The folly of failing to properly compare technologies
The UK’s Hydrogen Task Force recently published a report that claimed investing in hydrogen could unlock £18bn in Gross Value Added by 2035.
Opinion
UK signals more assertive sanctions regime – Implications for the energy sector
There are signs that the UK’s sanction regime is poised to become more aggressive following the disentanglement from the EU. The close of the Brexit transitional period on 31 December 2020 marks the end of the UK’s obligation to enforce EU sanctions. From 1 January 2021, the UK’s sanctions regime will be independent, with sanctions imposed pursuant to a new framework introduced under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA). It is important that UK companies, including those in the energy sector, anticipate the UK’s changed regulatory landscape and are aware of the potential for new sanctions in due course.
How to show resilience in a competitive jobs market
The last six months have been some of the most difficult in living memory. With COVID-19 set to cast a shadow for some time yet, many firms will be taking a more cautious approach to recruitment – focusing on hiring those able to help build vital resilience into the business.
The key lessons to running an oil company from home
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered one of the most disruptive periods on record for energy markets, with almost a third of global oil demand wiped out as millions stayed home amid lockdown measures and travel bans.
Global supply chains in a post pandemic world – dealing with disruption in the energy sector
This article is intended as a quick legal guide of some key points for busy Energy executives who need to manage business risk exposure when global supply chains are disrupted.
Shift to renewables could be a painful transition for offshore supply chain
Potential pitfalls await those unprepared for the push towards diversification from conventional energy writes Gregory Brown, Maritime Strategies International.
A new normal for energy?
COVID-19 has changed the world in many ways and energy hasn’t been excused. In early 2020, there was a perfect storm of excess supply and massive reductions in demand. Since then, the market has become far more balanced and the oil price seems to be tightly bound in a narrow price range.
Could we change the funding model for heat pumps?
My sources are indicating that the UK Government’s Energy White paper will make much of the role of hydrogen, particularly as a replacement fuel for space heating.
Trump attempts to swing wrecking ball
I like this. Despite Donald Trump’s vitriolic hatred of turbines. In August, more than 100 governors, mayors and government officials across 40 American states declared their support for the wind industry during American Wind Week 2020.
How we respond to challenges will define us
As we head into the autumn with renewed uncertainty on how the coronavirus pandemic will manifest, and continued concerns for our families, our community, our businesses and the economy it is a constant reminder that change is the norm like never before.
Tackling flaring: Lessons from the North Sea
The North Sea represents some of the best-in-class and most innovative work of the oil and gas industry. Here, significant progress in reducing gas flaring is already making a vital contribution towards delivering “net zero”, and Norway stands out as genuinely world-class.
Are we punching our weight when it comes to fighting climate change?
The infamous heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson once said, “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”. Perhaps the same could apply to the national net-zero plan - a strategy that appears lost in what most will agree are the more sudden and painful issues of Brexit and the Covid pandemic?
Hydrogen is going global – fast
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.
Oil industry making changes at scale and at pace to lower emissions
In February I wrote about the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition, prompted by a speech by Oil and Gas Authority chairman Tim Eggar.
Seagreen snub for BiFab leaves both governments with serious questions to answer
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.
Cost control through automation in a time of COVID
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.
Which way to decarbonisation?
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.
Net zero by 2050 and climate change
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.
The rise of the energy freelancer
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.
Britain’s business chiefs can lead from the front on climate change and sustainability
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.
As campaigners we are urging policymakers to sit down with workers to shape policy together
“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.
Finding common cause for UK class actions
The number of class actions being pursued in the UK is on the rise and has been for several years but there remains a learning curve.
Government must accelerate net-zero projects or risk losing thousands of engineers
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.
We do need a planned energy transition
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.
Onshore repowering can benefit wider economy
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.’