​Deirdre Michie will now become CEO of Offshore Energies UK

UK oil & gas trade body changing name to reflect drive towards net-zero future

Oil & Gas UK (OGUK), a representative body for the UK’s offshore oil and gas industry, is expanding to include the low-carbon offshore energy technologies that its members are developing, including offshore wind, hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage systems, and other emerging low-carbon technologies.

​Deirdre Michie will now become CEO of Offshore Energies UK

Following a year-long strategic review, the move takes effect from 14 February 2022 and it will also see OGUK changing its name to Offshore Energies UK. ​

As revealed on Monday, Offshore Energies UK will continue supporting the oil and gas sector but will also support those with an interest in carbon capture and storage, hydrogen production, and​ offshore wind.​

This move reflects the evolving nature of the industry in creating the diverse mix of energy generating systems needed to achieve net-zero.

​Deirdre Michie, CEO of Offshore Energies UK, said the organisation would be a unifying voice for an offshore energy sector that was undergoing rapid and positive change. Existing members approved the new strategic direction at their AGM in December 2021.​​

Offshore Energies UK said it will continue working with regulators, policy-makers, and stakeholders to champion the offshore energy industries and help achieve a managed transition towards the UK’s climate goals. Some key elements of this work are already underway for carbon capture and hydrogen production, through the landmark North Sea Transition Deal that OGUK signed with the UK Government last March – the first deal of its kind by a G7 country.​

Deirdre Michie said: “Following an extensive strategic review, we recognised that we too need to evolve to reflect what is happening in our sector. Working with our members, we are driving forward towards the net-zero energy future we all want to see.”

​Noting that the move is a natural step in the organisation, Michie added: “Extending our representation to include renewable and carbon-cutting industries will better reflect the agile nature of the companies involved in energy production. We share the same interests, determination and ambition to deliver an integrated net-zero energy system that is cleaner and greener but also secure and sustainable.”​

The organisation’s members are already involved in a number low-carbon projects across the country, including Acorn Hydrogen & CCS, Equinor’s Dogger Bank, West Anglesey Tidal Energy Project, Hywind Scotland, Drax Zero Carbon Humber Projects, OGCI Climate Investments, and Net Zero Teesside.

Offshore Energies UK
Credit: Offshore Energies UK

This announcement of OGUK’s expansion follows the recent Crown Estates Scotland ‘ScotWind’ leasing round, which saw 13 member companies win leading roles in the 17 ScotWind projects. They will pay over £570 million in leasing fees to build offshore wind farms and develop more than 20GW in potential capacity. ​More member companies will be involved in the supply chains for these projects, with Worley, DNV, Xodus and others supporting Scotwind developments.

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