Wood Review: Survey shows UKCS needs to step up its game
The oil and gas industry enjoyed a seminal moment late last month.
Opinion
Ukraine’s uncertain future casts shadow over gas deals
The Ukrainian government's signing in November of a production sharing agreement with Chevron to explore and develop shale gas in the Lviv region was widely greeted as a landmark deal for the future of the former Soviet Satellite's energy security.
Openness and collaboration from within key to safe working culture
Like many people I covered in the business world, I thought “culture” was simply fodder for human resources seminars. Companies, after all, are complex organisations made of individuals.
Has the term ‘fracking’ cost European E&P £1billion?
Watching any television coverage or wider press regarding the activities of unconventional oil and gas investment, the word "fracking" has universally replaced all references to oil & gas exploration and development. Sadly, this is not a positive.
The political circus came to town
For those of us who despair of the current focus of political debate in Scotland, Monday, February 24, confirmed our fears and should act as a severe warning for the months and years ahead.
Power to the people … but foreign companies reap the benefits
Don't panic. I'm not thinking of setting up a protest group and marching on London. In fact, people that know me are fully aware that I'll do anything to avoid going anywhere near the place.
The tragic British energy shambles
On February 26, Friends of the Earth put out a statement saying it is organising training days to "mobilise communities threatened with coal-bed methane and fracking".
Focus energy debate on security rather than ownership of North Sea oil
The Scottish and Westminster cabinets both met, separately, this week in the north-east of Scotland, the heart of UK oil and gas production.
Action must come now to assure future
We are in the midst of a crucial period that will shape the future health of the North Sea.
Opinion: Now is not the time to turn the North Sea into political sideshow
On November 3, 1975, the Queen arrived in Aberdeen to mark a historic moment for the UK.
Community energy schemes face challenging 2014
No one knew I was involved in renewable energy as I browsed through the mountain jackets on a recent visit to an outdoor store in Inverness.
Cruachan support should not overshadow small hydro potential
Small scale hydro has taken great leaps forward in the past few years and whilst we may not be back to the glory years of the fifties and sixties, a solid industry has developed providing investment and jobs across Scotland primarily in the more rural areas.
Shell sell-off comes as no great surprise
So, Shell has put a further bunch of UK North Sea assets on the market. However, we should not be surprised at this. Anasuria, Nelson and Sean are regarded as mature and immaterial.
Subsea opportunities and tomorrow’s world
The repeated claim that an independent Scotland would be a wealthy country because of North Sea oil and renewables is something I take exception to, writes Colin Welsh.
New EU shale recommendations not final word on fracking
Europe’s latest move on shale gas is likely to leave a number of Euro-sceptics disgruntled.
Subsea Expo 2014: Jeremy Cresswell’s Energy Eye
Press and Journal energy editor Jeremy Cresswell runs his eye over the big headlines coming from the opening day of the 2014 Subsea Expo at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
Offshore Employment Intermediaries: Changes not necessarily a step towards simpler taxation
Legislative changes effective April this year will result in significant cost increases for many oil and gas sector employers.
Health Check: Laughter proves the best medicine
As a company doctor, I often see employees suffering from anxiety and depression or those who simply feel frustrated or stressed by work.
Putting the T in MINT
For those of you who haven't caught up with the latest acronym, the BRICs are so last year. The MINT economies are the countries to watch.
Staring into the abyss
At the end of last month, I attended the annual reception of the Westminster All Party Parliamentary Group (APG) for the UK Oil and Gas Industry, hosted by Dame Anne Begg - MP for Aberdeen South and Chair of the APG. I would like to share the thoughts I outlined in the short talk I gave that evening.
Some realistic comparisons with Norway
Both the Editor and I wrote in last month's Energy about the ongoing decline on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), particularly in relation to production and exploration.
Meeting the demands of ageing offshore infrastructure
As advances in exploration and subsea technology make existing reservoirs and marginal fields more viable, it is not only the age of your platform that counts - what you know about its condition is vital too.
The chickens are finally coming home to roost
I am writing this to the sound of Atlantic waves crashing against the cliffs and gales blasting the windows of my home. It has been a rough winter here in Lewis and it ain't over yet.
Shelters from the gathering storm
Tax shelters are usually created by government to promote a certain desirable behaviour, usually a long-term investment, to help the economy; in turn, this generates even more tax revenue.
EU gives UK Government mandate to do sod all
The EU wants to cut its greenhouse gas emissions 40% compared with 1990 levels and also wants 27% of all its energy to be from renewable sources. Both targets are to be achieved by 2030.