Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has welcomed a commitment from the UK Government to agree a North Sea Transition Deal in the first hlf of 2021.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) confirmed the agreement in its Energy White Paper published this week.
The deal has been described as a “quid pro quo” between government and industry, mapping out a long-term plan to transform the energy sector and help meet the UK target of net zero by 2050.
The white paper outlines five key objectives for the deal – including cleaner energy production by cutting emissions, support for carbon capture and storage projects, the development of hydrogen production, diversifying the energy supply chain and safeguarding existing jobs.
It is part of a wider plan for energy across the UK - with a 10-point plan to create high value jobs and build back greener from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Scottish Conservative MP for Banff and Buchan David Duguid said:
“I am delighted to see that progress is being made on the North Sea Transition Deal – which will be vital for the north-east of Scotland.
“Scottish Conservative politicians have been working with BEIS for some time now and calling for a firm commitment from the government.
“We all know how important the industry is to this part of the world, and we want to retain the skills and expertise in this area as we transition towards cleaner forms of energy.
“I am particularly keen to see the carbon capture and storage project at St Fergus moving forward, and for the north-east to be at the forefront of plans for hydrogen production.
“This white paper outlines the wider green energy strategy from this Conservative government, with a ten-point plan for a green recovery as we bounce back from the Coronavirus pandemic.”