Stephen Timms: The Balancing ActDec 12, 2003 When Stephen Timms became Minister for Energy, he already had a ministry to run. He had been Minister for e-Commerce since May 2002, and when Tony Blair asked him to replace Brian Wilson as energy minister, he accepted and took over the top seat of the DTI – the Department of Trade & Industry. He is now in charge of the Blair administration’s policy on energy and sustainable development, as well as e-commerce and postal services. A strange combination, some might say. And it may prove difficult to strike a balance between traditional fossil energy production and a new focus on renewable, environmentally friendly fuels. But Timms is determined to commit Britain to a modern, future-minded policy with focus on renewable energy.
Copy Cats in the North SeaDec 12, 2003 If you want to see a future trend of world exploration, look no further than the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. What is happening there now gives a very good indication as to the future course of offshore oil and gas exploration trends worldwide. Like the British sector of the North Sea and the shallow water Gulf of Mexico before it, the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) is typically becoming a mature area. Recoverable oil and gas resources on the NSC are estimated at 12.8 billion cubic metres of oil equivalents. This figure represents a 7 percent drop in the recoverable reserve estimation for last year. In order to prolong its life, the region has several options: closer co-operation with the United Kingdom to maximise cross border extraction; a change in the licensing regime to encourage exploration and maximise development in mature areas; extension of existing fields and the opening up of new areas for exploration.
By Ms. Susan Townson and Dr. Roger Knight, Infield Systems Ltd.
Gassco: Transporting Gas from NCS to EuropeDec 12, 2003 Gassco is responsible for the transportation of all gas from the Norwegian Continental Shelf to Europe. The company was established by the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy on 14th of May 2001, and commenced its operations on 1st of January.
By Erik Kvadsheim.
Internet UnpluggedDec 12, 2003 Any gadget that has a wire sticking out of it is becoming obsolete. Quickly. The wireless revolution is transforming the way we connect, and it is changing the power structures that govern the Internet. The technology offers up the Internet without permissions, licenses and sometimes without fees.
By Erlend Gram Simonsen.
Dual-fuel car drives home benefits of Shell V-PowerDec 12, 2003 Shell has given Norway its first demonstration of differentiated fuels with a car that runs simultaneously on both conventional fuel and powerful new Shell V-Power.
