Why initiating change can never be off-the-shelf
If they are to make change happen, companies must be open to working across boundaries both within and between organisations.
Opinion
Security Spotlight: Kurdistan – a haven of relative peace and calm
The Kurdish region of northern Iraq could arguably be described as one of the quietest parts of the Middle East, and it is proving hugely attractive to foreign oil companies . . . particularly European and US.
Latest energy price increases are unjustified
Most of the big six energy companies have announced annual gas and electricity price increases of about 10%, which have been met by understandable outrage.
Shetland’s Viking saga and the shock Clark decision
In a nutshell, obtaining an electricity generation licence may become a pre-requisite to applications for section 36 consent for windfarm projects in Scotland.
Health check: Are you fit to manage safety?
This month we decided it was time to tax some of you a little with a simple questionnaire.
The Madness of Chancellor George’s begging bowl
They've gone too far this time . . . I mean Osborne & Co with their begging bowl in China.
PILOT Share Fair offers wealth of opportunities
As we look towards the 2013 PILOT Share Fair the UK oil and gas industry is in good health.
Japan joins Norway & US in floating turbine club
Japan has trounced the UK by developing and building a pontoon-based floating wind turbine that will start generating trials this month.
Crises bring politicians crawling out of the woodwork… as usual
Politics and energy are never far apart but the past few weeks have brought them into even closer alignment than usual. And there are huge lessons to be learned, or at least discussed.
Leading the charge for change
Following the tragedy that was Macondo, the global oil and gas industry and all its regulators and stakeholders have been self-critiquing, reflecting, measuring and analysing in an effort to learn from, improve and prevent the recurrence of past failings.
A Tale of Two Cities
At various leadership events around the world you often hear Ghandi’s famous words, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. But I found that iconic quote resonated with more power in India than any other safety event I have attended.
The IT Talent Pipeline – what are you doing about it?
Beyond the recruitment process, I believe there is a need to secure the future pipeline of IT talent, writes Professor Ian Allison of Robert Gordon University
Grangemouth – understanding the problems and their possible consequences
The current problems at the Grangemouth refinery and petrochemical complex are deep-seated, and developments in the international oil and gas markets have exacerbated these problems.
Smith: What needs to be done to keep bills down
Sir Robert Smith, acting chairman of the energy and climate change committee at Westminster, writes exclusively for the Press and Journal and Energy Voice on why the group has summoned the bosses of the “big six” firms to explain rising consumer bills.
Opinion: Jeremy Cresswell – the great north-east gas rip-off
Like the rest of us here in Press and Journal country who are customers of Scottish Gas, I am still reeling from the news that my gas bill is to rocket a further 11.2% from next month. In fact I’m very angry indeed ... like the rest of you.
Brazil’s upstream sector – some key considerations
In the bidding round, it is likely that the company who offers the most profit oil to the government will be successful.
Carbon footprints: Surprising results in Scotland
Jan Minx and nine other academics have calculated the average carbon footprints of people living in every local authority area in the UK, including the 32 in Scotland. There is no space here to discuss the methodology but it seems to be very thorough and academically accepted.
What’s the ‘Rush’?
Having just seen the F1 blockbuster film "Rush", it has made me thoughtful about the speed or delay in our everyday negotiations and the consequences for the industry.
Large-scale capital projects challenge
New research by EY highlights the scale of the challenge that the oil and gas industry faces in managing large-scale capital projects.
Aussies show way forward in response to climate change
I have a high regard for Australia and the Australians. Being a motorsport fan I can't help but feel that any country that runs a V8 Supercar racing series must have a lot going for it.
Red Ed makes powerful new enemies
Ed Miliband has for sure made a bunch of powerful new enemies as a result of his warning to utilities that gas and electricity prices will be frozen for two years should Labour get back into power in the 2015 UK general election.
Health check: Harley Davidson and teeth
I am a recent convert to motorcycles and ride a Harley Davidson. It is comfortable, a joy to ride and a conversation piece when I stop for coffee.
Hard hitting audit report is welcome breath of realism
It's time we had some honest, dispassionate assessment of Scotland's prospects as a significant developer of offshore wind projects - even if it isn't all good news.
Ruling brings uncertainty for onshore wind industry
Lady Clark of Calton’s decision in the Court of Session case of Sustainable Scotland v The Scottish Ministers has serious legal implications for the large scale onshore energy industry in Scotland, writes June Gilles.
Scottish oil fund proposal will require Holyrood to show courage
The proposals from the Fiscal Commission Working Group reflect a combination of the intellectual case for an oil fund and the budgetary realities likely to be faced by an independent Scottish Government, writes Professor Alex Kemp