Sanjoy Sen: West needs to challenge its long-held beliefs on energy
On the 24th February, the first of many Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine. And as Brian Wilson noted last week, some uncomfortable realities have kicked in here and across Europe.
renewables
Southern North Sea vies to be UK’s shining example of energy integration
“Scotland will become the offshore wind capital of the world, I think that’s inevitable,” says Martin Dronfield, chairman of the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), "but the East of England can and will become the integrated energy exemplar in the UK.”
Current timeframe for building offshore wind farms now ‘unacceptable’ amid energy crisis
Offshore wind developers have been told they need to slash the amount of time it takes to build projects.
UK Government accused of ‘slamming the final nail in the coffin’ of small hydro
A sharp increase in the licensing fees for those wanting to build carbon-free hydro-electric power schemes has been slammed by industry.
Why is hydrogen being lauded as the hero of carbon emissions reduction?
If net zero CO2 by 2050 is the question, what is the answer? It’s something countless organisations, people and governments have been discussing since targets were set; how do we achieve this target quickly and sustainably.
Oil and gas companies supporting UK’s green revolution
The UK’s offshore energy industry is aware it has a major opportunity to drive a very positive future – both for the UK economy and its energy mix alike.
Energy reality bites as Ukraine crisis unfolds
The madness in Ukraine has dramatically fast-forwarded issues that were already in the making. Soaring energy prices, over-reliance on imported gas, storage which is essential to facilitate the growth of renewables … the list goes on and on.
£10 million up for grabs as NZTC launches net zero tech competition
The Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) has launched a new competition, inviting firms around the world to apply for a share of a £10 million pot.
Duguid and Buchan launch new oilfield equipment player RenQuip
A new equipment firm, which will “bridge the gap” between oil and gas and renewables, has been launched with the backing of a pair of Aberdeen serial entrepreneurs.
Crondall and Durham Uni win funding to help solve energy storage puzzle
Consultancy Crondall Energy has been awarded a share of a £6.7 million UK Government pot to try to use North Sea infrastructure to solve the puzzle of energy storage.
Scotland will secure ‘more than its fair share’ of $3 trillion Blue Economy boom
Scotland will take “more than its fair share” of a surging Blue Economy opportunity, which is expected to be worth $3 trillion globally by 2030, the Scottish trade minister has said.
Eni adds six banks for IPO of $11 billion renewables unit
Eni has picked six more banks to work on the initial public offering (IPO) of its retail and renewables unit Plenitude, which could be valued at about 10 billion euros ($11.3 billion), according to people familiar with the matter.
China’s renewables boom poses major challenges to western markets
China’s renewables manufacturing has emerged from 2021 bigger and more competitive than ever before. Western markets are benefitting from trading with the IKEA of the energy transition, but balancing reliance on China’s technology providers with local interests is now a key political, as well as environmental challenge, says Wood Mackenzie.
Aker Solutions to create 200 UK jobs in renewables push
Aker Solutions will create 200 UK jobs this year as part of a drive into renewables and low carbon oil and gas projects.
Aberdeen’s Apollo targeting renewables opportunities with new Edinburgh base
Aberdeen-headquartered Apollo is looking to capitalise on Scotland’s burgeoning renewables sector with the opening of a new office.
Air Control Entech to double headcount and open new Aberdeen office
Aberdeen-headquartered remote inspection technology firm Air Control Entech plans to double headcount and open new offices after a “record” year.
BP fuels calls for windfall tax as oil giant posts £11 billion profits in 2021 results
Oil giant BP has pledged to spend double what it earns in the UK in the coming years - but huge profits in its 2021 results and pressure on consumers have strengthened calls for a North Sea windfall tax
Aker Solutions profits surge as it aims for ‘record high order intake in 2022’
Engineering giant Aker Solutions has reported healthy profits in its 2021 results and sees potential for orders to reach “record high” levels in the coming year.
The fight against climate change: No time to sit tight and assess
Despite COP26 talks, last year saw renewable growth fall to its lowest level since 2010, with these figures falling every year since 2015. If the UK is to hit its 2050 net-zero targets, Government and businesses must ensure that they uphold the COP26 pledges throughout 2022. With the UK’s ambitious targets to cut emissions by 78% compared to 1990 levels, and ensure all electricity comes from clean sources by 2035, tougher policies are needed to make sure that the country does not falter in its commitments to meet the 1.5C global warming target.
BP drafts in renewables heavy hitter to head up new offshore wind division
BP has made a number of senior appointments as it works to deliver its target of 20 gigawatts (GW) of developed renewables by 2025.
‘World’s first’ offshore charging station completes trials in Cromarty Firth
Oasis Marine Power is toasting success after completing the first stage of testing for its offshore charging station.
Reliance on renewables raises questions after 2021 slump
Renewable energy is at the forefront of efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the UK yet 2021 showcased both the highs and lows of relying on renewables.
Shell shakes up renewables unit after departure of top executive Elisabeth Brinton
Shell is reshuffling its renewables unit after the department’s head said she will step down.
European expertise still needed after Mitsubishi dominates Japan offshore wind round
A Mitsubishi-led consortium has dominated Japan’s first-ever fixed-bottom offshore wind auction with record-low prices. The results surprised the industry, but European know-how will still be needed to make the nascent sector a success in Japan.
Ineos-backed hydrogen fund splurges £50m in first five months
A pioneering clean hydrogen investment fund has paid out around £50 million since starting up.