Today (14 February 2022) the offshore energy industry’s leading trade body begins its next phase as Offshore Energies UK, which sees it evolving its oil and gas remit to also champion the interests of members in hydrogen, carbon capture and storage and offshore wind.

Previously known as OGUK, Offshore Energies UK announced its scope extension following the results of a year-long strategic review that was approved by members in December 2021.

Offshore Energies UK’s members will continue to produce the oil and gas the UK will still need to support its energy security, as well as jobs and the economy. However, these companies are also already involved in some of the most cutting-edge low carbon projects across the country, including HyNet North West, Acorn Hydrogen & CCS, Equinor’s Dogger Bank wind farm, West Anglesey Tidal Energy Project, Hywind Scotland, Drax Zero Carbon Humber Projects, OGCI Climate Investments and Net Zero Teesside.

HyNet North West, for example, is one of five ‘cluster’ projects across the UK that will produce, transport and store low carbon hydrogen and capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from hard to abate industry. Offshore Energies UK member Eni UK, part of the HyNet consortium, will safely transport and store captured CO2 emissions deep beneath the seabed in Eni UK’s depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, to prevent it from contributing to climate change. Last Wednesday (9 February) the consultation for the CO2 pipeline was launched, in the latest sign of how the offshore industry is changing and the energy transition is taking place. All these cluster projects are vitally important, and the UK will need even more if it is to successfully achieve its net zero ambition.

Deirdre Michie OBE, Chief Executive of Offshore Energies UK, reflected: “Today marks an important day in our evolution as we seek to deliver a managed transition that supports the security of energy supply for the UK while helping to underpin and the country’s energy transition and climate goals.

“Our diverse membership is already actively investing in cutting edge, greener and cleaner technologies which add value to the whole UK economy. Over the last 50 years, the offshore oil and gas sector has contributed over £375 billion to the Exchequer and supported hundreds of thousands of jobs. Our members are now building on their oil and gas heritage to make the UK a global centre of green energy excellence that will help achieve net zero, while powering homes and industries.

“While our members are accelerating these newer energies, they will also dramatically reduce the emissions associated with producing the oil and gas that will continue to be an essential part of the UK’s increasingly diverse energy mix.

“We welcome the support we’ve received from members, industry and both governments since our initial announcement and look forward to working with them to engage, inform and proudly champion this sector which is at the heart of the energy transition.”