The UK oil and gas industry’s skills and expertise are essential to building the nation’s low-carbon future, OGUK’s chief executive told an audience of key energy leaders in a powerful speech tonight.
DEIRDRE Michie told attendees at the 2021 OGUK Awards that the industry was determined to do whatever it could to help the countries of the UK achieve their targets for reaching net zero. The UK has pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 while Scotland’s target date is 2045.
Michie said the offshore oil and gas sector was already acting urgently – utilising its people and skills to build a low carbon future, investing in emerging technologies, and supporting the development of sustainable solutions.
In March, the industry signed the North Sea Transition Deal in partnership with the UK Government – the first of its kind by a G7 country. The deal is designed to harness the power of the UK offshore oil and gas industry to help the UK meet the government’s emissions targets, unlock up to £16bn of investment for low-carbon solutions, and see government and industry work together to deliver a homegrown transition.
As part of that Deal, the industry also announced a pioneering Methane Action Plan, pledging to halve methane emissions by 2050.
Michie told the audience, at the P&J Live arena in Aberdeen, that the deal would be good for jobs, good for energy security and good for the nation’s climate goals – and that they and their colleagues would be key to making it work.
The UK still relies on oil and gas for more than 70% of its total energy. Michie warned that during the transition there would be a continuing, albeit declining, need for oil and gas – so maintaining security of supply would also remain essential.
Deirdre Michie said: “It is therefore really important that we continue to produce these raw products in the UK. It means greater accountability for reducing our emissions and for supporting jobs, communities, businesses, and the wider economy.
“We are a sector of problem solvers and solution providers. We’re passionate about change, we’re resolute in our ambition, and we’re doing whatever we can to help the whole country deliver on its climate goals.”
