to raise awareness will continue beyond these initiatives . This is only the start of a wider discussion on these important issues .
Like his predecessor Chris Hunt , Stephen considers the UK ’ s downstream oil sector as crucial to the country ’ s security of supply and resilience , particularly in the shifting landscape of Brexit , and by way of its significant contribution to the economy both as an employer and a revenue generator .
Social media is being used to help inspire the next generation to join the downstream sector which is in need of a steady stream of talent .
Making the transition to a low carbon world “ Our sector also has an important role to play in the transition to a lower carbon economy . It ’ s not a case of carry on regardless ; our world can be part of the transition .”
“ Ours is a sector that has long demonstrated its adaptability , relevance and continuous improvement , whether through the deployment of innovation to meet ever more stringent emission targets , changing fuel specifications or through its response to a growing demand for petrochemical products . There are challenges ahead but opportunities too .
“ In the more immediate term , there are still uncertainties as to how ship owners and operators will comply with the new global cap for sulphur in fuel oil , to be used on board ships of no more than 0.50 % m / m ( mass by mass ) from 1st January 2020 .
Also , cyber security is certainly a key focus at present . The development and deployment of smart technology across the energy sector , along with the expansion of intelligent network devices throughout the energy distribution system , has certainly created a number of specific challenges , such as expansion of the ‘ cyber-attack surface ’. As energy systems are widely connected , cyber security threats carry potentially wider repercussions for the whole critical infrastructure network .
Government has also been consulting on downstream oil supply resilience in the event of a national emergency .
Forming part of a wider package to protect critical infrastructure , there are consultations on proposed new measures to maintain security of supply to consumers , which would apply to those operating in downstream oil .
The level of intervention and how it will take place is unclear . Government ’ s response is expected shortly .
Maintaining dialogue and co-operation with Europe UKPIA , which works in partnership with BEIS , the DfT , Defra , the Scottish Government and the Welsh Assembly , also attends the EU ’ s refining forum and continues to call for EU Fitness Checks to be viewed as a live document when considering impact assessments for upcoming legislation . The Refining Forum was established in 2012 and brings together representatives from industry , Member States , Commission , European Parliament , and other key stakeholders to discuss planned and future regulatory proposals with potentially significant impacts on the EU ’ s refining industry and on the
‘ Our sector has an important role to play ’ Stephen Marcos Jones
security of supply of petroleum products . Post-Brexit , UKPIA hopes that its participation in such forums will continue .
“ It ’ s now more relevant than ever that we co-operate as a sector ,” said Stephen who believes the government and , BEIS in particular , are becoming more aware of the significant impact that policy has on the sector .
“ We continue to raise awareness of the sector and we ’ re looking at how the current industrial strategy lends itself to bedrock industries such as the downstream oil sector , but it ’ s early days . A joined-up approach across all government departments needs to be in place in order to create the right conditions to drive prosperity and growth all across the country .”
“ This is also the key to our security of supply and resilience , as is Brexit where we continue to advocate for stability ; minimising the period of uncertainty will be key to maintaining both investor confidence and the sector ’ s subsequent sustainability . A collaborative approach and ongoing strategic dialogue between government and industry to identify risks and mitigate the challenges that may lie ahead is also required .”
� What are the future prospects for liquid energy sources ? To what extent can they contribute to achieving Europe ’ s climate policy goals ? These are some of the topics to be discussed with renowned experts at a Eurofuel technical workshop on Wednesday 6th June 2018 in Brussels . www . eurofuel . eu
� Questale has released a comprehensive market research report for the Global Used Cooking Oil ( UCO ) Market featuring growth , latest trends and forecasts to 2022 . Focusing on the top players the report features Brocklesby , Greenergy and Olleco . Samples from the report can be accessed at / questale . com / report / global-used-cooking-oil-uco-market-research-report-2018 / 300841
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Last month ’ s Geneva International Motor Show saw IONITY , which has strategic partnerships with Shell , Tank & Rast , OMV and Circle K , unveil the design concept for its pan European high-power charging network . The aim is to have 400 EV charging stations by 2020 . www . ionity . eu
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