Key facts
- The UK government is expected to approve the controversial Jackdaw gas field within weeks, possibly by mid-September.
- The project, operated by Adura (a Shell and Equinor joint venture), faces environmental opposition due to climate impact concerns.
- Proponents argue Jackdaw is crucial for UK energy security, jobs, and supporting existing North Sea infrastructure.
- Adura estimates the field could produce 23.6 million tonnes of carbon over its 11-year lifetime.
- The government stated that any decision will consider environmental assessments and public input.
The UK government is reportedly nearing a decision to approve the controversial Jackdaw gas field, with sources suggesting approval could come as early as mid-September. This project, operated by Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, has faced legal challenges from environmental groups who argue that its climate impact was not fully considered during the initial approval process.
Environmentalists contend that approving new fossil fuel projects like Jackdaw hinders efforts to reduce carbon emissions and does not guarantee energy security, advocating instead for a faster transition to green technologies. They also dispute the field's contribution to UK energy demand, with Adura estimating it could supply up to 6% at peak production, while critics suggest it's closer to 2%.
Conversely, industry bodies and project advocates argue that Jackdaw is vital for the UK's energy security, particularly amid global supply threats, and will create much-needed jobs. They also state its output is critical for maintaining the operational life of other North Sea infrastructure. Adura notes that if approved, the field could begin supplying gas by winter, as construction is nearly complete.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has emphasized the need for a pragmatic approach to domestic oil and gas, acknowledging their continued use for some time. Unlike most North Sea oil, which is exported, nearly all its gas is consumed domestically, reducing reliance on imports from countries like Norway and the United States. Wholesale natural gas prices are currently at a three-year high, exacerbated by international conflicts, and European storage levels are lower than usual, raising concerns about winter supply.
While domestic extraction may have lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to importing liquefied natural gas (LNG), environmental groups like Uplift maintain that new drilling will not lower energy bills or significantly impact UK supply. They cite scientific consensus on the need to limit fossil fuel burning and urge policymakers to heed warnings about climate change impacts. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has stated that the North Sea remains a vital national asset and that any decision will consider all relevant evidence.