An independent taskforce has convened for the first time to guide the North Sea's transition from oil and gas to a renewable energy future while safeguarding up to 200,000 jobs.

The North Sea Transition Taskforce brings together a diverse group of experts from industry, sustainability, supply chains, academia, and unions. Chaired by Philip Rycroft, a former Permanent Secretary in the UK Government, the taskforce aims to:

• Protect jobs: Safeguard the livelihoods of those currently employed in the oil and gas sector.

• Support the energy transition: Drive the development of renewable energy sources in the North Sea.

• Secure the long-term future of the North Sea: Position the region as a vital national asset for future energy needs.

Yesterday's inaugural meeting at the British Chambers of Commerce marked the first step in developing a comprehensive plan that addresses challenges related to licensing, decommissioning, investment, and workforce transition.

The Taskforce membership includes:

• Shevaun Haviland, Executive Director of the Taskforce and Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce

• Professor Paul de Leeuw, Robert Gordon University

• Professor Nick Butler, King's College London

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• Dr Sally Uren, Executive Director and Chief Acceleration Officer, Forum for the Future

• Sarah Moore, CEO, Peterson

• Steven Gray, Managing Partner, Ventex Studio

• Trevor Garlick, Independent Consultant

• Peter Welsh, National Campaign Lead (Scotland), GMB

The taskforce will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the North Sea energy sector, ensuring a just transition for workers and businesses while securing a sustainable energy future for the UK.

Speaking after the meeting, Philip Rycroft said: "This first meeting sets the foundation for an ambitious and inclusive agenda. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help us ensure a just, fair and strategic transition for the North Sea.

"By working together, we aim to provide Government with the blueprint for stability for businesses, protect tens of thousands of skilled jobs, and guide the sector and its critical energy assets towards a sustainable future."

The Taskforce's discussions focused on identifying the key challenges and framing the scale of the transition. Initial conversations highlighted:

• The opportunities presented by positive policy action in North Sea energy.

• The need for long-term clarity around the fiscal regime for and governance of the North Sea to provide certainty to investors operating, or looking to operate, in the North Sea.

• The future of the workforce in the North Sea and the transferability of the supply chain and skills between the oil and gas sector and the renewables sector.

Future meetings, in February and March, will delve deeper into these challenges, providing a comprehensive analysis and developing a framework to ensure an equitable transition. A consolidated and detailed strategy will be outlined as discussions progress with publication in Spring 2025. 

Reinforcing the important urgency of the Taskforce's work, Executive Director, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "The Taskforce was born from calls for action by industry leaders and workers alike. We are determined to find solutions that meet the challenges of net zero while safeguarding livelihoods and the UK's energy security. This meeting has set the stage to develop a united approach from everyone involved to deliver a just transition."

The Taskforce's recommendations will provide guidance to both the Scottish and UK Governments on managing the transition.