It’s time to utilise Scotland’s offshore wind potential – AREG
For more than a century, coal has played a primary role in the UK’s energy mix.
Scotland
Trade union accuses Scottish Government of ‘surrendering’ fight for offshore wind jobs
A Scottish trade union boss has accused Holyrood of “surrendering” in its fight to win local renewables jobs from big North Sea offshore wind projects.
Exclusive: Construction kicks-off at Fraserburgh Harbour to support Moray Firth wind farm
Construction has begun on a new facility at Fraserburgh Harbour that will service a giant offshore wind farm.
‘If there is to be a new jobs taskforce then at least make sure that it is joined-up’
Not many days ago, a Scottish MSP said the Holyrood government ought to revive an initiative originally set up in 2015 to protect and sustain oil and gas jobs at a time of crisis.
Slim pickings for UK oil and gas drilling
Westwood Global Energy reports that as of May 27 there were no exploration and appraisal wells active in the UK. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic and oil price crash, there have been a large number of E&A wells deferred to 2021.
Scotland ‘fleshing out’ support actions for oil sector following crisis talks
Scotland’s energy minister said work to “flesh out actions” to protect jobs and accelerate the transition to low carbon fuels is underway, following the first of several industry crisis talks.
Share of renewable energy production hits record high in Scotland
School closures announced in Scotland and Wales
Schools in Scotland and Wales will close in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, amid speculation that similar measures could be announced in England.
A Budget to achieve net zero?
This is a Budget like no other in recent times. Delayed due to a surprise general election, the first under Prime Minister Johnson, being delivered by a Chancellor appointed less than a month ago, and happening within a challenging geopolitical and economic environment.
Climate change policies ‘could lead to rioting if not implemented fairly’
Rioting similar to the yellow vests protests in France could happen in Scotland if measures to cut emissions are not seen to be fair, ministers have been warned.
NorthConnect: What’s in it for Scotland?
Towards the end of this year, a final investment decision is due to be taken on the NorthConnect project which by 2024 would import surplus hydro electricity from the Hardanger region of Norway into Scotland, at Boddam, via a 400-mile interconnector.
Hundreds of thousands of jobs ‘need to be filled to meet net zero goals’
Hundreds of thousands of people will need to be recruited into the energy sector to reach the goal to cut emissions to net zero by 2050, a report for National Grid shows.
‘Second ever’ Scottish swordfish sighting at North Sea wind farm
Experts have made a rare sighting of a swordfish at what will become the largest wind farm in Scotland.
Highlands and Islands should feel ‘buzz’ of Scotland’s floating wind sector
The Highlands and Islands should capitalise on the “buzz” surrounding Scotland’s growing floating offshore wind sector, according to the region’s energy development chief.
Scot Gov announces £30m renewable energy homes plan
The Scottish Government has announced it is set to introduce a multi-million plan to ensure all new homes use renewable energy from 2024.
Thousands could be without gas for days during freezing conditions
Thousands of people could be without gas for days in central Scotland due to a mains failure.
‘At least’ £1bn North Sea cash should fund energy transition, Sturgeon says
At least £1 billion of North Sea revenues should be set aside to help areas heavily dependent on oil and gas make the switch to a greener economy, Nicola Sturgeon has argued.
The power of Scotland on show at Adipec
From November 11-14, the eyes of the global energy industry will be firmly fixed on the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (Adipec).
K2 Management look to wind farm development with Scottish ‘focus’
Renewable energy consultancy K2 Management has revealed it will look to move into UK renewable energy development, which will include a big focus on Scottish projects.
Oil and gas support services bring £2.2bn to Scotland’s marine economy
New figures show support services for the oil and gas industry are leading Scotland's marine economy.
Full ban on fracking urged ahead of Scottish Government statement
Opposition parties have called on the Scottish Government to promise an outright ban on fracking.
Thousands of students pick renewable energy courses
Almost 13,000 students are studying courses related to renewable energy at Scotland's universities and colleges as the country "upskills" to tackle climate change, according to new research.
Scotland launches new £30m fund for low-carbon heating
A new £30 million fund for low-carbon heating infrastructure is now open for projects to make applications.
Scotland in £12.6bn ‘black hole’ despite North Sea tax receipts
Scotland had a £12.6bn deficit last year despite more than £1.4billion in North Sea receipts, according to new tax and spending figures.
Hydrogen economy could insulate Scotland from volatile oil price
In the week or so before I sat down at my desk to write this column, four important and potentially linked events took place.