In a room filled with industry colleagues, investors and policy watchers, the timing of a members-only session in Inverness last week with Chris Stark, Head of the UK’s Mission for Clean Power, could not have been more critical.
Sentiment in the sector has taken a knock, with Ørsted’s recent withdrawal from the Hornsea 4 offshore wind project casting a long shadow over proceedings. The developer said the 2.4 GW project has faced rising supply chain costs, higher interest rates, and increased construction and delivery risks since the Contract for Difference (CfD) award in Allocation Round 6 last September.
Harbour Energy, the UK’s largest oil and gas producer, had also said on the morning of the event that it would cut 250 jobs in Aberdeen, blaming regulation and “punitive” government measures. It is yet another huge blow to the offshore industry.
Conversations before and after the event were laced with concern about market conditions, infrastructure constraints and wavering investor confidence. It’s clear that many in the room felt the weight of growing uncertainty.
But Chris Stark tried to strike a different tone.
Without glossing over the challenges, he acknowledged the difficulties and disappointments, including the impact of US policy shifts on renewables, but made a compelling case for optimism. His message was that the UK is still firmly in the race to become a clean energy superpower, and that Scotland has a pivotal role to play.
What stood out was his emphasis on the “quiet business” of Mission Control: working steadily, building alignment with the Scottish Government, and focusing on the long-term wins. Stark spoke of reaping real economic rewards through power system investment, grid upgrades and port revitalisation. He reminded us that while the critics are growing louder, the most powerful responses are progress and proof.
We were told that Mission Control is not making too many headlines about the successes. But at a time when net zero and the benefits of implementing clean technologies are under attack – that needs to change. It is an opportunity to highlight once-in-a-generation investment in the UK’s energy infrastructure. Real jobs being created. Real emissions being cut. Real value added to communities.
But we can’t rely on government alone. If we want to shift public sentiment, attract investment, and secure a resilient energy future, then as a sector, we need to get on the front foot.
We need to come together – developers, supply chain, government and communities – to make the strongest possible case for renewables. That means clearer communication, more visible leadership and more collaboration. The conversation will no doubt continue in Glasgow this week at the All-Energy conference with delegates set to hear from senior figures from the UK and Scottish Governments as well as industry heavyweights.
Stark insisted that the “secret sauce” in all of this is infrastructure. That means the ports, grid and a stable policy environment. But another vital ingredient is unity. Not just around climate goals, but also energy security, economic opportunity and the role renewables play in delivering both.
A colleague attended a Holyrood celebration of bp’s 60 years in the North Sea and fed back that despite the headwinds facing the sector there was a sense that it has met and overcome many challenges over the years, with one person even saying they were looking forward to the 70th anniversary in another decade.
It shows that even in a global storm, we can be a safe port. But only if we work together to build it.
Richard and other members of the energy team will be attending All Energy 2025. Get in touch to arrange a coffee.
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