Climate groups are advocating for a substantial annual investment of £1.9 billion to support offshore oil and gas workers and communities in Britain as the country transitions to renewable energy sources. Over 65 organizations have joined forces to urge Chancellor Rachel Reeves to allocate funding until 2030 to facilitate the shift towards clean energy jobs, with prominent trade unions endorsing this initiative.
The collective call for action entails the implementation of a UK-wide industrial strategy that prioritizes public investment in domestic renewable energy manufacturing and skills development, alongside the expansion of publicly-owned energy production. The coalition, which includes influential organizations like Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, Extinction Rebellion, Platform, Uplift, and Oil Change International, is proposing an annual expenditure of £1.1 billion to create permanent, local jobs in public and community-owned wind manufacturing.
Additionally, the group is advocating for an extra £440 million per year to enhance port infrastructure, thereby alleviating bottlenecks in supply chains for green energy. This involves the government acquiring equity stakes in ports deemed critical national infrastructure. Furthermore, the coalition is calling for an annual allocation of £355 million to establish a dedicated training fund for offshore oil and gas workers, with contributions from the industry through a training levy on employers to aid in their retraining process.
Support for this initiative has been garnered from major unions representing offshore oil and gas workers, such as Unite, the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union (RMT), the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC), as well as the Trades Union Councils in Moray and Aberdeen.
The current government has expressed its ambition to position the UK as a clean energy superpower as part of its economic growth and job creation objectives. With a target to achieve clean power by 2030, the government is establishing a publicly-owned clean energy company, GB Energy, and has signaled a halt in issuing new oil and gas licenses.
Nevertheless, concerns have been raised regarding potential job losses in the fossil fuel sector and the need to support workers transitioning to clean energy industries fairly. The coalition’s letter to the chancellor emphasizes that the growth in offshore wind has not resulted in sufficient job creation, with manufacturing work often outsourced abroad and inadequate training programs in place.
The letter criticizes previous governments for delegating the energy transition to market and industry leaders, prioritizing shareholder profits over affordable energy, substantial public investment, and job opportunities. It highlights the closure of Grangemouth Oil Refinery and Port Talbot steelworks without effective plans to transition workers into secure green energy or green steel jobs as evidence of this neglect.
As the letter is presented to the Treasury at a rally, Mel Evans from Greenpeace emphasizes the importance of an industrial strategy that places worker justice at its core, acknowledging the sacrifices made by oil and gas workers. Joe Rollin from Unite the Union stresses the necessity of creating sustainable green jobs to prevent a scenario where North Sea workers are left without viable employment options.
In response, a government spokesperson assured that the oil and gas industry will remain significant for years to come, with efforts underway to ensure a smooth and prosperous transition. The transferable expertise from offshore energies like oil and gas will be pivotal in the shift towards net zero emissions. Through the Office for Clean Energy Jobs, collaboration with trade unions, experts, and industry stakeholders will be prioritized to support British workers and equip them with the necessary skills for future job opportunities.
In conclusion, the collective efforts of climate groups, trade unions, and government bodies underscore the urgency of a comprehensive transition plan for oil and gas workers amidst the shift towards renewable energy sources. By investing in training programs, domestic manufacturing, and port infrastructure, the UK can pave the way for a sustainable and equitable energy future.
About the Author:
Emily Beament is the PA environment correspondent.
