Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) today urged all political parties to unite behind Scotland’s offshore energy sector, saying that without urgent cross-party support, the country risks losing both secure homegrown energy and the wider industrial base that depends on it.
The call comes as OEUK launches its Scottish Election Manifesto 2026, which highlights the economic importance of the offshore sector. In 2024, the UK’s offshore energy industry contributed over £36bn to the economy and supported more than 240,000 jobs nationwide.
More than half of those jobs - 128,400 (53%) - are based in Scotland, underpinning £24bn of economic value every year. OEUK warns that these are not just numbers but livelihoods, families, and the lifeblood of towns and cities across the country.
Yet despite Scotland’s world-class resources, the UK imported over 40% of its energy in 2024 – the highest level in more than a decade. OEUK says this trend is being driven by policy choices, not geology, and risks industrial collapse.
With 128,400 Scottish jobs linked to offshore energy and critical supply chains stretching across ports, fabrication yards, engineering firms and emerging low carbon technologies, OEUK urges parties to put pragmatism over polarisation.
OEUK is clear: it is time for all political parties to back Scotland’s energy sector.
OEUK Chief Executive Officer David Whitehouse said: “Scotland’s offshore energy sector is the backbone of our economy, our communities, and our future.
“In 2024 alone, the UK’s offshore energy industry added over £36billion to the economy and supported more than 240,000 jobs, with 128,400 of them here in Scotland. These are not just statistics; they represent livelihoods, families and the lifeblood of towns and cities across our country.
“In recent months we have seen the closure of the refinery at Grangemouth and the chemical site at Mossmorran, and with these closures, the loss of skilled jobs vital to the Scottish economy. It does not have to be this way. With an integrated approach that builds on our strengths, Scotland’s industrial future can be anchored for decades to come. Decarbonisation must deliver re-industrialisation.
“That means supporting domestic oil and gas production, creating a fiscal and regulatory framework that encourages investment and approving Rosebank and Jackdaw while building our world class renewables; urgently reforming transmission charges, committing to carbon storage at Acorn and supporting Scotland’s industrial sector.
“Scottish support for Scottish industry matters, and now is the time for all political parties to back our sector.”
OEUK’s key asks ahead of the Scottish elections:
- Champion an all-energy approach to Scotland’s industrial future. Advocate for policies that do not divide Scotland’s workforce and industries into “clean” and “dirty” but instead recognise and champion Scotland’s globally respected energy sector as the shoulders on which to build our industries of the future.
- Favour pragmatic, ongoing access to homegrown oil and gas. The sector needs a functioning regulatory regime. The first step is timely approval of Rosebank and Jackdaw environmental consents (Scope 3 assessments). Building on this, give industry line of sight to future opportunities by providing regulatory clarity for an infrastructure-led approach to protect critical pipelines, terminals and industrial sites.
- Address Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges which disadvantage Scottish offshore wind and integrated projects. Champion accelerated transmission charging reforms to provide greater stability, and secure investment to deliver and operate critical generation assets.
- Accelerate implementation of the Oil and Gas Price Mechanism (OGPM) before 2030. Advocate for an oil and gas fiscal regime that supports investment, balances risk and reward and supports energy security through representations to UK government, providing evidence and support to appropriate industry forums. We need a predictable, fair fiscal regime and a regulatory framework that is conducive to investment.
- Recognise and support the offshore energy supply chain as a strategic industrial asset. Formally designate the supply chain as a national priority, with targeted support for manufacturing, fabrication, and export capability.
- Secure measurable Scottish supply chain participation in the full offshore energy value chain including ScotWind, Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG), and future offshore projects. This requires a mix of policy, financial, and infrastructure levers including championing price support mechanism and planning prioritisation.
- Champion Scotland as global leader in responsible decommissioning. Support a £2 billion per year industrial opportunity to anchor new capabilities in Scottish ports, yards and supply chain by positioning Scotland as the centre for decommissioning expertise – supporting jobs, the circular economy, and environmental leadership.
- Foster strong collaboration between industry, trade unions, regulators, community groups, and government to deliver agreed outcomes which give industry agency over its future, building on Scotland’s existing partnership frameworks. Promote balanced, evidence-based energy insight to inform decision-making. Support confident, informed choices by decision makers and civil service that strengthen an integrated, homegrown energy system.
- Change the narrative on the inevitability of job losses. Plan for a future where oil and gas jobs remain essential for energy security and the skills they provide. New roles in offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture are created alongside - not instead of - existing jobs. Reform apprenticeship funding so Scotland matches UK flexibility and supports advanced and higher-level pathways.
- Devolve powers and funding to Regional Economic Partnerships (REPs) with priority application in energy clusters.