Government expected to approve Jackdaw gas field on Wednesday
Summarised from 4 outlets · 9 reports · Updated 20 Oct, 19:14 · Archive
The UK government is expected to approve the Jackdaw gas field off Scotland's coast on Wednesday.
The UK government is expected to approve the Jackdaw gas field off the coast of Aberdeen on Wednesday, according to sources briefed on the plans. Politico reports that one senior government official and two people with knowledge of the decision believe an announcement is planned for Wednesday morning, with Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh scheduled to sign off the environmental statement.
The North Sea Transition Authority is also expected to approve the project's field development plan. The decision comes after the previous Conservative government's approval was overturned in court in January 2025 following a legal challenge from environmental groups. Developers have been waiting for a fresh decision since that court ruling.
Jackdaw is being developed by Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, who are the majority owners, and Ithaca Energy. Politico reports that the field could meet around 6 per cent of the UK's North Sea gas production – enough fuel to heat the equivalent of 1.4 million homes.
The decision is politically contentious. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he would "take a pragmatic approach when it comes to the North Sea" since Labour came to power in summer 2024. The government's 2024 manifesto committed to issuing no new oil and gas licences for the North Sea. However, party proponents of Jackdaw have argued it is not a new fossil fuel field, given that work was in motion before Labour won power.
Environmental groups have pressured the government to refuse consent to both Jackdaw and Rosebank, the other North Sea project awaiting a decision. Donald Trump has urged the Prime Minister to approve more drilling, claiming the UK is "sitting on top of gold".
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has said a decision on Rosebank, the largest untapped oil field in the North Sea, will take "a bit longer", suggesting it will be made separately from Jackdaw. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said last week that ministers are being "cautious" over public announcements to avoid the "mistakes" of the previous government and further court action.
How it is being reported
- Controversial Jackdaw gas field expected to be approvedThe controversial Jackdaw gas field is expected to receive approval from energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh on Wednesday.Sky News · 20 Oct, 18:56
- Jackdaw gas field expected to be approved by ministers following months of speculationMinisters are expected to announce their long-awaited decision on WednesdayThe Independent · 20 Oct, 18:51
- Government to announce long-awaited decision on Jackdaw gas fieldThe Jackdaw gas field is likely to be approved by ministers following months of speculation about its future.Independent Business · 20 Oct, 18:48
- Government to announce long-awaited decision on Jackdaw gas fieldThe Jackdaw gas field is likely to be approved by ministers following months of speculation about its future.Evening Standard · 20 Oct, 18:48
- Government to announce long-awaited decision on Jackdaw gas fieldThe Jackdaw gas field is likely to be approved by ministers following months of speculation about its future.Evening Standard · 20 Oct, 18:32
- Government to announce long-awaited decision on Jackdaw gas fieldThe Jackdaw gas field is likely to be approved by ministers following months of speculation about its future.Independent Business · 20 Oct, 18:32
- Government to announce long-awaited decision on Jackdaw gas fieldThe Jackdaw gas field is likely to be approved by ministers following months of speculation about its future.Independent Business · 20 Oct, 18:19
- Government to announce long-awaited decision on Jackdaw gas fieldThe Jackdaw gas field is likely to be approved by ministers following months of speculation about its future.Evening Standard · 20 Oct, 18:19
- Government expected to approve Jackdaw gas field on WednesdayDevelopers have been waiting for a fresh decision on the controversial gas field since January 2025.Politico Europe · 20 Oct, 16:02
In this story: Jackdaw · Shell · Equinor · Ithaca Energy · Adura · Andy Burnham · Miatta Fahnbulleh · Douglas Alexander
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem
Comments (0)