What On Earth!

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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.

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In this episode Stuart and Jonathan talk with Sian Lloyd Rees, UK Managing Director for Mainstream Renewable Power. The discussion explores the challenges and opportunities facing the offshore wind industry and how Sian’s previous experience in oil and gas and software is helping her shape her approach for the sector. UK wide opportunities are explored along with potential skill shortages along with the energy transition opportunities for areas like Aberdeen. Sian gives her honest and interesting insights as a senior executive moving within the energy sector. 

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In this episode, Jonathan chats with Simon Cheeseman, Sector Lead at the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult about the activity and opportunities in the emerging floating offshore wind (FLOW) market in the UK. 

After ScotWind the Celtic Sea offers the potential of 24GW of capacity to be leased by The Crown Estate, starting this year. 

The parallels between the floating oil and gas sector and FLOW are strong and there is a significant potential transfer of the expertise and knowledge from oil and gas into the sector.

 Learn about the scale of the opportunities and how to access them. 

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In this rather grandly titled episode Jonathan White is joined by Mike Tholen Acting CEO of OEUK to explore the economic and political uncertainties facing the UKs energy supply this winter and beyond. We cover wide ranging topics such as offshore renewable energy, shale gas along with traditional hydrocarbons and whether hydrogen is the silver bullet we are all looking for. Governmental policy in relationship to energy investment in the UK is explored along with the compulsive viewing which is a smart meter! Will we be cold this winter and when can we expect the investment market to stablise? A wide ranging and very interesting discussion to help you understand the conundrums facing the energy market.

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In this episode we attempt to understand the dynamics facing the energy industry in particular the tension between oil and gas and sustainable energy which became very apparent during  COP26. We explore the various market challenges facing companies in the supply chain especially those present in oil and gas and attempting to pivot to new market areas.  Market forces are explored including public perception, client synergy as well as being an employer of choice in a changing industry. We are joined by Nigel Robinson, Sustainable Energy Director at Apollo and Paul Ellerton Oil & Gas Consultancy Director at Apollo. The session is chaired by Stuart Cochrane.
(This content was previously broadcast as a live webinar by Apollo in February 2022)

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As we embark on 2022, Over A Barrel took the opportunity to talk to Mike Beveridge (Vice-Chair Piper Sandler) to get his reflections on 2021 and what we can look forward to in 2022. Mike, Stuart and Jonathan discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the traditional oil and gas industry and the dynamics of the energy transition. Covering topics ranging from government policy, investment challenges as well as opportunities for the sector, the episode concludes with a view on the next 12 months for the industry.

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Any industry is nothing unless the next generation of talent is attracted and excited by its future within in it. In particular the oil and gas industry is challenged by its image in the energy transition along with its role in that. In this episode we are joined by some of our present young talent from across the industry to talk about what attracted them initially to oil and gas and what continues to enthuse them. Listen to Connor Robb from Baker Hughes, Roisean Farquhar from Apollo and Michael Howie from Global Energy Group talk about their experiences in the sector and what they perceive their future direction to be.

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In this episode we enjoy talking with Mike Tholen, Sustainability Director at OGUK, and one of the architects of the North Sea Transition Deal. Beyond the fuss and hyperbole, we discuss what the North Sea Transition Deal actually is and what it means for the UK’s oil and gas industry. Mike explains the framework that the deal aims to create from the vision of the authors to turn the UK into a net exporter of low carbon technology, and how many of the opportunities it presents can be realised.

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Arguably there has been no more challenging time for the oil and gas industry as it grapples with the energy transition and the associated social and political pressures. In this episode we hear from Deirdre Michie CEO at OGUK and Iman Hill the Executive Director at the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers. We discuss the role of industry bodies in helping industry, government and the public successfully navigate the route to a low carbon economy. As well as the challenges facing their organisations,  we ask what inspires them to do what they do! 

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We hear a lot about the hydrogen revolution in the news and media. But what is the truth! In this episode we hear from Tom Baxter, Senior Lecturer at Aberdeen University and Ian Phillips, Development Director at Pale Blue Dot Energy. Enjoy the lively debate around the use of hydrogen as an energy vector and whether it has potential as a centralised source of energy or does it more suit local generation and dispatchable energy. What do government need to be doing and is there a rational policy approach to our energy challenges. This podcast will equip you with the tools to really understand the hydrogen potential.