Government approves Jackdaw gas field but delays Rosebank decision

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 08:28 · Archive

The UK government has approved drilling at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea following years of legal challenges. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the decision will protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm while supporting energy security, though he stressed it would not hinder the government's renewable energy targets.

The approval comes after both Jackdaw and the larger Rosebank oil field, located about 80 miles north west of the Shetland Islands, were previously approved but then struck down by Scottish courts following a Supreme Court ruling that developers must account for the climate impact of burning extracted fossil fuels. Operator Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, has since submitted new information on emissions from end use of the gas and oil.

The government has not yet made a final decision on Rosebank. Industry bodies argue the sites could provide jobs and improve energy security as overseas conflicts threaten supply. Environmental groups contend that new drilling would hamper efforts to cut carbon emissions and meet climate commitments. If approved, Rosebank is scheduled to be operational by 2027.

How it is being reported

• Is the UK set to green-light a huge untapped oil field?Scotland editor James Cook visits Rosebank - the UK's largest known untapped oilfield - in the North Atlantic.BBC News · 22 Oct, 07:09
• What does the government’s Jackdaw decision mean for Rosebank?Rosebank is Britain’s largest remaining untapped oil field, located about 80 miles north west of the Shetland IslandsThe Independent · 21 Oct, 13:22

In this story: Jackdaw · Rosebank · North Sea · Shetland Islands · Shell · Equinor · Adura · Andy Burnham

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