Sector deal ‘microcosm’ of what COP26 could deliver

The leading representative body for the UK offshore oil and gas industry is set to announce the North Sea Transition Deal is a ‘microcosm’ of what the Conference of the Parties 26 (COP26) can deliver.

OGUK CEO Deirdre Michie is expected to speak to attendees about the Deal in the context of COP26 at OGUK’s ‘Industry and the Energy Transition in a COP Year and Beyond’ webinar, sponsored by Deloitte, later this morning.

The Deal, signed by industry and the UK government in March 2021, will help to deliver a fair and homegrown transition, reduce emissions, produce low-carbon solutions, and deliver thousands of new energy jobs.

OGUK has previously said the plan can be a blueprint for other nations to follow to decarbonise their own economies.

Ms Michie is expected to say:

“Our deal could be seen as a microcosm of what an ambitious COP might deliver. It is an exemplar of the kind of collective action that is now needed across every sector, fast.

“With the right government support, industries like ours can continue to provide the UK with a secure source of energy while delivering on our sector’s net zero targets.

“It is exactly this kind of solution that leaders will be looking for – one which sets ambition into action, with government and industry working together to unlock public and private investment and co-operation.

“Our industry, and the UK Government, can show tangible global leadership by supporting fair transitions in other parts of the world – helping to ensure that communities are not left behind and that economic and industrial development is not sacrificed.”

Speakers and panellists include:

• David Duguid MP, UK Government Minister for Scotland
• Jean-Luc Guiziou, Managing Director, TotalEnergies
• Romain Chambault, Vice President Services and Offshore, Europe and Key Accounts, Oilfield Equipment, Baker Hughes
• Dr Martin Hanton, Technical Director, TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory
• Mike Barber, Partner, Risk Advisory, Deloitte