Jan 31, 2025, 12:01 AM
Jan 31, 2025, 12:01 AM

North Sea energy transition risks 30,000 job losses by 2030

Highlights
  • The UK is undergoing a major transition towards green energy, which has raised employment concerns.
  • Labour's Great British Energy plan claimed to create 650,000 new jobs, but evidence of these jobs is lacking.
  • Without a concrete plan, 30,000 North Sea energy workers are at risk of job losses by 2030.
Story

In the context of the shifting energy landscape dominated by sustainability goals, the United Kingdom is on the forefront of a significant green energy transition. This transition has raised concerns about employment stability for workers in traditional energy sectors such as oil and gas. Recently, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer unveiled a strategy promising extensive job creation through Great British Energy, which included ambitious plans to generate 650,000 new green jobs across various regions. Unfortunately, several months have passed since this announcement without substantial evidence of these promised jobs materializing. As the Great British Energy Bill progresses through parliament, the anticipated digital map detailing job distribution has mysteriously vanished, amplifying worries among stakeholders. This situation leaves many workers in the oil and gas industry feeling frustrated and uncertain, as they await clarity on future employment opportunities. Despite existing initiatives, such as the government’s proposed “skills passport” for facilitating the transition of oil and gas workers into renewable energy roles, the absence of actual job openings raises concerns. If concrete transition plans do not emerge, it is estimated that North Sea communities could grapple with 30,000 direct job losses by 2030, heightening urgency to develop actionable strategies that effectively address these impending challenges. The lack of definitive plans combined with continued announcements has led to a crisis of confidence, particularly among workers who seek assurance regarding their futures within the evolving energy landscape. As the UK endeavors to meet its green energy goals, urgent action is required to prevent extensive job losses and ensure that the path to sustainability is devoid of unemployment consequences for its workforce.

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