Professor Paul de Leeuw, of Robert Gordon University, says north-east Scotland is approaching a “Goldilocks zone” for the energy transition, describing it as a period where conditions for jobs and investment could improve. His comments follow a warning contained in a report that the transition could lead to significant employment losses over the next decade. The report estimates that up to 18,000 jobs may be at risk in the region. The outlets agree that de Leeuw is framing the outlook as time-dependent: the region’s progress depends on how quickly and effectively new energy-related industries and skills can replace or supplement roles affected by change. While the reporting highlights the potential for a more favourable phase, it also stresses that the risk to employment remains a central concern in the near term. Overall, the coverage presents a mixed picture of optimism around timing and opportunity, alongside an expectation of disruption as the transition continues.