The UK Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) has recommended that UK Prime Minister Tony Blair appoint a secretary of state for energy.
The recommendation came in UKOOA’s response to the government’s energy review. The UKOOA calls for:
• The creation of an energy policy to recognize and reflect the fact that the UK will become increasingly dependent on oil and gas for its energy supply over 15-20 years.
• The establishment of a separate department with responsibility to develop and provide leadership on energy policy.
UKOOA argued that energy policy demands greater prominence in the UK government.
The UK previously had a cabinet position for energy, but former Prime Minister John Major eliminated the position.
Oil and gas currently account for about 75% of UK primary energy supplies, UKOOA said. The share is forecast to increase to at least 80% by 2020. ✦
