Climate campaigners say the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea is an act of “vandalism and betrayal” after the UK Government gave the go-ahead.
The controversial project, 150 miles east of Aberdeen and owned by Adura, has been approved despite campaigning by environmental groups and warnings from energy analysts.
Adura is a joint venture between Shell and the Norwegian state-owned Equinor.
AduraJackdaw is one of two North Sea developments initially approved by the previous Conservative administration before the courts ruled the full environmental impacts of the fossil fuels drilled should be taken into account.
Labour had promised a ban on new drilling in the North Sea in its 2024 election manifesto, but new Prime Minister Andy Burnham vowed to take a “pragmatic” approach.
On Wednesday morning, his government announced Jackdaw would go ahead.
Fury from environmental groups over plans
The announcement has sparked backlash from climate campaigners and environmental groups who say Jackdaw won’t cut bills for struggling households.
Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer described the decision as “climate vandalism” and a “devastating betrayal of our children’s future”.
Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, said: “Instead of more polluting fossil fuels, Scotland needs to be supported to continue its path to fully harness homegrown renewable energy.
“That’s why it’s vital that the UK and Scottish Governments work together to deliver a transition that is fair for workers, communities and consumers.”
STV NewsAmanda Grimm, advocacy lead for Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said: “Drilling the Jackdaw field will do nothing to solve our problems. It will not cut sky-high power bills for struggling households.
“It will not stop the loss of North Sea jobs. And it will not provide reliable energy supplies for the future.
“Burning the last of our gas will merely help cook the climate while ordinary folk foot the bill.”
Ami McCarthy, Head of Politics for Greenpeace UK, said approving Jackdaw shows the “toxic grip fossil fuel lobbyists still hold over our energy policy”.
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s head of campaigns Caroline Rance said the UK Government has chosen to put “hundreds of thousands more people at risk from fuel poverty” by approving new gas drilling.
Industry welcomes Jackdaw but raises warning
Groups representing the offshore industry have long called for the UK Government to approve the new development, stressing the economic and energy security benefits.
Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a hugely welcome decision, and exactly the sort of pragmatic call the North Sea has been crying out for.
“Jackdaw is 99.9% complete and, with approval now secured, gas from this field will be flowing into homes up and down the country within weeks.
“This is a direct, tangible boost to the UK’s energy security at a time when it matters most.”
John Swinney has said he hopes the Jackdaw announcement provides “some certainty” to the north east of Scotland.
In a post on X during a visit to India, the First Minister said: “I hope today’s announcement on Jackdaw will provide some certainty for the North East after many years of difficulty thanks to UK Government policy.
“It must also kickstart a renewed drive to deliver our long-standing clean energy ambitions.
“Climate compatibility tests must have formed the basis of the UK Government’s decision, alongside a recognition that carbon emissions from this field would have been lower than imports.”
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said the Jackdaw decision was “a victory for Scotland’s oil and gas workers”.
He added: “Andy Burnham must now stop dithering and give Rosebank the green light without any further delay. Anything less would risk our energy security, harm investment, and be a kick in the teeth for families whose livelihoods depend on it.”
Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the length of time it had taken to reach the decision on Jackdaw.
Jack Middleton, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central, said approving Jackdaw is the right decision, but fundamental questions remain unanswered.
The Scottish Government’s energy minister Stephen Gethins said the economic benefits of the Jackdaw field must be felt in Scotland.
He added: “It is crucial that all further income from oil and gas resources taken by the UK Treasury is placed in a future generations fund. That would deliver a long-term benefit from a limited resource.”
Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra said the decision to approve Jackdaw was a “strong vote of confidence in the future of Scotland’s world-leading energy sector”.
Scottish Liberal Democrats climate, environment and energy spokesperson Sanne Dijkstra-Downie MSP said: “Jackdaw only offers limited respite. It’s time to drive down demand for gas and wean ourselves off fossil fuels.”
Trade unions such as Unite and GMB also welcomed the plans.
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