The Jackdaw gas field's emissions will contribute less than 0.02% to global greenhouse gas emissions over its operational lifetime, according to a revised Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) submitted by its owner, Adura. This estimate was mandated by the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (Opred), which identified deficiencies in previous submissions following a judicial ruling last year that deemed ministerial consent unlawful.
The report outlines how utilising gas from the Jackdaw field domestically could reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to approximately four million tonnes, as opposed to importing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) which carries an emission penalty of around 20% more. This discrepancy arises from the energy-intensive processes involved in liquefaction, transport, and regasification.
Adura's submission asserts that the climate impacts will be 'minor' due to the UK's well-regulated industry with targets aligned with the Paris Agreement aims. The company cites the UK's commitment to limiting global warming to between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels as a justification for its stance.
Last year, the Court of Session in Edinburgh found that both the Jackdaw and Rosebank oil and gas fields had been unlawfully approved due to inadequate consideration of climate impacts by the government. Lord Ericht specifically called for a more detailed climate assessment and fresh approval before any production could commence.