An innovative project, The ‘SeaGas’ scheme, is underway in the north east of England aimed at creating biomethane from seaweed. The conversion of seaweed to biogas via anaerobic digestion could enable the UK’s seabed to become a long-term source of environmentally friendly fuel. The ‘SeaGas’ scheme is being supported to the tune of nearly £3 million by the Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst, which helps UK companies to bring their biotechnology innovations to market.

Last month, the European Union agreed a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by the use of farmland for biofuel crops.

A branch of Sainsbury’s in the London suburb of Hendon claimed a UK first last month – a supermarket-based filling station for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.  This is one of a number being installed across the capital in a project initiated by the London Hydrogen Network and comes five months after the Government’s announcement of £2 million funding for public sector hydrogen vehicles.

Budget Day on 18th March brought some good news to the beleaguered North Sea oil industry.  Chancellor George Osborne announced a package of measures, which the Treasury believes will provide £4 billion of additional investment over the next five years and increase production by 15% over the same period.

Brent Oil, the global benchmark price for oil purchases, is on the up again following its six-year low. However, experts warn it is premature to talk of recovery.  Here we take a broad look at the impact of the price dip on supply, companies’ profits and exploration.