The UK’s energy minister has visited Europe’s oil and gas capital for the first time since he took up the role last month.
During his time in Aberdeen, Greg Hands, MP for Chelsea and Fulham, welcomed Sian Lloyd-Rees as Oil and Gas UK’s (OGUK) new Supply Chain Champion.
Ms Lloyd-Rees is UK managing director of Aker Offshore Wind, as well as being a board member at the trade body.
In her role as Supply Chain Champion, she will support OGUK in representing energy businesses up and down the UK.
She will also ensure companies deliver the clean and innovative technologies that will help fuel the energy transition.
North Sea Transition Deal
The new role of Supply Chain Champion was created as part of the North Sea Transition Deal, a partnership between Westminster and the UK offshore oil and gas industry.
It commits to harnessing the sector’s skills to deliver a green energy revolution and build local capability.
Signed in March 2021, it is the first of its kind by any G7 country.
© Supplied by Simon PriceMr Hands said: “Through our landmark North Sea Transition Deal, we are backing the decarbonisation of the oil and gas industry, while supporting workers across the UK in the transition to a lower carbon economy.
“The appointment of Sian Lloyd-Rees as OGUK’s Supply Chain Champion shows that together we are working to deliver on the commitments from the Deal. It was a privilege to visit Aberdeen today and meet Sian and OGUK members, and I look forward to working with them closely as we build a cleaner energy future in the sector.”
RGU
Mr Hands, who succeeded Anne Marie-Trevelyan after she became International Trade Secretary, also visited Robert Gordon University’s Energy Transition Institute.
He was given a demonstration of the body’s drilling simulator, which helps train the country’s future energy experts virtually.
© Supplied by OGUKOn his travels he also visited Harbour Energy’s Aberdeen control room and met recent helicopter pilot graduates at CHC Heliport.
One of the most successful companies in the North Sea is @Harbourenergy & current largest producer.
Very informative meeting with President & CEO Phil Kirk.
Strong commitment too to Carbon Capture & Storage and to the North Sea Transition. pic.twitter.com/sL35mWbxIu
— Greg Hands (@GregHands) October 14, 2021
Deirdre Michie, chief executive of OGUK, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome the Minister up to Aberdeen, which is one of many UK energy communities that has the world-leading expertise to help keep the country functioning, while hitting net zero emissions by 2050.
“It was also great to announce Sian Lloyd-Rees as OGUK’s Supply Chain Champion. The UK companies and workers that have long supported the oil and gas industry will be essential in leading this green energy revolution. Sian will work with us to champion their cause to government and to the rest of the industry. I am delighted she has agreed to take on this role.
“We need to ensure a managed transition that takes people with us and supports the UK’s use of oil and gas while accelerating low carbon technologies like wind, hydrogen and carbon capture, which are so crucial to the UK achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”
Ms Lloyd-Rees added: “Over 1,000 UK companies support the UK’s energy industry and many export globally, generating £60 billion for our economy in the five years preceding the pandemic. Their technology, innovation, skills and capabilities will be key to achieving the changes needed in our energy systems. I’m honoured to champion their cause.”
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