As most science nerds will know hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. It’s everywhere we look although the vast majority is out of reach until we develop the ability to travel at warp speed. Yes, I admit it. I am a Star Trek fan.
The failure to bring even a fraction of the Seagreen windfarm contracts to Scottish yards is a scandal on several levels and politicians should unite to insist on a forensic inquiry into how it happened – yet again.
In a world where control and COVID together seem an oxymoron, Steve Bruce, Product Director at Idox shares his insights into where and how energy players can exert tighter control over projects to reduce cost and risk.
The transition towards a clean energy future has begun. Following on governments’ footsteps, many leading energy companies are publicly announcing their commitments for 2050. These commitments include targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower environmental impact and mitigate climate-related risks associated with their business activities. While these targets are for the long term, most companies have started to develop and execute near-term action plans to ensure they progress toward their stated goals. At the same time, they are assessing the risks and opportunities arising from their plans and seek to understand the impacts on their operations and markets.
The European Union is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To support this, Brussels plans to create a €225 billion green bond as part of a shift towards cleaner economies.
Using freelancers has been common practice, particularly among the creative industries, for many years. When you can’t find, can’t afford or don’t need specific skills full-time, the freelancer can provide the perfect solution. In fact, even if you can find and afford in-house employees, freelancers still present an attractive option because they can bring certain expertise when you need it most.
As the UK prepares for a potential second national lockdown, it’s forgivable that some people might argue ‘now is not the time’ to address climate change and the wider ESG agenda. In my view, the challenges we’ve all faced over the last year reinforce the need for the business community to take action right now and lead from the front.
By Gabrielle Jeliazkov, Just Transition Lead Campaigner at Platform
“It's been a bad time for me I must admit, a horrendous time.” That’s how Tony*, a former drilling maintenance supervisor from Dundee, describes the impact this year has had on him as an offshore worker.
Boris Johnson must act now to accelerate decarbonisation projects or risk losing thousands of skilled engineers essential for delivering the UK’s net zero infrastructure.
I read with keen interest Sanjoy Sen’s recent Energy Voice article that criticizes me for causing dithering to the UK’s pathway to net zero. I would challenge much of his narrative and assertions.
Earlier this year the UK Government announced that onshore wind would be eligible to compete in the fourth Contracts for Difference (CfD) allocation round in 2021, a welcome outcome which will help ensure onshore developments will play a prominent role in the ‘green recovery.’
By Jon Fitzpatrick, managing director, Gneiss Energy
Energy Voice recently reported on Shetland Islands Council's ambitions to retain more tax revenue from oil and gas operations around the isles in its self-determination bid. Jon Fitzpatrick, managing director of consultancy Gneiss Energy, gives his view.
This week, BP projected that global demand for oil may have peaked in 2019 and that we shouldn’t ever expect demand to recover to pre-COVID-19 levels. On the face of it, BP’s analysis is stark, with global demand for oil reducing in all three of its scenarios over the next thirty years.
By Stuart Broadley, CEO, Energy Industries Council
Common sense tells us that the UK is a small island with depleted oil & gas reserves and high costs, and that businesses should be growing their export focus to survive and prosper. We all accept this, but the stats are now telling…
By Victoria Judd, Counsel, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Floating offshore wind turbines are the technological growth area for the offshore wind industry. Though the first industrial scale prototype was built in 2009, floating offshore wind (FLOW) is rapidly moving towards large-scale commercialisation.
Recent press coverage of BP’s partnership with Aberdeen, where BP will become the planning and technical adviser on the “net zero vision” for Aberdeen 2045, together with the AREG chairwomen’s EV article on 'A hydrogen future on the horizon’, raised concerns in my mind relating to over-selling hydrogen.
Could a more diverse workforce be one of the benefits to emerge from the global pandemic? Janette Marx, CEO of global workforce solutions provider, Airswift makes the case that lockdown has broken down the lingering psychological hurdles while technology has allowed difference to be encouraged and enabled.
Current plans to reinforce the power line between Fort Augustus and the Western Isles, via Skye, reminded me of the controversy that arose when the link was created in the 1980s.
By Katy Heidenreich, OGUK’s supply chain and operations director
Recovery - a topical word and resonating with people around the world as they deal with the fallout from the pandemic and chart a hopeful path to the future. Times are uncertain but as OGUK’s director of supply chain and operations, I believe an integrated, more collaborative approach is key to restoring the health of the UK oil and gas industry.