Scotland is in the midst of an energy revolution. Our offshore oil and gas industry may be 50 years old, but it builds on a heritage of steam and coal and is now looking to work alongside renewable energy. Technological change, population growth and changing consumer needs have not only fuelled the emergence of new sources of energy, it has dramatically transformed the way our offshore oil and gas industry operates too. Far from being a stodgy plate of mince and tatties, those on the periphery of our colossal industry would do well to consider it today as an artisan burger, finessed over time and unrecognisable to our grandparents. UK Government figures estimate that by 2035, oil and gas will continue to provide two-thirds of the UK’s energy needs. It comes as global hunger for energy is unabated, set to rise by 30 per cent. Essential for security of supply, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and contributing billions to the economy, the offshore oil and gas industry remains an important part of the fabric of Scotland’s economy. That wider social contribution is also evidenced by cold hard facts. Scotland’s economy has always done better when we do well. The country needs oil and gas to ensure its energy resilience – diversity is essential even as part of a low-carbon future. We recognise our role to meet that need in an ever more efficient and greener way.
Scotsman 5th Oct 2018 read more »