Professor Alex Kemp was recognised by the oil industry for a lifetime of achievements at the Press & Journal Gold Awards last week.
The prominent petro-economist became the first person to be inducted into the North Sea Hall of Fame.
Professor Kemp was honoured for his key role in policy-making in his field, having worked as a specialist adviser to the UK House of Commons select committee on energy over three decades.
Speaking to the Press & Journal, Professor Kemp said: “I am obviously delighted that I have received this award – particularly because it’s emanating from the local industry which I think is in the best position to acknowledge the contribution I’ve made over the years.
“Aberdeen is the centre of operations for the North Sea but economists still make a contribution to solving the various problems which arise and can make a contribution to getting the right balance between taxation and other incentives for the industry.”
The Head of Economics at the University of Aberdeen, Dr WD McCausland, commented that this was a tremendous recognition of Professor Kemp's outstanding contribution to research in energy economics and policy and his insights and instruction have been treasured by generations of our students.
Professor Kemp has been truly recognised for his outstanding contribution to research in energy economics and policy." Head of Economics at the University of Aberdeen, Dr WD McCausland
Mr Mark Whittington, Interim Head of Aberdeen University's Business School congratulated Alex for the deserved recognition of his achievements in North Sea oil and gas economics and for his impact on government policy over many years. The Press & Journal’s Energy editor Jeremy Creswell sat on the Gold Awards judging panel praised Professor Kemp. He said: “Professor Alex Kemp is a one-off. There simply isn’t another petroleum economist like him – anywhere.
“Schooled at Skene Primary and Robert Gordon College before going on the University of Aberdeen, Professor Kemp has witnessed the entire North Sea oil saga so far.
“This extraordinary individual has played an important role in influencing the course of that great story as a linchpin adviser to a succession of governments and petroleum companies.
“Moreover he has played a major role in influencing the shape of oil and gas fiscal regimes in many countries worldwide.
“As if that isn’t enough, he is also the UK’s official historian for the North Sea and he remains a pillar of his alma mater, the University of Aberdeen.”