UK minister questions Siccar amid Cambo row

摘要

A UK government minister said there cannot be a "cliff-edge where oil and gas are abandoned overnight" following talks with representatives of Siccar Point Energy amid the ongoing controversy about plans to develop its Cambo oilfield. UK Scotland Office Minister David Duguid on Tuesday met officials from the private equity-backed operator in Aberdeen. The Oil & Gas Authority (OGA) is currently considering whether to give the go-ahead for Cambo, which Siccar Point is looking to develop in partnership with Shell. However, the proposed project has become the focus of opposition from environmental groups, some sections of the public and some politicians who argue approving new oil and gas developments is not compatible with the UK's ambitions to limit climate change. After the meeting, Duguid said: "It is vitally important that we engage with the oil and gas industry as it has a critical role as the UK transitions towards clean energy as part of our net zero targets. "While our reliance and demand for fossil fuels continues to fall, we cannot have a cliff-edge where oil and gas are abandoned overnight, as they have a role to play in our electricity supply, in providing local jobs and in supporting the production of everyday essentials like medicines."