A recent survey conducted by Survation on behalf of advisory firm True North has found that over 70% of Scots support domestic oil and gas production from the North Sea to meet the country’s energy demands.
The poll, which surveyed 1,024 people between January 7 and 13, 2025, reveals a strong preference among Scots for reducing reliance on foreign energy imports.
Key Findings
The survey highlights several important points:
- 71% of Scots believe the UK should meet its own oil and gas demand rather than importing from overseas.
- Only 24% of respondents think the windfall tax on energy companies has helped reduce household bills.
- Just 26% believe the windfall tax policy is effective at encouraging firms to move to renewables.
- 35% of respondents feel the UK government’s target to deliver 95% of power by clean energy by 2030 is achievable.
Industry Reactions
True North senior energy advisor, Allister Thomas, said:
“A shift away from oil and gas is inevitable – and crucial – but failing to carry out a managed transition risks seeing the UK importing more at a higher carbon footprint, while losing jobs and harming investment.”
“As this polling suggests, it makes more sense to ramp up renewables while also pursuing policies to harness the UK’s oil and gas resources as they continue to play a crucial role in our energy mix, protecting jobs and mitigating imports in the meantime.”
“Labour will be pleased to see strong backing for its Clean Power 2030 ambition and build-out of infrastructure such as new pylons.”
“However, there’s considerable scepticism around whether that herculean task can be achieved within a short timeframe. Recent blackout concerns due to our reliance on weather-based generation show just how far there is to go.”
Russell Borthwick, CEO of the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said:
“A common sense approach to energy policy has been sorely lacking when it comes to our oil and gas resources and the vital energy supply chains which sustain them.”
“To deliver a managed transition we should ensure these national assets are protected, starting with the removal of the punitive windfall tax which continues to have a chilling effect on investment.”
“Clean Power 2030 holds promise for North-east Scotland, at the heart of one of the world’s largest offshore wind markets, but we must be realistic about the major challenges we face.”
“Huge ramp up of grid connection and transmission networks, cutting of planning and consent red tape, and delivery of a strong pipeline of projects are among the hurdles we must overcome to realise success.”
The survey results come at a time when the UK’s reliance on overseas energy imports has reached its highest level since 2014, with 40% of the country’s overall energy demand now met by imports.
This increase in foreign dependency coincides with domestic oil production reaching an all-time low and gas production near record lows.
Despite the decline in production, the North Sea Transition Authority estimates that the sector still has untapped proven reserves totalling 3.3 billion barrels of oil equivalent, with potentially double that amount in discovered and untested resources.
As the UK grapples with its energy future, this poll suggests that a significant majority of Scots favour a balanced approach that includes continued North Sea oil and gas production alongside the development of renewable energy sources.