As part of its inquiry into the future of the oil and gas industry, the Scottish Affairs Committee will hear from industry experts about decommissioning Scotland’s vast oil and gas infrastructure on Tuesday 13 November.

Concerns have been raised in the current Largs and Millport Weekly News about the lack of consultation into a waste management application to SEPA in relation to plans for an oil rig decommissioning site at Hunterston.

A crucial part of the life cycle of oil and gas assets is decommissioning; the point at which production of oil and gas ceases. Decommissioning generally refers to the removal of oil and gas assets, however there are also proposals to reuse infrastructure to create habitat for wildlife. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the impact of decommissioning on marine wildlife, but disagreement about the most environmentally friendly approach remains.

Last week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a consultation on making Scotland a ‘global hub’ for oil and gas decommissioning as part of the Autumn Budget, but industry have urged that action is needed quickly.

In this evidence session, the Scottish Affairs Committee will weigh up the arguments for potential decommissioning solutions with academics, NGOs and industry experts and regulators.

Tuesday 13 November
10.15am
Committee Room 6

Witnesses
Panel One, at 10.15am

Graeme Fergusson, Managing Director, Decom Energy 
Professor Richard Neilson, School of Engineering, Aberdeen University, Member, National Decommissioning Centre.  
Jonathan Hughes, CEO, Scottish Wildlife Trust

Panel Two, at 11.15am

Hedvig Ljungerud, Director of Strategy, Oil and Gas Authority (OGA)
Tom Wheeler, Director of Regulation, OGA 
Wendy Kennedy, Chief Executive OPRED (Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning).
Pauline Innes, Director of Decommissioning (Offshore Oil and Gas) OPRED