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The North Sea could become a global showcase for energy transition as low carbon models grow in prominence, according to a new report from PwC and OGUK.

Published today, Turning the Tide – the Transformation of the North Sea says that the North Sea can become a global leader for energy transition through the likes of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technology.

The report, which lays out the challenges facing the North Sea as the world moves towards a low carbon future, is based on interviews with more than 20 key energy industry stakeholders. It highlights how recent changes in ownership have seen independents and private equity-backed firms gain a key position in the region.

It says the industry can expect to see an increased focus on innovation to drive the next wave of competitiveness, given that operators and service companies have perhaps cut costs as far as is sustainably possible.

This innovation in technology and business models has the potential to influence the energy transition with, in two examples, renewable energy sources set to replace gas turbines on some offshore platforms, and the geography of the basin making it ideal for offshore wind production.

CCUS could also become a major aspect of North Sea activity, with wider collaboration across the energy sector. It is the practice of capturing the carbon dioxide release by industrial sources such as power stations and burying it deep underground.

With extensive infrastructure already in place which could be used to store carbon dioxide through depleted oil and gas fields, the North Sea can play an important role in a technology which is seen as a way of helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Looking further ahead, it says the North Sea could also play a major role in hydrogen production, storage and transportation whether by converting natural gas into hydrogen or through electrolysis, using offshore wind-generated energy.

Drew Stevenson, energy sector leader at PwC UK, said: “There is a necessary urgency to move to a low carbon world. As our report illustrates, there is huge potential for the North Sea to play a significant role in the energy transition, setting a precedent for facilitating the move to a clean energy future.

“The appetite exists for the North Sea energy industry to play a significant role in the transition: investor sentiment is rapidly becoming more committed to low carbon technologies while smaller exploration and production companies are looking at ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their operations. All of this creates an opportunity for the North Sea to lead the way in the energy transition.”

OGUK upstream policy director Mike Tholen said: “The transition to a lower carbon, diverse energy mix is an exciting opportunity for our transforming industry. With extensive skills, capabilities and infrastructure, we are well placed to support the development of low carbon technologies such as CCUS and hydrogen while reducing emissions from production operations.

“Roadmap 2035: A blueprint to net zero , sets out a future vision for our industry to ensure it remains at the heart of the global energy landscape as it continues to change. Through safe, sustainable and socially accepted operations and securing government support for the delivery of the roadmap, this report underlines how the UK’s offshore oil and gas industry can help unlock a fair and inclusive transition to a low carbon future.”

In order for the basin to remain competitive, Turning the Tide suggests there must be an increased focus on collaboration between operators and service companies. Partnership models will be crucial to future success for both large and smaller players.