On track for future energy transition?
At the start of August I had the pleasure of attending with my teenage sons the UCI Cycling World Championship Mountain Bike event at Nevis Range near Fort William.
Opinion
Failure to prepare means preparing to fail for wind turbine operators
Recent Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) turbine failures – which could end up costing the company more than one billion euros - have caused an understandable stir within the renewable sector.
Questions ahead for the next Offshore Europe
Columnist Dick Winchester questions what is in store for SPE Offshore Europe following its 50th anniversary.
OEUK all set for an inspiring Offshore Europe
It’s hard to believe it’s been four years since Aberdeen last hosted Offshore Europe. Since 2019, we’ve weathered a global pandemic, witnessed the impact of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and seen energy become a hot topic in political and public debate.
Offshore Europe 50: Innovation is in the north-east’s DNA
For the last fifty years, the North Sea energy industry has been synonymous with endeavour, innovation, and achievement.
The landscape of mental health is changing but there’s more to be done
Fifty years ago, Offshore Europe first came to Aberdeen, and this month, the world renowned exhibition and conference marks its special 50th birthday.
AR5 CFD: Auction results due as wind sector sounds warnings
To most of the population, AR5 of CFD may sound like a mysterious code but in some Whitehall offices, the messages it reveals will be awaited with great interest and some nervousness.
Fifty years after first Offshore Europe, Aberdeen Uni tackles trilemma and transition
In 1973 the first ever Offshore Europe took place in the grounds of the University of Aberdeen – 50 years on, and we continue to showcase our research and teaching in a fast-changing energy landscape.
Transmission’s crucial role in South Africa’s energy crisis
Fostering increased collaboration between private players and regional governments will be crucial to optimise renewable energy resources at a larger scale.
OPINION: Getting Back to the Energy Trilemma
We’ve all struggled with a dilemma at some point, writes Sanjoy Sen
Scaling green hydrogen to meet growing demand
In recent months, there has been a surge in major green hydrogen projects announced worldwide. They include Saudi Arabia's $8.4bn, NEOM Green Hydrogen Company investment and Lhyfe's plans for a 70-megawatt hydrogen plant in Perl, Germany.
Hydrogen panacea claims are hollow
The manner in which hydrogen is touted as a miracle fuel of the future, you would be forgiven for thinking that it has an immaculate set of credentials, including environmental.
Brian Wilson: Pumped hydro storage must be made a net-zero priority
Everyone likes anniversaries, so how about marking this one? On August 5th 1943, the Hydro-Development Act (Scotland) was given Royal Assent. Eighty years ago, at the height of war, the Government of the United Kingdom passed a momentous law directed mainly towards the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
Fresh thinking and collaboration: energy transition and the supply chain
The UK’s net zero ‘target’ is more than aspirational – the Secretary of State is subject to a legal duty to ensure that the UK reaches net zero by 2050.
Scotland’s renewables supply chain is sclerotic
Some time back I wrote that despite its self-appointed title as the oil and gas capital of Europe Aberdeen didn’t actually manufacture much of the sector critical technology.
Hydrogen – Now is not the time to write off any technology
The rising cost of energy has made us all think more carefully about how best to heat our homes. That is why there was a significant amount of interest when the Energy Secretary, Grant Shapps, recently announced the UK Government was likely to scrap plans to replace conventional boilers with a hydrogen-based alternative.
David Whitehouse: The UK can be a net zero hero
Making the most of the UK's resources is the best pathway to energy security and net zero.
Taking stock after a historic week for the north-east’s energy sector
The UK Government’s energy announcements this week have big implications for all parts of the sector and the drive towards Net Zero.
Sunak announcement emphasizes importance of a strong domestic energy industry
In a recent announcement, Rishi Sunak has highlighted the need for the United Kingdom to maintain a significant fossil fuel industry to avoid overreliance on foreign energy imports.
Scottish energy secretary hits out at UK Government ‘lack of focus’ on just transition
Scottish Energy Secretary Neil Gray has responded to the UK Government’s North Sea and CCUS announcements.
Graham Stuart: Building on North Sea legacy is critical to UK’s energy future
UK energy minister Graham Stuart discusses the government's CCUS investment and its decision to back further North Sea licences
Embracing change: developing standard contracts for offshore wind
The International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) announced earlier this month that they have begun work on a new standard contract form for offshore wind farm projects. A committee of experts including engineers, contractors and project specialists are working to produce the new contract, likely by the end of 2025.
Oil, gas and wind must push government on electrification opportunity
Electrification of oil and gas platforms not only supports lower carbon emissions offshore, but it also has huge potential to deliver energy security through power back to the UK grid, writes Flotation Energy's Barry MacLeod.
Offshore safety brought into focus by HSE findings – but simple steps can help save lives
After an Energy Voice report on HSE last month, Drager's Paul Davidson assesses some steps firms should take.
Namibia needs an independent upstream regulator
Namibia has recently gained significant attention as a result of the offshore discoveries by TotalEnergies and Shell in 2022. Namibia seems on its way to becoming a major oil and gas producer.