Research suggests jobs in the offshore energy sector could increase by 50% by the end of the decade
The UK’s offshore energy workforce could rise by 50% by the end of the decade, according to a new study.
In a report published by Robert Gordon University, researchers found that the number of jobs in the sector could rise from around 150,000 to 225,000, despite a number of challenges.
The report says new jobs in renewable energy could outnumber oil and gas if a successful transition to renewable energy is achieved.
The report, titled “Powering up the Workforce”, also warned that up to 95,000 potential offshore energy jobs would be created if the rate of investment and activity in renewable energy in the UK increases at a time when oil and gas activity is increasing rapidly are declining, not rising significantly will be at risk.
Preserving the offshore oil and gas supply chain, its workforce and skills over the next five years is critical to the future of the industry, according to the report.
There is a huge prize to be won and we want to provide decision-makers – be they in government, industry or individual companies – with new insights to turn these opportunities into reality
Researchers say this is due to the limited capacity of the UK’s offshore renewable energy sector to accommodate the number of skilled oil and gas workers who will be affected by the predicted decline in their sector by the end of this decade.
Professor Paul de Leeuw, director of the Energy Transition Institute at Robert Gordon University, said: “This report presents a number of outcomes for the world of work that could occur in the coming years.
“There is a huge prize to be won and we want to provide decision-makers – be they in government, industry or individual companies – with new insights to turn these opportunities into reality.”
“With investment at risk and wind projects facing delays, the results highlight the current situation for the UK offshore energy industry and its stakeholders.
“The big prize of significant job growth is still within our collective reach.
“Inaction or simply slow progress will mean that overall jobs in the offshore energy sector could fall by 15% to 130,000 by 2030, making the path to net zero even more difficult.”
According to the report, the oil and gas workforce could fall from 120,000 to 87,000 by 2030 if there was a controlled and equitable transition to renewable energy.
A faster decline in the oil and gas sector resulting from limiting new investments and reducing operating activities could reduce the workforce to about 60,000 by 2030, researchers warned.
Analysis conducted by the research team found that between 2024 and 2028 there is a workforce “Goldilocks zone” in which to maintain, develop and invest in the capacity and performance of the UK supply chain.
Prof de Leeuw said: “The UK has all the characteristics and resources to realize the ambitions set out in government strategies and forward-looking industrial programs.”
“The report clearly shows that with the right interventions at the right time, the UK can achieve its strategic energy goals by meeting its net zero targets and protecting and significantly increasing the workforce in the offshore energy sector.”
The UK offshore energy sector is embracing the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition
The report was praised by trade association Offshore Energies UK (OEUK).
David Whitehouse, CEO of OEUK, said: “Meeting more of our needs with energy produced in the UK means more jobs in the UK.” The UK’s offshore energy sector is embracing the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition.
“Not just in oil and gas, but also in the future opportunities in wind, carbon capture and storage and a hydrogen economy.
“This report shows we must seize the opportunity to work with all energy sectors or risk losing 95,000 high-skilled jobs in the UK by 2030.”
“As we consider our future energy networks and supplies, there is no easy choice between oil and gas or renewable energy.”
He added: “The reality is that we need both to keep our homes warm, the lights on and our economy growing – this report clearly shows that collaboration between the energy sectors is the way to create high-skilled jobs “is.” a growing economy and a successful energy transition.”
A Department of Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: “We are ensuring an orderly transition to net zero that maintains our energy security, supports high-quality jobs and secures the expertise needed for a low-carbon future.”
“Since 2010 we have attracted around £120 billion of investment in renewable energy, boosting new industries such as floating offshore wind and tidal energy. We are also home to the four largest operating offshore wind farms in the world.
“An additional £100 billion of private sector investment is expected by 2030 – supporting up to 480,000 jobs.”
https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/offshore-energy-jobs-could-increase-by-50-by-end-of-decade-research-finds-b1106355.html Research suggests jobs in the offshore energy sector could increase by 50% by the end of the decade
