This paper investigates socially optimal patterns of economic growth and environmental quality in a neoclassical growth model with endogenous technological progress. In the model, environmental quality has a positive effect not only on utility but also on production. Moreover, cleaner technologies can be used in the economy if a part of the output is used in environmentally oriented R&D. In this framework, if the initial level of capital is low, then the shadow price of a cleaner technology is low in relation to the cost of developing it, given by the marginal utility of consumption, and it is not worth investing in R&D. Thus, there will be a first stage of growth based only on the accumulation of capital with environmental quality decreasing until there is enough pollution to make investing in R&D profitable. After this turning point, if the new technologies are efficient enough, the economy can evolve along a balanced growth path with increasing environmental quality. The result is that the optimal investment pattern supports an environmental Kuznets curve.

A 600K Hydraulic Workover (HWO) Unit has proven that it has the capability to safely access and deliver offshore gas reserves. This paper identifies the business environment, challenges, learnings, results and the key success factors of a three (3) well project that delivered a total of 250 million standard cubic feet per day (mmsfcd) using a 600K HWO unit. The primary result of the project demonstrated the capability of the HWO unit in handling challenges previously thought better suited for conventional larger rigs. HWO units have proven to be particularly effective in bpTT's offshore operations, however their application had been limited to tubing changeouts, workovers, oil recompletions and short oil sidetracks. This project expanded the capability of the 600K HWO unit to perform high rate uphole gas recompletions. The project consisted of three uphole gas recompletions in 9-5/8 inch casing. Each recompletion was executed at approximately $0.50/barrel of oil equivalent (boe) which made the project extremely attractive and made gas reserves economically viable. Completing the same work with a larger Jackup unit would have cost $3 -4/boe clearly showcasing the economic advantage of the HWO unit. Another major advantage was the ability to move the HWO unit in unfavourable weather conditions when compared to a Jack Up rig. Weather conditions can result in significant and costly delays during the December -April period for jack up units.

Taking into account the course of cultural policy in democratic Portugal, and against the backdrop of the international crisis of 2008 and the sovereign debt crisis of 2011, this article seeks to interpret recent changes in the cultural sector in Portugal. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods it focuses on three main aspects: institutionalisation of democratic cultural policy; government funding; cultural organizations and facilities. The 2008 crisis put an end to a period in which investment tended to grow. We place Portugal in the broader European context, concluding that the Portuguese cultural scene may once again diverge from that of other European countries.