Question reference: S5W-35709
- Asked by: Lewis Macdonald, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 3 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 18 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding opportunities for (a) businesses and (b) offshore workers in light of Canadian Natural Resources (CNR) International's recent announcement of a decommissioning plan until 2025 at its (i) Banff, (ii) Kyle and (iii) other North Sea production assets.
Answer
The decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure at the end of its life presents the potential for Scotland to capitalise on a market that is forecast to reach £15.2 billion over the next decade.
The Scottish Government has not held specific discussions regarding this matter, however we are in regular contact with the UK government to ensure that we continue to support the oil and gas sector in the energy transition. For example, through the Oil and Gas, and Energy Transition Strategic Leadership Group (SLG) we will continue to work with the UK Government to take action in key reserved policy areas. This Group remains supportive of the actions underway through the OGA’s Supply Chain and Exports Taskforce which, as part of its activities, is looking to stimulate activity and work with operators on well plugging and abandonment campaigning.
We want to ensure that the world class Scottish supply chain continues to develop competitive capabilities in Scotland, becoming a centre of decommissioning excellence, and finds ways to export this expertise.