A new survey by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has revealed deep concerns within the North Sea’s energy supply chain about the pace and management of the UK’s energy transition.
The survey, undertaken to inform the Chamber’s response to the UK Government’s Building the North Sea’s Energy Future consultation, gathered feedback from member companies spanning the small, medium and large ends of the supply chain. These firms collectively support thousands of jobs and represent the engine room of the region’s energy economy.
The findings paint a stark picture of an industry facing mounting pressure. While there is support for the shift towards renewables and net zero, many businesses say the current trajectory risks leaving communities behind. Companies reported growing frustration with policy uncertainty, sluggish delivery of clean energy projects and a perceived lack of leadership from government.
Concerns centre on job losses, particularly in frontline operational roles where oil and gas skills may not transfer easily to clean energy sectors. Sectors such as drilling, subsea, catering, aviation and marine logistics were all cited as at-risk, with many fearing a net employment decline in the region.
While some engineering roles are viewed as more adaptable, differences in pay, demand and project scale mean the transition is unlikely to be smooth.
Respondents identified significant barriers to diversification, including a lack of demand in new sectors, weaker commercial returns, and slow progress on major projects such as Acorn. There is a clear call for continued support for domestic oil and gas production, alongside faster rollout of clean energy infrastructure and a stable, long-term policy framework.
Despite these challenges, the survey highlights existing strengths that could anchor the UK’s leadership in energy transition - including world-class engineering capability, offshore expertise, and an agile, safety-led supply chain. However, unlocking that potential will require bold, coordinated action.
Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: "Our region has the talent, track record and infrastructure to lead the world in clean energy, but we need a government that’s willing to match ambition with delivery.
"Right now, too much risk is being pushed onto businesses and communities that have powered the UK for decades. We need a planned, not panicked, transition."
The Chamber will submit its formal response to the consultation this week. Click here to read a full summary of the supply chain survey.