"Our energy future stands at a critical juncture", warns Scottish Renewables and OEUK
In response to the Scottish Affairs Committee's report on the future of the oil and gas sector and the budget announcement of the Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 7 (AR7) for offshore wind, Scottish Renewables and Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) have joined forces ahead of the UK Autumn Budget.
Writing to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on October 31, the two trade bodies, reprersenting the diverse all-energy industry and supply chain across Scotland and the UK, warned that without the right conditions we face "a widening gap in jobs, investment and capability that will weaken our economy."
The letter appealed for the UK Government to take three decisive steps in the forthcoming Autumn Budget:
- Deliver bold investment for offshore wind through AR7
- Protect and redeploy the UK’s highly skilled energy workforce
- Replace the Energy Profits Levy with a successor regime in 2026
Commenting, Claire Mack OBE, Chief Execuative of Scottish Renewables, said:
“The skills, infrastructure and experience built by Scotland’s oil and gas sector are vital assets that must be safeguarded and redeployed as we accelerate the transition to clean energy.
“While oil and gas is financed differently to offshore wind, both sectors are now facing serious investment headwinds at precisely the moment when we need to carefully manage Scotland’s energy transition.
“We have offshore wind projects ready to inject the fresh activity needed to strengthen our supply chain and skills base. These projects will underpin our energy security for decades to come, providing a platform for cost reduction.
“It is critical that the UK Government’s upcoming auction rounds enable Scotland’s offshore wind pipeline to move into construction so that their full value can be realised for consumers and communities.”
Ends
Notes to editors
- Read Scottish Renewables' response to the AR7 budget.
- Read the Scottish Affairs Committee report.