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 energy industry has undergone an incredible amount of change over the past few years, and this is not likely to slow down.
Decom North Sea argues the case for visibility of work for the supply chain, and hints at changes on the horizon for its own organisation.
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.
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.
The perception that every company working in oil and gas enjoys inflated margins is a myth that needs to be dispelled, writes ASCO's Peter France.
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least because I have just had lunch and the aftertaste of leek and potato soup and smoky cheese in a brioche bun has been replaced by something that tastes like engine oil.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.
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.
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.
Targets are signals, demonstrating ambition. They aim to drive investment and convey a long-term vision for the betterment of the country.
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.
The year 2022 will go down as one of the most turbulent in the history of the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).
The UK North Sea saw little bounce back in activity following the 2020-21 ‘Covid low’, with only the M&A space staying buoyant.
The energy trilemma of energy security, energy affordability, and energy sustainability can seem an impossible balance. At Apollo we want to achieve a sustainable, decarbonised future – for the industry, for the planet, and for everyone. We know it’s not enough to just talk about sustainable energy. Technology. Practical solutions. Innovation. It's that mix that will make it happen. It's complex, but that’s what we’re good at in Apollo!
In late 2022, I attended the World Energy Capital Assembly in London, where leading energy executives, financiers and investors gather to look at the future of the oil and gas industry. Coming at the tail end of a year largely characterised by doom and gloom – war, and political and economic uncertainty – it offered a chance to gauge the mood of the sector.
From truly flexible working to Spanish vineyards… does this sound like the working life for you? Land seismic technology company STRYDE certainly thinks so.
As we enter a new year, the need to move at pace towards a more integrated energy system and workforce is of huge importance if we are to turn the ambition of decarbonisation and the green economy into a reality.
In 2015, we set the goal of limiting global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, the latest UNFCCC estimates show that we are far exceeding this limit.