OGUK has responded to the speech made by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, that protecting oil and gas jobs must be a priority and the North Sea sector can thrive alongside a growing renewables sector.
Deirdre Michie, OGUK chief executive, said: “We welcome recognition of the vital role of the offshore oil and gas industry in our economy, which supports over 100,000 jobs in Scotland, provides the products and affordable energy we use in our everyday lives and has a world-leading supply chain of hundreds of businesses located across the country. It’s also key that these roles make a fundamental contribution to the transitioning energy economy in support of climate change targets.
“Through a North Sea Transition Deal we can help the huge parts of our economy which can’t use electricity to meet climate change targets, developing practical solutions including the development of hydrogen and carbon capture and storage at scale. At the same time, we remain laser-focussed on reducing our emissions.
“We look forward to conversations with all parties about the continued support needed for our sector in difficult times. In a stark economic climate for all, our changing industry has the essential expertise to provide affordable energy to millions of households and families, support jobs in energy communities across the country and create exciting new jobs of the future.”
