WEIR CALLS FOR ACTION TO DEVELOP OFFSHORE RENEWABLE SKILLS

SNP Westminster Energy spokesperson Mike Weir MP has called on the UK Government to take action to ensure that the skills developed in the North Sea Oil and Gas Industry are utilised to develop a new industry in offshore renewable energy generation.

Speaking at Energy and Climate Change questions Mr Weir drew attention to the report from the departmental Select Committee, of which he is a member, which noted the potential for the crossover.

Commenting Mr Weir said:

“Over the last four decades the North Sea Oil and Gas industry has built up huge expertise is working in a very hostile environment in construction, development and supply.

“As offshore wind energy becomes increasingly important those skills can be transferred to provide a new offshore renewable industry and jobs far into the future.”

Mr Weir also pointed out that onshore skills in construction could also play a vital part in the future industry.

Mr Weir added:

“When committee members recently met the wind turbine manufacturer Vestas they indicated that the type of turbine needed off shore was very different from those used on shore. This provides a huge opportunity for the skills developed in rig manufacture to also be utilised to provide green jobs for the future.

“It is vital that the UK government does not allow this potential business opportunity to go overseas. If we are to meet our challenging renewable energy targets then we will increasingly develop offshore wind, giving a huge opportunity to transfer skills and create new jobs.”