Industry leaders gathered to explore opportunities and challenges for a sustainable energy transition in the North Sea Basin
London, 23 May 2023 – Energy supply chain experts and government representatives attending the EIC’s North Sea Decarbonisation Conference 2023 (NSDC2023) highlighted electrification, digitalisation, and decarbonisation as key solutions for the region's energy transition.
The Energy Industries Council (EIC), one of the world’s leading energy industry trade ass
ociations, and its organizing partners successfully concluded NSDC2023, held on the 16th and 17th of May at the Marriott London Grosvenor Square, London.
The conference brought together energy industry leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities for the North Sea Basin in achieving a sustainable, low-carbon energy landscape. Delegates explored topics from carbon capture to hydrogen, and other technologies and initiatives that are expected to shape the future of the North Sea's clean energy journey.
The supply chain's role was emphasised, highlighting the need for more schedule certainty to enable scaling up. It was stressed that renewables should be seen as an addition to, rather than a replacement for, the oil and gas industry, requiring increased investment in skills development and the supply chain.
Delegates also discussed projects, including the North Sea Transition Authority's recent awarding of 20 carbon storage licenses to 12 different companies; the Viking CCS Project, spearheaded by Harbour Energy; and Aker Carbon Capture, which has a target of securing contracts for 10 million tonnes per annum of carbon capture by 2025.
Hydrogen emerged as a key focus area, with companies like Dolphyn Hydrogen showcasing their modularised hydrogen technology, capable of harnessing offshore wind power. Aquaventus presented their ambition for 10 GW of offshore hydrogen electrolysis.
One takeaway was the recognition that the power lies with the supply chain, which presents a vast range of opportunities. To harness this potential, it is crucial to address the skills gap, not only in manufacturing and physical jobs but also in engineering.
Throughout the conference, industry leaders stressed the need for cross-border collaboration to facilitate knowledge sharing and the adoption of best practices; a comprehensive approach to technology deployment; and increased investment in the supply chain and skills development.
"We are committed to working closely with governments to drive forward the different issues discussed during the North Sea Decarbonisation Conference 2023," said Rebecca Groundwater, EIC’s Head of External Affairs. "We continually work with our members to highlight digitisation and decarbonisation opportunities within this area. This conference gave us the opportunity to have a robust discussion with key players around issues that the EIC engages with daily. By amplifying the insights and expertise of the supply chain throughout the North Sea region, we can effectively advance towards our ambitious net zero goals."
For more information about EIC Events, please visit the EIC website: https://www.the-eic.com/Events
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Notes to editors:
The EIC is an award-winning global trade association for the energy supply chain with a worldwide membership of over 900 companies covering all energy sectors. Established in 1943, EIC advocates for its members by working closely with governments and key stakeholders. Members and clients have access to an array of products and services through our London HQ and offices in Dubai, Houston, Kuala Lumpur, and Rio de Janeiro, including EICDataStream, a worldwide database of energy projects in development, and EICAssetMap, a comprehensive operating assets information service. We also offer event solutions, and our expert analysts and consultants produce insightful reports and bespoke market intelligence. In recognition of our commitment to excellence, the EIC was honoured to receive the prestigious King's Award for Enterprise in 2023.