Jackdaw gas field approved; Rosebank oil project still awaited

Summarised from 2 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 22 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

The UK government has approved the Jackdaw gas field but has not yet decided on the Rosebank oil field.

The UK government approved the Jackdaw gas field on Wednesday, a project 150 miles east of Aberdeen that will supply gas to British homes from as early as the end of this month. The decision comes after years of legal challenges by environmental groups. However, a decision on the Rosebank oil field, located 80 miles west of Shetland, remains outstanding.

Both projects were initially approved but then had their approvals overturned by Scottish courts on environmental concerns. The government has now granted final clearance for Jackdaw but has not yet decided on Rosebank. Malcolm Webb, former head of Oil & Gas UK, said he was 'dismayed' that Rosebank has not also been approved, warning that failure to do so would send 'a hugely negative message' to the energy industry and damage already lowered morale in UK industry.

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said the government remains committed to its manifesto pledge to ban new oil and gas licences. She told the Press and Journal that Rosebank is 'a different proposition' to Jackdaw and that each application must be taken 'in its own right'. She said the government will use North Sea tax revenues through a new Energy Wealth Fund to invest in greener energy and create jobs across the north-east.

How it is being reported

• Support grows for oil and gas as crunch Rosebank decision loomsThe UK government yesterday (Wednesday) approved production at the Jackdaw gas field, east of Aberdeen. A decision on Rosebank is expected soon.Shetland Times · 22 Oct, 05:30
• Exclusive: UK energy chief insists ‘no more new North Sea licences’ as Rosebank oil field hangs in the balanceAttention has already turned from the Jackdaw gas project to what happens next with the huge oil field off Shetland, which is still waiting for government approval.Press and Journal · 21 Oct, 16:01
• Why did it take so long to approve Jackdaw North Sea gas field?The UK Government confirmed on Wednesday that it is approving Jackdaw, with a decision on Rosebank still to come.Press and Journal · 21 Oct, 12:15
• ‘Dismay’ that Rosebank approval still pending as north-east energy leaders urge actionJackdaw’s approval today has given the sector a boost – but the fate of Rosebank is still unknown.Press and Journal · 21 Oct, 12:01
• Scott Begbie: We need a decision on Jackdaw and Rosebank, not another command to ‘wait’Livelihoods are at stake while Westminster keeps us waiting. It’s time Andy Burnham gave Rosebank and Jackdaw the green light - and our energy industry a future.Press and Journal · 20 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Jackdaw · Rosebank · Miatta Fahnbulleh · Malcolm Webb · UK Government · Aberdeen · Shetland · North Sea

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