The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) and the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), have launched a new Southern North Sea Rejuvenation Special Interest Group (SIG) at a House of Commons reception to highlight the importance of the region in maximising the economic recovery of the UK’s oil and gas reserves.

Industry leaders joined representatives from companies, organisations and colleges serving the oil and gas, offshore wind and nuclear industries to meet the OGA, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Greg Clark MP and Minister of State for Energy and Intellectual Property Baroness Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG in the Members’ Dining Room.

Eric Marston, OGA Southern North Sea Area Manager, said: “The Southern North Sea Rejuvenation SIG was established in recognition of the significant potential which remains in the basin. The area’s unique blend of energy sources, including offshore wind, means we can take advantage of the synergies between industries to explore how we can work together in future for mutual benefit.

“A considerable prize remains at stake. We estimate another 3.7 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas remains from current assets and, potentially, another 5 tcf combined from further drilling in current fields and discovered undeveloped new fields.

“It is essential we promote further exploration and appraisal activity, protect critical infrastructure and support marginal and small pool developments utilising the experienced supply chain and latest technology.”

In addition to the establishment of the SIG, a new Late Life and Decommissioning Matrix, showing the capabilities of companies in the region seeking to capitalise on opportunities in the estimated £47 billion offshore decommissioning sector, is being produced by EEEGR in association with the OGA, Decom North Sea and Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

When complete, it will enable operators to view the specialist services the East of England supply chain can provide. Businesses interested in decommissioning opportunities can also use it to discover where there may be gaps in services. 

Simon Gray, Chief Executive at EEEGR, said: “Our region is becoming a trail-blazer in this sector, generating new skills and innovative solutions which could become opportunities for worldwide adoption and expansion.”

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Leona Minellas
Press and Media Advisor
Oil & Gas Authority
Tel: +44 (0) 300 020 1072

Email: leona.minellas@nstauthority.co.uk

Notes to editors:

  • The House of Commons Reception is taking place on 19 October 2016
  • The event is organized by EEEGR through the offices of Brandon Lewis MP and supported by fellow local MPs Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, and Therese Coffey, MP for Suffolk Coastal
  • EEEGR is the industry association for energy in the East of England, representing over 350 members across the supply chain. It is a non-profit, business-led group committed to the sustained development of the energy sector in the region and the continued success of its members
  • The OGA recently published the UKCS Unsanctioned Discoveries Information Pack which references the small pools reserves in the Southern North Sea 
  • View The OGA’s Decommissioning Strategy and Delivery Programme
  • Image reference: Centrica Cygnus Alpha Installation, blocks 44/12a and 44/11a of the Southern North Sea