Can Aberdeen cash in on European oil capital status?

Aberdeen has been urged to cash in on European oil capital status, emulating the likes of Texas, Berlin, Viborg and Istanbul by opening a national energy museum.

The Press and Journal says the suggestion by a senior figure at VisitScotland has reignited hopes for a visitor attraction, based at the city's new south harbour, on a decommissioned North Sea oil rig.

Rob Dickson, the tourist board's director of industry and destination development, lamented the current lack of an energy centre as a "missed opportunity".

The backers of an oil rig museum ask: Why shouldn't Aberdeen make more of its storied past with the oil and gas industry, as it sits on the cusp of the net zero carbon transition?

Foinaven field could be sold

BP is said to be seeking to sell its Foinaven field in the west of Shetland.

Industry sources claim that the group wants to sell the field, with hopes that the renewed focus on domestic production in the UK will attract buyers.

BP declined to comment.

Energy Voice reports that BP took a decision last year to remove the Petrojarl Foinaven floating production vessel following HSE issues, though it remains on-station at present.

In February 2021, the UK Health and Safety Executive said it had identified cracks in the ship's hull.

Foinaven was the first field west of Shetland to begin production in 1997, and the FPSO is now reaching the end of its 25-year design life.

Aberdeen battery storage project changes hands

Utilities firm Centrica has acquired an Aberdeen battery storage project that could "unlock wind energy potential" in the North Sea.

The venture is located in Dyce, near to a connection for offshore wind farms.

Once built, the Dyce battery storage plant will be able to store enough energy to power 70,000 homes for an hour - this discharge could happen up to four hours per day.

Energy Voice says Cragside Energy was the main developer behind the project, backed by Omni Partners.

Having obtained planning consent in November, the plant is expected to start up in mid-2024, with construction lasting around eight months.

Blockade threat at P&O Ferries terminal

Unions have warned they could try to blockade the P&O Ferries terminal at Cairnryan in Scotland if sailings resume, says the BBC.

About 190 people joined a protest at the site over the company's decision to sack 800 workers last week.

P&O has said the staff affected will be offered £36.5million and has denied breaking the law with the sackings.

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