Energy transition ‘can’t be binary choice’

The UK’s energy transition can’t be a binary choice between oil & gas and renewables, according to Energy Minister Michael Shanks

In a speech to an offshore conference Shanks said the way to take back control of energy security is to “build a diverse energy system and showing much needed leadership in the fight against irreversible climate change”.

Shanks said even as the country goes all out for clean power, oil and gas will continue to play a crucial role for decades to come.

Shanks pledged to provide long term certainty of the fiscal landscape that the oil & gas sector needs, including a new regime to respond to future spikes in oil and gas prices when the energy profits levy ends.

“But we will also do everything we can to back the next generation of clean energy industries in the North Sea as well, making this a safe haven for long term investment, making sure that we talk up the potential, not talk it down.”