UPDATE - UK government re-approves controversial Jackdaw gas field in North Sea
- Prime minister says UK will still need oil and gas for decades despite its commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2050
ADDS COMMENTS BY GREEN PARTY LEADER
By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) - The UK government has re-approved the controversial Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea following years of legal challenges over its climate impact, with the project expected to begin supplying gas to the country by the end of this month.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh announced the decision, saying she had agreed that the regulator could grant consent for gas production at the field.
"Following careful consideration of all relevant factors, I have agreed that the regulator can grant consent for gas to be produced at Jackdaw," Fahnbulleh said in a statement on Wednesday.
Jackdaw would begin supplying gas to the UK from "the end of this month."
Fahnbulleh said the project would support the country's energy security by providing domestic gas and reducing reliance on imported fuels with higher emissions.
She added that the decision was "compatible with our legally binding climate commitments," reiterating the government's commitment to ending new oil and gas licences and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
- 'We're committed to reaching net zero by 2050'
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham released a statement following the approval, saying: "I welcome the energy secretary's decision, which will protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm this winter."
"At a time when people are really struggling, it's right that we look in a responsible way at maximizing the existing energy reserves we have in Britain that could help," he noted.
"We're committed to moving towards renewable energy and reaching net zero by 2050. But even on our ambitious climate path, we'll still require oil and gas as part of our energy needs for decades to come. That's why we’re taking a pragmatic approach to the North Sea," he added.
The Conservatives first approved Jackdaw in 2022, but a successful legal challenge by environmental campaigners put the project on hold. The challenge argued that its full climate impact had not been adequately considered.
The field, alongside the controversial Rosebank oilfield, has become a focal point in the debate over how the UK can balance energy security and economic growth with its climate commitments.
- 'Climate vandalism'
Industry bodies, most opposition parties and US President Donald Trump urged the Labour government to re-approve the project, arguing that it would strengthen Britain's energy security and support its struggling economy.
Environmental campaigners, however, warn that adding more oil and gas to global supplies would ultimately lead to greater fossil fuel consumption, contributing to climate change and extreme weather events.
Greens leader Zack Polanski has strongly denounced the decision.
"This is climate vandalism. Today’s decision by Labour is a betrayal of all of our futures, Labour has abandoned all credibility in the fight against climate change," he said in a statement.
"The energy secretary has herself said it will make no difference to energy bills; the health secretary has admitted the summer heatwave added to pressure on the NHS (National Health Service), and the industry’s own assessment is that it will create only 27 jobs. This is a victory for Shell over the people," he underlined.
The decision comes amid continued debate about the UK's future energy mix as the government seeks to meet its legally binding climate targets while addressing domestic energy needs.
Aysu Biçer