By David Whitehouse, SPE Offshore Europe 2025 Executive Committee Chair and Chief Executive, Offshore Energies UK

I’m looking forward to SPE Offshore Europe 2025 (OE25) at the P&J Live in September; it’s an opportunity to welcome people from all over the world and a chance to highlight how our offshore energies industry is driving the security of energy supply for the UK and meeting our net zero commitments.

I do not underestimate the scale of the challenge. The past few months have been some of the most difficult chapters in our industry’s long history, with job losses, uncertainty about the future and investors seeking better returns outside the UK.

Yet, this industry always focuses on finding solutions. We’re working relentlessly to demonstrate that the UK’s path to success is one that recognises the role of both oil and oil and gas AND renewables. We see there’s growing awareness that people understand the North Sea is uniquely placed to support our energy future.

It has the second largest offshore wind capacity in the world and reservoirs that could store over 78 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide, aiding the decarbonisation of some of the UK’s heaviest industries while responsibly producing oil and gas.

In September, when tens of thousands of people visit the city of Aberdeen for OE25, we can spread that message wider. Under the banner of ‘Unlocking Europe’s Potential in Offshore Energy’, I hope we’ll come together to see the tide turn.

OE25 can be a milestone that reignites momentum not just across the sector, but across the city and surrounding areas where hundreds of supply companies have evolved to serve offshore energies. Aberdeen has for decades been an outward-looking city, one that has welcomed people from across the world.

Delivering secure, sustainable, and affordable energy tops government agendas across Europe, and OE25 will explore how we can work to achieve these goals together. It must send a clear and positive signal—the future of the North Sea is in our hands, and it plays a key role in unlocking the potential of Europe’s energy.

The UK will continue to need oil and gas for decades to come; as much as 15 billion barrels of oil and gas between now and 2050. We're on course to produce only about four billion of those domestically, leaving the UK increasingly reliant on imports. Without developing new opportunities to responsibly replace declining fields, we risk undermining national energy sovereignty and economic resilience.

This is about accelerating the future. More domestic production, from an industry that already emits less carbon per barrel than global competitors, is better for our climate goals, our geopolitical stability, our economy and our ability to finance the energy transition.

We know the reality is that key companies which once propped up Offshore Europe are facing severe headwinds, but OE25 gives us a platform to talk about opportunities, not just challenges. 

It’s a chance to showcase what’s possible for Aberdeen and the UK and how our expertise and innovation can contribute to unlocking Europe’s potential in offshore energy—a topical subject in light of recent agreements struck by the Prime Minister in May. 

We’re almost halfway through what could be a transformational year for the city. In July we’ll welcome the Tall Ships festival, and with them performances from some chart-topping bands and visitors from all over the country and Europe.

We need more of those city-wide celebrations, and a free-to-attend OE25 has the potential to play a key role in showcasing Aberdeen, its industrial heritage, and the potential of its industrial future. With thousands of people due to visit, we should encourage them to come early, stay late and visit again. Let them see the beauty, culture, and vibrancy of a city that we can sell short.

With the right policy, a shared industry vision, and civic pride, 2025 will be a critical year for Aberdeen and the wider sector. With the right intention and attitude, the Don’s historic Scottish Cup win may be just the start.