SHALE Magazine Volume 1 Issue 2

BEST US CITIES FOR MANAGEMENT ROLES

WILLOW PROJECT APPROVED

What Does This Mean for Alaska and the Climate?

RIDE THE WAVE OF TOMORROW’S ENERGY

FINDING GLOBAL ENERGY POLICY CONSENSUS

FOSTERING A HEALTHY WORKPLACE CULTURE

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14 cover story

The Willow Project may have just ushered in a new era in the energy transition. Is Biden’s sudden embrace of big oil strategic genius or grim acceptance of reality?

26 industry

Can Wave Energy Play a Significant Role in the Energy Transition?

28 industry Grasping Global Growth

30 industry

Hydrogen is Finally Having its Moment–and for Good Reason

38 policy

Outsmarting Putin: How America’s Energy is Rerouting Power

40 policy

Can the World Keep Up with America’s Far-Reaching Climate Policy?

42 policy

Oil’s Last Hurrah? Not Yet.

46 business

How Assessments Can Solve the Challenges Facing the Oil & Gas Industry

48 business

The Best US Cities for Management Careers

50 lifestyle

5 Tips To Reduce Burnout and Produce Productivity

52 lifestyle

How Will Meta’s New Subscription Service Impact Users?

54 social

How Shale’s “In the Oil Patch” Podcast Became a National Sensation

56 social Highlights from CERAWeek 2023: The World’s Premier Energy Conference

58 social

A Look Inside the 2023 Argus Americas Crude Summit

60 social OtterBox Industrial Launch Event

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PUBLICATION EDITOR

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chris Bluvshtein, Felicity Bradstock, Julian Vance Daniels, Shalom Divekar, Leslee Hope Haynes, Tanya Hendricks, John Kleeman, Michelle Masters, Tyler Reed, Irina Slav, Hannah Smith, Purushottam Uniyal, Vinod Veedu

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EDITORIAL INTERN

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FOLLOWING THE HEELS OF CERAWEEK, WE HAVE SEEN THAT

INDUSTRY IS STEAMROLLING TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE GREEN REVOLUTION TO TAKE PLACE.

Each panel at the week-long conference emphasized that this green transition cannot happen without the assistance of fossil fuels for at least the next two decades.

With the world still reeling from the Russian-Ukraine crisis, and the supply-chain woes impacting every industry, it’s now more important than ever that America doubles down on our domestic oil production. Last year, complaints of high gas prices were sweeping the nation, with residents in California paying over six dollars a gallon. The Willow Project has taken five years to come to fruition and shows that permitting reform is needed now more than ever. This endeavor will not only bolster America’s domestic energy but further our international assistance. It is an honor to assist Europe during this tumultuous time, however, help can only be given after we ensure our domestic security.

I just want to say a quick thank you to all of our readers who continue to support us as our content grows along with the industry. SHALE Magazine is fortunate to come together with industry leaders and get a front-row seat to this incoming revolution. Thank you to our amazing team and writers that help give our readers groundbreaking stories within the sector. I hope you enjoy this newest issue.

KYM BOLADO CEO/Editor-in-Chief kym@shalemag.com

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cover story

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THE GREAT WILLOW PROJECT SAGA

By: Tyler Reed, MBA

arch 13th, 2023 marked the Biden Administration’s final approval of the Willow Project. Mired in controversy, millions sent letters of protest and signed online petitions to fight the approval. And still, it came. Some may criticize this sudden about-face from an administration that has been more in line with a “green” philosophy, and others may praise the easing of negative pressure on oil and gas projects.

In any case, with the approval, we just may be ushering in a new era of energy transition that even President Biden has the foresight to deem necessary.

WHAT IS THE WILLOW PROJECT?

The Willow Project is an oil exploration and drilling venture located in the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska’s (NPR-A) North Slope, which is on property owned by the federal government. The project itself is owned and operated by Houston-based ConocoPhillips, which holds long-term oil and gas leases in the region and has been in the planning/approval stages for decades.

This particular shale play is projected to produce upwards of 180,000 barrels of oil per day, reports ConocoPhillips, which also estimates delivering between $8 billion to $17 billion in new revenue for the federal government and the state of Alaska.

Since construction shovels have been held back for so long, the new venture will likely take years to materialize as the necessary infrastructure is put in place. Still, ConocoPhillips has prepared for this moment by having key contractors virtually on stand-by and now “expects to immediately initiate gravel road construction activities”, per a company statement.

However, all of this may be completely moot as environmental groups have swiftly sought legal recourse, likely in the form of injunctions, which would delay the project even further. Even so, an exciting race between ConocoPhillips contractors, environmental groups, and the Alaska winter is underway.

WHY IS THE WILLOW PROJECT SO CONTROVERSIAL?

The Willow Project was initially approved by President Trump back in 2020, but a federal judge later pulled the plug due to environmental concerns. ConocoPhillips was set to construct five drill pads (eventually lowered to three), as well as necessary infrastructure like roads, pipelines, and processing facilities.

ConocoPhillips contractors need the winter to work on the ice roads crucial for logistics in the demanding climate. In Alaska, the winter season generally runs until April, says the National Park Service. That doesn’t leave much time to put shovels in the ground.

If environmental groups are successful in obtaining an injunction, they will have a court order prohibiting ConocoPhillips from beginning or continuing their construction activities. Such a delay could add another year to the long wait for Willow to begin.

The Willow Project has indeed been the subject of much controversy for years now, with environmental groups and some indigenous communities vociferously opposed to the project. Environmental groups argue that the project would harm the environment and would contribute to climate change. Indigenous communities are concerned about the impact of the project on their health, well-being, and the local environment.

A Change.org petition challenging the administration’s approval of the Willow Project has to date garnered upwards of 5,000,000 signatures.

The Willow Project has also been the subject of legal challenges. In 2021, a federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska ruled that the Trump Administration’s environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was lacking and pulled the project's permits.

Two years later, on March 12th, 2023, the Biden administration announced limiting future industrial development in the NPR-A. The next day, on March 13, 2023, the Biden administration’s Interior Department issued a press release announcing their approval of the Willow Project in the NPRA through a Record of Decision. The statement includes several caveats demonstrating how the project will be performed in a more environmentally responsible manner. Even so, days after the approval, a coalition of environmental groups filed different lawsuits against the Biden administration challenging the action.

Friends of the Earth, Center for Biological Diversity, and Greenpeace are all listed as plaintiffs in Alaska federal case number 20-308, Center for Biological Diversity et al v. Bureau of Land Management et al.

These groups are alleging the U.S. Interior Department failed to adequately address all of the environmental concerns regarding emissions, nor did the Department of Fish and Wildlife provide adequate mitigation for the potential impact on wildlife.

HOW THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT FRAMES THE DECISION

The Interior Department’s March 13 press release attempts to provide as little positivity to the project’s approval as possible, even while highlighting environmental and societal benefits. Even the title seems to begrudgingly accept the Department’s own decision—

Interior Department Substantially Reduces Scope of Willow Project

Drill Pads Reduced by 40%; ConocoPhillips to Relinquish Rights to 68,000 Acres of Existing Leases

Bear in mind, this release is announcing the project’s approval. “The Department is substantially reducing the size of the project by denying two of the five drill sites proposed,” the DOI release starts. “[ConocoPhillips] will also relinquish rights to approximately 68,000 acres of its existing leases in the NPR-A.”

The DOI concludes their scaled-back version of the Willow Creek approval “reduces potential impacts to caribou migration and subsistence users”. This is accomplished by creating a buffer between the oil and gas project and the calving grounds and migratory routes for the Teshekpuk Lake caribou herd, which the DOI reports as “an important subsistence resource for nearby Alaska Native communities.”

In a study cited by the Audubon Society of Alaska, the Teshekpuk Caribou Herd and the Central Arctic Herd were compared for their seasonal proximity to oil and gas infrastructure. The environmental study found some herds moved and some stayed in close proximity to the new infrastructure; therefore, they state “it’s impossible to say for certain whether the Central Arctic Herd shifted because of oil and gas infrastructure.”

Not knowing the consequences of a particular action make it hard to mitigate against, and yet, the DOI reports with certainty that their reductions will ensure less impact on the caribou herds. In sum and substance, the DOI is making conclusions despite the absence of conclusive studies with which to justify such a route is even beneficial.

Still, justify their position they did. The DOI stated that the Biden administration’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was the government entity put in charge of addressing the environmental shortcomings cited by the Alaska federal judge who initially pulled the project.

In February 2023, the BLM published its final environmental impact statement which identified the preferred alternative for the project and called for the removal of only one of the five proposed drill pads, per the DOI March 13 press release. The DOI’s Record of Decision, therefore, ignored the BLM’s recommendation and proceeded with removing two of the proposed drill pads from the Willow Project Master Plan.

The Willow Project, has indeed been the subject of much controversy for years now, with environmental groups and some indigenous communities vociferously opposed to the project.

The BLM consulted with the Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope, the North Slope Borough, the Environmental Protection Agency, and a slew of other internal and external stakeholders as mandated by NEPA. Interestingly, several of these parties are named as defendants in the federal suit brought by the various environmental groups.

After justifying their course of action, i.e. approving Willow Creek, the author of the Department of the Interior press release ties in this decision with the Biden administration’s clear stance on “clean energy manufacturing” (in case there was confusion over their approving an oil and gas exploration and drilling project in Alaska). “The Biden-Harris administration continues to deliver on the most aggressive climate agenda in American history” as they seek “climate resilience and environmental justice.”

Wanting to define what environmental justice looks like, we can reach back to Biden’s colossal list of priorities presented at this year’s COP27. Part of the President’s Inflation Reduction Act was also launching a “Climate Gender Equity Fund”. The initiative, according to the U.S. Department of State, exists to address “the disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis on women and girls.” To that end, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is pledging more than $6 million to fund “genderequitable climate action.”

While oil exploration and drilling in Alaska and climate/ gender equity may seem to be a bit of a hodgepodge, they and thousands of other initiatives are all included in Biden’s long list of “priorities” over his remaining time in office.

CONOCOPHILLIPS CLAPS BACK

ConocoPhillips also had a chance to clap back at detractors, although the tone of their press release certainly turned down the negativity. “Willow fits within the Biden Administration’s priorities on environmental and social justice, facilitating the energy transition and enhancing our energy security, all while creating good union jobs and providing benefits to Alaska Native communities,” CEO Ryan Lance said in a statement posted to the corporate site.

The release goes on to say, “After nearly five years of rigorous regulatory and environmental review, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process is complete. Willow is designed to support and coexist with subsistence activities with many mitigation measures built into the project design.”

Willow also “has the potential to create over 2,500 construction jobs and approximately 300 long-term jobs” while also providing other ancillary economic benefits to 10,000 permanent residents who call the North Slope Borough Communities home.

PROS AND CONS OF THE WILLOW PROJECT

Seeing both sides of the argument is key to breaking the endless tit-for-tat political gridlock, which has been the modus operandi in Washington for some time. During CERAWeek 2023, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia said of the Willow Project, “I support it. It’s a viable project” and that it’s important to produce “security for our nation and a return on investment.”

In a fiery Senate speech, Republican Dan Sullivan of Alaska criticized the environmental groups opposing Willow Project for acting as “eco-colonialists” and subverting the voice and interests of the Alaska native people. Senator Sullivan cited the “bipartisan support of the Alaska Legislature and the overwhelming support of Alaska Native communities and labor unions” and argued that “the Willow Project is exactly the kind of project President Biden and his team should support because it aligns so strongly with many of the stated priorities of the Biden administration.”

And yet, any further delay or interference may leave the project economically unviable for ConocoPhillips. This is why a simple cost-benefit analysis may be all it takes to reach your conclusions.

Breezing through pros and cons, we’re left with the following:

1. Jobs and economic benefits. The project will necessitate thousands of jobs, many of which will depend on drawing from the local labor force. This can create hundreds of direct and ancillary positions, as well as create a boost for the local economy. The project is also expected to bring in billions in tax revenue for the state and federal governments.

2. Energy security. The project would help to increase Alaska and the United States’ energy security by utilizing an untapped source of oil and gas and help replenish our dangerously depleted Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

3. Environmental benefits. Both sides of the argument are saying the Willow Project is set to be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, using state-of-theart technology to minimize its impact on the environment.

4. Improved infrastructure. The project would involve the construction of new roads, pipelines, and other infrastructure, which would improve access to the area, which could benefit the local and national economies.

5. Support for indigenous communities. Willow Project would provide economic support and cultural sensitivity for indigenous communities in the area. ConocoPhillips

The Willow Project is an oil exploration and drilling venture located in the National Petroleum Reserve.

and the federal government have actively sought these communities’ ongoing participation in the initial phases of the project. The project also promised to “coexist with subsistence activities” to reduce cultural impact.

However, it is important to note that the Willow Project also has the potential to deliver a few negative impacts, including:

1. Environmental damage. The project involves the construction of roads, pipelines, and other infrastructure, through an absolutely pristine wildlife habitat. Any form of construction is going to damage/disrupt local flora and fauna.

2. Air and water pollution. While it may be minimal, the project would also generate air and water pollution. A remote drilling facility needs a lot of resources to be built and operate in a state as harsh as Alaska. Diesel fuel, chemicals, wastewater, trash, and other contaminants pose environmental risks if not properly disposed of.

The Willow Project is undoubtedly a complex issue with both positive and negative implications. At least with decades of scrutiny, the project has mountains of research from which positive and negative impacts can be studied en masse.

IS BIDEN’S GREEN ENERGY FOCUS IN JEOPARDY?

Some environmental groups believe that President Biden's green energy focus has been tainted by his approval of the Willow Project. They argue that the project is a contradiction to Biden's commitment to combating climate change and that it will harm the environment.

However, the Biden administration argues that the Willow Project is a necessary compromise. At a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Biden remarked off-cuff that he’d been counseled that he would lose in court should he challenge the Willow Project.

In the President’s eyes, such an action would result in losing out on conserving “significant amounts of Alaska sea and land forever.” So while it may not be perfect, at least there’s a consensus in the Biden administration that this is the best course—echoing the recommendation of the Bureau of Land Management.

The canceling of the Keystone XL Pipeline project on day one in office, high profile snubs of oil and gas execs, vilification by Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, jabs from White House Press Secretary Jean-Pierre—the Administration has heretofore been unabashedly heavyhanded in voicing its disdain for oil and gas efforts, virtually in any form. This is why the Willow Project approval seems at odds with the stance they’ve held for years.

In fact, the approval of the Willow Project seems far more in line with Biden’s off-script gaffe. This was evident during a recent State of the Union address when he candidly admitted "We're going to need oil for at least another decade....and beyond that.” In perhaps the rarest displays of solidarity seen in recent years, the remark drew a rousing applause from both sides of the aisle.

Perhaps Biden after all sees the criticality that oil and gas still play as our society begins a transition towards renewables. Energy security requires recognizing critical needs and putting strategies in place that mitigate the risk to the greatest extent possible. The Willow Project may yet prove to be the mitigation strategy that presents the best compromise to both sides of the political aisle.

THE FUTURE OF THE WILLOW PROJECT

Even with DOI approval and wading through years of regulatory quagmire, the future of the Willow Project remains uncertain. The project is facing significant challenges, both legal and with regard to public sentiment. Environment, social, and governance (ESG) has never been a hotter topic in corporate boardrooms as greener-minded investors demand more from companies in this arena.

It is possible that, despite years of drawbacks, the Willow project will be able to overcome these challenges and move forward. However, it is equally possible that the project will be stopped or delayed by the courts once more and ConocoPhillips is forced to seek “greener” pastures wherever economically viable projects present themselves.

About the author: Tyler Reed began his career in the world of finance managing a portfolio of municipal bonds at the Bank of New York Mellon. Four years later, he led the Marketing and Business Development team at a high-profile civil engineering firm with a focus on energy development in federal, state, and local pursuits and picked up an Executive MBA from the University of Florida along the way. Following an entrepreneurial spirit, he founded a content writing agency servicing marketing agencies, PR firms, and enterprise accounts on a global scale. A sought-after television personality and featured writer in too many leading publications to list, his penchant for research delivers crisp and intelligent prose his audience continually craves.

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Can Wave Energy Play a Significant Role in the Energy Transition?

By: Purushottam Uniyal and Shalom Divekar with MarketsandMarkets

Climate change and the risk of global warming are forcing countries to explore new and more sources of clean and renewable energies. Several countries are heavily investing in the development and adoption of renewable energy technologies including wave energy. Wave energy refers to the kinetic and potential energy captured within oceanic and sea waves. As more than 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water bodies, wave energy is one of the most abundantly available renewable energy generation technologies in the coming future. It is an underexplored renewable energy generation technology with huge potential. To harvest this energy, Wave Energy Converters (WECs) are installed at shorelines, nearshores, and offshore locations to absorb the energy from the incoming waves and generate electrical or mechanical output. It is an oscillating and irregular low-frequency source of energy that can be converted into 60-Hertz frequency and can then be added to the electric utility grid with the help of wave energy converters.

Oscillating Body Technology Dominates Among the Other Wave Energy Converting Technologies

There are four different technologies that govern wave energy converters: oscillating water columns, oscillating body converters, overtopping converters, and rotating mass. The wave energy converters operating on the principle of oscillating body technology dominate the other wave energy converting technologies. To ensure high energy generation, these WECs are made large in structure, enabling the capturing of a large quantity of air. An added advantage of this type of structure is its capability to be clubbed to form a chain or farm, enhancing its power generation capability to match utility scale standards. Furthermore, a chain of these large structures can be used to avert coastal erosion and reduce the impact of sea waves on the shore, ultimately helping in environmental protection.

Source: Annual Reports, Company Publications, Press Releases, Investor Presentations, Interviews with Experts, and MarketsandMarkets Analysis

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK IS EVOLVING

Being at the nascent stage, it does not have a properly defined process to pass through the bureaucratic formalities. Currently, there are no central licensing agencies that can direct the agencies involved and not any official licensing procedure for prototypes or pilots. The fact that wave energy, along with other ocean energies, is dependent on geographical settings, a predefined zoning plan can help this sector to overcome its local impediments. At the same time, people who are engaged in traditional marine activities and coastal communities tend to be suspicious of the impact of these new wave energy activities. Therefore planning and licensing processes for ocean energy need to be open and comprehensive enough to take such issues into account. The lack of planning and licensing processes in marine activities of areas where several interests (energy, tourism, transport, fisheries, etc.) are concerned tends to increase risks and uncertainty of failure or delayed projects at sea.

1. Wave Energy Converter, by technology READINESS level

As more than 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water bodies, wave energy is one of the most abundantly available renewable energy generation technologies in the coming future.

MARKET OUTLOOK

The global wave energy converter market is projected to grow from an estimated USD 20.3 million in 2022 to USD 28.6 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2022 to 2030. Their future outlook for the companies operating in the wave energy conversion market is positive but it is important to note that this is still an emerging industry with some significant challenges. Success will have to depend on several factors, including advancements in technology, government support, market demand, and competition from other renewables. Any technological breakthrough in this market is likely to lead to a significantly higher growth rate than projected. The growing power demand from coastal communities and the ample availability of wave energy resources drive the WEC market. Likewise, increasing R&D investments and the growing focus on clean energy generation offer excellent opportunities to this market.

Eco Wave Power (Israel), SINN Power (Germany), Carnegie Clean Energy (Australia), CorPower Ocean (Sweden), Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (US), and AMOG Consulting (Australia) are the key manufacturers of wave energy converters. They have comparable strengths in terms of customer bases, diversified product portfolios, technological capabilities, and diversified regional presence.

WAVE ENERGY POTENTIAL IS GEOGRAPHY AND LOCATION SPECIFIC

The energy density of the waves can vary based on the location. North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific have the best wave conditions for use. Ideally, medium-high latitudes and deep waters (greater than 40 m deep) are considered to be the best for generating wave energy as these conditions can lead to power densities as high as 60 to 70 kW/m. Australia, Chile, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the US have excellent wave resources with average power densities of 40 to 60 kW/m.

By

The installation locations of WECs differ based on the type of wave energy converter. For instance, stationary oscillating water column WECs and a few of the oscillating body WECs need a solid base to be installed. This makes it necessary to install these wave energy converters on the shore or near it. Likewise, floating oscillating water column WECs, overtopping WECs, and a few oscillating body WECs can be installed in offshore locations. The offshore segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate from 2022 to 2030, offshore wave energy converters can harness the most amount of wave energy as wave energy resources are strongest in offshore locations.

1. Global wave energy converter market trends, 2022–2030

Source: SEC Filings, Investor Presentations, Interviews with Experts, and MarketsandMarkets Analysis

Location

1. Wave Energy Resources (kw/m)

Source: Ocean Energy Association

The global wave energy converter market is projected to grow from an estimated USD 20.3 million in 2022 to USD 28.6 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2022 to 2030.

By Region

Europe accounted for the largest share and is projected to be the fastest-growing region of the wave energy converter market from 2022 to 2030. Europe has imposed stringent environmental regulations for controlling the carbon emissions from power generation activities. In line with that, the region focuses on enhancing electrical power generation from renewable energy sources such as waves and wind. The presence of a large number of companies working in the research and development of wave energy converters in the region is expected to drive the wave energy market in Europe. Major countries in this region include the UK, Portugal, France, and Denmark.

Figure 4: Wave energy potential in european countries

Source: European Ocean Energy Association

KEY BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES MUST BE TO HARNESS THE ABUNDANT UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

Wave energy has enormous potential. However, there are technocommercial barriers and challenges faced by wave power. This includes the development of technologies that can withstand extreme ocean weather and harsh environmental conditions, energy storage, and the consistency of supply in sufficiently substantial volume. Most of the players that offer WEC technology are currently working on their pilot projects. A significant investment in research and development is needed to make wave energy commercially viable and cost-effective. Several researchers are studying various parameters corresponding to the viability of WEC and how their costs can be brought down without compromising efficiency. The breakthroughs overcoming these barriers and challenges can establish wave energy among the prominent sources of renewable energy such as solar and wind and can help in the energy transition toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and a net-zero emission goal by 2070.

About the author: Purushottam

Uniyal is a Practice Lead at MarketsandMarkets. His market research experience in the energy and chemicals domains spans 15 years. His experience includes business transformation, technology foresighting and horizon analysis, corporate strategy and planning, and market go-no-go feasibility, among other areas. He manages a team of 20+ researchers.

Purushottam’s interest areas include Sustainability, Decarbonization - NZE, Energy Transition, Clean Tech and Renewables, Power and Utilities, Hydrogen Economy, and CCUS. A few of his articles have been published in renowned magazines and newspapers, such as Waterpower, Middle East Utilities, Times of India, and Chemical Digest. Academically, he is a science graduate and holds an MBA from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES).

About the author: Shalom Divekar is a Lead Business Analyst at MarketsandMarkets. He has a total work experience of over 7 years. His experience pivots around verticals such as oil & gas, power, and renewables. He has worked extensively on research and consulting projects for Oil and Gas majors, Power Equipment Manufactures, Utilities, and Energy Management Companies and helped them navigate the energy transition landscape. He graduated in Geology from the University of Pune and holds a postgraduate degree in Petroleum Technology from the University of Pune.

Europe has imposed stringent environmental regulations for controlling the carbon emissions from power generation activities.

Grasping Global Growth

WHAT THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR CAN LEARN FROM CIVIL NUCLEAR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

By: Julian Vance Daniels

With the increasing demand for renewable energy sources, the traditional infrastructure that has supported our energy supply is experiencing a significant transformation. Despite this “energy transition”, top-notch manufacturing and engineering remain crucial. The oil and gas industry continues to excel in these areas.

However, is there an untapped opportunity that the industry may be missing?

As per a market report published by SkyQuest in February 2023, the global oil and gas fabrication market had a valuation of 5.1 billion USD in 2021, which is expected to increase to 17.91 USD billion by 2028.

The oil and gas fabrication market in North America is likely to experience substantial growth due to the escalating demand for crude oil and refined products, including natural gas. As natural gas is a cost-effective fossil fuel that is projected to have a high demand in the near future, the global oil and gas pipeline fabrication and construction market is anticipated to expand as the natural gas

pipeline networks grow in line with the consumption growth.

SkyQuest’s research further indicates a steady rise in the global demand for natural gas, with an estimated annual consumption of 4,626 billion cubic meters by 2026. This demand is set to propel the growth and development of the oil and gas fabrication market significantly. All these factors indicate that the fabrication processes in oil and gas need to continue evolving to meet the new demands of the energy transition and other global events that impact the industry. With an enormous potential sum of 18 billion USD on the table, those within the industry must stay up-to-date with the market’s developments, trends, and opportunities.

As a specialist fabricators of large pressure vessels, we have had the opportunity to utilize the best practices and techniques from the nuclear engineering sector and apply them to other industries, including the oil and gas sector which has been a mainstay of our work over the decades.

The IP and processes that we have assimilated from working within the highly regulated nuclear sector have directly shaped our work in other industries, such as water utility, chemicals manufacturing, as well as energy. And it’s not only our own company undergoing this, our experience and observations of this are consistent with other suppliers across the Tier 2 and Tier 3 nuclear supply chain.

Lessons in quality assurance

First and foremost, the civil nuclear sector is governed by some of the most stringent and rigorous documentation and processes of any industry. It goes without saying that the implications of a serious accident in the sector are significantly higher than in others, and for that reason, the tried and tested methodologies deployed here can be usefully cross-pollinated, especially where safety and risk are critical considerations as they are too in oil and gas.

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Extensive quality plans and inspection and test plans play a crucial role in shaping various aspects of the manufacturing workflow

Extensive quality plans and inspection and test plans play a crucial role in shaping various aspects of the manufacturing workflow. In my opinion, individuals engaged in manufacturing and engineering in the oil and gas sector stand to benefit significantly by incorporating some of these concepts into their own processes, starting from design to inspection and quality control.

In the nuclear sector, for example, there is a highly developed focus on identifying counterfeit, fraudulent, or suspect (CFSI) items. Proving and validating their provenance is critical. This is not solely about potential problems with purchased materials but also maintaining a stringent level of traceability throughout the entire manufacturing journey. For instance, there should be documented evidence that the material legitimately procured is still the same material from the same source, in case it needs to be divided across different components.

To mitigate the risk of CFSI, both the civil nuclear and oil and gas industries rely on strict materials sourcing and quality control protocols. This includes the use of trusted suppliers, strict inspections, and detailed documentation of materials and components. Furthermore, they must be able to identify these items using a variety of methods such as physical and chemical testing, electronic tracking and traceability, and certification programs such as CFSI, BS EN 4872, and other global certifications.

The health and safety agenda

Components in oil and gas production and exploration are not without their own strictly controlled quality and safety requirements, not just in the protection of valuable resources but in terms of the colossal risk to the environment in the event of a major leak or breakdown. Controlled welding and monitoring techniques are vital in meeting these uncompromising standards. This includes the manufacture of transmission pipelines, storage vessels, or vessels that need to withstand immense pressures, temperatures, or weights, such as those found on and offshore from rigs

and platforms to gas processing plants. Additionally, structures and equipment used in the industry must have a long lifespan, welding being critical to durability and resilience.

Having said this, it is also my experience that both the nuclear and oil and gas sectors are still relatively slow at embracing new technologies, such as modern methods of welding and fabrication, like synergic MIG welding which is proven in so many other sectors. It has a relatively low defect rate and could I believe be employed more widely in oil and gas for the fabrication and manufacture of pressure vessels, heat exchanges, and columns within refineries and exploration platforms. However, it all comes back to safety, and with change comes perceived increased risk. Speed is crucial in industries that involve production. This is especially true in oil and gas where minutes of production downtime are measured in the millions potentially. It is imperative that sufficient time is given for the advance preparation of documentation prior to manufacturing. Oil and gas suppliers should expect the process to be iterative and precise with no room for misinterpretation or vagueness.

Typically, civil nuclear work involves more inspection hold and witness points than oil and gas work. However, both industries share the same ultimate goal, and effective preparation and documentation management should be established from the outset to increase workflow efficiencies and, ultimately, profitability.

In the nuclear industry, innovation is a constant requirement, especially to expedite traditionally slow processes due to the need for traceability and safety auditing. Even minor improvements can have a significant impact on the bottom line for all tiers of the supply chain, especially for Tier 2 and 3. In addition to novel methodologies, there is a demand for new materials such as yttrium in the nuclear fusion sector.

Similarly, there is a need to manufacture components more rapidly and economically while maintaining quality. Sharing these lessons with other manufacturing industries can benefit global engineering, particularly during a period of significant change in energy production and consumption, with exponential market growth predicted.

About the author: Science graduate, M.Sc. in marketing, Chartered Marketer. Early roles included sales and marketing trainee with Proctor & Gamble, marketing management with Proctor & Gamble, owner and M.D. of a computer software company, and marketing director with a UK-based plc selling to hotels and leisure sector. Management consultant working primarily in the engineering and manufacturing sectors (8 years). Managing Director of pressure vessel companies (23 years). Founded Vessco Engineering Limited in 2006, developed the business to become one of the UK’s leading pressure vessels and systems companies. Started marketing to the civil nuclear sector in the UK in 2012, first order gained in December 2017; completed three contracts for HPC, working on a further 6 contracts for HPC, one for Sellafield, one for UKAEA, one for ITER France and two for Bangor University Nuclear Futures Institute – totaling well over £20m. of orders.

The oil and gas fabrication market in North America is likely to experience substantial growth due to the escalating demand for crude oil and refined products, including natural gas

Hydrogen is Finally Having its Moment–and for Good Reason

By: Vinod Veedu

For decades—centuries even— hydrogen has been an elusive dream energy. It’s viewed as a silver bullet theorized to efficiently and cost-effectively power the entire world, satisfying our growing energy needs. However, there have been more than a few bumps along the road.

H2 is the first box in the periodic table of elements and is estimated to constitute 75% of the mass of the universe. But, it’s rarely found in a pure form. Instead, it’s often part of compounds like H20 or NH3. The process of splitting pure hydrogen from water–electrolysis–was discovered in 1800. However, hydrogen innovation is only now gaining investment and momentum.

Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier and is considered ‘clean’ because its only byproduct is water vapor. H2 has the potential to decarbonize energy and industries that are difficult to electrify. It can be produced using a variety of resources, including nuclear power, natural gas, solar, and wind energy.

Natural gas is the current standard when it comes to both heating and electricity. It’s a greener alternative to coal and is widely available via a network of existing pipelines across the country. However, when natural gas is burned, carbon dioxide is emitted, whereas hydrogen does not release any carbon. The United States, the European Union, and other governments have all introduced plans to transition away from fossil fuels in favor of lower carbon energy options, like hydrogen.

Developed with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), HydroPel is a

nanocomposite surface treatment created to enable existing gas infrastructure to move massive volumes of clean hydrogen, safely. Technologies like HydroPel could be the key to incorporating clean-burning H2 into the national grid.

Transporting hydrogen through existing natural gas infrastructure is efficient and economical, but also risky due to a phenomenon called hydrogen embrittlement. Without protection, hydrogen molecules can diffuse into the metal of the pipeline walls, making the pipe brittle and leading to cracks, leaks, and failures. Treatment must be conducted on a nanoscale to block H2 diffusion to prevent this embrittlement of pipelines.

The technology works as a nano-protective barrier on the pipe interior, protecting against hydrogen penetration while also reducing drag. This, in turn, reduces the cost

to pump high volumes of gas. By addressing the embrittlement problem, HydroPel eliminates the need to build entirely new pipelines to move H2 to users across the country. It unlocks over 3 million miles of the already existing network that could be refurbished to carry H2.

Hawaii’s largest natural gas distributor, Hawaii Gas, is piloting HydroPel technology this year. Hawaii Gas currently operates more than 1,000 miles of pipeline for the Hawaiian islands, moving a mixture of natural gas and 10-12% hydrogen. They can do so because the volumes and pressures involved in their pipeline do not present an embrittlement risk. For many utilities like Hawaii Gas, the goal is to safely blend 20% hydrogen, or more, with natural gas using current infrastructure while not risking failures from embrittlement. The pilot program at Hawaii Gas will demonstrate how this technology could be used nationally to blend hydrogen into scaled natural gas supplies, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

HydroPel is an exciting development for the oil and gas industry. For H2 to be a feasible blend for natural gas, it needs to be produced, moved, and delivered at scale. If HydroPel were applied to the estimated three million miles of natural gas pipeline across the United States, it would result in savings of hundreds of billions of dollars in new gas infrastructure construction. Hydrogen blending with natural gas is a realistic and immediate way to implement greener strategies in the energy industry. It’s one way to work towards the DoE’s Hydrogen Shot goal of delivering a 16% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.

About the author: Dr. Vinod Veedu is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Oceanit and has over 18 years of experience in the energy industry, working on creating innovative ways to solve climate change and sustainable energy problems.

HydroPel is a part of Oceanit’s EDGE initiative (Energy Decarbonization for the Global Environment) which addresses next-generation energy challenges.

H2 has the potential to decarbonize energy and industries that are difficult to electrify

Outsmarting Putin: How America’s Energy is Rerouting Power

By: Tanya Hendricks

The year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine saw a rush for natural gas. The angst demonstrates the urgent need for hydrocarbons for power generation and heat.

Europe is still struggling to fill reserves. They have resorted to harvesting wood from deforestation to create biofuels, but they still suffer from the astronomical prices of natural gas. Now, American energy from states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania is helping save Europe from the brink of disaster.

Let’s Pull Back and View the Whole Picture

While the 2022 rush for gas was crisis-driven, there is a broader shift to produce cleaner, more sustainable energy sources that are also reliable and readily available to provide energy security. Natural gas has a huge opportunity to solidify its place in the evolving energy mix. However, it will need to meet high standards of environmental performance. Financial incentives, shifting consumer preferences, the need for climate accountability, and

pending U.S. and E.U. regulations have made it imperative for energy companies to reduce methane emissions and improve their environmental footprint.

While war and energy security concerns may have dominated the headlines and driven gas purchases, last year also saw an increased demand for Responsibly Sourced Gas (RSG) – low-methane gas coupled with high-quality environmental attribute data. Major European gas buyers, such as ENGIE, Uniper, and industrial companies, have entered into RSG contracts. Thus, the number of companies seeking certification has increased. We can now differentiate a commodity by providing contextual details about the molecule’s production. Those details include information pertaining to water usage, methane intensity, community impact, and more. Furthermore, the rise of registries, like Xpansiv and EarnDLT, to tokenize and transact attributes digitally has created a pathway for natural gas attributes to trade independently from physical gas.

A New Market Has Now Unlocked

The impact of Russia's invasion has not only highlighted the importance of U.S. energy supply to domestic and global markets but also opened new markets for U.S. natural gas. Now, the world has reframed its view on American energy. That demand is especially relevant to all of us in Texas, a major gas-producing state that is home to many LNG terminals.

Market action, where gas buyers seek specific methane,

water, and sustainability thresholds, has already inspired rapid change. Going the extra mile, leading operators in the Marcellus, Haynesville, and DJ Basins use accurate methane measurement to minimize emissions and participate in budding low-methane gas markets on digital registries. Doing so is not only good for the climate, but is also great for business.

Russia’s aggression and the world’s swift response underscored the essential nature of energy. But expectations have

shifted – we no longer operate with an energy-at-all-cost mindset. Companies should act on market signals by slashing methane so the U.S. can position itself as the world’s natural gas supplier. Already, more than a quarter of U.S. daily gas production has undergone some form of

third-party primary certification.

As one energy executive summarized at CERAWeek, “the industry is judged by its dirtiest molecule, so let’s clean them all up.” I’d like to see Texas lead the way from here.

About the author: Tanya Hendricks resides in Austin and is Chief Commercial Officer at Project Canary, an environmental data measurement and assessment firm. ProjectCanary.com

Now, American energy from states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania is helping save Europe from the brink of disaster

Can the World Keep Up with America’s Far-Reaching Climate Policy?

By: Felicity Bradstock

When President Biden introduced the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) last summer the scope of the policy surprised many, viewed as the first climate policy of its kind. The IRA focuses on incentivizing decarbonization and the rollout of green energy projects. Companies are now rewarded for making the switch, rather than punishing them for their carbon emissions – seen in many countries through carbon taxing. Soon after the IRA’s release, pressures mounted on other countries around the world to introduce their own far-reaching climate policies, a feat that none have so far been able to achieve.

The IRA was designed to be a game-changer, seen as a landmark climate law. The Act deemed carbon dioxide an air pollutant, thereby allowing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to legally regulate greenhouse gases and push the adoption of renewable energy. It took away any ambiguity and made action towards a green transition easier, signaling a stronger EPA and the potential for lawsuits to be won on the grounds of climate change thanks to the IRA’s use of language around CO2.

In addition to providing clearer definitions, the IRA provides a huge quantity of funding for America’s green transition. The law offers $369 billion for the rollout of electric vehicles, to spur renewable energy projects, to develop new green energy sources, and support climate technology,

over the next decade. It provides the biggest investment in climatechange solutions in the history of the United States and is expected to lead to an emissions reduction of 40% below 2005 levels by 2030.

Given the attention paid to the IRA for its ground-breaking climate aims, international organizations, and the media, quickly turned to other parts of the world to ask if other countries would be establishing their own

versions of the climate law. Many view the IRA as a blueprint for others to follow, particularly the European Union, which, to date, has provided some of the most ambitious policies.

How is Europe Following in America’s Footsteps?

After months of little action, in January at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the president of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, stated

that the EC was drafting a new law, aimed at making Europe the home of clean tech and innovation. Von der Leyen said, “We will put forward a new Net-Zero Industry Act ... The aim will be to focus investment on strategic projects along the entire supply chain. We will especially look at how to simplify and fast-track permitting for new clean tech production sites.” She added, “We need to create a regulatory environment that allows us to scale up fast and to create conducive conditions for sectors crucial to reaching net zero. This includes wind, heat pumps, solar, clean hydrogen, storage, and others.”

The statement follows reports that the EU feared the impact of the IRA on Europe, the loss of competitiveness and the potential loss of European innovation. The IRA is pumping a huge amount of money into green energy and related technology, totaling around half of the amount set for the NextGenerationEU initiative, which was launched in 2020 to spur the EU’s post pandemic economy. The IRA directly threatens Europe’s green tech industry, as companies look to move to a friendlier investment environment, with the U.S. offering a plethora of tax breaks and subsidies to companies wanting to go green. The EU worries that unless it can develop as far-reaching a law as the IRA, it could lose a great deal of talent and innovation to the U.S. Executives at the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston last week echoed this sentiment. En-

ergy experts believe that the IRA will put the U.S. in first place in the decarbonization race, leaving others lagging behind. However, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm defended the IRA at the conference, suggesting that Europe adopt a similar policy to boost competitiveness and accelerate the global green transition. Granholm stated, “We don’t want to stoke trade wars or anything like that… We keep saying ‘have at it - you should do the same thing’ - a little friendly competition is all.” She added, “But we are serious about bringing supply chains back into this country.”

The Rest Of The World Must Now Follow Suit

It’s not just Europe that is worried about the U.S. competition. Australia is also under threat of losing its clean energy experts. Guy Debelle, director of Fortescue Future Industries, believes that Australia’s blossoming green hydrogen industry is at risk of being overwhelmed by the “huge and aggressive” climate policy support in the U.S. and the Middle East. Debelle explained that the IRA is “one of the largest pieces of industrial policy we’ve ever seen.” Without a formal spending cap, it could eventually top $1 trillion.”

He added, “It’s not just money… It’s actually people, it’s expertise and know-how, which [are] migrating to the US.”

And now it seems Biden is addressing the subsidy race headon. The EU’s Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit the White House to discuss climate policy. An EC spokesperson stated of the visit, “We want to achieve as much non-discriminatory treatment for EU products and companies as possible, avoiding distortions of the level playing field.”

However, Anna Rosenberg, head of geopolitics at Amundi Asset Management, suggested, “I do not think der Leyen will manage to extract meaningful concessions from the U.S. on the IRA. Ultimately, the whole point of the IRA is to strengthen U.S. industry in sectors related to the green transition.” She added, “Therefore, the IRA is targeted at the EU simply because European firms have so far been leaders in that space and the U.S. wants to attract them. Granting meaningful concessions would defeat the purpose of the IRA.”

The launch of the IRA last year provided the U.S. – and the world – with the first climate policy of its kind. The huge investment provided by the law to accelerate the green transition will help the U.S. attract talent from around the world and spur innovation across the entirety of the green energy and climate tech industries. But some global powers worry that this will reduce competitiveness and innovation in other parts of the world. This will leave them with two choices – adopt a far-reaching climate policy or fall behind in the race to decarbonize.

Soon after the IRA’s release, pressures mounted on other countries around the world to introduce their own far-reaching climate policies, a feat that none have so far been able to achieve

Oil’s Last Hurrah? Not Yet

By: Irina Slav

The end of the oil industry in the not-too-near future has been predicted for years. These predictions became more frequent recently amid the push for a transition to nonfossil fuel energy in parts of the world, notably in the West. But, are reports of oil’s elimination greatly exaggerated?

Business Insider reported recently, citing energy analysts, that the Willow project in Alaska by President Biden could be one of the last big projects for the oil industry as it declines and gets replaced by low-carbon energy.

The authors of the report, in addition to calling Alaska’s North Slope “untouched” by the oil industry, argued that oil companies are no longer spending so much on production growth, but are focusing instead on profits and diversifying into renewable energy.

The argument was supported by the recent record profits that oil companies made last year and European supermajors’ expansion into things like wind, solar, EV charging, and batteries.

Indeed, all of this is happening. The supermajors are boosting dividends and buying back stock like there’s no tomorrow. Spending on production growth is being deprioritized concerning shareholder returns. Yet to claim that this signals the beginning of the end of the oil era is premature.

For starters, one big reason for oil companies’ reprioritization is government policy rather than changes in the market environment. The Biden administration is an excellent example of a government that is trying its best to stifle the oil industry. It has succeeded, too, as evidenced by the industry’s reluctance to respond to that same administration’s calls for more production.

European governments are also a good collective example – the twin pressures from them and climate-anxious investors have been the reason these companies are diversifying so energetically into renewables. At least they were, until recently.

In 2022, BP said it was going to reduce its production of crude oil and natural gas by 40% from 2019 levels until 2030. A year later, the supermajor dropped a bomb: it cut its oil and gas output reduction target to 25% from 2019 levels.

Not only this, but the chief executive of BP, and enthusiastic supporter of the energy transition, Bernard Looney, was reported by the Wall Street Journal to have expressed a certain disappointment with the rate of returns on the company’s low-carbon energy investments and, as a result, was going to dial back BP’s push in this direction.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is sticking to its plan to boost oil export capacity substantially. According to chief executive Amin Nasser, Aramco should be able to export 3 million bpd additionally by 2030, boosting total production capacity to 13 million bpd.

Saudi Arabia must be well aware of the transition push in the West but appears to be unbothered by it. And why should it be when none other than energy transition champion IEA forecasted that global oil demand this year would reach 102 million barrels daily, growing by 3.2 million barrels daily. By the way, 102 million bpd would be a record-high level of oil demand.

Also meanwhile, Guyana is planning to tender more of its offshore oil and gas blocks, eager to monetize its natural resources, and the supermajors are definitely interested. It’s

not just Guyana, either. Across the world, investments in offshore oil and gas are surging.

“People who hoped the oil companies would stop investing in oil are likely to be disappointed,” Kevin Book, managing director at ClearView Energy Partners, recently told E&E News and that statement sums up the reality of the global energy system pretty well.

Indeed, investors are starting to notice that oil and gas stocks are outperforming other industries and to remember that the point of investing is not to save the planet –though it would be a nice side effect – but to make money. So they are buying oil and gas stocks again.

Another thing that not just investors but the whole world began to notice recently was energy security. Europe had a rude awakening in this respect last year when it suddenly discovered that despite all the wind and solar capacity it had built over the years it was still overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels.

EU officials boasted incessantly about their success in reducing imports of oil and gas from Russia, shyly omitting certain facts such as the unprecedented surge in oil and gas imports from the United States and the equally unprecedented surge in fuel imports from Asia. But only after they stocked up well on Russian hydrocarbons – including coal – before they slammed the import bans in place.

This awareness of the importance of energy security spread around the world, leading

One big reason for oil companies’ reprioritization is government policy rather than changes in the market environment

to Shell forecasting a future in which emission reduction may take the back seat while security sits behind the wheel. Granted, this is not Shell’s only scenario for the future but it is nevertheless notable in that just a year ago nobody would have dared suggest it.

The developing world is meanwhile calling the developed world out on its transition ambitions. African leaders are slamming the West for its insistence that they don’t develop their oil and gas resources after the West itself became the developed world precisely thanks to these same resources. And the West is changing its tune because it needs the oil and gas of Africa for its energy security.

China is perhaps the best example of energy security taken seriously. The country has the biggest wind and solar generation capacity and is the biggest market for EVs. Yet China is building as many new coal plants as the rest of the world combined and China is consuming more oil than ever. It has a growing economy

and a growing economy needs more energy, from everywhere it can get it.

Meanwhile, Europe is looking for ways to reduce its gas demand. There are doubts about whether it can meet its criteria if it remains at current levels, or afford it.

One thing is for certain—the United States is growing regarding energy security. It will be thanks to the reality of energy security that imposed itself on the Biden administration when fuel prices surged so high that the administration had to decimate the strategic petroleum reserve after its pleas to the oil industry failed to elicit a favorable response.

The last 12 months taught the world several important energy lessons: that energy security invariably trumps any emission reduction ambitions; that bad political decisions lead to real economic pain, fast; and that oil is far from dead. It is very much alive and likely to remain kicking for decades to come.

About the author: Irina Slav has been writing about energy, with a focus on the oil and gas industry, since 2006. Her articles have appeared in Oilprice, Fortune, Insider, and Time magazine, among others.

This awareness of the importance of energy security spread around the world

HOW

LISTINGS

The Listings grade is a reflection of your business’s online listings. Each listing source is assigned a score based on how popular the site is. For example, having an accurate listing on a popular site like Google will have a greater influence on your Listing Score. The Listings grade is determined by the percentile range your business falls into when compared to other businesses in the same industry.

REVIEWS

Review grades are a reflection of your business’s online review performance. Each grade in the Reviews section is determined by the percentile range your business falls into when compared to other businesses in the same industry.

SOCIAL

Social grades are a reflection of your business’s social media presence. Each grade in the Social section is determined by the percentile range your business falls into when compared to other businesses in the same industry.

WEBSITE

Website grades are a reflection of your business’s website performance, based on Google’s PageSpeed Insights. Each grade in the Website section is determined by the percentile range your business falls into when compared to other businesses in the same industry.

ADVERTISING

The Advertising grade is a reflection of your business’s online campaign performance. The grade is determined by the percentile range your campaign’s estimated cost per click falls into when compared to other businesses in the same industry.

SEO

The Search Engine Optimization (SEO) grade is a reflection of your business’s search engine visibility. The grade is determined by the percentile range your keywords’ estimated value per click falls into when compared to other businesses in the same industry.

How Assessments Can Solve the Challenges Facing the Oil & Gas Industry

By: John Kleeman

Looking from the outside in, assessments can sometimes feel like a ‘box ticking’ exercise. However, when it comes to industries such as the energy sector, they can literally become a matter of life and death.

As with many sectors, energy companies have not been left untouched by the rapid evolution of technology post-pandemic, which continues to have significant implications on the skills required to keep pace with the changing working environment.

A fundamental part of this process has always been the assessment of skills. However, with skill gaps and shortages appearing across the energy sector, an important question is being posed to decision-makers: how do we keep pace with change while retaining and hiring the best talent?

Assessment in High-Stakes Industries

An assessment of skills and competencies plays a crucial role across a range of ‘high-stakes’ industries. It not only serves as a tool for ensuring health and safety but also as a means of providing a reliable barometer of compliance with industry standards and the effectiveness of learning and development programs.

Energy companies, perhaps more than most, continue to face new regulations and increasing scrutiny. It can often feel as though regulators are looking over the shoulder of the industry at large. The oversight only heightens the requirement to maintain and comply with standards.

Failing to meet these standards can result in significant penalties, not to mention reputational damage. We only need to look at recent history

and supposed ‘shortcuts’ that led to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico back in 2010 as a prime example. As a result, meeting and maintaining safety and compliance standards have become an increasingly important cause for concern.

A key strategy to achieving compliance, remaining safe and efficient while creating audit trails and measuring employee progress is the assessment process.

Invest in Robust Compliance Programs

The first step to remaining safe and compliant with assessments is to invest in a robust compliance program.

The model includes establishing clear policies and procedures for identifying and addressing potential risks, as well as developing a system for monitoring and reporting any compliance issues that arise.

To be effective, programs should also include regular training for employees on relevant laws, regulations, and safety procedures, as well as periodic audits and assessments to ensure that all policies and procedures are being followed as they should.

Through this, companies can minimize their exposure to risks and demonstrate their commitment to safety before regulators come looking.

How do we keep pace with change while retaining and hiring the best talent?

Incorporate a Reliable Assessment Program

With the implementation of reliable assessment strategies, employers can not only demonstrate to regulators that employees are continually being trained and evaluated on their abilities to perform in their job role, but also ensure that the skills needed to operate and work with new technologies within their workforce are up to date.

The challenges can be particularly prevalent when managing an international workforce that might have to contend with language barriers, extended periods of travel or remote work (offshore, etc).

Assessments provide a much more reliable way of checking if an employee is competent than having them sign a form saying that they’ve read and understood the safety manual, for example.

While conventional assessments such as multiple choice or onscreen tests are important, it is also worthwhile considering additional methods that may be better suited to the energy sector and the changing landscape within which they operate.

Observational assessments, for example, test participants on a practical task while an instructor observes, typically via a tablet or smartphone, and rates the performance. This type of assessment works best when there are well-defined rubrics and a comprehensive checklist to ensure that the test-taker’s abilities are being measured accurately.

Rather than relying solely on written testing, observational assessments, which are similar to performance-based testing, measure the test-taker’s abilities in an authentic environment. As a result, the validity of results is increased and provides a more accurate picture of how they might perform in the real world.

The adoption of different methods of testing, such as observational assessments, provides an additional layer of security against test fraud – a key consideration with the rise of generative AI programs, such as ChatGPT, that can be used to cheat on written exams. Companies using a range of assessment methods can provide evidence to regulators that they are operating in line with, or even going beyond, regulations securely and reliably.

Maintain Accurate Records

Finally, maintaining accurate records of all compliance-related activities, including assessments, audits, and training is vital – and should be a given.

This documentation can be critical in demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements, as well as identifying areas for improvement and tracking the progress of learning and devolvement programs over time.

By maintaining accurate records, you minimize the risk of penalties or reputational damage by identifying potential compliance issues early on and allowing for corrective action to be taken before problems escalate.

About the author: John Kleeman is Founder of leading online assessment provider, Questionmark. John has over 30 years’ experience within the assessment space and is an expert in secure and fair assessment processes.

John wrote the first version of the Questionmark assessment software system and then founded Questionmark in 1988 to market, develop and support it. Questionmark™ provides technologies and services that enable organizations to measure knowledge, skills, and attitudes securely and achieve successful learning outcomes.

The first step to remaining safe and compliant with assessments is to invest in a robust compliance program

The Best US Cities for Management Careers

By: Michelle Masters

Have you considered a change of scenery, but don’t know where to start? Different cities offer various opportunities and pay ranges for management positions that should be considered before making any life-changing decisions. Which cities in the United States provide the best opportunities for senior management roles? Conversely, which cities should those interested in such positions avoid? These questions are crucial for individuals hoping to advance their careers within the management industry.

To answer these questions, Professional Resume Writers (PRW) has conducted an analysis of major U.S. cities to determine where individuals have the greatest chance of achieving success as a CEO, Vice President, Director, or Senior Manager. Our analysis considers several factors, including the number of available senior management positions, average salary, and population per city. Additionally, they have taken into account the average rent to assess disposable income.

Understanding which cities to avoid based on career goals is crucial, particularly for those seeking to grow within their organizations. While some cities offer excellent opportunities for senior management

roles, others may not be a wise investment in your future.

To assist individuals in making informed decisions about the best cities for these types of roles, PRW has analyzed the data and identified cities with the greatest potential. Their analysis takes into consideration the following factors:

• Average CEO salary

• Average manager salary

• Average director salary

• Number of CEO, director, and manager jobs

• Number of senior jobs by population

• Average cost of monthly rent

Which cities in the United States provide the best opportunities for senior management roles?

Best Cities for Senior Management Jobs

It is noteworthy that the top ten cities in terms of scoring have a population smaller than expected, with all of them having a population below one million. San Francisco is the most populated among them, with over 880,000 people, while the city with the highest score has a population of around 400,000 only.

1. Arlington (TX)

2. Seattle (WA)

3. Long Beach (CA)

4. Minneapolis (MN)

5. Atlanta (GA)

6. Oakland (CA)

7. Raleigh (NC)

8. San Francisco (CA)

9. Detroit (MI)

10. Kansas City (MO)

Moreover, the average monthly rent in these cities is worth mentioning. Arlington has the lowest average rent at $1,100 per month, while San Francisco has the highest at over $2,500. Overall, New York is the most expensive city, with an average rent of over $2,650.

Best Cities for CEO jobs

1. New York City (NY)

2. Baltimore (MD)

3. Washington (D.C.)

4. Long Beach (CA)

5. Los Angeles (CA)

While there are significant differences in average CEO salaries among these locations (New York City with an average annual CEO salary of over $422,000 and Washington, D.C. at over $361,000), the average rent and job opportunities help to level the playing field.

Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that locations like these are often highly competitive, with no assurance of reaching CEO-level jobs, particularly since many of these cities have a larger pool of senior management talent.

Worst Places for Senior Management Jobs

Here are the bottom five cities with the worst scores for securing senior management roles, based on factors such as city size, limited opportunities, lower salaries, higher rent averages, and population:

1. San Diego (CA)

2. Bakersfield (CA)

3. Fresno (CA)

4. San Jose (CA)

5. Colorado Springs (CO)

It’s worth noting that out of the five cities listed, four are located in California and only one is in Colorado. Interestingly, some of the best locations for senior management roles, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and Long Beach, are also in California.

Cities with High Manager Salaries

If you’re searching for cities with notably high salaries for managers, the following options should be considered. Although it’s important to note that the actual salary may vary depending on the particular role, the data focuses on the average annual salary of managers in these locations:

1. Seattle (WA) – $149,245

2. San Francisco (CA) – $128,092

3. Los Angeles (CA) – $126,477

4. Raleigh (NC) – $122,689

5. New York (NY) – $116,522

6. Chicago (IL) – $115,678

7. Houston (TX) – $114,204

8. Minneapolis (MN) – $113,449

9. Louisville (KY) – $111,013

10. Nashville (TN) – $110,185

Summary of Management Jobs Findings

The top five cities for senior management roles are Arlington (TX), Seattle (WA), Long Beach (CA), Minneapolis (MN), and Atlanta (GA), while the worst five cities are San Diego, Bakersfield, Fresno, San Jose, and Colorado Springs. Our analysis of reliable data sources has considered factors such as average salaries for CEO, director, and management positions, as well as average rent and population.

It is difficult to recommend a single state for management jobs as the results are varied. California can be a great or terrible place depending on the specific city. However, this analysis should provide insight into which locations offer the best and worst opportunities for senior management roles.

About the author: Michelle Masters is the CoFounder of Professional Resume Writers.

Moreover, the average monthly rent in these cities is worth mentioning

5 TIPS TO REDUCE BURNOUT AND PRODUCE PRODUCTIVITY

By: Hannah Smith

Productivity and mental health are closely linked. With depression, anxiety, and burnout being the most common manifestations of poor mental health, the experts at Joy Organics have compiled a list of five tips to help manage your mental health and increase productivity both in and out of the workplace.

1. Take a break

It’s important to step away from your work every few hours otherwise your brain will freeze up and feelings of burnout or anxiety will start to become stronger. As only eleven out of fifty states mandate some type of rest break for workers, you should make sure to take one if your employer allows it.

Research from the Association of Psychological Science suggests that a ten-minute break for every hour you work is a good balance to maintain productivity.

These breaks should be away from your work area. A clear separation will help your brain to relax, so a small walk to the coffee machine or to chat with a team member is ideal.

2. Set small objectives

Feelings of dread can feed into depression and anxiety so splitting up your work into manageable chunks will make things easier.

A simple way to do this is by using Stephen Covey’s landmark time management approach, presented in his seminal work, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Covey’s method uses four categories:

• Urgent and important – unforeseen events and urgent matters

• Not urgent but important – smaller tasks that won’t affect your deadlines

• Urgent but not important – meetings and phone calls

• Not urgent and not important – checking social media

Try and build a workflow that fits your style using these categories. For example, you

might want to space out any meetings and phone calls between the smaller tasks.

3. Communicate

Having another perspective is useful for lowering your stress levels. Talking to your team or a manager not only gives you a break from staring at a screen, but it means that you can solve problems faster.

Instead of struggling with a project alone, ask for a quick, informal chat or message a co-worker with any questions.

It’s also worth remembering that you can help others. This might not seem relevant to managing your own mental health but brainstorming solutions can take your mind off the task that is currently bothering you and might even lead to a solution you hadn’t thought of.

4. Don’t take on too much

Hustle culture has become common in workplaces over the past few years, where everyone is trying to take on everything their managers give them. This can be a huge contributor to stress and depression as the work keeps coming in.

You have a finite number of hours at work, so don’t take on a week’s worth hoping to get it done in a day. Set boundaries and know when to focus on the work you already have.

AGENCY

A HEALTHY CULTURE IN THE WORKPLACE IS ONE BASED ON GIVING THE WORKER

A TEN-MINUTE BREAK FOR EVERY HOUR YOU WORK IS A GOOD BALANCE TO MAINTAIN PRODUCTIVITY

Employees can feel like saying no is forbidden. However, a healthy culture in the workplace is one based on giving the worker agency. Employees who are free to manage their workload and time are often much happier and more productive.

5. Get a good night’s sleep

When you’re tired and low on energy it becomes harder to concentrate. Getting at least eight hours of sleep each night will allow your brain to rest and you will be better equipped to deal with whatever the workplace throws at you.

Before going to bed, you should do something relaxing and not stare at a phone screen or catch up on work. This helps to signal that it’s time to sleep.

When you’re asleep, the brain can work on rejuvenating itself. A study in the National Institute of Health places the economic impact of sleep loss in the billions for businesses, with thousands attributed to each individual employee.

Hannah Smith, a spokesperson for Joy Organics, has stated that “according to a study by stress.org, more than 50% of workers are not as productive at work due to stress, and 39% claim workload is the main cause”. Smith followed this up by claiming that “workplace stress can affect anyone, but research has shown that 57% of women reported feeling burnout because of work stress, compared to 48% of men.”

This is not to diminish the importance of ensuring there is strong ethic within the workplace. But rather, catering to the mental and emotional needs of the employees is proven to produce higher production and healthier work environments.

About the author: Hannah Smith studied Media, Culture, and the Arts at The King’s College in New York. After graduating, she pursued freelance writing, photography, and design in Northern California before heading abroad for a multi-media project exploring the soldier’s motivation for fighting.

In July of 2018, she joined the Joy Organics team in Fort Collins as their Director of Communications.

HOW WILL META’S NEW SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE IMPACT USERS?

By: Chris Bluvshtein

Following Twitter’s introduction of charges for ‘verified’ checkmarks, Facebook and Instagram’s parent company has announced that it will also be introducing a ‘verified’ charge of $11.99 in the future.

Cybersecurity experts at VPNOverview.com have analyzed Google Trends data from earlier this year. The data shows that after Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, announced plans for a subscription service on the platforms search interest for the terms ‘deactivate Instagram and ‘deactivate Facebook’ rose sharply.

Search interest for ‘Deactivate Instagram:

Search interest for ‘Deactivate Facebook’:

The data shows that search interest for ‘Deactivate Instagram’ has increased by 1,566% and the search interest for ‘Deactivate Facebook’ had an increase of 1,900%.

The new service would allow for paying customers to become ‘Meta verified’ and this would allow for priority commenting and customer service.

Following this model could mean that the extra charge would allow businesses to utilize social media in a new way. The priority commenting could lead to a business being able to reach out to potential customers directly, with their comments appearing first.

Though the initial spike has now passed, any type of subscription service offering priority or premium levels has its risks. The public might not be willing to pay for a platform that has historically been free to use for all. This makes Meta appear to be cozying up to big business instead of looking to improve the service for all.

Chris Bluvshtein, a spokesperson for VPNOverview.com claims that “social media has allowed people to stay in touch with each other even if they’re in different countries.” He then went on to state that “across the various platforms, some are supported by non-personalized ads alongside a premium plan and others are now introducing subscriptions to remain profitable for investors. With more social media companies adopting strategies like this, it will be interesting to see in the future if the landscape will change and become fragmented as opposed to the centralized model we have now”.

Does the implementation of these new subscriptions deter you from continuing to use the platforms? Should anybody be able to receive that blue checkmark of verification? Audiences are fickle, and with competitive platforms abounding, time will tell if users accept the new status quo from Meta.

About

FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM’S PARENT COMPANY HAS ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCING A ‘VERIFIED’ CHARGE

2023 Argus Americas Crude Summit

By Leslee Hope Haynes

The 2023 Argus Americas Crude Summit, the industry's premier commercial crude oil markets event, was held in Houston, Texas, on February 15–17, 2023. The summit gathered crude oil industry decision-makers to network with leaders in the marketplace. The Argus Media-organized event has been dubbed the "gold standard" of industry conferences by stakeholders throughout the crude oil supply chain.

The conference presented a unique blend of information-sharing and high-quality networking opportunities for oil producers, refiners, dealers, midstream enterprises, and logistics groups. The summit's keynote speaker was the former United States President, and founder of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, George W. Bush, 43rd President.

The conference included a wide range of crude oil industry topics, including worldwide supply and demand trends, pricing dynamics, market outlooks, and risk management techniques. The summit also featured guest speakers and sponsors who presented their expertise and thoughts on a variety of topics related to the crude oil industry.

Overall, the 2023 Argus Americas Crude Summit was a landmark event for the crude oil business, bringing key decision-makers and thought leaders together to discuss current market concerns, trends, and future outlooks.

OtterBox Industrial Launch Event

The OtterBox team hosted an unveiling of their Hardline Series with partners and industry experts to kick off The Connected Worker Summit in Houston last month. The Hardline Series equips teams with a protective iPad case and device certified by UL Solutions for United States and Canada (international certifications coming soon). The solution includes certified installation and features six tether mounts for hand straps, shoulder straps and attachments.

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