Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has issued a stark warning to the new government, urging an immediate boost in investment across the domestic energy sector. The call to action comes on the heels of the Climate Change Committee’s latest report, which, while affirming the feasibility of net zero by 2050, underscores the need for accelerated efforts to overhaul the UK’s energy landscape.
OEUK’s Mike Tholen, policy and sustainability director, articulated the organisation’s stance clearly: “To keep on track with meeting the UK’s climate goals we need an approach to homegrown energy production which says we need everything, everywhere, all at once.” This approach advocates for a diversified energy portfolio, encompassing renewables, oil and gas, hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies.
The organisation’s position challenges the narrative that pits one energy source against another. Instead, OEUK argues for a strategic focus on domestic energy production over an increasing reliance on imports. This stance is not just about energy security but also about controlling emissions and fostering job growth.
OEUK points to recent research suggesting that the UK could double its oil and gas production from the North Sea. Such a move, they argue, would yield significant benefits for energy security, emissions control, and employment.
A critical test of the government’s commitment to this approach will be the upcoming offshore wind Allocation Round 7 (AR7) in September. OEUK has set a high bar, stating that AR7 must be the “biggest ever,” awarding over 8GW of new licences to meet the Clean Power 2030 target.
Tholen’s vision is one of a modern industrial Britain that reaches its climate goals through a balanced approach to energy production. “This isn’t a choice about oil and gas versus renewables but about homegrown energy over energy which is increasingly imported,” he said.
The implications of OEUK’s call are significant. If heeded, it could reshape the UK’s energy sector, fostering innovation and investment across a broad spectrum of energy sources. It could also spark a debate about the best path to net zero, challenging the government to think strategically about the UK’s energy future.
Moreover, OEUK’s stance could influence other countries grappling with similar energy transitions. The UK’s approach to energy production could serve as a model, demonstrating the potential benefits of a diversified, domestic-focused strategy.
However, the path forward is not without its challenges. Balancing the needs of different energy sectors, managing the transition for workers, and ensuring public support will require careful navigation. But if OEUK’s vision is realised, it could set the UK on a trajectory towards a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous energy future.