Britain to Rely on Oil and Gas for Decades

Britain's energy future will include oil and gas for decades to come, experts agree. The country needs an energy-abundance strategy that combines various sources, including offshore wind and nuclear power, to remain competitive globally.

The North Sea Transition Authority estimates that domestically produced gas has a lower carbon intensity than imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). In 2003, Britain was self-sufficient in gas and a net exporter, but today it produces around 43% of the gas it uses and imports the remaining 57%. Imports come from Norway by pipeline and increasingly from long-distance shipments.

Professor John Underhill, director of energy transition at the University of Aberdeen, notes that oil and gas provide about 75% of the UK's total energy supply. Gas is also critical to electricity generation, accounting for around a quarter to a third of the country's power on average, but rising to 50 or 60% on cold, dark days.

The Shetland Islands are particularly affected by the debate over oil and gas production. The region has a significant energy industry, with around 1,000 people employed directly or indirectly in oil and gas within a total workforce of about 13,600. Offshore Energies UK estimates that new developments like Rosebank and Jackdaw could contribute almost £29 billion to the UK economy.

Norway's approach offers a model for Britain: investing in renewables while continuing to explore and produce oil and gas. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasizes the importance of continued exploration for jobs, national wealth, and European energy security.