All articles by Gareth Evans
Gareth Evans
Could electrifying methane flaring unlock a massive, wasted resource?
MIT researchers have developed a new method to convert methane into methanol – a process that is essential for the further processing of methane which is currently fared during gas production. Dr Gareth Evans asks whether the approach is viable for large-scale commercial offshore application.
Fort William Underwater Centre: inside the world’s most advanced subsea testing facility
Billed as “the most realistic subsea training and testing facility in the world,” the Underwater Centre at Fort William boasts its own sheltered, multiple-depth seawater dive site, a private pier complex, a 1.5 million litre indoor seawater dive tank and full residential accommodation. Based on the banks of Loch Linnhe, a tidal sea loch at the southern end of Scotland’s Great Glen, and run by a team of highly-skilled and experienced instructors and training staff, the Centre enjoys an enviable reputation for training commercial divers and ROV operators, and as a venue for large-scale sea trials. Dr Gareth takes a look inside.
Oil & the Philippines: will the Hague’s South Sea ruling silence Beijing’s claims?
The Permanent Court of Arbitration has ruled that China’s territorial claim to the vast majority of the South China Sea is invalid, boosting the Philippines’ right to develop oil and gas deposits off its west coast. But with China stating that it will ignore the ruling, will the Philippines be able to access foreign technology and expertise in a tense and high-risk environment? Dr Gareth Evans investigates.
Should the European Bank support oil exploration?
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has been pouring money into Greece’s offshore oil industry in the hope of offsetting the country’s economic woes by boosting oil and gas revenues. Critics, however, are questioning whether such support makes long-term economic sense at a time when demand for fossil fuels is decreasing and the EBRD itself is promoting renewables as a safer bet.
Tax reform on the UKCS
In the latest fiscal budget the treasury announced a string of tax cuts aimed at boosting business and prolonging production from one of the UK’s greatest historical assets. We take a look at the measures such as the drop in Petroleum Revenue Tax from 50% to 35%; is it just what the industry needed and will it go far enough?
Offshore training: from Aberdeen to South Korea
Aberdeen University is set to launch a new campus in South Korea with the objective of training up a new generation of offshore oil engineers and staff with financial support being provided by the South Korean government. Dr Gareth Evans spoke to the University about their plans
Offshore fracking on the cards for Scotland?
Academics from the Robert Gordon University (RGU) are in favour of offshore fracking in Scottish waters, but just how viable is offshore fracking? Offshore Technology explores the long-term economic possibilities of this nascent technology. Dr Gareth Evans reports.
Worried about the weather? Using mathematical modelling to reduce offshore risk
Improved mathematical modelling and analysis is beginning to overcome many of the shortcomings of weather prediction, a welcome prospect for the weather prone offshore oil and gas industry. So how are advances in numerical weather predication pushing back the boundaries of forecasting accuracy and what can be gained from taming the chaotic nature of weather? Dr Gareth Evans reports.
Unlocking the UK’s offshore coal
With the UK relying on imports for nearly half of its natural gas needs, tapping offshore coal deposits to produce syngas could revitalise domestic gas production. Dr. Gareth Evans speaks to the key players in the country’s burgeoning underground coal gasification industry to find out how this growing sector could provide energy security for centuries to come, and the public image issues that could hold it back.
Danger in the mists – the volatile potential of offshore hydrocarbons releases
Sailors have always told of bad things that lurk in the mists, and while the legends of yore may not be much more than tales, the possibility of flammable mists – conjured up from offshore hydrocarbon releases – is all too real. So how are they formed and what is the danger? Dr Gareth Evans reports on the startling conclusion of a new report by the UK’s HSE.