Scotland meets climate goals early
The Scottish government said Tuesday it’s reduced its greenhouse gas emissions to the point that it met its goals for 2020 years ahead of schedule. “Scotland is making outstanding progress Continue Reading
Bank of Scotland warns of further North Sea pain after ‘severe’ oil slump
North Sea oil companies are poised to make even deeper cuts to the embattled workforce this year as almost half say that costs need to fall further to manage the Continue Reading
Scotland Bans Fracking, Forever
The Scottish Parliament voted to ban fracking countrywide on Wednesday, making a moratorium on the controversial technique a permanent affair. The narrow vote can after the legislative body temporary outlawed Continue Reading
Scottish Minister Worries Remaining North Sea Oil Won’t Be Extracted
Scotland’s finance minister has told the British government he is concerned that some of Britain’s remaining North Sea oil will never be recovered as companies active in the area have Continue Reading
Scotland wants tax support for North Sea energy
The Scottish government said it would call on its British counterparts to create a favorable climate for North Sea investments in exploration and production. “There is no doubt the industry Continue Reading
Wind energy output ‘could power most Scots homes’
In six out of 12 months, wind generated enough power to supply more than 100 per cent of household needs, claims WWF Scotland. Picture: TSPL Wind power output hit record Continue Reading
Scotland frets over oil, but posts economic gains
Scottish government boasts of steady economic growth, but expresses concerns about external factors like the low price of crude oil. File Photo by UPI/Maryam Rahmanian EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 21 (UPI) — The Scottish government said Friday it was on a streak of slow but steady economic growth, but cautioned risks remain from low oil prices and a weak Asia. Scotland reported growth of 0.6 percent during the first quarter of the year, which it said signaled one of the longest continuous streaks of growth since 2001. "Today’s State of the Economy report shows almost three years of uninterrupted growth," Deputy First Minister John Swinney said in a statement. "The most recent figures for this year show all main sectors of the economy recorded growth." Though fiscal year 2016, the government said it expects to see $7 billion in new infrastructure investment. Despite the mid-term growth expectations, the government said […]
Scotland examines next steps after coal plant closure
The Scottish government blames British policies for pushing utility company to decide to close coal-powered plant next year. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 18 (UPI) — The Scottish government said Tuesday it was setting up a panel to look into the impact of the closure of the Longannet coal power plant, the country’s last. "ScottishPower’s decision to close Longannet in March 2016 is deeply regrettable and has far-reaching consequences for Scotland," Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said in a statement. "This is a worrying time for Longannet workers, and the Scottish government and its agencies will do everything possible to support the 230 directly employed staff who will be affected by this announcement." The utility said the combination of high carbon taxes and high transmission charges meant it had to shut down the coal plant by next year. With 46 years in service, Longannet is the […]
Scotland woos Chinese investors to energy sector
Scottish delegation in Beijing in an effort to draw Chinese investors to North Sea oil and gas sector. Photo by James Jones Jr./Shutterstock BEIJING, July 29 (UPI) — A Scottish delegation on an official trip to Beijing said they wanted to draw Chinese investors into the North Sea oil and natural gas sector. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon led a delegation to Beijing , meeting with senior representatives from three of the largest Chinese oil companies. "I made it clear to management from the firms that Scotland wants to work with them and seize on the vast opportunities that remain in the North Sea," she said in a statement. "Scotland is open for business and investment and partnership working with firm from countries like China will further cement our industry reputation for international leadership." Data published last month by the Scottish government said the North Sea remains the largest […]
Scotland expects North Sea production gains
Scottish government sees production of oil and natural gas increasing in North Sea basins. File photo by A.J. Sisco/UPI EDINBURGH, Scotland, June 25 (UPI) — Though the industry is in a downturn, the Scottish government said Thursday it expected production from the North Sea to increase by more than 10 percent. Data published by the Scottish government said the North Sea remains the largest oil producer and second largest natural gas producer in Europe. Scottish Deputy First Minister John Swinney said there’s "no disputing" the industry is depressed, but production is expected to increase by as much as 17 percent by 2019. "These figures show that considerable opportunities to extend production remain in the UKCS and that, properly supported, the industry can boost production over the next five years," Swinney said. A January report from analysis firm Wood Mackenzie said exploration activity in 2014 was off 18 percent from […]