This week, shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho lambasted a “scandal” within NESO after she claimed senior managers had ordered operators to hide how close the gird was to failing last month.

In this episode of Energy Voice Out Loud, Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff is joined by renewables reporter Michael Behr and E-FWD editor Ed Reed

First up, Ed discusses the situation with NESO and the politicisation of the grid and the upgrades it needs to deliver on the UK's clean power ambitions. This came after Coutinho pointed to the frequency of the grid dropping below the normal operating limit of 49.80Hz on 23 June. NESO ultimately disputed claims, but there is proving to be a shortage of analysts and industry commentators willing to put their heads above the parapet on the matter. What is the current state of decommissioning in the North Sea and what is causing contracts to be awarded? Our trio of reporters discuss and ask you to provide you two cents.

Next, Micheal talks us through the rules for the next allocation round (AR). This week the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) announced the strike price ceilings for the various technologies that are able to take part in AR8. Deepwater wind was added to the same pot as floating and this has led to a debate as to whether this technology will be the hot new thing in UK waters. Also, the trio of reporters ask if the AR scheme is still fit for purpose and what should replace it if not.

Finally, Ryan asks if all that cash that is set to be spend on UK North Sea decommissioning is finally set to be delivered. This week, Apache handed out contracts for work on its Beryl platform and ACE Winches founder Alfie Cheyne opened a new firm with managing director Ross Anderson, Blue Ocean Decom.

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Energy Voice Out Loud brings you news, analysis and expert insight from across the energy sector, covering oil and gas, renewables, policy, investment, the energy transition and the people shaping the industry.