What On Earth!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we explore what net zero means to young engineers working in the industry today. I’m joined by Ella Booth and Craig Shepherd, both consultant engineers at Apollo, to talk about how they see net zero — not just as professionals in the sector, but as part of a generation that will live with the consequences of the transition.Our conversation goes beyond the technical challenges. We also discuss changing behaviours, wider social expectations, and what a truly just transition could look like if we get it right.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of What On Earth!, we dive into what we really mean by the term “built environment” and why transforming it is essential to achieving a net zero world.Our guest, Paul Weston of Box Twenty, breaks down the regulatory landscape shaping the sector and explains how government policy is accelerating improvements in building performance and sustainability.We explore what “good” looks like today—beyond merely meeting compliance—and how evolving technology, design innovation, and shifting market demand are pushing the industry toward genuine excellence.A resilient, low-carbon built environment is critical to our future. Tune in to understand how the industry is changing, what progress looks like in practice, and where the biggest opportunities lie.

Send us Fan MailEnergy 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 DecarbonisationTogether, 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.

Send us Fan MailIn 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 qualities developers should seek in their teamsHow the landscape is shifting as the “easy” project sites disappearThe increasing complexity of renewable projects — and how to navigate itRoss’s one bold idea that could unlock more successful projectsWhether 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.

Send us Fan MailSomething 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/ 

Send us Fan MailIn 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!

Send us Fan MailWith 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 consenting process? How does the process vary between the devolved nations? Listen to this episode and find answers to all these questions and more. 

Send us Fan MailIn 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 to your reading list!

Send us Fan MailOr 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!

Send us Fan MailA 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, Simon Cheeseman from OREC, Alex Gauntt from Cierco, Graham Foster from Marine Power Systems and Nigel Robinson from Apollo.

Send us Fan MailIn 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 comment from an exceptional industry leader.

Send us Fan MailIn 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. 

Send us Fan MailIn 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 how to access them. 

Send us Fan MailIn 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 investment market to stablise? A wide ranging and very interesting discussion to help you understand the conundrums facing the energy market.

Send us Fan MailIn 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)

Send us Fan MailAs 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 journeyDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Send us Fan MailAny 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.

Send us Fan MailIn 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.

Send us Fan MailArguably 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! 

Send us Fan MailWe 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.

Send us Fan MailIn 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.

Send us Fan MailStuart 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.

Send us Fan MailStuart 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!

Send us Fan MailPodcasts 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 a commission at no extra cost to you.