Aberdeen has an opportunity to become the global leader in offshore wind, according to one of the energy industry's most senior voices.
BP's Louise Kingham said the Granite City's appetite for energy transition was unmatched, and that the foundations were also being laid for a world class hydrogen sector.
Addressing business leaders at P&J Live last night, Ms Kingham, who is UK Head of Country for the energy giant, again stated that the transition would be built upon "reliable" oil and gas projects.
She described the North Sea as the "jewel in the crown" of bp's hydrocarbon portfolio, and that the firm saw "considerable growth opportunities" in the basin.
'Energy for a new time'
"We are delivering energy for a new time – to a world wanting and needing to get to net zero while at the same time requiring more and more energy," she said.
"Bernard Looney, our CEO, talks about how this will require rewiring and replumbing the global energy system over the next three decades.
"And how that will take more than $130trillion to do so by 2050 – according to the International Renewable Energy Agency – to be on track to keep global warming at 1.5 degrees.
"That’s a staggering amount of investment. And there is no place better set up, more dynamic and ready for that opportunity than here in the UK – here in Scotland – and indeed right here in Aberdeen."
Wind centre of excellence
Ms Kingham said the world wants energy that is reliable, increasingly energy that’s cleaner – and homegrown.
She said Aberdeen is a city bp has called home since the 1960s and that the company is proud of its 100-year history in Scotland.
"We are really looking forward to the next 10, 50, 100 years, helping it continue as a global energy leader," she said.
"We know Aberdeen as one of the oil and gas capitals of the world – where the offshore industry has been pioneered and exported globally. Well there’s no reason it can’t again be a centre of expertise – this time for offshore wind.
"Which is why bp is making Aberdeen our global offshore wind centre of excellence for operations and maintenance."
North Sea commitment
Ms Kingham, who was made a CBE in the New Year's Honours, again underlined the importance of oil and gas in the energy mix as the world pivots to lower carbon technoligies.
She added: "Resilient hydrocarbons is one of the main pillars of our strategy at bp – and this is what we have in the North Sea, where we can produce hydrocarbons with fewer emissions.
"In fact, we’re working today with colleagues at Shell, TotalEnergies and Harbour Energy to look at how we can electrify platforms – swapping gas turbines for clean energy alternatives.
"And like many others, we’re working to reduce routine flaring to zero by 2030 while installing methane measurement technology, to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
"We remain deeply committed to the North Sea – often described as the jewel in the crown of bp – where we have a really strong portfolio with longevity built.
"Where we have options to invest around our existing production facilities in the central North Sea and west of Shetland.
"And where we see considerable growth opportunities."