Nearly 80% of members of an energy industry business development group have said oil and gas will be their main priority in 2013.
NOF Energy’s annual member survey also found that the US had taken over Norway as the leading destination for exports.
In addition, it revealed the main challenge facing members was the recruitment of suitably qualified people – one-third of respondents raised the issue.
NOF chief executive George Rafferty said: “Oil and gas will continue to hold much potential for the supply chain for several decades and, as a result of our activities, our members are fully aware of the opportunities available both in the UK and around the world.
“While there is optimism about the growing opportunities in the energy sector, there is the very real challenge of meeting the skills requirements of the industry.
“Many are investing in apprenticeships for the long-term but in the near-future employers need to look outside their sectors to find suitable candidates.”
Other key areas for NOF’s members included offshore renewables, with 36% listing it as a high priority. Just over 32% said nuclear would be a high priority.
Mr Rafferty said: “The (UK) Government’s Energy Bill will begin to create some stability across the entire industry, which will see the offshore renewables and new nuclear sectors gain some momentum.
“Our survey shows, even though these new sectors will not form the majority of the work of our members, they are geared up and have the ability to serve these emerging segments of the energy industry.”
NOF’s annual survey also tracks members’ export activities and highlights the top international markets served by supply chain companies.
The US overtook Norway as the top export market and third-placed Brazil, while two new countries entered the top five destinations – the Netherlands and Australia.
Other markets that moved up the rankings and provided opportunities for members over the past year included India, Venezuela, Kazakhstan and South Africa.
NOF said Australia seemed to be one of the biggest growth markets, with the country topping a list of future export destinations.
Australia was previously outside the top 10 of future export markets but developments down under, mainly in the LNG and Gas arenas, coupled with growing links between NOF and the country’s supply chain, has led to an increased focus on the country.
Alongside the US and Norway, Brazil remains a priority market as the Latin American country progresses a large number of new oil and gas projects and actively seeks UK expertise to help it move forward.
Asian markets being pursued by NOF members include Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Mr Rafferty said: “Exports remain a key priority for our members and the multiple and diverse markets they are successfully serving demonstrate the high regard in which UK skills, products and services are held by the global energy industry.
“It is also positive to see that NOF Energy members, with our support, are continuing to target new and emerging markets that will benefit from the innovative and expert approach taken by the UK supply chain.”
Durham-based NOF is a business development organisation for the oil, gas, nuclear and offshore renewable-energy sectors.
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