The leading representative body for the UK offshore oil and gas industry has today paid tribute to former Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse and urged all parties to support the sector and its world class supply chain in order to realise homegrown greener energy.
Following the results of the Scottish Parliament election, OGUK Chief Executive Deirdre Michie OBE encouraged returning and new MSPs to engage with the many oil and gas companies already producing energy from renewable sources, while providing jobs for communities across the length and breadth of Scotland.
Speaking after the election results, Deirdre Michie OBE said:
“Paul Wheelhouse has been a champion of our industry and the energy sector as a whole, understanding as he did the importance of the industry to Scotland’s economy today and to being the backbone of the energy transition moving forward. I’d like to thank him for the support and challenge he provided to us throughout his tenure as Energy Minister. We look forward to meeting our new minister in the coming days and weeks, particularly as we continue to navigate the operational challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, while working to secure a fair transition for Scotland’s changing oil and gas industry.
“All parties recognise this industry has the essential expertise to urgently help meet the Scottish government climate targets of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045 or sooner. This industry is already in action and there are many companies who already produce energy from renewable sources. As a sector we are on track to reduce our own emissions by 50% in 2030, and 90% by 2040.
“As we welcome returning and new MSPs, I hope Scotland can deepen its conversation about the energy transition in a way which engages with the people and companies already driving real change in energy communities in the North East and across Scotland.
“Our supply chain companies who are already well on the journey need the support of the Scottish Government to ensure we all deliver a turbo-charged transition. This will help move faster towards a low-carbon future, developing homegrown greener energy and reducing reliance on imported oil and gas. It will ensure our changing industry continues to make an important economic contribution, supporting jobs and developing new careers and opportunities.”
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