Utilities & Infrastructure : Energy News

Osprey Strengthens Onshore Wind Capabilities with New 800-Tonne Mobile Crane

Osprey is expanding its heavy-lift fleet with the addition of the Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1, an 800-tonne all-terrain mobile crane arriving in November. This investment increases Osprey’s capability to deliver complex lifting operations for onshore wind, civil infrastructure, bridges, ports, and highways projects. To date, Osprey has contributed to projects delivering

Read More »
Costain chosen for major infrastructure delivery partner role at Sellafield

Costain chosen for major infrastructure delivery partner role at Sellafield

Billion-pound, 15-year contract award will deliver critical utilities infrastructure upgrades at Cumbria decommissioning site. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been selected by Sellafield for a significant role on its long-term Infrastructure Delivery Partnership (IDP). The total value of Sellafield’s IDP is worth up to £2.9bn, split into three lots.

Read More »
Balfour Beatty appointed as principle contractor for New Deer Substation extension

Balfour Beatty appointed as principle contractor for New Deer Substation extension

Balfour Beatty has today announced its appointment by SSEN Transmission to upgrade the New Deer electricity substation in Aberdeenshire, marking a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey towards a clean power, energy secure future.  Originally energised in 2019, Balfour Beatty will now extend the substation to accommodate the forecast growth in homegrown,

Read More »
McLaughlin & Harvey appointed by National Grid to build their brand new, state-of-the art control centre

McLaughlin & Harvey appointed by National Grid to build their brand new, state-of-the art control centre

McLaughlin & Harvey and National Grid celebrate steel signing milestone at the new Electricity Transmission Control Centre National Grid has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey as main contractor to build its brand new, state-of-the-art control centre that will reinforce network resilience, uphold National Grid Electricity Transmission’s (NGET) world-class reliability standards and

Read More »
North Sea Oil: A Final Squeeze or a Missed Chance for Change?

North Sea Oil: A Final Squeeze or a Missed Chance for Change?

As the waters of the North Sea whip against steel platforms, a familiar debate surges once again. BP has confirmed it will restart operations at the Murlach oil field, located 120 miles east of Aberdeen, bringing it back online more than two decades after its closure. Supporters hail the decision

Read More »
Costain study to enable energy storage project near Blackpool

Costain study to enable energy storage project near Blackpool

New facilities will build resilience into UK’s energy systems Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been chosen by EnergyPathways PLC (EPP) to study onshore location sites for EPP’s flagship integrated energy storage and decarbonisation project. Marram Energy Storage Hub (MESH) is expected to be the UK’s largest integrated energy storage

Read More »
Costain wins multimillion pound engineering contract with INEOS FPS

Costain wins multimillion pound engineering contract with INEOS FPS

Three-year contract will see Costain deliver engineering expertise to operations at the Kinneil Terminal in Scotland. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has secured a multimillion-pound engineering services contract with INEOS FPS. The contract, covering a minimum of three years, will see Costain deploy its extensive engineering expertise to support the

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 333 : Oct 2025

Utilities & Infrastructure : Energy News

Osprey Strengthens Onshore Wind Capabilities with New 800-Tonne Mobile Crane

Osprey is expanding its heavy-lift fleet with the addition of the Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1, an 800-tonne all-terrain mobile crane arriving in November. This investment increases Osprey’s capability to deliver complex lifting operations for onshore wind, civil infrastructure, bridges, ports, and highways projects. To date, Osprey has contributed to projects delivering over 5,000 megawatts of clean energy, installing hundreds of onshore wind turbines and handling major offshore components. The company’s heavy-lift experience extends from turbine erection and maintenance to the testing and transport of next-generation nacelles and blades, reinforcing its role in the UK’s transition to low-carbon energy. Dean Graham, Heavy Lift Director at Osprey, explains: “The LTM 1750-9.1 adds real flexibility to our operations. It’s quick to set up, easy to move, and efficient to run. For clients, that means we can shorten programmes, reduce vehicle movements, and complete lifts in tighter spaces.” Efficient Set-Up and Mobility The LTM 1750-9.1 features a 52-metre telescopic boom, a maximum hoist height of 152 metres and a maximum working radius of 116 metres. Its self-rigging design allows it to be ready for work in approximately four to five hours, without the need for a separate rigging crane, depending on the selected configuration. With nine axles, the crane spreads its load over a larger footprint, reducing ground pressure and allowing access to areas where heavier crawler cranes or eight-axle models might struggle. “It rigs itself using its own boom and can move between pads while part-rigged,” says Graham. “That makes it well suited to turbine maintenance or construction work where space is limited.” The crane is supplied with the full complement of components, enabling multiple boom and luffing jib configurations as well as the Y guy system to brace the boom to increase lifting capacity to meet a wide range of heavy lift requirements. This flexibility allows Osprey to optimise the crane setup for each project, maximising lifting capacity, improving efficiency, and ensuring the right configuration is available for every site condition. Reduced Environmental Impact The crane is fitted with the latest Euro-compliant engines and is HVO-ready, allowing it to run on renewable fuels. Liebherr’s ECOdrive and ECOmode systems optimise fuel use and lower emissions, supporting Osprey’s goal to make heavy lifting operations cleaner and more efficient. Improving Onshore Wind Delivery The new crane is particularly relevant for onshore wind sites, where equipment needs to be both powerful and mobile. The ability to rig quickly and travel between turbines without full de-rigging can save several days per project, helping turbines generate power sooner and reducing local disruption. “It’s a practical addition to the fleet,” Graham adds. “As sites become more congested and access gets tighter, we need cranes that can do more with less time, less space, and lower ground loadings.” Osprey has a long history supporting the UK’s renewable energy sector, delivering logistics for offshore wind and tidal power projects both in the UK and internationally. Osprey has transported every major offshore wind farm component, including jackets, monopiles, nacelles, and blades using Osprey-owned cranes, self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs), and barges. Civils Construction Sites With increasingly congested sites and tightly managed delivery schedules, the reduced rigging times of the LTM 1750-9.1 enable Osprey to meet demanding programme requirements and meet tight deadlines. Its ability to self-rig and work within confined areas makes it particularly well suited to urban civil engineering projects, where minimising disruption to the public and surrounding infrastructure is essential. This addition strengthens Osprey’s existing fleet of heavy mobile and crawler cranes, extending the company’s capability across complex bridge and infrastructure installations. Osprey’s heavy-lift teams are known for engaging early with clients to refine lift plans, reduce risk, and shorten build times. Osprey has applied the same engineering approach across a wide range of civil infrastructure projects, including the A45 Whitley South Bridge, M1 Kegworth Bypass and M4 Monkey Island Lane The company has also supported Network Rail on several bridge installations and replacements notably at Gipsy Patch Bridge, Penstone Bridge, Warrington Bridge, and Whaley Bridge, where precise heavy-lift coordination and minimal disruption were critical to project success. Complementary Services: Port Marshalling and Freight Forwarding The LTM 1750 complements Osprey’s existing offering of heavy mobile and heavy crawler crane fleet, including port marshalling and freight-forwarding operations. At the Port of Blyth, Osprey has delivered over 1,000 heavy lifts, supporting modular construction and offshore wind projects. Using cranes such as the Liebherr LG 1750 and Tadano CC3800, together with modular SPMTs, the company’s teams have managed complex manoeuvres and tight schedules across confined portside environments. These port operations form part of Osprey’s integrated approach to project delivery, combining heavy-lift engineering, transport planning, and marine logistics. This ensures clients benefit from safer, more efficient operations for large-scale renewable and infrastructure projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Costain chosen for major infrastructure delivery partner role at Sellafield

Costain chosen for major infrastructure delivery partner role at Sellafield

Billion-pound, 15-year contract award will deliver critical utilities infrastructure upgrades at Cumbria decommissioning site. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been selected by Sellafield for a significant role on its long-term Infrastructure Delivery Partnership (IDP). The total value of Sellafield’s IDP is worth up to £2.9bn, split into three lots. Costain has been confirmed as Utilities Delivery Partner (Lot 3), worth up to £1bn to the company. The contract consists of an initial term of nine years with an option to extend by a further six years, either in a single extension or multiple smaller extensions. As Utilities Delivery Partner, Costain’s role will include the completion of detailed design and all procurement, installation, construction, commissioning and handover activities that form part of the contract delivery. Drawing on its extensive cross-sector experience delivering complex infrastructure programmes in the water, energy and transportation sectors, Costain’s responsibilities will involve refurbishing and replacing a variety of on-site and off-site utility distribution systems and services, including steam, water supply, water treatment, compressed gas and other essential utilities serving Sellafield. Alex Vaughan, chief executive officer of Costain, commented: “This new contract award with Sellafield, with whom we have been working with since 2005, is testament to our strategy of developing long-term relationships with tier 1 customers, building strong and collaborative partnerships, broadening our service offering, and maintaining consistency and continuity of workflows. “This long-term award further demonstrates our integral position in the UK’s civil nuclear energy market. The Government is clear that the safe and responsible decommissioning of the UK’s nuclear legacy is a critical part of creating a sustainable future and delivering local and national economic prosperity. As one of Sellafield’s trusted partners we will deliver safe, high-quality utilities upgrades in a complex working environment.” James Riddick, Sellafield Ltd chief supply chain officer, said: “Our job at Sellafield is to create a clean and safe environment for future generations. That means safely, securely, and cost effectively dealing with the legacy of historic operations on our site. To deliver this we need robust and reliable infrastructure to support our nuclear decommissioning and waste management activities. “IDP is a long-term strategic partnership designed to provide that support while unlocking investment and opportunities for our local community anddelivering sustainable value for money to the taxpayer. We’re excited to welcome our new partners, and we look forward to working together to progress our mission while creating transformational and enduring social value.” The contract award builds on Costain’s decades of experience delivering best-in-class infrastructure solutions in the highly regulated nuclear energy sector. Costain has worked with Sellafield since 2005, including on the Evaporator D project and as part of the Decommissioning Delivery Partnership. Costain was recently selected to carry out the next phase of decommissioning work at Trawsfynydd nuclear power station in North Wales, and it also provides project controls services at EDF’s eight UK nuclear power stations. Earlier this year, Costain was chosen to design Urenco’s new state-of-the-art advanced nuclear fuels production facility in Cheshire, and was also awarded a place on a multi-million-pound framework to provide expertise for the construction of Sizewell C. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Providing a low carbon future for Liverpool, the new Mersey Heat Energy Centre opens today

Providing a low carbon future for Liverpool, the new Mersey Heat Energy Centre now open

Yesterday marked a significant milestone for Liverpool and its journey to achieving net zero, as The Peel Group, together with district heat network specialist Ener-Vate, officially opens the new Mersey Heat Energy Centre. Located within Liverpool Waters, the project received £7.5m Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) funding towards the Energy Centre and network, which will deliver reliable, energy-efficient heating and hot water to a growing number of residential, commercial, and public buildings at the Liverpool Waters development and across the city. Businesses based within No. 8, No. 10, and No. 12 Princes Dock made history by being the first commercial office buildings in Liverpool to connect their heating and hot water supply to the multi-million-pound Mersey Heat network and Energy Centre. Running through Liverpool Waters, the heat network provides further sustainable infrastructure to serve Peel Waters’ wider regeneration plans for its growing Liverpool Waters District. The Titanic Hotel, Tobacco Warehouse and Torus Housing’s Hartley Locks scheme are now also connected to the Mersey Heat Network with the Cunard Building, George’s Dock Building and Museum of Liverpool now committed to connect as part of Mersey Heat’s southerly expansion. Designed and built by leading renewable energy company Vital Energi, the new Energy Centre houses one of the UK’s largest two-stage water source heat pumps provided by Star Refrigeration. Harnessing heat from the nearby Leeds and Liverpool Canal and distributing it through the 6km district heating network, the system supplies surrounding homes and businesses with low carbon heat and hot water, while cutting carbon emissions by an impressive 4,200 tonnes each year. The Mersey Heat Energy Centre was officially launched at an event with Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council and Cllr Anthony Burns, Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Net Zero, as well as James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters. The Liverpool City Region was the first to declare a climate emergency back in 2019 and set the ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2035 or sooner. Since 2005, carbon emissions in the city region have dropped by 40%. Cllr Anthony Burns, Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Net Zero, commented: “Building a cleaner, greener future isn’t just about meeting targets – it’s about improving people’s lives. The Mersey Heat Energy Centre is a fantastic example of how we can use our region’s strengths and ingenuity to cut carbon, lower energy bills, and support jobs in the industries of the future. “I know the scale of the challenge we’re facing – but also the scale of the opportunity. Projects like this show that we’re serious about hitting our target to be net zero by 2035, at least a decade ahead of the rest of the country, and that the Liverpool City Region is leading the way.” David Tatton, Investment Director – District Heat, Peel Group, said: “With the UK’s target to reach net zero by 2050, today is an important milestone for Liverpool’s journey to decarbonisation. Projects like this not only play a vital role in helping the country meet its carbon reduction goals, but it also demonstrates what can be achieved through innovation, collaboration and a commitment to a cleaner future.” Jo Longdon, Strategy and Development Director, Ener-Vate, said: “The Ener-Vate team is thrilled to have been part of this exciting project from the very beginning and officially opening the new Mersey Heat Energy Centre today marks a huge milestone for us and for Liverpool. The city is leading by example, paving the way for decarbonisation and for other cities to follow suit in leaving fossil fuels behind and delivering low carbon sources of heat.” The new Energy Centre will deliver 20GWh of heat every year, which will serve up to 6,700 homes and 1.3 million square feet of commercial space. However, there is planning permission in place to expand the project to supply around 45GWh, which is the equivalent of supplying 17,000 new homes with low carbon heating and hot water. Andrew Wightman, Regional Director, Vital Energi said: “We are pleased to see the new Mersey Heat Energy Centre now officially open, and proud to have played a pivotal role in the design, build, and maintenance of this network, which will be delivering low-carbon infrastructure for the city. It is a showcase project for Liverpool, and other areas across the UK looking to achieve their net zero aspirations.” Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “The launch of the Mersey Heat Energy Centre is a landmark moment in Liverpool’s journey towards a cleaner, greener future. It is a visible example of how Liverpool is leading the way on low carbon infrastructure, protecting historic buildings, cutting emissions and creating long term green value for our communities. “Liverpool has long been a leader in climate action, and this project reinforces our commitment to achieving net zero. It’s not just about infrastructure, it’s about creating a legacy of sustainability that benefits our communities, our economy, and our environment. “I’m proud to see this vision and investment come to life, creating jobs in the emerging green economy. I want to thank all the partners involved for helping Liverpool take another bold step towards a low carbon future.” For more information about the new Mersey Heat Energy Centre visit www.merseyheat.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Former Aberdeen landfill to be redeveloped as home to solar power and hydrogen project

Former Aberdeen landfill to be redeveloped as home to solar power and hydrogen project

A historical landfill site is to be redeveloped to create a solar farm as part of the first phase of a green hydrogen infrastructure initiative being delivered by bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Limited (bpAHEL), a joint venture between Aberdeen City Council and bp. RSK Renewables, an RSK Group company, will work with bpAHEL on the project on the former Ness Landfill site, located on Coast Road in Aberdeen, adjacent to Nigg Bay. Engineering design work has started at the site, with construction expected to start early in the new year. RSK Renewables Managing Director Adrian Strudwick said the team was excited about contributing to a project that redevelops a historical landfill site to produce renewable energy. He noted that it was also part of the first phase of a green hydrogen infrastructure initiative being delivered by the bpAHEL joint venture. This will provide power for a hydrogen production facility and refuelling station for buses and trucks. Adrian said: “RSK Renewables is responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and testing of the planned 8 MW solar farm. Guided by our in-house design and structural engineering teams, we identified a custom ‘tree-type’ mounting system as the optimal solution. This innovative design minimises ground disturbance, preserving the integrity of the former landfill’s protective capping while securely and efficiently supporting the solar array. With this solution also not requiring concrete or ballasted foundations, it enables the project to be built with a reduced CO₂ impact.” At the peak of the project, the team expects to have 50 to 60 people on-site, including civil engineering and electrical specialists. RSK Renewables will also remain with the project for two years as part of the operating and maintenance contract associated with the project. The solar farm will feature: Other RSK Group companies contributing to the project include RSK Advantage (pre-contract services) and RSK Asbestos (providing on-site monitoring services in relation to the former landfill site). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Balfour Beatty appointed as principle contractor for New Deer Substation extension

Balfour Beatty appointed as principle contractor for New Deer Substation extension

Balfour Beatty has today announced its appointment by SSEN Transmission to upgrade the New Deer electricity substation in Aberdeenshire, marking a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey towards a clean power, energy secure future.  Originally energised in 2019, Balfour Beatty will now extend the substation to accommodate the forecast growth in homegrown, clean power, across the north of Scotland. The expansion will add four new electricity connection bays to the existing platform, which will enable future connections to the transmission network.  Once complete, the extension will support the rapid growth of onshore and offshore renewable energy projects across the north of Scotland, enabling clean energy to go to where it is needed.   Tony Wilson, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution business, said: “We are proud to be delivering the New Deer substation extension on behalf of SSEN Transmission. Our appointment is testament to our unrivalled expertise and the capability of our people.  “We now look forward to working closely and collaboratively with SSEN Transmission, as we lay the groundwork for a successful construction phase and help power the UK’s journey to net zero.”   Paul Cooley, who started this month in a new role as Director of Onshore Capital Delivery at SSEN Transmission, said: “The start of construction work at our existing New Deer Substation marks a significant step in our wider onshore Pathway to 2030 programme of transmission infrastructure for the north of Scotland.  “While the work involved in this project all takes place within the existing New Deer Substation site, the project will play a major role in connecting new renewable energy to the grid and help to transport clean energy to where it is needed.  “The project – which will see around 40 working at the site during peak construction – also supports local contracts to firms across the north of Scotland, including AJ Engineering who are based in Forres and Beauly-based Global Infrastructure Scotland, and we’re looking forward to working with them. We’re committed to engaging with the local community throughout the project’s construction to maximise business and other opportunities.  “By investing in our network today, we’re building a clean energy future.”  Breaking ground at the New Deer substation extension marks another step forwards in SSEN Transmission’s ambitious Pathway to 2030 programme – a major programme of electricity transmission projects that are part of its plans to invest at least £22 billion in the coming years.  The programme will unlock Scotland’s homegrown, clean power potential and deliver the infrastructure needed to meet national energy security and clean power targets, all while bringing jobs and local benefits to the community.  Works have already commenced with completion of the initial phase expected in 2026.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
McLaughlin & Harvey appointed by National Grid to build their brand new, state-of-the art control centre

McLaughlin & Harvey appointed by National Grid to build their brand new, state-of-the art control centre

McLaughlin & Harvey and National Grid celebrate steel signing milestone at the new Electricity Transmission Control Centre National Grid has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey as main contractor to build its brand new, state-of-the-art control centre that will reinforce network resilience, uphold National Grid Electricity Transmission’s (NGET) world-class reliability standards and power the clean energy transition. The secure, sustainable facility, called the Electricity Transmission Control Centre (ETCC), is being built on the site of National Grid’s decommissioned, former 275 kilovolt substation at Hams Hall in the Midlands. Construction of the new control centre, which will incorporate multiple control functions into a single, collaborative space, is a key part of National Grid’s investment to increase the network’s capacity and make it easier to connect the energy needed to power the clean energy transition. Britain’s electricity transmission system is expanding at a rapid pace to support decarbonisation and meet energy security needs. As new sources of electricity generation come online and demand patterns change, management of the growing electricity network is becoming more complex, driving the need for the modern, purpose-built new facility. Once built and fully operational, the ETCC will work in parallel with National Grid’s existing Transmission Network Control Centre (TNCC), and will operate 24/7 365 days a year to control the operations of the high-voltage electricity transmission system. A brownfield site, Hams Hall has powered the Midlands for a century and tells the story of Great Britain’s energy transition. Having previously housed three coal power stations it will now be home to the transmission network’s nerve centre, responsible for ensuring that clean power can travel the length and breadth of England and Wales. The ETCC will also support National Grid in attracting and retaining the highly skilled staff needed to operate the increasingly complex network with hundreds of skilled jobs created both during construction and in engineering roles based at the facility. On Monday, 15th September, Paul Griffen, Managing Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, joined Jon Davies, Director of Network Operations and Intelligence at National Grid, to mark the steelwork commencement milestone. To commemorate the occasion, both Paul and Jon signed a steel beam, symbolising this important step forward in the construction process. Paul Griffen, Managing Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “It’s great to be at the site to celebrate the steel signing milestone with the project teams involved. We are committed to building this essential facility in collaboration with National Grid to enable the future energy needs of the UK to be met. Complex construction projects like this one highlight the capabilities of our talented employees to deliver outstanding results, not just in energy, but across various sectors.” Jon Davies, Director of Network Operations and Intelligence at National Grid said: “The development of a brand-new Electricity Transmission Control Centre marks an exciting new age for managing the complex and rapidly growing transmission network. Driven by a need to modernise and adapt to the country’s changing energy needs, the facility will futureproof our grid’s resilience and house the talented people responsible for operating our world-class transmission network for decades to come.” McLaughlin & Harvey officially began construction in April 2025 with initial preparatory groundworks, followed by the commencement of piling in July, which saw the physical foundations of the new building being laid.  The first set of steel structures for the facility are being installed in September 2025, with the new network control room expected to go-live in 2028. Construction of the building will leave other lasting positive benefits on the local community, by redeveloping a previously unused, brownfield site, minimising embodied carbon throughout construction, enhancing biodiversity at the site by at least 10% and supporting STEM learning and development by providing education opportunities on electricity and the future energy network. In addition, National Grid’s Community Grant Programme (CGP) will offer funds of up to £20,000 for community organisations and charities in the local area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Balfour Beatty secures two spots on National Grid’s £59 billion High Voltage Direct Current supply chain framework

Balfour Beatty secures two spots on National Grid’s £59 billion High Voltage Direct Current supply chain framework

Balfour Beatty has just announces that it has been awarded two places on National Grid’s c. £59 billion High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) supply chain framework. The company is one of 19 suppliers appointed to the framework which covers a period of five years, with an option for a three-year extension. As the only company appointed to two Lots on the framework, Balfour Beatty will deliver both the civil engineering works for future converter station schemes, as well as the associated onshore underground cabling works. Contracts, including defined scope and value of works, are expected to be awarded in 2026 and throughout the duration of the framework. The HVDC supply chain framework aims to establish long-term partnerships for both ongoing and future energy projects to help connect cleaner, more affordable energy to homes and businesses across England and Wales. As the largest power transmission provider in the UK, Balfour Beatty’s appointment to the HVDC supply chain framework builds on its long and proud history of working with National Grid. Most recently, the company successfully completed the Viking Link Interconnector Project having installed 68 kilometers of high voltage cabling across Lincolnshire; connecting Denmark to Great Britain at National Grid’s Bicker Fen substation in Boston, Lincolnshire. Stephen Tarr, Divisional CEO and Group Sector Lead – UK Energy at Balfour Beatty, said: “Our unique end-to-end capabilities and our extensive civil engineering knowledge makes us ideally positioned to secure the power supply to millions of homes and businesses across England and Wales. “We look forward to working closely and collaboratively with National Grid and our partners on the High Voltage Direct Current supply chain framework, as we build on our long-standing relationship and our history of successful delivery.” Zac Richardson, Chief Engineer and Offshore Delivery Director of Strategic Infrastructure at National Grid, said: “This marks a major step forward in delivering the UK’s future energy network. This investment not only underpins the transition to a more secure, independent and low-carbon energy future, but will also support tens of thousands of UK jobs, boost regional supply chains and strengthen our construction and engineering sectors. By building strategic, long-term partnerships with leading UK-based contractors, we’re ensuring the UK is ready to meet the growing demand for electricity with a resilient and modern network.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
North Sea Oil: A Final Squeeze or a Missed Chance for Change?

North Sea Oil: A Final Squeeze or a Missed Chance for Change?

As the waters of the North Sea whip against steel platforms, a familiar debate surges once again. BP has confirmed it will restart operations at the Murlach oil field, located 120 miles east of Aberdeen, bringing it back online more than two decades after its closure. Supporters hail the decision as a lifeline for domestic energy production, while critics denounce it as a regressive step at a time when the climate clock is ticking. The Murlach field was originally mothballed in 2004 after being deemed uneconomic. However, advances in drilling technology, combined with fresh investment, have altered the equation. BP says the site holds around 20 million barrels of recoverable oil and 600 million cubic metres of gas — enough to sustain production for roughly eleven years. Initial output could reach 20,000 barrels of oil and 17 million cubic feet of gas each day. To the company, this is a strategic revival of a known resource that avoids the lengthy approval process faced by entirely new projects. To many environmental campaigners, it is proof that the fossil fuel industry is still intent on extracting every drop possible, even as the impacts of global warming intensify. The political backdrop is complex. The current government has pledged to halt new licensing for oil and gas exploration, citing the need for a “fair and orderly” transition towards renewable energy. However, it has also stated it will honour existing licences, including Murlach’s. The stance attempts to balance two competing pressures: meeting climate targets on one hand, and maintaining energy security and jobs on the other. This balancing act is not without contradiction. While ministers point to record investments in offshore wind and carbon capture technology, they also concede that the UK will still require oil and gas for decades to come. The independent Climate Change Committee has forecast that between 13 and 15 billion barrels will be needed by 2050. The challenge is where that supply will come from — and whether it should come from domestic waters or overseas imports. Supporters of the Murlach restart argue that extracting what remains in the North Sea makes strategic sense. They highlight that domestic production is subject to higher environmental standards than imports and that local output supports thousands of skilled jobs in coastal communities. Industry groups also warn that overly restrictive policies could push investment elsewhere, eroding the UK’s position as a player in global energy markets. Yet the numbers paint a sobering picture. Output from the North Sea has been declining for a quarter of a century. Oil production has dropped sharply in recent years, and gas volumes are also slipping. The North Sea Transition Authority projects an annual fall of about 7 per cent for oil and 12 per cent for gas, with a 90 per cent overall decline by 2050. Much of the easily accessed resource has already been tapped. What remains often comes from smaller, more technically challenging fields like Murlach. For environmentalists, the issue is not whether the oil can be reached but whether it should be. They argue that continuing to invest in fossil fuel infrastructure locks the UK into carbon emissions for decades, jeopardising climate goals and exposing the country to the volatility of global oil markets. Their prescription is clear: accelerate the pivot to renewable energy sources, invest in green jobs, and support communities through the economic transition away from oil and gas. This divergence of opinion is not new, but it is becoming sharper. On one side are those who see the North Sea as a dwindling but still valuable asset, a means of cushioning the UK against supply shocks and geopolitical instability. On the other are those who see it as a relic of the past — one that risks distracting from the urgent work of building a zero-carbon future. International voices have added fuel to the fire. Former US President Donald Trump, during a recent visit to Scotland, criticised UK tax policy on North Sea oil, describing the reserves as a “treasure chest” being squandered through excessive levies. His remarks drew predictable applause from some in the industry and scorn from others who see such rhetoric as at odds with climate realities. Meanwhile, the renewable sector continues to grow. Large-scale wind projects, such as the recently approved Berwick Bank development, promise to generate enough electricity to power millions of homes. Supporters of these projects note that wind, unlike oil, will never run out — and its costs have plummeted over the past decade. However, large renewable schemes take years to plan and build, and they cannot yet provide the same constant output as fossil fuels without significant advances in storage technology. The tension between these timelines — the urgency of climate action versus the slower pace of infrastructure change — lies at the heart of the Murlach debate. Critics fear that each new or revived oil field pushes the energy transition further into the future, creating a dependency that will be harder to break. Proponents counter that an abrupt halt to domestic production would not reduce demand but simply shift it to other countries, often with higher carbon footprints and fewer environmental safeguards. In reality, the outcome may be shaped less by moral clarity and more by market forces. If global oil prices remain high, even marginal fields could become attractive again. If renewable energy continues to become cheaper and more reliable, the economic case for large-scale fossil fuel investment will weaken further. For now, Murlach is set to join a small but growing list of North Sea fields brought back from the brink. Whether this represents prudent resource management or a stubborn refusal to change course depends on one’s vantage point. What is clear is that the UK is at a crossroads — not just in terms of energy supply, but in deciding what kind of energy future it truly wants. If the goal is to lead in climate action while maintaining energy security, the path ahead will require more than simply

Read More »
Costain study to enable energy storage project near Blackpool

Costain study to enable energy storage project near Blackpool

New facilities will build resilience into UK’s energy systems Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been chosen by EnergyPathways PLC (EPP) to study onshore location sites for EPP’s flagship integrated energy storage and decarbonisation project. Marram Energy Storage Hub (MESH) is expected to be the UK’s largest integrated energy storage facility, planned to be approximately 15km off the coast of Blackpool. It is designed to support the UK government’s energy strategy for transitioning to clean power by providing long-duration energy storage solutions, combining natural gas, hydrogen, and compressed air technologies. Costain’s front-end engineering and design experts will initially compare possible locations for the onshore process facilities and associated infrastructure. The study will assess the impact of location on connectivity to the gas and electricity networks, review the impact of site selection on construction cost and schedule, and consider the opportunities and risks in reuse of existing infrastructure. The planned MESH onshore facilities will support large-scale natural gas storage and production, compressed air Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES), hydrogen storage, clean hydrogen production, clean ammonia and graphite production, and flexible clean power generation. Grant Johnson, technical director at Costain, commented: “MESH is an ambitious, exciting project that will enhance the UK’s energy resilience, and enable more clean energy generation through large-scale energy storage. “We know just how important it is to make robust choices at the early stages of a project, and we are looking forward to helping EPP with site selection, using our experience in delivering energy storage infrastructure to inform decision-making on aspects such as constructability and sustainability.” Ben Clube, CEO at EnergyPathways said: “We are delighted to have entered into this engagement with Costain, a tier 1 UK-headquartered infrastructure company with extensive engineering knowledge and experience of the North-West region. “Costain’s expertise will be invaluable in optimising the location for the MESH onshore facilities. Costain also brings relevant experience across several important aspects of the MESH project, including salt cavern development and in emerging technologies in the context of the UK government energy policy settings. “This engagement continues the selection by EnergyPathways of world-class strategic partners with the expertise and experience to deliver a large-scale low-carbon integrated energy solution of national significance.” Once operational, MESH will enable natural gas storage in the depleted Marram reservoir, with subsequent development to include Hybrid Compressed Air Energy Storage (H-CAES), which will store energy from offshore wind in the region by compressing air into adjacent salt caverns.  The salt caverns will also be used to store green hydrogen, either derived as part of a decarbonised H‑CAES process or supplied via Project Union, the National Gas initiative that plans to repurpose and extend parts of the existing 5,000-mile gas transmission network to connect hydrogen production, hydrogen storage and industrial consumers. Costain has decades of experience in designing and delivering complex gas storage infrastructure, working across the full project lifecycle, from concept, investment support, project execution planning, front end design, and planning development, to consent, project delivery, and asset and operational support.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Costain wins multimillion pound engineering contract with INEOS FPS

Costain wins multimillion pound engineering contract with INEOS FPS

Three-year contract will see Costain deliver engineering expertise to operations at the Kinneil Terminal in Scotland. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has secured a multimillion-pound engineering services contract with INEOS FPS. The contract, covering a minimum of three years, will see Costain deploy its extensive engineering expertise to support the optimisation and utilisation of operations at the Kinneil Terminal – a critical piece of the UK’s energy infrastructure. Costain has already been providing end-to-end engineering services at the Kinneil Terminal for more than ten years, having delivered multidisciplinary front-end studies through to detailed design engineering and procurement services for both onshore and offshore assets since 2014. Costain will service the contract from its new Aberdeen office where it continues to serve a growing customer base in the energy sector in Scotland and across the UK.   Sean Close, energy resilience director at Costain, commented:“We’ll use our engineering expertise and long record of predictable best-in-class delivery to optimise the performance of Kinneil Terminal. This is critical national infrastructure, and our work will build vital resilience into the UK’s energy system with a safer, more efficient and more reliable terminal. “With our strong and growing presence in the region this contract marks the next chapter in our productive and collaborative relationship with INEOS FPS.” Costain’s energy sector delivers innovation, engineering and construction excellence to solve complex problems facing the UK’s energy infrastructure. It has a long track record of delivering infrastructure solutions in Scotland, including front end studies, asset maintenance and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts. Costain has also provided technical consultancy services to Storegga (formerly Pale Blue Dot Energy) in support of the Acorn carbon capture and storage project.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »