Jackdaw Gas Field Approved for Production
North Sea project moves forward as decision on Rosebank oil field remains pending amid environmental concerns.
Callum Smith
The Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea has received approval to begin production.
Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Norway’s Equinor, drives both the Jackdaw and Rosebank schemes. The verdict on Rosebank, a significantly larger undertaking, remains pending.
The Rosebank project carries a far higher carbon footprint. Claims suggest it would emit approximately seven times the carbon of Jackdaw.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh believes Rosebank would not enhance energy security. She notes most of its oil would be exported.
Industry bodies contend such sites create jobs and bolster the UK's energy security. Overseas conflicts threaten supply, they argue.
Environmentalists counter that increased drilling undermines efforts to reduce planet-warming carbon emissions.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is unlikely to approve the Rosebank field. One Labour source suggested the Energy Secretary demonstrated pragmatism by approving Jackdaw while rejecting Rosebank.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson affirmed the government's stance. "As the Energy Secretary has said, each project will be assessed on its own merits," the spokesperson stated.
The chancellor previously stated the upcoming Budget would focus on cutting regulations and supporting businesses across Britain.