Much has been written about the economic consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, particularly as the shutdown of the Nord Stream gas pipeline has left the European market scrambling for cover in the form of liquified natural gas (LNG).
I was pleased to read via EV’s daily online service about the launch of an offshore wind heavy-lifter business based out of Aberdeen or Edinburgh or “or between both at the same time”.
Never has the wellbeing, and mental health of the work force, been such a talked about topic, with the Covid-19 pandemic bringing mental health to the forefront of employee/employer conversations.
If politicians allow the prize of becoming a global green energy hub to slip away from the north-east, they will never be forgiven, writes Ryan Crighton.
It is not the snappiest of titles but Ofgem’s Decisions on the new Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment (ASTI) strategy may come to be seen as a landmark document in the evolution of Britain’s energy industry and the Scottish economy.
Regardless of what government, its agencies and trade groups try to claim, offshore wind has not had that Saudi Arabia scale impact on the Scottish supply chain scene some hoped it would.
The electricity grid in Europe has reaped considerable praise over the years for its high reliability - but with new, clean technologies entering the grid and changes with supply expected, how can the region retain its prowess while possessing a strong and secure grid?
Headlines in 2022 were once again dominated by the commitment being made by many countries towards cleaner sources of energy. While there are manifold programs relating to renewable energy projects, a number of reports have indicated net-zero targets will be missed unless drastic actions are taken.
By Bill Lacivita and Geoff Olynyk, McKinsey & Company
Power generation accounts for approximately 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon-emitting fossil fuels like coal and natural gas account for 61% of power generation. If the world is to meet the goal of net zero emissions, even as demand for power continues to rise, something has to give.
The UK and global energy markets have gone through another turbulent year. In one breath we celebrated emerging from the pandemic, in another we witnessed Russia invade Ukraine with devastating impact on the Ukrainian people.
I remember once being in a queue at a newsagent in Croydon, London when a gentleman approached me with the excitement of someone who had just discovered they were the heir to a huge fortune and said, “This is the end of racism!”.
I have just watched SSE’s on-line video about the Berwick Bank Wind Farm and I rather wish I hadn’t, not least because I have just had lunch and the aftertaste of leek and potato soup and smoky cheese in a brioche bun has been replaced by something that tastes like engine oil.
2022 has been a year punctuated with historically high commodity pricing (particularly soaring gas prices in the European market), the weaponisation of the sector as a result of the murky geopolitical undertakings of President Putin, and the ensuing cost of living crisis perpetuated by rising energy costs.
Karl Farrow, Founder and CEO of CeraPhi Energy talks about the opportunity Geothermal presents as part of the energy mix and how the skill set of the Oil and Gas sector can be harnessed in this transition.
By Graham Kellas, Senior Vice President, Global Fiscal Research at Wood Mackenzie
Wood Mackenzie looks at the impact of the latest government windfall tax policy and how this could affect the direction of the energy industry over the coming year with a full review of the sector’s fiscal system set to be undertaken.
By François Régis Mouton de Lostalot Lassalle, Regional Director Europe, IOGP
The loss of Russian gas supplies has led to a supply deficit in Europe which is likely to last over the coming three to four years and sustain higher gas prices. To avoid the long-term deindustrialization of Europe and the impoverishment of millions of citizens, Europe needs an energy security plan that looks beyond public support, energy savings and renewable electrification only.
The supposed dying days of oil and gas have been surprisingly profitable, but not necessarily investible. The energy market has been tossed up and down, first by the COVID-19 pandemic and now, in 2022, by the war in Ukraine.
When asked to put together my reflections of the year gone and predictions for the year to come, I felt depressed. The line, “you couldn’t make this up” was foremost in my mind - no festive cheer I’m afraid, it is a depressing picture.