The UK government is reportedly set to approve the controversial Jackdaw gas field, located off the coast of Aberdeen. Government and industry sources indicate that approval for the project could be granted as soon as mid-September, ahead of Parliament's break for party conference season.
The Jackdaw project, operated by Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, was initially approved in 2022 by the former Conservative government. However, a legal challenge from environmental groups led to a Scottish court ruling that consent was given without fully considering the climate impact. The Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled last year that both Jackdaw and the Rosebank oil field had been unlawfully approved due to the government's failure to account for the climate impact of burning extracted oil and gas. Updated climate assessments were subsequently put out for consultation in July.
Adura estimates Jackdaw could produce 35.8 million tonnes of carbon over its 11-year lifespan, or a more likely 23.6 million tonnes, equivalent to 90% or 60% respectively of Scotland's 2023 emissions. The company states that if approval is given in September, gas could be supplied to UK homes by this winter, as construction is 99% complete.
The public consultation on Jackdaw and Rosebank concluded in August, with the decision now resting with Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh. Energy Minister Kate White stated in the House of Commons on Thursday that separate decisions would be made for the two sites, but did not provide a timeline for an announcement. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has advocated for a "pragmatic approach" to domestic oil and gas, noting that the UK will continue to use these resources for some time.