Securing the Future of the UK’s Energy Transition: Leading the North Sea Taskforce 

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) has long played a pivotal role in the UK’s energy economy. But in 2024–25, it stepped decisively into national leadership, catalysing the formation of the North Sea Transition Taskforce – the most coherent attempt yet to secure the future of one of Britain’s most important economic and environmental assets, the North Sea. 

This was not simply a report-writing exercise. This was an intervention that altered the trajectory of UK industrial strategy and influenced the highest levels of government. The project addressed energy security, net zero, jobs, tax revenues, and the competitiveness of the UK energy sector – and was driven by the Chamber. 

1) A significant project:  

Creation of the North Sea Transition Taskforce The Taskforce was born out of frustration – felt acutely in the North-east of Scotland – that the UK’s energy transition was veering off course. Confidence in the future of the North Sea was evaporating, with a collapse in investment, the introduction of the Energy Profits Levy (windfall tax), regulatory uncertainty, and rising geopolitical tension.  

AGCC published a foundational report in November 2023, which laid the groundwork for the Taskforce’s formation. Alongside the British Chambers of Commerce and Stonehaven, we then helped convene the Taskforce itself, chaired by Philip Rycroft and comprised of industry leaders, trade unions, NGOs and academics.  

We played a significant role in the communications, engagement and policy development work that underpinned its final report, Securing the Future of the Energy Transition in the North Sea, published in June 2025. Its central recommendation – the creation of a North Sea Transition Plan and a powerful ministerial committee to oversee delivery – is now being considered by government. 

2) Supporting members, collaboration with Chambers, and local impact  

The initiative had clear goals: restore investor confidence, protect jobs, and chart a path for a just transition. With 29 of our 41 Premier Partners working in energy, this mattered to our membership.  

We engaged over 100 stakeholders across the UK alongside Stonehaven – including companies, unions, NGOs, regulators, and politicians – ensuring that the final report was deeply informed by lived experience. A UK-wide public opinion survey ensured that the voice of citizens also shaped the recommendations.  

We worked closely with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and other regional Chambers, whose members echoed the same concerns. This was a Chamber-led response to a national challenge, delivered in the collaborative spirit our network is known for.  

Locally, the impact was profound. Our region – Aberdeen and the North-east – is home to tens of thousands of energy jobs. For the first time in years, there is a unified roadmap for a successful North Sea transition. AGCC gave voice to our members’ concerns, but more importantly, we helped provide the solution 

3) Collaboration and partnerships  

This project exemplified partnership in action. AGCC worked hand-in-glove with the BCC – who gave the Taskforce national visibility – and with Stonehaven, who conducted stakeholder interviews and polling. We helped recruit Taskforce members from business, academia, and the third sector, including Prof. Paul de Leeuw (RGU) and Steven Gray (Ventex).  

We also coordinated inputs from other Chambers, convening a roundtable with other UK Chambers in London to ensure the North Sea’s significance to the UK economy was fully represented.  

Importantly, this initiative forged new relationships across the political spectrum and re-energised dialogue between industry and government. AGCC hosted ministerial visits, briefed MPs and MSPs, and worked to align regional and national priorities 

This project shows what a modern Chamber can do. It was bold, urgent, and nationally significant. It served members, shaped policy, and helped put the UK back on a more credible path to net zero. 

AGCC didn’t just co-deliver a report. We brought together the people who matter. We gave voice to business. We crafted a plan for a just transition – one that works for workers, investors, communities and climate. 

We submit this entry not just to highlight past achievement, but to signal our intent: that in this decisive decade, Chambers can – and must – be leaders of national importance.