Contesting Just Transitions in the North Sea

This paper explores the effects of a rapid, and potentially transformative, shift in energy politics in the North Sea as energy transition policies are implemented in the UK and Norway, countries whose transitions are connected through existing and planned physical electricity interconnector infrastructure. We are interested in how energy transitions are being contested in areas experiencing significant energy system change and friction between sunset and sunrise energy industries; the (potential) decline of oil and gas industries and the transition towards offshore wind and tidal energy. The research examines changes in the political context of net zero strategies, just transition deals, and sustainable development goals. This paper builds on (under review) conceptual work by the authors related to the political engagement of trade unionists and workers with Just Transitions. The notion of a Just Transition is an attempt to align climate and energy objectives with the material concerns of industrial workers, frontline communities, and marginalised groups. Despite the potential for fusing social and environmental justice, there is growing concern that the concept is being mobilised in practice as a form of strategic ‘climate delayism’ and that organised labour may be contributing to climate breakdown through a 'praxis of delay.' In this paper we seek to understand not only the relations and structures that impede change but also the transformative potential of coalitional transition efforts in “shifting the political economic structures that cause, sustain and deepen social, economic, and environmental injustices” (Ciplet, 2022: 315). We emphasise the need to understand organised labour as an internally differentiated, contradictory movement and how discourse plays a crucial role in the material socioecological relations that may sustain a praxis of delay within the JT framework. Through researching energy transitions in the North Sea, we apply a theoretical and empirical analysis to explore where, how, why, and to what extent unions in the fossil fuel sectors in Norway and Scotland are wrapped up in a praxis of delay, or alternatively are (also) engaged in a praxis of ecosocial transition. This paper will draw upon interviews of trade union representatives and leaders in both countries, and primary trade union documents in the last decade to explore change in positions and discourse over time. The key question we ask is what effect does an energy transition have on power relations between capital and labour and the pace and form of energy transitions? We are also interested in addressing: Does an energy system change lead to changes in power dynamics between key actors? Which actors support a rapid energy transition, and under what circumstances? To what extent, and with what effect, do key actors advocate delayed energy transitions? Are new coalitions of labour groups, employees, industry lobby groups and (local/regional) political actors emerging?