Offshore Energies UK and Scottish Renewables have called on the government to replace the Energy Profits Levy in 2026, increase ambition for offshore wind in Allocation Round 7 and protect skilled workers as the North Sea transitions, warning of a widening gap in jobs, investment and capability.
In a joint letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves and energy secretary Ed Miliband, OEUK chief executive David Whitehouse and Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack OBE (pictured) said: “Our energy future stands at a critical juncture. Unless we slow the pace of decline in North Sea oil and gas while simultaneously accelerating the scale and speed of renewable energy deployment, we face a widening gap in jobs, investment and capability that will weaken our economy.”
The organisations urged ministers to deliver “bold investment” for offshore wind to ensure projects progress through AR7 and to “protect and redeploy the UK’s highly skilled energy workforce”.
Mack 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.”
Mack added: “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.”
Whitehouse and Mack cited a recent Scottish Affairs Committee warning over the risk of “Grangemouth-scale job losses” without intervention as they pressed for support ahead of the 26 November Budget.