A Just Transition for the UK North Sea makes economic sense
Despite the fact that natural gas will continue to be part of the UK’s energy mix for several decades, the government is unwilling to grant new licences on the UKCS and the UK now needs to import over 50% of its gas supply. This, alongside the imposition of windfall taxes, is having a major effect on the livelihoods of many communities. We argue that a different systems approach, which exploits our own North Sea gas linked to the growth of CCUS clusters and offshore wind, can maintain tax revenues, address energy security, preserve and grow employment and provide a pathway to a more Just Energy Transition for the UK.
December 2025