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OGUK 2035 roadmap on course despite industry challenges

Oil and Gas UK (OGUK) reports that progress against an ambitious industry roadmap is being made, with over eight actions identified by the UK’s offshore oil and gas industry as essential if it is to realise a successful future in a lower carbon future already delivered, with a further 20 underway, despite the pressures heaped on the sector by the coronavirus pandemic.

Roadmap 2035: a blueprint for net zero
, was one of the first UK industry responses to government commitments to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 in the UK and 2045 in Scotland. Published at Offshore Europe in 2019, the document commits the sector to a range of actions to help meet the UK’s energy needs, support jobs, develop new technologies, cut emissions, and expand export opportunities.

OGUK Chief Executive Deirdre Michie OBE says: ‘The UK offshore oil and gas industry has the essential expertise to help the UK meet its climate ambitions by 2050 while at the same time providing affordable energy for households and families, supporting jobs, and creating exciting energy jobs of the future. Despite the challenges heaped on the sector by the coronavirus pandemic and low oil and gas prices, a number of actions of
Roadmap 2035 have already been delivered and many more are underway. This progress is testament to the fact that our industry is changing and is committed to positive change for the long term.’

She continues: ‘As we look to further challenges ahead, support of government and regulators remains critical if we are to be able to realise our full potential through the energy transition. The North Sea Transition Deal can be a catalyst in delivering
Roadmap 2035 and supporting the green recovery, as well as specific recognition from governments and politicians of the positive role we can play in our economy and society.’

Commenting on the news, Michael Burns, Energy Partner at law firm Ashurst, says: ‘It's extremely positive news that, despite the setbacks presented by COVID-19 and oil price instability, the UK oil and gas industry has continued to make headway towards the energy transition. The Oil and Gas Authority's recent report –
UKCS Energy Integration – is also a positive development in providing greater clarity on the regulator's energy transition vision for the industry, and it is hoped that this will be followed by more concrete actions from government, which are expected to be spearheaded by the publication of the much-anticipated Energy White Paper in the Autumn.’

News Item details


Journal title: Petroleum Review

Countries: UK -

Subjects: Oil and gas, Exploration and production, Energy policy, COVID-19

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