught up with “casualty” Henrik Andersen and “nurse” Bjorn Andersen of Danish company Fano Kran-Services at the Survivex training facility in Aberdeen, where they were being familiarised with the new XT-series Frog family. It has long been possible to transfer stretcher cases with the Frog. However, a number of refinements to the basic design and which are incorporated into the XT-series, mean there is now a standardised way of folding down seats and stretcher latching mechanism for the four, six and 10-seat variants.
Devolution of North Sea revenues “pretty disastrous”
Devolution of North Sea revenues would be “pretty disastrous” for the oil and gas industry, Danny Alexander has claimed. The chief secretary to the Treasury said that leaders in the offshore sector had warned him against any move that would mean “fragmenting” the tax regime. The Scottish Government has called for full fiscal devolution as part of the Smith Commission deliberations on more powers for Holyrood. Patrick Stevens, tax policy director at the Chartered Institute of Taxation, told MPs last week that Petroleum Revenue Tax would be a “good candidate” for transferring to the Scottish Government.
Danny Alexander pledges to deliver “positive” industry tax news
Danny Alexander has pledged to deliver “positive” tax news to offshore firms next month as part of a package of measures to secure the future of the sector. The chief secretary the Treasury admitted that the UK Government must accept lower North Sea receipts over the coming years if the industry is to flourish. Ministers are expected to unveil new tax breaks to try to boost exploration in the autumn statement on December 3, following a review. The details will be eagerly awaited by oil and gas leaders, amid growing concern over the consequences of lower prices and higher costs. Mr Alexander also said he would make an announcement in Aberdeen this week about the future of the new North Sea industry regulator. A chief executive is due to be appointed to get the body up and running. Asked about the outcome of the fiscal review, Mr Alexander said: “We’re digesting that at the moment and, as I say, my view is that what the North Sea needs is a clear signal from the government that the tax regime will become more benign, to maintain and enhance the positive environment we’ve created in the last few years.” Pressed for details on the anticipated tax breaks, the Inverness MP added...
15 killed as Iraqi officials recapture Sunni oil town
A series of bomb attacks which targeted markets near Baghdad have killed at least 15 people, Iraqi officials said as security forces recaptured parts of a strategic Sunni oil town north of the capital from Islamic State militants. Iraq is embroiled in its worst crisis since the 2011 withdrawal of US troops in the wake of a blitz this year by the Sunni militant Islamic State group, which has seized a third of the country’s territory. After heavy fighting overnight, Iraqi security forces backed by Shiite volunteers managed to push into the strategic oil town of Beiji today, taking control of some of the town’s southern districts, according to officials.
Video: Sneak peak of the Press and Journal’s Energy supplement
The Press and Journal's energy editor Jeremy Creswell provides a preview of the latest features and analysis set to feature in the November edition of our sister publication, the Energy supplement.
Ukraine and Russia clinch gas deal
Moscow and Kiev have clinched a deal that will guarantee that Russian gas exports flows into Ukraine throughout the winter despite their intense rivalry over the fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Opinion: The future of energy in the EU New guidelines raise questions rather than action
Energy market rules have to take many things into account. Market integration, competition and regulatory efficiency are central, but these goals have to be reconciled with climate change objectives and governments’ need for a secure energy supply.
Opinion: Is Union a dirty word?
Union: The action of joining together or the fact of being joined together, especially in a political context. Sound familiar? However, in the oil and gas sector definition and connotation don’t always necessarily mean the same thing. Say the word “union” in certain institutions and it’s like issuing a coded signal to batten down the hatches and guard the negotiating table. For some hardened HRs their first interaction with a union could have come in the late 70s, where a strike by offshore catering staff saw hundreds of workers participate in a mass walkout affecting dozens of installations. Or maybe they were there in the early 90s when offshore contract workers were flown off platforms for participating in wildcat strike action.
Plant resumes generation after fire
A power station which can supply a million homes has partially resumed generation from a section of the plant that was devastated by a fire last week.
Technip wins Indonesia contract
Technip has been awarded a substantial contract by Chevron Indonesia for the Bangka development. The French energy company will provide a range of services including procurement, construction, installation and commissioning.
Opinion: MP Louise Ellman – Wrong signal on safety critical question
Ministers have rejected the Transport Committee’s call for a full, independent, public inquiry into the safety of helicopters used in the offshore industry. Louise Ellman MP, chair of the committee explains their disappointment. Just over a year ago four passengers died when a helicopter crashed off the coast of Sumburgh, Shetland – the fifth such accident since 2009 involving the transfer of oil and gas industry personnel to or from offshore installations in the North Sea.
EU within ‘touching distance’ of green target
The European Union’s environment agency says the bloc’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped by nearly 2% last year, putting it in touching distance of its target for 2020.
Shells asks for five-year extension in Alaska
A letter obtained by an environmental campaign group from Shell to the US government shows the oil major asked for a five-year extension to its drilling leases in the Arctic waters. The company wrote a letter in July to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement to ask for more time to discover oil in waters North of Alaska.
Bristow launches new scholarship programme
The commercial helicopter sector continues to throw open its doors to new recruits and apprentices to the oil and gas industry. Energy Graduate takes a look at one company which is helping lead the way.
Carol Vorderman: Counting on life and technology to change
From an early career aspiration to be a pilot, to studying engineering, then on to a high-flying career in the spotlight, Carol Vorderman shares with Yvie Burnett an insight into her career path
Opinion: Preparing the next generation for the workplace
The energy industries and in particular oil and gas have presented a rich employment market for graduates in recent years, reflecting the vibrancy of the industry in the UKCS and the war for talent.
Salamander in takeover talks
Salamander Energy could become involved in a bidding war after being approached by Ophir Energy and a consortium led by Compania Espanola de Petroleos (CEPSA) and Jynwel Capital. The company said it was currently in talked with both Ophir and the CEPSA Consortium regarding their respective proposals.
Karoon Gas snaps up Petrobas rig
Karoon Gas Australia has taken possession of the Olinda Star semi-submersible drilling rig from Petrobas. The rig, which is currently in the Campos Basin, is expected to be on location in the Santos Basin within the next few days.
EU targets ‘to raise power bills’
Energy targets set by Brussels will force up annual household gas and electricity bills by £149 within six years, research has found.
Opinion: Sitting out the rate cuts
A major operator’s recent contractor rate cuts announcement has been heralded as the start of an industry-wide phenomenon and the news has hit the headlines, particularly in Aberdeen, where industry is understandably sensitive to the ups and downs of the oil and gas market.
Kerloch Oil Tools lands licence for VAM connection
Aberdeen-based Kerloch Oil Tools has secured licenses for the latest VAM connection on its premises.
Cairn India appoints new managing director
A new managing director has been appointed to Cairn India, the company has announced. Mayank Ashar has more than 36 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry, working at BP, Petro-Canada and Suncor Energy.
Total will continue to “move forward” following death of CEO
French oil giant Total said it will continue to "move froward" following the death of chief executive officer Christophe de Margerie.
Think-tank warns of £5billion deficit
Scotland could face a budget deficit of up to £5 billion if full fiscal autonomy was devolved to Holyrood, according to a think-tank.Fiscal Affairs Scotland (FAS) said an increased reliance on declining oil revenues could lead to a significant funding shortfall if Scotland moved away from the current Barnett Formula system.