Energy Voice – Out Loud

Join the Energy Voice team for an action packed episode on the Offshore Europe floor. Former British diplomat Gregg Quinn sits down with Ryan Duff to discuss the ramifications of Kemi Badenoch's pro-oil stance as we contrast the policy approaches of Labour and the Tories at a politically motivated Offshore Europe. Michael Behr discusses with Concordia Energy CEO Sayma Cox whether oil and gas is back, and picks up a few hints on which regions her new company is eyeing for acquisitions. We hear from Dr Jani Shibuya, the chief executive of startup and University of Aberdeen spinout Hychor, on the potential benefits of making green hydrogen from seawater. And Decom Mission chief executive Sam Long discusses how the wider North Sea policy environment is affecting the decommissioning sector, and whether growing interest in repurposing offshore infrastructure is hype or a real opportunity.

The supply chain will serve as the backbone of the energy transition. How many times have you heard that? Well, it's true! Rystad Energy's, Audun Martinsen spoke to Energy Voice while on the show floor of Offshore Europe about the constraints hitting suppliers in the UK and Norway. Obviously, we can't just highlight the issues, so we discuss how constraints can be alleviated and how likely it is that the supply chain can thrive. Listen to the full conversation on Energy Voice Out Loud.

Have you ever heard of a journalist being interviewed on their own podcast? Anything is possible at Offshore Europe. Alastair Mackay turns the tables on our reporter Ryan Duff and asks him what he's thinking about the show before the duo discuss offshore workforce issues and opportunities. To hear what Alastair has to say about the future of his business and what Ryan thinks about the conference, listen to their conversation on Energy Voice Out Loud.

Tune into this special episode of Energy Voice Out Loud with Expro that dives into well decommissioning at SPE Offshore Europe event in Aberdeen.  Energy Voice reporter Mathew Perry speaks to Donald Horsfall, Expro's group market development and integration director, on what the future looks like for well decommissioning and the risks and opportunities facing the North Sea sector.  

Tune into this special episode of Energy Voice Out Loud with STATS Group that covers the firm's growing international success at SPE Offshore Europe event in Aberdeen. Energy Voice reporter Mathew Perry speaks to Steven Byers, STATS Group chief operating officer, on making the shift from a UK-focused company to generating 87% of its revenue internationally, and the role STATS isolation technology is playing in the energy transition.

Decarbonization, digitalization, and shifting markets are all topics of conversation for NZTC at Offshore Europe 2025. NZTC chief operating officer, Rebecca Allison, discusses how her organisation is shaping the energy transition. Also, if you're on the Offshore Europe show floor this week, swing in past the NZTC stand for a snazzy pair of socks.  

Energy Voice news editor Erikka Askeland catches up with Marcus Kenny, head of end hirer at Brookson Legal, from the show floor of SPE Offshore Europe 2025. Tune into hear Marcus discuss why employers need to tackle IR35 determinations before HMRC does.

In this special episode of Energy Voice Out Loud, brought to you in partnership with Reservoir Group, host Mathew Perry sits down with Reagan Wilkins, Product Development Manager at Sage Rider Inc, to explore a technology that's set to shake up the world of artificial lift. Electric gas lift has been around in concept for over a decade, but Reservoir Group's innovations are making it more efficient, smarter, and far more controllable than traditional systems. From onshore wells in West Texas to the potential for offshore deployment in the North Sea, Reagan and Mathew discuss how digital controls, valve modulation, and the digital oilfield are opening new opportunities for operators, engineers, and production teams. They dig into the economic and operational challenges that this technology addresses, why it matters for hydrocarbon recovery, and how automation is creating opportunities rather than replacing jobs. Listeners will also hear about the lessons learned from real-world deployments and what the future could hold for the offshore oil and gas sector. If you're curious about cutting-edge well technology and the future of digital oilfield operations, this is one episode you won't want to miss. Tune in to Energy Voice Out Loud each week for the first word in UK energy.

Energy Voice's Ryan Duff, Erikka Askeland, and Mat Perry discuss the number one question GB Energy boss, Dan McGrail, has been asked since taking over the state-backed body. Erikka tells us about the speech Dan delivered while at the Scottish Green Energy Supply Chain Awards in Aberdeen, in which he said the most popular question he's asked is "What is GB Energy?" There were some interesting insights given by Dan as our trio of journalists discussed the implications of a state-owned "activist investor". Next up, Energy Voice editor Mark Selby spoke with renowned energy analyst Michael Liebreich in a pre-recorded interview. While trying not to come across as a "Debbie Downer" on net zero, Liebreich said the UK needs to stop "chasing the Quixotic dream of Clean Power 2030" and embrace a more pragmatic approach. Finally, this episode wraps up on the University of Aberdeen's latest review, conducted by John Underhill. It is suggested by John that "bespoke" permits should be handed out to oil and gas developments located near existing infrastructure. This raises some interesting questions at a time when the UK offshore regulator, the North Sea Transition Authority, is unable to hand out any licences while operators await the results of government consultation.

Tune into this special episode of Energy Voice Out Loud with DNV that lifts the lid on what the risk management specialist will be unveiling at this year's SPE Offshore Europe event in Aberdeen. Energy Voice news editor Erikka Askeland speaks to Hari Vamadevan, DNV's regional director, UK & Ireland, energy systems on the complex facets of what a whole systems approach to the energy transition looks like, including the four numbers every business and political needs to know.

Are you excited for SPE Offshore Europe 2025 in Aberdeen yet? Find out why 2025 is the most important Offshore Europe in its history, at a critical time for the UK energy sector. Tune into this special edition of EVOL where David Ince, SPE Offshore Europe exhibition director and Gareth Rapley, RX portfolio director, who leads the global events company's portfolio of energy and marine events. Both speak to news editor Erikka Askeland to lift the lid on what delegates and exhibitors can expect at this year's show. Ryan Duff also speaks with David Whitehouse the chief executive of trade body Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) and chair of the event's executive committee on what matters to the people that make the event shine.

Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff is joined by renewables reporter Michael Behr and north west correspondent Floyd March as they discuss the week's headlines. Up first, Michael has been keeping tabs on TotalEnergies and the Gryphon FPSO. Decommissioning is set to go ahead for the ageing North Sea asse,t and Nobel is not happy about it. The Energy Voice trio discuss whether this sets a dangerous precedent for smaller firms with tie backs to larger production hubs. Next up, Floyd makes his Energy Voice Out Loud debut as he looks into solar in Humber and how one local councillor has raised concerns of farmland being bought over by foreign firms for renewable energy developments. Is this the old 'not in my back yard' argument or is there something to this argument? Finally, Ryan talks us through Centrica's acquisition of the Isle of Grain LNG terminal and the trio examines the firm's argument that its latest UK investment will strengthen energy security. This comes hot off the heels of threats to close the Rough gas storage site and weeks after some disappointing financial results for the business.

This week's episode of Energy Voice Out Loud (EVOL) takes on the breaking news that the next renewables auction round has started. Energy Voice staffers Erikka Askeland, Micheal Behr and Mathew Perry discuss runners and riders and who might be winners! News editor Erikka speaks with Gitte Gard Talmo, the CEO of North Star. The historic Aberdeen shipping firm will be adding two brand new vessels to its fleet following its biggest ever deal with offshore wind giant RWE. Finally, Mat explains what it means now that the UK government has shortlisted a direct air capture (DAC) project led by Swiss specialist Climeworks as part of the HyNet CCS scheme in North West England. Will it one day be possible to suck greenhouse gasses out of the air? Tune in and find out;.

Tune in to this week's episode of Energy Voice Out Loud hosted by news editor Erikka Askeland, reporter Mathew Perry and London correspondent Jessica Mills-Davies. Mat and Erikka discuss the surprise announcement that Roy MacGregor's Global Energy Group sold the Port of Nigg on the Cromarty Firth to long term shareholder, Japan's Mitsui. What next for the Highland League football club-owning tycoon? Jessica updates listeners on her investigations into the first-of-its-kind hydrogen home heating trial taking place in Fife – or is it? Then Mat is back again to report on the North Sea Transition Authority's (NSTA) pledge to name and shame North Sea operators. At last, the regulator is showing some tooth in dealing with delayed decommissioners and methane emitters.

This week's Energy Voice Out Loud is hosted by Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff, news editor Erikka Askeland, and E-FWD editor Ed Reed. Up first, Ed discusses the situation at the Prax-owned Lindsey oil refinery at Immingham. News broke this week that there has not been a buyer found for the facility, as unions have turned up the heat in pursuit of government interventions. Although Parx's mismanagement of funds is getting the blame for this, Erikka questions whether this is the UK's refinery industry right-sizing itself. Next up, the hydrogen hullabaloo continues. The Government has launched a consultation on blending hydrogen with natural gas in the UK's grid, and it has dished out subsidies to the winners of the first hydrogen allocation round. Westminster claims that the latter decision will put shovels in the ground and get green hydrogen projects up and running. Finally, Ryan discusses president Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Aberdeen. Trump has said an awful lot about oil and gas and the role of renewables in the UK, but how does his track record of opposing wind farms stack up? As it turns out, not great. To find out what our editorial team think about these stories and more, tune into Energy Voice Out Loud on your podcast platform of choice.

This week's Energy Voice Out Loud is hosted by Aberdeen features lead Ryand Duff, renewables reporter Michael Behr, and E-FWD editor Ed Reed. GB Energy isn't ruling out this early in its lifetime as Michael sat down with now permanent CEO Dan McGrail. Michael discusses the state-backed energy firm's technology-focused approach as we question whether it is pursuing one sector or if it is spinning too many plates. Next up, Reform targets renewables as it threatens energy firms that if they bid in the upcoming Allocation Round 7 (AR7), they will face "significant political, financial, and regulatory risk" for their shareholders. This came days after US president Donald Trump said he would be coming to Aberdeen to discuss energy policy with first minister John Swinney and prime minister Keir Starmer. Both Reform and Trump have been anti-renewables in the past, and this week's headlines appear to be stoking the flames of a net-zero culture war. Finally, on to nuclear as Ed talks us through floating power plants. The idea was raised at a recent conference that reactors could produce energy on barges and send it to shore in industrial areas such as Teesside and Port Talbot. Nuclear-powered shipping was also discussed, however, there are some serious regulatory hurdles the sector would have to clear before that becomes a reality. All in all, the nuclear conversation is heating up in the UK as the government appears to be backing the sector, and with that, yet more conversation about its technology offering will crop up.

This week on Energy Voice Out Loud, we discuss Beam and its administration, the NSTA's stance on delayed decommissioning, and how mergers and acquisitions are shaking up UK oil and gas production. First up, renewables reporter Michael Behr has been looking into the Aberdeen ROV company that burst onto the scene with a pocket full of cash and ended up spending more than it had. Michael has found some sizable bills that Beam has left unpaid, and its workers are also owed thousands. To get a full rundown, read Michael's article on Energy Voice. Next up, Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff spoke with Pauline Innes, the North Sea Transition Authority's (NSTA) director of supply chain and decommissioning. This chat came hot off the heels of the NSTA's latest decommissioning cost and performance update, which found that costs for decommissioning are spiking as plugging and abandonment is left by the wayside. Finally, merger mania and how it's impacting hydrocarbon production in the North Sea. News editor Erikka Askeland and Ryan discuss how recent mergers and acquisitions are shaking up the league table of UK producers and what the table will look like as big players downgrade their stake in the basin.

Tune into hear one of the UK's leading female energy executives Megan Hine, senior business development manager – UK & Ireland for Dräger, speak to Energy Voice news editor Erikka Askeland.    This special series celebrating Energy Voice's third annual Women in New Energy event in Aberdeen focused on how the family-owned Dräger business is targeting female representation in its leadership - but does it go far enough? 

EVOL X Expro: The potential of Geothermal    Is Geothermal the future for oil service firms? James Yard, CCUS development manager for Expro, discusses how his firm is looking into the potential of geothermal energy for heating in the UK.   James caught up with Energy Voice Aberdeen features lead, Ryan Duff, to discuss the chicken and egg situation the geothermal market is in within the UK right now and how others have accelerated progress.   Of course, the pair also discussed Expro's recent work on the Northern Endurance Partnership as it continues its working relationship with Equinor after completing work on its Northern Lights CCS project in Norway.   CCS also offers interesting opportunities for Expro and James shares some insight into what the firm is doing in this emerging market.   

This week, US services giant Baker Hughes was reported to be reviewing its UK pension scheme in a move that potentially puts thousands of jobs at risk. Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff discusses what the firm is trying to do and voices the concerns of Aberdeen workers, while News Editor Erikka Askeland provides her pension board expertise. There has been some back and forth on the matter but ultimately, the move from Baker Hughes seems to put workers between a rock and a hard place. And Michael Behr discusses electrification with SynchroStor chief technology officer Alexis Dole. Hydrogen has long been seen as the only way to make high-temperature industrial processes green. But SynchroStor has developed technology to make heat pumps strong enough to offer an alternative. Finally, Erikka discusses the Shetland gas terminal and the Greater Laggan Area fields as workers breathed a sigh of relief following financial uncertainty from Prax. It turns out that the deal the firm signed with TotalEnergies in 2024 hadn't gone through so workers on the Scottish islands are unaffected by Prax's financial woes. However, news was not so good for workers at the Lindsey oil refinery on the Humber.

How do you cut emissions within the energy sector? Fugro is trying a few different things to achieve its net-zero targets. Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff sat down with the firm's global director of sustainability, Hedwig Sietsma, about this and more at the recent Women in New Energy event at Aberdeen's P&J Live. The cleanest energy is the one you don't use, explained Sietsma as she drew attention to Fugro's growing fleet of remote and autonomous solutions. If you would like to hear more about sustainability in the North Sea, listen to Energy Voice Out Loud's conversation with Fugro.

In this episode of Aberdeen, features lead Ryan Duff is joined by Alan McMorran, senior director for digital grid management at Emerson's Aspen Technology Business.   The duo discuss the grid and its ever-changing role in the energy transition as utilities feel an increasing need to manage their energy systems.    Although Ryan and Alan are both Scottish, the sports chat was kept to a minimum to avoid bringing down the mood; however, they might have gotten that conversation past McMorran's American colleagues, given their accents.    Instead, they discussed network model management and how Alan's first business developed the technology that allows people in the north of Scotland to report power outages to SSEN and how crowdsourcing will continue to play its part in the evolution of the grid.    All in all, we are going to need a more adaptive and resilient grid as energy production and usage both shift.

This week, Energy Voice was out in force at the OEUK Conference 2025 in Aberdeen. Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff spoke with former Wood cheif executive Bob Keiller and Anasuria Operating Company CEO Richard Beattie.   Richard and Ryan had quite the chin wag, so their conversation spans the first two segments of this week's half-hour show. First off, the duo discuss the future of UK operations and licencing as the UK awaits clarity on regulation. This week, Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) released a report which found there are still 7.5 billion barrels left in the North Sea that UK operators could get after.    Next up, tax and lobbying were the topics of conversation. Tax has been a grip of the UK industry for some time now and that has not changed as it awaits the results of a consultation which will determine the tax regime for 2030 onwards.    Finally, Bob and Ryan discuss job losses and how they are impacting Aberdeen's city centre. Although Bob is sympathetic to those impacted by job losses in Aberdeen's energy sector, he believes that is not what is keeping people away from Union Street.  

This week on Energy Voice Out Loud, the team discuss some progress on the stalled Rosebank and Jackdaw projects in the North Sea.   Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff joins reporter Mathew Perry and E-FWD editor Ed Reed to discuss new environmental impact assessment guidance for offshore oil and gas developments issued by the UK government.   Will Rosebank and Jackdaw be able to clear the tightened approvals process in the wake of the Finch Supreme Court ruling on downstream emissions?   Next, Next news editor Erikka Askeland spoke to Peterhead Port's Keith Mackie at launch of the Peterhead Energy Transition Forum which estimates energy investment in the region will hit £1billion over the next ten years. It comes hot on the heels of £200m for the Acorn project at St Fergus and a green light for investment zone status in the latest spending review.  And finally, Ed and Ryan discuss the recent conflict between Iran and Israel and the impact the ongoing instability is having on global energy markets. 

Energy Voice caught up with Darren Davidson, vice president of Siemens Energy UK&I. He tells us how he started his career as an apprentice before rising through the ranks to leading one of the UK's most significant energy industry companies. Recently UK energy secretary Ed Miliband chose Davidson's wind turbine factory in Hull to launch his clean power 2030 plan, highlighting just one area of the company's successful green energy growth stories in the UK. 

Welcome to a special episode of Energy Voice Out Loud where you can hear two female leaders from Onboard Tracker in conversation with news editor Erikka Askeland discussing a range of topics including why empathy in both the energy industry and data management is key.   Tanya Harley, Product Manager and Renée de Leau, Implementation Consultant, highlight how the crew management system tracks 150,000 people across 110 countries. The Aberdeen-based company boasts a 50/50 split of male and female employees which means getting on board with WINE makes sense.

Tune into this special Women in New Energy (WINE)-themed podcast with executives from episode sponsor STATS Group. Energy Voice news editor Erikka Askeland speak to Joanna Mountford, business development manager on her career journey and how attending the WINE event in Aberdeen last year gave her the kick she needed to take back control of her career. We also speak to Laura Scott, group HR manager on the initiatives the global firm is implementing to ensure gender equity.  

This week, Energy Voice Out Loud (EVOL) looks at the UK's spending review as Scottish energy secretary Gillian Martin says "we need more welders", and a former oil worker writes to Nigel Farage for support.  First up, the EVOL trio of Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff, reporter Mat Perry, and E-FWD editor Ed Reed discuss Westminster's support for Acorn. It finally happened, the UK government committed to stumping up cash for the Acorn and Viking CCS projects, however, its spending review document was a little light on details. It's worth noting that after this week's recording session, Ed Miliband appeared in Peterhead to announce £200m for Acron. Next up, news editor Erikka Askeland spoke with Gillian Martin about the importance of welders in the energy transition as the first cohort of learners on a welding and fabrication pilot training scheme graduated as part of a £100,000 program funded by Ocean Winds. Finally, we discuss Reform UK and its support for nuclear (which seems to be aligned with Labour's love of reactors) and its disdain for turbines. However, when Reform gets into power, is it really as against the "utter madness" of net zero as leader Nigel Farage lets on?  

The third episode of Energy Voice's Gigawaters series explores the next phase of the UK's offshore wind rollout – the new processes and systems needed to meet future challenges. EV renewables reporter Michael Behr is joined by The Crown Estate managing director for marine Gus Jaspert and Orsted UK country manager Benj Sykes to explore how offshore wind can work in a busy North Sea. The needs of fishing, shipping and defence; coastal communities; and of course, the environment, all need to be considered for projects to work in harmony with ocean users. They discuss how the UK needs to adopt a more systematic approach to reaching the UK's clean energy goals ahead of 2030, and how all sides need to interact to ensure the country maintains its lead in offshore wind.

This week, news editor Erikka Askeland and Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff attended the Energy Industries Council's (EIC) Energy Exports Conference in Aberdeen.   The show provided insight into how the UK is stacking up to other nations in the energy transition as Bureau Veritas launched its latest report and Aberdeen's Blazewe was honoured at an awards dinner.    Erikka spoke with Ann Johnson, director of Blaze Manufacturing Solutions, about the award and her firm's journey to it, as well as plans for the North Sea and further afield. Next, Erikka caught up with Verlume CEO Richard Knox to talk about his business' export opportunities as he looks to capitalise on recent success.   Ryan McPherson, EIC's regional director and general manager for the Middle East, Africa and CIS, joined us in our Aberdeen studio ahead of the event to share his insights.    Finally, Ryan spoke with EIC CEO Stuart Broadley about his key takeaways from the event on its last day. He said that some of the solutions to the UK's policy problems may be able to be found by looking to other nations and their approach to the energy transition. 

In this podcast, recorded live on the show floor of the Energy Exports Conference, Energy Voice Out Loud speaks with Bureau Veritas about its role as the event's Strategic Partner and the launch of the Energy Transition Forum. Aberdeen Features Lead Ryan Duff speaks with market lead for renewable energy and major projects (CCS), Darren Taylor, and energy and engineering director, Sammy Tweddle. The trio discuss pessimistic energy transition sentiment in the face of back-to-back record-breaking years for renewables roll out, offshore wind supply chain constraints and  the UK nuclear sector's permitting woes. 

In this special EVOL X Sproule ERCE podcast, Energy Voice reporter Mathew Perry is joined by Sproule ERCE decarbonisation lead Ellen Mitchell, and CCS principal and reservoir engineer Andy Moore to explore the current landscape of carbon capture and storage (CCS). The discussion spans global policy drivers like carbon pricing and climate goals, technical subsurface considerations such as capacity, injectivity and containment, and the challenges still facing the industry from cost and regulation to synchronising capture and storage infrastructure. With insights from landmark projects and expert analysis, the episode unpacks what's shaping the CCS sector across Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific.

The Energy Voice Out Loud podcast took to the road this week to broadcast a live debate from The Caves wine cellar in Edinburgh.     News editor Erikka Askeland interviewed the crème de la crème of the folks pushing the energy transition envelope.   On stage in front of a live audience, Great British Energy's policy director Paul Addison spoke about the need for a ‘north star' for 2030.    Wood Mackenzie's VP for climate consulting Valentina Kretzschmar asked if net zero is achievable, or attracting enough green investment.    Nicola Macleod spoke of the companies in private equity-backed D2Zero's portfolio that are driving the energy transition.

Flexitricity is a pioneer in demand side response (DSR) which allows businesses to benefit by adjusting the way they use energy. Tune in to hear the electric utility company's founder and chief strategy officer, Alastair Martin explain to Energy Voice renewables reporter Michael Behr how the industry is facing up to the growth of renewable energy production and the need to meet demand. The firm's FlexGO technology, which helps commercial and industrial businesses simplify their energy flexibility journey. is in the market now and will be central to future energy system management. 

The Energy Voice Out Loud crew are back to discuss all the latest news from the UK's energy sector. News editor Erikka Askeland fills in reporters Jessica Davies and Michael Behr on Ithaca's latest moves as it pushes on with Rosebank and Cambo, and buys up a hefty stake in Cygnus. And then Michael shares his thoughts on the state of the offshore wind sector - is optimism falling among key players after several setbacks?  Finally, Jessica talks carbon capture and storage, and its role in the UK's energy transition.  

All-Energy returned to Glasgow and the Energy Voice Out Loud Team were out in force, chatting to folks on the show floor, listening to panels and keeping you up to date with all the latest announcements.  In this episode of EVOL, news editor Erikka Askeland, renewables reporter Michael Behr, Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff chat with a handfull of the most interesting people in attendance at Glasgow's SEC.  First up, Ryan speaks with Statera Energy's policy manager Phoebe Finn about the importance of large-scale renewables projects in the north-east of Scotland as employment uncertainty continues to hit the region. Also, Finn points to policy drivers that could be hindering the UK hydrogen sector's progress and what can be done to fix it. Michael spoke with the Changineer, consultant Danielle Dare, about the carbon footprints of everyday objects. Which has the higher emissions - a Zoom call, 1kg of asparagus, a bank account or a cup of tea? Michael finds out. And Erikka speaks with Emma Behjat, chairwoman of the AXIS network to recap their All Energy session entitled Make DEI Great Again and why energy companies can benefit by sticking to the plan to develop talent. Energy Voice's team of reporters managed to record a few more conversations while at All-Energy so stay tuned in the coming weeks for more insight from the UK's largest renewable energies conference.

Join Energy Voice Out Loud as we broadcast from the show floor of All-Energy 2025, the UK's largest renewable and low-carbon energy event. In this special episode, our reporters sit down with the five All-Energy Ambassadors to explore the key themes and insights shaping the future of energy. Hear from: Dr. Kerry-Ann Adamson, VP & Global Hydrogen Lead at Capgemini Clare Foster, Partner & Head of Clean Energy at Shepherd and Wedderburn Iain Sinclair, Executive Director at Global Energy Lesley McNeil, Head of External & Corporate Affairs at Muirhall Energy Christianna Logan, Director of Customers & Stakeholders at SSEN Transmission Each ambassador shares their unique perspective on their area of expertise, highlights from the sessions they're involved in, and the vital role All-Energy plays in driving innovation, collaboration, and progress across the sector.

On this episode of Energy Voice Out Loud in partnership with ABB, reporter Mathew Perry speaks with Matt Wise, the head of strategy and business development at ABB's Electrification Service division.   Together they explore how behind-the-meter energy storage is transforming industrial electricity consumers into active market players across the UK and Europe.   As energy markets grow more volatile, businesses are looking for smarter, more flexible ways to manage supply, reduce costs, and even generate revenue - without the need for a large upfront capital investment.   

Being able to visualise what is out at sea from the beach is a game changer for the offshore industry. But what if you started working for an energy company and ended up working for a tech start up without having to leave the business you started working for? Sarah Shearer, head of Aberdeen and people operations manager at Aize, shares her story of working at the forefront of digital twin technology and where the energy industry can go from here.

This week, there has been a whole lot of doom and gloom in the UK energy market. Harbour Energy announced 250 job cuts in Aberdeen, Ørsted discontinued its Hornsea 4 offshore wind project, and Drax opted not to bid for its Cruachan II in the Cap and Floor mechanism. Up first, news reporter Mat Perry discusses the UK's largest oil and gas operator slashing 25% of its UK onshore headcount as it downgrades spending in the country. Aberdeen Features Lead Ryan Duff gives his two cents on the state of job losses in the north-east of Scotland and the wider North Sea, brace yourself for explicit language.  Next up, Mat and renewables reporter Michael Behr discuss why Ørsted has pulled the hand brake on a major offshore wind project. Pumped storage hydro was also mentioned, as Cruachan II gives the cap and floor scheme a swerve after battery firms argued that the mechanism was biased towards such projects.  And finally, Michael chats with Guy Newey, chief executive officer at the Energy Systems Catapult about the ever-divisive zonal pricing debate and how it could help drive innovation in the energy sector.

This week Scotland's only oil refinery ceased production, prompting outrage from unions that forecast the "wrath" of voters in next year's Holyrood election, European supermajors BP and Equinor unveiled their Q1 results and Octopus Energy's CEO defended his zonal pricing views.  Up first, Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff discusses the closure of Grangemouth's oil refinery and its political ramifications, while news reporter Mathew Perry asks about the implications for the Acorn CCS project which is yet to see certainty. With the Scotland carbon capture project caught in limbo questions are asked of the future of Scottish industry.  Renewables reporter Michael Behr has been the man on the markets this week as he kept an eye on Equinor and BP's books. The Energy Voice Out Loud presenting trio play a game of Good News, Bad News and they debate whether the first quarter reports were positive or as one analyst said, "disappointing". Finally, Energy Voice has been at the Innovation zero conference in the capital as London correspondent Jessica Davies chats with Octopus Energy CEO Greg Jackson as he defended his views on zonal pricing. He has been a supporter of the structure that will see Scotland's energy prices plummet, however, others have said that the move would impact the economic viability of wind projects in the country. 

This week, Energy Voice's intrepid reporters Mat and Mike explored the recent announcement that the government is set to approve Eni's HyNet carbon capture and storage project. The deal comes with financial support for the Track 1 project, and adds momentum to the UK's CCS journey. We also catch up with news editor Erikka, who was at the North Sea Decarbonisation conference this week, finding out all about how the UK needs to reshape its industries, create new partnerships and generate sustainable jobs to secure a greener future.  And back in the studio, Mike and Mat chat about the £300m coming from GB Energy to invest in the UK's offshore wind supply chains. But is this a strong enough signal for the sector, which has seen mixed signals coming from the government?

This week Wood provided updates on Sidara's proposed £250 million takeover, NESO declared war on zombies in the grid queue, and Equinor and Orsted warned of the impacts of wake loss. Aberdeen-headquartered Wood received a non-binding takeover bid from Dubai-based rival Sidara worth £250m, a significant drop-off compared to last year's £1.5 billion bid. Our reporters discuss this, Wood's shares being suspended and them impacts of yet another Scottish company being bought over by international competitors.  Next up, the UK's National Energy System Operator (NESO) unveiled plans to get rid of 'zombies' from the grid queue in a collaboration with regulator Ofgem. This could see up to 360GW of projects on the current queue have their contracts downgraded because they are not ready. What does this mean and is it a result of too much dithering from the UK? Finally, European energy giants Equinor and Orsted have said offshore wind revenues could take a £363m hit due to other projects getting in the way of their turbines. Although those in the Tour de France peloton don't mind the frontrunner taking the brunt of the wind resistance, turbine operators do. Does industry need to share its survey results so all can benefit from the North Sea breeze? 

This week we got further updates on the Neo Energy and Repsol tie-up, Kistos' full year results for 2024 and the results of HAR2. Energy Voice's Ryan Duff, Erikka Askeland and Mat Perry discuss. First up, what's happening at Flotta? Erikka chats about the gas terminal's hydrogen plans and what attracted Neo Energy's private equity backers to the Spanish firm's UK division. Ryan argues that tax incentives from Repsol's extensive decommissioning liabilities may be the answer.  Next up, Ryan discusses Kistos and its plans to expand the Greater Laggan Area off the west coast of Shetland. The firm has brought attention to the Glendronach field now that operatorship of the area is changing hands. When talking about gas, there has to be a Trump, the trio discusses how US policy is impacting global oil and gas firms.  Finally, Mat chats about hydrogen and the results of HAR2. Was it perfect? No, but maybe it doesn't need to be. He discusses some of the talking points from a recent conference in Birmingham, which touched on getting hydrogen "good" but it doesn't need to be "perfect" in order to unlock investment. Price is still a sticking point for this fuel source but the government is aiming to tackle this too.