Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps she is taking to ensure that core UKCS Oil and Gas infrastructure is identified, supported and rendered fit-for-purpose for the long-term development of marginal fields and future significant fields off the west coast of Scotland, and for transportation and distribution around the UK.

The Oil and Gas Authority’s Call to Action report highlighted the risk that low profitability in producing fields could lead to premature decommissioning of critical infrastructure. It is important to avoid decommissioning for as long as possible and the OGA is as a priority working with companies to facilitate discussions, remove barriers to cooperation and encourage investment. In addition it is conducting rigorous economic assessments of key production hubs to explore the drivers of continued investment, including fiscal levers. Work is also taking place to facilitate the preparation of Regional Development Plans for critical regions of the North Sea, building on data provided by operators.