A majority of Scots support a “pragmatic” approach to the future of the North Sea oil and gas industry, a new poll has found.
A survey by the IPPR Scotland think-tank found 69 per cent believe decisions on oil and gas should be made on a case by case basis, 63 per cent want more investment in renewable energy, while just 11 per cent want an immediate end to drilling.
Jackdaw and Rosebank decisions awaited
It comes as speculation mounts the UK Government will soon announce approval for the development of the Jackdaw gas field off the coast of Aberdeen.
A decision is also awaited on whether the Rosebank oil field off the coast of Shetland can proceed following a series of legal challenges.
IPPR, which campaigns for progressive policy change, said its survey had found that most Scots favour a “pragmatic middle path for the North Sea” with little support for ending all operations in the sector.
Support for transition investment
Almost four out of five respondents said the Scottish Government must invest in towns affected by the closure of oil and gas refineries, where job losses can be expected as a result of the transition.
The report said there must be a cross-party agenda within this parliamentary term to provide a North East transition, a warm homes and lower bills package, and a skills passport and apprenticeship guarantee.
It also found that Scots want to see investment in ports, colleges and supply chains, as well as a public dashboard tracking transition jobs and investment.
Calls for a managed transition
David Hawkey of IPPR Scotland said: “Arguments about North Sea oil and gas often miss the point that the hypermature basin will never return to production levels of old times.
“Communities in the North East of Scotland need a concrete plan for jobs, skills and investment to transition to a post-fossil fuel economy, and our research shows the public will back a government that delivers one.”
Daisy Powell-Chandler, a partner at PF Global, said: “Scottish politics is fragmenting, but our research shows a clear majority still exists for practical delivery.
“This minority SNP government is uniquely placed to build it by bringing the Greens, Labour and the Liberal Democrats together behind a programme on energy, the environment and climate.
“Voters are not asking for less ambition. They want proof alongside it: lower bills, secure jobs and visible investment in the North East of Scotland.
“A managed, honest transition is where climate ambition and everyday concerns meet, and it is the best chance this Parliament has to show it can deliver.”
Nuclear power debate
Sam Richards, CEO of Britain Remade, said: “Scotland has done brilliantly with renewable energy, but wind alone cannot deliver the reliable, always on, electricity that households and industry need.
“Scotland has a proud nuclear heritage. Torness is Scotland’s most productive low-carbon asset, generating enough clean energy since 1988 to power every home in Scotland for 36 years.
“Yet despite this extraordinary success, the Scottish Government continues to block new nuclear power.
“It's time the Scottish Government abandoned its outdated opposition and embraced new nuclear alongside renewables to deliver cheaper bills, secure well-paid jobs and a clean energy future for Scotland.”
