Shows
What On Earth!Concept to Kilowatt – How Net Zero Projects SucceedIn 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 shortThe critical roles and qualiti...2025-07-0840 minWhat On Earth!Women in STEM (live recording)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...2025-04-1441 minWhat On Earth!Transforming Oil and GasIn 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 "...2024-11-1740 minWhat On Earth!Asking For ConsentWith 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 c...2024-06-2536 minWhat On Earth!Engineering, Circularity and SustainabilityIn 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...2024-03-2737 minWhat On Earth!Poultry, Process Optimisation and PerformanceOr 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!2024-01-3027 minWhat On Earth!FLOW: Go or No Go (A postcard from FOW23)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...2023-10-2042 minWhat On Earth!Rewilding the Energy SectorIn 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...2023-09-2838 minWhat On Earth!Go With The FLOW: A Developers PerspectiveIn 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. 2023-09-0134 min
What On Earth!The Answer is Blowin' in the Offshore WindIn 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...2023-05-1930 min
What On Earth!North Sea MacroeconomicsIn 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...2022-10-2038 minWhat On Earth!A Storm in a Tea CopIn 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 se...2022-05-2557 minWhat On Earth!2021 : A Year In ReviewAs 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.ApolloThe leading engineering consultancy enabling success for clients in their energy transition...2022-01-1348 minWhat On Earth!The Energy GenerationAny 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...2021-10-2040 minWhat On Earth!Deal or No Deal : The North Sea Energy Transition DealIn 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.2021-08-1948 minWhat On Earth!The Role of Trade Bodies in the Energy TransitionArguably 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! 2021-06-2750 minWhat On Earth!The Role of Trade Bodies in the Energy TransitionArguably 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 Dierdre 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! 2021-06-2550 minWhat On Earth!Hydrogen: Net hero or net zeroWe 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...2021-04-0653 minWhat On Earth!OFS in the Energy TransitionIn 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...2021-03-0251 minWhat On Earth!The Role of Technology in Energy TransitionStuart 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 wo...2021-02-0453 minWhat On Earth!Is The North Sea Worth Investing In?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 e...2020-12-111h 01What On Earth!Energy Transition and Ocean EnergyPodcasts 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.ApolloThe leading engineering consultancy enabling success for clients in their energy transition journeyDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive...2020-11-1240 min