In the UK, researchers estimate that £25 billion of natural gas is metered using an orifice plate. Vital decisions are made based on this data so it is essential that it is accurate.  The international standard, ISO 5167, ensures consistency in equipment and calculations to improve the accuracy of these measurements. Now, in new book, Dr Michael Reader-Harris of flow measurement consultancy NEL, part of the UK measurement infrastructure responsible for the management of the UK National Standard for Flow Measurement, gives operators a greater understanding of the physics and research that underpins the standard.

With the recent tumble in oil prices, it would seem an unlikely time for a company such as Shell to be expanding its natural gas operations.  That is exactly what it has done, however, by acquiring BG Group PLC, one of the UK's leading LNG (liquefied natural gas) producers.

A project to create second generation biofuel from agricultural residues is being carried out in Germany in response to the growing need for sustainable energy.