OIL, gas and related energy sector industries should experience significant and prolonged levels of activity in the future, according to business development organisation NOF Energy.

The firm's chief executive, George Rafferty, said activity levels in the energy sector were "unprecedented" and it was predicted that, in the next 25 years, $22,000bn would be spent on energy infrastructure worldwide.

Washington-based NOF Energy represents about 300 companies in the oil, gas and related energy sectors across the UK.

Of those, 158 are in the North-East, employing a total of 23,000 people.

Mr Rafferty said: "We are experiencing one of the most exciting periods in this sector's history.

"The consequences of this future investment on our industry in the UK could be vast, but companies in this country have to be ready to be able to embrace the opportunities that this huge expenditure will create."

In addition, new markets such as nuclear, offshore marine and renewable energies, such as wind power, are coming to the fore, he said.

The Government recently announced that it wants to expand offshore wind power to generate about a fifth of the country's electricity by 2020.

Mr Rafferty said: "I have no doubt that companies in this country are capable of putting the foundations in place to make sure they can make the most of the opportunities which are evolving across the globe.

"This includes making sure that their workforces are sufficiently trained and have the right skill sets in place to meet the marketplace's changing demands."

"We at NOF Energy want to work with companies to make sure that they can harness the potential from the continuing high levels of activity."