RenewableUK has hit out at the UK government’s decision to grant exploration licences for oil and gas in areas reserved for offshore wind.
The North Sea Transition Authority confirmed a further 31 licences have been awarded in the latest phase of its 33rd oil and gas licensing round, which aims to add an estimated 600mmboe (million barrels of oil equivalent) by 2060.
The NSTA has for the first time added a clause for overlapping oil and gas licenses and wind leases, following discussions with the Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland.
RUK’s chief executive Dan McGrail said: “Whilst we respect that the North Sea is a shared space, with the natural environment and other industries to consider, the Government should be crystal clear that their priority is renewables over oil and gas.
“Offshore wind is going to be the backbone of our future system, not fossil fuels. Prioritising offshore wind over oil and gas isn’t just the right choice for the planet, but given renewables are the lowest cost means of generating power, we should be doing this for billpayers.”