David Whitehouse, CEO of OEUK, says the new government must look to build on our proud industrial strengths, creating jobs and supply chain opportunities, while delivering a successful transformation of our energy systems.
Now is the time for us all to speak up and champion our homegrown energy industry more than ever.
Over the last 18 months, I have had the opportunity to speak to policymakers from across the political spectrum on the critical role of our offshore energy sector.
The simple message that we have delivered to all political leaders is this – work with our industry to create a skilled, secure and sustainable future.
Our new government has put economic growth at the heart of their strategy, and with supportive policy, our offshore energy industries can deliver exactly that.
UK offshore energy companies could invest £200 billion in homegrown energy production this decade alone. That is investment in offshore wind, carbon storage, our hydrogen economy, and the oil and gas that the country needs.
This sector offers high quality employment for over 200,000 people up and down the country – the very skilled people needed to provide for our energy needs today whilst creating the low carbon energy future for the UK.
Our workforce has a footprint in nearly every UK parliamentary constituency from Shetland to Southampton.
Offshore Energies UK will champion a homegrown energy transition to all parties.
Our industry manifesto sets out how the new government can unleash our offshore energy industry’s potential and power our future, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across all parts of the UK.
But we need energy policies that break down barriers and drive collaboration. We can only achieve economic growth, secure jobs, benefit communities and achieve our net zero goals by working together.
A homegrown energy transition has the biggest potential to deliver economic growth. It will strengthen the UK energy supply chain, accelerate the production of domestically produced energy and mean no individual, community or sector is left behind in our journey to net zero.
For more information, visit oeuk.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article