This week, Energy Voice Out Loud (EVOL) looks at the UK's spending review as Scottish energy secretary Gillian Martin says "we need more welders", and a former oil worker writes to Nigel Farage for support.

First up, the EVOL trio of Aberdeen features lead Ryan Duff, reporter Mat Perry, and E-FWD editor Ed Reed discuss Westminster's support for Acorn. It finally happened, the UK government committed to stumping up cash for the Acorn and Viking CCS projects, however, its spending review document was a little light on details. It's worth noting that after this week's recording session, Ed Miliband appeared in Peterhead to announce £200m for Acron.

Next up, news editor Erikka Askeland spoke with Gillian Martin about the importance of welders in the energy transition as the first cohort of learners on a welding and fabrication pilot training scheme graduated as part of a £100,000 program funded by Ocean Winds.

Finally, we discuss Reform UK and its support for nuclear (which seems to be aligned with Labour's love of reactors) and its disdain for turbines. However, when Reform gets into power, is it really as against the "utter madness" of net zero as leader Nigel Farage lets on?

The third episode of Energy Voice’s Gigawaters series explores the next phase of the UK’s offshore wind rollout – the new processes and systems needed to meet future challenges.

EV renewables reporter Michael Behr is joined by The Crown Estate managing director for marine Gus Jaspert and Orsted UK country manager Benj Sykes to explore how offshore wind can work in a busy North Sea. The needs of fishing, shipping and defence; coastal communities; and of course, the environment, all need to be considered for projects to work in harmony with ocean users.

They discuss how the UK needs to adopt a more systematic approach to reaching the UK’s clean energy goals ahead of 2030, and how all sides need to interact to ensure the country maintains its lead in offshore wind.

In this special EVOL X Sproule ERCE podcast, Energy Voice reporter Mathew Perry is joined by Sproule ERCE decarbonisation lead Ellen Mitchell, decarbonisation lead, and CCS principal and reservoir engineer Andy Moore to explore the current landscape of carbon capture and storage (CCS).

The discussion spans global policy drivers like carbon pricing and climate goals, technical subsurface considerations such as capacity, injectivity and containment, and the challenges still facing the industry from cost and regulation to synchronising capture and storage infrastructure.

With insights from landmark projects and expert analysis, the episode unpacks what’s shaping the CCS sector across Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific.

Flexitricity is a pioneer in demand side response (DSR) which allows businesses to benefit by adjusting the way they use energy.

Tune in to hear the electric utility company’s founder and chief strategy officer, Alastair Martin explain to Energy Voice renewables reporter Michael Behr how the industry is facing up to the growth of renewable energy production and the need to meet demand.

The firm’s FlexGO technology, which helps commercial and industrial businesses simplify their energy flexibility journey. is in the market now and will be central to future energy system management.

The Energy Voice Out Loud crew are back to discuss all the latest news from the UK's energy sector. News editor Erikka Askeland fills in reporters Jessica Davies and Michael Behr on Ithaca's latest moves as it pushes on with Rosebank and Cambo, and buys up a hefty stake in Cygnus.

And then Michael shares his thoughts on the state of the offshore wind sector - is optimism falling among key players after several setbacks?

Finally, Jessica talks carbon capture and storage, and its role in the UK's energy transition.