Spirit Energy to Create 60 Jobs in Barrow as Part of Company Relocation
Spirit Energy is set to create 60 roles in Barrow as part of a major restructure of its UK business.
The energy company is moving more of its operations to Barrow while reducing its presence in Aberdeen.
The changes are linked to Spirit Energy’s plans to separate its UK organisation into two parts. One will be a Barrow-based operating company, focused on managing the Morecambe Hub gas fields in the East Irish Sea. The other will be an Aberdeen-based development company, focused on the Morecambe Net Zero carbon storage project.
What Is Changing?
Spirit Energy has been reviewing how its UK business is structured.
Under the proposal, Barrow will become the base for the operating company that manages the Morecambe Hub fields.
The Morecambe Hub is a major part of Spirit Energy’s remaining UK gas operations and is linked to the company’s work in the East Irish Sea.
The move is expected to create 60 roles in Barrow.
The company has said the changes are needed to make sure its people and resources are based where they are most needed for future operations.
Aberdeen Office to Be Scaled Back
The restructure also affects Spirit Energy’s Aberdeen operation.
Reports earlier this year said around 100 jobs were at risk at the company’s Aberdeen office, with consultation taking place with staff.
Spirit Energy employs about 150 people at its Aberdeen base. Under the proposed changes, around 50 staff are expected to remain in the city, working from a smaller office.
The Aberdeen-based side of the business would focus on development work, including the Morecambe Net Zero project.
What Is Morecambe Net Zero?
Morecambe Net Zero is Spirit Energy’s carbon storage project.
The project aims to use depleted gas fields under Morecambe Bay to store carbon dioxide. This type of project is known as carbon capture and storage.
It is designed to support industries that need to cut carbon emissions but cannot easily remove them from their processes.
Spirit Energy says the Morecambe Net Zero project could become one of the largest carbon stores in the UK and Europe.
Why Barrow Matters
Barrow already plays an important role in Spirit Energy’s work.
The company has a site at Rampside Road, close to its operations linked to the Morecambe Bay gas fields.
The creation of 60 roles would be a boost for the local economy and could bring more skilled energy jobs to the area.
The move also comes at a time when Barrow is already seeing major investment and growth linked to defence, engineering and energy.
Part of a Wider Shift
Spirit Energy has said the restructure is also linked to the expected completion of a transaction with Serica Energy for its Greater Markham Area portfolio.
The company says its structure must change so staff and resources are in the right places to support its future work.
The changes are still part of a consultation process, and Spirit Energy has said it is committed to supporting employees affected by the restructure.
If the plans move forward, Barrow will take on a larger role in Spirit Energy’s UK operations while Aberdeen’s office-based workforce is reduced.
