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In this episode of What On Earth!, we dive into what we really mean by the term “built environment” and why transforming it is essential to achieving a net zero world.

Our guest, Paul Weston of Box Twenty, breaks down the regulatory landscape shaping the sector and explains how government policy is accelerating improvements in building performance and sustainability.

We explore what “good” looks like today—beyond merely meeting compliance—and how evolving technology, design innovation, and shifting market demand are pushing the industry toward genuine excellence.

A resilient, low-carbon built environment is critical to our future. Tune in to understand how the industry is changing, what progress looks like in practice, and where the biggest opportunities lie.

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Energy Transition 101 – In this episode, we cut through the noise and take a clear-eyed look at what a coherent, apolitical energy transition really involves.

Joining us are three experts from Apollo at the frontlines of decarbonisation:

·        Phil Westmorland, Director of Decarbonisation

·        Nigel Robinson, Director of Marine Energies

·        Calum Westland, Head of Industrial Decarbonisation

Together, they unpack the fundamentals of the energy transition—from system redesign and industrial challenges to the social behaviours needed for a net zero world. We even squeeze in a quick detour into Sankey diagrams (Phil’s guilty pleasure) and ask the slightly absurd but revealing question: Could a team of Tour de France cyclists power your home?

This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to move beyond the headlines and dive into the real, practical questions around net zero—and its surprising complexities.

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In this episode of What On Earth!, we’re joined by Ross Fairley, Senior Partner at Burges & Salmon, who brings over 30 years of experience in renewable energy projects to the table.

We dig into what project success really looks like — and what it takes to get there. From assembling the right team to securing Final Investment Decision (FID), Ross shares hard-earned insights from decades in the field.

🔍 In this episode:

• What separates successful renewable energy projects from those that fall short
• The critical roles and qualities developers should seek in their teams
• How the landscape is shifting as the “easy” project sites disappear
• The increasing complexity of renewable projects — and how to navigate it
• Ross’s one bold idea that could unlock more successful projects

Whether you're a developer, investor, policymaker, or just curious about the evolving energy transition, this episode offers a front-row seat to the real-world challenges and solutions in the sector.

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Something a bit different for What On Earth! We were delighted to recently record a live podcast at a SPARC event at Pembrokeshire College, West Wales. The event saw over 150 female STEM students from around Pembrokeshire come together at the college for a STEM focussed day led by the What On Earth! podcast which saw our own Michelle Hitches chair a panel event with Louise McDonnel from RWE along with Madeline Cowley of Marine Power Systems. The panel led by Michelle talked about their STEM journeys and experiences in renewable energy ending with an audience Q&A. We loved the energy in the room and the engagement from the students. A great episode that we know you will like! We reference Jonathan's recent Linked In post on the subject https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7313834203383488512/ 

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In this episode we talk to Donna Sutherland from Veri Energy about the challenges and opportunities facing oil and gas. Our focus is on Sullom Voe Terminal (SVT) in the Shetland Isles and the opportunity its unique proximity to legacy oil and gas infrastructure, water and renewable electricity will enable a genesis of the site in the net zero world. However there are challenges! We discuss government policy and support for projects like SVT and what needs to happen to enable investment in such projects. We look at social barriers and behaviours that need to change to allow a "right" transition. And we ask Donna if she was given one wish of government what would that be!

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With a bow wave of renewable energy projects either in, or about to enter the planning and consenting process we ask the question of whether the present system is appropriate and robust for the net zero opportunity.  Jonathan and Phil speak with Jadine Berry and Owen Francis from Turley and explore the current system with a net zero lens. What route do projects take through the planning process? Is there an engineering bias by project developers that can over look some of the complexities in stakeholder engagement? When should a project consider the planning and consenting process? How does the process vary between the devolved nations? Listen to this episode and find answers to all these questions and more. 

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In the first edition of What On Earth! Phil and Jonathan chatted with Chris McMahon of Bristol University on the challenges of sustainability and a circular economy from an engineering perspective. Can we engineer ourselves out of the net zero challenge with continued human ingenuity? Or have we reached the peak of incremental change that has now created complex systems and processes which now heighten our circularity challenges. Learn about Jevons paradox and the multi-polar trap that explain our current challenges as society and possibly add a few titles to your reading list!

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Or The Phil Westmorland Interview! Over A Barrel welcomes our new co-host Phil Westmorland. In this episode we understand what makes Phil tick;  his background and work at Apollo. We explore what shaped him growing up on a chicken farm and draw parallels from these experiences to his work today as Apollo's Decarbonisation Director.
This will be the last episode under the Over A Barrel format as we seek to embrace the net zero challenge nationally across the UK and the opportunities and challenges this presents. More of that in next episode. Watch this space!

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A slightly different tack in this episode where Jonathan sends us a “postcard” from FOW2023 in Aberdeen, the exhibition and conference dedicated to floating offshore wind. Hot on the heels of that iconic gathering of Offshore Europe, Jonathan attempts to unpick the challenges and opportunities ahead for the industry. He speaks to government, developers and supply chain to understand different perspectives in order to understand the opportunity and whether the stumbling block of AR5 is a bump or a hurdle in the road ahead. Thanks to Steve Jermy from Celtic Sea Power and Cornwall LEP, Simon Cheeseman from OREC, Alex Gauntt from Cierco, Graham Foster from Marine Power Systems and Nigel Robinson from Apollo.

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In this episode we chat to the former head of the North Sea Transition Authority,  Andy Samuel.  Andy gives us his now unfettered view from the coastal hills of Devon. We explore what seem some of the insurmountable challenges to the sector and with Andy’s insight and knowledge from his period at the NSTA provides us some hope and direction for the energy industry. Topics such as asset electrification, hydrogen and the use of the North Sea as a long term store for carbon dioxide are discussed. Great insight, knowledge and comment from an exceptional industry leader.