EIC CEO Stuart Broadley has welcomed Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Russell Borthwick as a guest to discuss oil and gas industry on the EIC Clearly podcast.
The episode, title UK's Oil & Gas Dilemma, involves a deep dive into the economic "storm" currently facing the energy capital of Europe.
Following AGCC’s recognition as the UK Chamber of Commerce of the Year, Russell shares why he has become a vocal advocate against policies he believes are over-accelerating the decline of the North Sea.
Stuart and Russell explore the "self-made challenge" of current UK energy policy, contrasting it with the approach of peer nations like Norway, where the industry remains a celebrated pillar of national wealth.
They discuss the North Sea Transition Task Force and the urgent call for an independent body - similar to the Bank of England - to set long-term energy strategy above the fray of short-term political cycles.
The conversation pulls no punches on the human and economic cost of the transition.
From the loss of a "Grangemouth per fortnight" in jobs to the "crisis of confidence" spreading into the wider regional economy of transport, retail, and professional services, Russell argues that the UK is at risk of repeating the de-industrialisation of 1980s coal communities.
This episode provides a critical look at the "bridge" needed to protect a world-class supply chain while navigating the road to Net Zero.
You can listen to the full episode here.