• Oil & Gas UK [OGUK) will change its name to Offshore Energies UK on February 14
• Expansion will cover offshore wind, hydrogen production and CO2 capture as well as oil and gas

Oil & Gas UK – widely known as OGUK – is changing its name and expanding its remit. From now on we will champion not just oil and gas but also the exciting low-carbon technologies being developed by our members.

Offshore Energies UK, as it will become on February 14, will promote offshore wind generation, hydrogen production – where natural gas is turned into clean hydrogen, and systems for capturing and storing CO2.

Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) will continue to champion the oil and gas sector. One exciting idea is to use renewable electricity from windfarms to power oil and gas installations – so reducing the emissions generated in producing and processing oil and gas.

The announcement has prompted widespread comment and reaction from leading industry figures and politicians.

Greg Hands, the UK government’s Energy & Climate Change Minister said: 
“Offshore Energies UK’s new name reaffirms how important the wide range of offshore energy technologies are to reaching net zero and reflects the important role OEUK will play in the North Sea Transition Deal, which is supporting the sector’s highly-skilled workers and supply chain as we shift to a lower carbon future.”

Michael Matheson, the Scottish government’s Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport said: 
“Offshore energies and technologies such as carbon capture and storage, hydrogen production and offshore wind will play an increasingly important role in ensuring a just transition for the energy sector. I welcome the approach being taken by OEUK to reflect just how important these industries are in ensuring we achieve net zero by 2045.”

Sir Ian Wood, chairman of ETZ Ltd, a non-profit working to create a low-carbon energy transition zone in north-east Scotland, said: 
“OGUK are a highly regarded organisation which has proved to be a trusted voice of its members and the wider oil and gas industry, particularly across the North East of Scotland. The decision to rebrand is absolutely right and reflects moves across the oil and gas sector to diversify its capabilities into offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. 

“Oil and Gas still has a huge role to play if we are to succeed in new energies. Drawing upon 50 years of a world class industry – the infrastructure, people, technology, and financial capital – will be crucial if we are to achieve net zero targets. We’re confident that Offshore Energies UK will continue to make a hugely valuable contribution as we seek to capitalise on the massive opportunities that energy transition provides.” 

Colette Cohen, chief executive of the Net Zero Technology Centre, based in Aberdeen, said: 
“To support the delivery of a just transition, we need to integrate our energy system and unlock investment. Today’s announcement reflects the shift in priorities of OGUK members and the evolving sector as we drive towards a net zero North Sea.

“OGUK has championed the oil and gas industry successfully for nearly 15 years. This broadening of focus as OEUK will further enable the delivery of the North Sea Transition Deal to meet our net zero ambition and support Scotland and the UK in becoming a global leader in renewable and alternative energy production.”

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Oil & Gas UK