The leading representative body for the UK’s offshore oil and gas industry has today repeated calls to campaign groups to meaningfully engage with the sector to ensure a fair and positive transition for energy communities.

The call comes after a report published by Friends of the Earth Scotland, Greenpeace and Platform failed to note the progress that is being made to support workers to move between renewables, oil and gas, and nuclear.

OGUK today said it intends to respond to the report and offered its full support in helping reach the heart of energy communities across the UK.

OGUK Chief Executive Deirdre Michie said:  
“While this report confirms how much people working in our industry care about securing a fair transition, we’re also not aware of any approach from the report authors for feedback from the wider workforce and the industry on their findings. We look forward to contributing to this consultation and offer our support to help them reach the heart of energy communities from Aberdeen to Norwich and beyond.

“There has been some really exciting and positive developments taking place in the oil and gas industry in recent years, with over 5,000 conversations with workers, public bodies and trade unions from across the UK shaping Roadmap 2035: industry’s blueprint for net zero, throughout 2019.

“We’re already seeing some of the actions from the Roadmap come through with new training certificates being launched this week to support the requirements of a net zero economy.

“At a time when all industries are navigating unprecedented financial pressures, it is disheartening that some campaign groups are painting a misleading picture to suit a particular agenda, when in fact we could be much more effective if we work together to embrace the net zero opportunity. A huge proportion of companies in our industry have been supporting projects across the full energy spectrum including in renewables for years.

“This won’t help deliver what our energy communities badly need, which is a joined-up, fair and inclusive transition which harnesses the essential expertise in our country’s oil and gas industry. This means we can accelerate the transition without becoming even more reliant on imports for the gas and oil we still need during this time.  

“We need to work together and listen to everyone in our industry as we make our positive vision for the future into a reality. This vision is already securing investment in the kinds of projects we need to meet our climate ambitions. The Dolphyn project announced this week is a great example and shows how our changing industry continues to benefit energy communities, bringing in new investment and creating exciting new roles for the future.

“With a strong domestic energy industry which continues to provide affordable energy for millions across the UK, we can continue to support jobs and make a crucial contribution to the UK economy while positioning ourselves as leaders in a lower carbon energy future.

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Oil & Gas UK