95,000 jobs in the UK offshore energy industry face potential loss

A report by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen warns that up to 95,000 offshore energy jobs in the UK could be at risk if the country does not increase investment in renewable energy. The report highlights that while there is potential for significant job growth in the renewable energy sector, slow progress could lead to a 15% decline in offshore jobs by the end of the decade. The UK has set climate targets for 2030, including 50 gigawatts of offshore wind power, but last week’s auction for new projects received no bids. The report suggests that a large proportion of clean energy jobs could be taken by workers from the fossil fuel industry, potentially leading to a 50% growth in the offshore workforce.

The report warns that the UK is at risk of missing out on major employment growth opportunities if the goals and ambitions of the energy transition are not achieved. Currently, the country is the world’s second-largest offshore wind market, but inflationary pressures and rising costs have limited further expansion. The government also aims to have 10 gigawatts of hydrogen and up to 30 million tonnes of carbon capture capacity per year by 2030. The report emphasizes the importance of increasing investment in renewable energy and meeting clean energy targets to secure the potential job growth in the offshore energy sector.

Overall, the report highlights the need for the UK to take significant action in increasing investment in renewable energy to safeguard offshore energy jobs. With the decline of the oil and gas industry, the renewable energy sector has immense potential for job growth. However, slow progress and the failure to achieve clean energy targets could lead to a decline in offshore jobs. The report suggests that a large portion of these clean energy jobs could go to workers from the fossil fuel industry if the targets are successful. If the UK fails to achieve its goals and ambitions in the energy transition, it could miss out on significant employment growth opportunities.

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