OFFSHORE engineering tycoon Sir Ian Wood has said environmental campaigners are wrong to call for production of oil and gas to be stopped arguing the world will not be able to manage without them for years.

“What is clear is that oil and gas will continue to make up a sizeable part of the energy mix as the world requires affordable and reliable energy to meet growing demand,” said Sir Ian at the Offshore Europe oil and gas industry event.

“So frankly it’s very frustrating to hear the climate change activists saying we need to stop hydrocarbon production now or in the near future.”

Sir Ian added: “From very rough estimates, by 2050 renewables will only be meeting two thirds of our energy requirements.”

The businessman grew the Aberdeen-based Wood group into a major player in the global market for the provision of support services for oil and gas firms.

He chairs the Opportunity North East economic development body.