What On Earth!

Energy Transition 101 – In this episode, we cut through the noise and take a clear-eyed look at what a coherent, apolitical energy transition really involves. Joining us are three experts from Apollo at the frontlines of decarbonisation: · Phil Westmorland, Director of Decarbonisation · Nigel Robinson, Director of Marine Energies · Calum Westland, Head of Industrial Decarbonisation Together, they unpack the fundamentals of the energy transition—from system redesign and industrial challenges to the social behaviours needed for a net zero world. We even squeeze in a quick detour into Sankey diagrams (Phil’s guilty pleasure) and ask the slightly absurd but revealing question: Could a team of Tour de France cyclists power your home? This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to move beyond the headlines and dive into the real, practical questions around net zero—and its surprising complexities.

In 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: Whether you're a developer, investor, policymaker, or just curious about the evolving energy transition, this episode offers a front-row seat to the real-world challenges and solutions in the sector.

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 ending with an audience Q&A. We loved the energy in the room and the engagement from the students. A great episode that we know you will like! We reference Jonathan's recent Linked In post on the subject https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7313834203383488512/

In 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 "right" transition. And we ask Donna if she was given one wish of government what would that be!

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 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...

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,...