Offshore Energies UK calls for cross-party backing to secure Scotland’s offshore industry

Prosper member Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has urged all political parties to unite behind Scotland’s offshore businesses, warning that without urgent cross-party backing the country risks losing access to secure homegrown energy and the industrial base that depends on it.

Launching its Scottish election manifesto, the trade association set out the importance of the sector and the impact that continued policy uncertainty is having on it. OEUK highlighted the fact that in 2024 offshore industries – oil and gas and renewables – added more than £36 billion to the economy and supported over 240,000 jobs.

Just over 50 per cent of those roles – 128,400 – were based in Scotland, generating £24 billion of economic value each year. Meanwhile, the UK imported more than 40 per cent of its energy in 2024, the highest level in over a decade.

Citing the closures of Grangemouth and Mossmorran, OEUK said a reliance on imports reflected political choices rather than diminishing resources and warned that it risked accelerating industrial decline.

The manifesto is based around four core pillars: energy security and supply, industrial and supply chain strength, jobs and skills and local value and community benefit. It argues that prosperity, security and sustainability must be delivered together and highlights the integrated nature of Scotland’s offshore energy system, where oil and gas, offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture each play a mutually reinforcing role.

Its top policy asks include timely approval of the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects, reform of transmission charges, progress on carbon storage at Acorn and formal recognition of the offshore supply chain as a strategic industrial asset.

David Whitehouse, OEUK’s chief executive, argued that Scotland’s industrial future could be secured for decades with a more integrated approach that builds on existing strengths. Decarbonisation, he said, must deliver re-industrialisation.

Mr Whitehouse added: “This manifesto is the result of genuine collaboration with our members, the companies and people that deliver the energy that powers Scotland every day, who are committed to building a future that is secure, prosperous and sustainable.

“Our sector is adding to our existing strengths. ‘And’, not ‘or’: supporting good jobs, driving economic growth and delivering on our climate goals. We believe Scotland’s energy future is not a choice between prosperity, security or sustainability – it is about achieving all three, together.”