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Recent articles
Localized Approach Could Grow Gas-Fired Power’s Global Reach
Natural gas is the preferred fuel of choice of CHP applications, which generate electricity at costs up to 50% less than traditional forms of delivered new base-load electricity and capture useful heat simultaneously to increase the overall efficiency of an energy system
Is this the end of America’s fracking revolution?
Why the high profit margins that the oil industry enjoyed, are now at an end
Africa’s largest green bond launched
South Africa’s largest bank the Standard Bank Group sold its first ever green bond for $200 million to the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This is the largest sale of its kind from the continent yet.
Spring 2020 power sector events
List of some of the global power sector events, trade shows and conferences in the coming months, from March to September worldwide.
FOCUSING ON NET ZERO
Owners and operators need to be careful not to specify over the short-term as plants, or the equipment and materials that improve the thermal efficiency of the building envelope, all have their own carbon footprint, which is presently externalised in carbon reporting. The industry needs a greater focus on a building’s long-term impact on energy resources and carbon emission generation if the targets are to be met.
America’s new mini nuclear ambitions
In fact, the operation of mini nuclear power plants is not a new idea, there have been for many years, successful operation of such technology including those operating in American and Russian nuclear submarines, American aircraft carries and Russian ice breakers and floating power stations.
Britain restarts subsidies for onshore wind
As to industry reaction, both the wind sector and green campaigners have met news of government support for onshore wind with excitement, given previous policies that hampered onshore wind installations since 2015. But, there is likely to be some opposition to the new policy direction, especially from groups that supported the previous Prime Minister Mr Cameron’s decision to stop supporting onshore wind projects. In addition, increasing government support for onshore wind will not please those seeking to build new nuclear power stations in the UK.
New England Clean Energy Connect
Maine consumers will save $14 million to $44 million each year for the next 15 years through lower electricity costs.
QATAR’S LNG EXPANSION PLANS IS LIKELY TO BE DELAYED
One thing is clear, the prospect of the Qatari increasing its liquefaction export capacity is likely to be further delayed.
Recent work for clients in February 2020
Here is a list of some of the work completed for clients in the past month, in the provision of the following services as a: copywriter content writer content strategist editor energy journalist feature writer journalist To find out more about my work contact me E.on A matter of keeping […]
Dire straits
One third of the world’s
traded oil and a quarter of
its LNG passes through the
narrow Strait of Hormuz, the
strategic waterway linking
the Persian Gulf with the
Sea of Oman
Smart Pipeline Technologies Boost Safety, Regulatory Compliance
The installation of new smart technologies including sensors means it is possible to better collect process and make decisions. For example, such monitoring can predict when equipment needs to be serviced, thus preventing a potential failure. Amongst the firms providing predictive maintenance services to the industry are IBM, C3 AI and MapR Technologies.
The growing use of onsite Gas Generation
Traditionally, when we have talked about onsite power generation, it is usually meant how it applies to various types of renewables technologies, such as wind, solar and energy storage. But in many countries onsite generation is usually dominated by diesel Gensets. But, increasingly we are seeing a growing demand for […]
Investors Tightening the Screws on Oil, Gas Acquisitions
M&A activity in oil and gas has almost ground to a halt after a flurry of deals last autumn
Global Oversupply Equals a Tough Year for LNG Exporters
Demand is insufficient to absorb rising global supplies of this super-cold fossil fuel.
Maritime industry events and trade shows in 2020
Here are a list of some of the upcoming maritime industry related events, conferences and trade shows occurring in the coming months: March Oceanology International 2020 Tue 17 Mar – Thu 19 Mar ExCeL London Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London April Autonomous Ships Symposium Wed 1 Apr – […]
Global Oil, Gas Discoveries Hit Four-Year High in 2019
With global oil discoveries at some 1.73 trillion barrels, according to BP’s Statistical Review of World Energy [viii] and annual oil production running at 94.7 million barrels per day, the world has enough oil for at least another half century. At the same time new discoveries and new oil producers are further weakening OPEC’s ability to influence the global oil market.[ix]
Strait of Hormuz Options
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway, which links the Persian Gulf with the Sea of Oman, and is a strategic channel for Middle Eastern oil and LNG exports. In 2018, one third of the world’s traded oil and a quarter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) passed through the […]
INDONESIA’S DECOMMISSIONING CHALLENGE REPORT
Decommissioning to cost Indonesian oil and gas sector billions of dollars
Cruise ship refurbishment
Today, a growing number of cruise operators are upgrading and refurbishing their ships, instead of building new ships. In its annual “Cruise Lines Outlook,” UBS Group Aktiengesellschaft (AG) estimates that by 2020, at least 12 percent of global capacity will be 25 years old or older, and about 5 percent […]
Recent work completed for clients in January 2020
Here are a few examples of some of the business content work Nicholas Newman at www.nicnewmanoxford.com completed for various clients worldwide during January 2020. For further information about my work contact me at info@nicnewmanoxford.com
POLISH PORTS MONITOR AIR POLLUTION
Because of SeaData’s performance, in July 2018, the Port of Gdansk signed a contract with SeaData for its pollution monitoring and analysis services.
Offshore Operational Production Costs Have Fallen
According to a new study from Rystad Energy, the UK led the world in cutting the cost of its offshore oil and gas production.
Long Time Coming: Power Of Siberia Delivers First Gas
Once the Power of Siberia pipeline reaches its full capacity in 2025, China will become Russia’s largest buyer of natural gas, displacing Germany. Ultimately, the pipeline could connect production and demand centers to the east and west and enable Russia to export gas to ice-free LNG ports on Russia’s Pacific Coast. The geopolitical significance of the Power
of Siberia pipeline is not to be underestimated
A look at small scale maritime virtual pipelines solutions
One thing is certain the market for small scale LNG carriers is expected to grow.
Singapore getting ready for IMO 2020
Singapore is one of the world’s leading ports and bunkering hubs; the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) recorded 4.005 million metric tonnes (MT) of marine fuel sales during October 2019. The port authority has announced several measures to prepare the port to be able to supply IMO 2020 […]
Corporate green washing: core beliefs or virtue signalling?
“Sustainability is higher than ever on the business agenda,” states Juliette Sanders, head of media at Ørsted, and it now makes business sense.
New Gas Finds Creating Opportunity in West Africa
It is expected that many of the gas discoveries will help displace oil as a source of more sustainable fuel in the regional mix.
Is Chevron’s $11 Billion Write-Down an Oil patch Warning?
Current market conditions are resulting in many US fracking projects failing to break even.
Oil Workers Wanted with More Tech, Less Roughneck
Oil companies are recruiting a different type of worker and in larger numbers.
Offshore Contractors Primed For a Busy 2020
Some industry insiders have doubts about whether there is sufficient contractor capacity to deal with the expected volume of business.
Recent work completed for various clients in December 2019
Here is a list of some of the work completed for a range of clients worldwide, in various formats including advertorials, analysis, blogs, features and reports. To find out more contact www.nicnewmanoxford.com
OPEC Aims to Prop Up Oil Prices
Even if all OPEC members and Russia were to comply 100 percent, global oil inventories could still rise by 700,000 b/d in 1Q 2020.
Europe’s Gas Distribution in Need of Evolution
Europe’s Gas Distribution in Need of Evolution
US Returns to Being a Net Oil Exporter
Thanks to the shale oil revolution, for the first time since the 1940s, the United States exported more oil than it imported last September. In that month, U.S. exports of crude oil and refined products exceeded imports by 89,000 barrels a day, according to EIA statistics. This marks a significant […]
Offshore Drilling Poised for an Upswing in 2020?
Increasing interest in offshore drilling owes much to the industry’s success in reducing costs by between 30-40 percent and increasing productivity.
Gulf of Mexico Oil Output Targeting Record Year
2020 is expected to be another record year for the region with average production above 1.9 million barrels per day.
FPSO Prospects Look Promising for 2020
The global market for Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessels is headed for a major recovery.
Happy Christmas and New Year 2019
We wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Christmas and New Year! Thank you for a marvellous year (and decade!) and for being part of our community. Our offices will be closed for the Christmas and New Year break from 25 December 2019 until 2 January 2020.
Oilfield Services Looking Beyond Oil and Gas
Faced with a forecast decline in the global upstream service market in 2020 and only modest growth of 3 percent for the four-year period from 2019 to 2022, logic suggests that long-term growth in clean energy, particularly in fast-growing Asian-Pacific markets, offers the path towards growth.
Season’s greetings and thanks for a strong 2019
Thank you for a marvellous year (and decade!) and for being part of our community. Our offices will be closed for the Christmas and New Year break from 25 December 2019 until 2 January 2020.
Farewell to Polonia’s coal
Thanks to coal, Poland has the second most polluted air after Bulgaria and more than 44,000 premature deaths a year have been attributed to smog in Gdansk, Krakow and Warsaw. In coming decades, the challenge for Poland will be to reduce coal’s share in electricity generation from around 80% to zero by 2040. A combination of […]
INDONESIA’S DECOMMISSIONING CHALLENGE REPORT
Many of Indonesia’s oil and gas fields, both on and offshore, are coming to the end of their commercially viable operational lifespan. More than 60% of Indonesia’s oil and more than 30% of gas production comes from late-life-cycle resources spread across the world’s largest island country. Despite investment and use […]
Recent work update for November 2019
A list of some of the consulting, journalism and public relations work completed for various clients in the month of November 2019 for various clients Business Development ABB Power Grids Met with Rebecca Bleasdale Head of External Communications & Content at ABB Power Grids To discuss the evolution of the […]
A look at some of the work completed for various business clients in November 2019
This page lists some of the work in a range of formats completed for various clients in the past month.
Power of Siberia Pipeline Nearing Completion
The remoteness and length of the pipeline’s route, combined with the sheer quantities of material to be transported, make this an engineering and logistical triumph.
Brazil Aiming to Double its Oil Production
Future expansion depends on access to capital, high-end tech from foreign investors and big oil companies with deepwater and pre-salt expertise.
OPEC Faces Increasing Competition
There are a number of interrelated drivers behind the worldwide demand for crude.
Could the LNG Boom go Bust?
“Now its game over. How many one-offs do we still have as China’s demand is lagging?” asks Huber.
China’s Tariffs: A Headache for the Next Wave of US Natgas Export Projects?
What effect will Trump’s tariffs have on US LNG exporters in particular and LNG trade?
How can the UK step up to the 2050 net zero challenge?
Ultimately a mixture of fiscal and technological carrots and sticks will be needed to ensure the UK meets its net-zero targets. On the demand side this would mean the end to all new airports expansions and major funding in building energy efficiency. On the supply side much to some environmentalists concerns serious investment in a new fleet of mini nuclear power plants, together with major government backing in carbon capture and storage technologies, including the turning of redundant oil and gas fields in carbon sinks.
Fracking Could Revive Colombia’s Oil and Gas Game
Fracking could give Colombia’s oil industry a new lease on life.
Oil Industry Balancing Growth, Carbon Footprint Cuts
Climate anxiety is the driver for oil and gas companies turning themselves greener.
Decommissioning Challenges Escalating in South East Asia
Offshore operators in the Asia-Pacific region could face a total decommissioning bill of over $100 billion.
Electricity and water don’t mix?
In sum, the electrification of maritime vessels is at the infant industry stage. Because of the current limitations of battery technology, all- electric vessels are limited to short journeys between recharge points. So for operators of long distance voyages, the medium-term future is hybrid where batteries work with fossil fuels. But to reach net zero emissions in thirty years’ time, electrification could well be the answer and this requires further advances in technology.
Power generation and energy storage events in the coming months of 2020
List of various interesting conferences and events taking place worldwide in the coming months in a range of cities including Amsterdam, Cambridge, London, Oxford, New York, Sydney, Singapore and Toronto.
List of some of the leading maritime industry conferences, courses and exhibitions in the coming months
A look at the important maritime sector networking events occurring in the coming months in 2020.
Pipelines, LNG Imports Needed to Offset Groningen Gas Declines
The demise of Dutch gas production will make the Benelux region more dependent on imported gas and foreign LNG.
Work completed in October 2019
Here below are a few brief examples of the work completed for a range of corporate clients and business publications. To find out more contact Nicholas Newman at info@nicnewmanoxford.com for further information of the services and expertise available to customers. Eniday The 6 trends shaping Southeast Asia’s clean energy sector […]
Billions at Play: The Future of African Energy and Doing Deals
A book review Over the years there have been many books about some of the failures, successes and near misses in the development of Africa’s energy sector. This book by NJ Ayek looks at some of the reasons behind Africa’s energy sector evolution. Like many previous writers have said bringing […]
Shale gas decommissioning: Quatre Ltd provides a solution for paying the bill.
Fortunately for the taxpayer, London based firm Quatre Ltd provides a financial solution. Its Environment Trust (ET), will if adopted by the government, protects both the taxpayer and landowner from the possible decommissioning risks should an operator become bankrupt.
Robotics Applications Making Advances in Norway
The new tools gather information that companies like oil companies like Norway’s Equinor, Germany’s Wintershall and Anglo-Dutch-owned Shell, plus the Norwegian state-owned pipeline operator Gassco can use to optimise its maintenance plans, while inspection robots can replace time-consuming and costly inspections by humans and cut downtime for certain plant assets.
Deepwater Transformation Sparking New Interest
Changes have revived interest in deepwater projects and enabled new ones in regions including the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and China Seas.
List of some of the leading oil and gas conferences in the coming months.
Here is a list of some of the leading oil and gas conferences in the coming months around the world.
Oilfield Services Eyeing Survival Tactics in Weak US Market
Last time crude prices crashed, E&P companies cut operations and investment, with knock-on effects on oilfield service contractors, many of whom reduced headcount, went bankrupt or merged. Once again, history is repeating itself. Baker Hughes September U.S. rig count saw just 898 active rigs, a reduction of 150 from this […]
Packing-up Caudrilla is not the end of the decommissioning story.
The oil and gas industry needs a decommissioning strategy to help meet the UK’s Paris Accord commitments and the net zero carbon emissions by 2050 target, as the country moves ahead in its energy transition. Decommissioning is only one strand of the oil and gas sector’s efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and, at the same time, is an essential requirement to ensure continuing investor and government support in new North Sea projects.
Oil Demand Shrinks Under Weight of US-China Trade War
This trade war has slowed demand for oil in China, but also in Europe and America itself.
Pump it up! Bigger and better uses for water-jet technology
Water jets are no longer used just for thrill-seeking jet-skiers. Now larger boats in a variety of applications are using the technology for propulsion – so what’s powering the trend? The first thing that may come to mind when you think of water-jet propulsion is the jet skis that are […]
Attack on Saudi Oil Production Triggers Fears for Global Oil
Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq plant has restarted and is now processing about 2 million barrels a day, restoring just under half the output lost after the facility was damaged in an attack.
US Oil Rig Demand Continues Decline
Productivity gains have caused record production, falling prices and a year-long decline in drilling and well completions.
Work completed for various clients in September 2019
Here below is a list of some of the freelance journalism work covering a range of topics including energy, industrial, environmental and technology topics, I have completed for various clients worldwide during the month of September 2019. In addition, I list briefly some of the corporate communications, marketing, networking and public relations work I have done for client. To find out more what I can do for your business https://www.nicnewmanoxford.com/contact/
WE Communications team
Attended WE Communications press networking event at Bar Soho, 23-25 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 5JL. For a useful session with account managers about possible business opportunities.
Pipelines Emerging in Africa’s Quest for Gas Power
Despite the many advances in the electrification of Africa, much of the continent has yet to be connected to the grid or have access to reliable and affordable power supplies. According to World Bank figures, Africa’s electrification rate is just 42%.
Breathe in a new breed of engineers
We meet six young innovators who are leading the way in using their skills and talent to shape the future of technology. America’s Microsoft, Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon, as well as China’s Alibaba and Tencent, have touched the lives of countless millions. Hard on the heels of these titans of the […]
Why big oil is buying into clean energy
Fossil fuels are facing an uncertain future. In response, Europe’s big oil companies including Shell, BP and Total are venturing into the production, distribution and sale of electricity to industrial, residential and transport markets, in direct competition with traditional multinational utilities such as Enel, Iberola and RWE. This diversification, though […]
Jan Kiepura Festival
Certainly, the yearly Jan Kiepura Festival is a good way to enjoy the best of Europe’s cultural musical heritage, whilst enjoying the best of Polish health spas and mountains. But be prepared for the open air concerts to bring a rain coat or umbrella.
Work completed in August 2019
This is a brief list of some of the work completed for various clients in a variety of formats, during the past month. Contact me at info@nicnewmanoxford.com Engineering Pro Why Big oil is buying into clean energy The writing is on the wall for fossil fuels. In response, Europe’s big […]
Are you ready to go global?
As a world leader in offshore wind and deep sea oil exploration and field development, there is a global demand for UK energy-sector equipment, staff and training, consultancy services. For current and new exporters, contracts can vary between just a few thousand pounds to many millions.
Is the US Shale Boom Winding Down?
In sum, some industry experts expect to see a continued slowdown in new well investment as the industry conserves cash and waits for the bottlenecks to be eased. More bankruptcies are to be expected, especially among smaller players, who are most reliant on attracting new investment to stay in business.
Aramco Awards $18B in Deals for Oilfield Work
Meanwhile, many industry experts are wondering just how competitive the new output from this investment in the Marjan and Berri oilfields will be, as compared to American shale oil.
Work completed in July 2019
This is a brief list of some of the work completed for various clients in a variety of formats, during the past month. In July I covered a wide range of topics including developments in the oil and gas business, maritime sector including use of hydrojets, global environment, power generation including renewables, the application of industrial internet of things, constuction challenges and bunkering logistics. In addition, I visited and reviewed the current exhibition at Oxford’s Ashmoleum Museum. Plus produced a briefing on Italian utility Enel. Contact me to find out more info@nicnewmaoxford.com
OPEC Sees Oil Surplus in 2020 Amid Shale Surge
It is likely that any further production cuts by OPEC and Russia to maintain prices will be harder to implement if all it does is boost American oil producer’s profit margins and encourage greater investment in well drilling and completions.
Why our blue planet is getting greener
Most people would be surprised to learn that the earth is now greener than the 1980s.
Oil Field Services Marketing Toolkit
Today, the market for oil field services and products is ever more competitive. It has been forecast by MarketsandMarkets that the global oil fields services market is growing at some 5% and is expected to be worth at least $144.36 Billion by 2020.
Is North America Facing a Pipeline Bubble?
With gas having overtaken coal in the power segment, along with burgeoning supplies of oil, producers need new pipelines to carry the growing surplus to the coast for export to markets in Asia, Europe and Mexico. In this scenario, oil and gas producers, pipeline investors and operators are confident North America can rely on growing demand from Asian markets in the coming years.
Natural gas a future energy key role player
Owing to a combination of legal and policy restraints, as well as vociferous environmental objections, it is becoming increasingly difficult to gain approval from both federal and state bodies for new gas pipeline construction. For example, California, Washington and New England have proactive energy and environmental policies to encourage renewables, energy efficiency and energy storage, all at the expense of fossil fuels including natural gas generation.
AI: the energy industry’s untapped resource
Still on the horizon lie developments in quantum computing, which will enable the robots of the future to be enhanced to become autonomous decision makers, capable of ensuring the smooth running of operations and maintenance.
WIND POWER DECOMMISSIONING
According to Jonas Pagh Jensen of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, which produces wind turbines and constructs wind farms, said, “Every customer is obliged to make a plan [for] what they intend to do in 20-25 years’ time when the turbine is expected to come down.”
The Plastics Backlash has Some Oil Giants Worried
Recycling and bio-plastics are set to impact the future of global oil and gas demand.
Work completed in June 2019
Here is a list of some of the work Nicholas Newman has done in various formats including blogs, editorials, comment, columns and features completed for various clients in the month of June.
ENERGY IN RETAIL
Technological change and consumer behaviour are driving retailers to introduce on-site power generation to control bills, and improve their heating, cooling, lighting and air quality, reports Nick Newman.
Cost Overruns Threaten Offshore Development
Even with funding based on a thorough engineering definition, operators could still see a cumulative $111-billion cost overrun.
OXFORD EV SUMMIT 2019
The summit was a business forum based on the dual themes of business engagement and thought leadership from some informed speakers in this sector.
Scientific breakthroughs on the launch pad
These transformative technologies are still in their infancy of general application but will, in coming years, spread from the laboratory to workplaces, homes and space as did those inaugurated by Apollo.
The LNG Boom is Back
The growth in LNG production will depend on the availability of capital for construction of gasification export facilities and associated infrastructure alongside Asia’s rate of economic development and change towards a world of less carbon to combat global warming.
Major Restructuring of Middle East Gas Exports
In sum, for the region’s gas exporters, on the one hand exports of LNG though costlier to transport, offer greater market flexibility and security than piped supplies. For gas importers, if local political tensions are resolved, piped natural gas is a very price competitive solution but LNG could still have a role in topping up supplies.
North Sea Decommissioning Costs on the Rise
It is in the interest of both government and energy companies to bring some certainty into their liabilities and ability to pay.
A LOOK AT THE GRIMALDI GROUP
The Grimaldi Group’s main focus is provision of maritime transport services including rolling cargo and containers between Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea, West Africa and Americas. It also offers passenger services within the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea.
A look at Dynamic Positioning Systems
The global market for marine dynamic positioning technology is expected to increase from $1,594 million in 2015 to 2,127 million by 2022, according to Allied Market Research “Marine Dynamic Positioning System Market” report.
Has the Oil Glut Disappeared?
Geopolitical issues and industry disruptions are confusing the oil market.
![Pori_waterjets MKFI [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/www.nicnewmanoxford.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Pori_waterjets.jpeg?resize=380%2C380&ssl=1)
A look at water jets
An increasing number of ships are using water jets instead of propellers for moving vessels through water.
Will Occidental’s $38B Gamble Be a Shale Win?
Occidental Petroleum, ranked 167 in Fortune 500, recently snatched victory from Chevron with a winning bid of $38 billion for one of the largest U.S. Independent oil and gas companies; Anadarko ranked just 237, making this the largest American oil and gas merger in more than a decade and the […]
Work completed in May 2019
Here is a list of some of the work I have completed for various clients worldwide during the past month. In addition, I met various clients involved in business development, consultation and planning efforts.
US Dropping Iranian Oil Sanction Waivers
In reality, President Trump’s sanctions to stop Iranian crude exports are likely to be harder than envisaged and their success might lead to unanticipated crude price increases, which would be bad news for the world economy.
ABOUT SOUTHAMPTON PORT
As for the future in the many trades that Southampton deals with including deep sea containerships and cruise liners, the vessels are getting bigger as vessel operators seeks to meet increasing demand and cut unit costs. Because of this port operators such as Southampton have to continue to develop and expand port capacity infrastructure to handle such mega vessels.
The unexpected ways in which factories are saving energy
Whisky, the third largest industry in Scotland after energy and financial services, makes up around 70 per cent of the entire Scottish food and drink sector and is valued at £5bn a year. The whisky distilleries use a hierarchy of measures to cut their energy bills and earn additional income. Traditionally, distilleries have converted the waste grains (known as daff) from the malting process into pellets, a protein-rich cattle feed sold to local farmers.
HILTON BOURNEMOUTH
This hotel is just 5 minutes from the local rail station with direct trains serving major cities including Southampton, London, Reading, Oxford and Birmingham.