Monday 18 May 2015

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to speak at Oil & Gas UK Annual Conference 2015

The oil and gas industry trade body today (Monday 18 May) reveals that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will be opening its second Annual Conference. Nicola Sturgeon commented:

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“With Scotland being an international oil and gas exporter, and being home to some of the most respected academics and technological practices in the industry, we are undeniably a world player in oil and gas. 

“The sector has faced challenges in recent months but continues to play a crucial role in both the Scottish and UK economies, and securing its future for decades ahead is something which must be at the forefront of our minds.

“The coming together of experts, industry leaders and government at the Oil & Gas UK Annual Conference is the perfect forum for us to work together, build on the success the industry has demonstrated and map out the brightest possible future for it.”

Under the theme of Maximising Economic Recovery from the UK Continental Shelf, the second annual conference is titled: ‘MER UK: The Next 40 Years’ and will debate the critically important issues facing exploration and development on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), 40 years on from first production. 

Deirdre Michie, Oil & Gas UK Chief Executive, commented on the benefit of cooperation across the industry to tackle the efficiency challenge the sector faces:

“While the industry is indeed facing pressure there is huge remaining potential – with up to 23 billion barrels of oil and gas still to play for. Tax reforms announced in the Government's 2015 Budget and the setting up of the new regulator, the Oil and Gas Authority, will provide a strong foundation for the regeneration of the North Sea. Industry must now work together to build a more sustainable future through cost and efficiency improvements.

“Oil & Gas UK is helping the drive for a more efficient industry and our conference next month will, I hope, provide a stimulating and timely forum for the industry to debate the issues, share best practice and spark new ideas.

"There will be a rich cross section of contributors, including the UK and Scottish Governments, regulators, academics, operators and contractors. By working together we are best placed to ensure we strengthen the UK’s energy security, secure employment and excel in developing innovative technologies through our supply chain for use across the country and abroad.”

Today Oil & Gas UK also launched the full agenda for the event, featuring industry experts, in addition to speakers from both the UK and Scottish Governments. The full agenda can now be viewed here. 

The two day event will take place in Aberdeen on 17 and 18 June 2015, a limited number of places are still available through Oil & Gas UK’s website. EY is the principal sponsor with ABB Limited and Stellar Energy Advisors supporting sponsors of the event.

Ends

 

Notes to Editors

For further information, or to book a media pass, please contact Helen Jackson on hjackson@oilandgasuk.co.uk.

Oil & Gas UK is the leading representative organisation for the UK offshore oil and gas industry. Its growing membership, which comprises oil and gas producers and contractor companies, now numbers more than 500.