Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has called on the new Scottish Government to publish a refreshed energy strategy within its first 100 days.
The call comes amid mounting concern over Scotland’s industrial base, following the closures of sites such as Grangemouth refinery and Mossmorran, which have highlighted the risk of job losses and long-term industrial decline.
Scotland’s offshore energy sector supports more than 128,000 jobs and adds £24bn to Scotland’s economy each year, but policy uncertainty is slowing investment and increasing reliance on imports.
The industry body calls for a refreshed Scottish energy strategy that signals clear support for homegrown oil and gas alongside the continued rollout of renewables. While some policies are reserved to Westminster, the right signals from Scotland are critical.
These include restoring investor confidence in oil and gas by introducing the Oil and Gas Price Mechanism and addressing Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges, which unfairly disadvantage Scottish wind projects by fixing or locking-in charges at the point of Contracts for Difference bid.
David Whitehouse, OEUK Chief Executive, said:
“Scotland has a world-class energy system spanning oil and gas, offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture, but without clear, consistent policy, we risk losing investment, jobs and industrial capability at a critical moment.
“Closures at Grangemouth and Mossmorran show what is at stake. Scottish support for Scottish industry matters. That is why we should build on our strengths, not treat them as a political inconvenience.
“A refreshed energy strategy within the first 100 days would send a clear signal that government is serious about backing a modern industrial Scotland, secured by homegrown energy – bringing down costs, unlocking investment and keeping industry here.
“Through an updated strategy, we want to see support not just from the Scottish government but the Scottish parliament, for an all-energy approach including the ongoing licensing of homegrown oil and gas. In such volatile times, that clarity will be essential to delivering the economic growth that Scotland needs”
As OEUK’s Scotland Manifesto set out, the Energy Strategy should:
- Champion an all-energy approach to Scotland’s energy future
- Favour pragmatic, ongoing access to homegrown oil and gas
- Address Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges
- Accelerate implementation of the Oil and Gas Price Mechanism (OGPM) before 2030
- Recognise and support the offshore energy supply chain as a strategic industrial asset
- Secure measurable Scottish supply chain participation in the full offshore energy value chain
- Champion Scotland as global leader in responsible decommissioning
- Foster strong collaboration between industry, trade unions, regulators, community groups, and government to deliver agreed outcomes
- Change the narrative on the inevitability of job losses
- Devolve powers and funding to Regional Economic Partnerships
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