UK Energy Minister Unveils New Device To Stop Leaks

Charles Hendry, Britain’s Energy Minister, while unveiling a giant cap to be used in stopping leaking wells, said that the North Sea industry was safe and that Britain’s oil safety regulations are among the toughest in the world.

In August, Britain experienced its worst oil spill in years after a pipeline leak 180 km off the Scottish Port of Aberdeen. Hendry also thinks that although there are tough regulations in place, lessons could be learned from this particular spill. This is why the minister introduced a device that will be kept in the UK for fast deployment in the event of disasters in British waters. This device is said to be the launch of big steps forward.

The United Kingdom government has been heavily criticized by the oil and gas industry, especially after recent tax rises. Warnings about the country’s future energy supply have also been prompted. The Treasury Minister is set to create a working group for oil tax issues. Britain has also said that it would boost tax support for North Sea energy companies to help firms operating in less profitable fields, softening the previous tax increase.