A new independent taskforce has been established to map out the North Sea’s energy transition, aiming to protect thousands of jobs and secure its future as a national asset.
Led by former UK Government Permanent Secretary Philip Rycroft, the North Sea Transition Taskforce will bring together various stakeholders to develop a consensus on the transition strategy.
Proposed by the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, the taskforce launch coincides with the release of a major industry survey.
It aims to address key issues such as licensing, decommissioning, investment, and regulatory frameworks.
The taskforce plans to deliver recommendations to the Scottish and UK Governments by next spring. This initiative comes as confidence in the North Sea’s future hits an all-time low, though optimism remains about Aberdeen’s role as a central energy hub in the UK transition.
Maggie McGinlay of ETZ Ltd emphasised the importance of repositioning Northeast Scotland as an energy cluster focused on net-zero goals, while Russell Borthwick of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce stressed the need for immediate action to secure Aberdeen’s future in renewable energy.
Philip Rycroft, said: “There is no doubt the North Sea will continue to have a vital role in the UK’s energy supply for many years.
“However, the approach to moving away from oil and gas to low carbon industries is a careful balancing act. Without a long-term plan, decision-making will continue to be piecemeal, making it harder to provide stability for all of those impacted.
“Alongside the dialogue between Government, business, NGOs and the public on current and emerging issues, our work will look to ensure a long-term strategic vision that will help to protect the highly skilled North Sea workforce and guide future operations.
“We need to involve the widest possible cross-section of interested parties in the decision-making process to ensure we reach a broad consensus on the right way forward and that no one is left behind.”
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce and the Executive Director of the new North Sea Transition Taskforce, said: “Twelve months ago, the Energy Transition 38 survey called for an independent taskforce to help deliver an orderly transition for the North Sea industries away from oil and gas to the renewable industries of the future.
“I am pleased to announce that taskforce is now being set up and delighted that Philip Rycroft has agreed to lead this vital work.
“His many years of experience at the highest levels of Government, both at Westminster and in Scotland, will be invaluable in gathering experience and insight from all those interested in seeing a just transition and to finding a broad consensus on the right way forward.
“The importance of the North Sea cannot be overstated; it is a national asset and this deserves a national conversation.
“The transition is vital for Net Zero, for the UK’s energy security and long-term growth, but it must also preserve the roles of hundreds of businesses and their tens of thousands of skilled workers.”
