The leading body for the offshore energy sector, Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has today responded to Scottish Government’s new Programme for Government.
In his announcement, the First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP reinforced his commitment to accelerating green energies.
He laid out how his legislative agenda for the year ahead would include streamlining offshore wind consenting, implementing the hydrogen action plan, and publishing an energy strategy and a just transition plan, while describing the addition of 100 new North Sea oil and gas licences as ‘baffling’.
Commenting on his speech, OEUK CEO David Whitehouse said:
“It is great to see clear intentions for energy expansion in the Scottish Government’s new programme for government. Yet this positive sentiment must include support for Scotland’s oil and gas sector.
“As we build a sustainable energy future there is no simple choice between oil and gas and renewables. By the mid-2030s, oil and gas will still provide for 50% of our energy needs, so the reality is that to keep the lights on and grow our economy, we need both.
“We support a responsible and pragmatic approach which makes the most of our existing energy resources, skills, and people, and the benefits this brings to the national economy.
“The companies investing in low carbon technologies require the cashflow from a stable and predictable oil and gas business to fund these opportunities, and any licences going forward are subject to a climate compatibility checkpoint and projected emissions have already been taken into account.
“We need an approach that recognises this is an integrating industry if we are to unlock investment and deliver a homegrown energy future that benefits jobs, our economy and helps us produce energy in the UK, for the UK.”
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