Closed 39 of 74 events
Threads / Building the North Sea's Energy Future / Timeline
Lifecycle stage Implementation
132 days in stage

Building the North Sea's Energy Future

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is leading a strategic initiative to reshape the North Sea's energy sector, balancing continued oil and gas activity with transition planning and community support. The policy addresses how to manage the sector's future through a charging regime for offshore activities, stakeholder engagement via the North Sea Future Board, and evidence-gathering on the downstream oil sector. Current status is active, with focus on ensuring industrial transition does not disadvantage affected communities and retains workforce skills.

Log in for AI briefing
Showing 39 of 74 signals
Sort Latest first Oldest first
Family 1
Signal
Year
Body
Role
Clear all
Family: Scrutiny and evidence

2026

3 events
27 Apr 2026 | Written question Department for Energy Security and Net Zero linked

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a ban on issuing new oil and gas exploration licences on (1) supply chain capacity, and (2) retention of skilled offshor

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a ban on issuing new oil and gas exploration licences on (1) supply chain capacity, and (2) retention of skilled offshore workers in the oil and …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
30 Jan 2026 | Committee report linked

As Scotland undergoes another major transition — this time in the oil and gas sector — there is an urgent need to avoid repeating past mistakes. Future industrial transitions must be a practical, deliverable commitment that supports communities, retains skills and ensures that no community pays the price of industrial change. (Conclusion, Paragraph 70)

As Scotland undergoes another major transition — this time in the oil and gas sector — there is an urgent need to avoid repeating past mistakes. Future industrial transitions must be a practical, deliverable commitment that supports communities, retains skills …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2025

15 events
24 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

We are concerned that clean energy jobs are not being created at the pace or scale required to match the heavy job losses arising from the decline of the North Sea oil and gas sector. The scale-up of clean energy is progressing more slowly than the decline of the oil and gas sector. The Government should avoid accelerating the decline of North Sea oil and gas production through its policy environment while this remains the case. (Conclusion, Paragraph 52) The Government should urgently addres...

We are concerned that clean energy jobs are not being created at the pace or scale required to match the heavy job losses arising from the decline of the North Sea oil and gas sector. The scale-up of clean energy …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Such an approach is the minimum necessary for a smooth transition of workers, and to avoid the risk of harming UK tax revenues, economic activity, and employment in many Scottish communities, where the effects of the transition will be disproportionately felt. The loss of jobs abroad has detrimental impacts to the UK. This represents not only the loss of world- renowned skills and expertise in the energy sector, but also a significant hit to regional economies, population dynamics, demographi...

Such an approach is the minimum necessary for a smooth transition of workers, and to avoid the risk of harming UK tax revenues, economic activity, and employment in many Scottish communities, where the effects of the transition will be disproportionately …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

We recognise that with time moving to clean energy improves the UK’s overall energy security. However, as fossil fuels are to continue to form part of the UK’s energy mix for decades to come, there are compelling arguments to meet as much of that need as possible from domestic sources. Easing the gradient of production decline means higher economic returns, lower emissions, and anchors jobs and skills in the northeast of Scotland, which will be necessary for the rapid growth of clean energy s...

We recognise that with time moving to clean energy improves the UK’s overall energy security. However, as fossil fuels are to continue to form part of the UK’s energy mix for decades to come, there are compelling arguments to meet …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The Government should set out how it intends to address the issue of the North Sea oil and gas industry’s decline outstripping the scale-up of clean energy. We urge the Government to take a pragmatic approach to its licensing policy as an outcome of its consultation, Building the North Sea’s Energy Future. In its response to this report, the Government should clarify how developers may be permitted to undertake additional drilling activity under existing exploration licences. (Recommendation,...

The Government should set out how it intends to address the issue of the North Sea oil and gas industry’s decline outstripping the scale-up of clean energy. We urge the Government to take a pragmatic approach to its licensing policy …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

We recognise that maximising economic return from clean energy investments requires supporting and expanding UK-based supply chains. (Conclusion, Paragraph 56) The Government should set out how it intends to increase the proportion of UK-based supply chains used by clean energy generators. (Recommendation, Paragraph 56) Tax and regulatory environment

We recognise that maximising economic return from clean energy investments requires supporting and expanding UK-based supply chains. (Conclusion, Paragraph 56) The Government should set out how it intends to increase the proportion of UK-based supply chains used by clean energy …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

We welcome the Government’s acknowledgement that it now needs to take action on the oil and gas industry’s fiscal environment. However, a lack of clarity on the fiscal regime beyond 2030 has created uncertainty for industry in the North Sea. The Energy Profits Levy at its current rate of 38%, which brings the headline rate of tax to 78%, is seen by many in industry as no longer proportionate. We are concerned that without reform the levy will accelerate the decline of the North Sea oil and ga...

We welcome the Government’s acknowledgement that it now needs to take action on the oil and gas industry’s fiscal environment. However, a lack of clarity on the fiscal regime beyond 2030 has created uncertainty for industry in the North Sea. …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

In its response to this report, the Government should commit to a publication date for the outcome of its consultation on the new fiscal regime. To provide much-needed clarity and confidence to the sector, the successor regime should be brought into effect as soon as possible, rather than replacing the Energy Profits Levy from 2030. (Recommendation, Paragraph 67)

In its response to this report, the Government should commit to a publication date for the outcome of its consultation on the new fiscal regime. To provide much-needed clarity and confidence to the sector, the successor regime should be brought …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

We welcome the Government’s publication of updated guidance on environmental impact assessments for new oil and gas fields, providing greater certainty to the sector. Given that each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis and the Government has not shared how factors will be weighted in its assessment, transparency surrounding the process could be improved, especially as this is an area of public interest. (Conclusion, Paragraph 75) 56

We welcome the Government’s publication of updated guidance on environmental impact assessments for new oil and gas fields, providing greater certainty to the sector. Given that each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis and the Government has not …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

We recommend that the Government commit to issuing an explanatory statement after assessing each application, setting out how it has balanced the environmental impact against the economic and energy security benefits of oil and gas fields in its assessment. A justification is vital to ensure the industry and wider public can understand and be confident in the Government’s stewardship of the North Sea continental shelf. (Recommendation, Paragraph 76) Managing the transition

We recommend that the Government commit to issuing an explanatory statement after assessing each application, setting out how it has balanced the environmental impact against the economic and energy security benefits of oil and gas fields in its assessment. A …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

Given what is at stake if transition is mismanaged, we are disappointed that Unite the Union has been unable to share, as promised, its plan to create 35,000 energy transition jobs. The plan might have been a valuable and timely contribution to our inquiry and could have assisted us in developing our recommendations to the Government while it develops its own North Sea transition plan. Unite’s clear failure to supply the plan ultimately casts doubt over its existence. (Conclusion, Paragraph 83)

Given what is at stake if transition is mismanaged, we are disappointed that Unite the Union has been unable to share, as promised, its plan to create 35,000 energy transition jobs. The plan might have been a valuable and timely …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

A coherent transition plan for the North Sea is urgently needed. While we recognise that the Government has been in power for 15 months, plans are not yet in place and the transition is already well underway. The Government’s consultation, Building the North Sea’s Energy Future, which commits to producing a plan in dialogue with industry, trade unions and communities, is a welcome start but is moving too slowly. (Conclusion, Paragraph 89)

A coherent transition plan for the North Sea is urgently needed. While we recognise that the Government has been in power for 15 months, plans are not yet in place and the transition is already well underway. The Government’s consultation, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Oct 2025 | Committee report linked

The Government should recognise the urgency of the need for a coherent plan for the North Sea by committing to dates for the publication of its consultation response and consequent transition plan. The transition plan should be long-term in scope, provide certainty to the sector, and speak directly to the challenges faced by the communities in the northeast of Scotland, who are disproportionately affected by the UK’s transition away from oil and gas. We recommend that the Government’s transit...

The Government should recognise the urgency of the need for a coherent plan for the North Sea by committing to dates for the publication of its consultation response and consequent transition plan. The transition plan should be long-term in scope, …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
7 Jul 2025 | Committee report linked

The Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP), the Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) and the Land Use Framework (LUF) are valuable opportunities to build greater public understanding of the need for energy infrastructure and the trade-offs involved in choosing between different options and locations, at an early stage of the development process. (Conclusion, Paragraph 60)

The Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP), the Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP) and the Land Use Framework (LUF) are valuable opportunities to build greater public understanding of the need for energy infrastructure and the trade-offs involved in choosing between different …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
7 Jul 2025 | Committee report linked

To protect the time allocated for public engagement and consultation on the draft SSEP, without compromising NESO’s deadline to publish the final SSEP in December 2026, there can be no delay to: • NESO’s presentation of the SSEP pathway options to the Secretary of State; • The Secretary of State’s selection of a pathway option; or • NESO’s preparation for the consultation and community engagement activities. The draft SSEP should be published for consultation by the end of February 2026 at th...

To protect the time allocated for public engagement and consultation on the draft SSEP, without compromising NESO’s deadline to publish the final SSEP in December 2026, there can be no delay to: • NESO’s presentation of the SSEP pathway options …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2024

1 event

2023

14 events
29 Nov 2023 | Committee report linked

We recommend that to mitigate against the risk of stranded assets from North Sea extraction, the North Sea Transition Authority should calculate what the impact to the UK taxpayer and company profitability would be of requiring the cost of decommissioning to be absorbed for new oil and gas licences through the introduction of duties on operators.

We recommend that to mitigate against the risk of stranded assets from North Sea extraction, the North Sea Transition Authority should calculate what the impact to the UK taxpayer and company profitability would be of requiring the cost of decommissioning …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Nov 2023 | Committee report linked

We have previously concluded in our report ‘Accelerating the transition from fossil fuels and securing energy supplies’ that there is not a consensus on the speed of transition from fossil fuels as the Government endeavours to reach net zero by 2050. While the scientific consensus is clear that planned production of fossil fuels is already enough to exceed safe climate limits, with the IPCC’s recent Synthesis Report warning that “projected CO2 emissions from existing fossil fuel infrastructur...

We have previously concluded in our report ‘Accelerating the transition from fossil fuels and securing energy supplies’ that there is not a consensus on the speed of transition from fossil fuels as the Government endeavours to reach net zero by …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Nov 2023 | Committee report linked

We reiterate the recommendation of our earlier report that the Government set a clear date for ending new oil and gas licensing rounds in the North Sea: this date should fall well before 2050. (Paragraph 57) Plans for transition: reporting requirements

We reiterate the recommendation of our earlier report that the Government set a clear date for ending new oil and gas licensing rounds in the North Sea: this date should fall well before 2050. (Paragraph 57) Plans for transition: reporting …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Mar 2023 | Committee report linked

Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea will not only be key to meeting the UK’s Net Zero targets, it also presents an opportunity to bring significant investment into Wales and provide high quality jobs. If first-mover advantage can be seized for Wales the economic opportunity will be exponentially greater. We heard real enthusiasm and appetite from industry to seize the opportunities of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, which we agree presents a once in a lifetime opportunity for t...

Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea will not only be key to meeting the UK’s Net Zero targets, it also presents an opportunity to bring significant investment into Wales and provide high quality jobs. If first-mover advantage can be …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Mar 2023 | Committee report linked

Developers need long-term targets and a clear pipeline of projects to unlock investment. Fully delivering on the opportunities for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea will require a high level of coordination across government and among public bodies. Given the scale and significance of this opportunity the UK Government will need to demonstrate clear leadership and a commitment to the industry for the long-term. The future role of the Offshore Wind Champion is uncertain under the new ad...

Developers need long-term targets and a clear pipeline of projects to unlock investment. Fully delivering on the opportunities for floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea will require a high level of coordination across government and among public bodies. Given …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Mar 2023 | Committee report linked

The UK Government must set targets for floating offshore wind beyond 2030 up to 2045. Alongside these targets it should work with The Crown Estate to provide visibility on future leasing opportunities in the Celtic Sea beyond the current leasing round and bring forward a strategy setting out how this will be delivered. The UK Government should also provide clarity on where leadership for this strategy lies within government. These targets and the strategy for achieving them should be provided...

The UK Government must set targets for floating offshore wind beyond 2030 up to 2045. Alongside these targets it should work with The Crown Estate to provide visibility on future leasing opportunities in the Celtic Sea beyond the current leasing …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
5 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

During this transition the UK must nevertheless continue to be able to access oil and gas to ensure that the country can continue to heat its homes, fuel its transport and generate a declining proportion of power. We have found consensus on the overarching need to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels, and the recommendations of this report reflect that. We have different views on the speed with which domestic oil and gas production may need to be phased out and on whether continued oil...

During this transition the UK must nevertheless continue to be able to access oil and gas to ensure that the country can continue to heat its homes, fuel its transport and generate a declining proportion of power. We have found …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
5 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

The emissions targets currently set under the North Sea Transition Deal are not stretching enough. The Climate Change Committee suggests that it is feasible and necessary for oil and gas production emissions to be reduced by 68% by 2030. We agree. The oil and gas industry has been aware of the contribution of its activities to man-made climate change since the 1990s, or earlier. A responsible industry should have been working to clean up its operations with far greater urgency than this times...

The emissions targets currently set under the North Sea Transition Deal are not stretching enough. The Climate Change Committee suggests that it is feasible and necessary for oil and gas production emissions to be reduced by 68% by 2030. We …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
5 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

Sectoral involvement in drafting a deal of this nature is normal. It also makes sense for the industry to be involved in the monitoring and governance of a voluntary deal. However, we are concerned that the targets and accountability arrangements in the Deal are weak and lack the urgent and transformative action which the CCC says is required. In particular, there appear to be few sanctions available to the North Sea Transition Authority in the event that companies do not achieve the producti...

Sectoral involvement in drafting a deal of this nature is normal. It also makes sense for the industry to be involved in the monitoring and governance of a voluntary deal. However, we are concerned that the targets and accountability arrangements …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
5 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

To date the NSTA has not published the names of those operators lagging behind in reducing their production emissions. This prevents investors, shareholders and other interested parties from being able to appraise the performance of individual companies against their net zero pledges. The NSTA has indicated to us that it would potentially be prepared to use its ‘soft power’ to influence operators by publishing details of the performance of individual operators or companies. We recommend that ...

To date the NSTA has not published the names of those operators lagging behind in reducing their production emissions. This prevents investors, shareholders and other interested parties from being able to appraise the performance of individual companies against their net …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
5 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

Given the urgency of the climate crisis and the need to deliver significant cuts in emissions by 2030 to meet the UK’s current Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, mandatory targets for the reduction of oil and gas operational emissions may well be more appropriate than voluntary targets. We therefore recommend that the Government, the regulator and the industry should review the provisions of the North Sea Transition Deal during the course of the fourth carbon budget...

Given the urgency of the climate crisis and the need to deliver significant cuts in emissions by 2030 to meet the UK’s current Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, mandatory targets for the reduction of oil and gas operational …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
5 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

Offshore oil and gas workers have many of the skills that will be needed elsewhere in the economy as the UK accelerates the energy transition. It is vital that Government works with training bodies, unions and the industry to offer adequate support in the transition to retrain and reskill for jobs in the net zero economy. The industry predicts that 45,000 jobs will be lost in oil and gas by 2030, but the North Sea Transition Deal has placed no commitments on companies to support workers in re...

Offshore oil and gas workers have many of the skills that will be needed elsewhere in the economy as the UK accelerates the energy transition. It is vital that Government works with training bodies, unions and the industry to offer …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
5 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

Oil and gas companies must accelerate their efforts to electrify offshore platforms, stop flaring and address methane leakage. We recommend that all oil and gas companies involved in extraction of fossil fuels from areas within the UK’s jurisdiction report annually on their progress in decarbonising their activities. We further recommend that the North Sea Transition Authority identify and publish a league table of the best and worst performing companies, so that investors, non-governmental o...

Oil and gas companies must accelerate their efforts to electrify offshore platforms, stop flaring and address methane leakage. We recommend that all oil and gas companies involved in extraction of fossil fuels from areas within the UK’s jurisdiction report annually …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
5 Jan 2023 | Committee report linked

We are disappointed to observe that only two electrification projects are expected to be commissioned by 2027. During the development phase of a new project the NSTA approves Concept Select and Field Development Plans. We recommend that the regulator uses its powers at this stage of the project assessment to insist on the electrification for all new projects due to be licenced in the 33rd licensing round. (Paragraph 217) 88 Accelerating the transition from fossil fuels and securing energy sup...

We are disappointed to observe that only two electrification projects are expected to be commissioned by 2027. During the development phase of a new project the NSTA approves Concept Select and Field Development Plans. We recommend that the regulator uses …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2021

5 events
17 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

The potential scale of renewable energy in Scotland is huge. The abundance of natural resources can benefit individuals, organisations, and businesses across the UK. We welcome the targets set by the UK Government for net zero and look forward to seeing how the overarching net zero strategy will impact the renewable energy sector in Scotland and look forward to seeing how this will be reflected in the upcoming Spending Review.

The potential scale of renewable energy in Scotland is huge. The abundance of natural resources can benefit individuals, organisations, and businesses across the UK. We welcome the targets set by the UK Government for net zero and look forward to …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
17 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

We recommend that the Scottish Government progress their Green Jobs Fund more rapidly and the UK Government should use part of the £12 billion outlined in the Ten Point Plan to invest in renewable energy in Scotland. This investment should focus on the pipeline of energy projects in Scotland including established and emerging renewable technology. This investment could provide economic multipliers in terms of jobs and improved prospects for renewable energy companies and the people of Scotlan...

We recommend that the Scottish Government progress their Green Jobs Fund more rapidly and the UK Government should use part of the £12 billion outlined in the Ten Point Plan to invest in renewable energy in Scotland. This investment should …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

The Crown Estate plays a crucial role in the management of the UK’s seabed and in ensuring that economic development arising from leases to developers works in tandem with the conservation and protection of our natural resources. We recognise that this is not an easy balance and we thank The Crown Estate for their hard work and the judicious way in which they discharge their responsibilities.

The Crown Estate plays a crucial role in the management of the UK’s seabed and in ensuring that economic development arising from leases to developers works in tandem with the conservation and protection of our natural resources. We recognise that …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Jul 2021 | Committee report linked

The UK and Welsh governments, as well as port operators, and energy companies with developments in Wales, should work together to learn the lessons from the North East of England, where a clear strategy, focus, and public and private sector investment have led to the Port of Blyth becoming a hub for renewable energy development and jobs. If Wales is to make the most of its offshore potential, then her ports will need to have the right infrastructure and the skills base which can ensure that i...

The UK and Welsh governments, as well as port operators, and energy companies with developments in Wales, should work together to learn the lessons from the North East of England, where a clear strategy, focus, and public and private sector …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2019

1 event