A just, green transition? Skills in the petroleum industry and needs in green industries

How can the petroleum workers' skills contribute to and be used in a green transition? What actions are needed for a just, green transition?

Norway's stated goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030, compared with the emission level in 1990, and net-zero emissions in 2050. If Norway as a society is to succeed in achieving their climate goals, drastic changes must take place socially, economically and in working life in the coming years.

Questions about the future of Norwegian petroleum production and oil workers are central to Norwegian climate policy.

Key issues have been:

existence of jobs in green industries and supply of labour to the green industry
the need to build on the skills in the petroleum industry in the green transition
access to skills in the event of a decision to phase out petroleum production
future jobs prospects for workers in petroleum and related industries

Can the green transition be socially just? Just transition has many meanings, but in this context, we consider the opportunities and challenges in the green transition for workers and local communities that are closely linked to petroleum activities.

The five task elements in the project are:

Mapping jobs and skills in the petroleum sector today.
Mapping plans and opportunities in green energy and industry.
Projection of employment trends for petroleum workers in a climate scenario
In-depth interviews with key stakeholder for qualitative assessments
Discussions and recommendations related to the petroleum industry and green transition.

The project is led by Samfunnsøkonomisk Analyse (SØA), in collaboration with Fafo and THEMA consulting group.