26 - Monday 26th March
This archive of news stories on energy related topics came from RSS feeds from the most relevant government institution. These press releases date from 27th March 2012 and no guarantee can be provided on the accuracy of these stories from the Green Deal Group. Click on the relevant links for more information and the corresponding article.
- Update: Elgin platform incident
Following a report of a well control problem at 12.15hrs on 25 March on the Elgin Well Head Platform and Rowan Viking Drilling Rig, the operator Total E&P UK Limited (Total), with assistance from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, has completed the evacuation of all crew. All personnel are reported safe with no injuries.
The incident occurred during work to plug and abandon the well, which was no longer producing gas. Total has now shut in all wells but remote monitoring has revealed that gas continues to be released. In addition a sheen was observed on the sea surface in the vicinity of the installations. The sheen is believed to be gas condensate, a petrol like substance that typically disperses naturally to the atmosphere within hours of release. Because of the nature of gas condensate there is no indication of a risk of significant pollution to the environment.
Aerial surveillance, mobilised by Total and conducted at 08.45hrs today found a light sheen with a dimension of 6 x 0.75 nautical miles. The estimated quantity of hydrocarbon associated with the sheen is between two and 23.5 tonnes. Another aerial surveillance flight departed at 1500hrs today as part of the ongoing monitoring operation of the area.
The priority now is to plan an appropriate response to contain the leak and minimise the impact to the environment. Total have established their Emergency Response Centre (ERC) and have activated their Oil Pollution Emergency Plan. A DECC Offshore Environmental Inspector has been present in the ERC and DECC continues to monitoring the ongoing response. The Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP) is aware of the incident and is closely monitoring Total’s response.
Mon 26th Mar 2012 6:22pm - Tanker Driver Strike: Advice for motorists
Following a ballot by the union Unite, fuel tanker drivers have voted to undertake strike action.
The Government has condemned this potentially disruptive action and urged both sides to negotiate a settlement to avoid strike action.
There is currently no problem with fuel supplies. But if a strike were to go ahead, supplies of fuel to some, but not all, forecourts across the UK could be affected.
The Government is able to take a number of steps to minimise disruption, in particular to make sure the emergency services get the supplies they need.
Motorists can also help by following the following sensible advice:
- Don’t change your purchasing behaviour, refuel as you normally would, planning ahead if you have a long journey to go on.
- Stick to speed limits as this helps conserve fuel.
- Don’t queue at petrol forecourts, this causes congestion and increases disruption.
- Check travel sites and latest news before travelling.
Regular updates and the latest information will be published on Directgov ”.
Mon 26th Mar 2012 2:38pm
