The latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) paints a contrasting picture of the UK’s energy job landscape. In a significant shift, the renewable energy industry has seen a remarkable 30% increase in jobs since 2015, while the oil and gas sector has experienced a corresponding 30% decline in employment.
According to the ONS report released today, the renewable energy sector in the UK employed approximately 26,600 individuals in 2022, marking a substantial 29% growth compared to 2015. This surge in renewable energy jobs encompasses roles in wind, solar, and hydropower electricity production.
Despite substantial investments and a licensing surge by the Conservative government aimed at bolstering the oil and gas industry, the data reveals a stark reality. The government’s efforts, including the proposed Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill to issue more licenses, have not stemmed the tide of job losses in the declining oil sector.
Challenges to the credibility of job figures touted by the oil and gas industry have emerged. The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart, acknowledged reliance on numbers provided by industry lobbyists, such as Offshore Energies UK, without independent verification. Questions surrounding the methodology used to generate these figures remain unanswered, raising concerns about the accuracy and transparency of job estimates in the oil and gas sector.
In contrast, ONS figures demonstrate a 28% decrease in jobs within the oil and gas industry, plummeting from 38,100 in 2015 to 27,600 in 2022. Despite substantial financial investments exceeding £130 billion in North Sea operations between 2015 and 2022, the sector continues to witness a decline in employment.
The shift in government policies, including cuts to support for solar and onshore wind projects, has not deterred the growth of renewable energy jobs. The resurgence of onshore wind projects in 2023 signals a positive trend towards renewable energy expansion, highlighting the sector’s potential for job creation and sustainable growth.
Jonathan Noronha-Gant, Senior Campaigner at Global Witness, emphasizes the urgency for the government to prioritize renewable energy industries for job creation and environmental sustainability. The data underscores the viability and growth potential of renewable energy sectors, urging a shift in focus towards supporting these industries to enhance energy security and reduce emissions.
As the UK navigates its energy transition, the data underscores the imperative for strategic investments and policy support to drive the growth of renewable energy sectors, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the country’s energy landscape.
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