OGUK Chief Executive Deirdre Michie OBE today said the UK could become the Silicon Valley of energy.
In a speech opening the UK offshore oil and gas industry’s Annual Conference this morning, Ms Michie said that with the right support, the UK will be the global leader in the critical areas of the future, such as emissions reduction, clean energy and low carbon technologies.
She highlighted the North Sea Transition Deal being the cornerstone of this exciting exportable growth sector for the country, saying the Deal is “the first of its kind by a G7 country and will spark an acceleration in low-carbon activities, delivered right here on our doorstep in the UK.”
Deirdre Michie is expected to say:
“This conference comes at a historic moment for our industry, just two months after we signed the landmark North Sea Transition Deal with the UK Government.
“It’s an ambitious deal that will accelerate a bold path to harness our sector’s five decades of energy expertise and help generate cleaner energy for millions of people here in the UK.
“And with the right support, the UK could become the Silicon Valley of energy, leading the way on emissions reduction, clean energy and low carbon technologies.”
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“Our sector is still a jewel in the crown and an industrial success story for the UK. There have been many other jewels – shipbuilding, textiles, steel and mining to name just a few.
“What all of these have in common is that they were all lost while the demand for their products continued. With dire consequences – let’s not sugar coat it – on people and jobs, communities and businesses that were left behind and opportunities to transform being lost.
“Understanding why we let this happen is key because history doesn’t have to be repeated. But we have to make conscious choices.
“We are choosing to be responsible and drive down our industry emissions while investing in the energies of the future – at a pace which is leading the way globally.
“So I continue to ask politicians of all parties to consider their conscious choice, that while the UK continues to use oil and gas, we meet as much of that from UK businesses.
“Being accountable for our emissions, supporting jobs, and powering energy communities which are very much on the cusp of change.
“Unlocking the investment but also the engineering expertise we need to get there faster.
“Supporting the hundreds of companies across the supply chain who have sharpened their skills in the oil and gas sector and are now working across the energy industry.
“That is the choice that means we will meet our climate goals in a way which is fair, and leaves no one behind.”
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