For generations, the North Sea has been the lifeblood of Aberdeen and Scotland's economic heartland.
Today, we face a critical moment that will determine the future of our communities, our workforce, and our national economic potential.
Our North Sea Transition Taskforce, which has launched its report today on securing a just transition in the North Sea, has a simple message: we cannot afford to abandon the workers and communities that have powered Britain's energy sector for decades. A just transition isn't just an aspiration—it's an absolute necessity.
The North-east of Scotland stands at a crossroads. The skills, infrastructure, and expertise built over generations represent our most valuable asset. We cannot allow these to simply disappear as we move towards renewable energy. Instead, we must create a deliberate, carefully planned pathway that protects jobs, supports workers, and transforms our existing capabilities.
The potential is extraordinary. The same engineering expertise that made Aberdeen the global capital of offshore oil and gas can now drive us towards becoming a world leader in offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies. We're not talking about replacing jobs but reimagining them.
Our recommendations are focused on protecting Scottish workers and communities. We need the UK Government to provide a clear, stable investment framework that gives confidence to both existing oil and gas operators and renewable energy developers. This means resolving uncertainties around drilling, creating a predictable tax regime, and committing to long-term support for renewable investments. Critically, this transition must be a collaborative effort. We're calling for a national mission that brings together the UK and Scottish Governments, industry, unions, and local communities. This isn't about top-down decision-making, but a genuine partnership that puts Scottish workers and communities at the heart of our energy future.
The geopolitical landscape has changed dramatically. Energy security is no longer an abstract concept, but a pressing national priority. The North Sea remains a strategic asset—not just for extracting hydrocarbons, but for developing the renewable technologies that will power our future.
For Aberdeen and the North-east, this is about more than an industrial transition. It's about preserving our communities, protecting our skilled workforce, and creating new opportunities for future generations. We have a narrow window to get this right. Every month of uncertainty risks losing skills, losing confidence, and losing our competitive edge.
The North Sea has always been about innovation and resilience. Now is the time to prove that spirit once again. Our message is clear: a just transition is possible, but it requires immediate, decisive action.
Philip Rycroft is the chairman of the North Sea Transition Taskforce