UK government poised to approve controversial Jackdaw gas field

Key facts

• UK ministers are poised to approve the controversial Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea this month.
• The Rosebank oilfield is also likely to be approved in the coming months.
• Both projects face opposition from environmental campaigners concerned about carbon emissions.
• Proponents argue the fields are vital for UK energy security, jobs, and maintaining North Sea infrastructure.
• Gas from Jackdaw could start flowing as soon as this winter.

The UK government is reportedly set to approve the controversial Jackdaw natural gas field in the North Sea within weeks, according to government sources. The project, along with the Rosebank oil field, faces opposition from environmental campaigners concerned about carbon emissions, but proponents argue they are vital for UK energy security and jobs.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated a pragmatic approach to domestic fossil fuel production, stating that the UK will need oil and gas for some time and questioning whether its use can be accelerated to pay for the energy transition. Shell and Equinor, operating Jackdaw and Rosebank under the name Adura, estimate that gas from Jackdaw could start flowing as soon as this winter, with infrastructure 99% complete.

While some analysts believe the North Sea oil and gas industry has limited remaining reserves, the current high prices may challenge this view. Environmental groups, however, are expected to continue their opposition, with protests already being organized.