New Podcast Series from UofG Energy Experts Explores Scotland’s Energy Abundance and Its Impact on Society

New Podcast Series from UofG Energy Experts Explores Scotland’s Energy Abundance and Its Impact on Society

(IN BRIEF) A new podcast from the University of Glasgow questions why Scotland’s rich energy resources haven’t translated into greater prosperity or fairness for its people. Hosted by energy historian Ewan Gibbs and sociology lecturer Dominic Hinde, “The Energy That Made Modern Scotland” delves into how oil, gas, and renewables have shaped the nation’s culture, economy, and communities.

(PRESS RELEASE) GLASGOW, 22-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Glasgow has launched an insightful new podcast series that examines why Scotland’s vast energy resources have not led to a more prosperous or equitable society. Titled The Energy That Made Modern Scotland, the series aims to shed light on over 50 years of oil and gas production, as well as the rise of renewable energy, and their profound impacts on Scottish culture, politics, and social structures.

The podcast features a collection of episodes profiling the voices of workers and communities from Northern Scotland, regions that have been at the forefront of energy production for decades. Key locations, such as Shetland, which saw a dramatic influx of workers and activity when Europe’s largest oil terminal was constructed at Sullom Voe, and the Cromarty Firth in the Eastern Highlands, where oil rigs were built at Nigg in the 1970s, are featured prominently. These areas have since played an integral role in Scotland’s burgeoning wind energy sector, while continuing to be shaped by both onshore and offshore oil and gas industries.

Led by energy historian Ewan Gibbs and sociology lecturer Dominic Hinde, the podcast is a product of their combined research. Ewan has worked extensively on archival projects and oral histories, gathering the stories of workers and individuals who have witnessed these massive societal shifts. Meanwhile, Dom brings his experience as a climate journalist and sociologist, traveling throughout these regions to explore their evolving energy landscape.

Ewan Gibbs shared, “Our goal was to create a series of engaging, accessible episodes that tackle the big questions about Scotland’s energy industry, especially through the lens of environmental sustainability and the pursuit of a fairer, more equitable economy. Scotland has abundant energy resources, but why hasn’t this translated into greater prosperity or the end of poverty? We want to explore this question, especially from the perspectives of communities in Northern Scotland, the Highlands, and the islands—places that have generated substantial wealth and driven change in Scotland and Britain, but are now faced with new challenges and uncertainties regarding their future.”

He continued, “Historically, these communities have often been overlooked, despite being central to the narrative of both Scotland’s oil wealth and, more recently, its green energy ambitions.”

The podcast series promises to provoke thoughtful conversations about Scotland’s energy future, its legacy, and how it can create a more inclusive and prosperous society for all its citizens.

Media Contact:

media@glasgow.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Glasgow