New report urges fast-tracked funding for carbon capture schemes
Decisions on funding two pilot schemes to capture and bury carbon emissions from power stations need to be fast-tracked after a decade of delay, MPs have urged.
Opinion: Patent pooling can drive down renewable costs
The renewable energy industry continues to grow in Scotland, but not all companies are fully exploiting the opportunities for protecting and commercialising their innovation.
Bilfinger Salamis awarded North Sea decommissioning work
Bilfinger Salamis UK has won a decommissioning contract for the North Sea’s Murchison platform.
Solar panels key to Scottish power targets, research finds
Installing state-of-the-art solar panels on 250,000 roofs could meet one-sixth of Scotland’s electricity demands, according to researchers.
Centrica’s joint venture acquires natural gas assets in Canada
Centrica has agreed a joint venture with Qatar Petroleum International (QPI) to acquire natural gas assets from Shell Canada for C$50million.
Texas-based Caza Oil and Gas confirms bumper results
Caza oil and gas confirmed bumper first quarter results. The Texas-based company increased its adjusted EBITDA by 695% to £2,139,210 from last year’s $359,546.
Statoil rejects call to withdraw from Canadian oil sands activities
Statoil has rejected a call to withdraw from oil sands activities in Canada.
North Sea strike would affect ExxonMobil
North Sea workers could strike if discussions on pensions and wages fail to produce a viable solution, labour union SAFE warned.
Solar farms cash cut plan attacked
The UK government is looking to end its subsidies for new solar power plants two years before the original due date.
OMV cuts production targets after unrest in Libya
OMV has cut its 2014 production target after a perpetual security problem in Libya impacted production.
Saudi Arabia “would cover oil shortages from Ukraine crisis”
Saudi Arabia would increase its oil output to cover any potential shortage brought on by the crisis in Ukraine, the country's oil minister has said.
Opinion: ‘Innovation is no longer enough’
In this industry there is a constant conversational flutter around the word ‘innovative’. It’s how we describe our products, our people and our places. And rightly so. It’s what the industry pioneers used to create the offshore landscape and the North Sea’s global reputation. It’s what cemented Aberdeen’s position as the oil capital of Europe. But now as we transition to a new era and begin discussing ‘extending the North Sea’s life’, I wonder if innovation alone is still enough? I don’t think it is.
Former Schlumberger president takes up helm at Ensco
Carl Trowell has been named president of Ensco. The former Schlumberger president will succeed Dan Rabun, who is retiring after eight years at the top of the company’s structure.
Industry body issues blowout preventer guidelines
Industry body Oil & Gas UK has released the second issue of its guidelines on blowout preventer (BOP) operations for offshore wells on the UK Continental Shelf.
Opinion: Industry can take its cue from the premier league
I have a confession to make. I’m not a huge football fan. But my 12-year-old daughter is a natural Mia Hamm on the field. At weekends you can usually find me on the pitch side lines with the rest of the parents, so I can’t help but be drawn in to the wider football chat.
Perspective from OTC: What do Aberdeen, Mexico and Perth have in common?
Long-standing relationships have been cemented at this year’s OTC Houston. The theme of collaboration was apparent when we met with new and existing partners from around the world.
OTC 2014: Aberdeen’s future as a global oil and gas player
In Houston, the Press and Journal's editor-in-chief, Damian Bates, and I chaired what we hope will be the first in a regular series of breakfast debates.
Perspective from OTC: ‘Conference an opportunity to bridge the generational gap’
As an attendee of various OTC shows for the last 22 years, and having visited the show every year since 2008, I have seen it evolve from a purely trade-based show to become a content rich all-round event.
Wood Group finalises joint venture with Siemens
Wood Group today finalised its joint venture with Siemens AG.
OTC 2014: Transocean announces new spin-off firm
Transocean has announced plans to create a new spin-off firm to operate its UK rigs.
OTC 2014: Conference to give Scots £100million boost
Oil and gas firms from Scotland are forecast to win contracts worth more than £100million over the next three years as a result of taking part in the Offshore Technology Conference.
Former Shell chief scientist pinpoints Israel as the next technology hotspot
The former chief scientist at Royal Dutch Shell Dr Harold Vinegar has dubbed Israel as the next technology hotspot for the energy sector.
OTC 2014: Gulf of Mexico to learn from UK’s decommissioning efforts
Operators in the Gulf of Mexico can learn from decommissioning feats in the UK, according to an industry body.
Industry can’t afford to ignore the silent workforce
We all know that the oil and gas industry never stands still. It is always moving, always evolving, and when faced with constant change, the opportunity for uncertainty is rife. But transparent and constant communication can placate the fear and confusion that uncertainty can bring.
Perspective from OTC: ‘Scotland cements role as major oil and gas player’
They’ve been drilling oil out of the ground in Texas for over 100 years – so it’s no surprise that Houston has played host to the world’s foremost oil and gas event, the Offshore Technology Conference, for the past 45 years.