02/03/2009
The future of energy production, consumption and the growth of renewables will be explored when leading figures from Scotland’s energy sector appear before the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee in Aberdeen today.
Representatives from organisations including ConocoPhillips (UK) Limited, Halliburton, Oil and Gas UK, the Oil and Gas Academy and Scottish Enterprise will give evidence to the committee as part of its inquiry into determining and delivering Scotland’s energy future.
The evidence session will explore a number of issues including:
- the challenges facing the oil and gas industry in continuing to invest in operations in the North Sea and retaining a skilled workforce in the current economic climate
- the opportunities offered through a diversification by oil and gas companies into investments in offshore wind and marine-energy technologies
- what steps the Scottish Government and others need to take to assist the oil and gas industry and also encourage the development of offshore wind and wave technologies.
Convener of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee Iain Smith MSP said: “We know from recent surveys that the oil, gas and renewable energy sector is facing a challenging time in the current economic climate and we want to hear what actions need to be taken by Governments to help.
"Aberdeen is at the heart of Scotland’s oil and gas industry so it is vitally important for the committee to hear the views of those working in the energy sector in the north-east of Scotland. It provides an opportunity for the committee to find out about the important issues and concerns of the sector first-hand and to take this information forward in its inquiry.
"The remit of the committee’s energy inquiry is to determine what type of future we want in Scotland in terms of production, distribution and more efficient use of energy and how and when it can be delivered to meet the Scottish Government’s objectives of increasing renewable energy generation and reducing emissions.”
Further Information
The remit of the committee’s energy inquiry is to determine what type of future Scotland could have in terms of the production, distribution and more efficient use of energy, and how and when it can be delivered to meet the Scottish Government’s objectives of increasing renewable energy generation and reducing emissions. It is also considering how energy supplies can be secured at an affordable price and how economic benefits from the energy industries can be maximised.
The committee meeting is open to the public and is being held at Aberdeen City Chambers on Broad Street in Aberdeen. The meeting will begin at 13.30 and is expected to end at 15.30.