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UK Government Confirms Prohibition on Issuing New North Sea Drilling Licences During Shift to Clean Energy
An eight-week consultation has been initiated to facilitate the transition from oil and gas to renewable energy sources.
The UK government has declared a prohibition on issuing new drilling licenses for oil and gas in the North Sea as part of its pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. An eight-week consultation has been launched to develop a strategy for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, with the goal of reducing job losses in the industry.
Alongside the ban, the government intends to revise the current windfall tax imposed on North Sea oil and gas producers.
The existing Energy Profits Levy, which rose from 35% to 38% in October 2024, resulting in a total tax rate of 78%, will be replaced in 2030 by a tax regime that will adjust based on global energy prices.
This strategy is designed to provide increased stability and certainty for investors.
While no new drilling licenses will be granted, companies are permitted to continue developing existing fields through tiebacks—connecting new fields to established infrastructure—a development that has been well-received by industry participants.
Trade unions have raised alarms about potential job losses and the implications for energy security.
The GMB union labeled the policy as 'madness,' underscoring the ongoing significance of oil and gas, which comprised 75% of the UK's energy demand in 2023. Unite has urged for comprehensive plans to ensure that workers receive support during the shift to renewable energy sources.
Environmental groups have lauded the government's decision, perceiving it as a major move towards decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and tackling climate change.
Greenpeace has expressed approval of the reaffirmation of the UK's commitment to ending reliance on North Sea oil and gas.
The consultation will investigate ways to facilitate the transition of the North Sea from oil and gas to cleaner energy alternatives, including hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage, and wind energy.
The government's objective is to establish the North Sea as a center for renewable energy, utilizing its existing infrastructure and workforce to aid in the transition.
Alongside the ban, the government intends to revise the current windfall tax imposed on North Sea oil and gas producers.
The existing Energy Profits Levy, which rose from 35% to 38% in October 2024, resulting in a total tax rate of 78%, will be replaced in 2030 by a tax regime that will adjust based on global energy prices.
This strategy is designed to provide increased stability and certainty for investors.
While no new drilling licenses will be granted, companies are permitted to continue developing existing fields through tiebacks—connecting new fields to established infrastructure—a development that has been well-received by industry participants.
Trade unions have raised alarms about potential job losses and the implications for energy security.
The GMB union labeled the policy as 'madness,' underscoring the ongoing significance of oil and gas, which comprised 75% of the UK's energy demand in 2023. Unite has urged for comprehensive plans to ensure that workers receive support during the shift to renewable energy sources.
Environmental groups have lauded the government's decision, perceiving it as a major move towards decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and tackling climate change.
Greenpeace has expressed approval of the reaffirmation of the UK's commitment to ending reliance on North Sea oil and gas.
The consultation will investigate ways to facilitate the transition of the North Sea from oil and gas to cleaner energy alternatives, including hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage, and wind energy.
The government's objective is to establish the North Sea as a center for renewable energy, utilizing its existing infrastructure and workforce to aid in the transition.
