ONS president urges energy sector to show courage amid geopolitical uncertainty

The president of the Offshore Norway Summit has called for a renewed sense of courage within the energy sector to navigate the current geopolitical landscape and drive technological innovation. Speaking at the Aberdeen Norway Gateway event, Leif Johan Sevland stated that both industry leaders and governments must demonstrate this virtue to address ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. He noted that while the theme represents a departure from the more optimistic tone of previous years, it accurately reflects the prevailing market conditions and the need for decisive action in the energy transition.

Sevland emphasised that while politicians and engineers play significant roles, it is ultimately innovation that will solve carbon emission challenges. He argued that progress may come through large-scale breakthroughs or a series of smaller, incremental steps, all of which are vital. He encouraged professionals to continue pushing for further advancements, whether in technical solutions or diplomatic efforts to secure peace deals. This sentiment was expressed ahead of the appointment of Ed Miliband to the role of foreign secretary in the new UK government, a move that follows his tenure as energy secretary where he was a vocal supporter of renewables but faced criticism from the oil and gas industry regarding his stance on new projects and the energy profits levy.

The current energy minister, Miatta Fahnbulleh, has recently visited Aberdeen to assert that oil and gas will remain part of the UK’s energy mix for years to come. Although she has previously expressed opposition to North Sea production, she emphasised the need to support the region. At the upcoming summit in Stavanger, both renewable energy and hydrocarbon sectors will be represented, alongside industries that facilitate these operations, such as finance and fertilisers. Sevland explained that the event aims to provide a global perspective on industry trends, including security and technological development, rather than focusing solely on energy production.

Despite a forecast for slightly lower UK exhibitor attendance compared to previous years, primarily due to a reduction in small and medium enterprises, global players remain present. Since the last conference in 2024, there has been a modest increase in UK firms travelling to Stavanger. Sevland highlighted the shared love for technology and innovation between Norway and the UK, noting that many UK front-runners are expected to participate in technical sessions and net zero markets. He stated that the summit encourages UK businesses to explore opportunities in Norway, citing the long-term perspective and cross-party consensus in the Norwegian government regarding energy production.

Although the Norwegian market faces challenges due to a lack of major new discoveries, the previous year marked the second-best period for discoveries in a decade. Sevland acknowledged that the UK and Norway have chosen different paths for their future energy policies, with the UK making its own decisions while Norway continues its current direction without plans to slow down. He noted that while the two nations share technological interests, their governmental approaches have diverged.

The summit is also expanding its public engagement through the ONS+ programme, a free-to-attend initiative located at the Stavanger harbour. This extension aims to involve a broader audience in debates on energy, nuclear power, solar technology, and geopolitical issues. Sevland indicated that the number of attendees for these evening sessions is expected to grow, reflecting a greater public awareness of energy sources. He also addressed the role of the United States in the global energy landscape, expressing confidence that US firms and officials, including the ambassador, will participate in a constructive atmosphere despite differing political opinions and the unpredictable nature of current international relations.