Over A Barrel

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)

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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.

In this episode the Over A Barrel team explore what future lies ahead for traditional oilfield service companies whilst we navigate the energy transition journey to low carbon energy sources. We are joined by Derek Mathieson and Gordon Ballard, with between them over 60 years experience in OFS and both former senior executives with large multinational OFS companies. Issues such as over-capacity, technology, global supply chains etc. are discussed in the context of these industry bulwarks, their shrinking balance sheets and declining share prices. Will these companies regain their former glory? Or can we expect new companies and brands to take their place. We enjoy Derek and Gordons insight and candid comments on the topic.

Stuart and Jonathan  speak with Myrtle Dawes, Solution Centre Director of OGTC and Greg Herrera, Senior Partner at EV Private Equity about their perspectives on the role of technology to aid us in our energy transition journey. Both are investors in technology and we enjoy their views on the challenges ahead for the oil and gas industry  with the need for viable technology to reduce emissions as well as an enabler to low carbon energy sources. This podcast explores where the focus areas are for technology to achieve this and who is seed funding these ideas. We explore the work the oil and gas industry is doing as an integral part of the transition journey and  if the  supply chain can pivot and meet this new challenge.

Stuart and Jonathan speak with Bill McCall (Principal, McCall & Partners) and Tom Reynolds (CEO Scirocco Energy) about the challenges facing the North Sea oil and gas industry and potential investors in making a profit in todays environmentally and politically charged landscape. Both seasoned practitioners and investors in oil and gas they skillfully impart their knowledge in a conversation that describes how investment might look for oil and gas and in particular the North Sea going forward.  Plain talking, spiced with humour, underpinned by knowledge and experience allows the listener to simply understand what is a complex problem. At the end we ask our guests how they would spend Over A Barrels £100 million pound investment budget!

Podcasts hosts Stuart Cochrane (FWBParkBrown) and Jonathan White (Apollo) interview Nigel Robinson (Marine and Offshore Director at Apollo) on the potential of offshore renewable energies as part of the energy transition. Topics covered include the need for ocean energy in the mix, government support, the role for Aberdeen and the opportunities for the next generation of engineers.Apollo The leading engineering consultancy enabling success for clients in their energy transition journey