The paper, published in December, provides a critical opportunity for a transformational North Sea Transition Deal (NSTD) to deliver new business opportunities, jobs and skills at pace, and protect and transition the wider communities which currently rely on the oil and gas sector.
The powerful committee also had representatives from the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) in attendance to quiz industry representatives on the content and deliverability of the much-anticipated document.
OGUK chief executive Deirdre Michie OBE said:
“We welcome the publication of the Energy White Paper as it demonstrates a holistic approach to energy, which is something we have been asking for in terms of the development of a comprehensive energy strategy.
“It is a timely document which sets out ambitious and challenging expectations of the UK energy industry, including the offshore oil and gas sector. It seeks to build on the strengths of our sector and others in a meaningful way – by recognising the contribution the industry can make to a successful transition.
“We’re proud to tell our story. The sector is already in action and changing – building on its strong focus on oil and gas to incorporating wind, CCUS, hydrogen, wave and tidal energies, but there is a still a need for governmental support to help our workers and communities transition at pace.
“We must use this as an opportunity to solidify the importance of our workforce and produce reliable frameworks to support the transition of their knowledge and skills.
“We now need government and Parliament to develop strong legislation to help us deliver our net-zero ambitions whilst ensuring our energy communities are secure and equipped with the necessary infrastructure for a fair transition.”