Latest news with #Grangemouth
The Independent
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Oil industry could see job cuts like Grangemouth every fortnight, report warns
The number of jobs in the UK oil and gas sector could plunge to just 57,000 in the next few years, with a report warning there could be the equivalent of 400 cut every fortnight. That level of job losses would be the same as the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery every two weeks, according to research by Aberdeen's Robert Gordon University. It said in 'low-case scenarios', where the UK makes 'slower progress' as the country transitions towards renewable energy, jobs in the oil and gas workforce would drop from 115,000 at present to 'as low as 57,000 by the early 2030s'. The report added this would be a 'reduction of around 400 jobs – equivalent to the closure of the Grangemouth refinery – every two weeks'. With almost one in 30 Scottish workers currently employed in either the offshore energy sector, or an industry which supports it – compared to one in 220 across the UK – it highlighted how the 'potential risks for Scotland's supply chain and workforce are substantial'. Figures for 2024 show there were 154,000 people employed in the offshore energy sector – with 75% in the oil and gas sector and the remaining 25% in renewables. The Striking The Balance report noted the production of oil is now down by 'almost 75% from its peak' in 1999-2000, when it produced the equivalent of 4.5 million barrels of oil per day. This has now dropped to 1.09 million barrels of oil equivalent a day, with the report noting that without new licences being granted 'the oil and gas industry is forecast to decline by around 95% by 2050 from 2024 levels'. The report said: 'Depending on which scenario will play out, the direct and indirect UK oil and gas workforce is expected to fall from 115,000 to between 57,000 and 71,000 by the early 2030s, with further declines to between 33,000 and 48,000 by 2035.' SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn challenged Westminster to act in the wake of the report. He said: 'The independent expert advice is clear, we will see a Grangemouth scale of job losses each and every fortnight if the UK Government does not shift from its misguided position and protect the energy industry of today, so that the workforce can use their skills and expertise to develop the net zero industries of tomorrow. 'The opportunities of net zero are enormous but they will not be realised if the Labour Government continues with its current fiscal regime that deters stability, confidence and investment in existing industries and we therefore lose our best people, and world-class supply chain, to nations elsewhere.' Scottish Conservative energy spokesman and North East Scotland MSP Douglas Lumsden insisted however that both the Scottish and UK governments need to change their approach. He said the 'alarming' report 'lays bare the economic vandalism caused by both Labour and the SNP's opposition to oil and gas'. He added: 'John Swinney and Keir Starmer have disgracefully sat back while jobs continue to be lost throughout the sector as both remain totally oblivious to the fact that renewables alone can't yet satisfy our energy needs.' Pressed on the issue in Holyrood, Scottish climate action minister Alasdair Allan vowed ministers will 'learn' from the report, saying: 'We hope the UK Government will too.' While some areas regarding energy are devolved to Holyrood, he added that others are reserved to Westminster and 'we must get helpful decisions from the UK Government'. He said the UK Government could provide a 'full funding package' for the Acorn carbon capture and storage project in Aberdeenshire in next week's comprehensive spending review. A spokesperson for the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: 'We have taken rapid steps to deliver the next generation of good jobs for North Sea workers in a fair and orderly transition as part of our Plan for Change, including by making the biggest investment in offshore wind and two first-of-a-kind carbon capture storage clusters. 'This comes alongside Great British Energy, headquartered in Aberdeen, which has already announced a £300 million investment into British supply chains, unlocking significant investment and helping to create thousands of skilled jobs
Evening Standard
03-06-2025
- Business
- Evening Standard
Oil industry could see job cuts like Grangemouth every fortnight, report warns
He said: 'The independent expert advice is clear, we will see a Grangemouth scale of job losses each and every fortnight if the UK Government does not shift from its misguided position and protect the energy industry of today, so that the workforce can use their skills and expertise to develop the net zero industries of tomorrow.
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
‘Key issues' including trade discussed in talks between Starmer and Swinney
Trade deals and the need to end conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza were on the agenda when Sir Keir Starmer held talks with Scotland's First Minister. The recently closed Grangemouth oil refinery in Scotland and the need for more investment in carbon capture technology were also on the agenda, a spokesperson for John Swinney said. The two men had discussions in London as senior figures from across the UK gathered for Friday's Council of Nations meeting. The body was established by the Prime Minister to bring together UK ministers with the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and English mayors. Ahead of the talks, Sir Keir had stressed recent trade deals struck by his Government with the US, India and the EU would help 'improve livelihoods' across the UK. A spokesperson for Mr Swinney confirmed afterwards that trade deals had been amongst the 'key issues' discussed in the talks. They said: 'The First Minister held talks with the Prime Minister where they discussed key issues, including tackling child poverty, migration and growing the economy – not least by investing in Grangemouth, carbon capture and Project Acorn. 'Discussions on international relations included trade deals, Ukraine and Gaza, including the need to end conflict and ensure humanitarian assistance.' Mr Swinney also had talks with the First Minister of Wales and the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland to 'discuss areas of common concern', the spokesperson added. Ahead of the Council of Nations meeting for the second time after its establishment, Sir Keir had stressed the 'long-term security' the trade deals could deliver. Scottish produce such as whisky, salmon and gin will all receive a boost from tariffs being slashed and trade barriers being cut, the UK Government has said. Meanwhile Welsh farmers will benefit from the elimination of India's lamb tariffs and the ability to export meat products to the EU. Northern Irish whiskey exports to India will benefit from tariffs halving from 150% to 75% before falling further to 40% over a decade. Sir Keir said: 'They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people's lives. 'These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it's lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods.'
Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Oil refineries can go green, but they are not being given a chance
Wood Mackenzie's recent report on global oil refining should raise alarms. It warned that 101 of 410 refineries worldwide — 21 per cent of capacity — face closure within a decade. This is especially true in the UK, where carbon taxes could be triple the global average by 2035. Refineries slow to adopt low-carbon technologies like carbon capture or alternative fuels are most at risk. Grangemouth's closure this year, leaving just five UK refineries, underscores the trend. While Asia adds 800,000 barrels per day of capacity, the UK grows reliant on imports, risking supply disruptions, price volatility and geopolitical exposure. Even the US Energy Information Administration has warned of possible fuel shortages following the closures of two major US refineries this year, cutting US
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Scottish 'pipeline pilgrims' cycle 170 miles to highlight carbon capture fears
A group of pensioners have cycled 170 miles along the route of a proposed carbon pipeline to highlight potential safety risks. Trekking from Grangemouth to St Fergus in Aberdeenshire earlier this month, the 'North Sea Knitters' are raising concerns over a controversial carbon capture scheme. The women say there are serious risks associated with the project, which will use a decades-old pipeline to transport the carbon dioxide gas. Bridget Cooper, one of the North Sea Knitters, said: 'I have always been uncomfortable with the plan to make a new gas fired power station somehow tick green boxes by attaching the really dodgy and unproven carbon capture to it. 'But I was shocked when I learnt that part of that plan was pushing CO2 from Grangemouth to Peterhead through an old pipeline.' Carbon dioxide generated at industrial sites across Scotland will be transported via pipeline to the St Fergus energy terminal, several miles north of Peterhead. It will then be stored deep below the North Sea in a bid to reduce emissions. The women cycled through a number of coastal towns. (Image: Friends of the Earth Scotland)Cooper added: 'We wondered if people living along the pipeline knew about this plan and if they knew that leaks from a CO2 pipeline in the US had hospitalised people. 'So we thought, let's travel the pipeline and let people know. Walking was not possible with my old arthritic knees, so biking it had to be. 'I really loved chatting with people and giving them some basic information as we pedalled along.' The group of 'craftivists' left Grangemouth on May 3. Travelling along the route of the pipeline over the next five days, the group passed through Stirling, Perth, Forfar, Stonehaven, Aberdeen and Peterhead, before reaching their final destination in St Fergus. According to the 'pipeline pilgrims', their activism was spurred into motion after reading about the rupture of a carbon dioxide pipeline in Mississippi. In 2020, 40 people were sent to hospital with CO2 poisoning and hundreds were evacuated from their homes after 31,000 barrels of the liquefied natural gas was released into the air. Energy companies are keen to construct a new gas plant in Peterhead. (Image: Friends of the East Scotland) Friends of the Earth Scotland oil and gas activism officer Freya Aitchison praised the efforts of the activists. She said: 'It's great that the Knitters have been getting out there and talking to the people who will be impacted by these plans. 'Communities must be meaningfully consulted about what a carbon pollution pipeline could mean and the risks to which they will be exposed. 'Carbon capture is a greenwashing excuse that the fossil fuel industry uses to fool politicians into supporting more drilling and burning. 'These companies have put us all at risk from climate breakdown and now they want to run a dangerous pipeline through the heart of Scottish communities up the east coast.' The Knitters previously staged a 'knit in' in oil company offices and the Court of Session, interrupted the SSE's AGM, and met with the First Minister. Read more from Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco: Political parties barred from Glasgow Pride in wake of Supreme Court ruling Glasgow Pride criticised over ties to Israel-linked companies Is there a place for religion in the assisted dying debate? Pope Leo welcome to visit Scotland — but should go to COP30 first, says charity Protesting outside the Scottish Parliament last autumn, Knitter Chris Aldred told The North Edinburgh News: "Knitting symbolises the hope that we can pass on, not just our skills, but a thriving future for all that come after us. 'The Scottish Government says that climate is a priority but it must turn these words into concrete action to cut pollution now and into the future. 'This means using its power to firmly reject new fossil fuels, standing up to the oil industry and prioritising the needs of workers through the transition.' Friends of the Earth Scotland have long criticised plans by SSE to build a new gas burning energy plant outside Peterhead. The plant, which would produce 910 MW of electricity, would be built alongside the existing power plant; which was Scotland's largest polluter between 2018 and 2020, as well as 2022, when it emitted 1.35 million tonnes of CO2. A diagram of how carbon capture works. (Image: Derek McArthur) A carbon capture facility on the site is expected to be built by energy giant Equinor. The new plant could open as early as 2027, and would be operational until at least 2059. Last autumn, more than 13,000 people signed a petition opposing the proposed build. Previous attempts at developing carbon capture facilities in the region, in 2007 and 2016, were unsuccessful. On their website, SSE Thermal has praised the project, writing: "The Peterhead site in Aberdeenshire is ideally placed for carbon capture technology, with access to essential CO2 transport and storage infrastructure. "The Acorn CO2 Storage Site, which will be used by the Scottish Cluster to safely store CO2, is located about 100km offshore in rock formations deep below the North Sea."
