Robert Gordon University’s Dean of Aberdeen Business School, Professor Rita Marcella and Energy opinion writer, Dick Winchester of Pipistrelle, have been appointed to the four-strong independent commission set up by the Scottish Government to seek views from industry to help advise how to maximise the return from oil and gas in Scotland.
The other two members are commission chair Melfort Campbell, CEO at Imes Group, and leading economist Prof Alex Kemp of the University of Aberdeen.
Holyrood has set up the Independent Oil and Gas Expert Commission to explore how to implement the key principles set out in its paper Maximising the return from Oil and Gas in an Independent Scotland, which was published earlier this year (July 2013).
Its mission is to seek evidence and input from industry to find out what they think the Scottish Government should do to ensure optimal value of North Sea oil and gas production is achieved.
The commission is also interested in views of what government and industry could do while North Sea oil and gas remains viable to ensure continued and ongoing value is achieved from the resident supply chain after production ceases.
Together, the team of four hope to assemble a broad base of evidence and views on what is needed to both remove impediments to investment and to encourage ongoing investment in production, new development and exploration to optimise the value of existing and newly or yet to be discovered reserves.
Speaking for the group Prof Marcella said: “The Expert Commission is fundamental to ensuring that a North Sea oil and gas framework is developed on engagement with industry, and that the industry has the optimum conditions to innovate, grow and thrive in a globally competitive market.
“We are looking forward to working closely with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive consideration is given to all relevant issues and a broad range of industry views are reflected in the final report, which will be produced in Spring 2014.
“I would encourage all interested parties to contribute to this important work.”
Commenting on the potential value of the commission, minister for enterprise, energy and tourism, Fergus Ewing, said: “The work of this commission will provide a legacy for the oil and gas industry and has the potential to influence future government policy in the crucial years to come, regardless of who or what the government may be.
“The report is an opportunity for industry to take stock and to have its say on what government’s role should be on maximising the economic recovery of oil and gas in the North Sea, with a particular focus on the relevant fiscal, regulatory and licensing regimes, and on decommissioning.”
If you would like to complete the survey, please click here. The closing date is Friday November 29.
But if you have any questions about this survey, or would like to submit your views to the commission in an alternative format, please contact Hayley Rowlands, research assistant at RGU by e-mail at h.rowlands1@rgu.ac.uk
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