UK approves Jackdaw gas field production in North Sea

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 22 Oct, 06:32 · Archive

The UK government has approved the Jackdaw gas field to begin production, with supplies potentially available by the end of October.

The UK government has approved the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea to begin production, with supplies potentially available by the end of October. Located about 150 miles east of Aberdeen, the field could supply gas equivalent to the needs of half the homes in Scotland and is expected to create 27 new jobs whilst safeguarding 273 existing positions at the Shearwater platform and St Fergus terminal.

The approval follows years of legal wrangling and political debate. The Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled last year that both Jackdaw and the separate Rosebank oil field had been unlawfully approved because the government failed to account for the climate impact of burning extracted oil and gas. The government subsequently published updated climate assessments for consultation before reaching this decision.

Industry bodies argue the fields provide jobs and improve UK energy security as overseas conflicts threaten supply. Environmental groups oppose further drilling, arguing it hampers efforts to cut carbon emissions and that transitioning to greener technologies would better support long-term jobs. A decision on Rosebank, Britain's largest untapped oil field located northwest of Shetland, remains outstanding. Together, the two projects could represent a £10.8 billion investment, with over three-quarters spent in the UK.

How it is being reported

• Douglas Alexander: The north-east has powered the UK for decades – here’s how we can keep that going"Supporting jobs in the north-east of Scotland with the Jackdaw decision doesn’t just help the economy - it helps protect the future of our communities."Press and Journal · 22 Oct, 06:01
• Jackdaw approval offers Aberdeen a lifeline – but is it enough to secure the North Sea’s future?Jackdaw promises a boost for Aberdeen but the battle for the future of North Sea oil and gas is far from over.Press and Journal · 22 Oct, 06:01
• Craig Walker: Jackdaw approval could be a turning point for Aberdeen – but Rosebank must come nextWith Jackdaw's approval, the government has recognised the case for bringing more home-grown gas into the network rather than relying so heavily on supplies from overseas.Press and Journal · 22 Oct, 06:00
• What is happening with the Jackdaw and Rosebank gas and oil fields?The UK government has moved a step closer to making a decision on whether to approve further drilling.BBC North East Orkney And Shetland · 21 Oct, 08:01

In this story: Jackdaw · Rosebank · Aberdeen · Shetland · UK Government · Court of Session

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