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Scotsman
08-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Inside the battle for North Sea control: How oil giants like BP lobbied over emission restrictions
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The North Sea oil regulator weakened environmental requirements designed to control greenhouse gas emissions after being lobbied by oil and gas companies including energy giant BP, a new investigation has revealed. The findings have heightened concerns over the level of influence large oil firms have over independent UK agencies charged with managing the sector. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A general view of the BP ETAP (Eastern Trough Area Project) oil platform in the North Sea, around 100 miles east of Aberdeen. Picture: Andy Buchanan -| Getty Images Documents obtained by The Scotsman through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, in partnership with the investigative organisation Point Source, show BP pushed back against a wide range of proposed requirements that had been drafted by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) as part of their Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) Plan. These included requirements to reduce the 'emissions intensity' of offshore oil platforms, as well as requirements to 'secure substantial and consistent total emissions reductions'. The scope of the North Sea consultation The NSTA received 32 responses from respondents that included industry bodies, relevant persons, energy transition companies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Outside of BP, the list of respondents also included Shell, Ithaca Energy - the company pushing to extra oil from the Rosebank field, west of Shetland - and Harbour Energy, which last month announced it was cutting a further 250 jobs in Aberdeen. The two-month consultation closed on November 30, 2023. People protest against the Rosebank offshore development off Shetland (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell) | Getty Images The Scotsman was denied a request to access unredacted consultation responses from other companies outside of BP involved in the consultation, with confidentiality exemptions cited. BP responses - and how the regulator adapted the oil plan In the wake of BP's communications with the NSTA, a requirement to reduce the emissions intensity was removed from the strategy document, along with a series other concessions that included relaxing requirements for the electrification of offshore platforms. Pushing back on an NSTA drive to shut down low-production fields that have high emissions intensity that was outlined in a draft plan, BP said the NSTA needed to take into consideration wider implications of shutting down these assets such as 'investor confidence' and 'risk of company defaults'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After changes were made to the OGA plan, Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) said in its newsletter for members the consultation had led to the NSTA "softening" the language within the document. The trade association body said: "The plan originated from the position that the offshore industries own, and will continue to own, the agenda". Mark Wilson, OEUK's HSE and operations director, added: "Regulatory intervention should only be available as a backstop if required." Lang Banks, the director of the environmental group WWF Scotland, said: 'The influence that oil companies have over the supposedly independent North Sea Transition Authority means that instead of helping to support a planned and fair transition away from fossil fuels it prioritises watering down requirements that would reduce polluting emissions. This delays action on climate change, and stalls progress on green job opportunities. 'As we head towards the Holyrood elections next year, we need all political parties to commit to ensuring Scotland and the wider UK reaps the multiple benefits that will come from a properly planned and fair transition to clean energy.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Labour candidate Davy Russell wins the by-election and celebrates alongside party leader Anas Sarwar and his deputy Jackie Baillie. | Lisa Ferguson Consultation documents obtained by The Scotsman under FOI legislation show BP called for deadlines to be abolished for requirements to electrify oil platforms, a move that was intended to reduce the reliance on burning oil and gas to provide power for platforms. Following the consultation, the NSTA scrapped its proposed target of making all platforms 'fully electrified' by January 1, 2030 and replaced it with a requirement for platforms to be either fully electrified or 'run on alternative low carbon power with near equivalent emission reductions' by the same date. Ahead of the publication of the final OGA Plan, BP also criticised a proposed requirement that would force oil companies to carry out an assessment of 'potential emissions savings' that was based on 'the societal cost of emissions'. The oil and gas company said that including an assessment of this kind was a departure from 'traditional practice' and could cause market distortion. After receiving submissions, the NSTA removed the phrase 'based on the societal cost of emissions' from the finished version of the plan, which was published in March last year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The consultation documents also reveal BP pushed back against a proposal that would require oil companies to execute emissions reduction initiatives aimed at reducing the 'emissions intensity' of an asset over a reasonable time scale and a requirement to deliver 'secure substantial and consistent total emissions reductions'. BP called these requirements 'impractical'. The NSTA changed the wording for both parts of the OGA Plan following the consultation, making the requirements less onerous for oil and gas companies. BP lowered its outlook for gas production in the first quarter of 2025. Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire The NSTA replaced the phrase 'emissions intensity' with 'emissions' in the first paragraph, and said companies needed to 'secure substantial and emission reductions', removing the requirement for consistent improvements in the second paragraph. BP's position A BP spokesperson said: 'BP, similar to many organisations, engages appropriately with policymakers, industry groups and non-governmental organisations to offer feedback, expertise and insights into the policy-making process. This includes responses to public consultations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our aim is to inform the development of balanced and practical policy and regulation that promotes shared objectives across the industry.' The company's view on flaring The consultation documents also show BP criticised proposals that would require oil companies to put in place plans to deliver 'continuous improvements in flaring and venting reductions' as well as a proposed requirement that 'all assets must deliver zero routine flaring and venting by 2030'. Flaring is the practice of burning off methane that is produced alongside oil and venting is when methane is released into the atmosphere without being burned. In 2023, oil and gas companies operating in the North Sea flared and vented enough gas to heat more than 700,000 homes, representing a lost market value of £250 million, according to the NSTA's 2024 emissions monitoring report. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad BP pushed back against the proposed requirements for 'continuous improvements' in flaring and venting saying this was not 'technically feasible', according to communications obtained by The Scotsman. The oil company also stated dissatisfaction with plans to require oil companies to reduce gas leaks, also known as 'fugitive emissions', on a yearly basis. BP said: 'Due to the nature of leaks and seeps, continuous reduction is unachievable as they are by their nature ad hoc.' Louis-Maxence Delaporte, an energy sector analyst at the campaign group Reclaim Finance, said: "This investigation puts the spotlight once again on BP's weak climate strategy, which relies even more heavily on oil and gas than previously. "BP has severely reduced its planned investment in so-called 'low carbon' activities, it has increased its 2030 oil and gas production trajectory and abandoned its critical target for reducing scope 3 emissions. Far from being in transition, BP is building a fossil future.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Other company submissions The UK-based oil and gas company Serica was one of the other companies that responded to the consultation and pushed back against some aspects of the draft OGA Plan. The company stated that requiring yearly improvements in emissions 'may not be a useful target', adding the 'overall direction should be lowering emissions'. Serica said the proposed requirement for 'continuous improvement' to flaring and venting was 'not realistic' due to 'unforeseen disruptions to production and the time it takes to implement material flare reduction projects'. The company also called for the NSTA to make the 'intent and mechanics' clearer for its proposed methodology to determine the that date oil and gas assets should be shut down. Serica was contacted for comment by The Scotsman. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The OGA Plan was published ahead of the Court of Session in Edinburgh ruling earlier this year that permissions granted to the Rosebank oil field and the Jackdaw gas field under the previous Conservative government were unlawful and the fossil fuel giants behind the plans, Shell, Equinor and Ithaca, should have to reapply for permission. Conflicts of interest? However, significant concerns remain about the influence that large oil companies have over regulators like the NSTA, partly due to financial conflicts of interest. According to the NSTA's most recent financial results, which were published in July last year, the regulator's board members and their family members held shares in companies linked to the energy sector worth £351,258, including shares in BP. The family of the NSTA chairman Tim Eggar, who stood down in September last year, held 4,099 BP shares worth £20,331, as well as 1,875 shares in Shell worth £49,219. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Iain Lanaghan, another NSTA director held 1,017 BP shares worth £5,044 as well as 358 shares in Shell that are worth £9,398. The NSTA said that its board did not consider these holdings sufficient to 'impair their independent judgement in board discussions' An NSTA spokesperson said: 'The OGA Plan is a robust set of requirements, which demands that industry takes immediate action to reduce production emissions on the path to net zero by 2050. 'It was finalised following extensive public consultation, including responses from several operators and, as with any thorough consultation, all responses were considered.'
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
City's Dr Khalatkar puts India on global map at Turkey summit
1 2 3 Nagpur: In a proud moment for India and Nagpur, Dr Vasant Khalatkar , president of Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), represented the nation at the prestigious International Critical Emergency Medicine Conference (ICEMC) and the Emergency Chapter of the Turkey Academy of Pediatrics (ETAP), held recently in Antalya, Turkey. The event was organised by the World Academic Council of Emergency Medicine (WACEM) in collaboration with ETAP. Dr Khalatkar, a leading paediatrician from Nagpur, delivered a landmark talk on 'Skin as an alarming organ in paediatric emergencies', which received widespread appreciation from international delegates. He passionately advocated for the inclusion of paediatric emergencies as a critical component in emergency medicine, a field historically dominated by adult care. His strong representation led to a historic decision: Paediatric Emergency Medicine was officially incorporated as a recognised specialty within WACEM for the first time. Nagpur: In a proud moment for India and Nagpur, Dr Vasant Khalatkar, president of Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), represented the nation at the prestigious International Critical Emergency Medicine Conference (ICEMC) and the Emergency Chapter of the Turkey Academy of Pediatrics (ETAP), held recently in Antalya, Turkey. The event was organised by the World Academic Council of Emergency Medicine (WACEM) in collaboration with ETAP. Dr Khalatkar, a leading paediatrician from Nagpur, delivered a landmark talk on 'Skin as an alarming organ in paediatric emergencies', which received widespread appreciation from international delegates. He passionately advocated for the inclusion of paediatric emergencies as a critical component in emergency medicine, a field historically dominated by adult care. His strong representation led to a historic decision: Paediatric Emergency Medicine was officially incorporated as a recognised specialty within WACEM for the first time.
The Sun
26-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
ETAP issue expected to be resolved by June
KOTA BHARU: The issue regarding the increase in On-Call Duty Allowance (ETAP) for health workers is expected to be finalised by June at the latest, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said a committee chaired by Tan Sri Dr Abu Bakar Sulaiman, who is a former Health Director-General, is currently in the final stages of negotiations before the decision is finalised. 'The committee is actively discussing and is currently in the final phase of negotiation. We hope a decision can be reached soon. 'I understand the workload of health workers who work around the clock, and hope that all processes can be completed by June at the latest,' he told a press conference after opening the state-level 2025 MADANI Afiat Programme in Tunjong, here, today. Dr Dzulkefly said this when asked to comment on the latest developments regarding the on-call allowance for health workers. He said the welfare of health workers has always been a priority for him since helming the ministry. 'Waiting is torture. I hope this matter can be concluded in May because I know they are working very hard. We have reached the end of the discussion. God willing, this time we will resolve the matter,' he said. It was previously reported that the Health Ministry had received approval to increase ETAP for health workers. ETAP is compensation for the additional responsibilities carried out by Medical Officers in treating patients while on-call at hospitals after normal working hours.
New Straits Times
26-04-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Health Minister: Task force to resolve on-call duty allowance hike by June
KOTA BARU: The issue regarding the increase in On-Call Duty Allowance (ETAP) for health workers is expected to be finalised by June at the latest, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said a committee chaired by Tan Sri Dr Abu Bakar Sulaiman, who is a former Health director-general, is currently in the final stages of negotiations before the decision is finalised. "The committee is actively discussing and is currently in the final phase of negotiation. "We hope a decision can be reached soon. "I understand the workload of health workers who work around the clock, and hope that all processes can be completed by June at the latest," he told a press conference after opening the state-level 2025 Madani Afiat Programme in Tunjong, here, today. Dzulkefly said this when asked to comment on the latest developments regarding the on-call allowance for health workers. He said the welfare of health workers has always been a priority for him since helming the ministry. "Waiting is torture. "I hope this matter can be concluded in May because I know they are working very hard. We have reached the end of the discussion. "God willing, this time we will resolve the matter," he said. It was previously reported that the Health Ministry had received approval to increase ETAP for health workers. ETAP is compensation for the additional responsibilities carried out by Medical Officers in treating patients while on-call at hospitals after normal working hours.
Barnama
26-04-2025
- Health
- Barnama
ETAP Issue Expected To Be Resolved By June
KOTA BHARU, April 26 (Bernama) -- The issue regarding the increase in On-Call Duty Allowance (ETAP) for health workers is expected to be finalised by June at the latest, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said a committee chaired by Tan Sri Dr Abu Bakar Sulaiman, who is a former Health Director-General, is currently in the final stages of negotiations before the decision is finalised. "The committee is actively discussing and is currently in the final phase of negotiation. We hope a decision can be reached soon. "I understand the workload of health workers who work around the clock, and hope that all processes can be completed by June at the latest," he told a press conference after opening the state-level 2025 MADANI Afiat Programme in Tunjong, here, today. Dr Dzulkefly said this when asked to comment on the latest developments regarding the on-call allowance for health workers. He said the welfare of health workers has always been a priority for him since helming the ministry. "Waiting is torture. I hope this matter can be concluded in May because I know they are working very hard. We have reached the end of the discussion. God willing, this time we will resolve the matter," he said. It was previously reported that the Health Ministry had received approval to increase ETAP for health workers. ETAP is compensation for the additional responsibilities carried out by Medical Officers in treating patients while on-call at hospitals after normal working hours.
