Caption: UK energy production and consumption trends. Source: OEUK’s 2024 Business & Supply Chain Outlook.
An industry leader has today warned that the UK must ‘mind the gap’ between UK energy production and consumption.
At Offshore Energies UK’s (OEUK’s) Wells Conference, HSE & Operations Director Mark Wilson revealed the UK is producing less energy than ever before – the equivalent to only 60% of demand.
Well drilling activity has also significantly reduced, falling by almost 60% in the last ten years as oil and gas reserves have declined, but also as a consequence of lack of investment.
In a keynote speech to over 200 attendees, Mark Wilson said there is a risk of the UK becoming increasingly reliant on imported oil and gas:
“As the UK’s oil and gas production declines, the chasm between the energy we create and the energy we consume grows.
“The government acknowledges that we need oil and gas for decades to come. We must mind the gap between the UK’s energy consumption and falling levels of production, or risk becoming more reliant on imports than ever before.
“The UK, its politicians, people, and businesses must be conscious of this energy gap and the implications it has for our energy security, economy, supply chain and skills.
“We hope the Government recognises the need to bolster homegrown energy, and that the upcoming Autumn Budget sends the signals needed to stimulate business confidence and investment in this sector.”
Other speakers included:
- Keith Wise, Operations Manager, Offshore Energies UK
- Andy Brooks, Director of New Ventures, North Sea Transition Authority
- Grant Moody, HM Principal Inspector of Health & Safety, HSE
- Kevin Cowieson, Director – Business Development, Archer
- Lewis Harper, Project Manager, Net Zero Technology Centre
- Alex Pirie, Wells Manager, Serica Energy
- Calum Westland, Senior Consultant, Apollo
- Steve Pink, Global Technical Advisor & David Wilson Geothermal Technical Advisor, Black Reiver
- Dennis Vollmar, Company Director, Voll Marintek
- Derek Charlton, Well Engineering Manager, Spirit Energy
- Margo Milne, Director, DYW
Notes to editors:
- Photos of Mark Wilson speaking at the conference can be downloaded here.
- The full agenda can be downloaded here.
- More information about the UK’s consumption and production can be found in OEUK’s 2024 Business & Supply Chain Outlook (p20). Download the report here.
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