Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), the leading representative body for the UK’s offshore energy sector, has responded after MSPs voted on the future of the Rosebank project at Holyrood.
MSPs backed a Scottish Government amendment from Business Minister Richard Lochhead that removed the Scottish Greens’ call to oppose the development.
The motion passed by 80 votes to 36, with one abstention, and said new oil and gas projects should only go ahead if they support energy security, meet climate tests and fit with Scotland’s net zero goals.
Mike Tholen, OEUK’s Sustainability and Policy Director, said:
'Backing projects like Rosebank means backing Scotland – its people, its skills and its world-leading energy heritage.
'This development can help secure thousands of jobs, protect vital economic value, and ensure that communities from Shetland to Aberdeen continue to play a central role in powering the nation.
'While we continue to need oil and gas, we should prioritise homegrown production. That strengthens energy security, supports industrial communities, and helps the UK produce more of the energy it needs from domestic sources.
'The public backs that balanced approach, with strong support for combining renewables and domestic production to cut imports and protect jobs. It is not a choice between renewables or oil and gas – we need both.'
Independent polling shows strong public support for a balanced energy mix that combines homegrown oil and gas with renewables. Most people think producing our own energy is better for the economy and energy security than relying on imports.
Notes
- Rosebank is projected to create £8.5 billion of direct investment, of which £6.6 billion is likely to be invested in UK-based businesses. Rosebank is also expected to boost the UK’s wider economy by about £25 billion and create 2,000 UK jobs during its development phase. It will continue to support an average of 525 UK-based full-time jobs during the lifetime of the field.
- The Rosebank project’s aim is to maximise the number of supply contracts with UK-based businesses. Equinor already partners with over 700 suppliers around the UK. Along with our partners we are actively seeking local supply chain contractors for Rosebank to ensure high local content.
- The Rosebank oil and gas field will be able to produce almost 7% of Britain’s oil leading up to 2030, which is a significant contribution from one field. Furthermore, when Rosebank has been electrified, CO2 emissions from production offshore will be reduced to a fraction of the world average.
Source: https://www.equinor.com/energy/rosebank#faqs
Research by Thinks Insight & Strategy, commissioned by OEUK, shows backing for a balanced energy plan:
- 84 per cent say relying on imports is risky
- 82 per cent believe homegrown energy is better for the economy
- 81 per cent support continued UK oil and gas production for energy security
- 68 per cent fear ending production would harm communities and jobs.
Source: OEUK
