A range of subjects were discussed, including Shell’s projects and investment in the UK North Sea, the importance of natural gas in the UK’s energy mix, the decommissioning programme for Shell platforms and the importance of Carbon Capture and Storage projects in the UK.
Ed Daniels, Shell UK Country Chairman, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Vince and Ed to Shell’s headquarters in Aberdeen. The North Sea will continue to be a major source of revenue for the UK government for a long time to come, as well as helping to meet the energy needs of the country and providing significant employment in Scotland and beyond. We had a frank conversation about the importance of a stable policy framework which encourages responsible investment in the UK’s natural resources.
“I am delighted that the government’s Oil and Gas Strategy, launched in Aberdeen today, embraces this principle and reinforces the government’s commitment to the UK oil and gas sector. Shell is a major player in the UK’s exploration and production of gas and oil, and we will work with the government to ensure the sector continues to deliver benefits to the whole of the country.”
Rt Hon Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, said: “My time as chief economist at Shell showed me the importance of the oil and gas industry for the UK. It’s been good to come back and meet with them again on the day we launch our industrial strategy for the sector.
“This strategy will help Shell to continue delivering the innovative and major projects that they already do, but with added stability from government and wider industry.
“Our plans will meet the future needs of the industry, so that the UK has a world-class skills base, stable fiscal regime and the right levers in place to develop the supply chain.”
Rt Hon Edward Davey MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said:
“It was a pleasure to visit Shell today, a company that has made a very significant contribution to exploring and developing the UK Continental Shelf over many decades. I was delighted to learn more about Shell’s ambitions for the future, including their major investments in the Schiehallion field and redevelopment of the Gannet area.
“It has been helpful to hear from Ed Daniels some of the challenges Shell see in securing the long-term future of oil and gas from the UK Continental Shelf. I am very confident that the action-oriented Oil and Gas Strategy the government has launched today will make a very significant contribution to meeting these challenges.
“Shell’s involvement as one of the two preferred bidders in the Government’s £1 billion CCS competition is very encouraging and is fully aligned with our strategy to decarbonise UK energy generation.”
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