The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in some welcome shows of solidarity, as countries help each other out with medical assistance, urgent supplies and, importantly, research into vaccines and cures, and it will undoubtedly have some positive long-term effects on the environment.

Everyone across the world, including in the oil and gas industry, is talking about digitalisation, although it could be admitted that in some ways we were a little bit slow to join the party.

Why doesn’t the oil industry just stop exploring for and pumping out oil?

Positive moves are afoot in the continent of Africa to ensure more gas is used domestically, to help electrification and industrialisation, diversify economies and create jobs.

Wherever the petroleum industry finds a challenge, great technological minds come up with a solution to improve the exploration, production and development of oil and gas resources.

Reduced costs mean tight oil is now the second cheapest source of new oil volumes globally.

Though global in nature, the oil and gas industry will not be totally immune to the effects of Brexit.

Almost one billion people, 13% of the world’s population, still do not have electricity in their homes.

Both Sub-Saharan Africa and North West Europe have a long history in oil and gas production and they both continue to keep on surprising us.

The energy transition is a chance for companies in the oil and gas industry to look at the opportunities that their technologies and expertise offer and collaborate for a brighter future.

There is a seriously poor balance between middle management, young professionals and experienced personnel, but what can we do to improve equal employment opportunities in oil & gas?

A glimmer of optimism is appearing for oil and gas exploration as we encourage industry collaborations to focus on maintaining efficiency, reliability and capital discipline.

With a 100 year history; capturing carbon dioxide now plays a pivotal role in the recovery of hydrocarbons.

As we come to the close of another challenging year in the O&G calendar, will 2018 bring better times?

Deeper pockets - deeper drilling