THE energy sector stands at a “crossroads” with Britain “not doing enough to keep investment, supply chains and high-value jobs here,” according to a new report today on the energy transition.

Looking at two paths that could be followed for the oil and gas sector over the next decade, “managed decline” or an “accelerated decline,” the University of Strathclyde’s Professor Mairi Spowage found that either way jobs in the sector were set to fall sharply.

Building on data from Robert Gordon University’s Energy Transition Institute, the professor found that under the present “accelerated decline,” workers laid off in the sector are increasingly taking their skills abroad, with serious implications for the British economy.

The report estimates the difference between the present path and a “managed decline” could amount to as much as £13 billion in gross value added (GVA) by 2035, with the gap for Scotland alone being £4bn.

Professor Spowage said: “Britain is not doing enough to keep investment, supply chains and high-value jobs here at home.

“The industry is at a crossroads. If governments want growth, they will need to focus not just on new industries, but on creating the conditions for a managed, orderly transition from our existing energy base.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said it supported a “just transition” for the sector, saying: “Scotland continues to lead the way in the creation of green jobs, with data showing the number of green roles advertised has tripled since 2021.”

Westminster argued that it would deliver a “fair and orderly transition,” saying: “Our landmark clean energy jobs plan will deliver the next generation of skilled jobs across the country, where Scotland could see over 40,000 new jobs by 2030.”