Scotland’s recovery hit by Grangemouth refinery dispute
Mixed figures emerged yesterday highlighting the fragility of Scotland’s economic recovery and its impact on jobs.
Insights
Debt issues could overshadow oil revenues for independent Scotland, warn academics
Dumping a share of the UK’s debt would be worth twice as much to an independent Scotland as North Sea oil, according to academics.
Davey: Union needed to keep oil industry successful
The prosperity derived from North Sea oil and gas is due in no small measure to Scotland being part of the UK, argues Energy Secretary Ed Davey
Crash survivors lead new calls over inquiry into offshore helicopter safety
Crash survivors will today lead calls for a Piper Alpha-style public inquiry into safety standards on offshore helicopters.
Energy industry would be ‘seriously affected’ by Scots independence, warns Davey
The UK Energy Secretary has warned that the “uncertainty and disruption” of Scottish independence would seriously affect progress in the economy and energy sector.
Researchers cast doubt over Scots oil fund prospects
Academics have cast doubt on whether an independent Scotland could build up an oil fund to manage fluctuating offshore tax revenue.
Offshore industry faces risk of dangerous farce over safety debate
The UK’s offshore industry finds itself at the centre of what could become a very dangerous farce – one that has huge safety and economic implications.
Union sounds warning over new helicopter regulations
A leading trade union official last night said that offshore workers have expressed concerns about the potential impact of new regulations.
Offshore industry body sounds safety warning over helicopter crackdown
Exclusive: Oil industry chiefs have voiced fears that new helicopter rules will jeopardise the safety of thousands of offshore workers.
Wood Review heralds new era for the UKCS
As the last edition of Energy went to press, the ink was barely dry on the final report of Sir Ian Wood's Maximising Recovery Review and the political bandwagon was still in town.
Taking care with medication is an absolute necessity when offshore
For those of us who work within the oil and gas industry, organisation is a key factor when preparing for a trip offshore. There are a number of considerations, one of which is typically your medication, which commonly may not be something that would be at the top of your list.
Is the barrel half full or half empty after the Budget?
The Chancellor's Budget on March 19 was largely positive for the UK oil & gas sector. Announcements such as the High Pressure/High Temperature Allowance will hopefully stimulate further developments.
Is training an answer to the skills shortage?
Rising costs of production and a sharp decline in drilling and exploration - these are the harsh realities of today's oil and gas industry in the North Sea.
How Emily is making a difference with Step Change in Safety
Speaking to them about their experiences has been my biggest influence to date as it serves as a constant reminder of why the work Step Change in Safety does is so important.
Ashley and Mackie teams win NE young engineers’ challenge
Ashley Road Primary and Mackie Academy are the winner of this year's North-east celebration of the SCDI's Young Engineers and Science Clubs.
How wave energy systems were invented
Way back in 1799, a French engineer and inventor called Girard, along with his son, patented the first wave energy system. In 1910, the first real wave machine was designed by Bochaux-Praceique to provide power to a house near Bordeaux in France.
Just how ‘bad’ was this winter?
It really has been a tough winter in the North Sea, with platforms running short of fuel and water, tankers unable to access ports, and the evacuation of personnel from some installations because of high seas.
Mintlaw team is Scottish victor in international ROV-Mate contest
The Scottish heat of a grand battle of the subsea robots has just taken place in the swimming pool of Robert Gordon University.
Here comes the energy Cold War
if relations between the West and Russia worsened and Gazprom - which is a state-owned company - was ordered to either reduce or even cut off supplies to Europe how could we deal with the loss of that much gas?
The flow and ebb of Scotland’s renewable energy potential
It is difficult to avoid the impression that the potential for a major new Scottish industry in renewable energy is slowly ebbing away.
Safety message remains ‘stop, look and listen – it always pays’
David Pritchard's Aberdeen address was riveting, devastating in its brutal frankness. You could have heard a pin drop, so rapt was the attention.
Yes vote “would put industry at risk” claims Amec boss
The boss of one of the North Sea’s biggest engineering companies has urged Scots voters to reject independence.
Budget 2014 and the future of the UKCS
For Britain's oil and gas sector the most far-reaching announcements in Budget 2014 were those indicating the launch of a full tax review for the UK Continental Shelf and confirmation of the Government's acceptance of the Wood Review recommendations, writes Professor Alex Kemp.
Time for Reflection at Industry Safety Awards
As the oil and gas industry prepares to celebrate the UK Oil and Gas Industry Safety Awards later this month, we're provided with a time for reflection, and a reminder the sector must continue to remain ever vigilant.
Independence would create ‘uncertainties’ for business, warns oil firm’s report
A report for a Scots engineering group has warned that leaving the UK would create “a number of costs and uncertainties” for business with “fewer, more uncertain benefits”.