Government launches consultation on North Sea energy
The government is seeking views on its plan to develop a world-leading offshore clean energy industry in the North Sea.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has launched the consultation, Building the North Sea’s Energy Future, which sets out a framework for the next steps in achieving this objective.
It said the plan would support private investment in technologies that will deliver jobs and investment in the area, and cut carbon emissions.
While maintaining existing oil and gas fields, and continuing ongoing domestic production, the consultation includes the government’s commitment to not issue new licences to explore new fields. The plan is designed to help ensure a phased transition of jobs to offshore renewable energy.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
“The North Sea will be at the heart of Britain’s energy future. For decades, its workers, businesses and communities have helped power our country and our world.
“Oil and gas production will continue to play an important role and, as the world embraces the drive to clean energy, the North Sea can power our Plan for Change and clean energy future in the decades ahead.
“This consultation is about a dialogue with North Sea communities – businesses, trade unions, workers, environmental groups and communities – to develop a plan that enables us to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities of the years ahead."
The consultation looks at how to harness existing infrastructure, assets and expertise to establish new technologies including hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and renewables, and create new jobs to meet the country’s climate commitments and make the UK “a clean energy superpower”.
The government said it is estimated that the offshore renewables workforce could increase to between 70,000 and 138,000 in 2030, while the carbon capture industry is expected to add around £5bn a year of gross value to the UK economy by 2050.
The consolation is open for responses until 30 April.
Related Content
Housing association to deliver £72m retrofit programme to 3,000 homes
Water-saving measures in new homes to unlock building
- © Ocean Media Group