Seizing energy transition opportunity will benefit

Seizing energy transition opportunity will benefit people, communities and the economy

Posted: 2 March 2020

Opportunity North East (ONE) is urging the public and private sectors to work collectively and quickly to make meaningful progress in responding to the global climate emergency.

At the end of January, ONE revealed plans for an Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) to drive delivery of net-zero solutions. The concept has significant support from the private sector and local and national government.

Following the publication of the Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2020 by Aberdeen City Council last week, ONE’s Chairman, Sir Ian Wood KT GBE, is urging stakeholders to unite around the region’s response to the climate emergency.

The policy for an Energy Transition Zone outlined in the Local Development Plan will help to realise Scotland and UK’s net-zero targets. The ETZ will also make a significant contribution to Aberdeen’s economy as it transitions to a broader energy focus and diversifies.

“This is an important moment for the city. The region is one of the first in the UK to put forward plans that demonstrate a proactive response to what is a climate crisis. Our region is faced with a transformational opportunity to make a significant contribution to realising net-zero targets and secure the future for our local economy and future generations. The future is in our hands,” said Sir Ian Wood.

Sir Ian Wood says that north east Scotland can take a lead in making energy transition happen.

The ETZ will use the region’s energy expertise to help transition to net-zero; fast track the development and deployment of offshore wind, hydrogen and CCUS; and increase the pace and scale of investment into north east Scotland’s existing, fast-growing integrated energy cluster.

There will be opportunities for local people, including communities in Torry and Cove, to engage with the ETZ proposal. This process will ensure that it will enhance the job, skills and training opportunities in the area and boost its long-term prosperity. Delivering the regional net-zero ambition must provide an outcome that benefits everyone in the city and especially the communities that are local to the proposed ETZ.

The city region can make the energy transition happen by leveraging its onshore and offshore infrastructure, energy companies and global supply chain, research and development capabilities, and highly skilled workforce. Building on these strengths will leverage 50 years’ of oil and gas experience and offset the economic impact of the forecast decline in UKCS oil and gas production over the next 20 to 30 years.