Why the UK Should Leave North Sea Oil and Gas Behind: A Vision for Energy Independence
Recent criticisms from President-elect Donald Trump and UK Reform Party leader Richard Tice have reignited debates over the UK’s decision to phase out North Sea oil and gas. Trump called the move a "very big mistake," while Tice pointed to renewable energy curtailment as evidence that wind power fails to deliver reliable energy. Both critiques overlook the deeper economic and environmental realities of the energy transition.
Far from being a liability, the UK’s pivot to renewable energy presents a historic opportunity to address declining fossil fuel reserves, achieve true energy independence, and build a more resilient energy system.
The Declining Value of North Sea Oil
The North Sea, once a vital component of the UK’s energy portfolio, is now in long-term decline. Oil production has fallen by over 75% from its peak in 2000 and is projected to shrink further in the coming years. Many remaining reserves are of lower quality, requiring costlier extraction techniques that diminish their economic viability.
Clinging to oil and gas as a cornerstone of UK energy policy not only ignores these harsh realities but also risks locking the country into a trajectory of diminishing returns. Depending on a dwindling resource base not only jeopardises energy security but also delays the necessary transition to a more resilient and self-sufficient energy system. Instead, the UK must prioritise investment in energy sources that offer long-term sustainability and economic growth: renewables.
Addressing Curtailment with Smarter Investments
Tice’s criticism of wind energy highlights a genuine challenge but fails to address its root cause: insufficient grid infrastructure. Curtailment occurs when renewable energy generation outpaces the grid’s capacity to transport or store it, leading to wasted potential.
This is not an inherent flaw of wind energy but a symptom of underinvestment in the UK's energy grid. Solving curtailment requires targeted investments in grid capacity, including upgrading transmission systems, expanding energy storage solutions like battery systems and pumped hydro and ensuring grid stability through ancillary services provision.
Rather than abandoning renewables, the UK should commit to building an energy system capable of efficiently utilising the clean energy it generates. This approach ensures that every megawatt of wind and solar contributes to the country’s energy needs, reducing reliance on imported gas and volatile global markets.
Renewables: Energy Security and Economic Growth
The UK’s commitment to renewables has already delivered measurable progress. In 2024, wind power surpassed gas as the country’s largest electricity source, supplying 30% of total generation. While fossil fuel advocates claim renewables threaten energy security, the opposite is true: renewables protect against supply shocks and price volatility that characterise oil and gas markets.
Investing in renewable infrastructure also drives job creation and economic resilience. Regions previously reliant on North Sea oil can benefit from new industries such as offshore wind manufacturing and installation, hydrogen production, and green tech innovation. By fostering this transition, the UK can create a future-proof economy while cutting emissions.
A Blueprint for Energy Independence
The criticisms of Trump and Tice ultimately fail to recognise the potential of renewables to ensure energy independence and economic stability. A forward-looking energy strategy must include:
Grid Modernisation: Expand transmission capacity, develop energy storage and ensure provision of ancillary services to eliminate curtailment and stabilise the system.
Policy Alignment: Support renewable projects with streamlined planning processes and investment incentives.
Community Benefits: Ensure that regions impacted by the decline of oil and gas industries directly benefit from renewable energy initiatives.
By addressing challenges like curtailment and grid stability, the UK can realise the full potential of its renewable resources. The shift away from North Sea oil and gas is not a retreat but a necessary step forward, positioning the UK as a global leader in the clean energy transition.
Far from being a “mistake,” abandoning declining fossil fuel industries is the UK’s best chance to secure an energy system that is sustainable, reliable, and independent. It’s time to build the future we know is possible.
